Chapter One: Hotel Paradiso

[joertexas]

Navy Officers

We have a few moments then...Lieutenant Carter, I'd heard you had resigned your commission. How come you are mixed up with this crew? Are you angling for the role of Captain?

Indrani smiles and sits back in her chair. "The term angling implies a thought process which I am not entertaining. However, I am qualified to receive a Master's License for this vessel. I would still need to submit an application and pay a reduced fee of five hundred credits. I understand the process takes three days to complete." She sips from her coffee mug. "I am permitted to be here courtesy of my single ownership share." Her smile turns decidedly cooler. "My calendar was clear today, so here I am."

[BackworldTraveller]

Naval Officers

Well, I'm sure you'd be more than capable, although the others here may disagree. Still - we anticipate the court. Mrs Kole, I trust you are well?

Ngora looks like she's taking steadying breaths

I am doing surprisingly well considering the Navy's actions. But my Lawyer has told me to avoid haranguing you so I shall leave it at that.

Mutters of Well done from the lawyer further down the table.

The Bankers chime in Well you can't win every battle in a day - you can't expect to get blood from a stone easily...or shares from a bureaucracy!

The lawyer mutters Sympathy from Bankers! Whatever next?

The bankers look unperturbed by the murmurs.

[ateno]

"Thanks again, and keep an eye out." Noor makes ready to leave if Pranit doesn't have any more questions.

"I'll go in protecting your identity for now. If your in trouble when I see you, hold your hand like this."

Hold his hands will all fingers bent towards the open palm.

"Let me have your paperwork, how big a share."

Pranit takes off his gloves and puts them away and takes the file.

He than says good bye and and heads to the meeting.

Arriving at the meeting, sees Lt Carter, nods his head and sits at the table, saying nothing.

Pranit

[BackworldTraveller]

As Pranit enters:

Naval Officers: Sorry Mr. errr..This is a private meeting.

[Bluetongue]

Arnwulf

Delighted to see his two connections getting on so amicably, though much of what they say goes over his head.

He makes his way around the large table as people sit, going the long way round to his seat and deliberately bumping into one of the two naval officers causing the man to spill his drink on Arn's dress uniform jacket.

The coffee soaks as a stain in the material before a flick of his wrist causes the smart cloth to slough off the liquid as a huge drip which pools on the man's shiny shoes.

"oh my pardon," he says insincerely and takes his seat.

there is some 'history' between regiments of marine and naval forces which he finds difficult to resolve.

[BackworldTraveller]

Naval Officer to Colleague: Touchdowners!

[Stirling]

Tiberius

He spots the newcomer to the meeting. It is not the person he expected. He does however notice the formal attire (unlike his own) so he doesn't appear out of place in a business type meeting.

And he carries a file, embossed in the corner with a distinguishable crest. He gestures to the file and a seat at the table.

"Oh you must be Ms En Sabah's representative. Quite understandable in the light of her recent tragedies to prioritise her presence elsewhere. Please pass on my sincere condolences." he says to Pranit.

"As we are all present now, let the agenda begin."

[The Bindoner]

Retcon: Nālani replies to Tiberius:

I fully intend to continue working as a Pilot, being a proud SPA member.

It is good to hear I may not be forced to take money for share. I admit I would like to fly the Queen again. I came here hoping to claim a place on the Bridge, I am glad that it is thought possible.

Cull! Again her face contorts to show disgust Again his name soils the lips of decent people. If I never hear it again it will be too soon. Regaining her composure: Forgive me, but I abhor dishonourable creatures like that. A touch to the frame of her sunglasses partially clears them to reveal her shaded eyes locked on Tiberius: He was not a friend of yours, I am sure of that. He would not have the luck to associate with such as you profitably. Another touch and the lenses darken.

If there is anything my small shareholding can contribute to gaining operational control of the Queen I will happily cooperate. A brief pause.. Ah, of course, your security. My comm will identify as "K-i-t-s-u-n-e" during this meeting, should you wish to make contact.

Nālani returns to her seat to await events.

When the newcomer arrives she half turns to watch Tiberius greet them in the reflection on the inside of her lenses.

[BackworldTraveller]

The phone of the Naval Officers pings again...They look, stand and start

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am required to read the pronouncement of the court.

Admiralty Court. 300-002. 9:20

The evidence presented to this court has led us to believe that, while the Navy’s stop and search of the Queen of the Belt was lawful for the apprehension of the Pirates Celisse and Cull, its attempts to confiscate the vessel for its part in smuggling operations cannot be upheld. The fact that the goods aboard were owned by the government, placed aboard by a government agent with the full knowledge of their presence by the government’s own officers and that the ships crew were fully cognoscente of this and had been granted immunity from prosecution means that no smuggling occurred. The case is dismissed and the ship is to be returned to the owners.

Ngora emits an excited squeak.

Reven's phone pings at this point.

As to the claim for damages.

• The Court finds in favour of the Plaintiff and awards Cr4,000,000.

As to the claim for Salvage and docking fees.

• The court finds for the Navy and confirms their charge of Cr3,998,232.

The two claims shall be offset.
The Navy is thus directed to pay Cr1,768 to the ship’s account.

The two officers look at each other.

And so the next item must be the election of a Captain to chair this meeting. Nominations?

[ateno]

Tiberius
"Oh you must be Ms En Sabah's representative. Quite understandable in the light of her recent tragedies to prioritize her presence elsewhere. Please pass on my sincere condolences." he says to Pranit.

"As we are all present now, let the agenda begin."

Pramit watches all the peacocks showing their feathers to each other.

This might be fun.

"As all of you have surmised I am a representative of shares numbered ..."

Pranit glances at the paperwork.

"... 14. There has been a change in circumstances, many of them. I am the client of a anonymous patron, I am here to make wishes known and fight for this to happen. I have no share and have no dog in the fight, so to speak. "

He looks around at everyone. Getting a idea of everyone.

"So are we ready to start."

[Stirling]

Tiberius

"Is it one vote per person or one per share?"

[BackworldTraveller]

One vote per share

• Tiberius O'Hare: 12
• Sparks Naval Force: 12
• Marcus Sood: 5 (Voted by Reven)
• Noor en Sabah: 4 (Voted by Pranit)
• Jinga Busai:4 (Voted by Archana)
• Nālani Shiraishi: 2
• Archana Busai:2
• Cloud Bank: 2
• Indrani Carter: 1
• Reven Stiilpahth:1
• Hebden Cull:1 (Voted by Lawyer)
• Iwate Suzu: 1 (Voted by Cloud Bank)
• Ngora Kole: 1

[BackworldTraveller]

One of the bankers stands:

Before we vote on a Captain, I have a proposal for the group - which may make the vote change. We are willing to offer to buy the vessel for MCr24 - That will be Cr500,000 per share. More than enough for college. And some left to retire on.


The lawyer interjects

I told you I would oppose you...Its worth much more than that and I would be doing the estate a disservice to accept

The banker doesn't blink...

Cr500,000 per share or a ship but no money to make it run. Half a million per share. For you Mrs Busai that would be Cr3,000,000. For you Mr O'Hare that Cr6,000,000.

[Stirling]

Tiberius

"May I interrupt your business counsel. Surely that offer comes under 'Finances' and 'any other business'. We are voting for a conference chairman. So I take your proposal as three votes for Cloud Bank and you have made you intentions to acquire the Queen quite clear.

I on the other hand believe the session should be lead by someone who has no historical interest in the ship. People here are representing the Belter Navy admiralty, the former crew or family thereof. You all have interests which perhaps sway sound judgement.

Therefore as a true independent I vote my 12 share to ...

... Mr Bewoor. I have confidence that Noor En Sabah a leading diplomat of social graces, she would only in her nature be represented by a similar character.

Anyone second my recommendation?"

[The Bindoner]

Nālani swiftly considers the situation. 1MCR will not buy shares in another ship. Archana will vote to cash out. This Tiberius seems determined to keep the Queen flying, and holds out the offer of a position as Pilot.

I will second that proposal.

[Bluetongue]

Arnwulf

Begins to raise his hand to agree but then realises he doesn't get a vote. So he not so subtly elbows the person seated next to him.

[BackworldTraveller]

Bankers

May I take it by your statement that you are not interested in our offer? After all your vote will be irrelevant if the ship is ours.

[Stirling]

Tiberius

"With respect, your offer though highly lucrative and of great personal interest, is not the only offer on the table. If people feel they should cash in their shares that is their own unjudicial perogative. Wether you have a controlling interest remains.

How do our naval colleagues vote? Does the Admiralty wish to have a stake in the Queen's future?"

[ateno]

Bankers

May I take it by your statement that you are not interested in our offer? After all your vote will be irrelevant if the ship is ours.

Looking at Bankers:

"I believe I am within in rights here as a representative to reiterate the earlier comment that we are voting on a Chairman, please keep you comments to that subject.

If not and I am voted as Chairman and you interject again I will ask you to cast your votes via text while you are in the coffee room."

Pranit

[BackworldTraveller]

Ngora leans over and whispers in Arnwulf's ear...Your suggestion?