Chenzo had listened, been educated a little from each who had spoke. The ideas put forward were good, he sought to constructively add as best he could.
Chenzo: "It would seem thus far, the main topic up for discussion is how to best export our product to new levels whilst filling the void left by Stabline. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Stabline itself only prolongs the eventual fate, si? It's users will still die without the real product that is Cardamine? No?
Liberty is extremely well founded, it wouldn't take a genius to realise that 98% of our income comes from Liberty. The rogues, hackers and Junkers have their work cut out for sure, but the end result will always be the same; Drugs sell themselves, especially Cardamine which induces a requirement that without, causes death.
I don't personally feel any effort needs to be made in Liberty. it's long established since those generations before us planted it's seeds. We've been riding the wealth ever since. Any effort to be made, should be to support the Rogues and Hackers. Our sisters in Kusari ship rather a lot of product, again into Liberty, re enforcing the Liberty market further.
I do not trust the Gaul's of any kind, however, senorita De Marco- if you have made headway, then tell us what you need in support and I'm sure you'll see everyone here provide.
I personally see an expansion requirement needing to be this Gaul place, Bretonia and Kusari.
Soon enough, I hope to have developed ships which can be mass produced and haul more cardamine than ever before. All they require is pilots to guard them in smuggling operations.
Senorita and Senor's, what plan can we put forward to break the mould within Kusari and Bretonia?
The reason I'd not mention Rheinland as a target for the orange dream will become more apparent later, touching on points confirmed by Senor Mdina on security. I believe I have a solution for this entirely".
He'd said a lot, he sat back awaiting others input.
Harabero rested thoughtfully. Some very good points were made. Asutely, he turned his eyes once again upon the room, glancing at each individual. His gaze rested on Chenzo.
The issue with Stabiline is not that it keeps the user alive; it is that the user is ignorant and desperate enough to use it in the first place. They bought into the lies of Cryer to believe that it will not slowly poison them. That is the true issue with Stabiline.
The Don turned back to the rest of the room. Serious yet accessible he spoke again.
Excellent points were made all throughout. I must admit I did not factor in the sheer importance of security to entice the transportation of Cardamine. Yes, I do believe that should the safety of our Orange Blessing increase, as well as escalate the volatility of other commodities that may allure others to them, we may see our intermediaries become more efficient and more in number, as well.
The Gauls have been quite touch and go since we first contact with them. It appears the Gallic Brigands lack any organized force that we may negotiate with fully. At least at the moment. They will have to be looked at as a sideshow, unfortunately.
The Molly's have proven agreeable to our units in the past, but we do not have any common ground with them. If we do assist them in Bretonia, however, will that gain their attention? We have hosted operations against the Corsairs and the Bretonians there before, yet with no notice from them. Although, do tell what you would require to expand your operations, and what would be the purpose of them. The Starfleet, after all, does have many resources which smaller cartels may lack.
As for Kusari; I believe the GC have it covered mostly. Though we may require backup to them, we have not as of yet had any issues with them.
As for Rheinland; Senor Chenzo, if this is the same project we spoke of all the way back in Club Abyss, I must say I am proud you are still searching there. I believe you have it covered. In any case, we cannot host large scale operations there as of now. Fewer may prove better.
Harabero looked around, to find if there was anything else any had to add before he continued.
Fiorella de Marco listened attentively to the points made by the other speakers. Although her facial expression suggested she might have liked to expand on specific topics, it seemed her intention was first to hear everything Don Harabero had to say.
Chenzo stood up gently and reached for the pack of cigarettes as nobody seemed interested. He clears his throat before speaking.
“Allow me to provide more information on Rheinland potential development once things are more sturdy- However for now; I’ll insist that there is zero advances of any kind by anyone into Rheinland space or Sigma-15. If for any reason any forces are there, are to not engage Rheinland lawful forces under any circumstances. That includes piracy of any Rheinland lawful corporations Sirius wide. It may seem odd, but we must all comply with this for now.”
His demand was clear and delivered with a stern look across everyone in the room. He pull’s another cigarette and lights it before sitting back down
The second point I have to address is of the Core. As some of you may know, they have shown their true colours and attacked our units several times. We sent a warfleet to Nauru to confront their forces. They agreed to a parley and a meeting to be arranged. What do you believe should be the status of Malta towards them? Should we cut them out completely, or leave open some room for them? Please elaborate.
Chenzo scoffed as Harabero mentioned the core. He couldn’t help but immediately share his view.
“The Core…
Let’s be honest; from their founding they made their primary business in hunting down junkers filled to the brim with Cardamine. I imagine they made many a pretty penny from doing so.
To this day, we have lost The Congress’s support because of them.
The real question you all need to answer truthfully is what would happen if the regular brand of Bounty Hunters were engaged with our forces and The Core were to come across the fight? Would they carry on as of nothing by was happening? Or would they immediately assist their filthy brethren?
I think we all know the answer there.
If they do not seek to start hostility then that’s a bonus, but always be wary of them.
Fiorella de Marco clicked her tongue again and chuckled softly and quietly. Judging by her reaction, she held little respect for the Core. She fidgeted with her engagement ring for a second before revealing her thoughts.
"Trust in the Core is as misplaced as trust in the Houses. They are our long-term enemies, and the Core are their agents within the Edgeworlds. Their greed fuels them; nothing else remains."
"I suggest we ambush and destroy their forces should they venture too close, say, into the Omicron Alpha or Beta systems, yet this hardly warrants a full-scale war beyond the cause of vendetta. They occupy no territory of significance to us, do they? The most fitting revenge we could serve is to leave them at the mercy of the Corsairs and their marauding empire. Let them deplete their forces as they fight over Theta and Delta."
Fiorella then turned her attention to Chenzo.
"Please, Don Chenzo, enlighten us why you request that we refrain from intervening in Rheinland. While presently it might seem an insignificant market to us, it remains our long-term target."
Mdina decidedly intervenes waving his hand slightly.
We must make the position of the Starfleet clear on this matter. Most of our ranking members agree that this "alliance" has already seen its inevitable natural dissolution. Any Core war vessels trespassing our systems should be considered hostile and targeted for destruction, while it is safe to assume they will engage any outcast combat ship approaching Core assets in Omicron Delta and Kappa.
For the parlay Don Harabero, I suggest you propose at best a no fire zone in Omicron Theta. The last thing we need is this horde of backstabbers to show up and inflict more losses on our side while we hold our ground against the savages of Crete.
The brief interjection is ended with a sweeping motion of his left hand.
Now, you may proceed with the topic on Rheinland, if you so desire Don Chenzo.
Chenzo Nodded to Mdina both acknowledging his statement and agreeing with it. As he talks, his gaze falls over everyone in the room.
"I've been looked at as an odd person within Maltese society for as long as I've been here. My results and methods although odd, are undeniable in their outcome and pure intension.
I don't make moves today to affect tomorrow. I strive for the very best of Malta and it's loyal people. The moves I make today are to affect the next decade if performed correctly. Think outside of the normal limitations of said box. Very few understand this methodology and that's precisely why they fail."
He looks directly at De Marco
"Making deals with Xeno's is an example of a foolish move which will only ever sow bad, regardless, it will grant us the ability to gun them down oh so much easier which is the only bonus from your interactions with them for Maltese people and our -actual- allies".
His gaze lightens and shifts off De Marco directly
"Rheinland is a very, very odd house within Sirius. They are extremely open to anything which is a good idea, regardless on whether it comes from an Outcast or one of their own. Their methods are based on pure efficiency, very little is wasted.
I intend to obtain vast quantities of materials over a long time from Rheinland. Building materials. Said materials are to beef up Maltese defence which is rather lacking to say the least. We have multiple points of entry into Alpha and no way near a big enough buffer zone which is why production has already begun.
I also have reason to believe the house of Rheinland has interest deeper into the Omicrons. Being on good terms already would certainly be a good thing rather than a bad thing long term.
This is why negotiations with Rheinland are of high importance- If I'm to fail then of course, a target for Cardamine delivery is also more than acceptable. In reality, it's all wasted if Cardamine delivery is the only interest of others.
Given the importance? let's hope I don't fail which is why I make such demands I see as reasonable.
She narrowed her steely blue eyes, fringed with long lashes, and offered a silent, wry smile. She returned Chenz's icy gaze with equal frost, apparently spurred on by his personal jabs at her. It was evident she harbored thoughts waiting to be voiced, yet she courteously allowed her rhetorical adversary to finish his speech.
"I perceive that our trade with the Xenos has struck a personal chord, Don Chenzo, but a prudent politician should neither be led nor motivated by vanity. Pursuing its satisfaction leads only to myopic decisions and the repetition of errors. You speak grandly of the future, yet yearn to drag Malta back to a past - an era where we emulated the Corsairs in building empires and massive fleets and when the Xenos were but a feeble and pitiful group of brutish terrorists barely surviving in Silverton, Colorado. Despite all efforts by the Junkers and their mercenaries, the Liberty Rogues, and even us, the Xenos are now the largest faction in Liberty. They will either obstruct our path in Liberty, or they will pave it. No silver bullet exists for their eradication; we have searched in vain for over a century. You may choose to war with them if you wish, yet I would not presume all of Malta will rally behind you. This trade has already been profitable, allowing us to spread our influence further in Liberty."
"Regarding your request, we are already acquiring vast quantities of prefabricated materials and components not only from Rheinland, but also from Bretonia, Liberty, and Kusari. We construct our ships, our weapons, and our homes from them. Malta is scarce in mineral resources, and our heavy industry is woefully inadequate for our needs. We have agents who, for a fee, procure everything our hearts desire without groveling before the Houses and adhering to their demeaning rules. This is, after all, why we ultimately reconciled with the Zoners at Freeport 10 despite their intrusion to our innermost territories. Unless you intend to invite Rheinland corporations into Omicron Alpha to ship goods to us - which I hope you do not - what you propose differs little from what we already do. We must use our agents either way, but at this juncture - we would merely cast unwarranted aspersions on them and jeopardize the reputation they require for their livelihood."
After completing her rather lengthy monologue, primarily directed at Don Chenzo, Fiorella de Marco turned her attention to the other meeting participants.
"Gentlemen, what are your views on the Rheinland issue Don Chenzo proposed?"