Wells waits until the representative of the Marineintelligenz has finished. Making sure that he had nothing else to say, he takes his turn once again.
"I can only speak for the Interspace on a one hundred percent accuracy in regards to the Nationalistic.. intentions of the Interspace Commerce. I can confidently say that we do not have any. At least not anymore. Perhaps in the past we may have, however that was a mistake.
We care little from a jealousy standpoint about your projects and expansions that your government are attempting. This is your business. Not ours, what you choose to do is nothing that we should be trying to change.
While I personally do not agree with war in the slightest, we are not the military. We are corporations, not conquerors. I can say the very same about Deep Space Engineering confidently. We would not exist without people who are in need of some sort of product. Be that food, all the way to construction. We owe it to the 'people' to give them what they need. Frankly, interfering in a government which the people are happy with, is quite counterproductive on that measure. Anything of the sort will be left up to your very own corporations and people. While we may pursue to be more imbedded within your house, we will not pursue to take anything.
The military risks I would like say are minimal, if any at all. We will not be flying warships into your house, perhaps at most escort vessels will enter. If you're worried about other houses taking advantage of this situation, I would ask that you stay at ease. We have the same attitude with the other houses. This will be nothing new.
I can brief Ageira and Deep Space Engineering on your request, and can most likely convince them to think the same way as I.
Dieter Mittermeier stood up after Wells finished his last sentence.
Gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to see us all gathered here. Moreover, it's satisfactory to see we're ready to discuss our positions in a constructive, agreement-friendly manner. Both Rheinland and Interspace Commerce suffered enough from overheated monologues in the past, which led to subsequent ban with its all results. Indeed, monologues, because neither side was trully willing to listen to the partner on the other side of the table. What I see here, is widely recognized by all parties dire need to sit down and exchange opinions, constructed on a basis of desire to reach an agreement, expressed by all parties.
Basing on that, I can say the current war, like any other conflict, is unneeded loss of lives of engaged soldiers and sometimes innocent civils. But Rheinland wasn't an agressor here; we merely defend ourselves against Libertonian attack. We were invaded on a basis of false accusations, and forced to shoot back. The war itself already is big enough problem for our people , and fact of economic sanctions imposed by the goverments on each other doesn't bring any relief to the people of Rheinland and Liberty. What is heartening in that situation is situation of business enterprises which are still allowed in both Houses; without food produced by SynthFoods on Stuttgart, that granary of Rheinland, our people would starve, what would only add to social unrest and reinforcement of terrorist numbers. Both Ageira and Deep Space Engineering are sanctioned and recognized by the Rheinland law entities, allowed to enjoy business privileges. Sadly due to Interspace ban and the lack of funding, maintenance of gate and lane network is minimal at best; something what must be changed immediately.
War with Liberty is issue which would need to be discussed with Libertonian goverment itself. As much as I would like to see that war ended, it's no in my power to decide about that. Mutual ties between our Houses and its business companies are so strong and irreplacable however, so they survived even during that war. While defence of own territory is necessity, we shouldn't let ourselves be blinded by simplifications. Director Wells highlighted his desire to end hostilities between House Rheinland and Interspace Commerce, an act which I find deserving the highest appreciation.
To sum it up all, gentlemen, there is will and readiness on all sides to reach an agreement, as I understand your declarations. I believe we will be able to reach consensus in that important matter, as we all expressed such desire. The question is, what exactly do we want to achieve, and on what terms? We'll be better prepared for negotiations if we know what are the other side's desires and wishes concerning the future agreement.
Schulte had been listening to the others begin their discussions on this very important topic, and it was a fragile one, they all needed to find a way for each side to be pleased with the result if they left this Conference Room. He took a drink of water before he sat up straight, clearing his throat.
"Gentlemen, let me thank you all, first of all, for coming out to Baden Baden with a friendly productive mindset. The way i see it, if we take each others words, and work on this with the same goal in mind, we will find a solution that will help each and everyone of us flourish.
That being said, your opening statements all carry weight, and they are all valid points. On Rheinland's side of course would be the safety of our people and our infrastructure from Sabotage or attacks, though I am not saying that this will happen, we must be prepared for all possibilities. I am sure Interspace understands this.
On to what Rheinland seeks from this. Rheinland needs its Gate and Lane network re-worked and put back into a perfect working order. Furthermore, extended Trade between the fractions sitting at this table and their allies, which would be mutually beneficial for all of us. Increased trade will stabilize Rheinlands Economy and enable it for us to put more focus on improving our standings with you and your friends Mister Wells.
I ask of each of you, to state what it is exactly you want to see become written up at the end of the day. What is a solution which you would put your Signature under."
The Kanzler then leaned back into his chair and crossed his fingers on the table infront of him.
Jacob nods his head twice, anticipating a bottom line question such as this to be asked. Reaching for his briefcase, he produces a set of papers which he begins to pass around the table.
"I have taken the liberty to writing up what the Interspace Commerce would be willing to provide for the Rhienland Government, and affiliated parties and corporations which will be assisting the work spoken about earlier. I can speak loosely about what help Deep Space Engineering can provide, however that would have to be worked out separately. I do not have the representation ability to speak for their side of business completely."
Interspace Commerce - Preferred Solution
An allocation of credits will be granted to Rhienland and the affiliated corporations for the purposes of rebuilding what has been lost, including:
Repairs of the Jump Gate network, in hopes that trade can once be resumed, aiding in the stabilization of the economic state within Rhienland.
Extended return times, allowing Rhienland to recover, while making returns in an affordable fashion, as to not rush any work Rhienland may be undergoing at the time.
Continued support once/if the Interspace Commerce is allowed to continue full time business within Rhienland Space, under contract which will be negotiated at a later time upon who you would allow, and disallow us specific parties to be worked with. Infringements upon such a document pends repercussions to the Interspace Commerce.
Once again reaching into a folder which he had in front of him, he pulls out another set of documents.
"However, despite not being able to speak for the cooperation of Deep Space Engineering, I do have a document which has been written, and approved by the Board of Directors which hopefully can provide a basis upon what 'they' can offer Rhienland at the current time. Any modifications or changes, I ask that you arrange a meeting with them personally if you're still interested."
Deep Space Engineering - Preferred Solution
Workforce will be offered for the purpose of repairing Trade-Lanes, and Jump Gates.
More labor may be worked out at a later time, pertaining to other structures within Rhienland space requiring repairs.
Demand of industrial construction materials placed on Deep Space Engineering, will be offered to Daumann Heavy Construction to try to inject it into the Rhienland economy
Access to Rhienland raw materials will be offered for a reduced cost to specifically, Deep Space Engineering. Full details can be worked out at a later date in person.
Jacob makes sure everyone at the table has received a copy, nodding his head twice.
"Any questions, please speak up. Interspace is always willing to bend a little if you do not see this as a fit solution. Please keep in mind however, even we have our limits."
Director Wells... - Mittermeier started, standing up.
Thank you for general summary of what your side needs. This allows us to work out an agreement based on both sides' needs and capabilities. Judging the notes you've provided us with, I can roughly imagine what exactly do you expect after us.
Daumann delegative paused for a while and took a sip of mineral water from glass, after which he continued:
Return of Interspace to Rheinland with gate and late maintenance funding is something we are looking forward to. It's unnecessary to point out how vital for entire House that matter is. However, I'm curious how lenient your corporation could be about loan return times you mentioned, to our state. I think our federal authorities need some flexibility when it comes to loan payments; as you know current fiscal situation is... dangerous.
When I am to speak on the subject of DSE's list, although it comes as a little surprise, I understand the reasons why Daumann was chosen as materials supplier. We are the biggest corporation in Rheinland and produce majority of minerals and metals mined from the Walker Nebula, but that point about reduced cost is a source of concern to me. I hope DSE won't demand prices below the level of profitability from our corporation. Current economic crisis and fiscal problems of federal budget costed us a great deal of money. Delays in payments and lower than contracted transfers plague us since the time of Interspace's ban. Incomplete payments for delivered warships, smaller contractors going bankrupt, leaving us with produced civilian ships and no money paid for them, difficulties caused by markets' fluctuations... While not being against per se, my opinion is this will have to be accurately discussed with Deep Space Engineering.
Before you reply me, Director Wells, let me bring up one more point. Interspace's ban and our current hardships were caused by independent Interspace contractors openly supplying hessian terrorists, who recently conquered half of one of our inner systems. Former leadership of your company wasn't really willing to cooperate with us either, what also played great role in conflict and led to the ban, this has to be said. However, since you and the current board are men of reason and sound judgement, as we're all here, I want to ask you: do you see any possibilities to prevent incidents such as the ones I mentioned from happening, Director?
Mittermeier sat down, looking expectantly at Wells.
Jacob was expecting something like this to be brought up. After all, it was the old Administrations fault that Interspace was out of Rheinland like it is right now in the first place due to their lax attitude. Noting that Mittermeier had finished, Wells speaks up once more in turn.
"I can understand that you would like to clear up the.. faults that happened with the old Administration of the Commerce. If you look at the summarization part B on the sheet that I have passed around to you all, it is indeed in writing that affiliation with Rheinland terrorists is something we will not pursue in the future. This of course encompasses dealing with independent Interspace contractors. Rest assured on that matter."
"Interspace will be as lax as required on the payment rate. We understand that an entire economic re-construction is no easy feat, and will indeed take time. However even we have our limits. We will assist as much as possible, as our preliminary numbers state that this is quite the possibility to pull off. Financial discussions are most likely better to be left out to those who are more well versed in the art. However we will assist with the intent to get the House of Rheinland back up and running economically."
"I cannot speak any further for Deep Space Engineering. I however do know them to be fair business partners. They will work things out for the better of both companies, however I must abstain from speaking further in matters which involve them. I am confident they are quite open to future work. All I have provided, is a document on their general wishes. I am sure things can be modified through future meetings with them personally."
Thank you for ensuring us about...terrorist problem, Director. It gives us great pleasure to acknowledge this issue will stop concerning us all soon. Limited terrorist possibilities will help our house greatly in economic and defensive reconstruction.
Drinking some water before continuing, Mittermeier looked briefly at others around the table.
Mister Wells - Rheinlander started - your another point, restructuring of loan payments, is crucial to our state treasury. In those hard times some leniency in that matter will always help, as federal budget needs to again start doing regular payments, also for delivered ships...
Using that gathering as an occasion, I would like to make the first step on the long road to full reunite of Interspace and House Rheinland, marking it as beginning of very profitable and fruitful for all sides daring move. Our lane and gate network requires repairs and full funding again, there is no doubt about that. Omega-11 is crucial to Rheinland as a whole, and as such, I would like to ask you for financial cooperation in its jump gate maintenance programme.
Daumann Heavy Construction will begin this initiative with own investment, without unnecessary waiting for official agreement between federal authorities and Interspace. Omega-11, especially after loss of Dresden, is too important to us to let it get overrun by terrorist forces due to interrupted travel route. I count on your help with that project, Director, and on your corporation's contacts with Deep Space Engineering, so details would be discussed soon, in order to start as fast as we can.
Taking a moment to pull out the file pertaining to Omega 11 from his folder, looking over the state of it quickly. Nodding his head twice in appreciation to what he wished to get started on first.
"That does seem like a good place to start. If Omega 11 truely is as important as you claim, getting to that first may very well be a good start. I'm sure Deep Space will appreciate the business as well, however i'll leave that to the two of you."
Clapping his hands together slightly, looking around the table. "Well Gentlemen, it seems that we find ourselves under a common agreement right now. One that can be built on, and worked out in the future to push all of ourselves to a new height of both profitability, and stability once again which seems to have been missing for a while."
"May I now ask if there are any objections what has been purposed, and agreed upon so far? If not, I believe we may see a close to this summit approaching, with the excerpt of business as a result."
The Kanzler was visibly delighted at the agreements and discussions had by Daumann and Interspace. They were truely on their way to a better future now. He laid all the papers aside he had infront of him and take a drink of water, as he cleared his throat and waited for the room to silence before he spoke.
"It pleases me to see that Interspace is so willing to assist Rheinland, and it pleases me furthermore that Daumann is willing to work with Interspace and Deep Space. The latter of which would be invited for Contractual discussions in the future I am very sure.
There are no objections to the current plots laid out. Omega-11 has been agreed upon as the first goal for gate and lane repair, however I ask ofcourse, that some funds are routed to the Federal Reserves so that I and my associates, may begin work with Interspace on expanding our trade offers and our, as I am confident to call it now, friendship.
Director Wells, I have the pleasure of offering you offices on New Berlin for the time being, while I work on giving you an accomodation you are more familiar with and which I think you will enjoy to see.
I will discuss with the Bundestag and my advisors, Director. We are on the best of ways to a fruitful business relatioship, and I shall call upon you to discuss details of a lift, limited or full, of your ban in Rheinland after I have brought the topic to the Bundestag.
Herr Voss, do you carry any further concerns?"
Schulte then leaned backwards into his chair, taking another drink of water as he waited for Voss to answer.
Voss listened to the proposal intently while DHC and the Kanzler spoke on the economic issues with their Interpsace counterpart, when Kanlzer Schulte asked him if the Buro had any further concerns he shook his head in the negative, the Buro would keep a close eye on Interspace and should they catch them up to their old tricks then the Buro would play the part of whistle-blower.
"No further concerns at this time gentlemen." he simply stated before leaning back in his chair slightly, he hated these seats...They were too...comfortable for his tastes...He could only hope this meeting concluded quickly so he could get back to his duties that would keep him occupied and productive...
In the meantime however he was regulated to waiting out this meeting and praying that they would come to a full agreement soon, politics tended to annoy Voss and he had little patience for it unlike his counterpart the Kanzler.