Sender ID:Fiorella Arianna de Marco Recipient ID:Signora Eliza Valdez Subject:New Trade Opportunities Location:MNS Amalfi Encryption:Medium
Cara Signora Valdez,
I am Fiorella Arianna de Marco and we have met shortly in Kepler when I was aboard my destroyer, the Amalfi.
As I have pondered in this lengthy discussion with the other Maltese, I have reached out to the Xenos and negotiated with their leader, Cobra.
Unfortunately, I have got ahead of myself in this deal and forgot to ask Dons what is their opinion on this. I have addressed my question to them, yet, none of them replied so far.
Regardless of their answers, however, I am still inclined to exploit this new market opportunity with the alternative Network I have laid out.
What is your take on this, per favore? They have agreed on rather generous conditions for such a preliminary deal, perhaps you might find yourself interested as well along with those who are under your influence, Signora Valdez.
I have attached all the relevant documents to this message for you to see and decide for yourself.
REPORT: THE DISTRIBUTION NETWORK AND ITS EXPANSION Author: Fiorella A. de Marco
1. Introduction
The purpose of this report is to map and evaluate the current state of our Network as of 05/829. The report contains mainly information based on communications from our Network's intermediaries and a few other individuals and does not contain hard economic data, and the economic side of things should be considered separately by more in-depth economic analyses.
2. Bretonia and Gallia
Bretonia and Gallia currently remain outside our Network primarily due to the absence of any credible local intermediaries. This is mainly due to the very low local demand for Cardamine, which gives little incentive to potential intermediaries to join our Network in there.
In Bretonia, our distribution network operates to a limited extent at Trafalgar in the hands of the Junkers. However, due to the low demand so far, the trade is of limited importance. Gen'an Chrysanthemums also conducts its limited trade as they have a limited access to Bretonia.
3. Kusari
The Cardamine trade in Kusari is entirely in the hands of Gen'an Chrysanthemums, who take over our product from Cali and also take care of the final distribution. The Kusarian society is very conservative and has an aversion to Cardamine as to any other foreign influences, however, Gen'an reports a steady increase in demand as well as their growing influence among the younger women population. Gen'an is also actively seeking other markets for their expansion, but except for their limited trips to Liberty, without a significant success.
The biggest obstacle for the Gen'an in Kusari is the local naval forces with large capital ships, against which our intermediaries have limited options, and so the Gen'an have expressed a desire for increased presence of Maltese capital ships in Kusari.
However, for all the problems with the local forces, at least according to our mediators, the distribution Network itself remains virtually untouched by the local forces.
4. Liberty
Liberty remains our most important and complicated market. Paradoxically, our obstacle in the region is not the police, who are easily bribed, but the Xenos and their hatred of the Junkers, the very end of our current Network in Liberty.
Our strongest intermediaries in Liberty are the Liberty Rogues, who have recently reinforced the line from Kusari with another station and increased their shipment volume through the Xeno infested Colorado. The Texas route has not experienced any major difficulties and Cardamine volume through it is increasing.
The biggest problem for us in here remains the vulnerable Rochester. The Xenos have grown stronger over the last two to three decades and have also acquired new weapons, as they demonstrated last year with their battleship.
In the words of Signor Hemlocke, the main problem is the Junkers' alignment with the forces of law and that is why Rochester cannot host a significant Rogues garrison. Unless the Junkers themselves have taken their own precautions, which they have not commented on as yet and I have observed no such thing around their base, it is very likely that the station may be disabled again or even destroyed.
The Lane Hackers have not been very helpful either. The Inner Circle seems to have lost a lot of its influence and it is getting harder and harder to contact them or track their influence in Liberty. Alongside them, a new group of hackers have emerged, calling themselves SIGNET, who seem to be in ideological conflict with the Inner Circle and pose as freedom fighters. They seem to be outside the main focus of Xenos and it is questionable to what extent they will be a hindrance to us in the future.
5. Expansion
5.1. The Mollys
The theoretical candidates for our expansion in Bretonia are the Mollys, who are at war with Bretonia for independence and could benefit from additional funding and influence through Cardamine in Bretonian society. They are also at odds with our ancient enemies, the Corsairs.
However, they are also known for their pride and bluntness, any successful contact with them should be done carefully and cautiously so that they do not feel that we are trying to use them unilaterally.
5.2. The Brigands
The least successful criminal elements in Gallia might also have a potential interest in distributing our product, but the problem remains the dominance of the Unione Corse in the Gallia black market and Brigands' theoretical dependence on our rival. There is also the chance that any distribution know-how could reach the Unione Corse and be used against us and our intermediaries.
5.3. The Xenos
Although the Xenos are one of our biggest obstacles in Liberty, they themselves have a strong interest in becoming members of our Network as they will need stable financial resources for their 'Liberty Free Republic', at least according to Cobra, and they do not care what happens to the rest of Liberty.
The Xenos have tried to negotiate a distribution deal with Malta in the past and negotiations have gone nowhere much further. They are currently offering a cease-fire once the official negotiations begin. They are also willing, once they become a part of our Network, to hunt and destroy any artifact and xeno relic smugglers in Liberty to further weaken income of our ancient enemies, the Corsairs. They could also hunt down the Junkers' carrying these goods as well.
The Xenos quite understandably skip the Junkers for distribution of their goods, so they could serve as an alternate flow for Cardamine to penetrate the places where the Junkers have no access.
6. Conclusion
Currently, our distribution Network is working, and is growing dynamically in areas like Liberty and Kusari as our intermediaries gain influence in Liberty and Kusari. Rather than law enforcement, our Network is being threatened by other criminal elements vying for their share of influence in the black market and by the various mercenaries.
It is through the steady efforts of the Liberty Rogues and the Gen'an Chrysanthemums that our Distribution Network is expanding, while the Junkers and the Lane Hackers may prove to be weaknesses, or in the case of SIGNET, outright problems in the future.
Expanding our Network to include the Mollys or the Xenos, in addition to increasing the flow of Cardamine and our revenue, could also directly help us in our fight against the Corsairs and their revenue. The Brigands remain our only, but not very reliable, option within Gallia.
AGREEMENT: THE KEPLER AGREEMENT, 829 Maltese Representative: Fiorella A. de Marco Xenos Representative: Damien Morreti
1. Introduction
The Kepler Agreement, 829, is a preliminary trade agreement dealing with the Cardamine trade and other related matters between the interested families and clans of Malta, represented by Fiorella Arianna de Marco, and the Xenos Alliance cell from the LFR, represented by Commander Damien Morreti.
The agreement was verbally concluded on 11th of May, 829 A.S., and later confirmed in writing.
2. Contents of the Agreement
2.1. Mutual Non-Aggression
Both Parties shall cease offensive actions against each other and shall open fire against each other only in self-defence.
2.2. Trade Route
The trade route itself will run through California and Ontario to Colorado, where the cargo will be unloaded and resold to the Xenos for the final distribution.
2.3. Base Access
The Xenos bases, with the exception of Fontana Freeport, will remain inaccessible to Maltese ships at this early stage of the trade. Maltese freighters and their escorts directly involved in trade with Cardamine will have the necessary access to the Xenos base in Colorado.
2.4. Cardamine Exclusivity
The Xenos pledge to be directly involved only in the distribution of Cardamine and not to serve as intermediaries for Malta's enemies, especially the Corsairs. This condition does not prohibit the Xenos from selling contraband obtained from destroyed or hijacked ships as this is not direct distribution, but a sale of the captured loot to fuel their further activities.
2.5. Dealing with Rivals
The Xenos pledge to disrupt the business activities of Malta's rivals, especially the Corsairs, and to suppress physical and economic influence in Liberty. The Xenos pledge to compete with their rivals so as not to disrupt the overall distribution and consumption of Cardamine.
3. Future of the Agreement
The Kepler Agreement is currently only a preliminary agreement establishing the first economic ties between Malta and the Xenos, and may be superseded or supplemented by other agreements regulating relations as the importance of mutual trade grows and relations become more cordial.
4. Termination of the Agreement
This Agreement may be cancelled by either or both parties and will terminate within seven days of notification.
5. Signatures
Fiorella Arianna de Marco, Maltese representative
Commander Damien Morreti, Xenos representative
TERMINATING TRANSMISSION / INTERRUZIONE DELLA TRASMISSIONE
COMM-ID: Eliza Valdez Subject: RE: New Trade Opportunities Priority: Medium
Buenos Dias,
I believe you have already received the official response on behalf of Don Sforza and the Legión Maltesa in the original communiqué regarding this subject. But since this is just between the two of us, I will tell you what I personally think of all this. I trust it would stay that way as well, si?
Roughly a year ago I arranged some shipments of Cardamine to get lost on their way to Rochester and reach planet Pittsburgh instead. The Xenos have been eager to get in the Cardamine business for years and this was a good way to judge their response and capabilities if we ever work with them. Negotiations with a certain Cobra snake afterwards were sadly not as fruitful as I had hoped due to his idealism for his cause getting in the way from accepting our demands. Though it seems that now after a whole year to contemplate things, señor Morreti has finally agreed to work on our terms, or at least claims so. Perhaps it is desperation after he lost his chance before, perhaps it is some scheme of his to further his own interests. He is a cunning and scheming person that does not shy from using violent schemes to get what he truly wants and submit others to his will. One could almost mistake him for one of our people.
I would advice serious caution when proceeding with this new trade deal. It is very likely that the Rogues would retaliate if they find out. Their leader Hemlocke has already shown he has the cojones to shoot an Outcast and our eye for an eye trade off would seem like a friendly encounter compared to what could erupt if the Rogues feel threatened from their position in the Cardamine business. One should not eliminate the possibility that the Cobra can always use this against us should he choose to. We should never eliminate this possibility from our minds when approaching this endeavor. Though don't take this as a statement against this new venture, just a cautionary reminder.
The Dons aren't known for their recklessness and risk taking. They much prefer the safety of the mundane power play where Cardamine distribution is as was done before for decades and risk factors are minimal or at least well known. So you should not expect them to embrace this new possibility with open arms, but rather cautiously if at all. Our whole economy rests on the orange powder export and Liberty is our biggest market after all. Obviously your head will be the first one on the line should things turn sour, but I am sure you are well aware of that.
The Legión would honor the non-aggression clause. Not like this would change things much for us. Our Liberty forces are very limited and ever since the Pittsburgh shipments I am not aware of any run ins with the Xeno Alliance that have turned violent between our forces and theirs.
Play your cards right, señora de Marco, and I believe you'll have the chance to become a very influencial player in Maltese politics. I will definitely be paying close attention to how this new venture of yours plays out.
Sender ID:Fiorella Arianna de Marco Recipient ID:Signora Eliza Valdez Subject:RE: RE: New Trade Opportunities Location:MNS Amalfi Encryption:Medium
Signora Valdez,
Grazie for your valuable inputs and hints, I will certainly keep them in mind. It remains to be seen how difficult this whole venture will be and while I do not expect many problems from the Junkers and the Hackers, the Rogues have already proven themselves to be a rather volatile and unpredictable group.
For that matter, I have instructed my people to keep this trade a secret as long as it is possible. It is a large risk, a gamble, but we have been playing such a risky game for a quite long time with almost all of our eggs placed in Rochester.
First ships are already preparing for the departure with their cargo in holds. We will see the results soon enough, Signora Valdez. I will be spending a lot of time in or near Liberty, so I will keep your informed.
There have been a minor issue along the way, as one of the intermediaries, a hacker named Cryptonic, almost witnessed our new alternative drop off. Luckily, and thanks to the skill and resourcefulness of our pilots, they have managed to shake him off and this trade route remains a secret for now.
It has begun and the product has started flowing even through here.
Sender ID: Fiorella Arianna de Marco Recipient ID: Eliza Valdez Subject: Report Signora Valdez
It has been a considerable length of time since our last correspondence. I earnestly hope that you emerged from the recent upheaval unscathed. At last, the situation both within and beyond Malta has stabilized sufficiently for me to finalize my report concerning the state of our distribution network - and thus, our somewhat collaborative venture with the Xenos and their role therein.
REPORT: THE DISTRIBUTION NETWORK IN 833 AS Author: Fiorella A. de Marco
1. Introduction
Since my last report in mid-829, a multitude of changes have swept through our nation, presenting us with challenges rivaled only by our historic ordeal aboard the critically damaged Hispania. The essence of this comprehensive report is to meticulously assess the current state of our distribution network, serving as a foundation for strategic actions aimed at fortifying our influence in Sirius and securing the enduring prosperity and safety of our homeland, Malta.
2. Bretonia and Gallia
Despite our earnest endeavors, in which I participated as an officially appointed diplomat from Malta, the situation in Bretonia and Gallia is evolving at a painstakingly slow pace in our favor. While our presence and influence in Bretonia are significantly more robust than in the fifth House - still - in comparison with Liberty and Kusari, the demand for our Product in these regions remains somewhat marginal.
Our attempts to establish formalized trade relations following previous misunderstandings with the Gallic Brigands and Unione Corse have not borne fruit. The former's organizational instability, which manifested before formal negotiations could commence, and the latter's perceived reliance on favorable relations with the Gallic Union, which would be adversely affected by Cardamine distribution, are the primary impediments. Until we can elevate our association with the Brigands to a higher level of cooperation, our interactions with them are limited to sporadic trade and occasional conflicts.
In Bretonia, our distribution, for the foreseeable future, is confined to Trafalgar, managed by Junkers, due to the absence of other suitable intermediaries. The Gaians, owing to their alliance with the Corsairs and animosity towards us, and the Mollys, increasingly placing their trust in their renewed allies, the Coalition, are not viable options for our objectives. Given their staunch insistence on independence, even proposing Cardamine distribution is not currently a diplomatically viable strategy.
3. Kusari
As in past decades, the unwavering efforts and loyalty of the Golden Chrysanthemums to Malta have ensured that Kusari remains a virtually self-sustaining market for us, where our ongoing presence is unnecessary and sometimes even counterproductive due to prevalent xenophobia. The recent abolition of slavery on Malta has led to a slight cooling of relations due to the reduction in export commodities. However, I anticipate a gradual reinvigoration of our mutual trade as the Chrysanthemums gain access to the highly sought-after robotic systems from Kusari, necessary for the rejuvenation and expansion of our plantations.
Simultaneously, it would be prudent to limit our engagements with the Blood Dragons, with whom our relationship is marked by a frosty neutrality, stemming from ideological differences and their significance to the success of the Golden Chrysanthemums. In my occasional forays into Kusari over the past four years, I have engaged with several factions of the Blood Dragons. Nevertheless, their disposition towards normalizing relations with us has consistently been reticent.
4. Liberty
As noted in my report four years ago, Liberty remains the most intricate and dynamic market for our Product. Over the past four years, we have accomplished substantial progress in stabilizing our overall distribution network. Currently, we have two key conduits— the longstanding Buffalo-Rochester tandem and the more recently established Xeno-operated Ouray— through which Cardamine flows directly to planet Manhattan. This robust network structure has rendered us resilient to incidents such as the near-total destruction of Rochester, which had almost critically impeded our Cardamine trade in Liberty for an alarmingly extended period. The Xenos' willingness to combat the distribution of Artifacts, a source of income for the Corsairs and Hogosha, coupled with the new distribution opportunities they present, are significant assets to our operations.
Nonetheless, not all developments have been favorable, and this expansion has introduced potential diplomatic tensions, particularly with the faction of the Liberty Rogues led by the warlord known as Hemlocke, and potentially with the Lane Hackers, who maintain close relations with them.
This development, while not entirely unforeseen, is an inevitable response to the evolving dynamics of our mutual business relationships, which have been marred by disproportionate assertiveness and aggression on their part. The current scenario, however, affords us the opportunity to either penalize or reward both sides of the network based on their demonstrated loyalty or lack thereof. This strategic approach is designed to preserve distribution stability for us and our upper-echelon clients in Liberty.
5. Expansion
5.1. The Mollys
Despite their victory in the Dublin system and their more complicated situation, they are currently not suitable candidates for Cardamine distribution in Bretonia. Their bond with the Coalition remains too strong, and their integration into our network will require a lot of effort - especially increasing all-round economic support for their movement when they get into difficulties, as well as persistent deliveries of weapons and other supplies from Liberty.
5.2. The Brigands
After unsuccessful negotiations with Unione Corse and still irrational behavior of the Maquis, the Brigands remain our only distribution alternative in Gallia. In their favor, of course, is also the current occasional trade between our parties, as well as business relationships in the past.
5.3. Rheinland
Rheinland remains unexplored territory for our influence and distribution not only due to the distance from Malta but also due to the absence of suitable intermediaries - where the only potentially suitable candidates are now very hostile Red Hessians. Only time will tell if there will be any opportunities to normalize our relations with them.
6. Conclusion
In conclusion, the ongoing expansion and stabilization of our distribution network in Sirius remains a task of considerable complexity, necessitating a balanced and pragmatic approach. Upholding our stronghold in existing territories while seeking new opportunities is of paramount importance. The shifting dynamics in Liberty, distant and exotic Kusari, coupled with the patience-requiring challenges in Bretonia, Gallia, and Rheinland, present a landscape replete with both opportunities and risks. It is imperative that we continue to adapt, harnessing our diplomatic prowess and strategic alliances to safeguard Malta's prosperity and influence within the Sector. Afterall, our foes do not stay idle - and nor should we.