[center][color=8dc73f][b]The Jaded Empire - Calypso - The Topps[/b][/color][/center]


"The Passage, yes", Martin replied, "The Lord Paladin is not opposed..in principle..to your efforts to control commerce in the Upper Lakes, but he doesn't like the idea of paying tolls to pass under the Mackinac Bridge. He's quite adamant about that, i'm afraid, and once he makes up his mind on something, it's almost impossible to change it. I know there have been incidents recently, and I fear his reaction if your subordinates actually fire on one of the Order's vessels while trying to collect a toll. He wouldn't take that well at all."

Calypso raised a brow and took another sip of her drink. "To that effect", Martin continued, "I have proposed a plan to the Lord Paladin that would defuse such tensions before something happens that everyone would regret. We have noted that your people are attempting to repair the Mackinac Bridge, but that is a daunting engineering task to say the least. What I am offering is this. We will assist you in repairing and maintaining the bridge....in return, we ask that you cease attempts to levy tolls on Order flagged vessels and allow them to transit the Passage without let or hindrance."

“Yes, it has certainly been proving difficult to say the least. But of these incidents,  whatever do you mean? We had a breech from a settlement to the north, to which I shall address upon on our return home.” Calypso took Martin's hand in hers and placed it on the bare skin of her chest, “The aid in reconstructing my bridge back to it's glorious splendor pleases me greatly. But I must question when you say aid in maintaining it. Are you suggesting some of your people will be taking residence in the surrounding area?”

The waiter brought their dinner, “It looks exquisite, thank you.” Calypso cut into her steak, blood dripped onto her plate from the rare slab of meat. Calypso looked at Martin, “This can perhaps be acceptable, though I must ask, are you able to locate a turbine for my Apache? I would be ecstatic if si, as that would aid greatly against opposing settlements whom wish to breach our borders. In which case I would accept your offer and adhere to toll free passage in my lakes.”