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vladimir26 · 07-30-2022, 03:36 PM,

┝┅┅┅{INCOMING TRANSMISSION}┅┅┅┥

┝┅{Location: Castille
┝┅{Subject: Brave or folly

So there I was in Castille, on my way to Freeport 5 to meet something of libertonian origin, and sadly not a Liberty Ale. My surprise was big, got to be honest, when an Arbiter-class battleship appeared on scanner. If there was an Outcast in my place, he would've need like 50 lines of orange flavour to recover from the shock, but not a Corsair. Situational awareness kicked in and the inquiry started.

The folly of this captain, Lucian Perez, deserves to end in a big ball of fire for his ship, but I wanna hear him first, and this only out of respect for Leon, and maybe a bit for his hispanic name. Turns out his ship is close to being a floating pile of metal, which would be very appreciated at Tripoli. Los hermanos there are always in need of scraps to turn them into masterfully crafted ships, such as the Praefect. Either way, this encounter will fetch us something. Now it lies on the captain's shoulders how he will be useful to the Empire. After all, free scrap flying at our doorstep is not something we would decline.

Small introductions were concluded, details will be discussed in the Freeport bar.

Chat logs

Message end.

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Torment · 07-31-2022, 03:56 PM,

Freeport 5

With a small sigh Lucian mentally prepared himself before entering the bar of Freeport 5. The station was a hodgepodge of Corsairs, Zoners, Hessians, even the odd bounty hunter here and there. However, even with such a diverse 'clientele' Lucian could not help but feel like he was sticking out like a sore thumb. In all fairness, his insurgency captains uniform probably did not help matters.

After briefly scanning the room Lucian approached the barkeep and asked about this 'Matteo' he was supposed to meet, purchasing two drinks while he was at it.
"You're looking for that 'hombre' over there" the barkeep said, nudging in the direction of a Corsair sitting at the a secluded part of the bar.
Lucian nodded in gratitude before walking up to Matteo, placing one of the two drinks infront of him before taking a seat and said: "I'm pretty sure this is the first time an Insurgency and a Corsair captain walked into the same bar, think they'll write jokes about this meeting in the future?"

vladimir26 · 08-01-2022, 07:14 PM,

┝┅┅┅{INCOMING TRANSMISSION}┅┅┅┥

┝┅{Location: Freeport 5, Castille

All eyes in the bar were pointed at Matteo. There aren't many individuals around who have the guts to pull a joke in front of a Corsair, but Matteo couldn't help it and let a chuckle slip out. "Senor Perez, jokes are a two-edged sword around these parts. Sit, and lets give them something to write history." He checks the drink, pulls out and lights a cigar, and remarks: "This will do."

Normally, an introduction like this wouldn't go as smooth and civilized as this, but Matteo can set his pride aside when diplomacy is required. And after all, what do Corsairs and Insurgency share? A free soul and healthy mind, sick over the top of corruption. In essence they share a similar goal, but on different battlefields. So, this is beneficial for both ends, especially for the Corsairs. Matteo is aware of the leverage he has on captain Perez, that he can't go far away with his ship being highly damaged, and after taking another smoke from the cigar, he says: " Capitán, from our side is bueno."

Leon did indeed provided Deterrence with what was required of them. Rhodes is ready to recieve the Torment. On the other side, I trust that captain's Perez presence here means the Insurgency is also able to provide the Corsairs with what they're looking for. The lenghty and difficult defence of Deterrence Sanctum against the Core and Sniffers cabrons did pointed several things, one of them being the big fuel consumption of the Murmillo class battleship. As of this, Deterrence High Command agreed to launch a research on the matter, but we were missing the lead engineer, until now. Senor Perez is familiarized with Liberty tech and should be able to help us achieve our goal. And after our meeting I'm preety sure he has the will too. The will to help us or the will to stay alive, doesn't really matter, the ending is the same.

The deal was on the table. Clear as sunlight that's a life or death scenario for Perez and the Torment, so Matteo puts out his cigar then looks at him straight into the eyes: "Shall we proceed?"

Message end.

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Torment · 08-03-2022, 07:07 PM,

Freeport 5

Lucian listened attentively as Matteo spoke, he wasn't shot yet so that was a good sign at least. All in all the concerns of the Corsairs seemed to be about the fuel efficiency of their capital vessels, specifically that of the 'Murmillo' class, whatever that was. On the positive side, the Corsairs seemed willing to patch up the Torment in return for helping them with their little 'performance issue'. Still, it was clear careful negotiation would be needed: there was little doubt that if the crew of the Torment outlived their usefulness before the repairs were finished, the Corsairs might just capture the crew and strip down the ship for parts instead.

With a big swig of his drink and a satisfied "Aah" escaping his lips, the captain leaned over the table towards Matteo and said: "So, just to make sure we're on the same page here. My Engineers look at your vessels fuel consumption performance and work together with your Engineers to try and see if we can optimize it with Insurgency technology, and in return the Corsairs repair the Torment and provide safe passage through Corsair space, correct?" The deal was good on paper, but asking for assurances would surely risk the ire of his counterpart. For now Lucian observed attentively, curious to see how Matteo would react to the summary he had provided.

vladimir26 · 08-05-2022, 05:27 PM,

┝┅┅┅{INCOMING TRANSMISSION}┅┅┅┥

┝┅{Location: Freeport 5, Castille

Analyzing Lucien's answer it looks like he was surprised that he can get out of this so easy. Maybe he was expecting a hefty amount of credits or other supplies that the Torment couldn't spare in such a dire situation. "Capitán Perez, it's obvious you're gotten it wrong. You're alive, eh? We're businessmen, not terorists. Surely, most of our deals aren't negociated in a bar, but Leon vouched for you.". After another swig of his drink, Lucian breathed a great sign of relief after hearing this. He didn't had the time to put down his glass because Matteo wanted to make himself clear : " But make no mistake.".

Matteo signaled one of his lieutenants sitting at a nearby table to approach. Then looks back at Perez and started to tell the plan of action with the lieutenant listening. The Torment is to proceed to Rhodes Shipyard in Sparta escorted by Matteo's personal ship. Once there, we will find the Parabellum already in the drydock. El capitán and the necessary crew will board Rhodes, meet with the lead engineer in the R&D wing, and will proceed on the task. Rhodes's personel is aware of their task, to reduce the fuel consumption of the Murmillo-class battleship, and the Parabellum will be the first vessel having it's Liberty tech engines retrofited with Insurgency technology. Once the vessel will undock and proceed to flight tests, the Torment will take it's place and recieve the necessary repairs.

After Matteo finished outlining the plan he looks at his lieutenant, which took off in an instant. He then looks back towards Parez and comes:" Don't make me wait." while leaving the table towards the hangar.

Message end.

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Torment · 08-06-2022, 05:18 PM,

Freeport 5

It seemed a deal had been struck, even if Lucian wasn't particularly sure if he had actually agreed, but it seemed that his agreement did not play a factor in this matter.
Still, he had gotten what he wanted, at least on paper. Now all that remained was to actually bring it to fruition. Lucian finished his drink before following Matteo out the bar, heading back to the Torment.

Once Lucian was safely back onboard he turned to his staff and instructed the senior staff: "Prepare to head out, we'll be escorted by some Corsair vessels to one of their shipyards. Get the Engineering crew ready, they'll be aiding the Corsairs with a little project while doing the needed repairs. Also, I want explosives rigged at key locations throughout the ship as a safety measure. Should the Corsairs try anything we'll blow the Torment, and their shipyard sky high." The senior staff looked at the captain wearily; the idea of self destructing the ship was far from appealing. Still, given the circumstances, it was a reasonable countermeasure to ensure the Corsairs would stick to their word.

A few minutes after Lucian had landed the Torment entered formation with the Corsair, ready to be led through the dense asteroid fields of the Omega-41 system to it's new temporary home. The Torments crew hard at work with preparing their safety measures.

vladimir26 · 08-09-2022, 06:08 PM,

┝┅┅┅{INCOMING TRANSMISSION}┅┅┅┥

┝┅{Location: Rhodes, Sparta

Of course he kept me waiting. Now more details start to link. No wonder that the Liberty military managed to get so close to their home system. I bet Insurgency captains were still on their way to their vessels while the libertonians were assembled in battle formation at a stone's throw. Alas, I had my cigars with me so I won't complain that much. After three cigars there he was with a new, shiny uniform and a lot of hair spray. Matteo couldn't resist: "Perez, looks like you're prepared for your funeral" . As for the impression, we prefer skill over looks.

Finally, formation was complete, Omicron Gamma's jumphole coords were locked. Another corsair that goes by the callsign "Tortillero" entered formation. We were finally moving, but not at full speed since the Torment being in such a bad shape was very vulnerable to the asteroid fields that cover the whole of Omega-41, and a catastrophic decompression wouldn't serve any interest. Maybe Perez's interest, if he intends to try something folish, be sure his demise will be worse than a flight through space without an escape pod. After all, he has no choice but to comply, so I doubt he didn't took some safety precautions. That shiny uniform inspires honor, so I'm certain he won't just accept his fate if anything goes south.

An eternity and three ice ages later, we were in Sparta. I told Perez to add a new star to that uniform of his, as he was one of the few outsiders allowed in, especially in a vessel as big as his. After exiting Gredos Cloud the Torment was finally able to engage full engine power, and soon enough Rhodes was in sight. Perez was impressed by the size and capabilities of the shipyard, saying they have something similar, but well "hidden". Well, if something has to be hidden in order to remain whole, its defence is pathetic.

[Image: received_1002037610464292.jpeg]

After the initial impression of Rhodes tempered down, Perez was able to notice the Parabellum in the drydock. An exterior scan confirmed that the engines are similar to what the Torment has, so his chief engineer will work with familiar technology. Also, Perez mentioned his engineering team was "excited about what they can do". Certainly they're not excited about helping the Corsairs, so that makes me think the task is doable and they have chances of survival. This is why they're excited. I proceeded to dock and await for Perez and his team on board Rhodes so we could head to the R&D wing where the Corsair engineering team was waiting.

On their way Matteo patted Perez on the shoulder: "So, you have crossed the point of no return. How excited are you about this?". At this point, with Perez inside a Corsair instalation and his life being in the hands of his engineering team, the sheep's folly is complete.

Chat logs

Message end.

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