Brisbane followed Ronaldo admiring the main hall and all its grandeur.
"Funding a local school, that's highly admirable. I never imagined how inter-connected Cretan society was, is there no central funding for schools or hospitals? Something akin to a governmental grant or are they funded by their local family only?
I mean no disrespect by my questioning Ronaldo it is the compulsion of a salesman always looking for that extra deal."
They continue their stroll through the main hall, the numerous carving and sculptures made of artefacts caught Edward's eye, drawn especially to a figure of a woman elegantly pouring water from a vase on her shoulder.
"That is enchanting. I would go so far to call it a masterpiece. Is she a mythological figure or simply a woman? Either way the sculptor is a master of his craft, something of that beauty could come from such a person. If they are still alive I would like to commission a replica, would that be possible Ronaldo?"
"It sure is a masterpiece. I believe she is Aphaea watering some of her crops but I'm not completely sure. Replication is possible amigo. The majority of these pieces however were carved from large slabs. Flawless slabs are hard to come by these days... so they are muy expensive... These were also crafted back in the days that artifacts weren't as highly valued as they are now. You can ask the quarry manager tomorrow, the workshops fall under his responsibility. The crafts are still alive though."
The two walked further towards the living room as Ronaldo explained the Corsair political system.
"The Corsair empire is an oligarchy. The council of elders was created to maintain peace within the Empire after years of in-fighting and conflict of power between various families and organisations and now function as the supreme power. The members of this council choses younger representatives from amongst the powerful, wealthy and intellectual factions and individuals of la Nacion.
Other then the Corsair elders there is no true centralised Governement within the Corsair nation. Settlements and regions are ruled by a number of defacto local councils. Usually preceded by an influential local group. These local councils usually operate the school and healthcare systems as well as joint services such as water and energy. The few true laws that are in place are supported by hundreds of local customs. "
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once known as Richard Farbridge, OBE and Ronaldo Benitez
"I'm glad masterpieces like this are still being created, within the Houses sculptures are mass produced or worse, are holograms. I think it removes the meaning of the piece, you cannot look at an assembly line holosculpture and feel moved or inspired. No. True art must be made by hand, there must be imperfections and toil to make a sculpture come alive, there must be a bit of the creators soul within to make it a true masterpiece.
I do wonder, would there be sculptures of marble or stone at the quarry or is that purely for artefacts? I must ask the quarry manger in the morning, I'd gladly buy a replica made from something other than artefacts."
He mulled over Ronaldo's explanation of the Corsair political structure, doing his best to keep a mental map to add to the BTE records for future negotiations with the Empire.
"You said the Council chooses only younger representatives, that's opposite to most governments I know of on both sides of the law. Indeed most would laugh at the prospect of youthful politics, does it work well for the people of Crete or are there still some rough edges so to speak?"
" It might sound contradictive, elders choosing younger members but the corsair nation believes in steady development. Younger generations in the eyes of the elders have newer ideas yet the change remains evolutionary instead of revolutionary. Of course, one must have proven himself earlier before even being invited. Young is a term that is quite flexible, si?"
The two crossed the main reception room and headed into the second of the wing of the building. The pool could be seen from the windows as could the landing pad mr Brisbane touched down on earlier today.
" Were about to enter the Kitchen. Food might be scarce at time but with our business connections these days we're certain we won't slide into famine as we did in the past. Our chefs are amongst the best on planet crete and they make sure mi familia eats well when they are on the estate. Oh before I forget, dinner will be served at seven, one or multiple of my family members might join us but that depends on their arrival time. "
The kitchen was vast, several chefs and assistants we're hard at work as the two toured the kitchen. The kitchen would not look out of order in an Orbital Spa and Cruise hotel.
There used to be pictures here
once known as Richard Farbridge, OBE and Ronaldo Benitez
"I had heard of Crete's food troubles, mainly rumour and hearsay from passing captains, not the most reliable method of getting news. Still I'm pleased to know the situation has improved. Naturally I would be more than willing to offer a steady supply in addition to the specific requests of your family, should the need arise."
A sudden lash of flame from one of the cooking stations caused Brisbane to jump back in alarm startling Ronaldo and several of the staff. He straightened up looking rather embarrassed and spoke to the staff.
"Terribly sorry everyone, I didn't mean to startle you. I'm not accustomed to open flames."
He turned to Ronaldo.
"I really am sorry Senor, being raised in space makes you wary of open flames, as you can imagine fire is extremely dangerous when you have a limited supply of air and water. Perhaps it would be best if we left the kitchens, I wouldn't want to alarm any more of your staff."
He gave a small chuckle as Ronaldo directed him out of the kitchens.
"You were saying more of your family will be attending dinner tonight? I would certainly like to meet them, time permitting of course. Formal or casual?"
"Dios Mio senor, you scared me there... Not a native of professional cuisinas si?"
Ronaldo laughed after things had settled down
"Lets let the chefs do their work si, before you give them all a heart attack whilst nothing is happening. Blessings of being planetside. Enough water and oxygen to not all die a horrible death. Dinner tonight si, casual ofcourse. I'm not much for formal wear in my own house.
One of the ways of making a steady flow of money is bringing food supplies to my planet. Many merchants are willing to take these of your hands for a muy healty price. Sourcing of these foodstuffs is not really important making it very interesting as a hold filler from what ever corner of sirius your making your way to the artifact markets. "
There used to be pictures here
once known as Richard Farbridge, OBE and Ronaldo Benitez
"Indeed? There is no objection to us dealing with merchants outside of your family? We wouldn't want to overstep our bounds, above all we honour our clients requests."
Once out of the kitchens Brisbane relaxes noticeably. Unwilling to allow his embarrassing moment to deter him, Edward presses on with another political question.
"Earlier you spoke of the many Cretan families and groups who watch over their lands, I have been wondering if there is still a certain rivalry between the groups. A competition for technological or scientific superiority, cultural dominance and mercantile success? I'd imagine each family would have something to offer the other."
The two made their way through the pantry towards the next room.
" There are no objections to you using other merchants as long as our requested goods have higher priorities. The planets exports and imports balance eachother out nicely but this is not the case with my families trade... we ship more out then comes in. I understand that an empty ship flying does not bring in profit so I have no objections to you selling to the Empires merchants. "
Ronaldo laughed at the political question.
" A sense of competition remains between the groups and families. Friendly competition of course. The feuds of the past are gone but the competition remains.
The amount of Liberated cargo remains a point of competition for groups active in Bretonia and the omegas. Fame both within and outside of the empire is one of those. Profits made through the artifact trade is still a point but we've been at the top for almost two decades now.
Competition is healthy as long as it stays friendly. What looks like an enormous amount of small groups all striving for fortune will form one united front against any large opposition. There is one goal and that is the survival of the Empire and its people and every corsair knows that and fights for the improvement of our people. My family for instance funds several research and development projects. The outcome of these will be shared with the rest of the corsair nation and not only used for the betterment of my family alone."
There used to be pictures here
once known as Richard Farbridge, OBE and Ronaldo Benitez
"Your goods would always be top priority but as you said it's always good to have a hold filler. I'll relay the sentiment to my people, I wouldn't want a misunderstanding with such a lucrative partner.
I must admit I didn't expect to learn so much about your culture from my very first visit; I find it all extremely fascinating."
The two walk a short distance enjoying a pleasant silence between them, before the doors of the next room Brisbane asks another question.
"This liberated cargo, I imagine it must have worth equal to its value with those groups in Bretonia and the Omega's. If my memory serves the majority of transports around the Omega systems carry ores and gems. Bretonia I would assume is mostly war supplies, fighting equipment, refugees and the like. Have there been any cargo of a more unusual nature recovered?
Whilst comprehensive the BBC does sometimes omit certain pieces of news, no doubt leaned upon by the government."
" Odd Liberated goods? Hardly, our raiders run into refugee ships every so often. They usually just let them go unharmed. We don't use slaves, why would we, we hardly have enough food as is.
One can expect they would carry the most interesting cargo."
Ronaldo explained as they entered the room. Quite unexpected they entered what seemed to be a command and control room with a Benitez officer walking towards them the moment the door opened.
"Mi Commandante! All our patrol wings show green, Raiderwing beta has just intercepted an ore transport in Cambridge sector 2 and are pillaging it as we speak. "
"Ah, muy bueno! Open the comm channels, lets listen in.This might be interesting for our guest here."
The room filled with chatter of the incident taking place in Cambridge at this very moment "Gateway delta 42, this is far enough senor. We're out of the way for local traffic. Open your hold and jettison half of your cargo. Muy rapido or you know what happens si?"
" We've got comm buoys up till New London, allowing us to stream any conversation nearly live towards our command and control centers. "
Ronaldo moved towards what appeared to be a podium in the back of the room. The officer followed him and took up a position at his right side. Eyes all across the room were focused on a large screen showing the positions of all Benitez patrols in Omicron Gamma with a more detailed view of the raiders in cambridge and their direct scanner range.
" Yes errr sir, cargo being jettisoned as we speak. Just don't hurt us, please!"
The gateway captains voice trembled with fear as he complied. The screen showed cargo floating in space.
" A simple snatch and grab it seems, this cargo will be sold to independant smugglers by this time tomorrow. "
There used to be pictures here
once known as Richard Farbridge, OBE and Ronaldo Benitez
