From: Alana Leoz To: Rodrigo Diaz Encryption: L0T50F1T Subject: Order/Gaul relations.
Witnessed an interesting development today. Whilst I was at Freeport 11 in Delta I happened across a rather large Order / Gallic fleet, mostly comprised of snub craft but with some larger vessels intermixed. The Order seemed to be giving the Gaul's a guided tour of the system, it was somewhat surreal, cut short however by the arrival of a couple of Nomad warships and several fighters broadcasting broken IFF signals. The Nomads were dispatched by the Order/Gauls with aid from the nearby Zoners of Freeport 11.
Most concerning is the apparent relationship between the Gauls and the Order, it bodes ill for Malta if they decide to work together more closely. I didn't manage to intercept much of the conversations between the two parties, what I did get was fairly innocuous and doesn't really amount to much.
From: Saverio.De.Carrara To: Imperial Band Command Subject: Action report, 08.02.827
Buongiorno.
Most respected commanders of The Imperial band, I'm glad to report that our yesterday's venture turned out to be fruitful. Allow me to present you all the details.
To celebrate christening of our newest battle capable transport, the -|-Isabella, we took it upon ourselves with our amico Garcia to procure her first victim. Fortunately, search wasn't long. In sigma 19 system, just in high orbit of planet Hiran, we spotted a luxury Yacht named "OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure", naturally in ownership by the Orbital Spa and Cruise. Her captain, Jack Ashton, turned out to be wise enough to comply with our demands to stop.
The captain was given a choice. Either he will give up on all his fuel and supplies, leaving the vessel and her crew stranded in space, or he will allow us to take a major portion of his men to serve Malta, in exchange of leaving his Yacht unhindered. To our surprise, the captain has chosen to allow us to enslave his crew. Our barter has been successfully recorded, and can be found here:
[08.02.2020 18:26:10] -|-Garcia-Ortega: Hola
[08.02.2020 18:26:21] -|-Garcia-Ortega: Mind stopping?
[08.02.2020 18:26:40] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: Cpt. Ashton here, Stopping the vessel
[08.02.2020 18:27:00] -|-Garcia-Ortega: Nice ship you have there Captain.
[08.02.2020 18:27:01] -|-Isabella: ?: Good work, Garcia. Was elusive, that one.
[08.02.2020 18:27:19] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: What seems to be the trouble?
[08.02.2020 18:27:40] -|-Isabella: There's no trouble here at all, captain.
[08.02.2020 18:27:51] -|-Isabella: We're here just to talk business.
[08.02.2020 18:28:02] -|-Isabella: ?: Mind If I ask your name?
[08.02.2020 18:28:09] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: Ask ahead
[08.02.2020 18:28:24] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: *Grins*
[08.02.2020 18:28:39] -|-Isabella: ?: Well, Mister...?
[08.02.2020 18:28:46] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: It's Jack Ashton, Captain of the Boundless_Pleasure
[08.02.2020 18:28:49] -|-Garcia-Ortega: This one has a sense of humour.
[08.02.2020 18:29:00] -|-Isabella: ?; Right, Jack...
[08.02.2020 18:29:12] -|-Isabella: ?: Mind me calling you just Jack, as the fellow captain?
[08.02.2020 18:29:29] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: Sure, formalities are the least of my worries during a stick up
[08.02.2020 18:29:45] -|-Isabella: ?; Fantastic. Alright, listen up, Jack.
[08.02.2020 18:30:17] -|-Isabella: ?: Nothing personal here, but you see, everything your lovely little boat carries, is of exceptional-
[08.02.2020 18:30:30] -|-Isabella: ?:-value to ... let's call them my superiors.
[08.02.2020 18:30:55] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: Yeah it's quite the collection I have gathered up for our passengers..
[08.02.2020 18:31:06] -|-Garcia-Ortega: I hear you yachts typically carry some really nice alcohol, ese.
[08.02.2020 18:31:13] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: I suppose you'd like a sample?
[08.02.2020 18:31:26] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: I have Rrrrum
[08.02.2020 18:31:28] -|-Isabella: ?: Not ... a ... sample, Jack.
[08.02.2020 18:31:52] -|-Isabella: ?: And when I say everything, I mean it. Your alcohol, your fuel. Your food...
[08.02.2020 18:32:04] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: Sure
[08.02.2020 18:32:16] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: But I would like to keep one bottle of wine
[08.02.2020 18:32:28] -|-Garcia-Ortega: Hey, how big is your crew ese?
[08.02.2020 18:32:35] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: See it's not going to be fun for me filling a report on this with the HQ
[08.02.2020 18:32:41] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: Right
[08.02.2020 18:32:45] -|-Isabella: ?: Understandable.
[08.02.2020 18:32:46] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: Everything coming up
[08.02.2020 18:32:58] -|-Garcia-Ortega: Got a lot of rich folk in that ship?
[08.02.2020 18:33:15] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: We are flying empty atm
[08.02.2020 18:33:33] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: Just visited Freeport 9 for a little crew time
[08.02.2020 18:33:48] -|-Isabella: ?: Oh, no no no, you are not. There are still 35 loyal employees of your company on board that boat, right?
[08.02.2020 18:34:22] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: Yeah?
[08.02.2020 18:34:28] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: You are not taking my crew
[08.02.2020 18:34:54] -|-Isabella: ?: That's what I expected. Thus... proposition is simple. Either your crew, or your supplies and fuel.
[08.02.2020 18:35:02] -|-Isabella: ?: Choose wisely, captain...
[08.02.2020 18:35:15] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: I just emptied my haul of booze, valuables etc.
[08.02.2020 18:35:31] -|-Garcia-Ortega: He wants to leave you stranded, ese.
[08.02.2020 18:35:40] -|-Garcia-Ortega: No fuel.
[08.02.2020 18:36:01] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: That's not really how a gentleman acts
[08.02.2020 18:36:21] -|-Isabella: ?: I've never been a gentlemen.
[08.02.2020 18:36:32] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: I see that
[08.02.2020 18:36:42] -|-Isabella: ?: So... what will it be. Is the last batch of Fuel worth the lives of your crew?
[08.02.2020 18:36:57] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: Perhaps we can figure out some other agreement?
[08.02.2020 18:37:19] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: Perhaps a transfer of funds would ease the tension?
[08.02.2020 18:37:36] -|-Garcia-Ortega: Maybe some of your crew?
[08.02.2020 18:37:41] -|-Garcia-Ortega: Eyy, ese?
[08.02.2020 18:37:43] -|-Isabella: ?: Could do, could do...
[08.02.2020 18:38:37] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: Only a skeleton crew left
[08.02.2020 18:38:53] -|-Garcia-Ortega: That was easier than expected amigo.
[08.02.2020 18:39:05] -|-Isabella: ?: Just one more thing, Jack.
[08.02.2020 18:39:09] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: I am sorry to hear
[08.02.2020 18:39:24] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: Well play harder next time, puta
[08.02.2020 18:39:37] -|-Isabella: ?: In the name of Maltese Empire, welcome to the Edge Worlds.
[08.02.2020 18:39:46] -|-Isabella: ?: Garcia, did he just insult us?
[08.02.2020 18:39:49] OS&C|Boundless_Pleasure: Cheerio
[08.02.2020 18:39:55] -|-Garcia-Ortega: I believe so
[08.02.2020 18:40:20] -|-Isabella: ?: No, I'm no bully. Let's get home, shall we?
[08.02.2020 18:40:54] -|-Garcia-Ortega: Thank you for your time, ese.
[08.02.2020 18:40:55] -|-Isabella: ?: There are 32 men and women awaiting new life on Malta. Let's not keep them waiting.
[08.02.2020 18:41:18] -|-Isabella: ?: Stay safe, Jack.
New batch of indentured servants have been successfully delivered to our Homeworld, along with few crates of exotic goods, which you will surely find to your liking. Full list of our spoils can be found here:
Still, I'd like to request just one thing beside my cut. With your blessing, I'd like to take ownership of few of those unfortunate souls to serve me on board the -|-Isabella as her crewmen. These people are experienced spacefarers, and it would be a shame to waste their talents in the fields.
From: Liliana Valerio To: Imperial Band Command Subject: Action report, 09.02.827
Hola, amigos.
Escorted an IRMM Destroyer through Bretonian Space today. The MNS-Umbra was being hunted by a large Royal Navy force, we safely managed to traverse the Leeds and Dublin systems and moved into Aquitaine where we parted ways.
I relieved a couple of Miners of their money as I returned to Cali base. I've forwarded the funds to the treasury.
From: Alexandro Torres To: Saverio da Carrara, Garcia Ortega Subject: RE: Reports
Buenos Tardes, Amigos.
I am delighted to see you both bringing great wealth to Malta, and the Imperial Coalition.
As for the Isabella, I wouldn't recommend taking some of the crew you just tried to enslave. They can be rather... troublesome if they get any bright ideas. It would be preferable to the longevity of the Isabella to take the crew to the auctions, and let them know the specialties of this particular batch.
They should be able to sell for more, and we get a bigger cut, eh? - Ether way, well done amigos. I smell a bright future for you both.
From: Rodrigo Diaz To: All Runners, Alana Leoz, All Rayas. Subject: Orange Dream
Buenas Tardes, Hermanos y Hermanas.
It would seem Liberty is in need of more fuel for the Orange dream.
I would like a convoy organised for when a opening is fashioned to deliver the dream to the citizen of Liberty.
Alana, if you take point on this organisation. We may need to request some extra cargo capacity from our friends whom are already living the dream.
Regards,
Rodrigo Diaz.
Furthermore, I am of the opinion that Crete should be destroyed.
From: Basilio Narváez To: Rodrigo Díaz Subject: Re: Orange Dream
Saludos jefe,
My boys and I just arrived from our last job at Manhattan, and we're looking for some work. Just say the word, and we'll get right on with transporting Orange to the poor masses in Liberty who cry out for it.
By the way, we're seeing increased LDF activity close to Manhattan, so should be careful. One of their gunboats got awful close yesterday, it was a very tight call.
Anyways ese, I'm at your disposal for that convoy of yours.
From: Saverio.De.Carrara To: Imperial Band Command, Director of Visage Subject: Action report, 09.02.827
Buondì
Our scheduled mining operations in the Knossos' atmosphere went as planned, and without any major incidents. -|-Isabella, -|-Catania and -|-Zaragoza succesfully delivered their cargoes to planet New London.
Coming home, I managed to procure a commodity that should serve the Malta well. Download the image attached to this message for more details on the shipment.
Also, on our way to Malta, we have stumbled upon a ship belonging to a faction, whose IFF appeared on our scanners as "Natio Octavarium". I admit in all honesty that I have never heard of this organization's existence before, and I'm unaware of their goals and politics. Surprisingly, captain of the ship did not show ill will. Quite contrary. He gave us a warning about Crayter cruiser running rampart in the region, whose sole mission is to apparently engage and destroy any and all Maltese ships encountered.
[09.02.2020 20:43:17] NO-F-Bad.Company: Kyle: Hmm. I'd heard about Outcast activity. Keep an eye out, there's been a battlecruiser trying to find y'all.
[09.02.2020 20:43:59] -|-Isabella: ?: What? Another head hunter? What's the fool's ID?
[09.02.2020 20:47:24] NO-F-Bad.Company: Sorry, comm system malfunctioned. -CR-Aeolus, as I recall.
[09.02.2020 20:48:11] -|-Isabella: ?: And what doe the captain of this "Aeolus" is trying to achieve?
[09.02.2020 20:48:48] -|-Isabella: ?: Anyway, thank you for your information. Might save a few lives, you know?
From: Alana Leoz To: Department Heads Encryption: L0T50F1T Subject: Business opportunity.
Hola,
Saverio came to be with an idea a few days ago. I've been making a few enquiries and I think it's something we can make happen. The general idea was to make a coliseum, using slaves, that can be broadcast, bets made, that sort of thing. Slightly crude in my personal opinion but there's probably money to be made in it. Saverio would be the one to ask for more precise details.
We'd need a location to broadcast from, obviously. I've got a few leads on construction companies that might be able to facilitate an appropriate space-station. Not solely for this purpose of course, but it can be included into the design specification if that's what you want.
From: Lara dalle Carceri To: All Department Heads Subject: RE: Business opportunity
Crude? Not crude, Alana, you are wrong here. It is ... beautiful!
Miei amici, there's more to be made here than credits. Yes, I've heard those rumors too. Have you ever stumbled upon entertainment channels of the Neural Net? You ever had a glance at a tasteless and meaningless corporate pulp that houses serve to their people as leisure? Let me tell you this: Sirius longs for a show that will lit the fire of true passion in their hearts, that will unleash the real fear, and real joy... And tell me, is there anything else in our universe that will make your skin crawl in excitement more than watching your champion fight for his life, just in front of your very eyes? Doubtful!
This bold move will surely bring the eyes of whole Sirius upon as, and once we get their attention, we could finally show them the true colors of Malta: our heartwarming music, our breathtaking art, our forgotten history, our bold ideals ... To gain influence, you've got to win the hearts of the people, not just embitter them with your might. You know that! This... this is our chance!
If that doesn't convince you, think of the practical implications. Such a cultural hub will surely attract many people to itself, because ... well, we are like that... We flee into the unknown, the exotic, like moths to the light. Those people will surely be willing to spend more credits to delve into the unknown, to taste in their lifetime what's alien and forbidden at least once. Think of all the shops, music theaters, or even houses of love we could place in there. Because well ... we could and should expand!
Modular arenas to recreate struggles between our brethren, a safe tabernacles for cardamine use, large alleys for stalls and street performers to nest in... a true visit to Malta, without the dreadful mutations.
You MUST agree. It MUST come true... but where? What's the place suitable or such a station?
Lara dalle Carceri, patron of The Maltese Society.