Barter And Bluster
Episode Name: Barter And Bluster Written By: Fortunae Cast: Fortunae and Lux. Produced By: Starfleet Directed By: Fortunae Aired On: Mon Mar 24 21:28:19 2003 Stardate: 53092.2
Time: Mon Mar 24 17:55:52 2003
Stardate: 53091.8
The Ferrengi shuttle craft cuts through the heavy dark clouds that surround it. Streaks of lightning flash in the distance and the forward windows are streaked with the rain that is washed away by the speed of the craft through the atmosphere. Slowing and decending below the thunderheads the rain beats fiercely upon the craft.
Below its circling course correction, the lights on the landing platform on the roof spring to life highlighting the space where the shuttle is cleared to land. Heavy winds buffet the craft slightly, but it lands smoothly and without incident. The side door opens with a soft whir that is lost in the storm winds. A door on the roof structure near the landing pad opens and from it comes several Rynkans with umbrellas. They approach the shuttle and then the slow moving form of Ambassador Lux steps down, only to be guided inside under the protection of the umbrella. The shuttle door closes automatically.
There is little conversation in the turbolift down from the roof, the functionaries that met Lux have not been cleared for more than polite idle chat about the nature of the flight itself. The doors open many floors down, clearing the path down the carpeted corridor, brightly lit with artificial light, to the large double doors made of a local wood at other end of the hall. The doors are opened for the Ferrengi Liquidator by his escort and he passes inside.
The room is bright, flooded by large light fixtures far up in the distant ceiling. The floor is a polished, reflective marble shaped in the circle of the room. A tall wall of glass forms the circular sides of the room, but is tinted to prevent one from seeing into the other side. In the middle of the room is a large, circular table with eighteen seats. On the table in front of each seat is a thin, retractable computer screen with a console in front of it. The words on the console are, of course, Rynkan or Ferrengi. On the opposite side of the room from the main entrance hangs the Rynkan flag and the flag of the Ferrengi Alliance. Sitting at the seats are a large group of Ferrengi DaiMons, Liquidator Gort, and the Rynkan President and his Aerospace Minister. Many of them greet Lux as he arrives.
Lux makes the round of handshakes and backslaps and other policial niceties. Eventually he makes his way around the room and takes his assigned seat. He begins preparing his PADD while the meeting settles down and prepares to get started.
President Harron rises from his seat saying, "Gentlemen, may we please come to order. I would like to express our thanks that Ambassador Lux has taken the time to return to Rynka so shortly after he visit week before last to help us address concerns about the projects in motion in this region of space. I would also like to thank Liquidator Gort for his efforts and his attempts to keep the project itself moving while these details were debated. For those of you who have not already met Minister of Aerospace Lorpa, I make an introduction." He gestures with his hand toward the other Rynkan present. "Would Ambassador Lux care to make any statement before we get to the matter at hand itself?"
Lux says, "Only that I hope that we can reach a mutually profitable compromise here today. If there are no other objections, I say lets get started. Time is money."
President Harron nods, as do several of the DaiMons; Harron gestures towards his Minister who rises from his seat and clears his throat. As he speaks he studiously avoids making eye contact with the assessing stares of the more aggressive DaiMons. "Ahem," Minister Lorpa begins, "Since the arrival of the DaiMons into our system last week there has been great strides on the construction of the Subspace communications relay, the border markers, the Tariff stations, and even on the framework of the Commerce station and shipyards. With the Nausicaan contract labor handling installation security on surface side locations, and Rynkan technicians working under the supervision of the Ferrengi systems experts that were brought by the DaiMons we are already 14 hours ahead of projected schedule." He consults his paper notes again then looks back. "Unfortunately, the ministry and the government are concerned at the tone and nature made by several of the DaiMons that indicate that the Rynkan government would not have any direct hand in the governance of these extra-planetary assets and would only have a percentage of profits rendered in a silent partner relationship. This is completely not the arrangement that we forsaw when first extending this invitation and joining the Alliance. We expect to have equal participation in administration, profiteering and policy formentation. The station and shipyards are insulated from non-alliance interference by being based in our recognized space; and we benefit from the presence of our alliance allies and the elevation in local technology and economic growth that these projects indicate to bring to our local interests."
Several Ferrengi glower and look ready to start shouting at the impudent Rynkans.
Lux peruses his copy of the treaty, maintaining an unpatronizing cool despite the rising tempers around him. "Well the contract that your government made in joining the Alliance is clear in this regard and my fellow Commerce Authority representatives re-iterated this when we met with your people 2 weeks ago. The Alliance will get a percentage of your profits in the form of taxes and trade tarriffs as detailed in the contract. However, just like the libertine policies of the Alliance provide for Rynkan self government as part of a greater whole, they also serve to protect the DaiMons and other independent entrepreneurs. If this is an issue where the Ferengi government is being asked to interfere with any business which has originated in the private sector between non-government business entities then I'm aftaid that you're not protected by the contract. We don't redistribute wealth to level the playing field. Maybe we could hear from one of the DaiMons to get their perspective on these events?
A well dressed Ferrengi rises from his seat, a younger one compared to most of those gathered. "DaiMon Youst." He introduces himself. "It's quite clear -- we are giving your people an business opportuity, and a chance to advance yourself and your technology without interference from the communists or the imperialists. We aren't telling you what to buy, or how to use what you buy, so we aren't impigning on your freedomes of choice. By that same token, if not for us there would be no Station. No Starship construction facility -- none of this. You *are* being compensated through direct percentages as well as collatoral benefits already -- but if you expect to have any say in the control and use of *our* assets and labor, you are kidding yourselves. We didn't join *you* -- you joined *us*. A fine point, and not one that supports your theory of equality. You are equal members of the Ferrengi Alliance, but not equal on the individual level. We base standing by wealth, by Lobes, by wiles. If you can convince your fellow Rynkans to elect you to this office, that speaks well of your guile and ability to manipulate common opinion -- enough that I might for example be willing to offer you a contract as a market advisor. But I don't answer to you politically and you don't answer to me. If your people, if your government wants a bigger piece of the pie -- BUY In. If you want a bigger say -- show you are worthy and we might *EMPLOY* you. But if you think we are just going to *give* you anything, you are sadly mistaken. You want charity, go beg the Federation to toss you crumbs. You want to do *business* then you come talk to me." He then sits down.
The Rynkan officials looks stung and show the signs of growing anger.
Lux looks to the Rynkans. "The Rynkan government has been aware from the beginning that they are joining a capitalist system and I think that DaiMon Youst has pretty much reiterated my point. The Alliance made contratual obligations to help give the Rynkan Confederacy a technological upgrade over a pre-determined timeframe and we will honor that to the letter. We also have no intention of taking any money that you make off of your taxation of vessels through your space or any other Rynkan venture outside of the taxes that every Alliance citizen pays. So long as everyone in the room understands this then we really are all on the same page. Is there maybe a specific incident that either side of the room would like to bring up as an example. Otherwise we're just talking rhetoric" he smiles in an attempt to disarm each side "and if we wanted that, the Federation is right outside that bulkhead, we could switch on a listening bouy and get all we wanted."
President Harron rises from his seat and addresses Lux. "DaiMon's Yousts posturing aside, Ambassador, we have in no way been seeking to get any unfair shares of the profits or this joint operation. Well we understand the nature of capitalism but perhaps I can illustrate for you what we are concerned about and that will help things reach a more suitable level of understanding."
Harron takes a breath and then continues. "Two days ago my Minister of Security and Defense contacted DaiMon Klouk regarding the placement of Rynka defense force officers on the shipyard and commerce station in their operations sections so we would have direct channels of communication with our military and the Orbital facilities. This is in accordance with our contract of merger with the Ferrengi Alliance -- you will handle our external defense concerns and our foreign diplomacy -- Speaking of that, the commander of that Station you live on contacted us last week regarding the arrival of the DaiMons, our offices informed him to take his inquiry through your office Ambassador. As I was saying, you would handle our external defense and diplomacy -- but we still must have a direct hand in the defense of our actual space and our homeworld. We had space faring vessels before joining, we have a space command. It is not unreasonable to wish to have our military officers coordinating on the last defense ring before hitting our atmosphere. DaiMon Klouk countered that he had not obligation to offer free training to our personnel, and that we would have to *pay* him to have the opportunity to have one of our officers there as a silent observer. I feel this is indicative of the situation that is concerning my government. When I myself called him to protest this position of his, he told me I was free to build a habmodule to house our people in and they would install a priority communication line from the station to the HabHouse for a nominal installation fee and then a month service contract. Surely you can see that this is unreasonable from the position of my Government."
A fierce looking DaiMon with no neck glowers and growls at the back of his throat, likely the referenced DaiMon Klouk.
Lux says, "You're absolutely right in that regard Mr. President. The treaty specifically states the upgrades in technology and training in the use of said technology as part of your incentive plan to join the Alliance which, DaiMon Klouk is no doubt aware, will provide him with opportunities not before available in this part of the sector. It does not however, provide for Ferengi security forces to maintain Rynkan planetary defenses. However, if DaiMon Klouk doesn't wish to provide training, we can't force him to. If he wishes to take a smaller trade franchise in exchange for the time saved not training your people then that's his perogative. We can make arrangements for those monies to be used to bring in an independant technical consultation firm to handle the training.""
Harron asks over the angry growl issued by Klouk, "That sounds acceptable Ambassador, but what about the actual stationing of our officers on the Commerce station, the Shipyards and the Subspace communications booster station? I have to say, DaiMon Frengal's tariff stations personnel and our agents from the ministry of finance have been working fine together over the last several days, with no conflicts at all -- and his is the model of cooperation to our mutual and seperate objective concerns that we are looking for."
Liquidator Gort speaks up, "President Harron, unless you are requesting an audit of DaiMon Klouk's business practicies -- which I would be happy to conduct for you at the standard rate for private encorporation requests for governmental personal -- there is little we can do officially to encourage him to run his own concerns the same way as DaiMon Frengal runs his with you."
Klouk snorts, "Frengal is fool! I hear he recently gave his entire crew a *raise* for cost of living expenses to ensure their loyalty!"
Lux nods. "That's an excellent point Gort. If you're being denied something garunteed you in your contract then the Alliance will help you find an alternate vendor and make good on our end of the bargain. However, the Rynkan people need to understand that individual DaiMons are just that." Lux shoots a look at Klouk's outburst. "If he did that's his business. So long as he's meeting his end of quarter specs, what he does with his cash is his own affair, not the Comm Authorities and certainly not yours."
Frengal shouts back, "That is a damnable lie! I set a increase in production quoto and told my crew if it was met then they would be entitled to profit sharing on any amount that the quota was exceeded. They exceeded it by 12 percent and so I paid out my agreed contract after substracting appropriate banking and filing fees -- meeting the quota alone put my gross profits up 4 points for the quarter -- unlike you!" He then looks apologetically toward Lux and shuts up.
The meeting is interrupted by a call to President Harron. He picks his comphone off the table and puts it to his ear. His expression becomes one confusion and curiosity and then he says, "Very well. Send him down." He then looks to the other DaiMons before focusing on Lux. "It seems the Secretary of Logistics for the U.N.A., an Secretary Kersie, has just arrived and requested an immediate audience with this gathering. He paid out 500 strips of Latinum for the priveledge -- our Finance minister is currently dividing up equal shares minus our bureaucratic administration fee." He smiles back at the DaiMons with a satisfied smugness, then looks again to Lux.
Lux nods to Frengal. "If he paid then he can be here. As I was saying Mr. President. Looking to the future after Rynka has completed its upgrade program, you'll be expected to deal with the Alliance and it's people as equals and pull your own weight profit wise. That's spelled out very clearly. While you have every right to demand what's yours via the contract you have, I would only reiterate that the same rules that apply to you regarding self management and entrepreneurial integrity apply to DaiMon Klouk, Liquidator Gort, everyone in the Alliance. If you can't work with Klouk here, then don't. However, you'll need to be able to haggle and comparrison shop if you wish to be a member of the Alliance. We'll honor our contract but as I said before, we don't do wealth redistribution or charity." he looks to the DaiMons. "Now the Alliance has made very generous perqs in the form of tax cuts, franchise rights and the like to those DaiMons and engineers who show the entreprenurial vision to come out here and take a gamble on helping the new kid on the block get up to speed. Now a little creative billing is perfectly understandable on both sides but we all work for the same corporation gentlemen. Can I trust that this sort of thing will be kept within reasonable limits?"
There is some grumbling and looks askew at the table, but the overall sentiment seems to be complience.
Lux says, "Capital. We all stand to make alot of money here gents. If we play our cards right we can corner the market on Federation trade here. So, unless there are any other issue, shall we see what the secretary has to say?"
The doors the conferance room open up and an extremely well tailored Ferrengi with impressive lobs enters. "Hello gentlemen, thank you all for seeing me. Let's skip the formalities of introduction and get right to business shall we?"
Lux indicates that he personally has no objections
President Harron seemed prepared to make a formal welcome, but cuts himself off as the Ferrengi wants to get right to business so he waves his aquiesence as well.
Lux waits politely for the secretary to begin.
Secretary Kersie introduces himself, 'I am the Secretary of Logistics for the U.N.A., in that capacity I have been empowered to offer a business deal with this consortium. Let me break down the key points. The U.N.A. would like to subcontract some of your Marauders on a short term basis to help patrol our borders against intrusion by the Klingon Empire, we have a lucrative reimbursement contract including shares in Nausicaan mining concerns for those willing to enter into such an arrangement."
He presses on, "We also have a proposal to supply your shipyards with raw materials that will funnel through Federation space to the Rynkan sphere down established free trade corridors that are currently being negotiated and clarified by our Ambassador to the Federation Station 419-Upsilon. As many of you know, the Nausicaan system is very rich in heavy metals and rare radiologicals that are necessary for modern ship construction, you will find our proximity is admiral for your needs and dealing with us will be much more pleasant than contracting materials from the only viable alternative in this region with any reasonable proximity -- The Federation."
"In exchange for some very attractive rates on shipping and material prices, we would like exclusive rights to purchase vessels from your shipyards for vessels bound for the Nausicaan sphere. That means, you sell to the UNA and no other Nausicaan faction, you seel to them, we stop shipping materials -- it's very simple. Moving on to actual shippage, we are looking to purchase at least 2 Marauders a year starting from the time the first one comes off the lines here. My estimates are that you can produce a working vessel within six months of our current date if you stay on your schedule. Once production increases we would take an option to buy up to two a quarter, with expected consideration in rates to reflect our own generous offers on miniral rates." He takes out a PADD and offers it over to Lux, "I believe the Ambassador can transmit the details to all of your stations to consider."
Lux transmits the details to the various parties around the table. "This offer is generous and I don't see why we won't be able to do business. However, given that Marauders are military vessels and as such representatives of the Alliance, I'd imagine that the Nagus' office is going to put some specs on this agreement for securities sake. I'm sure one of the DaiMons here could better speculate than I but I can almost guaruntee that this will need to be a public sale and that the UNA will be required to make some cosmetic changes to the vessels to indicate ownership."
Kersie smiles, showing his perfectly sharpened teeth. "Of course the UNA would make the cosmetic changes necessary to make any differances clear to even the most obtuse Klingon sensor operator. Perhaps a nice hull shade of green to be more in line with our more immediate neighbors as well as clear hull markings with the U.N.A. governmental seal -- we have thought about the concerns the Nagus might have, and we have a suitable work around. We buy the Marauders completly packaged except for the Weapons system, this makes them non-combat vessels of large size. We then have a seperate contract to buy shipboard weapons for that class of vessel from your yards. Finally, we pay your *repair* yard to install our weapons on our Very Large Cargo ships and they leave the system ready to go. We have no problem with the sale being public knowledge, but we do request discretion until the first vessel is completely to avoid provoking any foreign adventurism by the Imperialistic forces that surround our peace loving state. I don't wish to interrupt your meeting any longer than I already have -- my vessel is in orbit outside the Marauder picket lines, and I will remain there and available for any further questions or to negotiate closure on these contracts for 72 hours. After that time we will have to assume that your consortium is not interested and explore other less desireable options with your manufacturing competitors -- we have new inside line with the A.P.C. and thier suppliers, and a few other brokers so even if you all decline to do business with us, we can remain friendly if not business partners."
Lux says, "Thank you Mister Secretary, I'm sure we'll be able to come to an arrangement soon."
The references seem lost on Harron, but he doesn't like the implication of rivals in their endeavor. The DaiMon's seems to be gauging Kersie, an unknown to them, the other Liquidator though has an expression of aloof dismissal.
Lux's face remains devoid of emotion. He looks about the table. "Unless anyone else has any other business, I have one other minor issue to raise."
Harron says, "Thank you for your proposal Mister Secretary, we will contact you after we have had some time to review your offers. Good day." The Secretary nods to the President, and then the rest of the Ferrengi, then he departs back the way he came. Harron then says, "Please, go ahead Ambassador."
Lux says, "It's a brief issue, I basically wanted to put to the DaiMons and any Rynkan navigators, is there an alternate route that can be taken between Rykan space and Ferenginar space? The Feds are getting their undies in a twist when we're crossing over their space."
Another DaiMon leans forward and introduces himself. "DaiMon Rost. Rynkan space is entirely encapsulated by the Federation and the Romulans. If the Romulans would allow us free passage, then we could prevent passing through Federation space locally, but unless we want to go all the way out to the Draconis Outback via Bridgetown, then come across the top of the Romulan space sphere, then slip down the NZ and the local space here there is no way to avoid crossing their space." He stands up and bangs his fist on the table, "And on that note, who says it's thier damn space. It's thier space if they can hold it -- the terms of our mercantile treaties with them allow us to fly through thier space in pursuit of our business ventures -- but even that is utter dreck! I refuse to let the communists dictate to us where we can or cannot fly -- they don't like it? Well too damn bad, I say. Did they ask us if we minded if they provoked the Dominion into closing off the Gamma Quadrent and blocking our trade arrangements? Did they ask us if we minded if they sealed the wormhold and further impeded trade? Did they ask us if we cared if they dictated the terms of the access to and from the Gamma Quadrent after the war? When they interdict a planet, do they care if we agree? When they destablized the Cardassian government and started offering to rebuild it, did they ask us if we cared about that intrusion into our previously established markets for import and export? NO!" He bangs his fist again. "And now you come to us with more whining from the Federation -- but why should that surprise me? Surprise any of us. I think we have to ask ourselves again if *You*" -- he stabs a finger at Lux -- "..are even fit to sit among us here. Don't think we haven't heard about how you were played by the little Bajoran girl. Pumping contacts, wasting resources to find her little brat for her just so she'd cuddle you and give you oomax , and then as soon as she has what she wants and *tosses you aside*. You didn't even get her continued association for your help under contract. You are *slipping* old man. You are weak and foolish and your judgement is in question. If I were you I'd take a much quieter approach to this consortium and just take your profit share, not try to lead those who are far more Ferrengi then you, you cuckold." DaiMon Rost's words bring a variety of expressions -- some seem newly convinced by them, some newly dubious of Lux himself, and some, the older ones in particular and the youngest .. they seemed annoyed that Rost is trying to form share holder factions to maximize his own influence so early in the relationship.
Lux's face remains passive, he may be slipping but his poker face certainly isn't. His gaze is cool but anyone at the table who knows him can tell that his beady little eyes are taking in every detail of Rost's face. "So in answer to my question it looks like we're going to need to open negotiations with the Federation and the Romulans and see who makes us the better offer for transportation rights. Now I'm the logical choice for brokering a deal with the Federation but we'll need someone with a good deal of knowledge and expertise with goings on in foreign systems to handle the Romulans." he looks around the table at the sea of orange faces then returns his gaze to Rost. "Rost. I think you'd be the perfect man for the job. In fact I'm going to recommend you to the Nagus personally for the job. I'm sure one of the other DaiMons here can handle whatever minor tasks you're doing here for a reasonable fee while you go and convince the Romulans to let us use their space. I've no doubts you'll make your shareholders and the rest of us prouder than hell. Now, I think that concludes us gentlemen." he looks to Rost and gives him a wink. "Knock 'em dead slugger. Show 'em how a real Ferengi makes a deal."
And with that, the first salvos are fired even as the battle lines are forming for control of the Rynkan Sphere Consortium... and perhaps the entire Alliance itself.
