Company Business
04 May 2020NeLs0n RaD
04.05.3306 / Aboard: NA - All Ships Docked / Ops Region: Apadecavi / Ops System: Apadecavi - Fonteney City (HQ Trinity Galactic Group)It's going on about 4 weeks now since Sirius Special Forces enticed me to sign on with Li Yong-Rui's organization and so far it seems to be a good relationship. SSF has been coming through with fat transport and salvage contracts, other minor system factions have been offering some good “pest control” (pirate eradication) contracts, and I've been managing to clean up some of the local shipping lanes of other “hostile” faction riff-raff and picking up some nice bounties doing so. Of course this doesn't make me popular (except maybe as a target) outside Li Yong-Rui space, but when I need to go elsewhere I just hop over to the local legal facility and pay off the appropriate bounty.
On a data-pad, SSF is registered as a Federation corporation, with all the rights and privileges thereof and in return is ostensibly aligned with the Federation in its interests. In reality, as VP Joshua Vang explained, SSF is, as the organization's name might indicate, "members of Sirius Gov looking to pursue a more active role in safeguarding Li Yong-Rui space. We are a paramilitary branch, willing to explore all available options when the paths of diplomacy and fair trade prove less than... sufficient."
"Capitalism at it's finest!" I quipped, a bit sarcastically.
"We believe it to be better than the alternatives," Vang replied, straight-faced.
"Reckon I'd have to agree with you there," I said, shrugging a bit, taking a sip of the fine 'Tennessee' whiskey that Vang had proffered shortly after my arrival to his office, "So what can I do for ya this afternoon, Mr Vang?"
"Actually, Commander, we here at SSF believe we could do something to benefit you," Vang began as he tapped his data-pad, "We've been following your progress in business dealings with our organization and have found you to be... innovative and reliable... in completing some of our more, shall we say... difficult... contracts..."
I studied Vang as he spoke, polished and pin-striped, late middle-aged, of Asian Indian descent, he had sharp features and a sharp eye,. And while he was pleasant in his demeanor and speech, I recognized a certain steel in his gaze, the kind of look a person gets when they've made life and death decisions... up close and personal like. I was listening carefully now, because in my experience, any time a man like that was giving out praise I was being set up for a place at the table, whether to eat or to be eaten remained to be seen.
“'Man's reputation's all he's got,” I answered quietly.
“Yes, quite so, Commander... and yours has garnered attention far up the chain, as it were,” Vang paused for a moment, glancing at his data-pad, then, “We've noted that you've recently been promoted to Post Captain with the Federal Navy and you've stationed your company's fleet here as well... but that you haven't taken up residence in the station?”
I chuckled a bit, “Surely you're aware of the prices for any kind of living space in this tin can.”
“Ohhh most assuredly, Commander,” Vang replied, “Fortunately, SSF covers expenses in that regard as part of my compensation in my service as a loyal company officer...”
I noticed that he used the word “officer” instead of “executive”.
He continued, “Just one of the many benefits of service with SSF, actually... and incidentally, one that could be yours as well, if you will give positive consideration to the offer I'm about to present to you.”
I set my glass aside now and reaching my left hand up to my tele-glasses so as to look as if I were adjusting them, started their vid recording function. I was pretty sure Vang knew exactly what I was doing, but as no objection had been made to me having them when I entered the office I took it as a tacit approval.
“I'm listening,” I replied with a nod.
“Yes, well... we here at SSF would like to invite you and your company to join us as a faction supporter,” Vang began, “additionally, an invitation has been sent directly from Sirius Gov...”
I cocked my head a bit, lifting a brow in surprise at the last part. Certainly that was unexpected... 'directly' had the connotation of the head office, that is, Li Yong-Rui's office.
“...to pledge personally to Mr Li's organization,” he paused as I held up my hand.
“Mr Vang, I'm just a simple space trader trying to make my way in this galaxy as best I can,” I said, “And one thing I've learned doin' it is to stay well clear of politics...” Early on in my 'business' career I had gotten involved in a couple of local 'political' disputes... and all I got for my trouble was big buy-back and repair costs.
“Please, do hear me out, Commander,” Vang came back, so I quieted myself and settled back into the plush office arm-chair, taking up my glass once again.
“We here at SSF and most definitely Mr Li's organization are not interested in 'politics' in the classic sense. What we are interested in is company business, both ours and, if you come on board with us, yours,” Vang continued as I listened intently, “I am sure you have researched every major corporation, power, and faction operating in the Orion Spur, and I am also sure that you have seen the standard of living in Li Yong-Rui space. This high standard is not obtained nor sustained by political posturing and maneuvers. It is attained through one means alone and that means is good business, company business. It is company business that employs billions of people in meaningful work, company business that provides quality goods and services for their fair wages to purchase, and company business that provides these same people with comfortable and pleasant surroundings in which to enjoy those goods and services. In such an environment, we have found very little need, or desire, for 'politics'.
“And of freedom, and liberty, you might ask? ALL have freedom to leave, and have the liberty to do so... so long as they are willing to accept the consequences. For some, it is as simple as leaving friends, family, and all the comforts that the company business has provided. For others, such as yourself, should you become one of our partners, the consequences are admittedly a bit... harsher.”
I nodded slowly, it was the same for any deserter, no matter what faction or power one had formally belonged to. Then, “You mentioned benefits, Mr Vang?”
Vang grinned broadly now, “Ah yes, my favorite part!”
He stood and came around the desk with his data-pad, motioning for me to remain seated as he did so. Handing the data-pad to me he said, “Please, do look this over.”
I looked to the screen, casually sipping down the last of the whiskey, noting the motion of a service 'bot refilling the glass quickly. Except for the apartment (very nice, Terra-grav level with an outside view) it was all pretty standard fare... 15% discounts on ship modules and equipment, some exclusives on Sirius Corp goods, etc...
I handed the data-pad back to Vang as I downed the whiskey and stood, “Tell ya what, Mr Vang, you give Trinity Galactic first go at all Elite rated transport and salvage contracts on your board, cover all current and future Trinity fleet docking fees, and provide my pilot with quarters a deck below mine and you've got yourself a deal.”
“Now see here, Commander...” Vang began, then stopped as I abruptly held up my hand again.
“No, you look here, Mr Vang, the deal you're offering might be all well and good for some free boot space tramp with a piss-ant Python, but I'm a professional, and as you pointed out, I've done my research.
“Now, while you SSF boys look good on a data-pad, the fact is you're spread thin over 41 planets and light when it comes to lift and firepower. Ya got Torvals and Duvals hittin' your convoys with impunity, and Hudson and Mahon ships tramping all over this system, your headquarters, like they own the place.
“Ya think I didn't notice that your call came right after I brought my Type-10 here to roost? What, ya think cuz I talk with a Texan drawl I fell off a Bio-waste Hauler last week?! I've seen the heavies runnin' outta this station, and not a one of 'em is flyin' Sirius colors or beamin' an SSF ID. We both know you need me, my company, my ships, and my pilot, so stop pissin' around, if we don't have a deal I'm sure your competition would be happy to entertain me.”
I looked at Vang, my arms crossed now a bit defiantly, and noted he had his head cocked to the side a bit quizzically, no longer paying me direct attention. I was about to turn and walk out, when suddenly he smiled broadly again...
“We most definitely have a deal, Commander Rad, and welcome aboard!” he said, enthusiastically proffering a firm handshake. Then he turned back to his desk and without further ceremony, “Now if you'll excuse me, there are deals and credits to be made, several of which I am sure will be of interest to you. Please see my secretary on the way out, it will see to yours and your pilot's quarters bio-locks and make all contractual arrangements. Good day.”
As I walked out of the office, I had the eerie feeling that it wasn't Vang that had accepted the deal, that he had been given and carried out orders from above, perhaps far above, transmitted directly to him on the spot. And I still wasn't sure if I was sitting at the table or on it...