The situation in the Taus has... Altered. While my Wing was engaged in the search for a damaged cruiser the Gallic Imperialists apparently abandoned in the Tau-31 Sector, we received a transmission of unknown origin from a group that later identified themselves as The Aurigae Union - a collection of artificial intelligences that claim to be from beyond the sector.
I suspected a Gallic trap, and we scrubbed the transmission three times before responding. In the absence of a higher officer, I have entertained their requests for a meeting, though it is yet to go ahead. Even sending this message required piggybacking a Storm's comm tower.
Though I have no doubt in the Coalition's ability to fight and win our own battles, if we can gain the co-operation of this group, they may prove useful in supplying our Storm Squadrons operating in the Taus. If not, then gathering them to our side denies the Alliance a tool and, if they truly are as alien as they claim, I'm certain Doctor XiaoBei could find a use for them, whole or otherwise.
With your approval, I would like to proceed with this meeting, or otherwise have orders as to the status of this Union. I've packaged an archive of the original transmission with this message.
>>>INCOMING
>>>Sender: Provost Marshal Jacob Forge
>>>Location: Battleship Karl Marx, Omega 52
>>>Subject: Contact with the Aurigae Union
Commander Akira;
While news of another player in this ever-expanding game of chess is in fact tiring, any chance to send them against our foes is welcome.
While I do not have your clearance to plan a meeting yet, your orders are to observe and provide us intelligence about them. Anything, even if it's the size shoe they wear. No information is too small or insignificant to impact them.
Until I have your clearance, Commander.
General Forge, out.
>>>END<<<
Natsumi Hideyoshi (The Order) | Alexis Hunter (Liberty Navy) |
Of course, I understand. I'll refrain from further diplomatic contact with the Union until ordered otherwise. In the meantime, any intelligence my squad can collect will be forwarded to you over this channel, as soon as we can find a Storm to send it.