"Just checking hermano, don't go overboard. But I do suggest we leave Liberty to attack Rhineland, without hindering their progress. If they will serve our purpose, so be it.
Also, what of the problem of the Kusari? What will they think if we appear to be assisting Liberty; note, we are not assisting them in the slightest.
And what if Bretonia start to push back the Kusari from Tau 31? Sorry if this seems jittery but I am trying to get all the strategic possibilities out in the open for all to hear..."
"Well, if one side seems to get the upper hand in the war, we'll weaken them, and keep them at each other's throats.
The Bretonians had been launching serious counters against the KNF until we mauled Cambridge.
Right now, the Kusari are winning, reports showing that the Nagasaki is advancing on Harris, so hitting Rheinland shouldn't be a problem. If that war goes as we expect, and both Rheinland and Liberty get involved, we can attack whichever side is stronger, to keep all of the Houses weak and near-collapse."
Ares thinks that they can soften the House governments by weakening them as they punish each other's militaries. Only then will they be fragile enough for a popular revolution to begin in their homes, for the benefit of all Sirius.
"Brother Pedro, your plan had many merits. The fears of the Sigma-13 jumphole collapsing are overblown, and the Junkers are self-serving opportunists. As long as we have something to offer them we can be assured of their co-operation.
"The two-pronged attack suggested by Brother Ares is brilliant. An initial attack coming through the Omegas and into Stuttgart, the breadbasket of Rhineland, will terrify the Rheinlanders. I believe they will move their forces with all haste to defend their food supply, leaving New Berlin relatively undefended. The way from Sigma-13 to their capital will then be clear, and we strike!
"Now, the way to Rheinland via the Omegas is blocked by those bastard Hessians. However, as Ares pointed out, they will have their hands full against OPG, and we can be thankful of their aid even if it will be given unknowingly. I believe the Hessians will not prove a significant hindrance.
"Of course, this will leave the SCRA forces at the mercy of the full strength of RM. No Ares, do not look at me like that! Your men are brave and mighty soldiers. But I cannot in good conscience leave you to bear the brunt of the Rheinlanders' wrath. We should commit some of our Brotherhood forces to join Ares in the Stuttgart attack.
"As for Liberty, I agree we do not, must not, engage their help in our plans. The political stance between the major powers is like a house of cards, it does not require any direct intervention on our part to come tumbling down. Indeed we would want to appear "neutral" parties in this anyway, as far as is practicable.
"So that is my thoughts on the matter."
~Farquar takes a swig of beer to quench is dry throat~
Pedro was satisfied by the interest his plan had acquired. Before this meeting, he hoped it could also help both Gentle and Ares find some uniting element so they can focus on a mutual goal instead of fighting each other. But it was still not lost and there was still some hope left. After OPG has dealt with the Hessians, they could move over and help SCRA with attacks from Stutgart or join TBH forces at Yanagi.
Then he looked at Carlos Benitez and said: "Amigo Carlos, what do you say, can we count with your help?"
Ximen Benitez slips into the room quietly. He walks over to the person nearest him and hands him a note.
It reads: "There is a new Battleship being constructed. I will be piloting it under OPG command. Currently I am flying a large train to help pay for this project, but if anybody would like to help by donating some credits to me, I can pay for this faster and get the Battleship in action and ready to fight. Contact me for more info.
I also heard about what you guys are talking about. You can definately count on my help!
Thanks,
Ximen
((PS: I think Carlos is really busy at the moment.))"
Then Ximen quietly walked back out and gently shut the door behind him.
" It truly seems the Benitez family we tried to help so much in the beginning have pretty much crumbled, it looks like we can no longer look to them for help in defending our home, the TBH will take all rights they gave the Benitez family back, you are no longer strong enough to do the job, i had high hopes for your family Carlos but it seems you have failed, the brotherhood will take over full command over gamma like we used to, it seems we can only rely on our selfs, the SCRA and a few lone Corsairs that are true to the Corsair course."
"I hope you agree with me brothers?"
Costello looked over to the guards who are supposed to "guard" who comes and goes.
"You two are sacked, your a disgrace to the Corsair name, bring in some guards what can actually read the list of people allowed in this room!"
Even Ares is shocked here. Whilst he agrees with Costello's sentiments, he hadn't expected this at all. Costello may push the Benitez family to join the OPG in a Corsair civil war. The Omega Pirate Guild and the Benitez family would lose, yes, but they were an unnecessary distraction.
He reads the note as it falls to the table in front of him, leaning back in his seat as he does so.
He whistles lowly and softly, seeing bad things coming for the Corsairs...
"Costello, Costello. Take your seat again. Today's discussion is about Rheinland.
Now, as to the Benitez family, they may yet regain their honour if they stop inviting mercenaries and other scum into Gamma, and go about their duties with diligence.
That and they should not be piloting battleships for the OPG, seeing as they aren't even Corsairs any more and the asteroids in the Omegas making flying such things impossible anyway...
...Carlos, 'Don' Benitez, you have a lot to answer for..."
Juan watched the sights and heard the voices before him. He was quite astounded.
"Have you lost your minds people?" He said in a whisper. Only Ares heard him, but soon after:
"HAVE YOU LOST YOUR BLOODY MINDS!?!" He shouted across the hall.
"What the hell is happening here? Bickering is all. This council was formed to unite the Corsairs under one banner, yet all you can think of is civil war! Carlos has nothing to to 'answer' for, as you put it! It is up to Ximen as to what he chooses to do, you also treat the OPG as enemies. Traitors they may be, but enemies they are not; not yet."
Juan ran out of air for a moment, breathed in, and composed himself.
"Excuse me, that was uncalled for. However, I do not appreciate the attempts being made here to start a damn civil war. I thought this was a meeting to unite the Corsairs, and strike the heart of Rheinland? We have enough enemies as is, we don't need our own to count as one more. Think on this, and next time stay your collective tongues.
As to the mercenary issue, the Benitez's will stop bringing these into Gamma. However, I don't expect this to start a war between us. We all know who would be victorious, but it would weaken all of the Corsairs. I won't let this happen."
Whilst Ares dislikes the Benitez family with a vengeance, he agrees with Juan. Rheinland is the real enemy.
"Juan. This Benitez pilot has agreed to pilot a battleship for OPG. For one thing, they aren't to be trusted. They allowed Outcasts access into Gamma.
Secondly, a battleship can not be used in the OPG's home of Omega-5 with any efficiency. This brings me to the conclusion that they don't plan on it operating within Omega-5 at all. This makes me suspicious, don't you agree? Apparently they're off to continue their pirate heritage, with a battleship marooned in asteroids. I think not.
Now, the Benitez family could stop hiring mercenaries and stop making deals with certain Golden Crysanthemums and tell this wayward son to stick to his duties, not flying a battleship, and focus upon the attack on Rheinland.
If the Benitez were to then prove their mettle against Rheinland, well maybe they could regain their privileges..."
Ares is irritated. He trusts neither the Benitez family nor the Omega Pirate Guild. What did they need battleships for?! Cadiz couldn't support one for longer than a week... they must have some kind of underhand plan...