Incoming transmission...
From: ToP Public Relations and Transportation Department
To: Crossbones Foundation
Unknown encryption method detected...
Bypassing security failsafes, probing system...
System entered. System ID: CBF Communications Network.
Accessing external mainframe, securing data uplink stream. Executing Protocol C...
Message decrypted in secure channel. Video uplink established.
To anyone who might be concerned,
My friends, I am here to represent a certain organization (of sorts) which we call "The Project". Perhaps you have already heard of us, but if not, our purpose is the same.
Our group has long since served as a provider of more... over-the-counter goods, assuming the price discussed was sufficiently generous. Seeing as you also provide the same kind of services, I'd assume we could relate on that point.
I'll be brief: our group is considering extending our operations into the Gallic Border Worlds and, seeing as your organization already has an entrenched operation in that region of space, we would like to humbly request that our two groups be brought closer together in order to mutually benefit from one another. Yes, my good sirs, I am asking for a mutual trade agreement.
However, in order to facilitate the moving of our operations, we are warning you in advance that we may have to settle in Kirkwall (in the Orkney system) during this shift. As you maintain a large presence there, I'd find it savoury to warn you in advance. I assume such a small occupation (only a half a dozen pilots, really) won't be an issue?
We anxiously await your reply.
Yours, most truly,
Joe
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<span style="color:#000000">The awful plight of he who cannot draw to save his own life.</span>
***Incoming Transmission***
Source - Kirkwall Base
ID - Dimitri Mikhailov
ToP? Ah yes yes.. That name has come across my desk quite a few times. You do business with the Renegades yes? Don't answer that, i already know. Now then now then! Let us see what we can do about your proposal.
*Dimitri pauses and moves some holopads around on his desk then looks back at the terminal*
Your request to dock on Kirkwall is granted, if you send us an initial 4000 units of H-Fuel. That is aside from the mutual trade agreement, mind you. So! You send the H-Fuel, then you may come and go as you please. Betray us, insult us, start fights, disrespect us in any way and we will happily erase your name from the holopads of history.
In regards to the trade agreement, someone should be contacting you shortly on this comm link about that.
Good day gentlemen. I await your reply.
Signed,[font=Comic Sans Ms]
Grand Constable Mikhailov
Incoming transmission:
From: ToP Public Relations and Transportation Department
To: Dimitri Mikhailov
Unknown method of encryption detected...
Bypassing security failsafes, probing system...
System successfully entered. System ID: CBF Communications Network.
Accessing external mainframe, securing data uplink stream. Executing Protocol C...
Message decrypted in private channel. Video uplink established.
Respectable Mr. Dimitri,
First of all, my thanks for this business opportunity. I can assure you will not be dissapointed. Much the contrary. Be not afraid: we are honourable people here. Strange, and probably demented, but honourable. A ship by the name of Vulpes is already on the way with the H-fuel delivery.
Looking forward to doing more business with you.
Respectfully,
Joe
Connection lost, system probe withdrawn...
Video uplink terminated.
<span style="color:#000000">The awful plight of he who cannot draw to save his own life.</span>
Incoming transmission:
From: ToP Public Relations and Transportation Department
To: Dimitri Mikhailov
Unknown method of encryption detected...
Bypassing security failsafes, probing system...
System successfully entered. System ID: CBF Communications Network.
Accessing external mainframe, securing data uplink stream. Executing Protocol C...
Message decrypted in private channel. Video uplink established.
***Incoming Transmission***
Source - Kirkwall Base
ID - Dimitri Mikhailov
You sent 3600 units of H-Fuel. I asked for 4000.
*Dimitri sighs*
What this seems to be is you trying to be sneaky.. Well, if we're going to be doing business with each other that is going to have to stop. But, you must help me understand this.. I am a bit confused. You see, i thought your type would be better at being sneaky.. But then, if you weren't trying to be sly, you must be completely stupid for not seeing that i asked for 4000 units of H-Fuel. Better yet, why don't you just tell me which one it was. Failure to be sneaky or completely stupid?
Please, understand this from my perspective. Because what you should have done is told me upfront that all you could send is 3600 units. Now if that were the case, we would be having no problems right now. But you avoided that. So this conversation is the consequence.
Good day.
Signed,[font=Comic Sans Ms]
Grand Constable Mikhailov
Incoming transmission:
From: ToP Public Relations and Transportation Department
To: Dimitri Mikhailov
Unknown method of encryption detected...
Bypassing security failsafes, probing system...
System successfully entered. System ID: CBF Communications Network.
Accessing external mainframe, securing data uplink stream. Executing Protocol C...
Message decrypted in private channel. Video uplink established.
Respectful Mr. Mikhailov,
I must say, I'm confused by your latest transmission. Yes, I admit that the Vulpes transport unit only has 3600 units of cargo available for transport (being a Border Worlds Transport and all), but if you look closely look at the guncam pics (and verify the time at which they were taken), you will realise that we delivered not one, but two shipments of H-Fuel, both of them 3600 units in size. In other words, you asked for 4000 units, but we delivered 7200, believing it would serve as proof that we wanted to extend friendly relations torwards your organization.
I await your reply, for I believe this is simply a misunderstanding.
Respectfully yours,
Joe
Connection lost, system probe withdrawn...
Video uplink terminated.
<span style="color:#000000">The awful plight of he who cannot draw to save his own life.</span>
***Incoming Transmission***
Source - Kirkwall Base
ID - Dimitri Mikhailov
Hold on just one moment while i contact someone.
*Dimitri tilts his head to the side, out of screen view*
Agent Valravn, who is our current communications specialist, you know, the editor guy every transmission goes through?
I believe that would be Agent Boyles, sir.
Ah yes well then please politely inform him that he will no longer be working for us.
Heh. Will do sir.
*Dimitri returns to the screen*
Now then where were we.. Ah yes. Scratch what i have previously stated and accept my most sincerest apologies on the matter.
7200 units of H-Fuel? Consider that the invitation for you to come and go as you please. Half a dozen, a dozen, two dozen, how ever many pilots you would like may be allowed to dock here. The Outcasts should give you no trouble as well as our crew. Sir you have made a wise decision. If you need anything, or backup while on the field, just ask.
So without further ado, our matters are concluded. Next you will receive a transmission from another one of our Constables. He will handle any trade agreements you wish to make.
Signed,[font=Comic Sans Ms]
Grand Constable Mikhailov
Hello, I am the Constable of the wing handling logistics. For now, I would prefer keeping my name to myself, but I assure you that I intend no treachery upon our trust.
Now, you say "over-the-counter" goods, these are in need, but also we need more basic supplies, fuel, water, alloys, and et cetera. I can make any under the table goods appear anywhere you want, and more legitimate goods too.
I am open to any ideas you have.
With regards,
-The Inquisitor
Incoming transmission:
From: ToP Public Relations and Transportation Department
To: "The Inquisitor"
Unknown method of encryption detected...
Bypassing security failsafes, probing system...
System successfully entered. System ID: CBF Communications Network.
Accessing external mainframe, securing data uplink stream. Executing Protocol C...
Message decrypted in private channel. Video uplink established.
Respectful Constable,
Please give my regards to your ex-communications officer *laughs*.
We would have no problem acquiring such commodities as fuel, alloys (be them high-temperature, super or basic) or other basic life necessities (namely, water, food and oxygen). Just give us a number and we'll give ya an estimate. As soon as a basic number is assured, speedy delivery is guaranteed.
Sincerely yours,
Joe
Connection lost, system probe withdrawn...
Video uplink terminated.
<span style="color:#000000">The awful plight of he who cannot draw to save his own life.</span>