Chapter Seven-a: The Market and after

[BackworldTraveller]

Tiberius O'Hare

Arranges to meet with Charlie Maputo.

Where do you propose to meet? I should assume you are aware of Ms Kole's actions?

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

"I was made aware of the courts actions in response to Mrs Kole's appeal through the breaking news this morning.

While the potential 90 day moritorium is in place it may anchor the ship and delay it's full potential. Which is a concern for myself as a major shareholder. I do feel though the current mitigations can provide space for more amicable solutions which may satisfy all four parties involved. With this in mind I have invited Mrs Kole to join me as we discuss further those options.

We are happy to come to your bureau office forthwith."

[BackworldTraveller]

Mr Maputo
He replies with an address. An anonymous office block just out of the Administrative District proper and (you presume) cheaper to rent.

And when you look the building up it is clearly going to be cheaper to rent!

[The Bindoner]

Assana

I'm not offering to pay. But ships need money to run and crews need food. That 40K will help offset those costs. Take it. I've enough for here.

You are right, ships are expensive to run. Forty K is a lot for a person, very little in the pot for that. That said, I understand, you want to help. Keep your money for now, and I will keep it in mind. When there is something important it will buy I will ask for it.

Nālani hesitates before adding, quickly and quietly, I do not trust myself holding that much money. I am going to buy into a game soon and I might lose. It would be very tempting to burn your trust chasing my luck.

This is only partly true. She does intend to get into a game, and she would be tempted to dip into the cash to redeem losses, but she trusts herself not to do it. The lie is to persuade Assana to keep her cash for now.

She looks at the hotel entrance

Somehow, I think I won't be winding up the hotel security with the locals. Is being grown up always like this? If so, it really sucks.

No. being adult is not very often like this. And this does indeed "suck". Usually you just work and long for excitement. Things like this you normally have to go looking for.

Nālani tries to lighten the mood:

A little misbehaviour might be acceptable. We must think of a character for you to play. A young woman staying alone in an expensive hotel will be an object of curiosity to the staff, it is best to have a story for them so they do not look for one. What would you like to be? Someone who can afford luxury and expects discretion. A person who wants privacy. A business tycoon's daughter waiting for her mother to arrive on the next liner perhaps? The niece of a celebrity on a lay-over between ships?

She pays the cab fare.

I've got numbers for You and the Captain. I've set a net-page up where you can leave messages (Called:HoshikoTheCat - Password:ArchanaMum)

I will not use my own comm to contact you, only this refurb. * she shows the first burner * You should not use your own at all, it will lead whoever is hunting you to your door. Buy a new one and do not register it.

Those useful things your Dad left, would any of them help find him? Repairs to the Queen will take time, you have a day or two to research in.

Edited with extra dialogue.

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

Finishes off the red wine sticking an extra bottle into his briefcase along with his laptop and comms. He calls a cab.

"Ngora , please. Ladies first." he gestures and leaves for the meet up.

[BackworldTraveller]

The office block is all it seemed from the exterior picture - and it has deteriorated slightly since!

As you get to the door there is a computer panel asking who you wish to see. You type Charlie Maputo and it doesn't recognise the name. With a sudden stroke of genius you type QotB Holdings - and that allows you into the Foyer. Ahead is a lift with the doors opening.

With no other option visible, you enter and see the display saying "QotB Holdings". The doors close and the list ascends.

It judders to a halt and opens on a corridor. One doorframe is lit. (There is a fire-escape symbol lit at the far end.) The panel states "QotB Holdings". It doesn't open.

Ngora is unimpressed.

I had hoped that Mr Maputo would be a good thing for the ship if this suit failed - I'm not entirely convinced.

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

"You do make some interesting comments Ngora. You mentioned Mr Maputo's lack of finances before but still have confidence in his stewardship? Well I hope that remains the case."

He walks down the corridor towards the most likely office, knocking on the door and entering.

As a side note he expects Maputo and half a dozen goons but goes without fear.

[BackworldTraveller]

It's worse - The door remains locked and the two of you are left standing in an empty corridor.

You are just about to lose patience when the lift doors open and Charlie Maputo steps out.

Tiberius, Ngora, Sorry you had to wait - I wasn't expecting you to just drop in like this.

He proceeds to the door and it opens to his touch.

Come in, come in

The "Office" is an Aladdin's cave of bits of ship equipment, with a desk and coffee table. There are three "Comfy" chairs around it. To one side is a fresher (ex passenger stateroom?) and to the other a tiny galley (probably also out of a ship).

Sorry about the mess - the office is sort of inherited. So, you had a proposal to make us all rich - or something?

To fully take in your surroundings, pick an appropriate skill and make a roll! Ngora seems to be making a roll on her Profession (Sceptic) skill! - OK that skill doesn't exist

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

Tiberius Recon roll [2d6+1]=11+1=12

He scans the room, looking at corners for cameras and curtains for feet among other things.

"Well. I hope we don't get off on the wrong foot." He plonks his briefcase down on the floor by the chair, opening it and taking the bottle of red. "Maybe we can toast a partnership later." He sits down and introduces, Mrs Kole to Mr Maputo and Charlie to Ngora .

"Good, now we are all acquainted I will cut to the chase.

You can both be competitors or be partners. Both seek justice from the courts with equal good cause. One claims rightful inheritance of shares which another claims were bought in good faith.

For myself it matters not wether you Ngora or you Charlie or even the navy keep the shares. None of those outcomes affect my own position one jot or iota. Ninety days pass and 'whoever' the court favours becomes a shareholder. But I am concerned that the dispute delays the ship which impedes its ability to make profit at such a crucial time.

I am in a position through various channels to approach the Admiralty to settle these disputes out of court. But in order to do so I must have your cooperation and trust. I have something the navy want which I intend to use as leverage in order for them to relinquish their claim of the shares as a 'proceeds of crime award' and pay financial compensation for their value.

However, in order for me to discreetly negotiate I need your sworn affadavit that I may counsel on your behalf and I represent your claim to the disputed 12 shares.

I am confident I can persuade the Admiralty to view my option for all four parties to come to a win-win situation. If they are not convinced or they choose not to listen then neither of you loses out one bit as your litigation are still proceeding.

Any questions?"

[BackworldTraveller]

Looking about the room, it is clear that the place isn't up to Marine standards. There is a fine layer of dust on almost everything - you have to be glad the seat covers are cloth not leather. Charlie doesn't offer beverages. The galley is very bare and that option may not actually be possible. Oddly, there is no computer on the desk. If this is Charlie's office, it hasn't been used for a while. Even Charlie seems to be trying to avoid getting dirt on his clothing.

Charlie Maputo
Mr O'Hare, you have suggested that you have some magic formula that will force "The Navy" to settle. What is the nature of that magic? Ms Kole, can you explain the plan?

Ngora looks, hopefully at Tiberius

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

"There is no wizardry. No forcing or arm twisting. No demands at the barrel of a gun. Just charm, wisdom and mutual profitability.

From our previous conversation I was very direct in my assessment of your situation and personal involvement in the QoTB Holdings takeover. Suspicions neither confirmed or denied and yet here I am offering a way to keep you involved in the future trade speculations of the Queen.

I offer a similar positive end to the dilemnas faced by Mr and Mrs Kole, compensation, legacy, closure. The affadavit I seek protects my time from being wasted by bureaucrats intent on stalling my presentations.

The ship, you, I. We are all pawns on a galatic chessboard in danger of being sidelined into obscurity. Other competitors for the 'specialised mineral resources' if I may call the stock trade of Saffa as such, will steal a march and probably everything else if gaining an advantage by reaching certain discoveries ahead of us. The Queen has assets secured that are highly sought and I am stewarding those as best I can."

He hands the bottle over for Charlie to open while he searches the desk for some paper cups.

"So Charlie , what are your aspirations beyond these walls? Your partner investors clearly value your abilities. Will they partner with me for joint enterprise? "

[BackworldTraveller]

Intriguing

You imply that you have a line on Mr Saffa's business that no-one else in the system has. That is a dangerous business. Is Ngora here willing to take that risk? Mr Saffa's associates don't appear to be playing a nice game. And the competition is...intense.

Would this be a joint venture? And should your home country take a dim view of your partnership with a Belter? I'm sure they would be less than impressed.

Ngora interrupts

Guys - this is NOT a two-person game. And if the Mr Saffa is the dead guy you found, the risk isn't just my shares is it?

She suddenly jumps up

You are talking about the FTL drive everyone keeps saying has been found aren't you. You guys are chasing...

...#*&%

...You guys are mad. If you don't find it you'll be broke. If half the universe thinks you've found it they'll be waiting to cut you off at the knees and if you actually do find it they'll be queuing up to nick it off you.

...#*&%

...That really was...

...#*&%, #*&%, #*&%, #*&%!

Do the others realise what you are proposing?

She looks at Charlie

And how to you stop that pirate reverting to type?

And while I'm glad I know what you intend...#*&%, $£££££££~^.

She sits in a heap.

silence...thinking

You'll need more cash than he's got to hand.

She finally stops, breathing heavily - head in hands.

And what happens to my shares in all this?

[Stirling]

Tiberius

Holds out an empty paper cup waiting for Charlie to pour out some libations.

"Well let me just clarify some of your points. Ngora you have already risked everything by mortgaging the single share you own to take up legal action against the Admiralty sale. I expressed to you various points to consider during the Queen inspection you came on, outlining other personal risks you choose to place in harms way by challenging the seizure. Whatever risks you have undertook, you have done so freely of your own compulsion. I am not asking you to risk anything more. In fact I am suggesting that my position in being able to negotiate more discreetly actually rewards your position if successful and if not, you are no worse off.

Answer me this? What happens if you get awarded the shares? Are you in a position to raise $2Mcr to fund the ship? What influence do you want and how will you express that when in all likelihood the ship you quarter own is half way across the galaxy with no intention of coming back? Better for you to minimalise your interest and receive compensation.

Mr Maputo. Supposedly you and the partners of QoTB Holdings have raised millions to purchase the share equity seized by the Admiralty in order to trade across the galaxy, something which has been ratified as our business by the Captain at the earlier shareholders conference. Though presently rather than writing your name in the stars you can scribble [b']Charlie woz ere'[/b] in the dust on your desk. I am offering you a chance to participate in the Queen's enterprise.

My venture is a proposal purely between shareholders and investors and crew. The 'trade' mission we undertake will benefit all equally. Now we can amicably drink this bottle dry and I can go on, affadavits in hand to work discreetly over the next few days to bring about a win-win for all or I can move my office to the Queen and wait for a natural course of litigation and appeals to drag on for another four years until the share ownership is clarified.

Would you like me to help you or not?"

[BackworldTraveller]

Charlie
With Great Risk comes Great Reward - and the desk here is nothing much to build on of the share deal goes south.

Ms Kole. You don't seem too pleased with what Mr O'Hare is proposing

Ms Kole
Hmmm

Charlie
Perhaps you would be better suited invested elsewhere. Mr O'Hare seems more of a risk-taker. Are you related to Montrose?

He either fears his fate too much,
Or his desserts are small,
Who dares not put it to the touch,
To win or lose it all!

So Ms Kole - are you in? Or - if you wish to be out - what would be your price?

n.b. I think we have definitely got to the "Persuade Roll needed" stage with Ms Kole!

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

"Look. I am offering my skills to act discreetly to try and negotiate a preferred settlement that appeases all interests in the Queen equally.

Presently you pair are competitors vying for the same prize. Unless one wants to buy out the others share potential, compensating them a few $Mcr for withdrawing any claim to share rights, then the only other thing you can agree to are remaining as individual claims or to act as joint litigants.

If you want to do your own thing. Fine go ahead and attempt whatever.

If you accept my proposal you are giving me authority to act on your behalf and try to negotiate a third party settlement of the share ownership issue.

The reality is I raised the issue of challenging the right for the Navy to retain the seized assets previously, taking the case forward as an item on the shareholders agenda. However I got absolutely no support for that idea which plainly tells me that no other shareholder gives a f@#& wether you own the shares rightfully Ngora or wether the sale of shares to QoTB Holdings gets approved or wether the Admiralty manage to keep the share.

The Sood's don't give a f@#$, the Busai's don't give a f@#$, Cloud Bank doesn't give a f@#$, Captain Carter doesn't give a f@#$ ...

I at least am trying to work for everyone's benefit not detriment. Your affadavit means I can act with a power of attorney over your claim and try to reach a unified settlement that empowers not limits your positions from where they are now. You can value my actions by the positive results if achieved or fall back to your original appeals if I remain unsuccessful."

He begins to type up some documents as the pair discuss options.

Tiberius. Persuade [2d6+1]=5+1=6

[BackworldTraveller]

Ngora

I suspect the Busai's may have found a reason to support your position - so if you and the navy reach an accommodation, I'll be in the minority.

This ship meant something to my dad. Do you really mean to risk all that?

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

We had this conversation earlier:

Ngora Kole
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.


Tiberius

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

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!

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?"

Mrs 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. "

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."

Mrs 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."


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."

Mrs 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."

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."

So I am not going to repeat myself. I think it outlines my position clearly enough and also outlines what Ngora wants and what she may achieve.

"So if you would both like me to help you by trying to negotiate an out of court settlement that satisfies all four interests then I need these affadavits signing so I can legitimately approach the external affairs bureau with your consent.

If either of you prefer not to accept my offer of help then that is equally fine. You have made your decision and I will abide by that, walk away and wishi you luck in your endeavours."

[BackworldTraveller]

Ngora

There is no harm in trying

Charlie

Give it go! Unlocking this impasse can't hurt me.

[The Bindoner]

Nālani sees Assana into the hotel, acting as a PA or whatever such role seems appropriate, then gets back in the cab to meet the survey team at the Queen and inspect the structure.

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

Happy to get some agreement types up triplicates of avadavits presenting Ngora and Charlie each with copies to sign.

"I will keep you both informed of any progress. Hopefully within a few days. Until I can resolve things positively or conclude I can take no further actions, I will be your voice to the Admiralty and keep you both abreast of any changes and challenges the Queen faces. Thank you for coming to the office."

He downs the paper cup of red wine, clinking the vessel as a toast, then packs his briefcase and leaves.

does Ngora come with him?