Beyond the bustling docks of Makassar Station, one could jump on the lift and decide to go up the levels. Going down would take you to the cacophony of machine noises, humms, whirr's, metal punching etc. of the manufacturing bays, and further still would go down to station backup store rooms, and eventually all the way to Engineering and the beating core of the station.
Going up, however, past the small offices nearby, over the service centers busily repairing ship and station components alike for staff and patrons, higher still through the oversized warehouse levels and onto one of the busiest levels of them all, a visitor would come to:
Level 7
Upon exiting the lift, the flurry of activity will be seen all around the main market disctrict of Makassar, with dozens of stations set up where incoming trade haulers, small business owners, mechanics, credit mongers, and station staff negotiate logistical deals for anything and everything, all frantically punching in and reviewing information on their data tabs in hand at all times like a synthetic appedage of absolute necessity.
Away from the central lights of this hub and further down, cafe's, shops, and various other facilities address the hive of human needs for all the myriad peoples that come through this metropolis of humanity. Further down as the lights of the avenues are more dimly light, but not so dim as near the more questionable apartments of who know's what, you stumble upon the bright neon greenish lights of:
The Copper Kettle
The Copper Kettle, though not the only place of libation aboard Makassar, it is definitely the most frequented. A large bar with several locations therein to acquire needed refreshment, flanked by booths, tables, and high tops, as well as various stations for entertainment activities. Much of the trade of the Tau's could be linked to the clinking of glasses within the low light of this establishment.
Not only do the visitors of Makassar gather here, but so do too, the denizens of the highest levels of Makassar. Nyssa Lyons herself, all the way from Level 12, has been spotted many a time, mingling with the crowds and joining in discussions with staffers of all levels, though often she'll be found at a booth with another senior partner of the station, Mark Rooney. They often end their busy days at their favorite watering hole to go over the upcoming challenges, or to rendesvous with potential new clients and traders.
Nyssa Lyons was born in the Tau's. Her first home was Java in Tau 23 and she learned the life of a miner first hand as her parents got work with the Guild to get them going. Learning a bit about ore, about ships, business, and navigation, her inquisitive nature drove her constantly to improve and a dream developed deep within her soul. She desired above all else to have a corner of the 'Verse she could call her own. A place she could shape and form into her own and forge a pathway that suited her optimistic hopes for a future.
Her dream drove her onwards, and after years of small gains, setbacks, and heartaches, Nyssa was able to purchase a small outfit onboard Makassar Station. In her travels, she eventually met a Libertonian named Mark Rooney, an experienced venture capitalist, now of middling age, who had connections throughout Sirius. After a successfully completed job with him, they sat down together, where he expressed being impressed with her ethic, and was willing to invest in her next ambitions. Eventually, through a series of deals, this led to her getting a place among the controlling partners of Makassar, her home among the Tau constellations.
A bit later Rooney too bought a sizeable share in the operation, and it is at this point that the two of them draw the strings of fate for most of the coming's and goings of the prosperous Tau hub station.
Today Nyssa exits the lift and walks down the alley towards the Copper Kettle. She smiles and nods at various patrons on her way in, walks to the bar and is immediately handed a bottle and two iced glasses with Makassar emblems emblazoned on their sides. She smiles at this little triump and continues to her booth towards the back, where Mr. Rooney sits already, sipping a glass slowly while looking at his data slate.
"You beat me in again Mr. Rooney, never get how you make it down here so fast sometimes at end of shift. Alright lets get after it".Nyssa takes a seat opposite the Libertonian and pulls the cork of her favorite bourbon and pours two fingers. "The new fabricator upgrade is working excellent. Our Propulsion Systems production is at peak and running well, and going to be a problem soon storage-wise. We need to put out some more feelers amongst our haulers and captains and see who's in need of these systems."
#JusticeForBurgundy
"Music gives Wings to the Mind, Soul to the Universe, and Life to Everything"
Mark Rooney was born and raised on Planet Manhattan. He didn't come from rich beginnings, but neither were they humble. He always had an entrepreneurial mindset and a hard working ethic. When he was barely of age for employment, he began working the docks of incoming Manhattan freighters and transports. It was during this time that he learned the power of a question. He talked to as many pilots and crew as he could. He asked where they came from, where they were going, what commodities they were hauling. It was through these trade rumors that he began to strike it out for himself as a freighter pilot.
He quickly learned that he wasn’t able to keep up with the trade rumors while out in space than he was while on Manhattan. He didn’t make the money he had thought. So, he traded in his freighter for an office. It was through this new business that he broker trade deals between vendors and pilots of all kinds.
He grew his empire without flying his own ship. He became a trusted broker for corporations, freelancers, and even smugglers. Let it be known, however, that human cargo and drugs are off limits for Mr. Rooney.
One of his smugglers was carrying a load of <REDACTED>. The pilot decided that Java Station in Tau 23 was a good spot for a hot meal, shower, and to refuel his ship before continuing into Gallia. The smuggler met Ms. Lyons and ended up selling his cargo for less than it’s worth. It saves him the trouble of traversing through Gallia. Little did he know, however, that Ms. Lyons knows of a secret jump hole connecting Tau 44 to Burgundy. She practically stole his cargo without even drawing her weapon.
Word eventually reached Mr. Rooney about this terrible deal. Impressed, Mr. Rooney ventured into the Taus to meet this young up and comer. After some drinks and miserable sessions at the karaoke machine, the two decided to become partners. With Mr. Rooney’s capital and connections along with Ms. Lyons’s knowledge of the Taus and Makassar Station, the two eventually became majority owners of Makassar Station.
"… and see who’s in need of these systems.".Ms. Lyons’s voice disrupts Mr. Rooney from his thoughts. He looks up and see’s Nyssa sipping her bourbon.
That sounds like a good idea…
Mr. Rooney waves down a server and asks for a couple fingers of bourbon as well. He then turns to Nyssa with a welcoming smile.
”Propulsion systems, yes. I can’t get used to how the people of the Taus call them. We just call them engines.”.
Mr. Rooney is distracted again by the server bringing him a glass similar to Nyssa’s. Makassar Station might be a major trading hub in the Taus but it is far from the extravagense of Manhattan. He doesn’t mind, however.
Mr. Rooney nods. Right, yes. We need some people to buy these. We don’t have enough pilots out this way willing to risk such valuable cargo. Hm… perhaps… send out a message to the Crayter Republic. Mr. Riordan is not a friend of mine, but he is known. He’s always up to some new deals and potential opportunity. And DSE… they are always looking to get their hands on some engines. Where else...
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