Trade Alliance, Part 2

Posted on Sat Mar 7, 2015 @ 5:37am by Civilian Wayne Bradshaw III & Civilian 'Key Holder' Yolanthe Ibalin & Qinee & Second Lieutenant Emily Ransom & Civilian Hydel Turvan

2,838 words; about a 14 minute read

Mission: Eye of the Beholder
Location: BII Offices/Conference Room
Timeline: MD 1/1200

“Though back to your question, Tu'rocK, there is another way that the Empire would benefit. My company would be looking to expand its fleet of ships and we would be in the market for ships from the other members of the alliance," said Wayne calmly, hoping that what he was offering each of the members would be seen as beneficial to all of them.

“I see the potential, but, and I presume my Cardassian counterpart at the least would be in agreement, we would need the full terms and details before signing off this agreement,” Tu’rocK said, his gaze locked squarely the Cardassian ambassador.

Leave it to the Klingon to speak first before actually using whatever passed for a brain.

Ambassador Turvan laughed aloud, much to the dismay of the other participants. "And you expect the Federation to simply allow a civilian company to amass a fleet of military vessels from other powers in the quadrant?" he asked incredulously. "The Federation may be naive, but they are not stupid. They won't simply watch a potential threat form," he stated to the group.

"The Tholian Assembly shares the concerns of the Cardassian Union, and also wishes to know the extent of Federation involvement in your company." Irakane's words echoed with clicks that the universal translator couldn't strain out completely, making it sound particularly cricket-like, but the piercing look the Tholian ambassador gave Bradshaw made it clear that that was where any resemblance to the insect ended.

"The Federation is a large part of my business. Some of my largest trade contracts are there as well as the locations of my shipyards, colony worlds, and mines. As to amassing a fleet of armed ships, let me point out this Starfleet does know exactly what I am doing. Hell, I buy ships directly from them. As some of you know my freighters are largely old Miranda and Soyuz class ships. I also have two Constellations and an old Excelsior class ship at my disposal. Pirates and bandits in general leave me alone because they know my ships are armed. Starfleet does not worry about my ships because they know that each one is armed. In short, there is already a fleet inside Federation space, and while it is armed, I honestly would hate to go up against even an Intrepid class starship.

“As to how involved the Federation is in my company, the simple answer is they are not. For the first fifty years or so they watched us like a hawk, questioned every action and every trade deal we made trying to find out what made us so successful. They found nothing. Now every few years they come by and do an audit of the company finances, contracts, and the like, the last one being four years ago and the next one not slated for another four years or so. I am a careful man who intends to see my company grow legally, and anyway, what the Federation investigators do know about or find, well, that does not hurt them or me, does it," said Wayne coolly, his eyes fixed directly on the Cardassian and Tholian ambassadors. If they wanted to see the old Bradshaw then he would show them what made him the toughest general in the corps.

Leave it to the Cardassian to question and doubt what so far seems to be a well thought out and executed tactical maneuver.

”Mr. Bradshaw knows how Federation thinks, what they look for, and where they look for it. Perhaps this knowledge could benefit us as well. So far I’m not against the idea. As to the fleet I will have to consult with the council about that. I don’t foresee any issues with it. However, they would be older ships and will take some time to convert the interfaces from the Klingon to Federation readouts,” Tu’rocK replied, scowling at the Cardassian.

"Tu'rocK, you just mentioned one point I had actually forgotten about. While the ships would fly under the banner of BII, I fully intend the crews to be integrated crews. Engineering and other systems would remain in, for example, the Klingon language, as who, after all, is better qualified to work on a Klingon warp core than a Klingon engineer? The same would be said for any ship provided by the other members. My intention behind this move is simple: if ships from, say, Cardassia are seen plying the space lanes in the Federation it will get people used to seeing those ships and their crews and would likely eventually open the doors for other trade ventures. I am not a fool or an idealist I know that it might take years before a ship completely crewed by, say, Cardassians or Tholians would be welcome at a Federation starbase, but the groundwork has to be laid somewhere, so why not here."

Qinee mused thoughtfully on the proposal. “International freight already has free access across Federation borders,” she pointed out. “But old warships…you’re talking a completely different animal, Bradshaw. It’s one thing to re-license an old Federation ship for freight, but quite another thing to let a Bird of Prey cross the border. Even I don’t think the Federation is that greedy for trade,” she giggled. “And how convenient of you to be the middle man, hmmm?” she commented. “The Ferengi Alliance has long remained neutral in the affairs of your various empires. We have always offered neutral shipping options….for a price. Why would we agree to allow you to undercut our market share?” She toyed with a ring on her finger.

Ambassador was shocked and the preciseness of the Ferengi. He never had much interaction with them, but this particular Ferengi appeared to be a boon to her species.

"The Ferengi is absolutely correct," Ambassador Turvan added. "Patching together a Miranda Class vessel from 2250's is one thing, but actually having complete control over a Galor class vessel?" he asked rhetorically. "The Federation Security Council would be a fool to not question the motives behind such a powerful warship. To even compare the two would be ludicrous," he said, returning the glare to the Klingon ambassador. "Although I'm sure there are some of us who don't put such a premium on state of the art technology," he said intently. The Klingons were still operated Birds of Prey from the days of Captain James T. Kirk. Of course they'd have no problem selling them to the highest bidder.

“For so called state of art technology I seem to remember those Birds of Prey from the days of Kirk had four to one kill ratios against the Galor class in the last war. While technology is helpful, it’s the captain and crew of ship more than anything that determines its effectiveness in combat. If the Cardassian Union didn't spend so much time trying to get others to fight their battles for them. Klingon ships are not sold blindly to highest bidder the empire does a great deal of checking on the few lucky enough to be allowed to buy one. They must have a warrior spirit and above all be an honorable person. I offer you this one and only warning ambassador: insult me or the empire again and I shall cut your lying tongue from your treacherous mouth,” Tu’rocK replied with a scowl, his right hand gripping the hilt of his d'k tahg.

Not to be intimidated, Ambassador Turvan continued to stare into the Klingon's beady eyes.

"Tell me Tu'Rock," foregoing the formality or respect of the Klingon's official title, "how does it feel to know that the only reason you are sitting here today is because the Romulans came to the rescue and rescued your people from the brink of annihilation?" he asked.

"In fact, I'm certain that I'm not the only one who has noticed the delicious irony that instead of fighting for the Empire like a true warrior, here you sit under the watchful eye of a Romulan commander," Turvan continued, referring to the station's current commanding officer. Although Hydel made sure to place both hands on the table before the Klingon to demonstrate that he had no fear of the mongrel, his attaché, Glinn A'Dan Glenn, kept his hand near his weapon, prepared to strike if necessary.

“You know little about Klingon politics. This is its battle field, and like an honorable warrior I go and fight where the Empire tell me to. I can assure I’m still lethal and effective in combat as when I was a Sa' in the KDF. Just because my title is now Duy'a doesn't mean I’m not a warrior. You can test that at your peril, Cardassian,” Tu’rocK growled, his grip tightening.

Wayne could see where this was heading and he wanted to get things in perspective as quickly as possible. "ENOUGH!" said Wayne coldly.

"Madam Ambassador, you ask why you should let my company take over for you. The reason comes down to this. BII is a trusted long standing company that dates back to 2113 and was already well established even before the Federation was formed. Since that time members of my family have served in the military of Earth and in Starfleet before retiring to take over this company. In short, though inter-stellar freight may enjoy cross-border trade without a problem, one word dropped in the right ear and that can all change. I am a man of honor and duty, but I am also a businessman. Do not think that working against me is a good idea, because I can and will crush you," said Wayne coolly to the Ferengi ambassador.

"As for your question, Ambassador Turvan, why the hell would someone ever want something as big and cumbersome as a Galor class starship for a freight hauler is beyond me. Though I can think of a reason I would be interested in a Galor or two, it would not be to haul freight. The logistics would be to staggering to think about. I would be much more likely to be interested in ships that would be in the frigate class than a battleship like a Galor.

“Mr. Bradshaw, you are a warrior, businessman, and excellent tactician. You faced and overcame fear. Are you sure you and family aren't part Klingon,” Tu’rock said, his glare still firmly fixed on the Cardassian ambassador.

"Ambassador Tu'rock, I mean no offense when I say this, but I am worse than any Klingon. I was am and in my heart always will be a Starfleet Marine. What you see here is just me adapting years of what made me a feared commander in the field to the board room," said Wayne lightly to the Klingon ambassador in a way he was joking, but also in a way he was deadly serious.

Irakane and her attaché stood. "And the Human reveals its true colours." The air around them shimmered angrily with heat. "The Ferengi Alliance offered no offensive word or action, merely asked a question pertinent to these proceedings. Yet your first response is to bluster of your history then issue a threat of violence that would be construed as a declaration of war if it had been made to us. The Tholian Assembly shall not consider this further. This is not a negotiation. This is a shakedown." And with that the insectoid aliens moved towards the door.

Wayne could see this might be a problem and he had one more card he had hoped he would not have to play but since things had happened, it seemed that he would have to make such a move. "Ambassador, wait one moment, if you please. There is one other aspect of my company that I would be willing to offer to all the members and I would like to only say it once," said Wayne calmly.

Qinee was just as angered by Bradshaw’s threats. He wanted to pick a trade war? With the Ferengi Alliance! She started to gather up her things as well, though paused when Bradshaw continued speaking.

"I do have one carrot that I would be willing to offer you. Recently my company has completed construction of a mobile shipyard. I would be willing to lease the ships to each of you as soon as they finish construction. You would then have three options. You can buy the ship from BII and reverse engineer it for your own ships, you can buy the designs from my company, or you can continue the lease indefinitely. That choice is up to each member and can be discussed after the meeting," said Wayne calmly

"I have told you all my company deals in shipping, which is true. We also have two areas that are not widely known about. One area is our R&D program which designs new styles and classes of ships, and the other is what we humans call a PMC. If -- and right now I will admit it is a large if -- but if we can pull this off I will personally see to it that the full force of the PMC is brought to the aid of any member of this alliance. All you would have to do is to ask. We would also be willing to assist each member in designing and building new ships. Though we are limited in what size we can build or repair, you would have our help if and when you ever needed it," said Wayne calmly

Ambassador Turvan scoffed aloud. "Human mercenaries? You might as well send a platoon of Klingons into the battle if all you are looking for is mindless cannon fodder," the Cardassian rebuffed. "More to the point, you wish for me to enter into some form of a trade alliance with a species that has barely mastered the evolutionary feat of walking upright?" he said, gesturing to the Klingon side of the table. Contact my government when you've finished rolling around in the mud with our resident targs," Ambassador Turvan said with finality as he too made his way towards the door.

“I've had enough. I tried to be civil for sake diplomacy, but one more word of insult from that blue, scaly, cowardly, deceitful bastard that dares call himself ambassador and I’ll remove the head from his shoulders,” Tu’rocK scoffed, his anger evident. “I think he’s afraid his troops won’t be able to keep up with Human mercenaries. I share his concern about mercenaries, but Humans in general have proved on the whole to skilled combatants and honorable. They’re not as good as Klingon warriors, but not bad either,” he added.

“What need does a mercantile interest have with mercenaries?” scoffed Qinee, wriggling down from the Human-sized chair, slapping Nazl out of the way. “A bribe is cheaper and less obvious, less likely to bring down Starfleet on one’s head. And we build our own ships. So far I hear a lot of stick and very little carrot.” She swept her dress around her, turning to follow the others out.

Ambassador Turvan smirked arrogantly as he returned the Klingon's stare. "Is anybody really surprised that a Human and their Klingon lapdogs are on the same side asking for everyone else's help?" he asked rhetorically. Turvan shifted his gaze towards Mr. Bradshaw. "I would've respected you more if you had just come forward and told us that you were creating a secret army. If you are going to be deceptive, at least be good at it," he stressed.

“We all defer the Cardassians and Romulans in matters of deceptiveness. After all, it their natural state,” Tu’rocK replied with scowl.

Wayne could see where this heading and he almost had to laugh. He was man enough to admit that a good part of it was his own damn fault. He should have known better then to try and bring four such races to one table and deal with them nothing would have gotten done which was just what happened here. "Ambassadors I think it is safe to say this meeting is over and we should all leave before this devolves into something more vulgar then it already has. Ambassadors Tu'rocK and turvan I would very much like to meet with you both privately at a later date to discuss things of mutual interest. please let my secretary know when and where you would like to meet." With that he and his son rose from their seats and headed for the door. Once they were well away from the conference room he turned to his son. "wayne I want that conference room sterilized swept fro bugs and if need be totally stripped I would not trust any one of those ambassadors not to try and bug the room to listen in on future meeting." Said Wayne curtly as he entered his office, he needed time and quiet to think things through.

 

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