initializing image feed...
image feed not available...
Lukas,
Rumors run and word travels. Kassel, Fes, Katz. Your mention of front lines indicates that a battle is soon to come, somewhere. Obviously, I will find out what, who, when, where and why. Data would be welcomed. However your request..
Will be honored to the letter if you come to pass.
Regards,
Kaze. --A hidden trigger prevents this message to be seen more than this one time--
From: Field Marshal Lukas Keller
To: Kaze Dagon
Priority: High
Enabling video-feed
[Message Begins]
Kaze.
The delay in this response was unavoidable. The current situation of the conflict is a bloody stalemate, something the Omegas are no stranger to and perhaps the only thing any of us know for certain. I reached out to the Elder seemingly in Command of this offensive, I wanted to test what kind of men lie on the other side and even went so far as to offer him no opposition if the Fes held its course and proceeded into 49 as our analysts believe it is trying to do.
Conquest being motivated by greed is hardly surprising, especially from the Corsair Empire. He made it clear that he was not afraid of our Forces and that he would persist in his conquest, not showing a hint of restraint despite knowing that he would be ordering a great deal of his men to die. I had hoped that at least one person among these discordant stars would stand by their ideals and not bend over for pragmatism. I thought the Guild would, but they have become the Gallic Miners Guild. I thought the people that guarantee Canaria's independence would put that promise above conquest, but selfishness is a slow and insidious killer.
What the Elder is unaware of is that my check-mate is in motion, and that this skirmish had been rigged from the start. If there's one thing I can count on, it's that the Unioners cannot keep their noses to themselves. Giving them access to the Katz was done with intent, data was planted for them to find, but not only is the data false, but it is severely misguiding. Access logs show that they took the bait, and I'm counting on them to play ball like they always have.
How sad it will be that the Fes will target the least essential sections of our ship and the strongest segments of the hull. How unfortunate it will be when the information planted turns out to be a beautifully elaborate lie. And how diminishing it will be when we use our knowledge of the internal structuring of the Cretan Osiris, gleaned from her sister, the Havana.
If the Corsairs want my head, they'll have to earn it. It is not yet my time to die. I will drag my fist across the stars if I have to, break my knuckles against cold steel. Tear every muscle in my body. Paint the sector red in my blood. But Tangier will not be Crete's. Not in my lifetime. Not as long as I am still capable of bearing my wings.
Their ships will serve as coffins and pride their downfall.
Sirius Coalition Коалиция Сириуса
[Transmission Terminates]
"Knowing Humanity - We will be duty, bloody and unavoidable."
initializing image feed...
image feed not available...
Lukas,
I have already told you. Greed is mankind's greatest motivator. IMG. Not only they are backed by a Rheinland megacorp. they also have the support of the Hessians alongside the Gallic Crown. Quite the rambunctious group, all eager to split Bretonia in pieces. So, were you foolish to trust in any of them? Yes.
As for the Corsair Empire, do not think yourself smarter or they to be dumber. They have carved their existence, their claims and their power while surrounded by enemies from all sides. They have been playing this game of taking and giving in the Omegas far before you or me. What you did was intelligent, but it is one detail in a bloody war to come, I think. If they are vying for New Holland gaining the foothold in O-47 insures not only a clear road from Gamma to New Holland but also the material wealth that Tangier offers. It is a very smart move. They know they cannot take Sydney in a swift strike, so they are preparing their support chain and necessary logistics. Having a controlled environment is paramount.
Now you sit there. Protecting Hessian interests against a Corsair fleet. The Hessians over extended themselves in greed and now the Coalition is the one paying the penalty. Odd. I do wonder what the Hessians will pay you in return. Promises no doubt. But then again, you are not greedy, are you? You were even willing to give the Corsairs an open road to Sydney, by your own admission.
Be careful, Lukas. Lest it will be your pride that buries you inside that edgy Odin of yours.
Regards,
Kaze. --A hidden trigger prevents this message to be seen more than this one time--
From: Field Marshal Lukas Keller
To: Kaze Dagon
Priority: High
Enabling video-feed
[Message Begins]
Kaze.
This isn't about the Hessians, the Corsairs or my taste in ship design. The latter-most was a binding "suggestion" from my superior at the time. I have plans for renovating the ship's hull in the near-future, provided that I do not perish holding the line here in 47.
What's at stake here is so much more than any one of our causes, if Tangier is breached and containment broken, then we will all suffer. This is why I must do everything in my power to ensure that the line is held. Whether I like it or not, I'm indirectly fighting for the defense of Sydney now. An accessory to casual, positively-motivated Imperialism.
You and the rest of Bretonia know how I feel about that. Regardless, tell local forces to brace and bolster their lines.
Sirius Coalition Коалиция Сириуса
[Transmission Terminates]
"Knowing Humanity - We will be duty, bloody and unavoidable."
initializing image feed...
image feed not available...
Lukas,
Tactically wise, the Coalition has more chances in holding the line in New Holland alongside the Stirling and then with proper reinforcements from Poole and New Moscow, clear out Omega-47 with enough force to breach Omega-41. But that's just me. I know little of this, it seems.
And Sydney was to insure my people have a fallback if New London falls. Not imperialism, but borderline survival and removing the elements that are gallic pawns. As for shoring up defenses, all that could be done was done. We cannot throw more ships at Stirling without compromising the safety of other locales, and the planet itself is already prepared for House level orbital bombardments. I dare say that if an invasion actually happens, anyone will find out why Leeds has not been completed taken by the Gauls after all these years.
However, you still are there, supporting those that want you to bleed for them. Their past actions are clear. Their greed is evident. Denial of what they really are is the first step. Mind the second step, it is quite tall. Good luck in Omega-47, Lukas. And do remember, any battle plan does not survive the first encounter for the enemy is always smarter than what we can imagine.
Regards,
Kaze. --A hidden trigger prevents this message to be seen more than this one time--
From: Field Marshal Lukas Keller
To: Kaze Dagon
Priority: High
Enabling video-feed
[Message Begins]
Kaze.
I'd say you were wrong, but I lack a precedent to stand upon. I might have forgiven Heinrich, but the fact stands that when she wanted things done her way, she didn't hesitate in threatening to come after-.
Look. I'm torn between my mission and the cold politics of the Coalition. I make no attempts at pretending to be a politician, but I'm not immune to its effects. While the Katz holds the line ahead, I'll pass along an order to reinforce our joint border of New Holland with a pack of typhoons lead by the Resurgency.
Am I making another mistake? I don't know. But I do know that regardless of Heinrich, I cannot let the Corsairs breach Tangier and I cannot let them acquire a beachhead into New Moscow. I will be the laughing stock of the Dumas, but I've never cared what people thought of my mission and commitment to duty. Consider my dissent against the Accord officially.. retracted.
I haven't been one hundred percent honest with you about my behaviour in the recent past. Depending on how you view that, I might owe you an explanation. I'll update the Premier's office now. Our local warhawks will be more than seething at my compromise. But a wealth of choices are not something I currently have at my disposal.
Signing off.
Sirius Coalition Коалиция Сириуса
[Transmission Terminates]
"Knowing Humanity - We will be duty, bloody and unavoidable."
initializing image feed...
image feed not available...
Lukas,
I would say that you should contact Redmond regarding the increase of your forces in New Holland. I would also say that the mission takes precedence, always. I am the living testament of that. A bloody fight is upon us, anyhow. Here in New London, the first effects of Aland are felt. The battle attrition is recuperating at last, but I cannot deny I see the word hopeless far more than I would like.
The cards have been dealt to us, Lukas. I have worked towards my mission and I am still on its track, until the end, bitter or not. Every action I take has deep effects now, and the consequences will come one day, sooner or later, much as you. Ultimately, we are fighting for what we believe in, and I dare not to deny the possibility that one day we may face each other in opposite fields. It may never come to pass, considering the status quo. But until then, an accord was struck for the betterment of both of our people.
As for the Corsairs, the number projection I have in my hands shows if they do decide to be really serious in the Omegas and New Holland with more forces, the Stirling will not be able to hold them. If the war ends before that, New Holland will be secure. If not.. Well, my nature only permits a set of very few choices, but by then, the path I would take would be very clear to you and to them. Ending on their doorstep, extracting vengeance.
Your honesty however, was not expected, but always welcomed, Lukas. I do not expect you to sell your soul to me, but I do expect you to not sell yours to others.
Regards,
Kaze. --A hidden trigger prevents this message to be seen more than this one time--
From: Field Marshal Lukas Keller
To: Kaze Dagon
Priority: High
Enabling video-feed
[Message Begins]
Kaze.
I've been largely preoccupied with things, but this isn't a business-call. I just want to know how she is, are both her and her son safe and in peace? Has anybody been trying to find them? Are.. they happy? I'm sorry if this catches you at a bad time, but I've silenced these concerns for as long as they'll let me. If I don't let them rip, they will tear me down.
Sirius Coalition Коалиция Сириуса
[Transmission Terminates]
"Knowing Humanity - We will be duty, bloody and unavoidable."
initializing image feed...
image feed not available...
Lukas,
Both she and her son are still in Guadalajara. Latest report from my sources there indicate she is working at the Hykarsis Social Services, as a Community Service Manager for those of Hispanian heritage. She and her son are living well as it can possibly be.
As for safety, none of my security protocols I left as insurance have been triggered, and no checks or inquiries have appeared carrying Ms. Bom-Sol data. So yes, she is safe and well.
Happiness status, that is something I cannot infer without a more close watch or invasive report. I would suggest you seek that information out personally, since that would appear to stave off your fears or doubts.
Regards,
Kaze. --A hidden trigger prevents this message to be seen more than this one time--
From: Field Marshal Lukas Keller
To: Kaze Dagon
Priority: High
Enabling video-feed
[Message Begins]
Kaze.
I could reach out to her, but what if she's still upset and doesn't want to talk to me? She might even find me contacting her over the neural-net instead of a physical meeting insulting. I'm hesitant to do the former because I don't want to disrupt her peace and I'm averse to the latter given not only the strained diplomacy of the Commonwealth and the Coalition, but also the fact that it might make her a target. It has once already.
Avoiding a repeat is the purpose behind this whole.. distancing.. thing, I'd come up with a term for it but in the absence of an alternative that'll have to do. Do you have any advice on the matter?
Sirius Coalition Коалиция Сириуса
[Transmission Terminates]
"Knowing Humanity - We will be duty, bloody and unavoidable."