The Acquisition

[Barrier]

Rolf let Cole and Larissa take the lead on the minor details as he leaned back and considered the bigger picture.

The Bretonians were pushing for more frigates, likely in preparation for another offensive in Dublin. But this new acquisition wouldn't be much help there - unless some changes were to be made. In any case, with Davis's recent highly classified report, another direction seemed to be holding more promise. As long as the LSF were on board, he saw no issue in offloading the new capabilities onto Ozymandias.

He took another pull at the Devil, still deep in thought.

Everything seemed to be in order so far, and Larissa would spot any irregularities, either now or before the contracts were signed. Most of the modules could stay as is, until the new confidential market analyses came in. Since these people had a deal of experience operating the pipelines, probably best to keep things as they were for now. In fact, turn over the crew, or give them the same offer as the ones at the Tavern? Best to confirm with Preston in case it was a touchy subject.

Rolf cleared his throat, interrupting a lukewarm discussion about Hydroponics maintenance.
"Mr. Preston, I'm interested to hear more about the crews. What will they think about operating under the DSE umbrella?"

Conversation of logistics and the exact qualities of the refined hydroponics advertised prior had all three of the Preston’s and Rolf’s team in an excited flurry of colorful description. As soon as Rolf delivered his question, James’s facial expression went from happy and smiling to slightly concerned. It ended the conversation of Hydroponics in its tracks. Regardless, James was an honest man and that wasn’t going change now.

“The crew which makes up Ozymandias is comprised from hired scientists from everywhere, all of a freelance background who were seeking employment, the great desire to serve scientific purpose without being absorbed into a cult of some form. We produce weaponry, jump drives, docking bays of the finest quality and we have all become aware that by doing it honestly has been our greatest downfall.

What I mean is, by not selling our wares to any old war mongering pirate or terrorist, we’ve lost a significant slot in revenue which would otherwise have been filled. Everyone aboard the station has been hired by one or all of us Preston’s here. For years now we’ve operated as one large family and we have never held back the details of our finances from the employee’s. It was from conversations with all on board that we reached a mutual decision to reach out for external help. Each and every person on board trusts me, trusts us here to do the right thing. I feel we are doing the right thing. You’re a decent man with decent values and keep decent company. We’d be delighted to be recognized as your equals, as DSE itself. I trust that answers your question?”

It took a lot of pride for James to say this, Lola gave him a gentle hug just as he finished talking.

“We are willing to adapt as needs be, but would strongly prefer to not lose any of our current factories as our glorious men and women hold themselves very proud in the perfection of their individual crafts”

Rolf adopted a patient expression as he let the response wash over him, already getting the measure of the set-up. Out of hundreds of people who claimed a similar version with a straight face, these guys may have very well been the first to truly believe it - or they were that good at bullshitting.

"I'm glad to hear that you folks were able to build a good team. It's not my intention to put a wrench in a smooth operation." He raised his hands in a conciliatory gesture.

"However, from my experience, some folks who choose to work for an independent op ain't too happy about regulations that a large organization like DSE requires. Will you be able to keep 'em in line?"

Opposition from the workforce was something the Preston’s had never faced up to now. Given the staff all knew of the meeting with the head of the DSE and the intentions from the meeting, the thought of any mutiny hadn’t crossed his mind.

“Sir, honestly, everyone knows where we stand as a company on our own so far and where we hope to be as an outcome of this meeting. At the very least we hope to gain some sales from the DSE to boost our current performance, but ideally, we’d like to become a part of your company and we’re willing to adapt within reason to adopt any measures you have in place.”

James looked more stern for a second before continuing.

“Within reason means not wishing to get rid of any of my staff for their previous lives work before coming to us, not that there is any anything criminal… I’d like no discrimination of any kind as we have employee’s of all creeds and colors, all nationalities who all have their unique traits and specialties. Outside of this, we are all happy to adopt your company’s rules and regulations. The desire over all is to gain more business and should you feel at any time we are more of a burden than an asset, something has gone majorly wrong”

Lola spoke out of turn, interrupting James.

“James, Paul and I have personally hired everyone on board the station. Over time, we have become like family. The only divide we have on the base is between the leisure domes and the manufacturing side. This is for obvious safety concerns, also to prevent any kind of theft from rogue guest visitors… Yes, we’ve had a few attempted spies and thieves wishing to steal information or technology. There is no physical route through, it quite deliberately requires a space walk. All staff are of course free to spend their downtime as they please. As long as efficiency, productivity and quality doesn’t drop below 99.5%, no questions are asked."

Feeling quite proud of her outburst, Paul took the initiative.

“Just to note, that no department has ever called below 99.8% apart from when researching a new technology or weapons system, for which such things can’t be measured.”

“We look to flow organically as one. If one department is complete before their expected deadline, we seek to help other departments to enable them to finish on time. Each and every one of us gets our hands dirty”

Rolf let them sweat a little as he considered his answer, taking another pull on the Devil.

"A background check in non-negotiable. Anyone with Xeno, Rogue, Hacker, or Kusari connections will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Otherwise, I couldn't care less what your people got up to on their own time."

He looked them over, meeting their eyes to send the message home.

"You may not believe me yet, but some of your people will leave through their own volition."

Quite perplexed at the notion that anyone would want to leave the station due to joining DSE, James thought for a moment.

"Quite honestly, we were all expecting to have background checks done if we were to be in business. It was a question raised by staff. I did say and everyone was very clear when they understood that we would all become employee's of DSE. The only hope I personally held is that I would remain in control of the station and it's staff, to carry out duties and operations requested and commanded by yourself."

He looked to Lola and Paul before continuing

"I do not doubt your experience, trusting it is why we are here after all. I'm sure we are willing to lose anyone who hasn't fully committed to the cause. As a business, we need this to progress to new heights".

"Well that's all well and good then. I'll have my people confirm the personnel rosters when it's all said and done, but unless there are issues, we can let things run as they will, eh?" He nodded to Cole.

"Now there's one more thing regardin' personnel. I trust that your own people will be on the level. But I can't say the same about visitors, which means you'll need to adopt our dockin' protocols."

Cole performed a few efficient motions, and another display illuminates the room. Highlighted for simplicity, it summarized the docking rights with the myriad of known organizations and small co-ops of the Sirius sector. A number of entries blinked in red, to indicate a non-standard modification of the Libertonian defaults.

"I trust you folks won't have any issues with this here list? I'll give you some time to study it, just so we're on the same page."

Having been Freelance all his life, James was unpleasantly surprised and slightly confused to see that entities within Kusari were marked as undesirable and therefore cannot dock. He thought the best basis for trade would always to be able to sell to anyone. Then again, DSE was the largest and most successful corporation of it's kind so nearly not commencing trade with at least one house wasn't a long term issue...

"There's some interesting things there I didn't expect, like Kusari.... But no, all seems well."

He paused for a moment, then looked back at Rolf

"I guess this means we need to inform the Liberty Authorities of these changes?"

Rolf chuckled.

"As soon as you update your neural net systems with our proprietary software, all of that will be taken care of for ya." He spread his arm over the list.

"You'll be able to study it further at your leisure, Mr. Preston. I'm glad you're able to grasp it so quickly in the meantime."

Rolf blew out more smoke towards the screen.

"Now if you folks don't have any pressin' questions about this, let's move on to the modules you've outlined."

Although he was slightly confused about certain relations, James was confident as he spoke.

“Well, I do find a few things to be curious in terms of the relations of who you’re not friendly with for trade, but you sure as hell aren’t struggling for business and having anyone in bad regard would be a foreign concept for a Freelancer background!”

He laughed briefly

“Sure, what would you like to know about the factories?”

"You'll learn the value of reputation soon enough, son. DSE ain't well-liked across the whole sector, but the folks who do like us sure know how to do business."

Rolf waited as the screen went back to the earlier schematic, his head idly supported with one hand.

"I was originally going to have you folks make some changes to this wing here." Rolf gestured towards the aft section, with Cole helpfully highlighting the various modules. Rolf raised his hands to forestall an argument.

"But after our recent acquisition, I find that we're well-provisioned to continue with modular shipbuildin'. However, with current demand, we could always use a backup dry dock." He smiled at them to break the tension.

"All I need from you for now is an assurance that your people know how to work them exotic materials in the refinery you mentioned." The screen zoomed in on a module, which began slowly rotating on the graphic as Rolf looked on.

"We can talk about shipbuildin' after you're fully part of the team, eh?"

All three of the Preston’s looked delighted, they were hoping for a potential additional line of manufacturing to come from the whole deal. James broke the giddy silence.

“Yes sir! Paul here can tell you in depth about all of that. I know how it works and can direct, but Paul here truly knows the exact science which goes into it."

He turned to Paul, gesturing him onward.

“Yes, indeed I do! I can tell you anything and everything you need to know, demonstrate it, even. The hardest part is getting the raw supplies which I’m sure you know is no easy task.”

“We really should have you over for a demonstration of the factories if you like, also to try the very best food in Sirius from our Hydroponics.” She giggled with excitement.

Rolf nodded along with a slight smile. He was already thinking ahead to the fall they would take if things went wrong with the latest batch from Alaska. The shareholders wouldn't like losing an asset the company just acquired, but the materials absolutely needed to be tested, and fast. The LSF expected results, regardless of the issues underlying the process.

"I am sure I will be samplin' your cookin' when I make my formal visit." He found Larissa and gave a small nod.

"Cole here will go over the remainin' details to get everythin' in order, and then you'll need to sign a number of forms. If you have any questions, Larissa will be able to assist you. I will need to step away to make a company call, but please, call for refreshments when you're feelin' hungry."

He stepped forward to shake their hands, in turn.

After leaving them to it, Rolf was already fitting the new installation into the latticework of contracts always kept in his mind. The cost was immaterial, really, as the place would either pay for itself within the year, or serve as a good testing ground for the new production pipelines. And it should be a good long while before Preston and his ilk clued in to the world around them and began demanding concessions. And maybe, that wouldn't happen at all while they were kept sweet - now wouldn't that be something to marvel over?