Saladin did his best to ignore the gentle footsteps on his BuCue as he looked over the information he'd been given. A small rebel organization was beginning to develop in the Sahara, suspected remnants of a group called the Polisario Front who were now sitting on a region of valuable resources. His squad approached the group's location cautiously, on guard for ambushes, but hopefully there would be no need for violence if Saladin's silver tongue was as polished as ever.

"Heads up, Saladin," one of his squad members said. "It's just up ahead."

The resistance group's base was a motley collection of tents, temporary shelters, and trailers centered around a hastily-erected concrete hangar, likely where any weapons the group had were being kept. The three BuCues came to a halt with the camp just outside their railguns' effective range.

"This is Hauptmann Saladin of the European Reichsguard, humbly requesting an audience with the person in charge of this camp," Saladin called over a loudspeaker.

"What is your purpose here?" a sentry quickly called back.

"I have come to negotiate for the purchase of this land," Saladin answered. "There are oil reserves here that the Empire desires."

The sentry went silent, saying nothing for almost fifteen minutes when several GiNNs appeared from the hangar. They were modified from the standard model, sporting several added-on spotlights and a yellow-tan color scheme.

"Insurgent Types, sir," one of Saladin's squadmates said. "Not a commonly-used model, usually used to root out terrorists like these guys."

"No sudden movements," Saladin ordered.

The lead GiNN held up a hand, revealing a speaker built into the palm.

"Greetings, Imperialists. I am Eminence Harrar, leader of this branch of the Polisario Front," the speaker broadcast. "I am not in the mobile suit before you, but I have a message anyway. Our people have lived on these lands for decades; we will not cave before your expansionism."

"If you would be willing to hear me out, Eminence, perhaps you would find our terms favorable!" Saladin beseeched. "The Empire would even pay extra for pre-existing structures!"

"No! We have paid for these lands with our blood, defending them against invaders our whole lives!" the Eminence barked. "This is your only warning, for we are not murderers: leave now in peace and do not return!"

The two groups of mobile suits stared each other down, waiting for someone to make a move and set off the tinderbox of their situation.

"Just say the word, sir, and we'll wipe them out!" one of Saladin's squadmates said eagerly.

"No! We are not murderers either!" Saladin quickly replied. "We will withdraw in peace, Eminence, but know that next time we will be ordered not to talk first."

"So be it, European," the camp leader acknowledged. "We will not give up our homes though."

The BuCues slowly began walking back, wary of a sneak attacking while their backs were turned, but when the GiNNs began the same slow, cautious withdrawal, Saladin gave the order for a full retreat.

Outcome: Draw
Saladin: 3 Xp