Paulo pulled the papers off the table, relaxing back in his chair and donning a pair of reading glasses to look it over as he listened to Enfield and von Braun speak.
After a few moment's contemplation, he addressed Enfield
" That really depends; what exactly do you need in the region as far as support?
Any interruption of their forces in Xi would significantly hinder their ability to pose a threat to Omicron Beta. Put simply: by helping you, we help ourselves, and vice versa. "
[ sci·am·ach ]
/sīˈamək/
A simple, angry man casually working his way through life on a personal quest to acquire copious amounts of street cred.
Taking the offered documents as well, Benito reclined in his chair slightly while his eyes hushed over the paper, where the general gist of the current goals within the Omicron Xi system were outlined in broad strokes, as they still needed to be given substance. There was the problem of the relative vicinity of the source of the Corsair forces in the north of the system. "Signor Varela has hit the nail on its head. I would assume not a single Outcast would in good conscience yield even an inch to the Cretins. To us, however, the vicinity of the Omicron Gamma anomaly in Omicron Xi to the passage to Omicron Beta poses a big thread, as the Cretins would have no real opposition in Xi hindering them from advancing onto Omicron Beta anymore." He paused briefly, looking over the papers at the assorted gentlemen. "That is, of course, positing that Omicron Xi will, in fact fall into Cretin hands. It is a worst case scenario; one that, I would posit, neither the Republic of Rheinland nor the Nation of Malta can allow."
Motioning to a stack of papers, of which there was an identical one in front of every assorted leader, he picks out a particular one. "Refering to sheet one of the papers I asked to copy for each representative here, the National Council has never made it a secret that it wants to pursue a cordial relationship with the Republic of Rheinland for a while." Everyone present would be able to read the full text provided in the communication as a transscript. "The Cretins are many and we will only be able to reasonably contest the Omicron Xi system if we form a working alliance, with a joint hierarchy to counteract the Cretin advance. The National Council would be willing to leave the administrative task of such an endeavour to the Rheinland Military if that is desired." He put down the papers, looking at Admiral von Braun in particular. "It has, frankly, been a while since the National Council and the Bundestag have had any contact, as the last time our offer was voted against in the Bundestag. I personally hope that a working military alliance between our forces will sway public opinion within Rheinland to, in the future, reconsider the decision made by the Bundestag in 824 A.S.."
"Well..." He was still sat there with his chin being pinched by his finger and thumb. Gently sipping his the coffee from his mug again. "Hmmm... With all honesty there isn't much else I can think of. Going down how we should help each other might be an issue. The outright supplying of weapons and armaments might be one thing that needs to be looked at, unless we can get the corporations to agree with a long haul through the dangerous sigmas, we might not be able to secure a permanent method. As for now, we can arrange small agreements privately." He did listen to Mr Benito's statement on the political obstacle that presented itself. "Yes... The Bundestag will need to re-vote on its issue concerning the Maltese embargo. Its not within our Power to start granting you immunity." He leaned forward again, reaching for a document on the table and also flipping through his mobile device to change the map grids to another system. "Another issue that is absolutely going to be brought up between us is the Gas Miners Guild, obviously we can't just sit around not accept that they're a common enemy between us."
"Sigma-13, Sigma-19, Sigma-21. The conflict rising there is something we can both benefit from- As far as our division within Beta have heard that harassment squads from the GMG occasionally find themselves skirmishing with you." He slowly swivelled in his chair to face the Admiral, raising one of his eyebrows at him. "So, it might be in our best interests to deal with them too... Since this was the reason why you agreed to the talks in the first place."
Braun looked briefly to Enfield, then to the documents in front of him, finally looked toward Outcasts diplomats. "Yes, before anything, i would like to know your position about Gas Miners Guild and you willingness to join an military co-operation treaty against them." The admiral leant forward in his chair to assert his position to the delegates as his fingers were clasped together... Meaning that his position was a most concerning one."For too long, The soldiers of the Rheinland Militär waits for some measure of payback, and we are getting ready to finally do exactly that after the Guilds cowardly attack on Fulda." Admiral raised his eyes from documents to face the diplomats. "But, as how Direktor said, the very reason of this meeting is obviously because of common enemies, such as the aggressive corporation state... at least that's why the Militär is concerned."
Varela leaned back in his chair and scratched his beard. He puzzled their words for a moment before looking back and forth between the two Rheinlanders opposite him at the table; his voice low.
" I trust you'll understand that while Malta is more than capable of protecting itself and maintaining operations throughout our sphere of influence; going out of our way to assist you all in this manner may eventually require some form of exchange to justify the shunting of resources. We will do what we can in the interim, but eventually those assets - those vessels may be needed somewhere more pressing than excursions specifically to aid Rheinland's interests. That time isn't now but be aware that it will be a matter that needs addressing at some point.
As to the GMG: speaking for Amalfi here, they're targets of opportunity that do well to keep us supplied under duress by threat of weapons discharge. The Union bears no more love for them than Rheinland does, though I understand that there may be more bad blood with them for you and your own than for the Maltese. So, let me just say now that Amalfi have no quarrels in enabling both your organizations in this bona fide sigma crusade.
That being said, I'm none too well clued into what regard precisely the Nationals hold the Gassers, and I'd rather not speak for my compagno anziano here--"
He glanced to his side towards Benito, and nodded his head in his fellow Maltese's direction - resting his chin on his hand and yielding him the proverbial floor.
[ sci·am·ach ]
/sīˈamək/
A simple, angry man casually working his way through life on a personal quest to acquire copious amounts of street cred.
"Obviously we're not going to send you into the fight under our call without at least compensating your efforts." He smirked as he grabbed his coffee mug, taking the last gulp before catching a loose drip from his lip with his thumb. He sat silent for a while, tapping his fingers, thinking rather than waiting on someone else. "I might have something within the fleet we're updating. See if I can find a few spare fighters we're replacing soon... Munitions, armaments, things you might find useful within our common conflicts." He grabbed the pitcher of coffee in the centre of the table, having to almost get up from his seat to do so. "Although don't go off showing your toys to everyone else, I doubt Liberty would be happy with us to find our hardware within their territories under your usage, Asking you to 'control what you use' isn't exactly good, but I'd just like to voice my concerns over the matters of supplying people things with our labels on it. Then again I know a line at The Ring that forget to put serial numbers on their auto-spikers. Even if you managed to get shipping rights, the Sigma blockade will obviously become a thing so I hope you're prepared." He didn't doubt their abilities, his tone was more of one that he knew that they were able to knowing their background. "But you'd still need to get through the democratic wall that is money, politics and public relations that is the Bundestag." He quickly looked at a document that he only seemed to have a copy of. "Well, lets just hope that the senators make their minds up, because once the corporations get the smell of money, it always means more for them too..." He said while brushing his chin with his finger. "That or being re-elected for the next term as senators."
With the mere mention of supplying them, Braun at least made quite an effort to make his cough audible."Ah-! Enfield, if you'd not be too hasty... While you might be committed to supplying state approved groups so easily. The military has to maintain an upstanding reputation unlike you." Braun picked up the pen and took an equipment manifest folder from Enfield with haste. "The military can't conduct supply runs ourselves. Although pardon my assumptions Herr Benito and Varela, public opinion can't be swayed in a whim. Let's just say that while the Buro find it casual to run with a bad history, the Rheinwehr will find it quite difficult under pressure from the masses." He pointed to the map of the network of sigma-systems, giving off quite an unpleasent huff. "And with this...! I don't think my organisation will be able to spare much. Mr Enfield, if you're going to assist them with materials, thats fine by me. But I can't afford to hand what little we have left over to them." He didn't seem happy with the upcoming situation, calming down for a moment before he could bring himself to speak again to the two diplomats. "I'm sorry... But with our current issues internally, we can't afford handover's of equipment to external organisations. We'll be happy to assist you against common enemies, and also give you a good word within the Bundestag..." He twiddled the pen in his hand as he sat contemplating what he would bring up in the republics hall of elected governments, questioning his future actions. "I will, at least give a good word out for you too as part of Rheinland's security council... Hopefully that will be a big step to sway the Bundesrepublik your approval"
For a few moments, Benito wouldn't do much more than listen. He had to admit that this was going much smoother than he had expected. Especially the Admiral he would have expected to be less forthcoming. It wasn't like he was about to complain but most of his expectations had been undermined already. Still, it was a welcome change of pace. "The Council is, of course, grateful for any exchange we can arrange. We've always prided ourselves in our ability to pay for almost anything and so you can be sure that anything that will be arranged in the future will have a suitable sum of money exchange owners. We're not just limited to money, however. As Signor Varela pointed out, the Gas Miners, while annoying, are more like targets of opportunity for us. Occasionally, they are even worthwhile to pursue if they carry refined fuels." He tapped the table for a few moments, considering how to word his next statement. "When it comes to the Gas Miners, I think Rheinland could also profit of the results of successful raids. Not that we don't believe Rheinland is capable of obtaining its own fuel, but cheap produce is something nice to have, right?"
He scooped up the stack of papers in front of himself and arranged them neatly into a pile. "In any case, Signor Enfield. I am used to paperwork and complicated political rituals." Another small pause. "I would assume that wraps up our meeting, too, doesn't it?"
"Agreed. this is as much as we can cover into our matters currently. The biggest thing I feel as if is that we managed to actually hold these negotiations away from our... Regular clandestine nature." He finally closed the array of files he kept looking though. Putting to rest the rest of the statistics he made to at least put out a presentable case. "And not to worry Herr Admiral, we have the means to at least trade out some equipment... Third largest buyer of Duamnn hardware, right over here." Saying with a hand being held up in admittance. "I'll again put in a good word for the security council in the Bundestag. We're doing you a big favour, I suggest you make the most of it while you can. As with the equipment, I'm probably going to ask a favour in return. I don't generally forget them." He sat gently swivelling side to side in his chair, twiddling his thumbs around with his fingers locked with each other.
He at least managed to finish off the entire pot of coffee alone, with plenty of creamer packets and neatly piled up beside him. "Listen, I'll get to discussing the finer details as right now it seems our time is up. Is there anything else we wish to settle, or shall we continue on and let our governments and councils deal with the oncoming process?"