Zakalwe
Inactive Member
Davis's office in the Nepleslian Government building was a mess. Papers were scattered all over his table. Treaties, laws, proposals and speeches, military documents--everything needed his attention. The Master Admiral sipped his cup of coffee as he rifled through the papers, focusing on the details of the recently signed treaty with Yamatai. It was a big step in the right direction, an article that stated loudly and clearly that Nepleslia was independent. But it was also a dangerous treaty, one with several limitations. He could only hope that Nepleslia would gather enough strength, quickly, to make a power move. For now, they had to play the unwanted but necessary role of submissiveness. Suddenly, a couple splatters of the brown liquid hit his day planner. Davis had put his cup down too hard. With a groan, he picked up the small electronic device and wiped the screen, only to notice that he had a meeting with an important business official in minutes. "Lucky me..." Davis said as he quickly straightened his papers into a large pile on the corner of the desk.
Seru walked calmly to the door he'd presumed was Davis', it was where it was meant to be on a few blueprints he'd gotten his hands on, and there where all sorts of little signs (he'd been directed there), pausing for a moment upon hearing a groan from inside, he knocked politely on the door.
A security guard outside the door walked up to the man, having been told to expect the visitor hours ago. He was dressed in black, the most distinguishing figure being his rather large size and metal hand that stuck from underneath his jacket. "Excuse me sir, simple procedure." He said sternly as he quickly searched the visitor's body for weapons. "All clear. You may enter." The man in black opened the door. "Master Admiral Davis, your visitor is here."
"Ah yes, bring him in." The reply came from inside.
"Of course, I commend you for your good work. I presume I'm at the right place? Yes? Good." Seru said in an authaurative tone, before turning the door handle and opening the door, stepping through into the room.
Davis stood for his visitor, and with a broad smile and an opening of his arms greeted the man. "Welcome to my office Mr. Emrys. I appreciate you coming here. If I weren't ever so busy, I'd have traveled to meet you."
"I understand perfectly Master Admiral Davis, you have been remarkably busy, and it was not too much trouble to come and see you." Seru spoke in a friendly like formal voice, "Firstly let me extend my greetings to the Nepleslian Empire on the behalf of my humble company Emrys Industries." Seru smiled and held out his hand.
"Emry Industries, I have heard much about your company." Davis said while shaking the man's hand firmly. "Your products are found throughout the galaxy, a fine symbol of quality."
Seru laughed, "It is a good thing I am an great supporter of sycophancy Master Admiral, we do keep the quality as high as possible, I'll give you that." Seru looked around him and the paper work, "You do seem to be very busy, any problem in particular? Or do you want to circumvent all this idle, yet very pleasant chit chat, and get down to business?" He smiled honestly, before releasing the handshake.
"Yes, I'm sure our time is very valuable to both of us." Davis reached into his drawer and pulled out a stack of business papers, the kind of work that they'd have the grunts do after the real deal had been struck. "So, tell me, Mr. Emrys, what business proposals do you wish to present?"
Seru readjusted his standing position into something more comfortable, "My company creates goods, this much is obvious, and we see Nepleslia, especially the newly independent Nepleslia as a promising market. Our most significant one for the moment is our Pheromone based Drugs. Please don't attack the word Pheromone, I have whole departments working on what they should be called, and it's given me a headache. In any case, I would like to present them to you as a much more safe alternative to the drugs that are on your street. Similar or greater effect in many cases, much less side effects. Drugs are a big problem in Nepleslia I believe, they fund crime, ruin homes, and will likely cripple the economy if you set up a welfare state, these drugs do not have those problems. They're not even addictive." Seru calmly removed an electronic pad from his suit and handed it to Davis. On it where details of the current range of drugs.
Davis took the pad and read it, returning to his seat. There was another chair at the end of the table for his visitor. "How are you sure of the non-addictive nature of these drugs? Have there been extensive tests run against this statement?"
"Oh yes, we tested it extensively, for several months to not any form of withdrawal, there was none. We also tested it on Nepleslians, so don't worry about the Geshrins increased immune system. The only addiction is psychological, which can occur in some cases. Usually with Bliss. The cases are uncommon though. Emrys Industries takes its customers very seriously good sir, we would not release it to the public unless we where certain about their qualities." Seru was a little offended by the statement, but didn't let it show on his calm exterior, "Your commitment to your people is commendable Master Admiral, few of your colleagues would show the same concern I fear."
"I do not doubt your studies, but when it comes to my peoples' health, I can hardly afford to be anything but direct," Davis said as he looked up from the pad. "And when you mention the drug trade, matters must be discussed in earnest." He cleared his throat, removed his beret and placed it on the table. "I like what I'm reading here in this summary. I have long accepted that drugs will never disappear from the surface of Nepleslia. They are so ingrained in the psyche of the public that removing them would be like taking away a liberty. That does not mean that I want the unregulated distribution of harmful drugs to dominate things. What you offer is a safe alternative to the debilitating effect that our current drug industry brings to the people." The aging Nepleslian carried with him an intense demeanour as he continued. "These drugs of yours, for the most part, make what's illegally distributed on the streets obsolete. This is something I have long dreamed for. With the proper government funding and aggressive marketing on your part, great changes can be wrought. However, we are treading in dangerous territory. Are you familiar with the affluent criminal presence on this planet?"
Seru laughed politely "Yes Master Admiral, I am quite familiar, your planet is over run with squabbling crime lords, both real ones and small timers that want to be the former. Drugs are disgustingly good way to get money, and so the criminals are deeply in love with them. I presume they wouldn't be too happy with us intruding on what they would see as their territory." Seru gave a knowing smile.
Davis stood slowly, deliberately, and spoke with a hushed tone. "What I am about to say is to not leave this room, for both of our sakes. Are you fine with that?"
"Quite fine Master Admiral, secrecy is nothing new to me, and I assure you that my word can be trusted." Seru thought for a moment, "I give you my word."
"This is more than a simple corporate buyout, more than some powerful mobs being pushed out of a city. Whether or not we like to admit this, this planet was birthed and founded in crime. It's not something that you can simply wash away. The crime lords have agents in ALL areas of Nepleslia. Entertainment, politics, government, even military, although I'm trying to control that. They have a hand in nearly everything. And when things don't go their way, they strike with terrorism to prove a point. I have been here a long time, have seen many things, and I doubt the sincerity of several people I associate with daily. When you start selling your drugs, and they become successful, you can expect a most unpleasant reaction from these criminal lords. There is more than money at stake. Is this a risk that you feel you are willing to take?"
"Oh yes Master Admiral, I am more than happy to invest my company into a venture that promises to help Nepleslia shrug off its criminal bonds. I am at your service." Seru smiled, and held his arms open to show sincerity, "Just tell me how I can help."
Davis took a long, hard look at the man, one that took several moments. Suddenly, his expression relaxed, and he smiled slightly, with a nod. "I like that. Here's the deal. The Nepleslian military will fully fund the distribution and marketing of your product given that we are the only entity in the empire to hold this power. This funding will be given to you anonymously, where we will claim no direct involvement in this operation. I hope you see why. The drugs will be made easily available to the public through legal means. The military's revenue will be anonymously deposited in dummy corporations for purposes of security and secrecy. What percentage were you looking to have in this arrangement?"
"Well I would think around 60% to go to Emrys Industries, 40% to go to your government. 10% of the revenue that Emrys Industries received would be put into a special fund that we would use to work on public projects in Nepleslia, building schools, hospitals and the like. Does that sound agreeable to you, Master Admiral?" Seru asked pleasantly, in his head already working out a system of schools, hospitals and possibly libraries that could be made, perhaps some new building projects for accommodation.
"That seems fair. I appreciate your generosity in giving to the public. Now, onto more specific matters..." Davis picked up the datapad again and read the drugs on the list. "I don't want Rage being made available to the public. The simple reason being that I don't want citizens getting into fights. I'm also slightly concerned with overdose problems associated with the Prime drug. Do you have any ideas how we can work around this?"
"I presume that is reasonable to do with restrictions of Rage, it's not a danger when used in a slightly diluted form, but on Nepleslia you don't need any more sparks flying around. As for Prime I'd recommend spreading information about the danger of overdosing on it around. If they still do it's not our fault, but I feel that Emrys will likely take care of them. It takes a really quite massive over dose to do any permanent damage, and most people can't afford that with Prime." Seru sighed, "Would you like to try any of the products yourself Master Admiral? To make sure you know what you are giving to your public?" Seru drew out a silver case from the inside of his jacket and held it out to Davis, it contained a single dose of each pheromone, and the case was ornate enough (with attractive Celtic patterns), to merit keeping as a gift.
"I'm afraid I must decline for now. That is not meant to be an offence to you or your product, of course. I must always be ready for an incident. I will, however, keep this and cherish it as a gift. Would it be possible to procure another set of the drugs so that I can test them on one of my associates?"
"Of course. I suggest slipping it into their drink. Actually I brought a crate full with me, it's in the Jilanth I came with, I'll send for it with your permission." Seru had the funny image of someone with the power of the Master Admiral high and pressing buttons. Damaging buttons.
"Thank you very much." Davis said as he extended his hand to his new business partner. "I'll have the finalized request to you within a day or two. Then you can begin immediately."
Seru sent a quick communication mentally to the Jilanth for his companion to bring the crate, he'd be there in a few minutes hopefully. He took Davis' hand and shook it "It is good doing business with you Master Admiral, I hope to have a long business relationship with you. We have many other products you may wish to aquire, but that can wait for another time can it not?" Seru smiled to himself, he had achieved everything he had wanted from that meeting, the drug trade being the least among them.
"I suppose it can. I'll have someone escort you out. It's been a pleasure doing business with you."
Seru walked calmly to the door he'd presumed was Davis', it was where it was meant to be on a few blueprints he'd gotten his hands on, and there where all sorts of little signs (he'd been directed there), pausing for a moment upon hearing a groan from inside, he knocked politely on the door.
A security guard outside the door walked up to the man, having been told to expect the visitor hours ago. He was dressed in black, the most distinguishing figure being his rather large size and metal hand that stuck from underneath his jacket. "Excuse me sir, simple procedure." He said sternly as he quickly searched the visitor's body for weapons. "All clear. You may enter." The man in black opened the door. "Master Admiral Davis, your visitor is here."
"Ah yes, bring him in." The reply came from inside.
"Of course, I commend you for your good work. I presume I'm at the right place? Yes? Good." Seru said in an authaurative tone, before turning the door handle and opening the door, stepping through into the room.
Davis stood for his visitor, and with a broad smile and an opening of his arms greeted the man. "Welcome to my office Mr. Emrys. I appreciate you coming here. If I weren't ever so busy, I'd have traveled to meet you."
"I understand perfectly Master Admiral Davis, you have been remarkably busy, and it was not too much trouble to come and see you." Seru spoke in a friendly like formal voice, "Firstly let me extend my greetings to the Nepleslian Empire on the behalf of my humble company Emrys Industries." Seru smiled and held out his hand.
"Emry Industries, I have heard much about your company." Davis said while shaking the man's hand firmly. "Your products are found throughout the galaxy, a fine symbol of quality."
Seru laughed, "It is a good thing I am an great supporter of sycophancy Master Admiral, we do keep the quality as high as possible, I'll give you that." Seru looked around him and the paper work, "You do seem to be very busy, any problem in particular? Or do you want to circumvent all this idle, yet very pleasant chit chat, and get down to business?" He smiled honestly, before releasing the handshake.
"Yes, I'm sure our time is very valuable to both of us." Davis reached into his drawer and pulled out a stack of business papers, the kind of work that they'd have the grunts do after the real deal had been struck. "So, tell me, Mr. Emrys, what business proposals do you wish to present?"
Seru readjusted his standing position into something more comfortable, "My company creates goods, this much is obvious, and we see Nepleslia, especially the newly independent Nepleslia as a promising market. Our most significant one for the moment is our Pheromone based Drugs. Please don't attack the word Pheromone, I have whole departments working on what they should be called, and it's given me a headache. In any case, I would like to present them to you as a much more safe alternative to the drugs that are on your street. Similar or greater effect in many cases, much less side effects. Drugs are a big problem in Nepleslia I believe, they fund crime, ruin homes, and will likely cripple the economy if you set up a welfare state, these drugs do not have those problems. They're not even addictive." Seru calmly removed an electronic pad from his suit and handed it to Davis. On it where details of the current range of drugs.
Davis took the pad and read it, returning to his seat. There was another chair at the end of the table for his visitor. "How are you sure of the non-addictive nature of these drugs? Have there been extensive tests run against this statement?"
"Oh yes, we tested it extensively, for several months to not any form of withdrawal, there was none. We also tested it on Nepleslians, so don't worry about the Geshrins increased immune system. The only addiction is psychological, which can occur in some cases. Usually with Bliss. The cases are uncommon though. Emrys Industries takes its customers very seriously good sir, we would not release it to the public unless we where certain about their qualities." Seru was a little offended by the statement, but didn't let it show on his calm exterior, "Your commitment to your people is commendable Master Admiral, few of your colleagues would show the same concern I fear."
"I do not doubt your studies, but when it comes to my peoples' health, I can hardly afford to be anything but direct," Davis said as he looked up from the pad. "And when you mention the drug trade, matters must be discussed in earnest." He cleared his throat, removed his beret and placed it on the table. "I like what I'm reading here in this summary. I have long accepted that drugs will never disappear from the surface of Nepleslia. They are so ingrained in the psyche of the public that removing them would be like taking away a liberty. That does not mean that I want the unregulated distribution of harmful drugs to dominate things. What you offer is a safe alternative to the debilitating effect that our current drug industry brings to the people." The aging Nepleslian carried with him an intense demeanour as he continued. "These drugs of yours, for the most part, make what's illegally distributed on the streets obsolete. This is something I have long dreamed for. With the proper government funding and aggressive marketing on your part, great changes can be wrought. However, we are treading in dangerous territory. Are you familiar with the affluent criminal presence on this planet?"
Seru laughed politely "Yes Master Admiral, I am quite familiar, your planet is over run with squabbling crime lords, both real ones and small timers that want to be the former. Drugs are disgustingly good way to get money, and so the criminals are deeply in love with them. I presume they wouldn't be too happy with us intruding on what they would see as their territory." Seru gave a knowing smile.
Davis stood slowly, deliberately, and spoke with a hushed tone. "What I am about to say is to not leave this room, for both of our sakes. Are you fine with that?"
"Quite fine Master Admiral, secrecy is nothing new to me, and I assure you that my word can be trusted." Seru thought for a moment, "I give you my word."
"This is more than a simple corporate buyout, more than some powerful mobs being pushed out of a city. Whether or not we like to admit this, this planet was birthed and founded in crime. It's not something that you can simply wash away. The crime lords have agents in ALL areas of Nepleslia. Entertainment, politics, government, even military, although I'm trying to control that. They have a hand in nearly everything. And when things don't go their way, they strike with terrorism to prove a point. I have been here a long time, have seen many things, and I doubt the sincerity of several people I associate with daily. When you start selling your drugs, and they become successful, you can expect a most unpleasant reaction from these criminal lords. There is more than money at stake. Is this a risk that you feel you are willing to take?"
"Oh yes Master Admiral, I am more than happy to invest my company into a venture that promises to help Nepleslia shrug off its criminal bonds. I am at your service." Seru smiled, and held his arms open to show sincerity, "Just tell me how I can help."
Davis took a long, hard look at the man, one that took several moments. Suddenly, his expression relaxed, and he smiled slightly, with a nod. "I like that. Here's the deal. The Nepleslian military will fully fund the distribution and marketing of your product given that we are the only entity in the empire to hold this power. This funding will be given to you anonymously, where we will claim no direct involvement in this operation. I hope you see why. The drugs will be made easily available to the public through legal means. The military's revenue will be anonymously deposited in dummy corporations for purposes of security and secrecy. What percentage were you looking to have in this arrangement?"
"Well I would think around 60% to go to Emrys Industries, 40% to go to your government. 10% of the revenue that Emrys Industries received would be put into a special fund that we would use to work on public projects in Nepleslia, building schools, hospitals and the like. Does that sound agreeable to you, Master Admiral?" Seru asked pleasantly, in his head already working out a system of schools, hospitals and possibly libraries that could be made, perhaps some new building projects for accommodation.
"That seems fair. I appreciate your generosity in giving to the public. Now, onto more specific matters..." Davis picked up the datapad again and read the drugs on the list. "I don't want Rage being made available to the public. The simple reason being that I don't want citizens getting into fights. I'm also slightly concerned with overdose problems associated with the Prime drug. Do you have any ideas how we can work around this?"
"I presume that is reasonable to do with restrictions of Rage, it's not a danger when used in a slightly diluted form, but on Nepleslia you don't need any more sparks flying around. As for Prime I'd recommend spreading information about the danger of overdosing on it around. If they still do it's not our fault, but I feel that Emrys will likely take care of them. It takes a really quite massive over dose to do any permanent damage, and most people can't afford that with Prime." Seru sighed, "Would you like to try any of the products yourself Master Admiral? To make sure you know what you are giving to your public?" Seru drew out a silver case from the inside of his jacket and held it out to Davis, it contained a single dose of each pheromone, and the case was ornate enough (with attractive Celtic patterns), to merit keeping as a gift.
"I'm afraid I must decline for now. That is not meant to be an offence to you or your product, of course. I must always be ready for an incident. I will, however, keep this and cherish it as a gift. Would it be possible to procure another set of the drugs so that I can test them on one of my associates?"
"Of course. I suggest slipping it into their drink. Actually I brought a crate full with me, it's in the Jilanth I came with, I'll send for it with your permission." Seru had the funny image of someone with the power of the Master Admiral high and pressing buttons. Damaging buttons.
"Thank you very much." Davis said as he extended his hand to his new business partner. "I'll have the finalized request to you within a day or two. Then you can begin immediately."
Seru sent a quick communication mentally to the Jilanth for his companion to bring the crate, he'd be there in a few minutes hopefully. He took Davis' hand and shook it "It is good doing business with you Master Admiral, I hope to have a long business relationship with you. We have many other products you may wish to aquire, but that can wait for another time can it not?" Seru smiled to himself, he had achieved everything he had wanted from that meeting, the drug trade being the least among them.
"I suppose it can. I'll have someone escort you out. It's been a pleasure doing business with you."
