Sat on top of his throne was Viscount Zach Nato, the eccentric and aging leader of the City-State of Julia pondered in thought. Founded by his family, The Nato blood line had built the city from the ground up. The city was rich in history, a trading hub, multicultural as well as it being a corporate-friendly environment it allowed some of the greatest minds to produce world-changing equipment. Most recently it was Triple M and SEM who created cost affordable, effective and battle proven rifles. It beat their competitors and would surely be used by many nations and mercenary groups.
His thoughts of profit was interrupted by Minister Jericho Galloway, he had another proposal a scheme more like it. "We have to increase our coal and agriculture industry, this will help reduce our deficits and improve quality of life for visitors and citizens." Nato waves him away. "Go ahead, be done with it." He says as Galloway scurries off to begin the preparations.
Minister Troye Darcy of the army came in later on while Viscount Nato was engaged in his usual 'planning'. Darcy was a no-nonsense general, having led defenses against bandits and enemy forces before. He was serious, really serious. "My liege I must confess that we could use another wonder-maker... Just like the corporations we have, there must be someone out there who may can aid us in making and refining out rifles... I propose we send out a two-year contract for a 1907 rifle and a six month for a modification for the 1905SEM. In turn if the designs and prototypes are good we can adapt and then bring a corporation or genius who may fall into our laps".
Nato waved off the Minister "Then let it be done, we shall see what the international community thinks.. Should anyone rival us, then they should join us less they starve unknown to the world of their greatness."
Nato was doubtful of the results, but he'd rather appease his minister than to tell him off.
(+3 on ECO roll)