Naming Convention: Shipname(BTE or Firstname.Surname(BTE
Transports may only use shipnames, freighters are free to use either.
Allowed Ships: Freighters and Transports
Civilian/Borderworlds only
Story: Founded by Edward 'Eddie' Brisbane in the late 819 A.S at Barrier Gate Station. Not much is known about the upstart company aside from it's highly ambitious goals and unorthodox office location. Reports so far have drawn no conclusion other than this company is a fresh faced contender in the rather crowded transport sector.
The founder of Boundless Transport Enterprises, Edward Brisbane, is a virtual unknown. Public records show an impressive amount of docking permits stretching around Sirius but no relevant business experience or qualifications, his profession is listed as a self employed trader. Stock brokers and market analysts have declared the company as 'generic haulage' and 'unlikely to succeed.'
In reality Boundless Transport Enterprises is a cover for a smuggling group known as the Profiteers and at the helm Brisbane, a smuggler with visions of grandeur. He seeks to unite the wayward illegal traders of Sirius under his banner, for mutual profit and protection. Although an unknown quantity, Brisbane displays a great deal of cunning in his machinations instead of focusing solely on the questionable stability of smuggling he has found a niche for his legitimate business, transporting goods throughout the Houses. An untouched market due in no part to the inherent risk and neigh impossible balancing of ever-changing House policy, few large scale corporations dare to tiptoe the tangled web of political red tape leaving only seldom reliable freelancers to fill the void.
The squabbling House governments bare little thought in comparison to the difficulties faced in the shifting sand of the criminal underworld. Here the sword of Damocles hangs, suspended not by a horse-hair but by sheer audacity. Something Brisbane and his associates have in spades.
Whilst many smuggling groups side with either the Corsairs or Outcasts. The Profiteers have chosen to sit, not on the fence as so many others but at the crossroads of the great conflict. From this key position The Profiteers hopes to make themselves indispensable to the criminal denizens of Sirius, speaking in the language they know all too well. Credits. Crossing the realm from audacity in to madness, however there may yet be a method.
By threatening to swing the full weight of the cartel behind either one of the pirate nations, Brisbane's group could very well tip the balance of power, something both sides would refuse to allow. It is a precarious stance that could easily end in the group's destruction but so long as the equilibrium is not disturbed The Profiteers seek to make a very substantial profit.
Goals: The foremost goal of BTE is control of the black market using subtle movements and clever manipulation of the animosity between the illegal groups and factions of Sirius. At the same time its legitimate front operates as a standard transport company albeit offering a more 'discrete' service than most.
Faction Goals: To become the official smuggler faction, to open dealings with the Brigands and Unione Corse for access to the Gallic blackmarket.
Writ of Conduct: These are the declarations and demands made to all who fly under the name of the BTE, failure to follow the demands will result in expulsion from the group and varying degrees of punishment ranging from the loss of reputation with the group's trading partners to a bounty contract placed upon you.
First and foremost, no member of the BTE will interfere in the affairs or dealings with fellow smugglers regardless of affiliation or allegiance. Attempts to bring fellow smugglers into the group are encouraged but no threat or action should be taken upon those who refuse.
Second, the act of piracy is strictly forbidden, no member shall willingly aid or take part in the crime under the strictest penalty.
Thirdly, all actions taken whilst under the BTE name must not tarnish nor diminish our neutrality to legal or illegal groups, if need be at the cost of your life.
Fourth, all members must maintain cover when carrying legal goods and pass unknown when carrying contraband. No profit is worth the loss of our cover, cargo can be replaced our reputation cannot.
Fifth, no member shall carry Slaves, Gaian Wildlife, Human Organs, Furs or Nomad brains under penalty of death. We do not deal in the lives of others, nor shall we ever.
Sixth, all that we do is secret, and must remain so.
Finally, ten percent of all earnings will be sent to The.House(BTE as payment for ongoing protection and mutual profit of all members.
Structure: Command Rank: Shark
Top rank: Grinder
Member rank: Float
Recruit rank: Fish
Any rank may suggest a change or action by calling for a vote, that vote must be agreed upon by one quarter of the current membership, excluding recruits. Once agreed the vote will be tabled and those of member rank and above will begin voting. The current Commander may veto the current vote but must suggest an alternative or the veto will be ignored.
Only three votes may be active at any time and every vote, even unsuccessful ones will be recorded so that issues are not repeated.
Every member is completely independent and may work any route and with any faction they wish, however each member must also fly a legitimate route at least once a week in order to keep a presence within the Houses.
Terms and Phrases:
Small Blind – A small deal or unimportant issue called to a vote.
Blind – A usual deal or issue with the day-to-day running of the company called to a vote.
Big Blind – A very large deal or very important issue called to a vote.
Hand – An issue, deal or subject.
Ante Up – To cast your vote or give an opinion.
Call - To agree.
Fold – To disagree.
Check – To abstain or refuse to give an opinion.
Raise – When the current commander veto's an issue or vote.
the Pot – Recorded votes or current topic of discussion or interest.
For example here are two members talking about a new member who has asked for a vote on the faction name.
"Here, have you heard, some Fish as put down a Big Blind."
"Whats the Hand then? Think everyone will Ante Up?"
"Something about a name but I don't think so, I'll probably Fold."
"I'll call, though the Shark will probably Raise knowing him."
"Either way its all going to the Pot."
Promotion Criteria: Fish → Float: 10 undetected smuggling runs and 4 legitimate trading runs. 10 hours flight time.
Float → Grinder: 50 undetected smuggling runs and 15 legitimate trading runs. 30 hours flight time and a successful recruit.
Grinder → Shark: Previous Shark must step down or be voted out as only one Shark may be appointed at any given time. Only Grinders may place themselves for election to become the new Shark.