Main / 1105-001-Unity

Calendar

1104-365 -- 1105-001 -- 1105-002

Timing of events
6:00 - Morning Meeting on Unity
??? - ???
12:00 - Meeting with King Oleb in throne room
18:00 - Crockett meeting with Mikhel and Provosts after meeting King Oleb

Speculative

Crockett somehow finds way to Floating Palace and the New Year's Day event and manages to coordinate meeting with King Oleb with the other four that have been travelling aboard The Pioneer. [It's the big day we have all been impatiently waiting for and Crockett is up early]

6:00 - Unity common room

''heads for galley for a quick morning coffee and a hope that he might see one of Provosts up early this day as well so he can brief them a bit on his day's activities and learn from them WHEN they might seek to return to Torpol. He also plans to notify them of his wish to brief them on his day's activities at the dinner hour aboard the Unity.''

(Admin Aide Dar)"Good Morning Sir Crockett. How are you today? Ready to observe the Royal Run? Do you think you will be returning home with us tomorrow? or are you staying here for longer?" She puts together two trays with coffee and morning pastries.

"Thank you Dar. Can you tell the Provosts I will return here to the Unity to brief them after the meeting with the King. I am not sure if I am returning with you yet but I will let them know tonight."

(Admin Aide Dar)"I will make sure to clear that on the logs for you Sir Crockett. I will keep your quarters fresh for staying tonight, we have already accounted for you in the supplies for the return home."

14:00 - Outside of the Throne Room

Admin Aide Dar, Yes… finally able to get my mobile communication functioning so I could confirm that I would very much like to return to Torpol in morning and meanwhile return to the UNITY tonight for dinner with Provosts if welcome. Crockett standing by for reply

(Admin Aide Dar)" Yes Crockett, I will confirm a meeting with the Provosts at 18:00 for you. We will host you for your return trip home tomorrow morning. Dar out

[message for Administrative Aide DAR] "Looking forward to 1800 hrs and return to the ship for dinner with all of you. Am wondering if you could inquire as to whether Crockett could bring with him for dinner and approval to return tomorrow to Torpol as guest aboard The Unity for a friend of mine who was also a former marine, but is now a doctor? I believe the Provosts will find him to be a most knowledgeable and interesting acquaintance as he also has learned a bair deal about the situation here on Drinax. "

18:00 - Common room, dinner meal, Crockett, Mikhel, Admin Dar and the two Provosts//

[Having returned to The Unity around 1730 hrs...Crockett now arrives at the Common Room to relax a bit after a very tiring and somewhat disappointed New Year's Day...but is most happy with his decision to return with the Provosts to TORPOL and forge a new opportunity. He has much to discuss with Provosts and is looking forward to this dinner.] //

"Oh DAR.... Great to see you again... You really have no idea how great it is as it has been a most tiresome New Year's Day. Any messages for me you might have received?"

(Admin Aide Dar)"No one sent anything new since your last request. Now that Medic Dromah is here..." she pauses, "You already know each other?"

As Mikhel enters the Common Room, "Good evening, Gentles. Provost Falx. We meet again, and now I know who the young lady was. Did you know, at the time?"

(Provost Falx)"Hello Mikhel, it is good to see you. I must say that yes I knew who your young crew person was when she was in my office. She did ask to be protected, not that you or the Pioneer were dangerous but she did not want her identity to be revealed to you. We do try to give our visitors the refuge they need. The Princess did lead me to believe that you would not be too upset about the lack of information once you arrived here at the Floating Palace. I trust that is the case?"

"Provost Shala. Administrator Dar. Pleasure to meet you." Mikhel gives a polite short bow to the Provost and the Admin.

Admin Aide Dar smiles and nods to Mikhel, Provost Shala nods.

(Admin Aide Dar)"Provost Shala thought it would be appropriate to not include any of the rest of the crew in dinner tonight until the subject of conversation is less volatile.

"How do you feel about the deal, Crockett? I was at a loss as to how the whole privateer thing would work, with a novice crew, but the King obviously did put some thought into this."

Addressing all attendees, "And I finally got a name for mining, but only the disgraced family, not the name going forward. So, anything I might suggest, or any plans I might come up with, will be flawed from the start." Mikhel looks at the two Provosts. "How does Torpol deal with mining, and revenue out of that endeavour?"

"Mikhel...I'm floored...I thought you had decided not to come for dinner, but I am delighted you did. PROVOSTS... 'May I introduce to you formally an old marine friend of mine Mikhel Dromah. I think you'll find him to be a great delight as he is somewhat these days an active person in medical practice -- known to some as a doctor without borders' "DOC' ...I'd like you to formally meet PROVOST SHALA and PROVOST FALX who have both shown me great welcome and hospitality these recent days. I am very much hoping that that kindness and investment will someday soon bear fruit for them in ways yet to be determined.

Provost Shala nods again for the introductions. "Medic Dromah, Drinax is a flawed system. There is potential, King Oleb may yet to prove to be better than his father, he cannot be worse than his grandfather. If you have been recruited along with Crockett here for some sort of balance to Ranchando for bringing trade I am certain that Torpol will be able to assist in your endeavors. When you say mining, what are you looking to try to accomplish?"

"Provost Shala, I have, as yet, no official recognition, nor commission, from Drinax to do anything. I have discovered an existing asteroid mining facility in-system. This reduces overhead and start-up costs for a group, or company, to come in and set up mining."

"Now, what will it take for someone to do that? I haven't any experience in doing it. Additionally, what should be expected from Drinax, as far as concessions, taxation, fees, etc? What do you have in place for your mining operations? What would be considered fair, or reasonable? Is there something I can suggest to the King, if I were to be commissioned to go find miners? I would value your advice."

"I would like to see anything that brings in hard currency to Drinax. That's my wish. If there is anyone who can do that, it can benefit everyone involved. As long as everyone is reasonable. As I understand the situation, someone got unreasonable, three years ago? I don't know the situation at all. So, I don't know what went sideways. I only hope to get something working again."

(Shala)"Torpol does not interfere with the internal workings of other systems. You will have to ask the Court here at Drinax for any details. I am not aware of any trade in mining materials that came from Drinax through Torpol. If there was any it would have been negligible. Most systems keep what they mine, our own facilities can handle most of what we need. You could bring in a MegaCorp like GeDeCo. nods over to Falx "You gave us a contact there through Marduk. Provost Falx is starting to explore that for our own future possibilities. It seems your first order of business is to acquire the funds to repair what ever facilities you have. I will not oppose you if you seek to recruit from the guilds in our system."

"Torpol couldn't possibly use the quantity of resources mined by the operations running at the moment. You don't have the industrial base, and there isn't enough byproducts on your main planet to indicate the heavy industry. So, Torpol isn't using all the products in-system. Therefore, the different factions and corporations are exporting. I don't expect Drinax to use much of anything that gets mined. Initially. Drinax lost all the surface production facilities when the Aslan bombarded their planet. Providing some generalities in how your system handles mining rights isn't going to interfere with Drinaxian politics or trade, except to have some consistency in the local systems. Unless you want Drinax to undercut your operations? I could go ask around the Torpol system what each operation has negotiated with Torpol, but it would be nice to have that info, here and now. We could start any Drinaxian operations in concert with Torpol, and work together. Whatever was going on three years ago may not have gone through Torpol, but that means it was going somewhere. The World, Vorito, and potentially TechWorld are the only systems in the region listed as 'Industrial'. All of them are Rimward of Torpol, so if Drinax was shipping product, it went away from Torpol. Mayhaps I should be talking to those governments, and ignoring Torpol?"

(Admin Aide Dar)"Sir Dromah, do remember who you are speaking with. Provost Shala has an entire system he is responsible for, Torpol is one of the significant stops on the Florian Trade Route and the Torpol Cluster is as safe as any part of the Reach. I do not think it appropriate for a person in your position to be questioning him like a common business transaction."

Provost Shala stands up, nods, to the table, and walks out.

(Provost Falx)"That was not what I expected to hear tonight."

"I'm obviously not the person to be doing this job. Either I don't ask the right questions, or I don't understand the process, or both. I thought the question was pretty straight forward. And it doesn't matter who asks the questions. Either the person in charge has answers, or they don't. In this instance, what does any trade route have to do with the existence of mining in Drinax? What does the safety of Torpol have to do with this topic? Has there been shipping of Torpol mining products going astray? I didn't ask about that. I came here to ask about collaborations, and I mentioned possible markets. Did I inadvertently stomp on some sensitive toes?"

[Turns to Admin Aide DAR and says] My 'Doc' friend here seems to have forgotten his bedside manner somewhat and I'm terribly sorry about that....I must have a word if possible with the Provost...maybe you could arrange for me to visit him in his stateroom now with luck....I'm very supportive of what 'Mikhel' here was trying to promote and think it can work in Torpol's interest...but he seems to have chosen the wrong words to get his idea across....Please do your best DAR to see if the Provost will grant me a private hearing.

(Provost Falx)"Crockett, I doubt that you will get in to see her. turning to Dar "before you go ask we should clear this up on what exactly will be said and why turning back to Mikhel and Crockett "You both helped me over the last couple of weeks. Mikhel your assistance and very thorough briefing will be invaluable to assist in tracking the raiders from Oghma that attacked you at Marduk. As I said then I appreciate your assistance, and I am glad to attempt to help you with things at our Highport, and if I can influence beyond that scope. Crockett I am pleased that your ticket to see King Oleb was useful in getting yourself and me on board this diplomatic mission. It gave me a bit of a boost in the Torpol Provost hierarchy, though no one knows that yet until we get home. IF that is still in play after this demonstration. Turning to Dar, I think we all need drinks, I find that if everyone has a drink it makes meetings go so much smoother. Dar nods and goes to the side bar to get the drink orders

(Provost Falx)"Now before we should move forward, takes a drink from Dar Thank you, makes sure that both Crockett and Mikhel have a drink, then nods to Dar to take one also So moving forward. Crockett, and Mikhel, tell me what you think went wrong in this first attempt? My summary is that I can see you want to set up a mining corporation, you might want to be competing against Torpol's own activities, and you do not have permission or backing from King Oleb at this time. he sips his drink Is that accurate? Tell me what you think happened and what we can do to help change the narrative for Provost Shala"

[Before Mikhel has time to dig his hole even deeper Crockett jumps in with....] Thank you Provost for that question. Before my former marine responds I'd like to offer my thoughts for what they're worth. My approach would be to offer your fellow Provost some news of value regarding our recent time with His Majesty that would likely be of some value to Torpol's various operations. Maybe Mikhel here could provide that in his readjustment of his approach? How about it Mikhel?

Meanwhile Provost Falx I do thank you for your acknowledgement of my helpful role to you and Torpol to date. I want you to know that whatever MIKHEL can provide in terms of a summary of what he himself has learned from his various meetings to you right now, I fully intend myself to offer a full briefing of my analysis of things to Provost Shala should DAR or yourself be able to arrange a private meeting with her tonight.

"I'm sorry if I said the quiet parts out loud."

Mikhel ignores the drink. Things are already going sideways, without adding that into the mix.

"All I would like is a guideline with which to approach the King. It can be mentioned that Torpol assisted in putting together the outline, and wishes to assist? Is there a way for Torpol to assist? Perhaps with transport of product? I was thinking that Sternmetal Horizons pretty much ships its own product, and probably everyone else's in the Torpol system, like they did in Belt-9. That is my experience, as feeble as it is in relation to setting up an operation."

"Provost Falx, I appreciate your patience. I have never done anything like this. My experience has all been dealing with medical issues. Usually, there aren't many conflicting interests or choices, when dealing with combat casualties."

"I voiced thoughts as they came to me. My research in looking at options brought up what I saw as inconsistencies. Where will Drinax market their product? Is that through Torpol? Or to other places? Does Torpol involve itself with shipping? I have no idea."

"I'm pretty much making this up as I go. So, I've got a lot to learn, and not just about how mining works. I was hoping to get the Drinaxian 'government' or its agencies, to do the negotiations outside of this system, once there was some direction from the King. I'm having no success trying to find the right person, with experience or knowledge, in the Court with which to work out details."

(Provost Falx)"Now that is a good start. Let me give you some advice in how you can change your approach. If you tried at the Floating Palace, takes a sip of his drink "A lovely place, very beautiful in a rundown extravagance way. If you tried at the Floating Palace like you just tried with Provost Shala then I can see why you did not succeed.

Falx turns to Crockett, "When you needed something, who did you reach out to?" sips his drink to pause then continues before Crockett can answer " You reached out to Administrative Aide Dar. You knew to ask her for the request you had for this dinner and not to myself, or the steward." turns back to Mikhel " So it seems to me that you have a good idea that needs a bit of a nudge to get started. For that nudge you need to know the right people to talk to to help. You do not need mining help, you need contract help. He downs his drink and sets the glass on the table. "Dar, if you please, refill for our guests, and yourself, and bring up a services contract for me." "Another thing you will need to learn to negotiate Mikhel, I offered you a drink, a token of my esteem, and you rejected it. The first time at Highport I was slightly put off, but now I know it is how you react. Yet look at Dar. She is the Administrative Assistant here, she is expected to perform her duties. She took the drink, even with one of her supervisors. Because it was the polite thing to do. " He reaches over and takes the glass from Dar's hand, and Dar passes a tablet over to Mikhel (Admin Aide Dar)"It is a simple contract for services. You Mikhel Dromah, will contract with Provost Falx for his assistance in your mining efforts. What did you want to call your new company? In exchange for this Provost Falx personally will receive one percent of the profits, to be paid out annually. For his exchange Provost Falx will secure at least two contacts for your new company that you can make use of to build your new enterprise. Sign here"

(Provost Falx)"You see Mikhel, going the correct person, Dar here created that entire contract while we, well I, completed our drinks. It works for both of us, quite admirably I must say Dar. I get no credits if the project does not grow, Mikhel still needs to negotiate with the Floating Palace but now can offer up good faith effort to provide more credits to the Drinaxian economy, which can surely use it."

Falx offers up a toast to Mikhel, Crockett, and Dar "Do we have a deal?"

"Provost Falx, in my recent past, I encountered issues that I now attempt to curtail. Stimulants and intoxicants have become contra-indicated, as they have caused flashbacks to traumatic events, even in calm, benign social events. I don't wish to risk them in situations where all my faculties need to be in peak form. Therefore, I have avoided your offer of refreshments. This is not meant as an insult. It is a medical decision. You can take that as a discourtesy, if you choose."

"As to signing any contracts, we are moving far too fast for me. I'm not signing anything. I am looking for information. I am trying to get the Drinaxians to sign contracts, but I would like to have a rough estimate of decent conditions. I'm certainly not naming a company for which I have no interest in creating. And I certainly don't wish to put myself in a position that may have the appearance of outside influence when speaking to the Drinaxians. Again, I could always drop a name as an information source, if I make any headway in the Drinaxian Court. And any contract that results from that, and any interest you negotiate, will be with the Drinaxians, where it should be."

Well, for me personally Provost Falx...it sounds like an offer worthy of my own pursuit...but let me consult quietly and privately here with my old acquaintance Mikhel Dromah and see if my intention rests well with him...before I speak further if that is OK with you...and I most assuredly accept your hospitable offer of this drink.

"Crockett, this isn't my way. You're the one with the business background. Go the way you want."

So Provost Falx it appears I am back on my own again...but without wasting further time it would be great if Mikhel here had learned what he needed to know tonight and perhaps made his exit then and you and I might pursue a "deal" a bit further as I very much am seeking a new challenge and if its one where I can build something of value to the region with financial return for not only your own Torpol operations but my own pocket as well I'm all in. What say you to that response....?? Good night 'Doc'....I'm sure our paths will cross again and on that occasion I'm sure we will have many new stories to share. Good luck with the King and his court there on Drinax.

...and while you and I work on this great refreshment Administrative Aide DAR has brought us...perhaps you might ask her to change the contract wording to read James Crockett of the "Wild Frontier Corporation" and I will be only too happy to affix my signature in agreement if you decide you would be happy with that arrangement.

(Provost Falx)"Very well. I will give you the same terms Crockett. I will provide two contacts for your new mining company the 'Wild Frontier Corporation' in exchange for one percent of the profits of said company. You will be responsible for securing the rest of the legalities for this new Corporation."

(Admin Aide Dar)"Here is the amended contract. Sign here please."

Admin Aide Dar slides the table over to Crockett, stands up and escorts Mikhel back to the Floating Palace Royal Docks. "(Dar)I hope you find what you are looking for Mikhel. My contact information is part of the contract that Crockett signed. You can reach me through his Corporation if you have any questions. Enjoy your stay at the Floating Palace."

"M. Dar. I grew up in a belt, with few people, and where Corporate Administrators and Executives were detestible individuals, and an active threat to the well being, if not the lives, of the miners. Provost Falx has proven to be none of that, so far, and I am grateful for his attempts to assist me. You, also, have been helpful, and speaking with my knowledge of Crockett over the years, he appears to hold you in some esteem. I don't know Provost Shala at all, and did not intend any insult or offense. Would you be kind enough to express to your compatriots my best wishes, and my regret I was not in a position to take advantage of their assistance."

[Crockett signs agreement and passes document back to DAR] I sign this Agreement with pleasure and look forward to further discussions during our upcoming return to TORPOL that begins tomorrow for me here aboard The Unity. At the beginning here of our arrangement Provost Falx I should make sure we understand that "profit" for this undertaking means Total Revenue for year -- less Expenses for year. And I undertake to report annually within 90 days of fiscal year end. I hope we both agree and understand that to be the definition. Otherwise I thank you Provost Falx for this opportunity and for your assistance in this matter.