Chapter Four: Monday Night and Tuesday Morning

[BackworldTraveller]

Charlie Maputo

I've been looking forward to meeting you - the various shareholders of the Queen are an interesting bunch: And that includes you! So - An ex-Navy and an ex-Cop. I pity the Port when you get through with them. I understand that Mr Sood has been instrumental in getting the ship out of dock and ready to start trading again. His relatives may feel they have a right to any future legal actions, but I hope you'd support a review of legal services - No necessarily to displace them, but definitely to keep them on their toes.

I'm keen to get the ship back into the Package Courier business - specialist, and secure delivery is always a good seller - and the current disturbed interstellar relations will, I feel, make such services vital. That is why I have invested. And I feel that we should get the ship ready and back in space as soon as possible. You seem to be of a similar mind.

How are the ships funds? Do we need to get a line of credit to get going? Cloud Bank have been spectacularly short sighted. I'm sure they'd be willing to convert their stock to a loan which would allow the ship to fund the law-suit, re-armament, refurbishment and re-certification. Alternatively, we could issue new stock in a rights-issue. Split the current shares 10:1 and issue 48 new shares at Cr100,000 each could raise Cr4.8 million. The two of you, alone, could allow anything to be carried - but it would be better to have agreement rather than dictating.

[joertexas]

Charlie Maputo

I've been looking forward to meeting you - the various shareholders of the Queen are an interesting bunch: And that includes you! So - An ex-Navy and an ex-Cop. I pity the Port when you get through with them. I understand that Mr Sood has been instrumental in getting the ship out of dock and ready to start trading again. His relatives may feel they have a right to any future legal actions, but I hope you'd support a review of legal services - No necessarily to displace them, but definitely to keep them on their toes.

I'm keen to get the ship back into the Package Courier business - specialist, and secure delivery is always a good seller - and the current disturbed interstellar relations will, I feel, make such services vital. That is why I have invested. And I feel that we should get the ship ready and back in space as soon as possible. You seem to be of a similar mind.

How are the ships funds? Do we need to get a line of credit to get going? Cloud Bank have been spectacularly short sighted. I'm sure they'd be willing to convert their stock to a loan which would allow the ship to fund the law-suit, re-armament, refurbishment and re-certification. Alternatively, we could issue new stock in a rights-issue. Split the current shares 10:1 and issue 48 new shares at Cr100,000 each could raise Cr4.8 million. The two of you, alone, could allow anything to be carried - but it would be better to have agreement rather than dictating.

Can we move this conversation to the Tuesday afternoon thread?

"I believe that we have somewhere around two hundred thousand credits, but I'm not certain. That is, of course, far short of what we will need to make ready for operations. I would like to have this stock split proposal presented at tomorrow's meeting." Indrani pauses for a moment as she switches mental gears. "You mentioned Mr. Sood's relatives as potential legal claimants. Is there anyone else who might have a claim against the Queen? Also, where are we in regards to the police investigation? There's no point in making us ready to fly if the ship is being held as a crime scene or some such."

[BackworldTraveller]

Charlie Maputo

No, no. I didn't mean to suggest that they were claimants - but they may feel they have a right to future business. It is that that I think we should review. Can we get the same service elsewhere, cheaper? Will they be able to provide services outside Sparks? We need to consider this.

[Stirling]

Tiberius

"Well you seem a man of action. With some plans in place. Finance is not really an issue. The potential litigation over damages and challenging the Admiralty compensation award may provide all the sufficiency we need if successful.

But you remain a man of mystery Mr Maputo. As does QoTB Holding AG and that they were able to secure the Navy shareholding, I presume that purchase was in place prior to the announcement of the ships release. It was a complete surprise to the shareholders. We had no foreknowledge and the Navy made no indication they were selling up. In fact it looked all the world that they retained an interest. Such was their desire to nominate an ex-naval officer to Captain the vessel. Why not tarry the meeting another day and let you also vote? Yet hours later the million credit buyout. The QoTB Holdings was registered only this week. Tell us about your company and fellow investors. Are you in fact still officially tied to the Admiralty?

While not familiar with the holding company, I do recognise the Maputo name. Are you related to Anjali Maputo and work instead on behalf of the Kerala Corporation?

The reason I dig into backgrounds is reasonable due diligence on the grounds former crew were embroiled in smuggling escapades and it seems billion credit fugitive scientists, linked with Kerala Biotechnology, have turned up dead on the ship.

I prefer that we have no hidden agendas."

[BackworldTraveller]

Charlie Maputo
The company has been specifically created to isolate this potentially risky asset from those of the other businesses that I and my friends operate. And I have no idea who this "Anjali Maputo" is that you name. There are many Maputo's on this rock and its neighbours. I did serve in the navy, it's true - you can look - but after 4 years I had paid for my education and set off on my current path. How about you? You seem to have close ties to Touchdown. "Ex"-Cop. Are you working for them? Or Captain Carter here, she was in the Belter Navy only last week. The Navy knew that they were going to have to give up the ship - I heard rumours that this was happening and bought the shares at a good price. Cloud Bank made a similar offer, I understand, (but they offered less). And the Soods. They have spent thousands getting the ship out of the clutches of the Navy. What is their motivation? Having been a cop you must like investigating, but you are looking under the wrong stone Mr O'Hare.

Talking of stones. Have you decided on crew? Are they all going to be shareholders or are there others? Too many crew and the profits wither away!

[Stirling]

Tiberius

Tries to address the points that Charlie Maputo raises.

Cloud Bank did make an initial offer to buy the ship in it's entirety. Though they and no one else present had any foreknowledge of the Navy's intention to immediate sell shares upon the release of the ship The offer of purchasing those shares was not divulged to any of the other shareholders to give them preference before the shares were auctioned off to outside bidders as would be normal business etiquette. That is why I suspect, maybe falsely, of deals made 'under the counter' or 'behind the back' of others which creates an atmosphere of distrust.

Let me just be frank and earnest as well as Tiberius.

It is just bizarre that the navy as major shareholders nominate a Captain, a well certified and qualified one that 'they have complete confidence in', to host the bridge on the ship but then only a few hours later divest all and every interest in the vessel. These new major QoTB shareholders, unknown to all and with an agenda against the Sood Foundation, who own an 1/8th of the ship in their own right, contact the Captain to arrange to meet straight away.

Didn't you think actually meeting the shareholders together or other major shareholders individually to discuss propositions was the respectful way to conduct introductions? Unless you wanted to influence particular courses of action or trade or undermine the actions of a shareholding rival.

With respect to Indrani, I very much appreciate being kept informed of your contact and asked to arrange the meet. Indrani does hold a share in the ship in her own right but her position as Captain of the vessel is technically as 'just another employee'.

I am still interested to find out how my role is seen. Should someone who owns 1/4 of the vessel have to apply for a job on the ship? How much authority does he wield in terms of negotiations for where and how to operate. What involvement do you wish Mr Maputo? To sit in an office in Sparks and wait for an annual dividend or to crew in some fashion or to be personally involved?

Unlike you, I have all my eggs in one basket. My £12Mcr investment solely resting upon the Queen's future trading success. I could do just that suggestion myself but the ship is tied up, not just with the shadow of the smuggling seizure but also unveiling ties to other murky waters which threaten it's viability. Jusu Saffa to name just one. My investment looks a risky one.

And these recent revelations only add to the secrecy and mystery surrounding the ship. Bear with me please as I explain my current thoughts.

The navy telling the general public they are cashing in on the ship but in reality forming a hedge fund to front their continued involvment and influence in the vessel makes good sense from a covert view. Now one fact is that Captain Indrani Carter's registration for the Captaincy of the vessel was registered by the navy Admiralty prior to her nomination at the shareholders meeting. The papers just need rubberstamping. No three day wait and no 500 credit fee needed. Why would administration smooth the way for that to happen if the Admiralty intend to sell up?

Secondly, by coincidence, another senior commissioned officer, recently resigned with a tarnished reputation after an internal investigation, becomes 2nd-in-command to the vessel. His navy service career was exposed by Ngora Kole at the shareholder conference when she recognised him from previously inspecting the ship on behalf of the Admiralty several years before, remarking "if I have to choose between two navy officers'. At that point in the conference, Mr Bewoor had only been introduced as 'the rep for En Sabah Media'. No other facts were known, certainly not that he was 'a navy officer'. Children have good memories. I believe it is on my first recorded copy of the ship inspection that officer Bewoor confirms he and Indrani worked on naval military tactics together and would in other circumstances outrank her. Co-incidence?

I was on the way to the Admiralty quarters to meet with Lt Kikuyu of the external affairs bureau to discuss shareholder investments and common vision for the operation of the vessel this very afternoon when 15 mins prior to that meeting, the Navy brief the press that they have sold all shares.

Lieutenant Indrani Carter was involved in the initial investigation and seizure of the Queen. It is a suspicion the share she holds was rewarded as part of that mission's success. And subsequently was nominated to Captain the vessel upon its release back into civilian hands. The navy retaining an interest by default of owning shares taken as part of the smuggling conviction.

Like you mentioned, the Sood lawyers did an excellent job at much cost to themselves to litigate for the successful release of the ship.

It is my suspicion, as you note I appear very suspicious and paranoid about everything, the navy knew of Jusu Saffa and his experiments with frontier space technology. The ship is linked to his 'Eureka' discoveries. The navy want first dibs on any discoveries being factualised. So install their own to run the ship under cover of a trading vessel but in reality keep it acting in covert espionage. Jusu Saffa, as a fugitive conducted much of his research beyond the reach of naval jurisdiction. Operating a military craft in such spheres may not be so welcomed as an independent Free Tradermight be. Especially one noted for conducting smuggling enterprises, both by Jojo Celisse and possibly while leased by PLDES.

My gambit to the Admiralty was not to expose their alleged scheme but to suggest they concede the contested award and allow the ship to use the nearly £4Mcr to refit the ship. We then crew it under their guise and in return the 1/4 share they hold is equally split between the current shareholders and at present 7 crew members as those Saffa discoveries are proven. Over a term that equates to a £1M cr share apiece and the navy gain the benefits of whatever Saffa technology created.

But those coincidental suspicions pale if you are indeed just another entrepreneur buying into a decrepit vessel in need of TLC in the hope of gaining some annual percentage of profit and I talk out of my rear end. Not for the first time either, hence my own service career ending abruptly.

Personally. I quite like the idea of working, albeit covertly, for the navy. I am more than happy to ratify Indrani as Captain.

As to my Touchdown connections. They are simply a request to watch over a fellow shareholder, one from En Sabah Media, who has been threatened by unknown assasins who wish to avail themselves of certain family assets."


He pours a drink, realising he has droned on and on and said much with his speculations.

[BackworldTraveller]

Charlie Maputo

Ah - Thank you for your frank statement. I came here today, when I heard you'd be attending, to outline the commercial opportunities of my involvement in the secure and confidential transport market. While an appreciation of the possibilities is useful in this line of business, such an open statement does raise serious concerns about the viability of the confidential side.

Captain, what are your thoughts?

[joertexas]

Charlie Maputo

Ah - Thank you for your frank statement. I came here today, when I heard you'd be attending, to outline the commercial opportunities of my involvement in the secure and confidential transport market. While an appreciation of the possibilities is useful in this line of business, such an open statement does raise serious concerns about the viability of the confidential side.

Captain, what are your thoughts?

Indrani sits back and regards Maputo calmly. "Between us active crew, and I'm including Tibbs here, and yourself, we represent two-thirds of the Queen's shares. I think we'd be well served to purchase the remaining shares as soon as we can manage it."

[BackworldTraveller]

Charlie Maputo
Then the first thing is to get the ship clean, and earning an income. Money coming in = Fixes to our problems. If the ship can buy the shares back from the other holders, then between us we hold all the shares, not just 3/4! But do they want to sell? Cloud bank clearly want to do so. The Lawyer wants to do what is best for the estate and it's heirs' lawyers. The others didn't look like selling just yet.

[joertexas]

Charlie Maputo
Then the first thing is to get the ship clean, and earning an income. Money coming in = Fixes to our problems. If the ship can buy the shares back from the other holders, then between us we hold all the shares, not just 3/4! But do they want to sell? Cloud bank clearly want to do so. The Lawyer wants to do what is best for the estate and it's heirs' lawyers. The others didn't look like selling just yet.

"The wild card here is you, being that you wield a quarter of the shares, and you aren't part of the crew. What do you hope to gain, other than dividends if we do well?"

[Stirling]

Tiberius

Listens attentively trying not to get lost in numerous points raised.

"Certainly having spent millions of credits in the share buyout is not without wanting to secure a return on that investment. But you said,

to outline the commercial opportunities of my involvement in the secure and confidential transport market,

Correct me if I am wrong. But is that another way of saying you want us to be smugglers? Didn't the ship just get impounded four years for such activity. One Captain dying in a prison riot, another crewman losing his life while in safer custody. A third commits suicide after being embroiled in the scandal.

And I did make some rather serious allegations in my introduction. Things that need to be confirmed or denied. Is there a covert navy influence or is that a flight of fancy? Knowing the truth of things will help plan a better way forward.

As for financial matters. Buying out other shareholders to gain a greater share within the crew is a good idea but doesn't actually provide expendable income to the ship. The account credits is borderline enough to fix maintenance issues but the ship needs insurance to fly. It won't leave without it in place and that will cost circa £1Mcr. Fully comprehensive, fire, theft, third party, sabotage, act of war, act of God.

Our start should be to appeal the Admiralty Court award of salvage and holding costs, suing for negligent damage and misuse. Is that an area Mr Maputo you could take forward or one we leave in the trusted hands of Rigsby & Sood?"

[BackworldTraveller]

Charlie Maputo

I'm no lawyer, but I can't see the Navy admitting impropriety in a case that they won despite being challenged by Mr Sood. If we want cash, then we have tens of millions in assets (the ship). We could borrow against that. The Navy have officially and publicly eschewed ownership of this vessel. They won't be a source of finance. As to getting Navy work, that is possible.

As to "Smuggling". There are plenty of the rich and famous who need quality transport and need it legitimately. And the Queen does now have a known name. Notoriety sells. We don't need to "Smuggle". May be your contact at the Touchdown Embassy can put some work our way? An armed vessel (well a licenced one) could carry diplomatic pouches, Embassy Staff, that sort of thing.

After buying the shares, I have some small funds that I could loan to the ship, but that would clean me out. And I'd want interest. It's only Cr20,000 though. Not enough to make a big difference.

Your estimate of insurance costs is way out. Ships aren't all that risky. It's not like they can escape the system. Cr100,000,000 of ship insurance will costs about Cr10,000 per year - if the first Cr50,000 is covered from our own monies. Crew insurance is about Cr1,000 per person. Act of War is a Government issue and the insurance companies won't insure.

[Stirling]

Tiberius

Takes a drink and taps a few notes on to his laptop.

"Well firstly. The navy didn't win the case. Their preference was to have the ship dismantled and scrapped. Rigsby & Sood successfully argued against the legal impounding and secured the ship release. The award covers loss of income.

However no one, neither lawyer nor crew have been able to access the ship until yesterday since it was impounded. The further case for negligence and damages is to be brought to cover the ill storage and theft of capital stock since it was kept under lock and key so woefully. We have been charged for 'salvage and storage'. Both of those could be challenged. Have you viewed your asset since you invested so heavily? How did the navy convince you it was worth xyz? Perhaps showed you a live feed camera of it or took a report from physical inspection at time of seizure?

You only have $20kcr? FFS. Sound like a man who bought a Ferrari but can't afford to put petrol in it.

So. Physical inspection and audit of ship continues. We present as much evidence as we can to enable R&S to take the case forward. Ideally we seek full costs which should be around the award figure, though we could agree to settle out of court for half that amount if that can be negotiated.

I believe Mr Stiilpahth acts in relation to one of the Sood family. We should foster that relationship.

Secondly. I got in touch with Lt Kikuyu of the Navy Admiralty. I cancelled meeting him over Mr Maputo. But it might be worth using navy contacts to secure any reports the navy had on the seizure. Who conducted this 'salvage'. After the arrest of Celisse and Cull, who flew the ship here. Apart from laser blast holes in the hull, what other damage reparations could be claimed. Who deals with their legal issues. May I leave any future Admiralty relations in your hands Ms Carter?

Thirdly. We have ongoing police activity in regard to the ship being used as a drug farm and more importantly two dead bodies were found aboard. One as you know was this fugitive scientist. I will keep on with updates regarding those investigation. People hunting him or his millions will no doubt think various clues or links are connected to the ship and crew. I will take responsibility for smoothing any waters there.

Mr Maputo . Could you contact Cloud Bank prior to tomorrow's meeting. I did get passed snippets of barstool conversation they may consider selling their shares. They came to the conference table with an offer to buy the ship in it's entirety. So must have future plans in place for trade. If they succeeded in seducing the Busai's to sell or Ms Kole it increases their shareholding. Either way they suggested their expertise in ship loans, equity release and such. Perhaps another fund raising deal could be brought forward by tomorrow for further discussion. Amadou and Moussa are staying in the hotel at present.

I am not keen on creating more shareholders via share generation.

Does that work for now?"


(100,000,000 insurance for 10,000 per year? I am going to be very rich when the ship goes bang in an unexplained accident in space or crashes into some asteroid ....

[BackworldTraveller]

Tiberius

(100,000,000 insurance for 10,000 per year? I am going to be very rich when the ship goes bang in an unexplained accident in space or crashes into some asteroid ....

That covers you for Cr100,000,000 of negligence claims - not loss of the ship. That would be nearer Cr500,000 for a 200dTon ship running a risky route.

[BackworldTraveller]

Mr Maputo

Well, that gives me a clear idea of what you feel, Mr O'Hare. I've another commitments for this evening, but I shall look forward to the meeting tomorrow. Captain - can you confirm the time. It was all left a bit open and everyone should know for definite.

And would you like me to talk with the Soods about a quote for the claim management? After all, we should probably get in more than one before we commit to a particular group.

[joertexas]

Mr Maputo

Well, that gives me a clear idea of what you feel, Mr O'Hare. I've another commitments for this evening, but I shall look forward to the meeting tomorrow. Captain - can you confirm the time. It was all left a bit open and everyone should know for definite.

And would you like me to talk with the Soods about a quote for the claim management? After all, we should probably get in more than one before we commit to a particular group.

"We will start at 8AM," Indrani says. "Please have the quotes ready by then."

[BackworldTraveller]

Mr Maputo

8am! - It's now well gone 5pm - Some of the shareholders won't even get the notice until after the meeting starts - and you're say I'm trying to railroad things! And if you think the better advocates will be available now to quote for 8am (except at an exorbitant rate) you're mad! 10am would be much more reasonable. Will you be available for Advocates questions from 8?

[joertexas]

Mr Maputo

8am! - It's now well gone 5pm - Some of the shareholders won't even get the notice until after the meeting starts - and you're say I'm trying to railroad things! And if you think the better advocates will be available now to quote for 8am (except at an exorbitant rate) you're mad! 10am would be much more reasonable. Will you be available for Advocates questions from 8?

Indrani's eyebrows shoot up at his tone. "If we are to work together, then I expect you to act and speak in a professional manner, both to me and to my crew." Her face hardens. "I won't warn you again. We can meet at ten."

[BackworldTraveller]

Mr Maputo

And with that I shall take my leave - I have some work to do it seems and need to be elsewhere soon.

Farewell.

And with that he rises, calls for the bar tab for the table, settles it and leaves