A Critical Meeting

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As the door opened, Billy looked up and observed the young Kusari woman enter the room. Observing her movements and demeanor as she introduced herself, Billy was unable to get a clear read. Clearing his throat, he stood up. Yup, you're correct. William Xae, at your service...well, Billy. Never quite liked William, to formal for my usual company. I trust Taskmaster Escher has filled you in?

As Billy waited for an answer, the door opened a second time and in walked Harold Kane. As Taskmaster-Adjutant Kane spoke, Billy nodded to affirm. Thank you Taskmaster Kane, I appreciate the hospitality. Canberra is an impressive station, Petrucci would be proud of what you have accomplished. Additionally, I would be remiss if I did not thank you for all the support the Natio Octavarium have given me as I sorted out the situation with the Nightmare. She was a strong ship, and certainly deserves a better fate than floating in the Barrier Nebula as a derelict. Billy pushed a button on his datapad, and the holographic display expanded slightly, showing a more detailed view of the Nightmare, highlighting some of the critically damaged areas.

I've entered into a Contract with the Junker Congress, or rather a member of the Congress to repair and remanufacture the Nightmare. I've been assured it can be done, regardless of the...extensive damage that the ship suffered. Most of the work is identified in the highlighted portions of this schematic, however a lot of work needs to be done on all systems. Billy sat down across from his Octavarian hosts, and flashed a small smile. Turns out warship technology marches on, especially during conflicts. Pretty much every internal system is antiquated to the point it would not do very well in a high-intensity combat situation.

Billy keyed his datapad and the holographic projection disappeared. Leaning forward, he placed the device down on the conference table. And so it comes to the main reason behind this meeting. So far I have been operating as an interested third party in the reconstruction of the Nightmare as the ship is officially property of the Vagrant Raiders, and by extension the Natio Octavarium. I have been funding this reconstruction effort using a Slush Fund the late Blain Spike left me upon his death. Turns out he didn't trust people very much, he always thought someone was out for his head. Alas, that is all ancient history now, and the toxic environment he fostered in the Raiders is all but a distant memory.

So, the million credit question. Does the Natio Octavarium have any intention of reclaiming the Nightmare, and if not what could I offer you to purchase or otherwise acquire the full rights to the Nightmare?

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Power does not corrupt. Fear corrupts... perhaps the fear of a loss of power.