I bid you good day and assure you of my highest consideration to our cause. Today I reach out to you with a request regarding space exploration.
As you recollect, MAE was interested in establishing a new colony for the crown. Our recenty constructed Tromelin Observatory was built with the purpose of monitoring systems in Lambda sector suitable for colonisation. Our efforts paid off recently as we mapped a system with a stellar object that might have conditions suitable for establishing a colony.
In this regard MAE using its own resources and finances want to initiate an exploration mission to corroborate the conditions on the moon deemed habitable. To that end, MAE intends to construct a warp "slingshot", a simple version of jumphole generator that cannot act on a permanent basis similar to jumpgates. Our observation of gravitational anomalies in Brittany system drove our scientists to the idea that these perturbations might indicate a thinned space-time fabric in that part of the system that might be a proto-jumphole. If so, the "slingshot" will simply use the power of the anomaly to "guide" it to the system we want to go into. However, to accelerate our progress on the matter we would like to request access to the sealed jumpgate in Aquitaine and study its composition for further adaptation in the slingshot.
The gravity of this endeavour is exceptional, in our opinion. If the calculations are correct, this Lambda cluster might be similar to Taus with more stellar objects to use for our purposes. In case the Enclave's grasp on Taus weakens due to unforeseen reasons, exploring and colonising Lambda cluster (or Gallic Antilles as we dubbed it) can be a backup plan for the loyalists to retreat to. MAE is taking the expenses and responsibility on itself, so there should be no additional financial pressure on the Enclave. To that end we would like to requst the Colonisation Charter - the rights to claim this system for our needs and to develop it to further the ends of the Kingdom. Needless to say, any world colonised will be yet another jewel in the Crown of His Majesty, His Name thrice blessed. The company just wants to ensure that our investments will return to us in the tangible form of the world we can develop for corporate and political needs.
Sender:Maximilian Saint-Just, Commandeur Suprême de l'ADE Recipients:Baron Fabian Montluc // CC: Marshalcy of Gallia Message Type:Video Encryption Strength:Absolute
Baron Montluc,
Always a pleasure to hear from you. I'm glad to hear that your observatory has made progress. As you know, your wish to secure a foothold for the Crown outside the Hebrides aligns with what the Enclave has in mind. But before I can approach Director-Regent d'Avignon on your behalf and petition for the Colonisation Charter, we'll need to iron out a couple of issues.
You mentioned that solely MAE resources will be used for this operation. And as a corporation, you are of course free to pursue the ventures that will provide more return from your investments. However, there is a risk that such an endeavor would overstretch our limited resources. Every MAE employee currently working in Enclave space benefits the Enclave and the fledging colony of Bordeaux. Their absence would already be felt.
I understand your desire to grow your corporation further and manage the colony as you see fit. However, until the system is surveyed by Gallia pathfinders and prospectors, it's too early to speak about giving Montluc Advanced Engineering free reign. We could grant you the executive authority over the system, but only once we are certain that the benefits from such decision outweigh our losses. As a businessman, I'm sure you understand that.
With that in mind, I propose the following course of action:
Montluc Advanced Engineering will be granted access to study EFL technology left in the Hebrides, such as the jump gates and docking rings.
Enclave observers will take part in the survey mission to Gallic Antilles. Even if we do grant you executive authority over the system, the Enclave will establish constant and sizeable presence there. Incognito, if necessary, as I understand your desire to avoid being tied to the Enclave by other residents of Sirius and Gallia.
To compensate for the Crown's immediate losses due to your investments into a long-term project outside of the Hebrides, Montluc Advanced Engineering shall construct a processing terminal in orbit of planet Bordeaux. The goal of the terminal would be to replace the damaged docking ring and diminish the reliance on searching for suitable atmospheric entry points. I believe that the ability to haul cargo to and from Bordeaux in larger quantities will benefit your exploration project as well.
If you find these terms agreeable, I'd be willing to present your project to the Director-Regent and vouch for it. Securing the support of the Marshalcy of Gallia in addition to mine would also go a long way to securing your Colonisation Charter.
Do let me know what you think about this counter-offer, Baron.
RECIPIENT: Gallic Royal Enclave HQ // Commandeur Suprême de l'ADE Maximilian Saint-Just CARBON COPY: - SENDER: Baron Fabian Montluc SUBJECT: Colonisation Mission
Monsieur Saint-Just,
It is my pleasure hearing from you again. I am glad that our proposal is being considered as a business opportunity and I assure you, it is worth your time.
I find the terms provided by you to be generous and acceptable. Moreover, you foresaw some of the requests to the Gallic Royal Enclave we were considering should the idea find understanding and therefore I will address them here today.
Now, let us discuss the matter point-by-point as you, Monsieur, well put it.
We are grateful for being allowed to study EFL technology, namely the jumpgates. We surely lack the scope and expertise of EFL in this matter, so it might take time before we have a solid understanding of all underlying technical details. Yet I can assure you, that combining the findings with our own developments will allow to maintain a less permanent FTL jump devices that will find many applications with the Enclave, from unexpected attacks behind the enemy frontlines, to smuggling and intelligence operations. We will share our findings in this matter with the esteemed Enclave's side. We would only request the Crown to vouch for us when the Enclave regains control over Gallia if there is a dispute between MAE and EFL regarding the technology in question as we have to recourse to study and use EFL technology due to EFL now serving the illegitimate Confederal regime and us having no other choice.
We would welcome any forces the Enclave has to spare for the exploration expedition. We did not request the support knowing that the Enclave forces are always occupied with protecting the borders of the Kingdom. The Royal contingent can participate, as I see it, in three ways: by sending own ships alongside our vessels, by dispatching the crew on our ships, or by combining both aforementioned options. MAE agrees to any of the course of action. I should notify you that we are planning on deploying "Overlord"-class "Frederic Bartholdi" battleship that is to serve as the expeditionary flagship. Its size will allow a significant crew of the Enclave specialists should you be willing to spare them. However, due to security measures, as you must understand, the first step of the expedition will be dispatching unmanned drones into the system to avoid unforeseen threats. Upon its completion we will inform you of the upcoming expedition and you can make the decision regarding the participation.
I would also like to inform you that while I as a noble want to secure for my house familiar lands to be inherited, the autonomy I am seeking for will not infringe the loyalty of house Montluc to the Crown and to the Enclave. Ideally, I would seek the status of a March that allows for autonomy in managing domestic affairs, such as social policy, education, economics, etc. will presume being a loyal vassal of the Crown and sharing its diplomatic stance. I would also like to draw you attention to the benefits of having a vassal, especially with semi-independent "grey" diplomacy that would be able to serve as a proxy for the Enclave in obtaining material and other support from parties that normally would shun the Enclave. This might be a step in the direction of normalisation of the Enclave in public image. Yet I re-iterate, formally it will another Crown world recognising the supreme authority of de France dynasty.
Since under point 1 MAE is granted access to EFL technology, I suppose it would only be just for us to ustilise it for the construction of planetary docking ring for Bordeaux. This investment eventually will have returns for all of us, as a proper docking facility will increase the goods flow and therefore the income. I hereby then pledge our efforts in construction of the docking facility for planet Bordeaux. It is to be noted, however, that due to the technology of docking rings being complicated, MAE might seek other means of establishing planetary docking mechanism, such as a large space mooring fixture linked to the surface with a system of space lifts and freighter runs.
Should you find this explanation sufficient, I would request you, Monsieur Saint-Just, to consider the discussion of the Colonisation Charter that will provide for the establishment of the Barony of Antilles as a march of the Gallic Enclave. If you require more input from our side, please, do not hesitate to raise any questions.
La Maréchaussée de Gaule The Marshalcy of Gallia Identité: Amélie Chevalier, Greffière en Chef
Baron Montluc,
Regarding your search for new worlds to conquer, the Marshalcy will remain a cautious observer. Should you manage the evidence to demonstrate the habitability of a yet-unsettled star system, we may be inclined to lend you the escort in the form of a command and control vessel and a wing of fighters. For now though, we await your findings.
More pressing for us is the issue of the Bordeaux Orbital Terminal. Securing and nourishing the one livable rock in our core environs is necessary for our survival, and consequently yours. For this we will allocate time in our operational routines to securing the orbit of the terminal during and following construction. While the Marshalcy maintains logistics ships, they are primarily for recovering contraband and pillage from careless Sirian traders. These may be dispatched to support your operations when they would otherwise remain idle, but it would be unwise to rely on them for urgent matters. Please give us advance notice if you require such assistance.
We condone your study of EFL's technology. Please continue your research at the greatest operational tempo you can muster.
Respectfully yours,
Amélie Chevalier
Marshalcy of Gallia
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