It kinda seemed to me like you needed to hear that, so i just offered my honest opinion. He said then nodded. I am happy you understand the point i am trying to make. With that, i am most certain Rheinland's future is in safe hands, it is my duty to do the same for Gallia. He takes another small sip and then lays back on his seat.Another Civil war will only repeat history all over again, that is not the result i am looking for. Those are internal affairs that we will set in order, i have my options but for now i would like to focus on what i can do. Patience et one step at a time... surely you can understand that. He sighed softly. I believe it all started with the Glassing of Leeds, which by the way was a reckless action taken by the decision of a crazed lunatic that could simply not accept the turns of the war, now the rest of us, Honorable people at that, suffer by the actions of a single person. Et with the Council urging for the power, that is just the most convenient excuse that came at almost the perfect moment. Basically it was just what they needed for us, the Crown loyalists to lose credibility in the public's eye. The media, controlled by the revolutionary forces made it seem like it was a decision we made together but the reality is this; Not even i knew of the Glassing until i heard of it on the news. I was never there to put a stop to such a inhumane act of murder. Before even the course of the war had changed, my Battleship has been deployed back into the Gallic Border Worlds to secure our supply lines, so imagine my surprise when everything suddenly took a turn on us; On one end, our state has fallen et by the other, somehow our forces were driven back. Those of us that i know remained true to the cause failed to surrender in order to survive, which you can say is another reason why they tagged us as pirates, or criminals, or whatever else they could say in order to keep us down. It is generally what this people do when things do not go their way, they will harm your reputation until you go under the ground by yourself. He pauses for a short moment, planting his eyes at the flag behind Traudel. I do not believe in this... short term saying. Short terms do not give us enough time to settle or to create anything to last, only for a short period of time. Our goals are very simple my dear; Gain the public support, gather support from the Gallic nobility to the Heir's claim on the Throne, restore the Gallic monarchy by bringing the Heir et supporting their claim on the Throne, et ultimately imprisonment of ex-Royal Naval personnel serving the Confederal regime. Something normal under the Royalist regime, everyone pays for their actions. Now in order to achieve some of the mentioned, i had to turn to a friend we helped in times of need. But quite frankly, i still hold some regret thinking that high, after my soldier's results of his encounter, et after one of your Lieutenants openly said a few hurtful things, it was then i realized some things have changed within Rheinland as well, et perhaps, in the same way it has in Kusari before they launched an attack on our House... Yet here i am, with the intent to convince myself before judging over something that may simply have been misunderstood. Mounier lifts up his glass and takes a sip, then locks his brown eyes on Traudel's.
"I do indeed understand, ja. Little will be gained if thoughts dwell only on the distant goals in the future. Of course they are important and have to be considered, but the way to reach them has to be prepared first." Nodding once, she begins to listen. As Leeds and the avalanche of effects it kicked off are mentioned and explained in more detail, a light frown follows.
"As it happens so often - the actions of a few ruin things for the many. A true shame, really. Yet rarely to be avoided. And with certain elements just waiting for an excuse to further their own goals, every action - be that as little or big as it may - is highly enticing. To be taken, twisted and turned into whatever may suit their needs the most at any given moment. Often developing a certain life of its own, small pebble that transforms into a landslide. I am saddened to hear you had to find yourself on this side of those events. At the same time i am glad you and some others managed to make it through these hardships, Herr Maréchal." Traudel weighs her words carefully, buying herself a little bit of time by taking one more sip from her glass.
"If there are no short-term goals... that only makes it easier. Very well. Some may have their merit, but i agree in general. They rarely lead to lasting results. And lasting results is what both of our Houses desire." As wineglass and table meet again, Traudel holds Ferdinand's gaze. "Nothing stays the same, our lives are ever changing. Evolving and adapting, as stagnation means death of all things. This goes for Gallia as it does for Rheinland. We may not have an entirely identical situation, but Rheinland did have changes here and there. None that change the course we intend to take in this here matter, i assure you. What little ... discrepancies there may be, they will not interfere in such a way that war will follow. I believe one of your concerns is the mention of Bretonia, which came from my previous superior. pursing her lips, while eyeing a flag not far from her chair. "Keep your friends close, Herr Maréchal. And your enemies closer." Bright blue eyes turn back, seeking brown ones yet another time. "The Sirian Houses make pacts, break them ... only to make new ones and potentially break them again. As i said a bit earlier today: Understanding is key, be it allies or enemies. Not scoping out our neighbour's intentions by several means, innocent diplomacy among them, ... would only hurt ourselves in the long run. I do admit though, asking so openly was ... let us say ... not entirely thought through. A reason why you and me now have the chance to enjoy a fruitful conversation. Were there more instances? I believe you said there had been hurtful things as well?"
Merci madame Habermeyer, truly it is the kind words i hear from you that are holding my hopes hostage, in a good way.
We were aware of the hardships that were going to follow us after the Glassing, we just took the necessary measures to retreat et regroup then resist for as long as it took for the newly formed Confederate government to inevitably fail miserably as it was expected et designed for, in order for us to commence our process of reinstatement. It was a long et painful wait for us, but at the end of the day we made it through. A smirk can be noticed on Mounier's face, indicating that he's aware of some of the things mentioned by Traudel. I am all well too aware of how Sirians work by now. He sighs. A good example of that would be Kusari, whom too went through some "changes" before they struck Gallia, despite us paying our dues et helping their crippled economy when we very well could have taken a different approach, but we did not. Is that because we were "savages"? Or because we wanted to be reasonable et wanted to see the good in others? If anything... our gratitude was only taken advantage of nothing less. He continued, without moving his eyes from Traudel's for a moment. Surely you can understand now why I'm having these unquestionable concerns. Despite the fact right now I have no credibility in the eyes of people, other than being an outlaw by word of the new lawmakers of Gallia et foreign entities et leading a group of fanatics as they would call us, if i exclude the other reasons i came here, I am here to also ensure that another similar incident never happens again because for better or worse, it is still my Home. Surely you can tell who or what I am by simply hearing me speak, or by looking me in the eyes which cannot lie. Ferdinand pauses for a brief moment and takes another small sip from his glass, just wetting his lips really and puts it back down very gently. Indeed my deepest concerns begun when I heard about Bretonia, not only that, but your Lieutenant expressing concern about damaging relations with them if Rheinland was indeed to show interest in supporting us which led me to believe there is more to that than simple "treaties"... as you would call them, another reason why i asked monsieur Thielau for full transparency in this meeting. Both his hands on the desk, he interlocks his fingers and his thumbs would rotate in a slow motion. Before expressing that specific worry, he believed we were requiring some sort of financial Funding? As if Francs or Credits would even help in any way. Even mistook us for the revolutionaries... if I am not mistaken? To us, those are some hurtful matters to assume without having a chance to hear what we have to say. Keep in mind that the reconnaissance task was one I had to improvise quickly because those who were initially tasked to carry this operation et meeting not only betrayed our cause, they purposely postponed it while apparently working with the Bretonian intelligence behind the scenes. I know one of the two did at least. A former Commandant of our Regiment that got away et is under the protection of, heh, Bretonian authorities these days, isn't that humorous? The ex-Colonel of the Regiment was imprisoned for delaying his duties et will face true justice before the Royal Court when the time comes for that. His eyes still locked on Traudel. If it was not straightforward to the point, I doubt Admiral Thielau or.... anyone else for the matter would have taken the request seriously et we probably would not even be here having this fruitful discussion, or am I wrong? He slightly raises his right eyebrow Keep your friends close.... a wise saying indeed, but how do I know we are not really the ones filling the role of the enemy? After all, we are just outlaws in the eyes of many et unfortunately that does not exclude people within your ranks. It makes me wonder how many others may share that sentiment, really. Not to mention... the very Sirian tradition of breaking treaties whenever it seems convenient. He says calmly as his eyes are locked on Traudel.
"Patience is a virtue long-lost to many. So is integrity." Eye contact is maintained almost exclusively this time around and if her eyes moved away... it was only to the sides for brief periods - never downwards. "How you can be certain you are not the enemy? You cannot, Herr Maréchal... same as we can't, as you just put it yourself. No credibility in the eyes of the people, all but your word against that of the current lawmakers of Gallia. We are aware of past help. That is why i am here. Still this can be taken all kinds of ways. The only thing to rely on is the other one's word at this very moment. A fragile thing that is - a word. Yet it can carry so much more power than any fleet ever could. The Glassing of Leeds was a show of force - but it was the might of words that caused so much more in the end." Lifting her brows only slightly, barely noticeable.
"The actions of the few affecting the consequences for the many. Some are less politically astute than others, unfortunate statements of my previous superior have tainted your first impression. Which is understandable, i extend my apologies for those. Still, they were not without reason. You said it yourself, Herr Maréchal. Some of your own men who worked on this not only betrayed the course and yourself... nein they cooperated with Bretonian Intelligence as well." Traudel leans back slightly. "That Crayter Transport which showed up? May have not been the only one around, our meeting wasn't necessarily all that covert, after all. Keeping appearances up is key when dealing with the backstabbery and curiosity of other Houses. If somebody listened, then they know about Leutnant Schmidt's stance. Something tells me that discretion is, at this stage of affairs, more beneficial to both of us. Offering them false information to keep them guessing, instead of openly confirming to them we invite you in."
"Don't let this become a repetition of the past, where the action taken by a few doom the result for the many. As i know you are a better man than that. You wouldn't be here if it wasn't for your belief in a better solution. Maybe you could do it on your own, yet you have at least an interest to scope out possibilities with others. There are no guarantees or safeties, we both agreed on that just a few moments prior. Only man-made declarations of commitment and sheer will to achieve goals are there - you represent that for the remnants of the crown's finest. So do key figures in Rheinland. Many treaties can and will break under enough pressure - Sirius has proven that. Convictions, on the other hand, do not. If anything - they grow stronger in the face of adversity." Traudel pauses for a short moment. "They bind like-minded individuals and orginazations on an entirely different basis. Far away from solely the need, born of insecurity, to require a contract." A slight scoff, before Traudel lifts her right gloved hand and looks at it. "Do not get me wrong, treaties have their place and uses." While talking, she begins to take off her right glove.
"You are like me. We extend our hand on the off chance that bigger benefits follow, a stronger connection and the rare chance of long lasting and meaningful endeavours gets in reach. Often enough it leads to where we do not wish it to go - rarely does it go where we want it. But if it does? It does so for a considerably longer time. Be the better House, show those that wronged you in the past there is more profitable ways and why the long term investment pays off so much more in the end. Triumph over their lack of virtues and force them to never forget how the hand that offers aid ... should never be bitten. Lest it refuses to reach out again in inevitably following times of need." With that her hand is offered, backside facing upwards. Rendering homage to traditions and times forgotten by many. No hint of power play in those bright blue eyes - just plain honesty.
"I offer my hand right now. As a sign of no ill will, but conviction and integrity. Perhaps you have heard about it, perhaps you have not. Personally i assume you will have heard of it. In any case, i will openly talk about it. A sign for things to come and proof we honor the plea for full transparency. Almost a month ago Grand Admiral Delacroix of the Combined Fleet of the Gallic Navy contacted the Rheinwehr. Granting permission to enter Zurich, in order to combat a hidden gathering of Unioners there. Now, this could be taken several ways. An extended hand, just as i did here, or a veiled request for much needed help. For as our Kampfgruppe arrived and formed up with their force, the Unioners managed to disable their flagship. The Rheinwehr was present, watched it happen. I was present, watched it happen. Seeing this, one could entertain many thoughts on how to proceed with current Gallia. Yet no actions to invade them or make use of a potentially crippled fleet have been taken - as we remembered an old friend's approach. And charging in without properly considering our options is not the Rheinland way. Who knows, maybe we could've involuntarily hurt some of your own plans already in motion by this. Therefore ... you and me sit here now, Herr Maréchal." A faint smile follows, a rather calculated one at that.
"Judge us not only by actions taken ... but also those not taken."
Mounier lays back on his seat, listening and allowing her to finish what she has to say. He was aware that all he had to bring with him was his honorable word that for him valued as much as his loyalty to the cause. He nods at Traudel, as an intention to let her know that he understands what she is trying to say.
You see madame, this is where I have to respectfully correct you. Rheinland of all people should know of me as a friend, considering I was part of the diplomatic team led by my former Grand Maréchal Lucie LeBlanc herself, when we came in Rheinland to seal the very first trading cooperation deals, of course i belive it was the Federal government back then, but not all of them were "Federals" around that time either. That alone should be proof that my words weight more than just expired air, because as far as I know we honor et value our treaties et partnerships, is it wrong to expect something in return, perhaps in times like this? Or should we just dishonour et forget everything judging by the actions of a lunatic? Turn down the living proof that we aren't the very savages certain people wants to make everybody believe we are.
He pauses
I strongly believe my word weights a lot more than just expired air, in this case, I belive because of the position, title et knowledge I hold that gives me the benefit of the doubt. Slight frown followed by an honest smile can be noticed
From what I was told, I can safely assume it was not just for the appearance what monsieur Schmidt said. It is almost too good to be just that, however I will not argue with you over it. Personally, to me it seemed like he was making a statement for us to know where Rheinland stands as of now. Maybe it's within its best interests, who am I to interfere with that? I had time to analyse the report carefully my dear, et a man who holds the title of Maréchal, does not simply hold it by coincidence or by mistake so believe me when I say I thought of every possible theory. In these trying times we can never be too careful.
That one Crayter Transporter also raises some questions. For example, how come it had access points to this very station we are on? Why was it carrying Light Arms? Why hasn't the Military taken any measures to stop it? I seriously considered the option where I would be handed over to the Crayterians as soon as I landed earlier. As for my interest, the only interest I have is to know whether I can see an ally in Rheinland when I look at it. One that will not hesitate to take a course of action when the situation requires so, like we once offered when we still had a credible state.
As for those who bit the hand that fed them, they will learn it is never a good thing to make enemies with those who helped them on the way up. We will remind them of that. Ferdinand sounded very confident in his statements, confirming that he believes what he says and is not inclined to changing his opinion.
As I have said, the current status of Gallia is hurting because of this a disorganised, battered collection of hardliners et holdouts believe they can come close to the former glory. That alone should be the very proof that the system is not working. They have gone soft, so soft that they can not even brush off some mere pirates et on top of that, damage to a critical point to the very Flagship who in our times, was to be considered the strongest ship in the field. A smirk on Mounier's face appears to cover the notable frustration when he heard about the shameful performance of the new Gallic Navy admiralty. This is the very reason why we must commence our process of reinstatement of the Monarchy, arrest this branch of incompetents, properly judge them, et assign qualified people to hold the positions they have dishonoured by every means possible.
With that said, madame Habermeyer, consider me convinced that I can view you not only as an understanding friend but a reliable ally for the long-term future. Mounier stands up slowly then very gently and carefully takes her hand with his right one to help her up as well, his left hand would be placed under his chest, he then bows down a little, simultaneously moving her hand close to his chin but no contact, every move made with outmost precision, showing his finest degree of manners and politeness, while making a long eye contact from the beginning of the process.
With her hand in his, brown and blue eyes look deep into each other. A silent nod, coupled with a plain smile, follows. "More than glad to hear your verdict favors Rheinland, Herr Maréchal. I am certain this path will bring prosperity, much needed correction of the status quo and the spark of former glory to both our Houses. Ushering in a new era, guided by reliable and proven principles." With the symbolic gesture complete, Traudel folds her hands together again.
"I have little doubt in your word being true and carrying weight, i welcome any and all correction. For this is why i am here. To establish proper communication and ease any potential irritation that arose prior to our meeting. As i see this was achieved in a sufficient manner for you to consider us suitable and reliable allies for the things to come... i am most pleased." Slow nod following, paired with the nonverbal offer to sit down again. After a short moment Traudel does so herself.
"I see a man before me who thinks about every possible outcome and reasoning behind things that happen... truly. It may become rather taxing at times, i believe. Yet it is a quality every proper organization requires from at least one of its members. Now - regarding Leutnant Schmidt's words... he is hardly in the position to speak on Rheinland's behalf. Personal opinions and how his own view correlates to what he experienced that day? Certainly. But these are no universal statements. As you said earlier... during Federal times not all were Federalists. Differing opinions are to be expected at all times - we are no clones or machines, after all. They won't interfere. But be assured... extensive history lessons for our soldiers are not unlikely to follow, now that this avenue of opportunities has not only presented itself, but is about to be taken by you and us." Right hand reaching for the glass, holding it at the stem. Before drinking from it, she lifts it a little bit and inclines her head towards Ferdinand.
Gently placing the glass down again, Traudel continues. "What else i would like to know is what your expectations for said cooperation and help are. Are there proposals and or requests already? How can Rheinland assist the Monarchy, Herr Maréchal? Is there something i can discuss with you at this moment in time? Of course i will have to leave direct decisions on a grander scale to Großadmiral von Thielau in the end. But we may very well find acceptable approaches to the current predicament, which i can then present to him."
Ferdinand acknowledged the offer and proceeds to get comfortable back on his seat.
I would not call it an irritation, more like... a worry, a worry that the diplomacy may have dropped significantly against Gallia since it's signs of struggle et disorganisation as those mentioned before. Not to mention the lack of reach or proper communication with the Rheinlanders. I assumed it dropped to a neutral point, perhaps I was right until now when I belive things are more clear on your end, after this meeting.
He reaches for his glass and repeats Traudel's action in return, raising his glass a little bit before drinking from it, followed by a nod.
A new era based on the old traditions, led my competent and qualified individuals who seek nothing less than a bright future et long term stability for both our Houses. The benefits will come naturally for each party as long as we remain true to each other, I am certain we will accomplish what we both seek for our peoples.
He smiled
If being taxed means I get to ensure the safety of my people, then it is a price I am willing to pay, a risk I am willing to take even. After all, honor comes before anything.
As for monsieur Schmidt's personal feelings, I must point out the fact his personal feelings match the ones of the Bretonians, that in my opinion can be worrisome. Unexpected changes of ideas might occur because of that, however I have taken your word for it now et It may not change anytime soon unless these changes I mention are noticed.
He interlocks his fingers behind his glass.
Having too many expectations usually leads to an unavoidable amount of disappointments, so I will have to be brutally honest that I have none. But there would be a particular set of requests that I have. Our current position does not allow us to make proposals that we may not be able to fulfil until we stand at a point from where we can provide them. However, one or two of those particular requests may have a certain benefit to Rheinland's interests, as well as they would be essential for us.
Allow me to begin;
I would like Rheinland to supply our Regiment with the basic goods to survive what is to come; Food, military hardware, vehicles, weapons, et cetera. It is not that we can not get them, we lack the manpower to focus on multiple things at once, if Rheinland can provide that, it would only ease the process of reinstatement, since we could focus on that properly.
You know I mentioned a Battleship in our discussion, well the crew et the ship itself are at a safe location in the Gallic borderworlds but it is in need of maintenance et restock after the battles the battlegroup has fought to survive. Is there a secret place that Rheinland could provide for it's maintenance? If yes, I would like to know if Rheinland can obtain from Gallia the materials needed for such work, in which case, this one particular action may become quite beneficial for Rheinland engineers in obtaining blueprints to make their own version of the weapon incorporated in the vessel. If not, forget about this particular request.
Another thing would be, et this is quite a more delicate matter, can Rheinalnd send an agent on our behalf to meet a certain proclaimed Noble "Comte", with apparent ties to the Royalists inside the Union's Navy et beyond, confirm his stance et perhaps report back the results to us? Before getting in contact with this individual personally, I need to make sure first-hand that he is indeed in for the cause et not just setting a trap at the Union's will. I belive this one matter Could also allow Rheinland to make newer connections within Gallia, other than the frauds who want to act like the big men.
These would be the main requests, we do not intend to ask Rheinalnd to get involved politically or militarily as it may lead to results that none of us want or need. We also do not need financial funding, some of us took necessary measures in that regard shortly after the Glassing of Agincourt (Leeds), knowing very well what was going to happen to us after.
Et before you ask, the reason I turned to Rheinland et not hired someone for these matters is simple. He turns to Traudel and looked straight in her eyes again. I do not trust people who work for the highest bidder, that could potentially sell out our location et endanger us. I would rather work with somebody I know as an ally, that does not look for excuses et understands certain issue, or sells their services as if they were irrelevant matters.
Knowing smile on her lips, she listens to Ferdinand's words. Maintaining direct eye contact while preventing said eye contact to appear confrontational. "Bought loyalty is no loyalty at all. Best case scenario is it equates to building on quicksand. For those gifted with true vision and long-term goals... this will not suffice in the slightest. I had no doubt about the why - still i welcome hearing it from you directly. There is always a difference in being outright told by the other party." A small nod of appreciation is quick to follow.
"Let us call it worry then. The state of diplomacy may have indeed suffered, a garden needs to be tended after all. Neglect might have settled in during times past - but the process of weeding said garden has begun now. I do so like watching flowers bloom, don't you too Herr Maréchal?" Traudel's knowing smile transformed to a simple genuine one. "There certainly is a considerable amount of fog and rain gone, allowing the sun to shine once more."
Lifting her glass again, Traudel smells the Riesling - but does not drink it just yet. "An exceptionally healthy approach to expectations and how to temper them. Brutal honesty is not uncommon among Rheinlanders, if anything we value it." After a small sip, she proceeds. "And with that i make use of this just now. I can assure you, Herr Maréchal, that there will be no need to worry about the first point. I even give you my word that the logistical situation will be handled. Food, medicine, even arms... Rheinland will provide. To... ... let us say... maybe even sweeten the deal... " Traudel exhales a bit, sounding amused. Smelling her wine a second time, potentially developing a taste for it at this point. "The Combined Fleet of the Gallic Navy might even assist you in this without knowing. I mentioned earlier the Rheinwehr helped them against Unioners? After this our Oberkommando was contacted once more, they had a proposal for us. A shared military zone, Cologne and Zurich. Protecting it together, instead of having both Houses station entire fleets there. Moving military supply to our forces in Zurich ... how should i say? Would be a natural consequence. As would be the precise knowledge where which of their ships is or patrols, since they asked for shared information in this regard." With an almost delighted expression, Traudel allows herself the next sip. "They'll be the architects of their own destruction - blissfully ignorant of what's to come."
Savouring the taste for a good while, before even thinking about continuing. "The matter of a safe and secure location for said battleship is a different one. Interest will be there, no doubt. It is an enticing offer and opportunity. A few sites might even be suitable - but this will require a second meeting after careful consideration and evaluation of its feasibility. I would not want to confirm something i simply cannot at this moment. Similar goes for establishing contact with this noble you mentioned, even though i see less issues in this regard. Due to a point you already highlighted... Rheinland will have to make new contacts in Gallia either way. It is inevitable." Placing her glass down again, she neatly folds her hands. "With this i believe we are nearing today's end, unless there is a specific aspect which needs further discussion? I for one have what i need, it'll be prepared and properly summarized for Großadmiral von Thielau. So he can review it and reach out again for a proper second meeting."
Well consider me et those who share my views for our House, as the gardeners who will remove the bad weeds et plant new seeds of prosperity et stability. You can be assured I like to see those flowers bloom in their natural form, not a hybrid one. He said with his smile on his face.
He then listens very carefully, while he gently puts his hand on the glass and begins to slowly play with his wine, making a quick analysis of what she says.
Alright. Well, contact me over the communication channel before the ships are ready to depart with the supplies. I need to make a safe route so that they do not get noticed entering our sector of space. I shall give the coordinates of said route et the destination in that channel. As I've mentioned to monsieur Thielau, we lack the bases et the ones we have are not very close to your borders. I can say they are considerably far.
May I suggest one thing though? Since they asked for shared information, I believe it would be wise to just play by their rules, for a while, so suspicion is not raised. Me or my men are not worried about them as they are just a disorganised group who just play the dictators, we are incomparably more experienced et we could probably hurt them if we were to battle them anyways, but that may spark something we do not wish. Perhaps a few selected members of a corporation can accomplish that, since they have access in Gallia et will not raise too many questions. At least until we manage to confirm the support from other Royalist entities inside Gallia. He takes his glass to his mouth but stops for a moment.
That should not be an issue. Our small repair ship provides enough to keep the vessel at service, excluding it's combat capacity due to combat-related systems barely working at 10% of their natural capacity. It will need proper maintenance, so it will survive like that for the time being until a proper decision is made by your superior, as it has until now. I very much understand that et I thank you for considering it. Right now we do not have that much to offer In return for your services, so sharing with you some of our powerful technology I believed to be good leverage in this negotiation. Regardless, we shall discuss more when the time is right. He drinks what is left in the glass and then carefully places his glass next to Traudel's. His eyes were stuck on her's throughout the entire last part of their conversation.
I believe this would indeed be all for the time being. I for one must return to the Resurgent et set my affairs in order now that I know our logistic matters have been taken care of. This was an important step for us, et i can now proceed to the next one. Monsieur Thielau or you even, will know if there will be something else.
Would you care to walk with me to my ship? He asks gently, as he proceeds to stand up from his seat.
"It would be a pleasure." Traudel gets up as well, adjusts her uniform by force of habit und turns slightly towards the doors.
"Both you and me have a bit more on our plates now, preparations are to be made. Neither you or me are the type that idles, i figured out that much rather quickly. Proper planning? Ja, certainly. But no wasted time if it can be helped."
Putting on her right glove again, slow steps lead towards the door. "The supply situation will be handled by some of our corporations, expect Daumann or Kruger mostly. That will keep suspicion to a minimum, trade is ... nothing more than conducted business, after all. Whichever place is most suitable for you, the details can be worked out in subsequent communications. This will pose little to no issues i am sure. We have little reason to give the Combined Fleet any reason to doubt our intentions. How things are looking currently is beneficial to both of us, until more support is guaranteed from within." Opening the doors, Traudel remains for now to hold it open.
"That ship you mentioned will receive proper maintenance once those details are worked out - it is good to know it receives at least a base minimum of that. Personally, i am always somewhat saddened when i see marvels of engineering slowly rot away due to neglect or lack of possibilities to care for them." Slight sigh later, she shakes her head but then smiles faintly. "It does not always need the metaphorical carrot on a stick to allow good intentions, negotiatons and combined efforts to take root. The most promising directions are often taken due to both sides trusting in more than only pure value against value."