It has been so long since we last spoke and Ich been quite interested in how you fair."
"So, how are you doing? Ich hope all is well. Are you still fighting with your fellow Gaians? How do the Gaians fair with the recent invasion by the Gallics? Did your plans for the supply depot work out as planned?"
"You have to excuse an old lady for asking so many questions, Ich have heart for your endeavours, the struggle to do what is needed for a better universe. Is there something Ich can do to help, how nominal it is? Ich have to maintain a public political correct appearance, of course, but perhaps there's something."
"Has anything changed regarding our relations, between the Gaians and the ALG? If so, please, contact me, perhaps we can work something out."
"I'll be monitoring this transmission, in the hope you are alive and hopefully kicking."
Ich have sent this communiqué to Annora Ash, an member of your 'organisation', although she hasn't responded, so Ich am contacting the Gaian high command in hope you could enlighten me about her whereabouts these days."
Oi Grandma lady. Seems your signal frequency has overrun the audio PA system in my little complex. We can all hear you.
Anyway, Annora hasn't popped in for a drink in a while, so I'm not sure where she's at lately. Word around the fires is that she's off dealing Guard bisiness with the Front, so that's probably why she's not checking her messages.
Tell ya what I can do though: if you promise to tweak the frequency & not hijack my jukebox again, I'll make a few calls during my break & get one of her Circle to get back to ya. Fair nuff?
Clear skies to ya Ms. Sachs. My name is Matthew Grim of the Circle. Sorry for the delay in response, but we live in interesting times. You know how life can be. Anyway, I received a comm from my nephew on Islay a pair of days ago informing me of your signal, so for the time being while Annora is out, consider me your contact.
I'll answer your questions to the best of my ability, but understand that for security reasons, some cards I will play close to the chest.
Call me Nelly. I've left being a young lady quite some time ago, and frankly, don't miss it all that much."
"Ich have noticed a minor presence from the Gaians lately and was wondering why and how. Ich assume this is due to the Gallics, ja? Could Ich ask you what your relationship is with these 'invaders'? Are you under a treaty? Were you driven out?"
"Und besides, Ich wanted to re-confirm with Annora about the no-fire agreement and the aid of ALG transports by Gaians when in range, under the table of course, when ALG employees travelling through Bretonian space."
"Ich have more questions, although these are not pressing at the moment and Ich can assume you are busy as it is. Perhaps there is something ALG can help with, as long as it's within our capabilities of course."
Alright Ms Sachs, Nelly it is, and you can call me Matt if ya like.
Personally, I would say that the reason you're noticing a bit of an increase in Gaian activity of late is because metaphorically speaking, Gaians are like the seasons in the circle of life. The symbolic transition from Winter into Spring is currently underway and that traditionally brings with it a renewed sense of purpose to our cause (not to mention an annual increase of conception rates among our civilian population)
Anyway, in regard the Gauls...To be completely honest, opinions of the pros and cons of our "situation" differ depending on the Gaian you ask. However, these are the facts as I present them: We were invaded by an aggressive, vastly superior force and our space violently taken by blood. Our Militias were devastated and the vast number of our civilians evicted from their homes.
When the smoke finally cleared, both from our battles and from pyres of our dead, we were given an impossible choice: Enter into a non-aggression treaty with the Gauls, or suffer extinction through genocide by their hand.
We did what we had to do to survive for the long term on the whole...but as I said, internal opinions differ on the best way to adapt to our new reality. It's a long and winding road clouded in a very dense, very hazy shade of grey.
In regards to the ALG and your talks with Annora: I can't speak on issues I'm ignorant of, so I honestly don't know how to answer. What I can say however, is that you seem a reasonable woman with reasonable requests. Allow me to make some internal inquiries up the chain so that I can return to you better schooled and better prepared to answer questions in that vein.
"It seems more lives than Ich suspected were taken by these brutes. Although, as you say, it's a good thing the population of the Gaians is rejuvenating once more. Your choice of words is beautiful and danke for making an old woman smile, seeing how even with it all seems going against you, you remain calm and poetic."
"Ich am looking into my backups, hoping to retrieve the transmission Ich had last year with Annora, but due to the sensitive nature about our talks Ich expect to find nothing, as it could mean discredit for ALG as a whole. Ich think you understand why."
"One of the reasons contacting you is my issue with these people called the Gauls. The Rheinland Bundestag is apparently on good terms with them. Something Ich do not understand. Gallia already having dwindled the forces of Kusari, declared war on both Bretonian AND Liberty, what would stop them to finally steam on for Rheinland if they would succeed in breaking Bretonia and possibly even Liberty? They'd be in absolute control then, something Ich dread to think off."
"These people seems the biggest threat to Sirius, and not just because of the wars they declare against people, no, I'm talking about something way larger here. The wastefulness of the Gallics is legendary amongst the ranks of ALG. They still use oil, an old subtance to power their ships and create electricity. However, as you are probably aware, this source is not clean. Neither the ways to acquire it, nor the usage of it. We've grown since the days we left Sol, we've learned and prospered, and now it seems we're back to a point where we have wooden sticks and rocks to smash or throw to each other."
She mutters a few Rheinland curses.
"Und besides, with all the damage they have done even more dangerous materials are floating in space, disrupting the natural balance, endangering pilots throughout Sirius and a soar sight for the eyes. In my opinion, this must stop. Soon, and fast."
She lets out a heavy sigh and continues.
"My problem is, ALG operatives cannot be seen fighting openly against the Gallics. The Bundestag would be coming after us, something Ich am trying to prevent. But perhaps there are other ways to fight this monstrosity. Perhaps... We could start a discussion, see if we can solutions, create a joint ops with those aligned to our beliefs and capable of doing more than what ALG could do. Do note, we have the funds to be helping out where possible."
"Ich am currently busy in other... She coughs. discussions. Perhaps we could meet in the near future for an extended dialogue, perhaps with those others who seek the same solution? Currently Ich have little time, and Ich will be awaiting your reply, however, meeting for a discussion at the time would be taking a too greater toll on my well-being, after all, we're both not the youngest around any more, although Ich cannot talk for you."
She chuckles.
"Ich shall be paying attention to this secured transmission, hoping no breach will be noted. Ich danke Ihnen for your time and wish you the best of luck."
The stream flickers on. Annora seems to hold the camera pointed at her face, not in her office as is typical, but in some other, unfamiliar room. She seems weary.
Good day, Ms. Sachs. I do not have much time, but I will attempt to address you as best as possible.
To address the most important concern, at least in my mind, the pact we made still holds. We will not attack ALG vessels in any sense, including piracy. We will also attempt to protect your vessels so long as you are in Bretonia.
I am still alive and well, as you can see, and fighting for the Gaians as we speak. The Circle that Grim spoke of is a recent initiative, which I am presently attending to. The supply depot has fallen through, but, we will make do in other ways. It was simply not meant to be.
She frowns.
Gallia remains a matter that we are all conflicted upon, but I can vouch for my own interests. Rest assured that I do not trust them in any sense. There is little we can do against them directly, but we will find ways. ALG has our support in that regard as well.
I do not know how we can help you, but our plans include operations with allies in Rheinland. Perhaps we can find ways to assist you then—
A voice from off-camera calls to Annora.
We will speak again soon, Ms. Sachs. Keep in touch.
Annora reaches to a button out of sight on the camera and the feed cuts.