Chapter Six: All the shareholders together?

[joertexas]

Noor/Sam

At about 8 or so, Noor sends a message to Indrani. "Hello again. You never got back to me after my last message. I'd like to participate in the meeting today by phone. If this ID is acceptable, I'll call it. Sam"

Yes, that's fine. Indrani texts back.

[BackworldTraveller]

Marcus Sood
Marcus pings a message to Reven.

Just found out that Charlie Maputo is canvassing for Legal Quotes for continued business with the Queen. This should have been consulted on - not some one-man take-over. Make sure you express my displeasure! Do they want Soods to cease application for passenger licence?

Also, would like updated estimate on time and cost of getting ship operating - and estimate of ongoing expenditures appropriate to planned usage. And clear statement of planned usage!

[Stirling]

Tiberius

Reads the 'Breaking News.' He splutters into his coffee and reads the editorial again. It stirs up another hornets nest of troubles but the ex-cop smiles at the intrigues.

So he looks around in the Pan-Africa Suite to see who of the fellow shareholders have turned up for the next meeting, especially looking if Ngora Kole and Charlie Maputo or the representatives of the navy or court are here.

This could be a very short meeting but one with fireworks. So he preps his notes and tries to get his muddle of contrasting thoughts in order as he takes in the various implications of another sudden turn of events.

[BackworldTraveller]

Ngora Kole
Ngora sticks her head around the door of the meeting room...Oh - err Hi. Mr, Sorry I, err O'...Hare? I wasn't expecting anyone to be here yet. You're early! I guess I have the right room.

Ngora has dressed much more formally than yesterday and is clutching a physical file-box and a hand-computer. She looks very much the business-woman.

[Stirling]

Tiberius

Mrs Kole. I should no doubt echo your new husband's words and say 'what a beautiful sight you are this morning."

He makes room at the conference table, pulling a chair aside for her.

"I must say. Since yesterday you have been a very busy girl. Here was I thinking you were resigned to underground reporting and pulp blogs and you, or your lawyers, throw a big spanner into the Queen's engine.

Well done!"

He points to the file.

"I do have so many questions. Specifically regarding the Admiralty retaining and transferring shares via a 'proceeds of crime award' and your successful challenge to the legitimacy of their actions. It was something I voiced in many conversations before but was ignored in my attempts to carry forward. Now that has been halted, at least for 90 days it throws up a lot of issues.

So what do you plan next and what help from other shareholders do you need?"

[BackworldTraveller]

Ms Kole
Why thank you Mr O'Hare. I do like to keep busy - and 90 days may give me the information I need. To defend their position (I am advised), they will have to reveal documents that they have previously kept hidden. Or they will have to declare that they cannot, in which I get the shares, or that they will not in which case I get the value of the shares. Also, I need to get potential witnesses to testify. Jinga and Raoul for a start but also certain parties involved in the stop and search. Mr Sood's intervention and the release of the vessel seems to have stirred up a lot of stink from the murkier waters of the Belt - and I appear to be the beneficiary of that. And then, if I am successful, we may become majority partners - should we work together.

[Stirling]

Tiberius

"Well to start with be certain of the target outcome you want. Do you want to become the major shareholder in the Queen of the Belt or would you prefer to take the value of shares? Each position has merits but one may be more achievable than the other.

I can help you with both. First I advise some caution. With your dad's demise, Hebden Cull dying and Keith Smith supposedly committing suicide with stress, I don't think Jinja or Raoul will be willing testifiers. I am not even sure of Jinga's capacity since he may be involved in other recent investigations.

You should also consider that naval officers in charge of the investigation and seizure may not want to risk being demoted from Captain for their accounting.

I recently put on hold a meeting with Lt Kikuyu of the External affairs bureau. It might be worth meeting wuth him together to see if an out of court arrangement could be made. You get your value and to draw a line under the whole business and the Admiralty don't lose face but also get a way to achieve their long term vision."

[BackworldTraveller]

Ms Kole

Well thank you for the offer. But I'm not sure your help will be as disinterested, or as useful as you imply - Are you not "in-bed" with your homeland's agencies? That would cause a complication that may hinder rather than help when negotiating with the Belt's Navy. I would need to consider that before accepting.

[BackworldTraveller]

Achana Busai

Back in the hotel lounge, Achana looks rough - hardly any sleep and definitely having neglected her make-up this morning. She sees Nalani making her way down and waves

Hi. Coffee?

[Stirling]

Tiberius

"You should be careful what you imply. The fact I shag a secretary analyst from Touchdown civil service should be of no business or concern of yours." (and how do you know that? It is not like my love affairs are broadcast over the internet)

"The second implication is that I am using that relationship or am being used. I can reassure you my relationship with any agency, Belter or government, is purely platonic, not even 'friends with benefits'.

I offer you help primarily as the advantage I gain is the ship being released and empowered for future trade. Your 90 day legal extension anchors the ship while litigation are made. I can easily come back in three months time to a new shareholder meeting which takes over from this one.

It matters not a bit to me the who, where and why of previous QoTB activities. I am solely focused on the present. Wether you retain the share assets, the court agrees to the Maputo takeover or the Navy keep their holding, all of that discussion only delays the Queen's release.

I offered a possible way for you to get the value you seek and for the navy to retain their influence. A win-win situation for all.

Consider that please."

[BackworldTraveller]

Ms Kole

Believe me, I am considering. This ship appears to be a magnet for trouble. Maybe I should just cash-out and run. But my father spent his life running the ship and his legacy shouldn't be as it is now.

[Stirling]

Tiberius

"Legacy. Yes that is something we leave behind. A philanthropic corporation funding good deeds to exalt our name in new pages of history or a trail of notorious deeds to be recounted as scary bedtime tales to frighten folk to whimper under blankets.

I am not sure what legacy Jojo Celisse wanted to create by smuggling illicit cargo between fugitive scientists and renegade bureaus
and I am sure he never foresaw being double crossed by contacts and crew alike.

You seek justice for him. Trying to make sense of his death so he could at least have the cause he fought for upon his epitaph. I used to believe in justice. 'To Protect & Serve' was my vocation but I soon found out that while outwardly I shepherded law and order, internally was a spider web of intrigue and power grabbing. Respect and Support values to you comrades became Suspect and Report. My conviction to expose corruption saw me realise my true value to the state. Expendable.

Jojo came to the same conclusion.

But the activity he was involved in is of tremendous value. Isaac Newton realised a breakthrough in physics when the apple fell on his head. Well Jojo was involved in shaking the next physics tree. The apple is about to fall and lots of hungry hands are reaching to catch it first. We, you and I and the crew of the Queen can determine at least which why the wind blows. If you want legacy you will follow my lead.

Dealing with the navy may see you acquire a lump sum value for your shares shorter than you desire but keep your finger in the Jusu Saffa pie. He stole a billion to prove theories worth a trillion. You can do the maths to see what one percent looks like.

Remember my advice I spoke to you when you first went to view the Queen. You risk losing more than just the case against the Admiralty. But settling amicably provides you both with the tools to achieve your legacy objectives."

[The Bindoner]

Achana Busai

Back in the hotel lounge, Achana looks rough - hardly any sleep and definitely having neglected her make-up this morning. She sees Nalani making her way down and waves

Hi. Coffee?

Nālani turns at the familiar voice and smiles: Archana!

Hurrying over she joins the woman. While she would prefer tea she accepts coffee, not wanting to disturb the smooth flow of events.

How nice to see you. Assana told me Jinja was in hospital, but I thought you did not need the distraction of a call from me. That you are here, I hope it is a good sign. Please, do not feel you have to tell me anything, but what happened?

We have a little time before he meeting, would you be more comfortable in my room? I can offer a quiet space and refreshment.

EDIT:

Nālani's maquillage is understated but immaculate and she would like to do the same for Archana, if she can arrange the opportunity.

[Bluetongue]

Arnwulf

Interesting developments with the shares and ship. None really affects Arnwulf's role though. I posted staying behind on the ship as others go to meet so unless requested to attend I will press on with that.

I am the only character with Navigation skill so against his nature to stay just a grunt he will try to fill that vacancy as needed and so spend the day checking the Navigation systems.

"Hey Reven. I heard you muttering about navigation. So let me see what works in the system and what records the ship holds."

Arnwulf Navigation check ×1 skill +1 Ed [2d6+2] = 7+2 = 9

Quite fine to be 'in the background ' as others discuss various merits and options. Primarily focused on the physical working of the controls and data plotting.

[BackworldTraveller]

We have a little time before he meeting, would you be more comfortable in my room? I can offer a quiet space and refreshment.

EDIT:

Nālani's maquillage is understated but immaculate and she would like to do the same for Archana, if she can arrange the opportunity.

Ah Nalani, I would be grateful...sitting here I feel the whole world is watching. Assana tells me that you have been kind to her and her friend - She doesn't get to see many Cats. And Cats are less dangerous than the net-heads she normally runs with.

Jinga is being patched. He's lucky to be alive. From what I have been told, they were trying to kidnap him - not kill him. The shooting was their second option. And the Police brought me here in one of their vehicles: so they don't think the threat is over. They are those two over there. They will take me back when we are done. I'd better tell them what we are up to or they will overreact I'm sure. Can you cope with two guards? Can you believe they wanted me to miss the meeting today. This is Asana's future - I don't think they see that. They fear the short term will overwhelm us before the long-term arrives.

[BackworldTraveller]

Arnwulf

Interesting developments with the shares and ship. None really affects Arnwulf's role though. I posted staying behind on the ship as others go to meet so unless requested to attend I will press on with that.

I am the only character with Navigation skill so against his nature to stay just a grunt he will try to fill that vacancy as needed and so spend the day checking the Navigation systems.

"Hey Reven. I heard you muttering about navigation. So let me see what works in the system and what records the ship holds."

Arnwulf Navigation check ×1 skill +1 Ed [2d6+2] = 7+2 = 9

Quite fine to be 'in the background ' as others discuss various merits and options. Primarily focused on the physical working of the controls and data plotting.

Arnwulf has plenty of time to run through the Navigation logs...and starts collating data. Reven's analysis gives a good starting point. The data however, ties to the outside world - a wider investigation. Investigate roll please. How does the Queen's path intersect with others...rocks, ships, anything?

[Bluetongue]

Arnwulf

Not pressured by time restraints, he can take his time to check relevant details.

Arnwulf investigation (take time modifier) [2d6+2] = 8+2 = 10

[The Bindoner]

Ah Nalani, I would be grateful...sitting here I feel the whole world is watching. Assana tells me that you have been kind to her and her friend - She doesn't get to see many Cats. And Cats are less dangerous than the net-heads she normally runs with.

Jinga is being patched. He's lucky to be alive. From what I have been told, they were trying to kidnap him - not kill him. The shooting was their second option. And the Police brought me here in one of their vehicles: so they don't think the threat is over. They are those two over there. They will take me back when we are done. I'd better tell them what we are up to or they will overreact I'm sure. Can you cope with two guards? Can you believe they wanted me to miss the meeting today. This is Asana's future - I don't think they see that. They fear the short term will overwhelm us before the long-term arrives.

I am pleased that Jinja is recovering.

Where is Assana? In police protection I suppose, but at home or with friends?

Nālani cannot completely hide her momentary dismay at the idea of police officers in her room, but perhaps it wasn't noticed.

The police do not care about your future, they are only interested in not having you die while you are their responsibility. That is not nothing, but you should not expect them to do more than that. They can come with us, but they will have to stay in the corridor. It would be indecorous to have them in my room with us.

Edited with expanded comment.

[cybersavant]

Arnwulf
"Hey Reven. I heard you muttering about navigation. So let me see what works in the system and what records the ship holds."

Arnwulf has plenty of time to run through the Navigation logs...and starts collating data. Reven's analysis gives a good starting point. The data however, ties to the outside world - a wider investigation. Investigate roll please. How does the Queen's path intersect with others...rocks, ships, anything?

Reven Stiilpahth "It's good to have someone aboard. Not sure how long the meeting will be. That's everything i found so far. I gave copy to the Captain; so copy her on anything new you find." Reven takes his leave and heads for the meeting, with any others still on the ship that are heading there. Safety in numbers and all.

[ateno]

Pranit sees Reven and Arnwulf pouring over logs of some sort after finishing his morning routine.

"Morning Gents, I'm suioting up this am, I am going to do a inside check of the fuel tanks.

We can't have the fuel mix with drugs or bodies before we fuel up today.

Could I have one of you on a safety watch? Thanks.

Pranit will get in his high tech suit and go through the proper procedure to check the tanks.