I am sure you do not know who I am so let me introduce myself. I am Muerte. I have been tasked by Eliza herself to deal with the diplomacy between us, senor. Now I shall get to the details right away then.
As Valdez had said to you previously, we indeed have to be cautious with who we partner, don't we? Would be a shame if we get another band of scummy heroes.
I have given plenty of thought about what Core can bring to the table. A lot of it sounds quite pleasant, si. Crushing the Corsairs and Order sounds like a good basis to start this partnership on. You have mentioned Cardamine but in small amounts. Would you consider running it for us and keeping the profit for yourselves, we would be satisfied with the spreading of the orange dream. It would be quite beneficial for both of us, senor. You have yet another commodity to profit on and we gain influence. Everything is standard and expected of you.
Both Valdez and I still have doubts in you, considering the Outcasts and the Core have fought for many years now. Such a sudden change of heart does seem rather sketchy, Archos, understand that. However, unlike Valdez, I am more willing to experiment and try and find potential allies. I have just one more question for you.
Can I trust you to not make me regret my decision?
Make no mistake, The Core doesn't intend to spread the 'Orange Dream' through its people. Whilst we're seeking to obtain it for research purchases, we are not unknown to the effects of Cardamine, and how it renders mastery over its consumers. Long-term, the plan I have in mind is to permit Outcasts to haul Cardamine unhindered through Core territory. Perhaps we can set up a chain of supply that involves AP Manufacturing, but either way, I don't plan to get too reckless when handling Cardamine. You're a seller, and we're a buyer - that's all there is to that business relationship.
I can understand why the change of heart looks so sudden. The Core just doesn't cross swords with the Maltese as often as we used to, and the Maltese territories are so far from our established space that it's unrealistic for us to make any real gains there without cutting a path through everyone else first. Sirian politics have also shifted, and whilst previously our benefactors would applaud us for hunting down Outcasts, a lot of them have co-opted deals with Malta which give it the status of a neutral or allied entity. So instead of mindlessly shooting the rare Outcast that drifts into Omicron Delta, I think both of us could make greater progress in the Omicrons if we worked together to crush our mutual enemies.
First and foremost, my humble apologies for such a delayed answer. I had my hands full of various duties, to say the least.
Si, I understand that you wish not to associate yourself with the Orange Dream too much as the Houses you work with could see it in the wrong light. There is not much that can be done about it, I suppose. Truthfully it is a shame, that being said -
I also have received very uplifting news, senor. I've gotten a report saying that the Core helped a tactical squad of Legion that was stationed in Omicron Delta. My sources tell me that if you had not arrived, something grave could have happened. You have the many thanks of Lady Eliza and other Legionaires. You have done well to prove yourselves in combat. However, it has only been a single interaction so far and I cannot guarantee full cooperation as of yet, but it is the right move towards it, Archos. We will strengthen our relations by massacring our common enemies, Corsairs and the Order. Until further notice, we are on neutral terms.
I will be sure to pass your gratitude on. The Core recognises the common scum shared between us, and are happy to work on purging them together. I hope we can soon begin to plan raids together.