Chapter One: Hotel Paradiso

[Bluetongue]

Arnwulf

Nods and shrugs to the law enforcement questions. The villains seen pretty non-descript, not very professional. The key figure of the trio seems to be 'the 3rd man'. When he can upload the security copy to his laptop and zoom in for a clearer focus he will.

Chatting after with the bankers he says, "You wanted to buy shares. What was your idea if you controlled it. More Poseidon document work or freight runs for Sapphire ore, navy spare parts?" he asks interested having just finished on Yolanda's Hope.

"But if you want to cash in. You know I do have contacts in the military who might pay a higher price than the navy admiralty. Land army has few assets in space so might pay a premium. You offered to buy for 1/2 a million per share. Suppose I can broker a deal for 750,000cr per share? That could be 50 extra for you, 50 for you and a little profit for my troubles? Cloud Bank cash in a 20% profit on their valuation of a rust bucket of ill repute?"

He orders a fine malt whisky and three glasses, raising an eyebrow at the bankers.

[BackworldTraveller]

750K would take all the profit...Not interested. At 500K it could be sold on as a family prospector, with a bit of conversion. It's got space for a family, and a decent space for ore samples, mining drones, etc.

How about you - You seemed to be in with the prospective crew - Will you go for a post?

[Bluetongue]

Arnwulf

Pours a whisky as conversation starts.

"Oh I thoroughly understand you wouldn't buy for 750k. You are businessmen after all. The banks own shareholders to consider, guarantee profits over speculations.

But the people I am talking about would buy for 750k, give or take a little. There interests may be more than quick profit. Perhaps strategic assets, collateral, influence, a foot in the door.

I take my 50k broker fee and you decide how to declare the 2M, 200k cr sales figure

I mean just think of present circumstances. Hit men fly from New Earth to kill Miss En Sabah as you saw. She goes with the ship Hitmen don't stop until the ship is blown to smithereens and your shares evaporate in space. Worthless.

You can cashout now while I join the crew to stop that inevitable boom happening."

He gestures with his hands like something went 'boom' and finger sprinkles imaginery space flotsam.

[BackworldTraveller]

Ah but you seem to be joining the crew anyway...So that will make money which, as owners we receive our part of. Why the complexities? The Risk of engaging an unknown broker? Paying a 30% fee. You, I think, overvalue your position. I'll sell to you for 750K. If you have the cash. Hatchers offer loans to the bold and rash for a lien on the vessel. We get our money, you get your shares - but they can always force a sale of the collateral if you can't pay. And if you go "Boom" - not our money. Perhaps an introduction? For a fee of course.

[Bluetongue]

Arnwulf

"True. I know the value of my position. " he taps his ribbons. "Expendable ".

"But I may be of intrinsic use, more than cheap labour on a tramp freighter to the right stakeholders. The Belter Navy have an interest in this vessel. The seizure, the release, the influence. The New Earth military might want an expendable grunt to blog on how the Queen is flying, what ports she trades in, what cargo she carries. And that will only come if they invest, perhaps in acquiring Cloud Bank shares.

If you have no interest in selling. I am sure the Busai's will be interested in a better offer than the one you made. Mr Sabbana seemed to think counsel so."

So he suggests they sell the three shares for 2Mcr flat. He takes his cut from the buyer. The NE military may then choose to pay him an additional figure, perhaps on the scale equal to his corporal rank to send them reports as they become the new 3 share stakeholders.

Arnwulf, for all his career terms mustered out with less than 10k in his pocket. He figures brokering a deal and acting as middleman could net him a few thousand.

[BackworldTraveller]

Well, There is no need for the bank to decide now. The offer is...hypothetical. Perhaps you should return when you have the ability to match your words with the specie.

They pass you their card.

[Bluetongue]

Arnwulf

"Hypertheticals." he takes their card and gives them a salute.

As others have gone off for the afternoon inspections he will visit a merchant contact he has who has a brokerage and mercantile based upon Sparks.

He takes a cab to the place feeling positive and mulling over the CCTV security chip in his pocket.

While travelling he pings a message using contact details obtained from the shareholders meeting.

"Captain Carter, please excuse the intrusion. I have investigated the attack upon one of your fellow shareholders and conclude the evidence points to an assasination attempt.

I will do further enquiries to establish the identity of the culprits.

The hotel have beefed up ongoing security.

Sincerely.

A.G.Lugersen
Security services."