Fwurg

[Alexandra Koniova]

((OOC: This topic is private to the Veolian Commonwealth and the Sundarian Federation))

One of the private rooms in Purgatory had been prepared for the meeting as was requested by Alexandra and it was clear that no expenses had been spared on refreshments or entertainment. One with a keen eye in politics, could reach the conclusion that the choice of entertainer would not be something normally selected by a representative of the Sundarian Federation. Alexandra had obviously used her own insights and her father's bank account in order to improve the odds of a favourable outcome for her family's interests in the organics market.

"Miss Serrah, lady Iaat Tijārata," Alexandra said while welcoming her guests, "I'm pleased we could arrange this meeting on such a short notice. Please take a seat and get comfortable, if all goes well, we may yet be here a while since we have much to discuss."

Alexandra had also made arrangement for the support staff, with several analysts and consultants at hand to sort out any agreements and run several economical scenario's through a simulation.

[Serrah]

Serrah arrived carrying a small bundle of papers and an ink pen.

"Thank you for inviting us, Lady Koniova. I am sure that we will be able to come up with a satisfactory agreement."

She eyed the musician on stage for a moment, clearly appreciating the choice of performer, before sitting down.

[Marquise Iaat Tijārata]

The marquise was accompanied by a veolian man in suit and carrying a briefcase and a female servant wearing a simple robe.

"Lady Koniova, it is a pleasure to meet you.", she said as she gave an informal bow.

After she sits down, she uses the short silence to ask a question, "Lady Koniova, I understand that your family has a large interest in the Sundarian organics industry. I'm curious what we are to discuss here."

[Alexandra Koniova]

"I'm pleased to meet you here, milady" Alexandra respondes to the Marquise's inquiry

"My assignment on this matter is twofold, first and foremost, it is the wish of the Sundarian Council to fully outsource our production facilities, in order to further specialise our economy. To that end we hope to reach a favourable agreement with a supplier within the Veolian Commonwealth, which should in turn provide us more options to focus on the key area's of our own production.

Secondly however my father asked me to look into several options to protect our interests within the market. Once our government starts to outsource production, the demand for the Sundarian produce will fall, resulting in lower prices and loss of revenue. If we are not able to find a suitable replacement contract, we would lose about 50% of our corporate value. The Sundarian Council is prepared to take that loss, but is willing to look into alternatives if the conditions and expended revenues are guaranteed for a longer period of time. To add to this issue it has been made clear that producing the on Glasslyn is no longer considered to be economically viable; as such we are forced to look into alternatives and we were hoping that you, and the Veolian Commonwealth, could provide us with some, which would protect my families interests and suits my government's wishes and needs at the same time."

[Marquise Iaat Tijārata]

"House Iaat is currently looking for new sources of . However, I understand that most planets in the Guaire system lacks the necessary environment to grow . If the council Glasslyn is no longer an economically viable location, where do you plan to move the industry?"

[Serrah]

"The Veolian Commonwealth is most likely capable of producing at least another 300 , if we are able to acquire the at a reasonable price."

"However, with my knowledge of the Guaire system, I am most curious about the answer to marquise Iaat's question."

[Alexandra Koniova]

"That is precisely the problem indeed," Alexandra responded, "and as far as I know the government has three options is in this:

The first, fully outsourcing the would remove our need to produce the all together, which would thus result in removing the zone's from Glasslyn and not rebuilding them. I think we can all agree that this option is not desirable or possible.

The second would be to maintain the zones on Glasslyn and accept that producing there is a necessary sacrifice. This isn't optimal but would be a viable option for the time being, as long as the produce can be sold.

The third would be to prepare a small moon, Faolan for example, by means of terraforming and moving the there. This project would require a substantial investment and thus would be only viable if the produce could be sold on terms that are favourable enough and provide ample guarantees to ensure the long term viability of this operation."

[Marquise Iaat Tijārata]

"I am not opposed to negotiating a long-term investment and trade agreement with regards to the buying of large amounts of . Of course, we would also need some guarantees with regards to the availability of said ."

[Serrah]

"We could discuss the option of terraformation, but I think it would be prudent to discuss possible obstacles first. I am unsure on details of the property laws of the Sundarian Federation, wouldn't your family first need to acquire the moon Faolan before starting a terraformation project, lady Koniova?"

[Alexandra Koniova]

"We wouldn't have to acquire the whole moon, but would need to purchase some property if my family would be doing this own their own. But since the Sundarian Government will mostly support this option, since I would then recommend it, it isn't necessary to acquire the moon, we would simply use it.

Concerning the availability of the produce, our current obligations are with the Praetorian Empire, The Astai Republic and our own production of , which we use to meet the needs of both the Daryan and our own market.

The Praetorians are minded to outsource their own over time, which would effectively eliminate their need for our all together (465 (going down to 320 ). We currently provide the Astai Republic with 300 / which we exchange for and lastly we use the remainder to produce for both the Daryan and own own markets.

If we take the 300 for the Astai Republic and the 300 needed for the Daryan out of the equation for the moment and assume that the Praetorian intake is eliminated and our own needs are met, the produce of about 1350 would leave us with 750 / which are available for sale.

Every drop in demand from both the Astai Republic and the Daryan Republic, and we will be looking into these agreements as well, would further add to that number. "

[Marquise Iaat Tijārata]

"I do not see a problem with buying those 750 , we will most likely process them into in cooperation with the imperial house."

[Alexandra Koniova]

"I believe that provides us with a solid base to continue our negotiations, thank you." Alexandra said, before she was interrupted by one of the aides.

"Uhm... Ladies," the young lady interrupted, rather unaccustomed to speaking before a group of influential people in an important meeting, "If you forgive the interruption, I believe I have made an observation that might considerably change the course and outcome of this meeting.

After studying the current limitations of both the Sundarian and mainly the Veolian capacity to produce efficiently, and provide the needed, I have to conclude that the current situation doesn't favour an arrangement in which the entire Sundarian production, or let alone a fraction of it, is outsourced to the Veolian Commonwealth. This is due to the available real estate in the Veolian Commonwealth and the more than average production of the Sundarian zones on Glasslyn. Furthermore I've concluded that our production facilities on Cailean are infact in excess if we boost the production on Glasslyn just a little bit more.

To cut my conclusion short, at the moment outsourcing our production isn't economically viable, however moving our production to Faolan and selling any leftover is. Thus this meeting should be about whether or not to terraform the moon or not.... that is if you agree with my assessment of course.."

[Serrah]

Serrah quickly reacted to the aide's remark.

"The Veolian Commonwealth is, as always, willing to assist with the terraformation of your worlds. I propose a short recess during which you can discuss the details with your attentive aide, lady Koniova.

In the meantime, I will listen to the most enjoyable performance."

[Alexandra Koniova]

"Thank you Miss Serrah, lady Iaat,"

Alexandra said, happy with the fact that a short recess had been suggested,

"I'll try to keep it as short as possible."

She than spoke briefly with her aide and consult with some of the other analysts present to advice and consult on this matter. Obviously Alexandra wasn't to pleased with the results of the analysis, but frankly she was also glad not to be making unnecessary deals, after all the Council would hold her responsible.

Looking at the data, Alexandra could quickly see that her aide had indeed been correct, outsourcing the Sundarian production simply wasn't the most efficient course of action at this moment. Finding an alternative for the production facilities on Glasslyn however is, as well as reaching an agreement with House Iaat on the sale of any leftover produce.

She soon returned to her guests and said:

"Lady Iaat, Miss serrah, first I think I should apologize to you. It appears that the initial idea behind this meeting is no longer suitable nor the most efficient way to tackle my assignment. But since you are already here and I'd hate it see that prove to be for nothing, I'd like to continue and see how to best handle this issue."

[Marquise Iaat Tijārata]

"It seems to me that, instead of apologizing to me, you should thank your aide for her invaluable insight. Clearly she has prevented an embarrasing mistake.", the tone of voice of the marquise was that of a mother suggesting a better course of action to her child.

"Now, on to the matter at hand. House Iaat is interested in buying all left-over , what is left for me is the negotiation on the price of the materials."

[Serrah]

Serrah clearly enjoyed the performance.

"Lady Koniova, do not worry about such things, we are here to discuss trade and this has not changed. Please, elaborate on your new needs and surplusses."

[Alexandra Koniova]

"Thank you Lady Iaat," Alexandra said, clearly relieved, "I'd be happy to negotiate a suitable price for any and all left-over we have. In fact, given the changes in our trade with the Praetorian Empire, we have a surplus of 150 that will come available starting 173. I'd be happy to arrange for a direct transfer of that produce to House Iaat.

Concerning the option of terraformation, we have come up with another alternative. Instead of fully terraforming our small moon Faolan, we could also make the moon Swyndale suitable for producing . Given our ever increasing intake of from the IO Protocol, our own production facilities are getting less and less attractive.

Miss Serrah, what I'd like from you is a quotation on both senarios. The first fully terraforming our moon Faolan, and the second the climate adjustments on Swyndale to optimize for producing ."

[Serrah]

As marquise Iaat discussed the suddenly available organics with her aides, Serrah presented Alexandra with two sheet of paper. On it are the handwritten outlines of both quotations. She had apparently found the time to quickly write this up during the short recess, predicting the possible options for preparing a Sundarian world for organics production.

The first quotation, for a swift preparation of Swyndale, came down to a total cost of 5000 . This was split between 1250 initiation research, 800 licensing cost, and the rest for module cost. An estimated 375 is necessary for the project. It would take 5 to execute this project, which can be started as soon as 174.

The second sheet contains a more elaborate plan offering three options for the terraformation of Foalan:

The first option is a full workup to bestow a type I atmosphere and natural life on Foalan. The total cost for this option is 15000 , split between 4000 initiation research and module costs, with no extra licensing. The amount of modules is 1650 . It would take a minimum of 5 to execute this project, but Serrah predicted something aling the lines of 10-15 due to scarcity of available modules

The second option is everything in the first option with the addition of oceans. This boils down to 18000 , split over 4500 initiation research, 750 licensing, and the rest for modules. This plan required an estimated 1950 . Though this options requires a minimum of 6 , the same prediction as the first option was given.

The third option is everything of the first two options, with an additional optimization of the moon's climates for output. This ends up costing 20000 , split over 5250 initiation research, 1550 licensing cost and the rest for covering the module costs. This option requires 2175 , and a minimum time of 9 with a predicted 10-15 .

"I have taken the liberty of offering several options for optimizing the output of Foalan from an ecological perspective.", she said as she handed the sheets to Alexandra. "The larger projects will take some time to set up, and a payment plan needs to be negotiated, of course."

[Alexandra Koniova]

"Thank you,"

Alexandra said as she quickly looked at the quotation to get a hint of the general outline.

"I'll have these forwarded to my father immediately, while I do not think that the urgency is so high that a start in 174 would be needed, I'll make sure the enclose my own recommendation as soon as our business here is concluded.

It is my hope to offer you at least some insight in to our preference before this meeting is over, perhaps we might even be able to present a planning for implementation. "

Alexandra then handed the quotations off to an analyst and asked to forward them to her father, but also study them in further details and make a recommendation for her, based on the current economical developments and governmental planning.

"For the moment however, I propose that we enjoy the buffet I ordered prepared for this occasion."

[Serrah]

Both veolian representatives seem interested in the buffet.

[Alexandra Koniova]

Alexandra joined het guests and enjoyed the buffet while she waited for her father to review the new information and decide upon a course of action. It didn't take long for a messenger to arrive, and she studied the reply briefly before adressing the ladies.

"Lady Iaat, Miss Serrah, I apologize for the delay, but my father believes that he has found a suitable resolution for the current situation. It will require some time however, for the Sundarian Market to adapt to the new status-quo.

My father believes that much would depend upon the amount in which House Iaat would wish take in from our produce and under which conditions. He also feels that terraforming Faolan isn't the most viable option at this point, but given our current dependancy upon our own facilities on Swyndale, that may yet be our only option to increase our output.

Lady Iaat, how much would your house wish to obtain from us?"

[Marquise Iaat Tijārata]

((OOC: Some of the current estimations might mismatch facts mentioned earlier in this thread. This is due to 3-month gap in the thread -_-))

"At the moment, we are seeking volumes per turn upwards of 400 , with medium-term future expectations bringing the volume into the 1600+ range in half a year to a year. This is mainly due to the current trend towards colonsation and the lack of a secondary provider."

[Marquise Iaat Tijārata]

((OOC: Is it an idea to gracefully shut this thread down? This is clearly not going anywhere...))

[Marquise Iaat Tijārata]

When, after some smalltalk no conclusive agreement has been reached, marquise Iaat excuses herself to attend the next meeting on her schedule. Serrah leaves with her to discuss a few things while the marquise is still present on Unity.

((OOC: I consider this thread finished.))