:: FROM THE DESK OF GRANDE MARECHAL LILITH LACROIX ::
::Given at the [CLASSIFIED] day of [CLASSIFIED] during the [CLASSIFIED] year reign of the Royal family::
:: NIVEAU 10 ENCRYPTION ::
Re : Priority 2 report.
Giroux,
First of all. I wish to inform you of the fact that his Majesty wishes that your meeting with this individual remain strictly classified. He will determine, from now on, who will read this report and any others that may follow. Listening to the near end of your transmission, it would seem that this individual is to remain in our borderworlds, and has gotten to greatly, or mostly, appreciate your presence. Therefor, you are hereby ordered to limit your patrols to the Lorraine system and engage this individual in conversation for any more information on it's presence, reason, affiliation and tech and relay any information gained back to me directly via this secure channel.
Focus on this task and this task only, Giroux. All other is secondary priority.
Submitting new report. I undocked from Luneville and approached Lixheim. Then the Sirian showed up on my scanners few minutes later and resumed our talk. Uploading voice recordings.
<CLASSIFIED>: Spotted something familiar here.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: I could say the same. Bonsoir.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: I guess the Junkers' hospitality was fine enough, ha?
<CLASSIFIED>: I would prefer more comfortable apartments. Junkers don't seem to care about that.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Oui, that's true.
<CLASSIFIED>: Unfortunately even their "luxury" apartments were rather unfitting to what I am used to normally.
<CLASSIFIED>: It also looks like your command has lifted that "sirian policy" in my case.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Oui, they did.
<CLASSIFIED>: So I can finally find some place better.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Well, you mentioned something about speaking in a more comfortable situation, right?
<CLASSIFIED>: Unless you prefer junkers stench I'd rather speak elsewhere.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Well, we could enjoy the sights of this sytem while we have a talk, what do you think?
<CLASSIFIED>: Good idea. Though for security reasons we better keep moving. Least you want your... enemies to tap onto us.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Of course
<CLASSIFIED>: You see, I've spoken with some of them before. They seem were eager to find support in sirian colonies.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Well, if Sirians decide to aid those would-be freedom fighters...
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Like we would care. *Chuckles*
<CLASSIFIED>: It is unlikely to happen. A lot are reluctant, considering the implications and possible issues resulting in aiding them.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Glad to hear that. At least they know how to make wise decisions.
<CLASSIFIED>: They just know very little of the people here.
<CLASSIFIED>: This must be a jumpgate for Champagne...
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: It is.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: But sadly, we haven't gathered enough forces to enter the system and remove the resistance there
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Anyways, it's just matter of time.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Heh, let's move
<CLASSIFIED>: Alright. Lead on.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: So, we made the exception, and you managed to reach the Champagne gate alive.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Now, should we get back to the topic?
<CLASSIFIED>: I've went further than that, colonel. As you've probably witnessed earlier.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Eh, I wonder what the Royal Navy is doing here then.
<CLASSIFIED>: *raises an eyebrow* Pardon?
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: You saw the minefield and the station next to it.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: And people like you still manage to reach Champagne.
<CLASSIFIED>: I think there was a diversion on the other side at that time.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: I see.
<CLASSIFIED>: I think it were maquis or however you call them.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Well, as I said before, it's just matter of time. And we'll kick them from the Border Worlds forever.
<CLASSIFIED>: Some might harbor them though.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: We already assumed that.
<CLASSIFIED>: Growing desperate they'll be talking around, looking for contacts, for places to stay...
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: But they'll be out of Gallia, fortunately.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: What about you? What about those who sent you here?
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Do they have any opinion about this war?
<CLASSIFIED>: Perhaps. Though there is lot to know
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: And you came here for this.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: To learn, ha?
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Evaluate, if I recall correctly. That's what you said last time.
<CLASSIFIED>: To learn indeed. Like I said, there are too many rumors across Sirius. What is true? What is not? How do you find that?
<CLASSIFIED>: Gossip is a bad helper in making crucial decisions.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Oui, there's many lies about us, as well as true facts. But I presume lies are more common.
<CLASSIFIED>: Seems to be the case, yes. The sudden appearence, the surprise itself.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: A shame we couldn't stop it.
<CLASSIFIED>: People look for answers without looking for questions first. They make those answers and thus the assumptions.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Totally agreed.
<CLASSIFIED>: My associates are not interested in mere gossip. They want to know who you are and because of that question I am here.
So, we made a brief tour around Lorraine, keeping a low profile in order to avoid rebel forces. After listening to this part, I'm wondering what kind of false propaganda have the Council been spreading around Sirius. Fortunately, it didn't work for every Sirian, as this one claimed. Once we reached Luneville again, a Serval with a weird IFF and weapon loadout catched my attention. Not a big deal.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Apologies.
<CLASSIFIED>: Just what was that?
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: It was pretty disturbing, never saw such ship setup.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: But I've been told that our pilots already tried to deal with him.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Whatever... Seems there's always a reason to derail from the main topic, eh?
<CLASSIFIED>: Odd thing.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: So, what were we talking about..?
<CLASSIFIED>: About going into Burgundy.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Why should I take you to Burgundy?
<CLASSIFIED>: To see the wonders of this place. And for your turn to ask questions.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Follow me.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: My turn then. Who sent you? Who are you working for?
<CLASSIFIED>: Straight to the point, colonel? No shortcuts, no paths along, just fire it straight.
<CLASSIFIED>: Who sent me? Those that are interested in talking and possibly looking for opportunities others are blind to.
<CLASSIFIED>: Whereas most outside see you as an enemy they keep open mind and are not driven by prejudice or fear.
<CLASSIFIED>: It did not went unnoticed you are gathering massive fleets.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Those ones from the Council are desperate, as I see.
<CLASSIFIED>: Yes, they are very worried. And that would be an understatement even.
We moved to planet Tonnerre. No rebel presence there, so we could keep talking without being disturbed.
<CLASSIFIED>: Seems like this planet exhibits gravitational anomaly... Charts are off the scale.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: You'll be able to see every inch of Burgundy from here.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Oui, you were looking for wonders. Here you have.
<CLASSIFIED>: I've noticed it back then, can't help it but I'm attracted to the wonders of universe like this.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: We have got another wonder ... or aberration, in Dauphine.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Did you ever hear about four-headed planets?
<CLASSIFIED>: Only a rumor.
<CLASSIFIED>: From a mad junker on that station.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: *Chuckles* Well, that junker wasn't mad at all.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Because -this time- he was right.
<CLASSIFIED>: That would be a surprise.
<CLASSIFIED>: Gateways and lanes are quite familiar...
<CLASSIFIED>: Now to think the mankind had to travel though open space from one planet to another.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: *Sighs* Sure, sure... But we're derailing again.
<CLASSIFIED>: Actually we aren't derailing much. Gateways, lanes... all are essential technologies. But they aren't the only ones.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: I was more concerned about those who sent you. Those who were looking for 'opportunities'
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: I asked you what kind of opportunities they were looking for... Making profit, money? Allies?
<CLASSIFIED>: An opportunities in the field of technology. Technology and innovations that shape your very future.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Our future?
<CLASSIFIED>: Of course. Haven't lanes and gates uplifted you to what you are now?
<CLASSIFIED>: However they were not invented. They were found.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Oh? Found?
<CLASSIFIED>: And my associates can help you to find more.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: What kind of technology?
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: I mean, we have trade lanes, hyper-spatial engines...
<CLASSIFIED>: Tell me, what makes your ship fly?
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Get straight to the point. Don't ask me about spatial engineering.
<CLASSIFIED>: Your ships are bulky, a lot goes into propulsion systems and rather ineffective energy systems.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: And what about your ship? Is it that bulky too?
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: But, huh, enlighten me. I'm listening.
<CLASSIFIED>: It may look familiar, as a matter of fact it does use common frame of the popular ship series, however inside...
<CLASSIFIED>: Our technology can benefit you greately.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: 'However inside'... You didn't finish the sentence.
<CLASSIFIED>: *laughs* Why... I noticed you were scanning all along.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Oui, and that's why I'm willing to know about what's inside that 'common frame'.
<CLASSIFIED>: Alternative energy source for one thing.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: We know about Oil and H-Fuel as energy source. But that one?
<CLASSIFIED>: Neither oil nor h-fuel.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: May I know what is it then?
<CLASSIFIED>: Ah. All in good time, colonel.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Oh, why should I wait?
<CLASSIFIED>: Tsss... For every answer there is also a right time to know it.
<CLASSIFIED>: Suffice to say you may benefit from it, and advancements it may bring will be on par with that of gates and lanes.
<CLASSIFIED>: You are keen to know... and yet not afraid?
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Why should I? You mean we should 'fear' your capacities?
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Your technological advancements, that is.
<CLASSIFIED>: Traveling across the sirius there are many who are keen to know too, but afraid to.
<CLASSIFIED>: But it does not matter. Important is that you are not.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Oui, if we were afraid of what lies in every corner of Sirius... We wouldn't be fighting this war.
<CLASSIFIED>: Of course you should not fear, only fools let their fears to make decisions for them.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Hm. You mentioned benefit. But... What would you seek in exchange?
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Just an hypothetical scenario.
<CLASSIFIED>: Ah... What would it be? What could possibly be in exchange?
<CLASSIFIED>: It's not money. It's not territory.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: What is it then?
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Isn't it what humankind seeks?
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Surviving at any cost?
<CLASSIFIED>: Wealth and power... are transitional.
<CLASSIFIED>: There are places of interests. What many might call places of mystery.
<CLASSIFIED>: Where things aren't... aren't quite right.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Oh? Explain.
<CLASSIFIED>: Oddities. Anomalies. Explain? Yes... Unexplainable.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: And why would those who sent you care about ... Oddities? Anomalies?
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: And coming here to offer their technology... It's strange for me.
<CLASSIFIED>: And these are strange times indeed.
<CLASSIFIED>: What you simply stop to notice and accept as given - to them it's a challenge.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: I'm feeling more and more curious about 'them'.
<CLASSIFIED>: They ask questions and seek answers. Questions like the one is right underneath us.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: I'd say "It's just a planet"
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: A gas giant, rather.
<CLASSIFIED>: As would most. It would catch their eye this is abnormaly large planet, but beyond that... it's just a gas giant.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: And what's their purpose on unearthing the secrets -if it has any- of this gas giant?
<CLASSIFIED>: May be none at all. Just how purposeful would be wealth and power if we're all mortals.
<CLASSIFIED>: To you and most others the question "why" has long lost relevance, but not to them.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: So, they do not care about wealth and power...
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Only an immortal being wouldn't care about it.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Well, as humans, we know we'll die one day so, why not trying to reach what we think that will make us happy enough?
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Power, wealth, that is.
<CLASSIFIED>: Ah... a philosopher in colonel speaks.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: I'm not mere grunt, Sirian.
<CLASSIFIED>: I know that. Aristocracy in Gallia receives excellent education.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: It would be surprising for you but... I've been raised as a peasant.
<CLASSIFIED>: Doesn't matter if you were raised a peasant, if only matters if you strive to know, to ask questions.
<CLASSIFIED>: Education is often neglected in Sirian houses. Perhaps the reason why some are barely able to speak.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Then I could figure the kind of resistance we'll find there
<CLASSIFIED>: And when they do... There is no translator in the whole world that would be capable of making anything out of that.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Wouldn't be surprising, to be honest.
<CLASSIFIED>: Still. You now know what brought me here.
<CLASSIFIED>: The journey was a little exhausting after sleepless nights. Perhaps there is a place more comfortable you can recommend?
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Oui, sure.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: Unfortunately, you'll have to suffer the Junkers' hospitality again.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: This time, I advise to keep a lower profile.
<CLASSIFIED>: Isn't there a civilian installation with comfortable apartments?
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: If you've been told about Nevers... No way.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: We may have applied an exception, but that doesn't mean we'll put any resources at your disposal.. At the moment.
GRN|Aubert,Giroux: That Space Port would be enough.
This was quite grotesque, confusing. Oddities, anomalies... Apparently those are the only interests for those who sent this Sirian to Gallia. I don't know what to think about it, Marechal, so I'm seeking your advice for the next time I encounter this Sirian.
Little addendum: Colonel Picard was attacked by two Council fighters while I was still in Lorraine. She asked me for assistance, obviously I had to deny it and she didn't feel very happy about it. She kept asking me over the private comms channels even when we were above Tonnerre. I already assumed this task was strictly confidential, so I didn't mention anything about my situation, but it seemed Picard was willing to poke her nose into this matter. In the end... Well, seems I lost a friend -If I ever could consider her one-, but this mission still remains secret.
:: FROM THE DESK OF GRANDE MARECHAL LILITH LACROIX ::
::Given at the [CLASSIFIED] day of [CLASSIFIED] during the [CLASSIFIED] year reign of the Royal family::
:: NIVEAU 10 ENCRYPTION ::
Re : Priority 2 report.
Giroux,
Colonel Picard knows her place ; a soldier in the army of our sovereign, King Charles XI. Please inform me should she continue to dig further. I will then take care of the matter.
As for your report ; good work. Though please try to stay on-topic. His majesty cares not for this "visitor" to be shown every in and out of Gallia ; we need information. I have made arrangements for you to escort our visitor to the fourty-fith apartment on Rue Antoine Arnauld, Saint-Palais-sur-Mer on planet Nevers. It is a medium income leveled apartment that has already been filled with audio and video recording devices, hidden in discrete locations, of course. You may use this location to "talk more comfortably".
See to it that you get some results, preferably direct answers or I will be forced to take other measures to obtain them.
![[Image: harlequincopy.png]](http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb305/Dlunar/harlequincopy.png)
