Ginaz vs Scaurus in the Essen Contract Battle

What can I say but amazing. This is probably the best RP I have done in a long, long time, if ever. Please note that the place we are holding it in was just made up for the purpose, since I don't actually have an office :-). I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did, and kudos to the Ginaz, you did a great job!

Managing Director's Office -- CHOAM Headquarters (Kaitain)

The Managing Director's office exhibits the importance of his position, and is obviously tailor made for a business man. A large desk inhabits the main part of the room, with a plush red leather armchair behind it and two green leather armchairs for visitors in front. At the very back of the room is a large arch window, giving the occupant a spectacular view of all Kaitain and bathing the room in light. The left side of the room is covered by a bookcase which stretches to the ceiling, housing the entire volumes of the Grand Convention, the CHOAM dictum, books on economics and the law of the Imperium as well as several other miscellaneous books. The right side boasts a full liquor cabinet, several maps of various galaxies, charts and tables of Houses as well as a large board with each House name, contract and the ability to switch the name from Proft to Loss to allow an easy viewing of how the Imperium (and certain Houses) are faring.

The room is almost entirely Elaccan wood, and reeks an air of importance not taken lightly. Most men which pass through into this office are those to receive a slight crack across the hands by the disciplinary arm of CHOAM, and all men which pass through the doors find themselves doing business, and nothing but.

Players:
Scaurus Andrey

Exits:
Wooden Door <S> leads to Offices -- CHOAM Headquarters (Kaitain)

Sitting behind the red leather chair is Scaurus, a cup of spice coffee, as usual, at his side. He seems to be lightly viewing several documents, perhaps not indulging himself too much due to an appointment. His secretary knocks on the door and with a fairly bored "enter" from the Director's lips, she announces Andrey's entrance.

Andrey steps into the grand office, closing the door behind him. "Lord Scaurus," he says, by way of announcement. He bows respectfully.

Scaurus nods in return to Andrey and gestures to one of the green armchairs across from him, "Staatkanzler. Do take a seat. Have you been here before?" He pours some coffee for the Chancellor of Diplomacy, in an attempt to try and look social. The attempt fails rather miserably considering the nature of the room and the droll tone of his voice.

Andrey answers, "Thank you," and takes a seat. "No, this is my first visit," he adds calmly, and accepts the cup of coffee.

Scaurus sips from his own cup, resting it in his lap softly. His voice is raspy and less than comforting, "I hope you enjoy the surroundings. Do you know why I have requested this meeting?"

Taking a sip of coffee, Andrey shakes his head slightly. "I'm sorry, no. This meeting came as something of a surprise to me." He sets the cup down and, leaning back a little, folds his hands across his body.

Bluntly, perhaps even rudely, Scaurus states, "We are worried about the Ginaz ability to perform well with their current holdings. Namely Essen. With the death of the Siridar, and the current civil war reports from Marcinko, I have begun to wonder how well you shall perform in future times. There has been no recommendation made to His Majesty or the Board
of Directors. Yet." His voice is icy cold...is the steam in his coffee suddenly turning to ice droplets?

Andrey coughs quietly, as though clearing his throat. "I see. Obviously, I am against such action..." he makes a gesture with his hand, extending it palm up in front of himself, "But that cannot be why I am here?" He pauses, waiting.

Scaurus runs a finger around the rim of his coffee, "The reason you are here, my lord, is to convince me such an investigation is not needed and to prove that House Ginaz is performing well and will continue to perform well despite the recent unfortunate problems that has occurred." He looks to the diplomat now curiously. <<Let's see how good a diplomat he really is.>>

Andrey nods. "Of course. *Ahem* First, our performance in the management of Essen has been hithero satisfactory, likely better. Second, numerous houses have undergone successions of regime without such action against them. However, these are not the most important reasons."

Scaurus leans to the side of his chair, crossing his legs and reaching once more for his coffee, sipping...sipping. He remains silent, listening intently.

Continuing, Andrey says, "The Ginaz have been, and remain, a disciplined, effective House. This will not signifcantly alter in the light of recent events. Admittedly, there will be a brief period of... uncertainty, perhaps, among the populace, but it will be a _brief_ period. As you know, we Ginaz pride ourselves on our democratic government, in contrast to some of the more autocratic Houses. While the death of the Marquis is a great personal loss, the leadership of Ginaz is distributed and, therefore, undamaged."

Scaurus sniffs quite indignantly, "Your personal losses are no concern of mine, my lord. The recent events your House speaks of has lead to the Ginaz being defeated in the Kanly. Perhaps not officially, due to the Countess' Moritani's /very/ forgiving nature. At this time, your own planet is in jeopardy, and we wonder about your abilities on other planets. Perhaps numerous Houses have undergone successions, however you currently have a very limping leg to stand on, if I may say so. I work
on figures and facts, not on promises and words. My profession differs from yours in the fact that I pass judgement on what is true, not what is said to be true. What assurances can CHOAM have that you will perform well?"

Andrey listens nonchalantly to the response, and begins his own. "The Countess' nature notwithstanding, my lord, I assure you that Marcinko is _not_, as you say, 'in jeopardy.' The limited conflict to which you refer has ended; it is over. I reiterate that our capablity of administration is in no way lessened by the loss of Marquis Lear, and I refute your estimation of our current condition. I would also assert, my lord, that my profession is indeed based upon truth. The word of a Ginaz _is_ fact, and the word of the House, more so."

Andrey smiles grimly. "Of your influence I have no doubt. As to your request, might I offer a suggestion? Lord von Badenburg, the Economic Minister of House Ginaz, is at this moment at our embassy. His immediate transport here could be arranged, as he will have the figures you so strongly desire."

Scaurus leans back in his chair, sighing, "I have a very limited schedule. /This/ allowance I make once and only once. Call him if you must."

Andrey nods and reaches for his comm. "I suggest this _because_ I know your busy schedule, my lord." He activates it and speaks a few quick instructions.

Scaurus pours himself some more coffee and takes small tablet out of his drawer, most probably an aspirin, sipping it gently and rubbing his head, "Hopefully he'll prove more informative on why I should believe the facts and figures currently behind held will continue steadily."

Scaurus' secretary knocks on the door again, admitting a second Ginaz man with a polite bow. Scaurus himself nods to the man and gestures to the remaining seat.

Anthony climbs up the Marble Staircase.
Anthony has arrived.

Anthony enters in quite rapidly, carrying a huge black-leather brief case in one hand and what looks like tons of files or folders in the other.

Andrey picks up his cup and sips at the coffee. It's quite good.

Anthony gracefully puts his entire load in a free space, bows to the two other men and respectfully taking his seat, as he arranges the huge archives of figures and data he has brought.

Scaurus' eyes boggle at the briefcase and he rubs his head, shaking it once more. Perhaps he's going to get a lecture on the history of Essen and its social ramifications in the Padishah Imperium, "No doubt the Chancellor has informed you of what is occurring here. Please do go ahead and speak, my lord...I am certain that you can do no more harm to your Houses' case." He eyes Andrey at that point and sniffs, the Corrino arrogance being passed down quite obviously unto him.

Anthony sets several files in front of the men, takes some papers out of his briefcase and then unfolds two large parchment maps on in front of Scaurus. He then passes the papers to Andrey while he puts on a pair of ivory-rimmed spectacles while he pores over the folders for just a second.

Scaurus blinks at the maps and sighs again, though allows the Ginaz this time of his, which could be spent bankrupting some poor House Minor or maybe even strolling through the Imperial Gardens...but he really doesn't seem like that type of fellow. For the latter, that is.

Anthony leans back slightly, and then looks at Scaurus dead in the eye. He begins to speak, clearly and slowly "We are here, gentlemen, to determine if our noble House still deserves the rights to the Essen contract. The sign above the Emperor's door reads 'Law is the Ultimate Science'. I am not a man of science sir, but I do know the law, and it is through this law that I propose to show why our House is still the rightful holders of the contract in question."

Anthony shifts slightly in his seat as he moves to set up some charts on the empty desk.

Anthony says, "First some practical figures....the Essen Plasteel Contract was granted to my House during the economic period of 98. We paid a minimum bid of 13000 solaris and have invested some 60 units of pyons to work that area. The average profit of the contract is 99,000 solaris, and during our tenure we have been able to keep that rate. House Ginaz has also succesfully kept the supply and demand for the Plasteel at an equillibrium that is profitable to both consumers and
producers throughout the Imperium."

Scaurus smirks lightly, glad to see that Andrey knows his Price Mechanism and his Profit Maximising Position. A pity that CHOAM is -far- from what one could call a Perfect Market.

Anthony says softly, "Then we can say for some certain producers of other, more vital commodities to the Imperium who have let it's price spiral out of control and fluctuate wildly, causing market instability while the Plasteel industry has remained one of the most stable and profitable in the Imperium. If the honourable Lord Chancellor would consider checking his records, he would learn that His Imperial Majesty's Treasury reaped significant revenues from taxes and tributes from our operations there. Large ammounts of the CHOAM revenue we're also obtained from our mining, namely 9.5 of our profits. We were even willing to take a cut in our own share so as to be able to pay our duties to the Imperium."

Scaurus cuts Anthony off at the end of this statement, "The honorable Lord Chancellor reviews matters on my advice and basis, as I am the Imperial Treasurer, and no doubt he and I will meet after today. My concern is whether these large profits and revenue to His Majesty's Treasury will continue with the current reign of the Siridar coming to a halt, a new reign being implemented and the civil unrest upon Marcinko."

Anthony says, "In fact, the Essen project is one of the most beneficial to the CHOAM, and provides it's highest precentage-of-profit-per-share, compared to contracts such as Arrakis, where the figure is -32.5," he seems to emphasis on the negative word, "and Neros, were it is -0.5. These contracts are owned by the House Moritani and Bajazet respectively, whom your Lordship seems determined to give our holdings to. In fact, our House contract pays one of the highest rates of profit to CHOAM, and still manages to keep it profitable whereas those House's whom are granted significant leavage by it have fallen into ill-management and insolvency."

Andrey smiles faintly. The two at least seem to speak the same language.

Anthony stops for a moment, glances at Andrey and then looks at Scaurus directly, "I heard Your Lordship saying, while I was waiting outside that the lack of CHOAM Directorships or Landsraad High Council seats of our House is a matter of contention as to wheter we should still deserve the Essen seat. I wish now to tell you that it should not be. The House
Ginaz is not concerned with honours or positions or ranks but very simply to serve His Imperial Majesty the Padishah Emperor, to assist the CHOAM cartel in promoting mercantile advancement and to bring about honour, peace and goodwill among the Federated Houses of the Landsraad. If it is a fault that in the process of doing this we did not attempt or did not get those honours you have mentioned, than we stand corrected: it was our desire to serve those three ultimate goals of any Great or Minor House that disallowed us from doing so."

Anthony then pauses, as if to give his audience time for questions.

Scaurus raises his brows, "My lord it is not -I- who deigned Arrakis upon the Moritani. If you have qualms with such a decision, I am sure that you may ask His Majesty to allow the figures and facts to come into your possession. Whether he should agree is an entirely different matter." He scratches his chin and runs one hand over his head, "It is also not my decision entirely to place /any/ contract under /any/ House, Bajazet or Ginaz included. I recommend to the Board as to my own calculations. Recently the Arrakis contract was reviewed, as per His Majesties' prerogative, and the outcome was in favour of the Moritani. Your House pays one of the highest rates because Essen is one of the most lucrative contracts, and it is -not- all that difficult to hold well a Plasteel industry compared to Spice mining with giant 400 feet worms swallowing your harvesters or agriculture, which depends on weather patterns and a very careful eye on the factors of production." He runs his hands along the side of his armchair, "For the moment your House has run into a turmoil that CHOAM is reviewing as very doubtful that you shall pull out of soon. The only blame that can be deliberated in this matter is squarely upon the shoulders of House Ginaz, for neither the Moritani or any other possible enemies in kanly or otherwise can be reviewed by CHOAM and said to have disrupted the possibility of profit continuation." Scaurus leans over and looks at Anthony very closely, "I
will tell you that the Mercantile is interested in profits and money, not honour, nor glory, nor battles or problems. We believe the universe revolves not around words, but figures, and Ginaz figures have the possibility of a serious downfall in the future. The ultimate goal for CHOAM you should be serving is to provide the highest amount of profit for the lowest amount of cost. In this, you too benefit, and the only true honour involved is that you do -not- attempt to pass blame onto other Houses or turn attentions to others, but be ready to accept and provide a solution which is clear and concrete and that I can present to the CHOAM Board of Directors and His Majesty that perhaps you are capable of holding onto the Essen contract. The plasteel must flow, my lord, and it is my duty to assure that it does, honour, peace and goodwill to the loss of your Siridar notwithstanding." He finishes now, moving back in his chair and looking at both gentlemen. He's provided his reasons and beliefs, now he wants a solution to the problem, not a mere outline of the problem itself.

Anthony looks at Scaurus intently and then speaks, as an Economist to an Economist "So you would strip us of our holdings then, and then leave a Great House in paupery?"

Scaurus' secretary comes in for a moment, placing a document in front of him, which he looks at and then flips over to Anthony, "There are your fabulous profits. An average of 99000 Solari per year. You managed to make 34234. Explain it."

Anthony face softens a bit and then says "The reports of the so-called 'turmoil' in our House is based on rumours spread by highly emotional and irresponsible people. As for the rate of profit sir, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the reduced rate of profit is a result of our high operating costs. When my House came into possesion of Essen, it was noted that the production equipment and the infrastrucutre of the planet was in an attrocious shape. This can be confirmed by the Judge of the Change report of that time. Hence House Ginaz spent significant ammounts of money upgrading both the infrastructure and production factures of the planet" he points to the map in front of Scaurus, indicating such improvements like hospitals being built here, refining factories being built there, roads at some places, silos at the other. He then goes on to say "You might ask why such expense was necessary. To that question I will reply that it was done in the best interest for the future of both the people and the industry of Essen. These improvements, which reduced our profits will actually help save the industry for future generations.

Anthony leans forward over the map to Scaurus "You speak of a solution sir. Very well, let us compare your solution to ours. I think it is an obvious fact you intend to strip House Ginaz of the Essen contract. By persuing your solution you will leave a void in that planet, and cause huge social problems such as crime and mass unemployment because of a Change. I do not think His Majesty or whichever House you intend to replace us with will look too kindly at the cost restoring order there
will inccur should our House be forced into a Change. Why spend all that money restoring peace, when it is already established under our House?"

Anthony says, "Now let us turn to our solution: allow us to keep Essen without contention. This is my estimate of the result: our House will resolve it's so-called 'turmoil' in good time, and restore the fortunes of both planet Marcinko and Essen. The Plasteel will flow, and soon both the coffers of CHOAM and the Treasury will overflow with profits from our operations. What more could you ask for?""

Anthony leans back, and waits.

Scaurus clasps his hands together, "My duty is to CHOAM and my Emperor, my lord. Your duty is to House Ginaz. I can see where we stand on opposite sides in this argument, however you must see my reasons for such a change." He narrows his eyes after hearing the accusation and attack on his solution and suddenly his diplomatic nature is somewhat changed, "Your House, from what I have seen, is having enough difficulty providing peace for its own people, let alone the people of another planet. Your contract is up, and with the death of Marquis I will be earnestly looking toward giving this contract to another House, as I am sure will the Board of Directors. We have changed contracts before without the major ramifications occurring upon planets, and we shall do so again. Essen is not the center of political rebellion, however Marcinko is believed to be exactly that, however as I originally stated my duty is to CHOAM and therefore Essen, not your own planet." Scaurus seems to be getting worked up by this point, "Your solution is a hollow and basic one which very much insults my economic abilities and intelligence! I could very well tell you I am the Queen of Arrakis, but that does not make me so, and such empty promises do /not/ hold up within the walls of CHOAM. You have no provided me with a solution that indicates you have thought upon this topic in detail, other than telling me you will resolve your turmoil and all will be peaches and cream because you have deigned it so. I do not believe that you can simply state what your House is determined to do rather than the facts of what
will be definite and absolute. We can weigh up your current assets in general and compare them to the amount needed for the civil war, the Kanly, the Landsraad election, the upgrades on planets, and perhaps -then- you will tell me more than 'we will resolve our turmoil within good time.' CHOAM has little time to spare, and with your contract being called upon soon and myself having several other appointments this afternoon, neither do you!"

Andrey leans forward. "My lord, I am shocked by your statement. You first say that we are on opposite sides, which is not at the case. House Ginaz serves the Empire and is a member of CHOAM, _not_ the enemy of either. The prosperity of Ginaz contributes to each. Second, your same, initial questions have now been _thrice_ addressed. I would _very_ much wish to know what 'definite and absolute' facts with which you _would_ be satisfied." Perhaps his cool exterior has begun to crack... or perhaps it's for show?

Scaurus picks up the piece of paper with the financial statement on it, "Your first and foremost service is to your House. If you deny that then you deny you are a House member at all, and that you in fact stand for CHOAM and the Emperor, both of which you have naught say in our dealings other than on /behalf/ of your House. CHOAM stands for itself, and House Ginaz may well stand against our decisions, or other Houses for that matter. The prosperity you speak of is lower than it has been in quite a long time, and I will see that CHOAM is serviced to the best possibility, -not- the best possibility of House Ginaz. The answers you have given me are shallow and inadequate, and the definite and absolute facts which would satisfy me are economic projections, projections of how long this civil turmoil may continue, projections of how the next Siridar, if indeed you know who it will be, will perform in the economic field, projections of how many more upgrades you intend for Essen,
projections upon how you intend to rectify the recent profit amount which I can say surely leaves /much/ to be desired. From what I have seen here today, you cannot provide anything to me beyond your own economic abilities." He sighs, "Perhaps the highest bidder doesn't always receive the contract, however this does not mean that CHOAM is in the habit of placing contracts in the hands of Houses which it does not feel could adequately see to the task of providing maximum profits and amounts. I am the Emperor's Treasurer, and I am CHOAM's internal head, with the Board of Directors above me. The Board does not /have/ to listen to my advice, however I will tell you now that it takes into serious consideration what I give to them, and although they may disagree with me, the report is still standing."

Anthony rolls his eyes, and then stands up. He goes over to the rack of books nearby, and takes out the Company Articles for the CHOAM. He opens the book, finds a page and then puts it before Scaurus, "This is our final answer."

Anthony quotes, "Each House should get one CHOAM Company Contract at least, provided they make a bid. You cannot legally deny our House's right to hold at least one CHOAM Company Contract. If you do wish to deny us the Essen holding, then you must replace it with a contract of equal value. And trust me, Lord Treasurer, the expense in doing so is hardly worth your time."

Scaurus gently moves his finger to the word should, "Note that word and take it in well, my lord. For it is a word that would behoove you to learn. Provide that you make a bid on a contract which you know you will not end up on my desk in red letters asking for review, a contract which you know you can handle adequately or even better than adequately, and a contract which you can assure yourself and me that is not beyond your current station. If I wish to deny you the Essen holding I will bring it up when your contract has already been up and will be voted on by the Board of Directors, and my advice to them, given your current disposition and attempted abilities to try and oust me rather than convince me will be -far- more than damning, let me tell you. Perhaps several years ago you were able to handle the Essen contract and did perform well. But those years are over, and your time has come. I suggest you review what contracts it might behoove you to bid upon, and
see where you can cut your losses."

Andrey nods. "I see. Your 'facts' are merely projections, educated _guesses_ of the future. Perhaps these are more substantial to you, but they are not more tangible and absolute than the simple pledge, or _contract_ to do these things: to end the unrest, which I have several times assured; to appoint a capable Siridar, for whom no projections can exist; to upgrade _further_ the Essen Plasteel industrial base; and to demonstrate the profits to which the contract is accustomed. My lord, perhaps such a concept is outside your field of training, but such total faith in these 'projections' especially an matters, such as the next Siridar, which cannot be mathematically computed is blind, indeed foolish!"

Anthony smiles and then says "In other words, Lord Treasurer, we the Great House of Ginaz formally bid to retain our tenure for the Essen Plasteel Contract."

Anthony opens his brief case and takes out some forms and hands them to Scaurus, "These are the forms which have been filled. As you can see they have been obeyed. I shall drop off a copy off in the CHOAM Directors Office. So it seems then, My Lord, that the fate of the Essen Contract will depend now on the Directors."

Scaurus closes the book with a resounding thud, "-My- facts, my lord, are based upon -your- misfortune, which I have no sympathy for and shall -not- consider in the single least when making a decision. You have offered -no- adequate solution to CHOAM, -no- adequate reasons for holding Essen aside from your own single-minded opinion that you will most definitely pull out of turmoil in such a fast period that I shouldn't be able to turn around three times and it will all be over. The fate of the contract /always/ depends upon the Directors, and by my report the Directors will listen to both sides of the argument, but let
me tell you, after 20 odd years of more experience in universal economics than you, I will do all within my power to note your inabilites and problems!" He snatches the report off Anthony, "Save it for the meeting, you can wait like all the others and make your bid when the time is neigh! My secretary will see you out!"

Andrey rises. "Thank you for giving us some of your _valuable_ time. I honestly cannot imagine why you did, if it is as precious as you believe, for it is clear now that you could as easily allowed a secretary to inform us of your preconceived opinion by post. Good day, my lord!" With a glance to Anthony, he straightens his coat and leaves.

Anthony rises, bows to the Lord Treasurer, collects his stuff and then follows Andrey.

Scaurus snorts, "Good day to you gentlemen too!" And with a huff immediately calls his secretary, taking a large swig of coffee before speaking, "Inform the Lord Chancellor I wish to see him about a very pressing matter concerning the Essen contract. You can give him these details before I arrive...."