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CommID: Jean Pierre LeBlanc Target: Samuel Degenhardt, Johnathan Sanders, IMG Guildmasters Subject: Tau Matters
Mr. Degenhardt, Mr. Sanders, I greet you and the other IMG Guildmasters in friendship, and hope to discuss a rather important matter with you. News of His Higness' royal messages to the Tau systems and Kusari has caused Gallic space to be as abuzz as I could imagine such news would invigorate your own people.
It is my opinion that relations between the IMG and GMS have been amiable at the very least. We are brothers in arms, miners in the thick of it, braving sniffers and pirates and all manner of ne'er-do-wells. Our respective organizations have both worked toward peace, prosperity, and support for the greater good of those we serve, in a sense - the citizens of Sirius and Gallia. We had strong relations regarding docking on your own Java Base until the recent announcement by Mr. Sanders - our employees mingled and got along, and we've most certainly fostered respect for the IMG.
It is because of this respect that I will be direct with you, Guildmasters. I send this communication with a wish to re-establish our cooperation in more formal terms, to ensure the continued safety and prosperity of both of our organizations.
As always, we understand the need for discretion. GMS will do what it can to prevent compromising the Guild's tenuous position in the region. I believe, given our history, that we would have earned a certain degree of trust through positive relations. These communications - as well as our actions around your bases, would be in keeping with such regardless of the outcome.
I look forward to your response, Guildmasters. I have a vision for a bright future involving our organizations, and should you be willing to hear it, I have a suggestion of terms to begin our cooperation.
Regards,
Jean Pierre LeBlanc
Director of External Operations, GMS
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Monsieur Jean Pierre LeBlanc,
Thank you for your cordial words. It's good to hear a known Gallic voice and one that carries no undisguised threat in it.
Let's get straight to the point because the lives of many miners, GMS and IMG may depend on us working out something fast.
The IMG wants to re-establish and maintain stable and good relations with the GMS.
Depending on the geography, there will have to be some differences in what can be done and what may be impossible.
1. The Tau Situation
I will be honest: The IMG would have no problem with reopening Java to GMS miners and transports, also to other Gallic civilians, but I fear that we cannot guarantee the safety of the crews and ships. I assume that civilian Gallic ships will be considered valid or even primary targets for those groups who have decided to fight against the Gallic forces. Taking into account the exposed central position of Java in Tau 23, I see no way of making sure that the safe haven that you doubtlessly wish for your miners to exist in T23 would not become a death trap in reality.
I don't really know how this could work in a warzone. If you can think of a solution, do not hesitate and let me know.
2. Gold Imports from Dublin
Much of the cooperation between IMG and GMS revolved around the Gold ore imports to Gallia.
I do not know whether the GMS will send transports to Dublin during the initial stages of the invasion.
I don't also know whether the attack of Gallia will only be centered against Kusari, as declared recently.
I still know that Bretonia is very careful and that there are many people that would destroy GMS transports that enter Dublin.
What I can offer is: If your transports continue to keep a low profile, the gold exchange can be reestablished. Please make your pilots contact the Dublin Coordinator Jack Henderson so he can make preparations for a quick and discreet exchange of goods at a place that he sees fit. The IMG still maintains the Mobile Barge-class Refinery at a secret location that will allow discreet trade between the IMG and GMS. Urgent repairs to your ships would have to be done in space. Ships that carry experts, repair materials and nanobots could be on site, because entering Bretonia and docking at Hood might likely put your employees and the IMG in grave danger.
I am sorry that I cannot offer you much more.
It's a difficult time. War always is.
The IMG has learnt to survive in wars and to stay out of them. But it has never been easy, neither for us, nor for these we work with.
I hope this is regarded to be a first step and I am looking forward to hear more of what you think could be done. The IMG is open to further negotiations.
3. A Message to Gallia
I assume that the GMS has good links to the Gallic Royal Offices, so I hope you can relay this small statement to the correct recipient, and I also hope that you can mention the history of the GMS and IMG cooperation in that context.
The IMG want to survive the upcoming war.
We want to keep what our Tau-side miners regard as their homes.
We want to keep our infrastructure and bases from becoming targets in that war.
We want to keep our people employed and working in the ore fields.
"A working miner is a peaceful miner", is what we say in the IMG.
This saying can become true again.
Yours sincerely
Samuel Degenhart
IMG Guildmaster
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From: Johnathan Sanders
To: GMS, per attention of Jean Pierre LeBlanc
Subject: Tau Matters
Encryption: Light/Gallic Civilian
Mr LeBlanc,
We too have received the latest communique from your monarch. It's tone and nature is in sharp contrast to the pleasant conversations I have shared with one of his daughters, princess Aurelia. However, I believe this to be merely something that has grown into the Gallic culture over the past centuries, as you were cut off from the rest of Sirius. It reminds me to an extent of house Kusari - those in power there are also opposed to outsiders, or gajin, as they call them. We've been working on a suitable response to your monarch. My hopes are that conflict can be avoided, at least for the Guild.
You might wonder why we yet keep a docking restriction on Gallic vessels, at our stations. The simple truth of the matter is that it is for our safety, as well as your own. At present there is a -lot- of anti-gallic sentiment among those that visit our bases, to the point that we cannot guarantee your safety, both aboard and in the base perimiters. The Colonial forces that have remained within Tau space, the Independent Communist miners of Dounby... many have interpreted your King's message as a direct "become my slave or die" ultimatum. Those who have clawed out a living in Tau space for the past centuries with Outcasts looming over us every second of the day have grown accustomed to such threats, and do not respond well to them. Were reports of Gallic merchant vessels coming under attack around IMG bases come to reach your nation's ears, I'd wager that would cause relations between the IMG and Gallia to deteriorate much faster. I am not opposed to renewed cooperation, but at present the situation is far too unstable for any structured agreements. Now is not yet the time.
I realise that one way or another we will be coexisting in Tau space. It is my hope we'll be friendly neighbours.
Regards,
- Johnathan Sanders, on behalf of the Independent Miners Guild
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Wide awake in a world that sleeps, enduring thoughts, enduring scenes. The knowledge of what is yet to come.
From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.
Mostly retired Discovery member. May still visit from time to time.
CommID: Jean Pierre LeBlanc Target: Samuel Degenhardt, Johnathan Sanders, IMG Guildmasters Subject: Tau Matters
I thank you for your prompt replies, Guildmasters.
Security is, of course, one concern that we could solve through closer cooperation. Another would be Gallia's need for ores which GMS pays premium prices for and would certainly be a boon to the IMG should passage through and support from the Gallic forces be assured in a more permanent manner. I know we've always had an understanding for IMG transports to pass through, of course, but guarantees are more reassuring than understandings, oui?
Unfortunately, His Grace is not exactly known for his eloquence. I would do all I could to assure you of his intentions, but I fear the justification might be hard to grasp given present experiences. Suffice it to say that His Grace was not intending to threaten those who would not work against Gallia. He is not demanding that fealty be sworn, as I'm quite sure he understands that Sirians do indeed respond differently to such a demand than our own people do. He is looking more to understand who would work against Gallia. Of all people, I believe the Bretonians have a saying - "Keep calm and carry on." That is what the King is looking for. Were the IMG to merely keep its head down in what is sure to be an oncoming conflict given the public responses of many of your diplomatic neighbors, I think we both would be for the better.
I must note as well that although our organizations do serve the people of our respective Houses, the nature of our business also lends us a significant bit of economic leverage. Against the might of a House, the IMG cannot stand alone, but against the Republic, for example, I'm sure you could exert some influence. I'm not suggesting that you might be able to turn them away entirely from hacking at the ankles of the Crown, but that perhaps they might be willing to listen to your brand of reason.
Formally, what GMS would ask for is the ability to use your bases in the Taus, in addition to possibly reinstating the agreement for Java, for refueling and shelter of lawful Gallic ships should it be necessary. I recall discussing with an IMG official the potential to give GMS exclusive rights to the Beryllium deposits in Tau-23, with access on the basis of situational need and your discretion to the vast Niobium deposits in 23 and 37. I would like to revisit these points as well. Those are our primary concerns. For the time being, we would of course continue to defer to your expertise in the Gold Ore market, allowing you to continue in being our supplier of such. Our experiences with Mr. Henderson's people in Dublin have always been pleasant.
In return, of course, we would do our very best to ensure IMG has safe and lawful passage into the Gallic Borderworlds. We would certainly respond to any call you would make for assistance, and we would be happy to supply you with Breyllium, should that be your desire. If there are any further requests, I'd most certainly be open to hearing them.
I assure you that GMS does not wish to work toward compromising IMG's position. I do understand how precarious yours might be, but on the other hand, I also think I know which side will come out on top once this little spat comes to open conflict. You men decide the fate of the IMG on a daily basis. I don't think I need to communicate how valuable it would be in the coming months to have GMS as an ally once more, even if the agreement were only to stay behind closed doors.
Regards,
Jean Pierre LeBlanc
Director of External Operations, GMS
**** Incoming Transmission ****
From: Johnathan Sanders
To: GMS, per attention of Jean Pierre LeBlanc
Subject: Tau Matters
Encryption: Light/Gallic Civilian
Mr. LeBlanc,
My apologies for the delay in our reply. Things are rather... hectic at the moment, to say the least. Your monarch has indicated that your organization has been designated as our point of contact for the Gallic nation, and that further diplomacy is to go through you, so I expect we'll have a number of things to discuss indeed. To address your points:
I would not so much mind to reopen our bases - but at present this would be suicide. Kusari, Bretonia, the Colonial Republic... Even the Communist miners of the ICMG have taken an agressive stance towards your monarch, and I do not think all of them will discern between navy and civilian. I would not wish to be responsible for leading fellow miners to the slaughter.
To the issue of the division of the Tau 23 resources. I alone cannot make any decisions that would causes us to concede certain grounds entirely. BMM's incursion caused us difficulty in accessing the most potent Beryllium deposits in the Tau borderworlds. But from what reports I have of the GMS her activities in the Tau systems - you seem to primarily focus on Beryllium, while the IMG's main focus Tauside has for a long time been Niobium. Rather then formalise something that would only lead to the occasional incident, when dealing with loose adventurous affiliates... why not simply keep the status quo? Prior to your monarch's edict, the situation worked well for both our organizations. There's a saying in the guild: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Your offer to supply us is kind, but there are a number of secondary deposits of both Niobium and Beryllium that we also mine, which do not lend itself to rapid stripping. It is sufficient to satisfy the local smelting operations on Java, but not enough to transport ore in bulk. I'm glad to hear mr. Henderson is able to alleviate your need for Gold - no doubt he is circumventing a few Bretonian regulations once again, in doing so. Bit of a risk-taker, that man.
If you insist we reopen our bases, I'll try and convince our own people, but I must again forewarn you - the skies around Java will not be kind, likely for quite some time to come. And at present there is nothing we can do about it - until the GRN establishes dominance in the Tau systems, I continue to advise against you using Java, and Holman. Mining station Dounby may be an option but it is operating at a minimum staff at present, and it's location isn't optimal for operations focused in Tau 23.
We'll keep this channel open.
Regards,
- Johnathan Sanders, on behalf of the Independent Miners Guild
**** Transmission Closed ****
Wide awake in a world that sleeps, enduring thoughts, enduring scenes. The knowledge of what is yet to come.
From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.
Mostly retired Discovery member. May still visit from time to time.
CommID: Jean Pierre LeBlanc Target: Samuel Degenhardt, Johnathan Sanders, IMG Guildmasters Subject: Tau Matters
Suicide for GMS, or for IMG? We certainly understand the threat your neighbors pose to our ships, but that exists anywhere in the Taus, not just around IMG bases. All we want is for IMG to clear lawful Gallic ships for docking on your bases - we'll deal with hostiles and take their actions as separate to your own, and we realize that we do so at our own risk. If your fear is for retailatory actions from those who might not be so friendly to us, I'm quite certain such problems will be extremely short lived.
As far as the Beryllium field, we have effectively suppressed the BMM presence there - they flee at the sight of our ships. The field belongs to GMS in all but name. What we ask for here is for IMG to internally recognize this claim. What harm could that cause for IMG? If before you could not see the field under anything but BMM possession, this would be a positive move in recognizing the field under the ownership of an ally. No sense fearing losing a field that you don't have activities in to begin with, and recognition of our ownership of the field would in no way mean we would prohibit IMG ships from pulling ore should they choose to do so.
In return we could open a transmission to the Royal Police so that they might cease their..."taxation," I believe they call it...of primary IMG ships passing through Gallic space. Regular supply line or not, you cannot deny the profit selling your wares on Alesia provides. Never has it been said that we don't pay well.
Regards,
Jean Pierre LeBlanc
Director of External Operations, GMS
**** SENDER: [color=#FFCC99]Veronica Ryan, Secretary of the Guildmasters ****
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Mr. Jean Pierre LeBlanc
This is Veronica Ryan, former secretary of Guildmaster Mr. Degenhardt. I regret to announce that Mr. Degenhardt died in a shuttle accident at Planet New Berlin.
Mr. Sanders is not able to carry on this correspondence as well for personal reasons.
You will be contacted by another representative of the IMG soon.
I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Veronica Ryan
Secretary for the IMG
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Comm ID: [color=#FFCC00]Guild Master Tomas Eichmann Recipient ID:Director Jean Pierre LeBlanc Source:Unavailable Encryption:High Subject:Tau Matters
Director Le Blanc, I would like to apologize for the delay of our reply. As you already know, Mr Degenhardt died in a tragic accident and yesterday the voting of the IMG members and the Board was completed and a new Guild Master replaced him. My name is Tomas Eichmann and I have the honour to succeed Mr Degenhardt.
I should inform you that I never worked as a diplomat, therefore my sincere and direct replies should by any means be translated as threats or be regarded as impolite. Director Le Blanc, the Independent Miners Guild is a peaceful entity. As long as the Kingdom of Gallia which undoubtedly has interests in the Taus regard us as a neutral entity and don't try to force us out of regions which are mined and defended with their blood for many decades by the Guild Members, then I can assure you that the IMG won't provide any resistance to your forces.
Since IMG never had any significant interests in the southern Tau-23 system, it is something which we can exchange and in return acquire rights to enter Gallic space, conduct business with Gallians and contribute to your economy. I am sure this can be the first step in a very profitable co-operation.
Mister Le Blanc, this is the official opinion of IMG which from what I can see, is very close to your own opinion. I hope that means we have an agreement.
In other news, I would like to inform you about some recent developments. Dounby Station, an IMG base in the Orkney system, was abandoned 2 weeks ago by all of its IMG personnel and only left some automated robots onboard. I have received an intel that elements of the resistance have grabbed this opportunity to take control of Dounby and base their operations from there. Needless to say, the IMG does not approve or support such actions.
CommID: Jean Pierre LeBlanc Target: Samuel Degenhardt, Johnathan Sanders, IMG Guildmasters Subject: Tau Matters
Mr. Eichmann, my condolences to you and the rest of the Guildmasters. Degenhardt seemed a good man, always looking out for those who needed it.
It pleases me that we can see eye-to-eye on this matter of the Taus. I'll have the appropriate authorities notified of our agreement. The southern beryllium field in 23 will be maintained by the GMS, your licensing for Gallic space should be granted within the next 24 hours, and provided no law-abiding Gallic ships are turned away from your bases by your own people, then the situation should stay amiable.
The Dounby situation is troublesome, but I do appreciate the warning. We had stopped there from time to time when matters around Reunion were hot, but we'll be sure to tread carefully.
I look forward to a long and prosperous future, Guildmaster. For the both of us.
Regards,
Jean Pierre LeBlanc
Director of External Operations, GMS