All That Glitters Ch. 29

Adm. Rolland Heist, Adm. George Ramison, Adm. James Hannison, and Raymond Clark stepped out of the NS Ora Evanest along with the ship's captain, Lt.(N) Ishanvi Mehrotra, and into the gangway leading to the reception area. François Pallanders, his son Martin, David Sprawl, and Annette Liramor, met them there and walked them to a small conference room with a view.

"It is good to see you again, Adm. Ramison," François started. "I was surprised to receive your request to speak with us yesterday."

"I'll get right to the point, François, Annette." Ramison replied. "you have probably heard of the guilty verdict for our infamous former senator, Wassim Andjuran?" Ramison asked, getting a nod from both.

"When we went through his possessions, we were startled to see that he was part owner in a shipbuilding station in a remote system 206 light years direct line from here and 132 light years direct line to Terra. There is also a mining platform that provides for some of the shipbuilding station's needs in the system.

"Both the station, and the platform, were owned by minor pirate syndicates and have been confiscated by the TGA, the heads of those syndicates now in custody.

"We would like the Liramor Mining Company to take over and upgrade the mining platform and Pallanders Shipyards to take over the shipbuilding station for the express purposes of supplying new navy vessels and refitting and upgrading old navy vessels to the new standards already provided by Pallanders Shipyards," Ramison stated.

Annette spoke first. "Liramor Holdings is, of course, delighted to be given this honour, sir, but we would like to take a good look at this platform before we take control over it. Who owned it before? Are we going to have a backlash from the previous owners if we are there? Are there legal ramifications that the previous owners could come back against the TGA and, by extension, Liramor Holdings?

"What of the TGA bidding process? Won't other companies get upset that they are not given an opportunity to bid on these two stations?" Annette asked, pointedly.

"She was owned by a mining consortium that was run by three pirate syndicates," Adm. Hannison explained. "The purpose of the platform was to provide refined metals for the shipbuilding station which built some of the vessels that were in the Second Battle of Liramor-23, from which you are still recovering, Ms. Liramor."

"Because the TGA has confiscated both stations from criminal organizations, it has the right to dispose of them as it sees fit," Ramison took over the brief. "Normally, this would include a bidding process to sell the two structures, however, the TGA is also responsible to bring the vessels up to current safety standards before they could be sold. So we have asked your two companies to do that for us. It would be normal policy to provide an option to buy after the rather extensive renovations your two companies would be responsible for. Raymond, if you would."

"The mining platform is in a numbered star system known as HD 115153, smack in the middle of a large planetary debris field," Raymond stared, throwing up images to the large monitor in the room. "There are also several large comets that have become gravitationally entangled in this asteroid belt, which means you will have plenty of ice water available, a plus for the platform.

"Unlike in the Piscium system, this planet never fully developed prior to its destruction. The mineral assay shows plenty of valuable minerals in the system, with enough profits to make mining in the area fairly lucrative for LMC. The catch is there is no nearby gas giant to help with the disposal of rocks, which means rock hazards as jettisoned rocks spiral into the local sun.

"The platform is somewhat smaller than Liramor-23, in fact smaller than any Liramor platform at this time. It only has eight cages, six ore ovens and space for just 4,000 employees. You might want to enlarge the station to make it more efficient," Raymond ended.

"The TGA is willing to kick in two billion credits for the enlargement and bringing the platform up to current safety standards, which it currently is not," Ramison again took over the brief. "The shipbuilding station is just slightly smaller than this one, with only three external cages that the company has been using to refit retired Fairling Class Frigates into capable fighting vessels that they have been selling to pirate syndicates. We want to make use of this station's capacities for Navy priorities.

"Considering the threat the pirates have been posing over the last decade and the threat from at least two sets of alien civilizations, the TGA has decided to get serious about it and rebuild the Navy to its former war footing. That means all new refits are to be brought up to the new Navy standards as envision by the latest rebuilds made for Commodore Marsh's fleets," Ramison ended.

"The TGA will give you free reign on how you refit and work the station, François, plus it will provide you with funds for modernizing the station and building new cages for large vessels," Hannison stated. "They want a total of twenty construction cages. Like here, half will go to refit older vessels and half will go to the construction of new vessels all dedicated to the Navy. In addition, the manufacturing bays are large enough that you can easily build Whippet Class Escort ships on the station.

"The Navy currently has just over 4,000 vessels, the large majority of those supply and support ships. We have, in the last ten years, dumped the Tung Class Frigates, retired without replacing many of the battleships and cruisers, a number of Fairling Class, as well as a number of supply and support ships. We are down from the 6,750 ships we had at the end of the war and need to bring that number back up as well as upgrading the fleet. Between your two companies, you will be required to refit the 4,093 ships currently in the fleet and build some 2,700 ships that have been retired without being replaced. That is the contract we are offering both of your companies," Hannison finished.

"The Union population is already aware that both major vessels have been confiscated and that they will be broken down to keep them out of the hands of pirates, a fallacy for security purposes," Adm. Heist informed them. "Only those of us in this room will know differently, for now."

The two factions thought about it for a few minutes before Annette stepped forward with some points.

"We will have to build a sub-light engine manufacturing lab on the new station, as well as an FTL engine lab. Those labs will build these engines under License for the Navy.

"For that matter, we will have to build an extension of Dr Aruna's electrical lab on that station in order to bring up all the old ships to the new standards. All products under license from Liramor Holdings, but exclusive to the ships refit or built at that station.

"We can step up the production of Marilon/Aruna generators dependant on the numbers of builds at the new Navy station. Refits take a shorter time than new vessels, around five months as opposed to eight to nine months for new builds. Plus, escorts would take considerably less time to build, a Whippet Class can be built in three to four months.

"We would have to account for that and provide the generators as required. I think that is doable. On top of that, we need to determine how long it will take to bring the new platform up to code," Annette finished.

"All fast ship construction could continue here," François took over. "The Princess Class and Valour Class for the TGA and Navy requirements.

"Larger escort ships would be built on the new station, though some could also be built here as we have the capacity for now. We would also need someone who has extensive Navy contacts and knowledge to run that particular shipyard, may I suggest David for that positions?" François said.

"I would be delighted to take on the Pallanders duties, sir," David stated. "However, I have no practical station master experience. You would need someone to run the station while I run the shipyard.

"Liramor Holdings could provide a person for that post, unless the Navy wants Naval personnel in that position?" Annette asked.

"That could be a joint position. There will be a lot more civilians on that station than Navy, so we would need Navy oversight, but not necessarily Navy control. A person with Station Master qualifications from Liramor Holdings could be useful," Ramison stated.

"Who pays the wages?" David asked. "I mean, we are selling to the Navy so profits from those sales could pay the wages, however, we are also working for the Navy exclusively, so the Navy has us over a barrel as to prices."

"That is still being worked out by the Senate Oversight Committee," Hannison admitted. "Once that has been determined, we can get down to negotiations. I suspect that the mining platform would pay for itself and deliver as per current market prices, while those on the shipbuilding station could be paid contractors to the Navy, contracted from Pallanders, of course.

"The TGA would like to see a return on its investment, however, so it is likely that we will partner with both entities until the funds initially provided are returned, probably at 15% of profits until the 'loan' is finished. Can you live with that?" Ramison asked.

"Depends on the terms of the loan, specifically the interest on it. We'll need to actually see the platform before I could provide a final decision and I am sure that Pallanders wants to see to the station as well," Annette said. "When could we do that?"

"How does tomorrow sound?" Ramison asked. "I'm sure you have to pass this by your board of directors, or at least by your father, before you can take on this task."

"Tomorrow sounds good," Annette confirmed. "Would I be able to bring the Princess, or would you want me on the Ora Evanest?"

"You could bring the Princess," Ramison said. "That way you could bring your father, as I am sure he will want to look at this platform, too."

"So we have a plan?" François asked.

"We have a plan," Ramison, François, and Annette agreed...

Grand Congress of Empaths Day 2, Samaya Hotel, Scherm's City, Hollander's World, Sullivan System

The second day of the Congress was more business oriented and was noted for the absence of children and families, their time in the light being on the first day.

The MC called on new business and Councillor Deriya stood and requested the highering of 186 new Grand Masters as instructors for Crushes around the globe. The Chair requested volunteers for these positions and the Congress had those in hand within an hour.

Fayad was surprised at this and said so to Heyya.

"Not so much a surprise, Fayad," Heyya informed the Trine. "We have all benefitted from being in a Crush, in much the same way that Junelliea has benefitted from being in our Fellowship.

"This is payback to all the support that the Council of Empaths has provided to its members over the years. It is also an investment in the future of the Council, something all of us want. To spend three to five years as the Grand Master Instructor in a Crush is a small payment in return for all that the Council has done to support empaths on Hollander's World. Besides, it's a paid position, despite the call for volunteers.

"New Grand Masters will be sent to younger Crushes, while more experienced Grand Masters will be sent to more mature and powerful Crushes. As new empaths progress through their training, they may move up into higher level Crushes. This is not as rare as it sounds, especially when children go through puberty.

"Puberty can release many new levels of power in an empath. The discovery and fascination of sex will also bring forth greater power levels, as your Trine has recently experienced," Heyya said with a smile and a wink, bringing blushes from the Trine.

"New business," The Emcee announced. "A petition has been made by the Director of Liramor-23, Fiona Marsh, to assist in the training of a new empath."

The members of Liramor-23 perked up on hearing that, their attention now riveted on the Councillors. Madame Chair, Petronellaya rose and spoke.

"The Councillors of this Grand Congress have accepted the request for assistance and approve the support of a Grand Master to assist in the training of Junelliea Herlan.

"Grand Masters must be of senior level, capable of being co-opted into the rank of Councillor but not yet ready to be conscripted into that rank. The Grand Master will leave this planet and take up residence on Liramor-23 for a minimum of five years.

"The Director, Fiona Marsh, has indicated the successful candidate will be provided employment in other activities of a very unusual nature that require the services of a senior empath, duties identical to those that Junelliea Herlan is currently conducting.

"For security, we cannot identify what that employment entails until the Grand Master is selected. Be aware, however, that this employment is above and beyond anything that you may have previously participated in. Supplicants have until the end of this day to submit their names, after which, a selection process will be conducted. This request is being tabled world-wide and we may have to delay the selection process until tomorrow to compensate for travel time," the Chair finished.

The Trine looked at each other and smiled. This could get interesting.

************

At the end of the day, those from Liramor-23 found themselves in one of the shielded rooms with the Councillors and a group of half-a-dozen candidates, male and female, all local.

"I think all of us were in the ballroom yesterday when Junelliea was presented," the Chair began. "In case you are wondering, Junelliea's raw power is off the known scale. Her ability to influence others is also rated off the scale.

"This morning, an incident took place related to yesterday's events, where a senior official in the city attempted to bring charges of political interference against the Councillors of this Congress. The official was wearing a Marten disruptor web. Junelliea was able to read through the device. So we rate her read ability as off the scale. This is the student you will be working with. Are there any of you who wish to withdraw your candidacy?" the Chair asked.

One man and one woman left, leaving one man and three women behind.

Junelliea was asked to step forward and present herself to the perspective candidates.

"I am Junelliea Herlan and this is my Trine," she told them, reaching out to take the hands of her mates. "We are in a plural marriage, something that is allowed on our home planet, Anuura."

The candidates immediately noted the love and affection that was evident within the Trine. They also noted the members of their Fellowship and the special relationship they held with the Trine.

"I have only recently come into my powers. It is believed that they first awoke two years ago, when I was almost eaten alive. It was a rather frightening experience from which my husband saved my life and stole my heart."

Junelliea turned to Fayad and gave him a gentle kiss. Juneya responded by leaping into the air and flipping over and over before quietly landing on her shoulder again, bobbing her head up and down in her excitement to the giggles of all in the room.

"I'd be excited too, if I were experiencing kisses from Fayad," Gillaya quipped.

"That, is our resident sexpot, Gillaya," Junelliea told the group. "Fortunately, she does not reside full time on Liramor-23."

"Hey!" Gillaya groused. "Everyone keeps making me out to be such a sexpot but when was the last time you saw me with a man?"

"Day before we came here," Katanya said dead pan, getting a laugh.

Junelliea cleared her throat and then took over again. But before she could say anything, one of the candidates asked her...

"You said you were almost eaten alive?"

Junelliea smiled and called up the image she had on her comp, sending it to the monitor in the room. The people saw the great shark hanging above her and Fayad at the beach. The beast was so big!

Junelliea reached into her dress at her neck and pulled out the necklace she wore as a charm, showing the sharks large tooth hanging on the silvery chain.

"That is such a beautiful piece of jewelry," the Chair exclaimed. "You should be proud to show it off."

"It is a special gift from my husband," Junelliea said. "I would hate to be explaining that all the time."

"Then tell the people who ask just what you told me, 'it is a special gift from my husband'," the Chair told her. "Those who understand will not push further. Those who don't, won't deserve your time," she said with a smile.

Junelliea thought about it and left the tooth exposed afterwards. She resumed her story.

"In the ensuing time since that incident, my powers have slowly developed, getting stronger and stronger. At first it frightened me, then it excited me. When we were married, my powers spiked yet again. I didn't understand why at that time but do now. It was a part of my sexual growth, my first steps into true adulthood.

"Both my partners noticed things about me and how I interacted with those around me that made them begin to wonder. When we moved to Liramor-23, and I met some of the members of my Fellowship, my Trine was able to put these observances together to complete the suspicions of Heyya, Anaya, and Gillaya.

"Since I was made aware of what I actually am and what I can do, I have grown exponentially. I've scared my fellowship and, truth be told myself, at the things I am able to do. Not everyone was frightened, however. Fiona recognized an asset and has made use of my limited control of my powers.

"The one who is chosen, is going to be working for Fiona and the TGA. More importantly, the one who is chosen is going to be integrated into and be the Grand Master of my Fellowship. Trust me when I say, you are not going to be disappointed with any aspect of the immediate future. You are going to be involved with history in the making.

"I hope that inspires you to do your best. Now let's try something."

Junelliea pulled comfort from her Trine and pushed calm and peace to the candidates.

"Let's see what you can do with what I offer," she told them as she quickly ramped up the amps and focused on the little group of candidates.

Immediately, the group came together, linking and forming a barrier to her. They moved to work her power back at her but Junelliea just laughed and pushed through the barrier they made.

The group them broke apart and each of them tried different aspects of their empathic training to bring Junelliea back down. The male unsuccessfully tried to force submission on her. She just laughed at him and mentally shoved him away.

One of the women, stroked her ego, letting her build it before trying to turn it. Once again, Junelliea shoved her away.

That left two women, both of them fairly powerful empaths. These women did not try to force submission. They acted, individually to coerce her to do what they wanted.

One of the women, tried to absorb the power the Junelliea was growing and redirect it where she wanted to. However, Junelliea was simply too powerful and the woman finally relented, allowing Junelliea to push her away.

The last woman didn't try to absorb her strength. Instead, she directed it, showed her how to concentrate it more. She allowed Junelliea a glimpse into the kind of control that a Grand Master had over her powers. Junelliea was intrigued and then hooked.

Junelliea allowed her power to fade and smiled at the last woman standing.

"I am Grand Master Vangeliya," she introduced herself. Junelliea smiled and brought her Trine forward to hug the woman.