"Hmm, I still remember hearing about the war from home wi- with Elizabeth."The same hesitation sprang up again, if but for a moment before Northridge cleared his throat loudly."Where was I? Ah yes, sticking out until the end clearly worked for them both in ancient history and more recent times, given their position in Sirius nowadays. Even twenty years of rebuilding with minimal losses doesn't match up to centuries of revenge-minded plotting, even with a couple of civil wars to knock up the frogs a bit."
"For how long Leeds has held, they'll be needing that infrastructure to take a breather after the big push. Our boys will do their best, but I would not envy them on Leeds. There will be many more lost sons in the weeks to come..."He tailed off for a moment, fondling the cigarette case again."Stations can be rebuilt, but even the Gauls are not stupid enough to bombard Leeds from orbit. The planet's value will at least secure that much. I heard the Colonials tried a bit of cut and burn tactics when they were overrun, but I do not think even they would blow up a planet"he concluded with a smirk.
Looking up from the crumbling fire, Northridge looked again at Cromwell. "It does appear you've got this covered if things go through. I'm glad the Badgers and other Bowex Convoys are on our side. I think some of the ExSec would be disappointed at missing a chance to finally 'invade' New Tokyo, most of them served at one point or another..?
As for the 'irregulars', you know what they say: 'Asymmetric warfare starts at home'"he finished, bringing out his half-laugh once more.
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Cromwell frowned at the mention of Elizabeth. It was unusual to see his friend ruffled. "Several of my subordinates have already had the opportunity to cause trouble within the Kusari core - prior to my appointment as director, one of the more foolhardy department managers established a commercial raider outfit with company freighters. The Brigade, I believe he was calling it."
He shook his head for a moment. "Admittedly, he was inspired by unsuccessful Samura and Kishiro attempts at the same, so we can only hope their government will take a 'forgive and forget' attitude to the entire ordeal. Men in glass houses, and all that."
James reached forward and plucked the clearly alien device from the table and dropped it into his suit's chest pocket. "Well, I believe I've made my case. It would be most appreciated if you could forward my economic proposals to the minister for his pleasure." He went to extend a hand, then paused and frowned. "You know, you really do look like you've been straining yourself. You should take a holiday. I'm sure there are enough toady junior politicians who would be happy to curry favour and cover your responsibilities for a week."
He withdrew a small item from his briefcase - a shimmering ticket, depicting a smiling women lounging on a pristine beach. It was digital, and the woman waved happily to both men. James offered it, with the ticket reading Richard's thumbprint and locking to his identity as he received it. As he looked at it there was a visual glitch and the woman momentarily vanished, to be replaced by the flash of a Samura logo. It was gone as soon as it appeared. "Six star accomodation on Planet Curacao for two. Take a guest of your choice. It'll do you good to unwind. Get away from the stress, see some of Cortez's sights. Meet interesting people."
"A new government and the changing face of Sirius, I don't think it would be past grievances that hold us back if they're also looking to get trade access. I guess we're just better at what we do, clearly!"
Taking off his glasses and massaging the bridge of his nose, Northridge could only agree."The war's been tough on all of us, I suppose I've no immunity to that. Heavens knows I've not come out well from overworking before...
"A bit of time off may do me good, as will some time spent in interesting social circles." Standing up and placing a hand upon Cromwell's shoulder, he continued"A pleasure as always, James. I'll be sure to formally bring up your very good points when I return. I will of course mention it to Prime Minister Maloney momentarily." Slipping the tickets into his inner jacket pocket, he stood back a short distance as Cromwell rose to his feet as well.