Sam Nichols guided his Yacht to the last beacon in the corridor. Locking on to Sparta station, he hit the cruise engines and guided it's length past the last of the mines. Shaking his head he though to himself how the whole mine field thing always seemed a bit over dramatic to him. It did serve it's purpose though.
Sliding his ship around one of the many weapon platforms guarding the exit of the corridor he set his next destination as Corinth Research Station. After leaving the Council he though he would never have a reason to come back here. Shame about the Council, it had such promise. Then again talks between himself, Louisa and Doc Holliday had been looking new things. He was glad that Louisa sent him that message saying things were finally ready. Times were changing, and Zoners needed to change too or be squeezed out. While OSI was now very successful they still were not big enough to have enough pull to negotiate with the big boys about Sirius. These talks would hopefully change that.
Corinth moved out of the haze and began to fill his vision. Flipping on the local channel he sent a comm link to dock control
"Corinth Research Station. This is the OSI ship CorporateHQ requesting permission to dock"
"Roger CorporateHQ. Docking permission granted on mooring 15"
"Roger, mooring 15"
Sam guided the Yacht to the rear portion of the station and found the beacon for mooring 15. That was the only problem with having such a large ship, having to tie up outside the station. Sam maneuvered HQ into place and sent the link to the docking clamps. Once in place, he shut down his engines and left for his stateroom.
Sam showered and selected a black suit to wear for this auspicious occasion. White shirt and highly polished shoes he decided to forgo the tie. While this meeting was very important, it was still a meeting between friends.
Sliding into his jacket and pocketing his data pad he walked to the airlock. The station gantry had sealed the path from his ship to the station and the readings showed green. Exiting his ship he walked in to Corinth and hopefully a new beginning.
That night, when the CEO of Omicron Supply Industries came aboard the Corinth Research Station, one of the science goons of the Xenobiology department was also preparing for the get together of the Big 3. He had taken the liberty of giving Sally Roper, a skinny associate in the Gaian plant life division, a tour of the Conference Room where the Big 3 Cheeses were soon to meet.
"As you can see," he pointed out to his companion, "it is a perfectly safe, self contained area. The Holographic projector is top notch. Latest update. And if you'll look over there, those are free drinks. I like Bingo-Cola the best for its excellent bubbly flavor."
Sally pursed her lips and looked over to a door across from the Holographic projector, "What do you have up there?"
"What here? Oh this is just a walk-in closet." He opened the door and the two stepped in. "So here you have your typical emergency supplies. First Aid Kits, fast food reserves, toilet paper, old Playstation 14 games, and so forth."
Sally took off her glasses and said, "Gee. You guys keep it a little cool in here wouldn't you say?"
"You think so? It's suppose to be very well ventellated. Those boys at GMS Air-Conditioning did a really swell job on the installations."
"Oh," she gave him a coy smile, "well I feel like a giant tropical Barknottle in a Zork Sphrockled tundra. Maybe you can do a thing or two about that."
Being a modern day gentlemen, he obliged to help his female co-worker. Within minutes, the duo was busy assuming a number of exotic positions, some of which you may have seen on late night holovision when your parents were out at a restaurant. It wasn't long before Sally began reciting her favorite aspects of the Gaian wildlife.
"Oh God," she wheezed, "I want you to screw me like a Panamatic Sphinxnottle doing a torkleblast dance!"
Sally Roper had a PhD in Gaian xenobiology and had picked up the habit of preparing for her mid term exams during the act of lovemaking back from her days at the Academy. And so during the fifteen and a half minutes of bodily contact that transpired between them, Sally had managed to list every species of the Gastronuphias Genus living in the temperate zones of Kurway Penninsula as well as their mating rituals. Much to their disappointment, the two were soon interrupted by a smartly dressed man standing in front of the doorway not two meters away from them. He did not look pleased.
"Ah Mr.Burns," he noted as he looked at an upside down figure of the Head of Security. "What a pleasure to see you. What um, may I ask are you doing here?"
Charles Burns clicked his tongue and announced, "I'm in the process of re-scanning the Conference room for security breaches and spyware bugs. You are occupying a level 15, highly classified walk-in closet. I should be the one asking questions," he added and looked at his female companion.
"Right," he answered, "This is Sally Roper, PhD. She works with me in the Xenobiology department downstairs. Sally, Charles. Charles, Sally."
"Oh, yes. Hi." Sally squeeked like a mouse and reached for her white blouse.
"I was just showing Sally here the wonderful accommodations we'll be providing our friends," he added.
"Fascinating," said Charles and motioned the men in suits behind him to begin their work. "Next time you decide to engage in extra curricular activities, try not to do it in a top secret diplomatic conference area."
"Top secret eh?" he stood up. "Sorry mate. I thought this was a Rec room. You know, TV, drinks, that Pinball machine over there."
Mr.Burns paused for a moment and frowned. "That's a weapons and contraband scanning device. I suggest you get dressed. The conference will begin in three hours."
"Oh, right right," he said and began putting on his pants," The big cheeses. What's that going to be all about, anyway?"
Charles didn't reply.
"Ah, right right," he said, "top secret stuff. One of those 'I can tell you, but then I'll have to kill you' deals, yeh?"
"Don't be ridiculous," Charles answered as he looked under the large Conference table. "I wouldn't kill you for a thing like that. I'll just castrate you and feed your testicles to the Jellies." He sighed.
Posts: 8,797
Threads: 744
Joined: Aug 2008
Staff roles: Moderator
"Corinth control, this is the medical ship Nightingale requesting clearance for mine field entry and docking permission," asked the commander of the modified Dromedary.
"Nightingale, this is Corinth control, please transmit your security code."
The code was then transmitted.
"Thank you, Nightingale," replied the controller, "do you have the cargo requested?"
"Affirmative, Corinth, I do," he replied.
"Proceed to and dock at Corinth and do be careful coming in," stated the controller.
"Thank you, Corinth," replied the Commander. He then changed to a private comm channel to dismiss his two escort ships.
"Captain Cook, Captain Maxwell, thank you for the escort," he said, "we'll be good from here."
"You are welcome, Commander," was the reply, "we will be at Lividia if needed." They then flew off and the Nightingale made it's way to Corinth Station where after a time, it docked.
Once moored, a medical team met them. The chief medical officer made a quick check of the patient who had been sedated for two days during his trip from Canaria. Noticing his wife watching over him, he spoke to her.
"Mrs. Holliday, I am Geoffroy Richards," he introduced, shaking her hand, "I will take care of the Ambassador from here. You are free to join us."
He then looked him over before moving him.
"How has he been?" he asked her.
"He been sleeping the whole way," she answered, "his signs are stable."
He nodded his approval. He then changed his I.V. bag and he wheeled him into the station and into a sick bay where he was given a more thorough look over.
"How he doing?" Midori asked.
"By what I'm hearing and seeing, he's doing much better from the report I received from Canaria Hospital," he answered. He then removed one of the bags that was dripping, leaving only the water bag. "I'm removing his sedative. He'll still be awhile waking up but he will. I'll leave him to his peace and you to watch him."
"Domo arigato, Dr. Richards," she replied with a smile.
Midori was tired but alert as she sat at her husband's side humming a soft tune. She then heard a soft knock on the door. Turning to see who it was, she saw two men. She smiled and waved them in.
She didn't recognize either of them as they joined her at his side.
"Mrs. Holliday, it is an honor to see you in person," began a well dressed man, "I am Sam Nichols, CEO of the Omicron Supply Incorporated and I've had the honor of working with your husband." He then motioned to the other man, "and this is Mr. Charles Burns, head of the Zoner Trading Consortium's security."
She stood up, still dressed in her kimono, and bowed to them, "It is honor to meet you both."
She then sat down.
"So how is he?" asked Charles.
"Doctor took him off his medicine so he wake up soon....hopefully," she answered. She then went silent, sighed and stated, "I thought I was going to lose him but he be OK they say."
"Well, Mrs. Holliday, the best medical staff in Sirius is here. John is in good hands here," stated Charles.
She then wagged a finger at both of them, "You better not work him too hard or I will beat you both up," she said jokingly.
With a chuckle, Sam promised to go easy on him.
To allow time for their friend, John Holliday, to come around, the parties present agreed to wait. They were satisfied knowing that he was finally present.
Midori was shown her quarters for the time she would be there. She took full advantage. She showered, changed and made herself look more official, dressing in a black and white kimono and carrying a fan. It would take four more hours but John Holliday finally awoke.
He was still very weak and only semi-alert as the sedative still hadn't fully worn off.
"I am hungry," he said weakly. He was then provided with a light meal. Satisfied, Dr. Richards removed his I.V. and with the help of Sam Nichols and Charles Burns, John Holliday was brought to his feet. Still not fully free of the sedative's influence, he was very wobbly and was twice caught from falling.
"How do you feel, Doc?" asked Dr. Richards.
"I feel drunk, Sir," he responded. There was some snickering to his answer. He then turned his look to his wife standing before him.
"Dahlin'," he said, "I see you are as beautiful as always." She kissed him in appreciation.
It was agreed that the talks would begin the next day to allow the Ambassador to collect himself. He was weak through all the proceedings but sufficient breaks were taken to help him out.
Posts: 8,797
Threads: 744
Joined: Aug 2008
Staff roles: Moderator
With Louisa standing near Doc's litter, he just looked up to her.
"Nonsense," he said. Midori, knowing what he was about to do, took up a position next to him while Dr. Richards stood behind him, managing the still flowing I.V. bag that kept the anti-inflammatories and anti-biotics and water flowing in him. With the help of his wife, Doc found his way to his feet.
It was obvious he still wasn't well. Midori walked to his left, clutching his arm in hers and twice had to catch him, each time he stopped to say that he was all right. Still, he was very pale, had lost a good deal of weight, was very wobbly on his legs and despite his not saying anything, he still suffered body aches despite the medicines. Still, he refused to swallow his pride and decided to walk into the room and take his seat.
Dr. Richards positioned the I.V. tree behind him and addressed all in the room.
"This man gets no alcohol in his current state, understood?" he asked pointing at everyone. "Mrs. Holliday, as you are a nurse intern and his wife, you are in charge of him." He then turned to Doc, "You get out of hand and I put you back to sleep, got it?"
Doc, his wit still abound, looked at him with a smile, "You're a daisy if you do, Sir."
Dr. Richards could only shake his head. As he walked away, he muttered out loud to himself, "I sometimes don't know whether to love him or hate him."
Doc then looked at his friends assembled around him. Sam Nichols dressed in a suit as was most everyone else. He then looked at himself with hospital gowns and a bathrobe covering that with a pair of slippers on his feet. He then looked up, "You'll have to forgive my attire. It seems someone has taken my Ambassador's robe."
With that, he sat up best he could with the I.V. line in his right arm. Midori then gave him some cold tea and eventually was provided with Ukrainian beet-soup.
"Lt. Katz gave me recipe to this," Midori explained, "he said it will help." Doc took a sip and made a face but swallowed it.
"Definately a taste one must acquire," he responded.
"Just eat," she replied, making sure he did.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am as ready as I'm ever going to be," announced Doc, "I'll do my best to keep up."
Sam motioned to Sally to bring him some coffee and then leaned forward in his chair. Smiling at Doc and a slight shake of his head, he chuckled.
"Doc you have more to worry about then how your dressed. As for where we start? Well should we define what we are trying accomplish?" Sam looks around the table and then sits back in his chair.
"If I may, I believe we want to establish an alliance of our three factions. One entity that will handle our relations with other folks outside the Zoners. While we will remain separate in respect to our individual groups, together we will come to agreements on trade deals, treaties and relations with the rest of Sirius. Now this encompasses a great many things. There are many considerations on how we are going to handle things within the Zoners themselves. The Council and the SHIZL mainly. Details need to be laid out on how we are going to come to decisions, and define this new alliance's area of responsibility. Both physically and diplomatically."
"We all left the Council because of the different direction some of the more vocal independents wanted to go and the infighting that started because of them. Since the Council was voluntary it made enforcing policies very difficult. Not to mention the fact it took forever to actually come to a decision with all the input that was needed before and during a motion. I think in regards to the alliance, once a decision has been made, it is policy and non negotiable. While we will talk with and discuss issues with our folks I think the ultimate decision should be limited to us. I also believe that we should only include our folks to start with and at a later date include independents that are serious about actually participating. To many delegates in the Council sat back and let votes pass them by."
"So this Zoner Alliance will handle all things that affect our factions, but what area of Sirius are we going to say are our areas of influence. I know the TAZ own Baffin, so that one is easy. OSI's home base is Theta, but we do not own it, and ZTC operates out of Omicron-74. All three of our factions roam all over, so deciding where our agreements and policies come into affect needs to be defined. I think this should be our first Alliance decision."
Sam takes a drink of his coffee and waits to hear what Louisa and Doc.
Posts: 8,797
Threads: 744
Joined: Aug 2008
Staff roles: Moderator
After a brief coughing spell, Doc cleared his throat and prepared to speak. Midori, in an effort to keep him from hurting himself, gently put her hand over his right hand to keep him from moving it as he spoke. She didn't want him jarring the I.V. needle.
"TAZ can keep the Tau's covered," he began, "we have been for some time since they are right in our back yard. As it is, I keep ships stationed at both Freeport 6 and Freeport 10. We also have a destroyer that patrols the area quite often. If anyone in the OSI or ZTC are traveling through and require escort, we are available for that or even going though Coronado. IF you are going through to Liberty for any reason, we can provide an escort for that, too."
Doc again coughed hard as Midori could do little more than rub his back. Once he got his composure, he took a sip of his tea and continued. "I have a couple of my own concerns. One, the CoZ. I have the feeling we will be butting heads with them, at least, some of them over Freeport protocol and responsibility of them. I'd prefer to put a little distance between us but we will have to deal with them, that may not be possible."
He stopped and took another sip of his tea.
"Two. I heard through the grapevine that if the CoZ ratifies this deal with Bretonia, the OPG will take exception to it and aim on those registered ships. We need to be careful. I also know that the Corsairs are much more respecting to our groups as we are more organized and disciplined. I have heard of a Corsair fleet massing in Omega 47. If they invade Omega 49, the CoZ will find itself in trouble."
Doc again stopped, cleared his throat and took another sip.
"I think Freeport 1 is about to become a hot spot. We currently have one Hathor at the base. I'm with Mrs. Salome on this. At this point, TAZ really doesn't care so much. I just need to decide where to send it."
He then looked at Louisa and Mr. Nichols, "Now, I currently have two destroyers sitting at FP9. I will leave them to assist OSI and ZTC. I will probably move one to FP11."
Doc took a moment to think and after another cough, he continued, "If our shipwrights are running out of materials, I would support a freeze on the construction of cruisers, destroyers and dreadnoughts. Until we can stock pile more materials, I say we turn away foreign customers. Of course, we'll need the co-operation of the CoZ to make it work."
He added one last comment before a coughing bout forced him into the back of his chair, "My ranch hand, Mr. Grady McCue, will be taking command of my transport until I'm well enough to pilot again. At least then it will be contributing."
It took several minutes for Doc to finally settle himself while his horrified wife could only watch. Once settled, he sat and listened as the meeting continued.
Sam steepled his hands in front of him and brought his nose to rest on his index finger. His brow creased and his eyes shifted ever so to the right.
"If we have the SHIZL make decisions on our ships and technology requests, I think that will make it easier for the COZ to deal with. I do agree there are too many of our war ships and colony ships wandering about these days and we just do not have the materials to continue to make them. Limiting our technology I think be a good thing as this stage in the game."
"OSI can defiantly look after FP9 and Corfu, and Maybe Ames, since we have a vested interest there. I agree that the COZ can take care of GC and FP 1, 2, Bethlehem and FP 14. Now this does present an interesting issue in that different stations may end up with different policies, but since that has happened in the past, folks will deal with it."
Sam shrugs his shoulders, and reffers to his data pad. Scowling he sets it back on the table
"I will speak with the new chair person of the COZ about joining the signing on behalf of the ZA then on the Liberty treaty, once they are elected that is. Still no word on that yet. With the potential tensions that have developed with the Corsairs and FP1, that does have the potential to become a very big hot spot. Although the Sairs should not be pirating right at the station nor lingering in the NFZ. So if they avoid that, then these rights for Bretonia will not even come into play. "
Looking down at his data pad he types in a few things then continues.
"I do think we need tighter reigns on O-74 and Livadia ship yards. Seems too many folks are tempted to stop by and browse our wares there. Corfu does stock our weapons also. Maybe we need to limit access there also. On the notion of materials. Leipzig station has one of the closest manufacturing stations of High-temp alloy that Livadia needs we could set up a few convoys to restock. Seem Livadia also needs MOX which can be gotten from Dortmund in New Berlin. That should help get Livadia back into the swing"
![[Image: SigCorps-Sig---small.gif]](http://i449.photobucket.com/albums/qq218/SigCorps/SigCorps-Sig---small.gif)
![[Image: Alaric-Sig001---Strip-1.gif]](http://i449.photobucket.com/albums/qq218/SigCorps/Alaric-Sig001---Strip-1.gif)
![[Image: 7Md2x4D.png]](https://i.imgur.com/7Md2x4D.png)