Chapter Eight-D: Tibbs Follows Stuff Up

[BackworldTraveller]

Can Tibbs carry on with Thursday from here
His early-morning exertions leave Tibbs asleep untli slightly later than planned. By the time he wakes, he's got a collection of messages from Tansu.

Missing You. XXX

---

Meeting with Yelena's group all morning - off-comms 'tl lunch

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

Get the messages and some of the early breaking news. The most intriguing and very strange one being Cloud Bank's liquidation of their shares to the apparent insolvent QoTB Holdings.

Confident the various ladies in his life are catered for safely, he sets up some diary events for the day, contacting Sabbana & Sabbana knowing they have their office locally. He has some legal questions to conclude. He also forwards a message to Lt Kikuyu of the external affairs bureau at the Admiralty, bringing back the discussions he had to postpone from earlier.

[BackworldTraveller]

Sabbana and Sabbana are happy to receive you as a prospective client. They are available at 12:00.

Lt Kikuyu also seems to be available...3pm or 4pm? The office appear gratified to hear from you.

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

Tooled up with various bits and bobs, his laptop, Jensen's comm still in his pocket to return, an uncorked bottle of red from behind the bar and the affadavits, he arrives eventually at the downtown office of the legal firm. He is pleased to see premises are not the Dickensian shanty type operated by Maputo. R&R Sabbana, founded upon Sparks by Ralf. Not sure which of the 'R's' he is designated by. Joey, a younger relative and officiating the estate of Hebden Cull. The firm has a range of specialities from criminal defence, immigration, conveyancing and civil disputes. Tibbs reads the window advertising and hopes they are masters of such rather than JOAT.

He takes a seat as the reception announces his presence.

[BackworldTraveller]

Tiberius
The Offices for R.R. Sabbana are quite large - clearly a successful commercial operation with several dock-side clients. The area shows some patching from the "Battle of Sparks", part of which was fought here. A few nearby drifts still remain boarded up and awaiting redevelopment.

Despite the family connections, Joey Sabbana's office is not one of the plusher ones. Small private clients on minor accounts don't seem to rate those - a 3mx3mx3m box with a table and three chairs is all you seem to have - but you are shown in by an efficient looking assistant. Joey appears promptly and enquires:
Would you like a beverage of some sort Mr O'Hare?

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

"Thank you. Well after midday I might usually tipple a dram of some sort, on the rocks with ice cut from the mineral tunnels and a slice of some bitter citrus but I have to put business before pleasure today. Water, sparkling if you have will suffice."

He waits hoping the assistant is as efficient as she looks.

"An interesting few days, wouldn't you agree? Shootouts on Mondays, murder on Wednesdays. We seem to have front row seats to some unfolding drama. How are things progressing with Mrs Busai? Terrible news I must say."

[BackworldTraveller]

Joey
The Busai's are, I'm afraid, still held - I'm obviously not able to discuss details. However should any of the other historic members of the ships crew find themselves in a similar position, I'd recommend they say nothing and get a lawyer immediately.

But that isn't why you are here. How can I help you? Have you a legal problem I can solve?

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

"Your discretion is very noteworthy, as is mine should you need any private investigations undertaken.

Though it is often what we don't say that speaks loudest. Are you expecting these allegations to impact other crew then?

There can't be too many historic figures left. I presume that warning relates to the time of the Queen seizure. So the allegations surrounding the pair do centre on those mysteries? What went on in the ship during the smuggling years and during her enforced docking I wonder?. Inspector Madhri has already prompted several lines of enquiry.

Though some historic crew have returned to crew again. Was that one I noted crossing the plaza earlier?" He makes some comments trying to illicit any titbits of information.

"I was surprised to hear on the grapevine that Cloud Bank tapped out, selling two of their shares and relinquishing power of attorney of the other. Did you not consider taking up the same offer?"

Well it is this power of attorney that I need your assistance with. That seems quite the trend lately."

[BackworldTraveller]

Tiberius O'Hare

"Your discretion is very noteworthy, as is mine should you need any private investigations undertaken.

Though it is often what we don't say that speaks loudest. Are you expecting these allegations to impact other crew then?

There can't be too many historic figures left. I presume that warning relates to the time of the Queen seizure. So the allegations surrounding the pair do centre on those mysteries? What went on in the ship during the smuggling years and during her enforced docking I wonder?. Inspector Madhri has already prompted several lines of enquiry.

Though some historic crew have returned to crew again. Was that one I noted crossing the plaza earlier?" He makes some comments trying to illicit any titbits of information.

"I was surprised to hear on the grapevine that Cloud Bank tapped out, selling two of their shares and relinquishing power of attorney of the other. Did you not consider taking up the same offer?"

Well it is this power of attorney that I need your assistance with. That seems quite the trend lately."

He seems gratified by you concern for the Busai pair: "Archana and I were close when we were children"

As to whether the allegations may come to haunt an ex crew member, I could not specifically say - but the inquiry seems desperate. You may wish to draw your own conclusions from their actions to date.

If Assana stays out of their clutches it would be most gratifying - She doesn't deserve their idea of safe accommodation. Not that I'd expect her to stay there long.

Moving on

I'm not entirely surprised that the Cloud Bank took the offer - I understand that their expectations were met in full and in cash. I was surprised by the named purchaser. The estate is managed by our partnership, but we have no discretion to sell with the Court having partially-frozen the assets. I must admit that the complexities are such that, had I not been approached as a friend of a friend, I would not have taken the role as there is no chance of direct remuneration until the whole gets unlocked! But the Navy's arguments have been, otherwise, quite persuasive.

and finally

So, do you have an outline of what you intend with this document? Charges will clearly be dependent upon the complexity and whether the intended document is fixed price or per-diem.

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

"I met the girl briefly. Full of notions and creativity. It was Archana and Raoul's deepest thoughts to put their daughter through university, funded by the sale of their assets or dividends from ship trading. Presently we are all out of cash and not expecting to redline profits for months. I think you should meet their express wishes and board her at a Unii of choice. Far away from all the audible glamour and stress of murder trials. I can't think that safer accommodation will be found upon Sparks. I have struggled myself the last days with the hotel suites."

He drinks the water, crunching on an ice cube.

"As for these documents. They are sworn affadavits authorising me to negotiate on behalf of the claimants in some behind the screen diplomacy. Hopefully an agreeable settlement may be reached. The ninety day moratorium over disputed assets opens any winner of the appeal to bring due diligence and losses against the Queen and shareholders should we fly off and engage in trade or actions which compromise or negate the winners opportunity to influence or gain from profits. Basically it comes down to the winner being the main owner of the ship but cut out of discussions and decisions until it is too late. So legally, even if the ship was cleared for flight now, it couldn't do so. Until that share issue is finally resolved, we technically remain anchored.

And that affects my own position and even the continued profitability of Hebden's estate assets."

So I have a small window to act. Hopefully things won't drag ninety days. I have a meeting this afternoon to initiate certain understandings and need these documents affirmed by a notary to substantiate my entitlement to negotiate."

[BackworldTraveller]

Joey
Such a document would be straight-forward to execute. Cr400 should cover that.

Provided the ship is acting within the terms set by the shareholders, the shareholders have little comeback besides firing the captain (unless the captain acts illegally) - and the terms were very loose. Jojo Celisse seems to have been serious out of control at the end of his tenure as Captain - How and why he issued so many shares to outsiders has got me beaten.

And now, is there any other business? if not I should get started on your paperwork. I should get a draft document to you tomorrow. Is that good?

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

"Well as time constrains me. Let me pay you double so you work the overtime and I will pick them up at close of business today." he says regarding the ratifying of the attorney documents.

How and why he issued so many shares to outsiders has got me beaten.

"I could be mistaken but my understanding was that the Sood's as original owners and Captains have always maintained their stakeholding, though diminished in percentage as Celisse and crew became embroiled in more illicit trade routes. The crew gained profits from piracy and after balancing risk, the Sood's sold some assets while maintaining a vested legacy interest. Celisse touted unscrupulous naval and scientific officials to turn a blind eye to various activities in exchange for profit sharing from working for Jusu Saffa. As the Starflight fraud became more widespread, those officials liquidated assets to unsuspecting investors so they could wash their hands of facilitating the ongoing FTL experiments funded by the billion credit fraud. Ex-crew were offered shares cheaply or in the case of Hebden, frittered away as leverage on the green baize of poker tables.

It is strange the steward Hebden held more shares than the Captain though they appear to have been held in trust of other parties. Corporations, agencies, High Court judges and Admirals. No wonder when he double crossed the Queen to the Belt Govt' that more than those loyal to Celisse wanted him dead."

[BackworldTraveller]

Joey
I'm sure that we can prioritise the papers as you desire.

I only ever met Mr Cull once, and he was most charming. I regret having become involved in his estate though - it appears stickier than treacle. Every time I make progress some new problem appears. Fortunately, the only heir is not desperate for the cash and lets things wander as they will. I think they fear that if they hurry the process they will have to pay more in fees.

If the rumours I have since heard are true, he had a lot of shares because he had some hold over the captain. I fear that he wasn't above blackmail.

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

Bids him 'good day' and will return to the office later or receive them by courier at the hotel.

His next appointment is with the naval appointee. He researches some background info on the bureau and also some fact finding on the independence of the judiciary. How much does civilian court judgements impact upon the belter military junta.

By first impressions the judges seem quite gavel happy to impose restrictions and restraints so more evidence and investigations can be presented. That plays into my hands as Ngora Kole wishes to subpoena Naval officials to give evidence in regard to the historic seizure. So to settle issues out of court without having to give evidence and incriminate the belter navy in possible Starlight fraud dealings may be prudent.

At least Tibbs thinks so.

He takes a cab to the Admiralty compound and external affairs offices.

[BackworldTraveller]

The Naval External Affairs office is a large media room and a few small offices, as far as you can see, dug into the side of a square and (although disguised somewhat) clearly one of the defence positions of the executive from the recent war. The walls feel more like armour than rock.

Lieutenant Kikuyu appears on the dot of the appointed time.

Mr O'Hare - This on-again-off-again meeting: I wasn't sure you would arrive. How can I be of service?

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

Takes stock of the building. The collateral damage sustained by the pirate rebellion was severe. The social implications of the attack, though rebutted, changed the liberal government and also anchored the navy to station a substantial fleet here. The civilian and military hierarchies still vying for diplomatic prowess. A coalition of the willing federal factions.

"Lieutenant. Thank you for your time.

I trust both duty and service may compliment each other and I can take advantage of the niche that the navy have placed you in. I hope the Siwan Space Guard won't regret letting one of their established officers administrate the intricacies of court wrangling."

Tibbs looks around. He takes a seat if meeting at her desk. "Your executive officers will have kept you abreast of QoTB developments. From releasing the restraining orders and appointing preferred candidates to suddenly liquidating assets. Assets that are currently disputedly owned. It is with that in mind I come to engage your loyalty to the navy and your discretion."

[BackworldTraveller]

Lieutenant Kikuyu

Mr O'Hare - It's good to meet you too.

The legal process is much like the wars we train for, adversaries seeking advantage and ensuring their rapid dispatch for minimal effort. And always camp-followers seeking to suck the life blood from all concerned.

The Lieutenant seems put out that you should mention Loyalty

As to Loyalty and Discretion, I think that mine are not in question. Are we here to discuss yours? Or some other subject? You had a proposal?

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

"Oh no. I am counting on not questioning your character Lieutenant. And I certainly hope that same training will come to the fore from my own ex-SSG staff currently dealing with rogue ordnance it seems."

He reacts to the newsflash comments leaked from the bay regarding the Queen bomb scare.

"I digress.

I understand the QoTB shares seized under a 'proceeds of crime award' from the pirate Celisse were managed from the bureau you oversee.

I share the sentiments that the navy expressed in demilitarizing the vessel from your fleet list and took the decision to relinquish all interest. Though as you know, counsel for Mrs Kole lodged a counterclaim that the sale of the shares were premature and the shares should have been inherited as the seizure of the vessel is brought into question. The reasoning being that the shares were not yours to sell. And having done so, you have diluted Ngora Kole's stakeholding and interest in the future trade of the vessel.

QotB Holdings have purchased the disputed shares for millions of credits and legitimately claim rights having bought the stock in good faith. Clearly both cannot own the shares. However as these affadavits copies swear, they have engaged my discretion and loyalty to the Queen to negotiate a more acceptable outcome. One in which all four interests, the navy included, may profit.

It is going to get very messy if the navy have to be subpoenaed into testifying about the Queen seizure in the light of the Starflight fraud reopening. One of those chief instigators in the seizure was supported by your executive staff into the present captaincy seat. Resigning a blossoming commission to undertake a new vocation. Her share, a motivating factor no doubt in capturing a renegade from abusing her interest, bought cheaply from senior military staff who themselves harboured financial investments in facilitating Jusu Saffa's experiments and partnered Celisse.

I am trying to avoid such inquests and exposes'. Help draw a line under the whole affair.

May we walk?"

Tiberius. Advocate [2d6+1]=10+1=11

Away from an austere desk, perhaps walking a compound ground or the corridors to the restaurant area. Tibbs wants to present various options to the lieutenant so that she may in turn negotiate with her bosses to agree an out of court settlement.

[BackworldTraveller]

Lieutenant Kikuyu
I can see no reason to walk - after all you are presenting your proposal to the Navy, and here we are. Propose away. A simple way out would be good. A simple one within the Annual Naval Estimates would be better. You seem to have an interesting view of the interests of some parties involved and the odds of success of various actions being undertaken, but it would be better for all if the agreement were quiet and amicable.

Although I'm confused as to what you, personally, seek to get from this negotiation.

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

"Sure we can open gambits over this desk as two chess players expanding their strategy.
But let us dispense with formalities Lieutenant. May I call you Yvonne?

I will set up the imaginary board then and we can move pieces as we see fit. We have the Queen ship, the centre of everyone's desire and frustration. Charlie Maputo with the purchasing power of QoTB Holdings skips freely as the knight while righteously angry Ngora Kole seeks justice, confession and redemption as a bishop. The navy, steadfast on their guard watchtowers as the rook. We manoeuvre ourselves as mere pawns in the great game.

Now let me speculate on the Admiralty position as it is the one being challenged. Hebden Cull , steward of the ship also stewarded half the ship shares. The historic register names hedge funds as laundering fronts owned by senior members of the Admiralty. As the Starflight fraud inquiry threatens to exposes their involvement in supporting the King, Jusu Saffa, assets are liquidated and months later under guise of customs and revenue smuggling, the ship is apprehended in space. The High Court are clearing their chambers so that the actual reasons for the seizure and the oath sworn testimonials of parties involved may be made public.

Successful litigation by Rigsby & Sood force the restraints upon the ship lifted. The Admiralty declare to relinquish all hold on the craft by taking an offer from QoTB Holdings . Themselves being a hedge fund created just this week by 'industrial entrepreneurs and bankers'. Their offer actually made from insider trading and foreknowledge of the naval decision to sell. By accepting the offer, the Navy short changed the belter population by not opening the sale to public auctions. That itself is 'malfeasance in public office', a criminal offense, as is the insider trading. Both of those decisions trace to this walnut veneered desk. The shares were bought for how much? Not for 'face value' but more than Cloud Bank's $500Kcr offer.

Now Ngora Kole is trying to prove the Admiralty acted unlawfully in seizing the ship and unlawfully sold assets that didn't belong to them.

In selling all, the Admiralty's current position is that you have money in the bank only if the court finds in your favour. Your ANE might then get you 1.5% interest or more likely prop up some Commodore's pension pot. Lose and all the money is returned back to Maputo and shares to Ngora. Should Maputo win, then he gets the shares and the Admiralty will have to compensate Ngora to full face value of each disputed share, forcing you to cough up another two or three million credits out of the public purse.

Now as pawns, we make our moves to negotiate a compromise for all. So to avoid all the unseemly distresses, what can you offer me?"