OBT Forum

Dragon Cat came to me with an Idea for a story in my AU set at the beginning of the Jihad, I thought it was a great idea, so here it is. My own contribution to this was limited to proofreading.

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Prime Minister’s Office
Undredal, Filtvelt
Crucis March, Federated Suns
14th February 3072

The dark skinned man entered Marquess Helen Trempeleau’s office with a calm controlled manner.  He wore a navy three piece suit with a light blue shirt and a navy tie and carried a simple work briefcase.  As he approached the desk that Trempeleau and Colonel Eric LeBeau stood near in the center of the formal office.  “Marquess, it is good to see you are well” the man said calmly as he approached “thank you for seeing me in these trying times.”  Trying times was an understatement New Avalon, Dieron, Tharkad and a dozen others were under siege by the Word of Blake and she was seven days away from declaring the independence of the Filtvelt Coalition she really didn’t have time for this meeting but she intended on showing that unlike the Regent of New Avalon that she, Helen Trempeleau, would listen to the people she served.

“It is quite alright, Mr. MacPhail” she said looking him up and down Benjamin MacPhail was not the man she had expected to meet he was dressed like a business man but carried himself like a soldier.  “Now how can we help you?”  She said indicating the militia Colonel that stood beside her.

“Actually it is how I can help you,”  He said quietly as the three of them sat down. “As I understand it, in a week you and twenty other leaders are ready to announce that Filtvelt is ready to form a new nation independent from the Federated Suns.”

“How did you…”

“How the people I know are aware of these things does not really matter…”

“With respect, yes it does” Eric LeBeau said interrupting “it means that someone has talked and that our security is compromised.”

“The people I represent have no intention of causing you harm” MacPhail said calmly “we wish to assist you.  We are ready to put you in contact with a company who can assist you in the long term, providing quality Stealth Armour of the same design as that from the Capellan Confederation for your BattleMechs and combat vehicles for the foreseeable future.  We are ready to give you an advantage of your neighbors and give you something you can use to defend your nation from all aggressors.”

“For what price?”  Trempeleau asked knowing there was a catch waiting to be sprung.

“No catch other than the land that you give to this company to construct their facilities is theirs to do whatever they wish.”

“You mean yours?”  Trempeleau said standing out “let’s cut the b.s. Mr. MacPhail this company is a front for the people you represent.  Your company will have a vested interest in their activities and you will be controlling the strings and that is something I am uncomfortable with.”  She said leading to Benjamin MacPhail rising from his chair.

“If that is the cage good day to you Marquess,” he said bowing formally before turning to leave.

“Wait!” LeBeau called after MacPhail had taken only two steps. “Helen we need this,” he said to the woman. MacPhail remained facing away giving them the illusion of privacy.  “Our military will need defense contractors based in the Coalition going forwards.  Who cares if they have business elsewhere as long as they help us?”
   
“I care!”  She snapped. “We are building a new nation I cannot bring people in who could threaten its future,” She said as Benjamin MacPhail turned to face them.

“We will not cause your nation harm,” he said, “the people I represent simply do not have the expertise to provide you with the armor you need directly.  We are the middlemen who make deals happen,” He said stepping back towards them. “The people I represent will make money out of this deal, that is good enough for them.”

“For now” Trempeleau said still not ready to trust the man in front of her but extending her hand towards him as he shook her hand she spoke again, “understand should this company or the people you represent become a threat towards my nation I will take action it will be final and absolute.”  She warned

“I understand,” Benjamin MacPhail said, “we will help bring peace and prosperity to your nation.”  He promised her now that the door was open they could begin.