Nubian Commerce Summit (NSD Discussions)

[Eliala Tallera]

Offices of the Primarch of the Nubian Republic (OPNR) Building
Nuba City
Nubia

Another day, another campaign to establish Nubia on the galactic trade map. Primarch of the Nubian Republic, Eliala Trallera, was sat across a long business board table at the head of a summit of companies which are all entangled in the blueprint ownership and production of Nubia Star Drive vessels which once were traditionally owned by NSD Boards. Since then the company and its assets had been chopped up and sold to the highest bidder.

Eliala, staked her election on the promise to see these transgressions and betrayals by the prior NSD boards reversed. NSD would become an instrument of the state in bolstering the Republic's economy and become the next phase in its ambitious intergalactic trade network expansion project. Eliala crossed her legs under the table and cleared her throat as she eyed the various representatives and their managers who arrived on behalf of the companies invited to the summit.

"I would like to first thank the representatives from Theed Palace Space Vessel Engineering Corps for taking the time out of your busy schedules to travelling all this way to Nubia." Eliala started off diplomatically, "As you know since the fall of the Grand Republic and the emergence of Nubia as an independent sovereign Republic, our economy and commercial assets have been routinely commandeered, divided and sold off by prior heads, I would like that to be reversed."

"However, no economy is an island onto itself. My objectives today is to return these assets to Nubian hands but, to also reconcile these objectives with the additional hope that we can remain fruitful business partners together."

Eliala reclined in her black cushioned executive's chair and rested her hands upon each other forming a tent with her fingers.

"I shall be frank." Elial's tone sank to a cold business impression. "I would like it seen to that Nubia be permitted to form its own Nubian Star Drives independent of the iterations that had gone before and had been transfigured by its various holders. In addition, full copyrights on the name Nubian Star Drives, along with access to current traditional blueprints for classic NSD ship models such as the J-Type Royal Models and Yachts. It is our plan to have access to these blueprints in order to develop new ones for a new NSD - which will be owned by the Government as its major share holder."

Eliala paused, perhaps it was foolish for a new leader to play hardball with cooperate giants, but, frankly this was the only style she new.

"But,..." Eliala added a caveat. "We would not be opposed to having you all as Minor Shareholders with permission of opening subsidiaries under this new NSD as sanctioned corporations with access to blueprints we develop - at a price of course."

[member="Taeli Raaf"] [member="Ajira Cardei"]

 

[Ashin Varanin]

[member="Eliala Tallera"] [member="Taeli Raaf"] [member="Kurayami Bloodborn"]

Force presence 100% masked, making her appear as the untrained Force-sensitive that public records confirmed her to be: check.

Research and consultations with Legal: check.

Two-bit novice planetary leader trying to play hardball: check.

"Excuse me, Your Grace," said Lady Cardei evenly, "but your information is in error. Historical records are clear that both the J-type 327 and the J-type diplomatic barge were designed by Theed Palace Space Vessel Engineering Corps, and only manufactured by Nubia. Theed Hangar retains their rights in perpetuity. The Engineering Corps' legal department undertook an exhaustive analysis of historical designs with an eye to determining which corporation, Theed Hangar or Nubia StarDrive, owns which designs. We maintain and will defend production rights to the J-type 327 and diplomatic barge. We have actively maintained these patents by producing elite modern versions, the Apailana and Amidala.

"However, there's room for compromise. We've found it mildly inconvenient that conflicting records show both Nubia StarDrive and Theed as the designers of the N-1 starfighter and some, not all, similar vessels -- a portion of the N-1 series. We would be willing to license non-exclusive production and derivative rights for the two J-type vessels to Nubia StarDrive in exchange for similar rights to the Nubian-designed portion of the N-1 series, the J-type star skiff and the H-type yacht. These rights would allow all concerned to manufacture replicas and use the historical designs as the foundation of future vessels, without risk of legal action."

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Eliala Tallera"] [member="Ajira Cardei"] [member="Kurayami Bloodborn"]

"I had actually been meaning to speak with you about that, Miss Cardei, Mr. Bloodborn," Taeli said from her seat at the table. She didn't travel to Nubia everyday, but this summit was something that had probably needed to happen. Aurora Industries had acquired several of the Nubia patents and products after they had absorbed the iteration of the company when Seraphina Shel'tah had run the company. She hadn't been interested in keeping the name of the company, hence why it had been jettisoned back out for another to use, but they had kept a hold of those designs and the production facilities from that time.

"I'm not interested in retaining most of the ship designs that were revived into the modern era, such as the N-1 iterations and the H-Type and so on," she continued saying. "In that regard, I would relinquish those designs, the N-1, the NB-1S files that we had from that time, the H-Type, and the J-Type Star Skiffs, completely to both of you and Miss Tallera here, but I will be retaining the Scurrg designs and the individual components that Nubia was known to produce from that period. They fill a niche market for sure, so I wouldn't want much in exchange for them, merely a promise to assist with a future project for Aurora Industries in due time."

 

[Ashin Varanin]

[member="Taeli Raaf"]

"That would be extremely convenient for Theed Hangar, Miss Raaf," said Lady Cardei. "I won't deny that your offer represents a best-case scenario from my perspective, so far as those particular designs are concerned. Theed Hangar has no interest in infringing on Nubia's designs, just in making sure that all concerned are clear about which designs actually do belong to Nubia. I think we're making progress in that direction."

She raised an eyebrow at the new Nubian Head of State, and bit back a remark about catching more piranha bugs with honeyflesh.

"Naturally, Theed Hangar would be more than willing to collaborate on various high-end projects, time permitting. And we're always willing to engage new sources for components, especially unique components. It's like with, say, a Mandal Hypernautics Vulkan cannon, or a Silkworm Hypertransit Package: any ship that mounts one has a major selling point right out of the gate."

Raaf's offer, admittedly, had shifted the entire tenor of the discussion. Considering their first and last meeting had been a political matter, and an impassioned one, Lady Cardei hadn't quite expected this level of cooperation. It was, innately, suspicious, but that was just as likely to be about Ajira Cardei being a secret Dark Master as about anything real. One had to be realistic about the Dark Side's effects on one's mind.

 

[Kurayami Bloodborn]

[member="Eliala Tallera"] [member="Taeli Raaf"] [member="Ajira Cardei"]

Kurayami was listening to the others who spoke. Ms. Raaf and Ms. Cardei made solid points, and he didnt wish to infringe on their production however to produce such iconic ships without the engines and other components that were just as iconic was not much of a selling point and would seem to customers to be naught but a cheap imitation. He took a sip from his flask of Namana liquor to calm his nerves before speaking, he never had been the best at these things.

"Ms. Raaf, with all due respect, if I as head of Nubian StarDrives, have license to produce the frames yet have to source other components that are just as integral to such iconic designs from Aurora Industires, then why build the frame? It would seem at that point to be naught but a cheap ripoff of the design from the original manufacturer. What I would propose in this case is a license to produce the craft mentioned as well as their integral components so that the buyer has a choice of buying the whole package from any of our shipyards. In the big picture I feel this will lead to innovation from the base designs and components as well as provide greater opportunities for expansion for all companies and entities involved.

I would be willing to pay a decent sum of money for both the rights to the blueprints and all other components of such iconic ships, in addition I am willing to help Aurora with a project in the future.

Ms.Tallera, I own Nubia StarDrives in it's current iteration, as a privately held company that is relatively profitable, I am not looking to sell the name or production facilities, either to this government as a minor or major investor. I am happy to pay a reasonable amount into the planetary economy to help in recovery and maintenance of the infrastructure here.

Given a look at the man, one would not have expected him to speak in such a manner due to the fact he looked like a spacer who had wandered in from the docks.

 

[Eliala Tallera]

Reclined into her executive's chair Eliala listened and absorbed the concealed motives, disguised threats and general corporate smugness by some. It was hard to read the gathered corporate types. Perhaps time for a tactical change? Perhaps. Eliala drew a breath and leaned forward tapping a touchscreen button command array built into the surface of the table at her end. A set of spreadsheets in green holographic hue materialised in a floating shelf stacked together in parallel columns.

Eliala drew up a list of Nubian involved products. She eyed [member="Ajira Cardei"] and smiled before manipulating the spreadsheets.

"You pose a fair point Ms. Cardei. Perhaps I came in too hot." Eliala responded in a cold bureaucratic demeanour. "But, if we are going to debate design, manufacturing and product completion blueprint-by-blueprint then by all means let us get to the nuts-and-bolts of the issue."

"As you and Ms. [member="Taeli Raaf"] have mentioned, the following have been historically known to be designed by Nubians or engaged in legals design issues with Nubian firms. J-type star skiff, records are although scarce on the subject. But, our contribution to design and manufacturing is relevant. N-1 starfighter, now this has our complete involvement in design. And the NB-1 series of bombers."

"Now Ms. Raaf I am much obliged by your relinquishment of the right on these and your assistance will not be forgotten." Eliala began to tap her other finger on the polished business table. "The listed previously are on my radar, I will gladly purchase them and we shall leave the discussion of blueprint rights at that if you agree. No more pressuring from me and no more summits, I'm sure you are all rather tired of dealing with enthusiastic politicians" Eliala joked.

"But, one subject I will not budge on is the gaining the rights to the very name Nubian Star Drives." Eliala then stared at [member="Kurayami Bloodborn"]. "Mr. Bloodborn. Your volunteering to assist the recovery of the Nubian Economy is most admirable but...with all due respect...what my planet needs isn't handouts or financial promises of contribution. It needs its industry back. Yes Theed and NSD may create designs but, it is firms here in Nubia that manufacture your products into reality..."

Eliala paused and scanned the group's pokerfaces, she wondered if she was playing this too strongwall. But, Nubains will be Nubians she supposed. This wasn't some slugfest with corporates to through around political weight. The fate of Nubian economic assets pillaged and sold off were at stake. At the risk of alienating the guests she stood her ground.

"...I am well within my powers to nationalise every single manufacturer you work with and then have them change partners and manufacture for someone else. I have the political capital to burn on that one."

"I will pay for that name. In full. And I will even allow for the sharing of future blueprints created by the NSD I plan to have established here in Nubia with the three of you - at discount - but, truly. This is not an issue I can let go so easily. That name belongs here in Nubian hands. It's why I am here. It's why I am talking to you. And it's why I am that prepared to sacrifice my own chances of being re-elected to get it back here."

 

[Kurayami Bloodborn]

[member="Eliala Tallera"] [member="Ajira Cardei"] [member="Taeli Raaf"]

Kurayami was not unused to intimidation tactics being utilized against him. His eyes narrowed as Ms. Tallera made her impassioned speech. There were some things that she was missing however. Mainly a higher position to bargain from. He shook his head slowly a smirk playing across his face as he spoke.

"Ms. Tallera, I respect your feelings. However I am not willing to sell the name, nor any of my holdings, including the shipyards or other facilities, all of which are privately owned assets that have been paid for. I simply came to see what the people who had the rights to old designs were willing to part with. I pay all applicable local and federal taxes on all land used, I maintain the grounds with local workers, Nubians if you will, and I employ many on the planet as fabricators, assembly workers, and engineers. I may be a Corellian by birth, but ships have been a part of my life since I was but a child. You may have quite a bit to throw at trying to acquire the rights in terms of finances, but I don't care about the money.

I make sure all ships are handbuilt according to strict quality control guidelines. If need be I source materials from elsewhere and import them here from my own pocket, you want to brag about the money you have backing you. I tell you it isn't about name, it is about reputation. When I took over I had to cut costs by omitting features or design elements, however that was relatively short lived. Once the company was out of debt again, I made sure that the quality Nubia StarDrives Incorporated was known for pre-Gulag Plague was the standard that all ships would be built to from there on out. I brought the company back from disaster when its market started to disappear. Were I even slightly interested in selling any portion there would be not only a flat fee of billions of credits to start, hundreds of billions were you interested in full control as you seem to be, there would also be a large royalty that you would be paying me per ship sold. In other words I am declining your offer a second time, to buy any portion of the company, its facilities, or rights to the name of Nubia StarDrives Inc. Again, I will continue to pay all Nubian workers, which most all are natives of the planet, a living wage as well as help with other areas of reconstruction. I am sorry that you will not budge on trying to buy from someone whom is uninterested in selling.

He leaned back and grabbed his flask, taking another sip before turning to the other two women.

Ms. Raaf, Ms. Cardei, I look forward to working with you and your companies in the future and seeing what we can work out as far as licensing goes for the most iconic designs and parts thereof. I realize that Nubia StarDrives is still a small time shipyard in comparison to your operations, but I have little intent on major expansion. NSD has never really focused on mass production of ships, we would rather continue to create and design uniquely one off, and limited run ships. I would be willing to license cooperated on designs that involved all three of our companies and could be built at any of the production facilities we own.

 

[Ashin Varanin]

[member="Kurayami Bloodborn"] [member="Eliala Tallera"][member="Taeli Raaf"]

"Madame Tallera, control yourself." Deliberately, Ajira turned to the man who owned Nubia Star Drive. "Mister Bloodborn, that sounds like an excellent suggestion under present circumstances. Theed Hangar is more that willing to collaborate with you and Aurora along those lines."

He'd as much as called Theed Hangar components cheap knockoffs, but he was also the only one in the room moving forward just now. The Nubian leader's virtual tantrum had, it appeared, united the room against her.

Ajira's apparent focus remained on Bloodborn. "Theed Hangar will, of course, do business with you as the owner of Nubia StarDrive and all design patents pertaining thereunto."

 

[Kurayami Bloodborn]

[member="Ajira Cardei"] [member="Eliala Tallera"] [member="Taeli Raaf"]

"Forgive my words Ms. Cardei, Ms. Raaf. I did not mean to insinuate that the products produced by either Aurora Industries or Theed Palace Hangar are lower quality. That was a case of me saying the right thing in the wrong way. I simply meant that if we are each able to utilize the same core components and each of us manufacture our own back log of them, that it would lead to differences in such things as the hyperdrives,shields,navigational setups, possibly even control layouts based on customer feedback. Meaning that while at the core each would be the specific model there would be differences depending on what company you bought from, be they minor or major. or if they wanted to have it built in a strictly traditional fashion that we would each supply the parts needed without charging one another for the costs. Make it clear that to have everything built in the old style will cost more since parts would be delivered to each company from the one who had traditionally produced it.

Basically they would be covering the overhead of what would normally be the cost to produce and ship the parts to their respective traditional yards. Would such an arrangement be agreeable to both of you? As for derivatives of craft I am sure that eventually ones will arise that are unique to each of us. And that if need be could be licensed to the others if orders got to be too large. At least in my case as I have the fewest available facilities and the handbuilding takes a bit of time admittedly, but it is what is expected of Nubia StarDrives and as a long time pilot myself, I have to appreciate such dedication to one's craft.

It was clear that he was not simply trying to ameliorate the two women, he had a bad habit of occasionally speaking without thinking through things first.

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Kurayami Bloodborn"] [member="Ajira Cardei"] [member="Eliala Tallera"]

Taeli stayed quiet for awhile, letting both the Nubian leader and Nubia Star Drives controller verbally spar. Her nose did crinkle as he made the insinuation that Aurora Industries made sub-par designs, so that rankled with her, but besides that quick nose crinkle, she kept an amused sort of an expression on her face at how this summit was going. Not exactly how she had expected things to go, all things considered, and she probably could bet that Miss Tallera hadn't expected it either. It did make her wonder though... what had Mr. Bloodborn's iteration of Nubia Star Drives made yet?

"I could agree to share the older part designs, but any derivatives my company has made from them are not on the table," Taeli replied. "Trade secrets and all of that as once others start to manufacture them without a full license... well that's just not good for business in the slightest."

Looking at Tallera, she gave a kind, but apologetic look, and added, "I'm no expert in Nubian politics, Miss Tallera, but nationalizing a company's other partners to keep them from having other work isn't going to be a solution... or threat. One only needs to look at the actions of a certain failed state now to see how well nationalizing companies goes in this day and age. I cannot speak for the others, but I would be willing to help you in possibly establishing a new company that, while not rooted in history, could be one that would make your constituents happy."