The Fox of France

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"Alright, may I ask, if we insist on Saint-Domingue's independence, how much will the French government demand as the purchase price for the land?" asked Dussan Lucidur.

"One hundred and fifty million francs," Viktor replied. "Of course, we can offer you a special low-interest loan, which you can repay from your annual trade earnings."

"That's an exorbitant amount," Dusault Leduc retorted. "It means you'll have to bleed our people for another generation or two!"

"But in return, you get to keep your trade routes," Viktor explained. "Saint-Domingue was originally French territory. We can allow French citizens to live here freely, but we can't grant unconditional independence without any consequences. It might encourage our internal adversaries. Moreover, as long as it remains part of France, it provides a significant source of revenue for the Republic, generating millions of francs annually from sugar and coffee exports. We can't afford to lose that."

"That revenue you're talking about is the plunder of our people," Dusault Leduc remarked sarcastically.

"During the monarchy, that might be a fair assessment, but not anymore," Viktor replied. "Just like in other parts of France, taxation is the responsibility of citizens. You can't enjoy the benefits of citizenship without fulfilling your obligations. If you've read Montesquieu, you should understand that rights and duties are intertwined. If you insist on unilateral independence, then you can forget about trading with France. Legally, your independence would be a usurpation of French territory. The First Consul's restraint from sending troops and massacring the rebels would be the most generous gesture in such a scenario. Thus, you'd lose your trade with France.

The Spanish are likely to seize the opportunity to expand sugar and coffee production in Cuba. To be frank, it's easy; there are no technical barriers to these crops. They have no incentive to trade with you. As for the British, they would be more than happy to kick you off their supply chain, just like the Spanish. In fact, their trade with you is limited from the start. So, after a no-deal separation, you and the black population you're ardently protecting will have no choice but to rely solely on wheat in Saint-Domingue. I doubt you'll find many people who know how to grow wheat here. Moreover, the climate in Saint-Domingue isn't suitable for growing other crops, meaning that if you establish a nation here, you'd be entirely reliant on trade. All global trade routes are controlled by white nations, which would force you into extreme poverty or dependence on a white country. So, if you're determined to create an independent black nation, why not consider another location?"

"Another location? What do you mean?" Dusault Leduc was once again taken aback. It seemed that this envoy had brought too many surprises to the table tonight.

"Still in Louisiana, to be precise," Viktor explained. "The land there is suitable for growing crops other than sugar and coffee, meaning you'd be less dependent on trade. You could buy land in Louisiana at a much cheaper price than here. It would be a lot easier."

"I've heard it's all plains over there, and we're not familiar with the area," Dusault Leduc shook his head. Clearly, he was still worried that if they all moved to Louisiana, leaving their familiar environment, the French might turn their backs on them.

"Your Excellency, you can temporarily remain within France," Viktor suggested. "On one hand, you can execute the plan for staying within France, which includes eliminating conspirators and confiscating their land to ease land conflicts. On the other hand, during this time, you can gradually send personnel to Louisiana, settling in stages. In this way, over the course of a few years, you can gradually move people who want to establish an independent nation to Louisiana. During this process, you will also become familiar with the situation there and judge our sincerity. In the end, you will build your own country in Louisiana, on fertile land along the Mississippi River. As for those black people who want to stay in Saint-Domingue, we guarantee their legal right to citizenship and the protection of their private property.

Mr. Governor, let's be direct. If there's a war between France and you, the United States and the United Kingdom will stand on your side. They hope to weaken us using the blood of your people. Please note, it's not just about weakening France but weakening us, whether it's a powerful France or a prosperous black republic. Fundamentally, it's not in their interest. This is why we're trying our best to avoid such a situation."

In Louisiana, if we were to wage war against you, you'd be closer to both England and the United States. Don't underestimate plains; do you know about the Irish? They have mostly plains there, just a few dozen miles from the English mainland, and the English could muster more than a hundred thousand troops to suppress them. But did they succeed in suppressing them? And Louisiana, how far is it from mainland France? If you can... of course, the Irish are white."

As soon as this remark, filled with clear racial discrimination, left Viktor's mouth, Dusault Leduc grew visibly angry. He stood up and said, "What do you mean by 'white'? We've fought alongside white people; we're no less than they are!"

"In that case, Mr. Governor, what's the hesitation?" Viktor chuckled. "This way is almost certainly the most advantageous for you. When an opportunity for a good deal presents itself, you should seize it without too much hesitation."

Clearly, Viktor had brought Dusault Leduc too many surprises last night. It was difficult for him to determine how much of the envoy's words could be trusted and which parts were reliable. He felt he needed some time to digest Viktor's proposals and make a decision.

He turned to Viktor and said, "Mr. Trelawney, these proposals you've brought are quite unexpected. I believe that each of these suggestions involves very complex matters. I can't give you, and the esteemed First Consul, an immediate response. I need some time to carefully consider your proposals."

Viktor also stood up, extending his hand to Dusault Leduc as he said, "This is a significant matter for everyone involved. It's only right to be cautious and thoroughly contemplate it before making a decision. I'll await your decision, Mr. Governor."

They shook hands, concluding the meeting.

The next day, Viktor rose from his bed, had breakfast, and found that the adjutant who had received him yesterday was already waiting. He informed Viktor that Governor Dusault Leduc was still in a meeting and asked Viktor to accompany him instead.

"Oh, I forgot to ask your name yesterday," Viktor said.

"Matt," the black adjutant replied. "Oka Matt."

"Very well, Mr. Matt, can I wander around Saint-Domingue?" Viktor asked.

"Of course, the Governor said you are our most honored guest," Matt replied. "Except for certain military zones, you are free to move about."

At this point, Matt hesitated for a moment and then, with a somewhat embarrassed tone, said, "But if you want to go to the port area, you'll have to wait for a while. I need to call a squad of soldiers... the port area is not very safe, and the people there aren't too friendly towards white folks."

Viktor was well aware of this. In fact, when he rode in a carriage through the port area yesterday, he noticed the hostile looks from the black residents, even from the black soldiers who were there to receive and escort him. Viktor didn't underestimate the significance of these hostile glances.

Viktor thought to himself, "Saint-Domingue is on the eve of a storm similar to what happened in the original history. After the French army's ultimate failure in Haiti and Haiti's subsequent independence, the new Haitian government immediately organized a massacre against white Haitians, resulting in the deaths of more than two thousand white residents. As a nobleman by birth, Viktor actually had some sympathy for the wealthy white slave owners. However, having chosen the side of the revolution, he had to appear more resolute and ruthless than others to climb to the top."

Dussan Lucidur gathered his trusted subordinates to discuss the proposals brought by Victor on behalf of the First Consul, Napoleon Bonaparte, regarding the future of Saint-Domingue.

The room buzzed with discussion as they weighed the options. Meanwhile, the "Liberty Trade" ship remained anchored outside the harbor, exerting a considerable pressure. While the "Constitution" was docked in the Prince's Port, those captured or injured American crew members had been brought ashore. Through their interrogations, Dussan Lucidur and his team began to piece together what had transpired at sea.

While most of the black slaves were unaware of the events, Dussan Lucidur discovered the terror that "Liberty Trade" embodied, still lurking just outside Prince's Port. Aside from the potential military threat, the mere thought of the ship wreaking havoc on the harbor was unsettling.

In history, black rebel forces had employed a scorched-earth policy when facing French expeditions. For instance, when the French landed in Prince's Port, the black rebel forces set the entire port ablaze. However, unless it was absolutely necessary, it seemed unwise to engage in such actions without provocation. Even the uneducated among them realized that burning down their own city before the enemy arrived was foolish.

After heated debates, they came to a tentative conclusion: they would delay declaring independence and, as Victor suggested, investigate the "treason" of white slave owners. They would secure their trade routes and then consider their next steps while also dispatching individuals to assess the situation in Louisiana.

With this decision in hand, Victor proposed the construction of a dedicated French naval base in Saint-Domingue. He emphasized that one of the primary reasons for the First Consul's goodwill gestures was to ensure the safety of Louisiana. And to secure that safety, they needed a reliable naval base in Saint-Domingue.

More discussions ensued regarding the naval base. Dussan Lucidur didn't have a strong objection to the base itself but expressed concerns about the presence of French troops. At one point, he even requested that the French turn over the land defenses of the base to his own troops.

Victor promptly rejected this unreasonable demand, stating, "Governor, let's be frank. Your concern over the French garrison in the naval base is primarily rooted in your fear that these troops might pose a threat to you. In more straightforward terms, you don't entirely trust us and are worried that we might use these troops to jeopardize the security of Saint-Domingue. Likewise, we have our doubts about you. We fear that in certain circumstances, you might suddenly ally with our enemies, posing a severe threat to our naval base. Thus, the security of the base must remain under our control. Of course, to enhance our cooperation and mutual trust, we can discuss the size of the garrison and the types of weaponry."

After a week-long discussion, they finally reached a basic understanding: the French could construct a naval base at Cap Français, and the land defenses would be handled by the French. However, the number of French troops stationed there could not exceed three thousand. Additionally, the naval base's artillery, including cannons of 12 pounds or less, would not exceed twelve pieces.

Cap Français was where the French first set foot on the island of Saint-Domingue, and until 1790, it had served as the capital of the entire colony. However, it suffered extensive damage in subsequent earthquakes. In another timeline, after Haiti achieved independence, it was renamed Cape Haiti. From the perspective of port conditions, it was an excellent location. Dussan Lucidur did mention one issue, though:

"Some Americans have settled there, and we haven't had the chance to drive them out."

Of course, this was just an excuse, and Victor was well aware that these Americans were there with Dussan Lucidur's tacit approval, possibly even lured by him, as he needed their support for his independence cause.

"Well, for now, Saint-Domingue is still French territory. How can they stay there?" Victor replied.

"These are just some folks seeking shelter to repair their ships temporarily," Dussan Lucidur explained. "It's just that their progress has been a bit slow. However, according to our agreement, your naval base won't begin construction until the land issue is resolved. I can assure you that we can make these Americans leave before construction begins."

Victor looked at Dussan Lucidur and said, "Governor, I understand your reluctance to confront the Americans directly at this time. You're keeping them as a backup plan, and we understand that. However, in that case, these 'traitors' probably can't be held by you. They will be sent back to France for trial on charges of treason... just in case you decide to betray us; we also need a backup plan."

After completing the basic negotiations and signing a memorandum, Victor returned to the "Liberty Trade." According to the plan, the "Liberty Trade" would depart from Haiti and sail to New Orleans, the capital of Louisiana. After some repairs and preparations, it would return to Europe.

"Captain Leclerc," Victor said as soon as he stepped on board, "before heading to New Orleans, we need to make a stop at Cap Français."

"Is there an issue at Cap Français?" Captain Leclerc inquired.

"Not a significant one. It's just that there are some Americans reportedly repairing their ships there," Victor explained. "Given that they've gifted us such a significant patrol frigate, how can we not pay them a visit? Besides, Captain Leclerc, your ship can't stay here for an extended period. After the 'Liberty Trade' departs, our naval forces won't be sufficient to counter any American actions in this region. They're bound to make some moves. Why not take the opportunity while we're still here to show the American navy the stark difference between them and a real maritime power?"

Captain Leclerc naturally understood Victor's intent: to deal a heavy blow to the American navy while the "Liberty Trade" was in the vicinity. This was intended to change the unfavorable situation where French naval power was lacking in this region.

"Are you suggesting we engage the Americans directly? Does the First Consul know about this?" Captain Leclerc asked.

"The First Consul? How could he possibly be aware of these matters? However, when Minister Lucien Bonaparte spoke to me before our departure, he said something along these lines: 'Victor, you must understand that once we decide to take control of Louisiana, we will inevitably become enemies of the Americans. Since they've struck first in this matter, I believe we have no need to hold back any longer.'"