Member
TortoiseMarch 19th 2259
Delegates from Asteria arrive at Nefret Station in C&C territory in their yacht-like spaceship, the SS Woodrow, accompanied by a trio of corvettes escorting them. Once they’ve docked into the station, out came the diplomat Dwayne Jefferson, and his retinue, including several security guards and pencil pushers. Surprisingly things were quite bright and jovial at this time and space, it emitted a suspiciously harmonious and positive aura. The team of Asterian officials were welcomed and guided to their appointment within the space station where they would negotiate economic and political agreements. The doors open to the conference room and there are two individuals sitting on the far side in the arrangement of chairs and tables assembled for their team.
They began to introduce themselves once their visitors settled in. The tall, slender man leaning back in his chair finally sat up with a smile, “I’m Rashaad Ulrich, discount manager and deal-broker.” then the other, a woman with freckles and thick-rimmed glasses “Regina Carmine, sales representative and financial advisor.”
Rashaad continued on, “I will be presenting some opportunities, I would like to hear what you have in store for us, and we’ll make business, pronto.” he smiled, looking left to right. Regina casually chimes in while her associate leered, “We both will answer any questions you have, and help make sure things work out how they ought to.”
Mr. Jefferson was somewhat taken back by the chief dealsman’s pushiness but then he was reminded they are living in dire times. Given these extreme circumstances Rashaad’s behavior was entirely justified. “I am Dwayne Jefferson, ambassador representing the Federal Free States of Asteria. This is my attache, Laurie Andersson.” His hands reach in the direction of the woman to his right. “Also I want to introduce Dr. James Collman, our expert in economics. He’d be providing insights and economical advice in regards to the recent crisis.” Mr. Jefferson gestured towards the aging man on his left. Unlike the woman the Collective knew Dr. Collman well enough and Rashaad almost nodded in approval.
After some protocol both sides sat down and began negotiations. “I believe all parties present are aware of what happened and how it’ll impact our economy, if nothing else. So let’s cut to the chase. Asteria wants to freeze the Confederate Credit’s value for the foreseeable future. Our lawmakers are busy accomplishing this at the soonest date possible. Yet Asteria has an extensive list of foreign trade partners so without most of these regions following suit I’m afraid it’d be pointless. I’m aware of the potential benefits for investing in a rapidly devaluing credit. It’d be an attractive gambit which pays back many-fold once the economy restores.”
“That is provided if it actually does. I see your point Mr. Jefferson.” Interjected Rashaad pointedly.
Dwayne continued, “Indeed. We don’t know when or if the Confederacy restores. Until then markets would effectively freeze and trade would slow down to a grinding halt. Such a downturn is good for investors with lots of assets and capital but terrible for anyone who would want to make profit during the interim. Asteria wants none of that so we’re freezing the value of credit instead of icing our economy. As a Federal Ambassador my first priority is to ensure the Collective and the Conglomerate is on a similar page.” He paused and then extended a hand out to the economics advisor on his left, “Dr. Collman, please.”
The so far silent man stood up and activated his holographic projector showing various graphs and future economic predictions. He held a brief 10-minute presentation about the region’s future and potential outcomes. The Conglomerate spoke business so for them empty words held little value. That’s why Dwayne called the famous Dr. James Collman to translate everything to their language. The full details of his research were also transferred to Rashaad’s datapad for future analysis, probably the best gift Asteria could’ve prepared.
Now that Asteria had provided more confidence behind their words, the C&C representatives seemed a lot more receptive to the plans put forth by their neighboring state. They seemed to be in agreement however there seemed to be an elephant in the room which has yet to be discussed. “A temporary freeze would help keep things stable,” remarked Rashaad, “As of now it would be too dangerous to allow it to be manipulated by who-ever, now that Sol is gone.”
With the first issue cleared Dwayne Jefferson was quickly shifting gears. “That being said, economics is far from the only problem we may face. The Confederacy as we speak is shattering into pieces and warlords claiming themselves the representative of the Confederacy will attempt to take the reins.” He took a moment to pause while scanning his audience of two, “While nominally under the Confederacy we Asterians pride ourselves on our freedoms. The Confederacy have abandoned us for decades, little despots trying to order us around would obviously not endear us the slightest. The Collective and Conglomerate may not mind the new regime but as we know the highest ranking Confederate official in the region is none other than this particular figure.”
Dwayne put a tiny holographic device on the table and activated it. The display showed a portrait of a middle aged man with stern eyes alongside his personal details. “Julan Bartok, a hardliner Pro-Earth activist who makes even the most diehard Confederacy supporters question themselves. An accomplished admiral and for some even a local hero. Yet his diplomatic skills are like a blunted axe. I think we all know what’s coming in the near future.” Mr. Jefferson let out a painful smirk. Admiral Bartok was anything but good news for the region. Even if he had a competent staff supporting him Bartok would only bring ruin to any system under his new control.
The Asterian diplomat continued, “Asteria and the Collective always had a cooperative relationship. We may never have been on the best terms but we need each other for continued survival. What I suggest is hardly new or groundbreaking in our relationship. Asteria wants some further cooperation with C&C, now in the military sense. Bartok is a threat to Asteria so my government wants him removed. I have a strong sense this feeling is mutual between us. Further details of our cooperation will be handled through the usual secret channels.”
Both Regina and Rashaad looked at each other for a moment, and then back at Dwayne, with the woman speaking “We must officially present ourselves as neutral and benign to the admiral in public, however there is nothing restricting us from ensuring you get some of the best deals our territories have.” She looked to Rashaad, who opened up a thick binder full of what seemed to be coupons.
The deal-broker continued his associate's statement, “We’ve got tons of opportunities ranging from… oh, could be anything! These discounts are exclusive to nation states, and they pack a wallop - here, look at this one--” he pushes the binder towards Mr. Jefferson and Dr. Collman emphatically, pointing out the many potential deals which range from food, to small arms, to space ships, to components, and so on.
The two groups go through the coupons and Rashaad meticulously notes what piqued the interests of their counterpart and was able to create a bundled deal which fit the needs of their neighbors. After the deal had been arranged, he double-checked with his people outside of the meeting to authorize the discounted deal, and within only ten to fifteen minutes did he get approval. With so many marked-down deals, freebies, and sales being made for both Asterians military and civilian markets, a huge range of access to affordable products and services had become open to them. It was somewhat reminiscent of a ‘relief package’ which long-term intention was to keep customers engaged and exchanging currency between solar systems.
“That’s all very impressive, Mr. Ulrich. I’m certain my government will be rather interested.” Taken aback from the sudden attack Dwayne just barely manages to hide his nervousness. Indeed that’s a military aid but not exactly what he had in mind. Perhaps Rashaad has something to hide? Maybe it’s just in the discount broker’s veins. Either way Dwayne got everything he wanted. The two sides continue the discussion for a while then exchange the usual pleasantries before leaving, being escorted out by the same person who brought them to the conference room. The ambassador vessel SS Woodrow departs Nefret Station in peace. The Asterian ships almost leave Hovno Diera System when Mr. Jefferson’s datapad rings in a strange pattern. Being formerly part of the Secret Service he immediately recognized it as a morse code. It said: “OK”. Dwayne smiled which made his attache Laurie Andersson look puzzled. “What is it, Mr. Jefferson?” She never got her answer.
