2nd of July, 829 AS, Planet New London, Kingdom of Bretonia
The capital of the Bretonian Empire was engulfed by the never-ending activity, both in low orbit and on the surface of the planet itself. Appearances easily fooled the usual onlookers, as despite the movement's chaotic facade, it was an intricate game of arrangement of the spaceships. What once was the very same location hit by the Gallic Navy in its desperate bid to capture the capital was now returning to its roots -- the region buzzing with both civilian and military vessels.
In the sprawling abyss of apartment complexes, industrial centers and various other buildings, a number of such structures stood apart. Not in the vicinity of any residential buildings, the highly-decorated and visibly centuries-old administrative building of the Admiralty of the Armed Forces rose sky-high above the rest. Protected by a regiment of the Queen's Guard, the establishment held the most critical minds of the Kingdom's military.
Yet this day was unlike others. The Kingdom's desire for power and dominance of the region had led to contacting the Crayter Republic -- a trusted ally of the Crown -- and the agreement to hold a meeting did not take long to return to New London. Considered a noble cause by many, the Admiral had recalled one of his most loyal officers in the Royal Navy to represent the Kingdom in this coming meeting. It would not, however, take place without a prior consultation between the scheming pair to decide the matters to discuss with the ambitious Republic.
Captain Bartholomew raced to New London for this very meeting with the Admiral, for it would decide the events to unfold in the months to come. In spite of its use as a small trading vessel, the Clydesdale used by Horatio had proven a veritable transport and a much capable defensive craft. Its use as a former exploration vessel also meant it had great speed, further enabling it to serve as an impromptu diplomatic ship.
Dressed in his usual all-buttoned up dark coat, and wearing the symbolic Royal Navy hat, he made haste to the entrance, where a guard was anticipating his arrival. "Sir, the Admiral is awaiting you. Please follow me.", said the guard to the yet-unspoken question.
The two moved through a series of large hallways, all decorated with the most exquisite ornaments and complemented by a number of paintings. Nonetheless, they arrived shortly at the entrance to the Admiral's office, with the guard promptly returning to his post. Bartholomew proceeded to enter another large room, lit by only a handful of lights and with a wide desk at the other end of the room, positioned in front of several large windows.
Not allowing Horatio to begin first, Sommverille adressed him with a commanding tone. "Captain. I see you have finally arrived. As you may well know, we have an important matter to settle with the Crayter Republic. One that would be most unfortunate not to use to the best of our... talents." Taking a small break, he then continued, however in a more optimistic voice. "I believe you are well acquainted with the representatives and what the Crown desires most, correct?""I would not be here if I did not know this. But I believe it would be best to outline the most important parts of the discussion to follow.", answered the Captain. Sommerville smiled at the mention, still he agreed with it. "An excellent idea. Let us begin, in that case."
The pair moved to a nearby hologram projector, displaying the required plans to be discussed with the Crayter Republic representatives. Harold took the initiative and stated, with an ardent tone: "We find ourselves in the position of deny their request to visit the repatriation camps. Instead, you shall inquire upon several other subjects. Most notably, they find themselves at the opportune time to strike into the Inverness system." Allowing several seconds for these words to sink in, he continued. "Of course, that would mean invading what is considered another Independent World, yet claimed by the Kingdom. Nevertheless, we are able to indirectly aid the Republic with ships and materials for this mission. Should they fail to emerge victorious, we will be able to asses their ability to remain a firm ally of the Crown." Harold took a few steps back from the display, allowing Bartholomew to put forth his own opinion onto this subject.
He responded at a moment's notice, with much confidence. "The Republic cannot possibly fail if they accept to attack the stronghold of the Technocracy. With our backing and their increasing military, such an move would end in a timespan of mere weeks, and with complete victory. I will present them with this proposal at the beginning of the meeting, due to its importance. But the question about the Taus still remains. They will ask for fair compensation."
"Oh, so they will." Harold responded, whilst moving back to the hologram. It had now changed from the view of the Inverness system to one of the Tau-23 sector. Despite the agreement between Kusari, Bretonia and Crayter to not declare Tau-23 as under their own sovereignty, neither party particularly enjoyed the unstable nature of the system nor the fact it held important resources. Sommerville shortly carried on with the discussion, pointing to the region closest to the jump hole to the Tau-44 system. "If the Crayter representatives indeed agree to follow through with our proposal to clean the Inverness system of all threats, we can assist them in rebuilding their outposts in both Tau-44 and Tau-31, along with another possible base of operations in Tau-23. This could indeed be costly, yet it will give us more control and influence over their decisions, further alienating them from Gallia. What do you think, Mister Horatio?"
Taking little time to think about the orders, Bartholomew answered: "I do not doubt your decision-making skills, but I feel the need to mention that we will have to treat them with utmost caution. Crayter still retains many ties to Liberty itself, as well as the ability to easily escape our eyes and ears in the backwater system of Tau-44, for which the BIS will have to increasing their ability to monitor the region. Be that as it may, is that all that I shall mention to representatives? Should it be, I will depart immediately for Carlisle." Harold nodded, before proceeding to lastly mention: "It undeniably is. As a last request, do not forget to mention that the Kingdom of Bretonia will be greatly thankful should the Republic restart their efforts to blockade the Gallic Union." he finished, returning back to his desk and opening another hologram with a message to respond to the Crayter Republic's own request.
Bartholomew hurried back through the large hallways leading out of the building as soon as the discussion was over, and once at the shuttle, promptly set course for Planet Carlisle. One of the most important meetings of the year was now a matter of time before taking place.
