Astrid watched as Veronica Stone, the head of Marketing, leaned forward, her eyes alight with enthusiasm.
"A mobile store is indeed an interesting idea," Veronica began, her voice brimming with energy as she built on Astrid's proposal. "And to expand on it, I propose that we build this mobile store as a variant of the Polaris-class Ultra Carrier."
Astrid tilted her head slightly, intrigued by where Veronica was going with this. The Polaris-class Ultra Carrier was one of the Guild’s most impressive and versatile ship designs, known for its ability to support and repair a wide range of ships. It made sense for such a ship to serve as the foundation for a mobile store, especially with the potential for customization and repair services.
"This way," Veronica continued, "we could show off not just our mining technology but also certain ships that we might be willing to sell. We could even use the existing carrier systems, the ones that typically repair ships, and configure them to allow potential clients to customize their designs—change the colors, modify aesthetics on the spot."
Astrid nodded in approval. The ability to provide live customization would definitely attract more attention. "That sounds like a great way to let clients get a hands-on experience with our designs," Astrid said. "It would make the ships feel more personal to them."
Veronica smiled, excited by the synergy. "Exactly! And," she added with a gleam in her eye, "we could even offer special, limited-time designs or themes. For instance, we could create a special color theme like the purple used by the Motoyoshi Clan. We could call it 'The Orchid,' named after the special nickname of their matriarch, Katsuko. It would honor their legacy and appeal to clients who admire the Motoyoshi style."
Astrid raised her eyebrows, clearly impressed. The idea of themed designs tied to prominent factions or families was a clever marketing strategy. The Orchid theme, especially, would capture the attention of those familiar with the Motoyoshi Clan’s influence and prestige.
"That's a fantastic idea, Veronica," Astrid said, already seeing how it could work. "Not only would it give us a creative edge, but it would also be a subtle nod to the diplomatic ties we’re fostering. And it could attract those who appreciate luxury and tradition in equal measure."
Veronica beamed at the praise, but she wasn’t finished. "As for the crew," she continued, "I agree that the Night Guard would handle security, no question about that. Their presence would ensure the protection of both the crew and our assets. But for the rest of the staff, the majority should come from the Marketing Division. After all, this ship will be a direct extension of our outreach efforts."
Astrid nodded, thinking about the logistics. Marketing personnel would know how to handle customers, present the ships and technology in the best light, and close deals efficiently. "Yes, I can see how Marketing would be the right fit for most of the crew. They’re the ones who know how to sell our vision."
Veronica, clearly in her element, clasped her hands together. "After this meeting, I'll review my roster and select personnel with the right skills for this assignment. We’ll need sales experts, tech-savvy marketers who can demonstrate ship systems, and of course, engineers who understand the repair and customization processes."
She paused for a moment, and then her eyes widened as another thought struck her. "Oh! I just thought of a name!" she gasped, excitement spilling into her voice. "We could call it the Merchant-class Mobile Store, and the first ship in this line... it could be named the Celestial Aisles!"
Astrid’s smile grew wider at the suggestion. "The Celestial Aisles," she repeated, testing the name on her tongue. It had a grand, almost ethereal quality to it, something that evoked the vastness of space and the treasures it held. "I love it. The name perfectly captures the idea of a traveling store in the stars, bringing the best of the Mining Guild to every corner of the galaxy."
Veronica was positively glowing, her excitement infectious. "Thank you, Miss Kurosaki. I really think this concept could take off. The Merchant-class can travel far and wide, bringing our technology and ships directly to the people. We can customize not just colors but certain minor features of ships, allowing clients to have a truly unique experience with us."
Astrid leaned back, letting the idea settle in her mind. The concept of a mobile store was rapidly evolving into something more significant—a fleet of specialized ships designed not only for sales and marketing but for brand immersion and direct engagement with potential clients. It would be a bold, forward-thinking step in the Guild's expansion strategy.
"All right," Astrid said, a note of determination in her voice. "Let’s move forward with the plan. Veronica, once you’ve reviewed your roster, work with the Engineering Corps to start designing the Merchant-class Mobile Store. We’ll want to move quickly on this. And as for the Celestial Aisles, let’s make sure it’s ready to be the flagship of this new initiative."
Veronica nodded eagerly, already preparing herself to dive into the details. Astrid could feel the momentum building. This project would be ambitious, but with the right planning and execution, it had the potential to revolutionize how the Mining Guild expanded its presence across the galaxy.
"We’ll reconvene in a few days to discuss progress," Astrid added, glancing around the room. "I want everyone to be involved, and if you have any ideas for how your division can contribute, now’s the time to bring them forward."
Veronica nodded her head and then turned her attention to Doctor Kross, the head of the Engineering Corps. Her eyes gleamed with excitement, the spark of a new idea taking shape.
"I’d also like to have a word with you, Doctor Kross," she said, her tone professional yet eager. "Before I return to my office, I’ve been thinking about a special type of drone—one that might work well with the new ship concept we just discussed."
Doctor Kross raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the sudden shift in conversation. "A special drone? Go on, Veronica."
Veronica leaned forward slightly, already visualizing her idea as she spoke. "I was thinking... what if we designed a drone specifically tailored to enhance the customer experience aboard the Celestial Aisles? These drones would act as personalized guides for potential clients—floating assistants that can show off the ships, highlight key features, and even provide live demonstrations on how to use certain technologies."
Doctor Kross crossed his arms thoughtfully. "A personalized guide drone… it would certainly give clients a more interactive experience. And if they’re integrated into the ship’s systems, they could provide detailed specifications or offer customization suggestions in real time."
"Exactly!" Veronica said, clearly excited that Kross was following her line of thought. "They could even be programmed to recognize frequent clients, store their preferences, and make tailored recommendations based on their previous visits. Imagine a client walking into the ship, and their personal drone immediately greets them by name, then suggests a few design tweaks based on what they’ve liked in the past."
Kross nodded slowly, considering the possibilities. "Interesting. We’d need to design the drones to interface seamlessly with both the ship’s systems and the marketing platform we’ll be using to track customer preferences. We could also equip them with holo-projection capabilities, allowing them to project a small model of the ships or equipment being sold, complete with real-time customization options."
Veronica clapped her hands together in excitement. "That’s brilliant! A holographic display would take it to the next level. Clients could see the changes they want to make to their ship or equipment in real-time, without needing to physically alter the product until they’re satisfied."
Doctor Kross seemed to be warming to the idea. "I’ll work with my team to draft up some designs. The drones will need to be sleek, efficient, and capable of handling a variety of tasks. We’ll also need to ensure they’re user-friendly, especially for clients who might not be familiar with advanced technology."
Veronica smiled, clearly satisfied with the direction the conversation was heading. "Perfect. I think this addition could really set the Celestial Aisles apart from any other mobile store or ship showcase. It’ll give customers a personalized experience that not only feels high-end but also incredibly modern and innovative."
Astrid, who had been listening to the exchange with interest, chimed in, "I agree. These drones could be a game-changer. Let’s make sure they’re designed with versatility in mind. They should be able to cater to different types of clients—from those who are just browsing to those ready to make a purchase on the spot."
Kross nodded. "Understood. I’ll begin work on the preliminary designs as soon as possible."
Veronica, satisfied that her idea was in good hands, turned back to Astrid. "Thank you, Miss Kurosaki. I’ll head back to my office now and start preparing for the next steps on our end. But I’ll keep in touch with Doctor Kross to make sure everything is progressing smoothly."
Astrid smiled warmly. "Thank you, Veronica. I’m looking forward to seeing this project come to life."
As everyone began getting up to leave, Astrid noticed Lady Nyx making her way over to join Veronica and Doctor Kross. Intrigued, she subtly slowed her own departure, just enough to overhear their conversation.
Lady Nyx spoke with her usual calm yet authoritative tone, building on the earlier discussion. "On the topic of drones, I had another idea," Nyx said thoughtfully. "What if we create an advertising drone—one that could autonomously promote the ship and its purpose? Since it's a drone, it could move freely and even enter areas that might be less safe for our personnel, like criminal territories or unstable regions. It would provide us with a degree of separation from any risk, and we could incorporate the hologram projection feature Doctor Kross mentioned earlier."
Veronica’s eyes lit up as she listened, her mind clearly whirring with possibilities. "An advertising drone... that's brilliant!" she exclaimed. "It could act as a mobile billboard of sorts, spreading the word about the Celestial Aisles and showcasing some of our most impressive technologies. And since it’s unmanned, we wouldn’t be putting anyone in danger if it strayed into hostile territory."
Doctor Kross nodded, already considering the technical aspects. "We could give it long-range capability and a self-sustaining power source, perhaps solar-based, to allow it to operate for extended periods without the need to return for charging. And if it uses holographic projections, we could customize the messages it delivers, adapting to local markets, languages, or even broadcasting special promotions based on the region it’s in."
Nyx continued, her sharp mind clearly at work. "Exactly. And since it’s a drone, it could go places our mobile store can’t—like underdeveloped systems or more remote sectors where we're trying to establish a foothold. It could preemptively advertise our services, build interest, and gauge the local response before we even send a ship there. Plus, with holo-projections, we could provide a preview of what the Celestial Aisles offers, from technology to ships."
Veronica was fully on board, excitement clear in her voice. "That could revolutionize our marketing efforts! The drones could even work in fleets, strategically moving to key locations. Maybe we can program them to attend events, trade shows, or even drift near pirate markets to catch the attention of those who deal in more…gray areas of commerce."
Doctor Kross tapped his chin thoughtfully. "We’d need to ensure the drones have a strong self-defense protocol in case they’re tampered with or targeted. While they wouldn’t be heavily armed, perhaps we could include a cloaking system or a quick-exit mechanism to protect them in hostile environments."
Astrid, who had been listening closely, couldn't help but chime in. "I like this. Not only are we maximizing the visibility of the Celestial Aisles and our technologies, but we're doing it in a way that minimizes risk. We could deploy these drones far and wide, even across faction borders, to build up anticipation before our ship even arrives. It’s perfect for expanding into new territories."
Nyx nodded, pleased to see Astrid sharing her vision. "Precisely. And since the drones would be gathering data as they move, we could use that information to determine the best areas to deploy our resources. The Stratum Intelligence Group could analyze the feedback, ensuring we're always one step ahead of the competition."
Doctor Kross smiled, clearly appreciating how the idea had evolved. "I’ll start working on the designs. We can create both an advertising version and a customer-assistance version to complement each other. They’ll be part of the same drone family, but with distinct functions."
Veronica grinned. "This is going to change the game. Once we deploy these drones, we’ll have eyes—and advertisements—everywhere."
Astrid smiled at the collaborative energy swirling around the room, feeling a surge of excitement about the project. "I can’t wait to see where this takes us. Let’s make it happen."
With that, the conversation ended on a high note, with all three—Lady Nyx, Veronica, and Doctor Kross—energized to turn these ambitious ideas into reality.
"A mobile store is indeed an interesting idea," Veronica began, her voice brimming with energy as she built on Astrid's proposal. "And to expand on it, I propose that we build this mobile store as a variant of the Polaris-class Ultra Carrier."
Astrid tilted her head slightly, intrigued by where Veronica was going with this. The Polaris-class Ultra Carrier was one of the Guild’s most impressive and versatile ship designs, known for its ability to support and repair a wide range of ships. It made sense for such a ship to serve as the foundation for a mobile store, especially with the potential for customization and repair services.
"This way," Veronica continued, "we could show off not just our mining technology but also certain ships that we might be willing to sell. We could even use the existing carrier systems, the ones that typically repair ships, and configure them to allow potential clients to customize their designs—change the colors, modify aesthetics on the spot."
Astrid nodded in approval. The ability to provide live customization would definitely attract more attention. "That sounds like a great way to let clients get a hands-on experience with our designs," Astrid said. "It would make the ships feel more personal to them."
Veronica smiled, excited by the synergy. "Exactly! And," she added with a gleam in her eye, "we could even offer special, limited-time designs or themes. For instance, we could create a special color theme like the purple used by the Motoyoshi Clan. We could call it 'The Orchid,' named after the special nickname of their matriarch, Katsuko. It would honor their legacy and appeal to clients who admire the Motoyoshi style."
Astrid raised her eyebrows, clearly impressed. The idea of themed designs tied to prominent factions or families was a clever marketing strategy. The Orchid theme, especially, would capture the attention of those familiar with the Motoyoshi Clan’s influence and prestige.
"That's a fantastic idea, Veronica," Astrid said, already seeing how it could work. "Not only would it give us a creative edge, but it would also be a subtle nod to the diplomatic ties we’re fostering. And it could attract those who appreciate luxury and tradition in equal measure."
Veronica beamed at the praise, but she wasn’t finished. "As for the crew," she continued, "I agree that the Night Guard would handle security, no question about that. Their presence would ensure the protection of both the crew and our assets. But for the rest of the staff, the majority should come from the Marketing Division. After all, this ship will be a direct extension of our outreach efforts."
Astrid nodded, thinking about the logistics. Marketing personnel would know how to handle customers, present the ships and technology in the best light, and close deals efficiently. "Yes, I can see how Marketing would be the right fit for most of the crew. They’re the ones who know how to sell our vision."
Veronica, clearly in her element, clasped her hands together. "After this meeting, I'll review my roster and select personnel with the right skills for this assignment. We’ll need sales experts, tech-savvy marketers who can demonstrate ship systems, and of course, engineers who understand the repair and customization processes."
She paused for a moment, and then her eyes widened as another thought struck her. "Oh! I just thought of a name!" she gasped, excitement spilling into her voice. "We could call it the Merchant-class Mobile Store, and the first ship in this line... it could be named the Celestial Aisles!"
Astrid’s smile grew wider at the suggestion. "The Celestial Aisles," she repeated, testing the name on her tongue. It had a grand, almost ethereal quality to it, something that evoked the vastness of space and the treasures it held. "I love it. The name perfectly captures the idea of a traveling store in the stars, bringing the best of the Mining Guild to every corner of the galaxy."
Veronica was positively glowing, her excitement infectious. "Thank you, Miss Kurosaki. I really think this concept could take off. The Merchant-class can travel far and wide, bringing our technology and ships directly to the people. We can customize not just colors but certain minor features of ships, allowing clients to have a truly unique experience with us."
Astrid leaned back, letting the idea settle in her mind. The concept of a mobile store was rapidly evolving into something more significant—a fleet of specialized ships designed not only for sales and marketing but for brand immersion and direct engagement with potential clients. It would be a bold, forward-thinking step in the Guild's expansion strategy.
"All right," Astrid said, a note of determination in her voice. "Let’s move forward with the plan. Veronica, once you’ve reviewed your roster, work with the Engineering Corps to start designing the Merchant-class Mobile Store. We’ll want to move quickly on this. And as for the Celestial Aisles, let’s make sure it’s ready to be the flagship of this new initiative."
Veronica nodded eagerly, already preparing herself to dive into the details. Astrid could feel the momentum building. This project would be ambitious, but with the right planning and execution, it had the potential to revolutionize how the Mining Guild expanded its presence across the galaxy.
"We’ll reconvene in a few days to discuss progress," Astrid added, glancing around the room. "I want everyone to be involved, and if you have any ideas for how your division can contribute, now’s the time to bring them forward."
Veronica nodded her head and then turned her attention to Doctor Kross, the head of the Engineering Corps. Her eyes gleamed with excitement, the spark of a new idea taking shape.
"I’d also like to have a word with you, Doctor Kross," she said, her tone professional yet eager. "Before I return to my office, I’ve been thinking about a special type of drone—one that might work well with the new ship concept we just discussed."
Doctor Kross raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the sudden shift in conversation. "A special drone? Go on, Veronica."
Veronica leaned forward slightly, already visualizing her idea as she spoke. "I was thinking... what if we designed a drone specifically tailored to enhance the customer experience aboard the Celestial Aisles? These drones would act as personalized guides for potential clients—floating assistants that can show off the ships, highlight key features, and even provide live demonstrations on how to use certain technologies."
Doctor Kross crossed his arms thoughtfully. "A personalized guide drone… it would certainly give clients a more interactive experience. And if they’re integrated into the ship’s systems, they could provide detailed specifications or offer customization suggestions in real time."
"Exactly!" Veronica said, clearly excited that Kross was following her line of thought. "They could even be programmed to recognize frequent clients, store their preferences, and make tailored recommendations based on their previous visits. Imagine a client walking into the ship, and their personal drone immediately greets them by name, then suggests a few design tweaks based on what they’ve liked in the past."
Kross nodded slowly, considering the possibilities. "Interesting. We’d need to design the drones to interface seamlessly with both the ship’s systems and the marketing platform we’ll be using to track customer preferences. We could also equip them with holo-projection capabilities, allowing them to project a small model of the ships or equipment being sold, complete with real-time customization options."
Veronica clapped her hands together in excitement. "That’s brilliant! A holographic display would take it to the next level. Clients could see the changes they want to make to their ship or equipment in real-time, without needing to physically alter the product until they’re satisfied."
Doctor Kross seemed to be warming to the idea. "I’ll work with my team to draft up some designs. The drones will need to be sleek, efficient, and capable of handling a variety of tasks. We’ll also need to ensure they’re user-friendly, especially for clients who might not be familiar with advanced technology."
Veronica smiled, clearly satisfied with the direction the conversation was heading. "Perfect. I think this addition could really set the Celestial Aisles apart from any other mobile store or ship showcase. It’ll give customers a personalized experience that not only feels high-end but also incredibly modern and innovative."
Astrid, who had been listening to the exchange with interest, chimed in, "I agree. These drones could be a game-changer. Let’s make sure they’re designed with versatility in mind. They should be able to cater to different types of clients—from those who are just browsing to those ready to make a purchase on the spot."
Kross nodded. "Understood. I’ll begin work on the preliminary designs as soon as possible."
Veronica, satisfied that her idea was in good hands, turned back to Astrid. "Thank you, Miss Kurosaki. I’ll head back to my office now and start preparing for the next steps on our end. But I’ll keep in touch with Doctor Kross to make sure everything is progressing smoothly."
Astrid smiled warmly. "Thank you, Veronica. I’m looking forward to seeing this project come to life."
As everyone began getting up to leave, Astrid noticed Lady Nyx making her way over to join Veronica and Doctor Kross. Intrigued, she subtly slowed her own departure, just enough to overhear their conversation.
Lady Nyx spoke with her usual calm yet authoritative tone, building on the earlier discussion. "On the topic of drones, I had another idea," Nyx said thoughtfully. "What if we create an advertising drone—one that could autonomously promote the ship and its purpose? Since it's a drone, it could move freely and even enter areas that might be less safe for our personnel, like criminal territories or unstable regions. It would provide us with a degree of separation from any risk, and we could incorporate the hologram projection feature Doctor Kross mentioned earlier."
Veronica’s eyes lit up as she listened, her mind clearly whirring with possibilities. "An advertising drone... that's brilliant!" she exclaimed. "It could act as a mobile billboard of sorts, spreading the word about the Celestial Aisles and showcasing some of our most impressive technologies. And since it’s unmanned, we wouldn’t be putting anyone in danger if it strayed into hostile territory."
Doctor Kross nodded, already considering the technical aspects. "We could give it long-range capability and a self-sustaining power source, perhaps solar-based, to allow it to operate for extended periods without the need to return for charging. And if it uses holographic projections, we could customize the messages it delivers, adapting to local markets, languages, or even broadcasting special promotions based on the region it’s in."
Nyx continued, her sharp mind clearly at work. "Exactly. And since it’s a drone, it could go places our mobile store can’t—like underdeveloped systems or more remote sectors where we're trying to establish a foothold. It could preemptively advertise our services, build interest, and gauge the local response before we even send a ship there. Plus, with holo-projections, we could provide a preview of what the Celestial Aisles offers, from technology to ships."
Veronica was fully on board, excitement clear in her voice. "That could revolutionize our marketing efforts! The drones could even work in fleets, strategically moving to key locations. Maybe we can program them to attend events, trade shows, or even drift near pirate markets to catch the attention of those who deal in more…gray areas of commerce."
Doctor Kross tapped his chin thoughtfully. "We’d need to ensure the drones have a strong self-defense protocol in case they’re tampered with or targeted. While they wouldn’t be heavily armed, perhaps we could include a cloaking system or a quick-exit mechanism to protect them in hostile environments."
Astrid, who had been listening closely, couldn't help but chime in. "I like this. Not only are we maximizing the visibility of the Celestial Aisles and our technologies, but we're doing it in a way that minimizes risk. We could deploy these drones far and wide, even across faction borders, to build up anticipation before our ship even arrives. It’s perfect for expanding into new territories."
Nyx nodded, pleased to see Astrid sharing her vision. "Precisely. And since the drones would be gathering data as they move, we could use that information to determine the best areas to deploy our resources. The Stratum Intelligence Group could analyze the feedback, ensuring we're always one step ahead of the competition."
Doctor Kross smiled, clearly appreciating how the idea had evolved. "I’ll start working on the designs. We can create both an advertising version and a customer-assistance version to complement each other. They’ll be part of the same drone family, but with distinct functions."
Veronica grinned. "This is going to change the game. Once we deploy these drones, we’ll have eyes—and advertisements—everywhere."
Astrid smiled at the collaborative energy swirling around the room, feeling a surge of excitement about the project. "I can’t wait to see where this takes us. Let’s make it happen."
With that, the conversation ended on a high note, with all three—Lady Nyx, Veronica, and Doctor Kross—energized to turn these ambitious ideas into reality.