Nothing Ventured

[Ultimatum]

With a galaxy in chaos and no sign of calming, Ultimatum had come to an epiphany. Based on the ideas of fulfillment of needs, the droid had decided to create a system that would supply security to governments and hopefully strengthen those areas of peace and calm. To secure those strongholds one needed something to maintain the order. Police forces were the most common shared element of most societies for that purpose. They were effective at keeping a civilian population within the lines of the law while maintaining a distinction between the military and law enforcement. However, for all their importance, some governments were unable, or unwilling, to have a police force. Sometimes it was economically unfeasible to have another militarized force. That was where Ultimatum hoped to help.

An agency designed to offer the services of a professional, well equipped, and fully self-contained police force. At a low price, so as to be affordable to those governments of more impoverished states. It was an enterprise that would require a lot of preparation and the creation of command structure that could function independently of any government. It would have to be flexible though, to be able to accommodate the differences in laws and cultures involved with different governments.

Could it be done? In short, yes. It would be costly, and Ultimatum had decided that one method of mitigating the cost was to stretch out to other companies to help in the production of equipment. Which was why the droid had prepared a holocall to the head of the KDY corporation. Could LOOM produce most of the necessary goods? Yes, but in this way the load of production and profit bearing was evened. Plus, those other companies would effectively receive free advertisement when their equipment was used in the field.

The droid was waiting for the line to patch through and then, based on experience with other attempts to speak to CEO's, he would have to work through a veritable army of secretaries and holding times. It would be worth the time and effort, not for the money though.

[member="Ferron Troste"]

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Ultimatum"]


Ferron was already attempting something similar, although it wasn't a police force, or just simple law enforcement. His Kuat Sector Forces mainly patrolled the Kuat Sector, and if they were to ever grow enough, he would use them to combat the lawbreakers and the scourge that already presently lays waste to the galaxy, far and near. But he saw the benefits in this little escapade. Truly, the only real trouble this organization would find itself in would be that of remembering laws in different areas, territories, and jurisdictions. For droids, that would be incredibly easy, just set the programming. For humans or other sentients, probably a little harder. More than likely one would have to keep units localized to one place at a time, so they get used to the place and its laws. But for sentient droids? Ferron had no clue. Truthfully, he was someone that still saw droids as tools. Not as slaves, but their original purpose. Just as a starship transports, a tank assaults, etcetera. Although he didn't ban their kind, he didn't very much support their living. Not that he was against them in any manner, but his bars wouldn't have oil on request while on his pay, unfortunately. Still, Ferron was very open to new ventures and learning more of what the galaxy has to offer aside from his little Office.

Except, after looking through the idea this droid had proposed to Ferron, he looked at it a little deeper. Thought about it a little more clearly. Perhaps this could be a good investment. Only time would tell. Ferron was at his desk only looking through the proposal a little more before the time of the meeting came around. He was a generous man, and so long as no one broke his rules, he would seek to satisfy others. Some, he would even seek, to catch their appreciation. So a few minutes before the meeting was to take place, he went ahead and answered to holonet request.

Activating his holonet monitor, he showed up in view on Ultimatums screen. "Greetings," he said, tapping on the desk with his stylus as he eyed the proposal just a little bit more, "Droi-," he coughed, looking disappointed in himself, correcting himself, "Ultimatum. I apologize. It's a force of habit. Here at Kuat, traditionally we were never ones about sentient rights. While I try to fix that for Kuat Drive Yards, I still have the old tendencies I grew up with. I hope you forgive me. Now, how are you fairing today? Ferron Troste, President of Kuat Drive Yards. Your proposal of a galactic police force is interesting." He paused, letting the other speak, leaning back in his chair as he staired at the video screen, hoping Ultimatum allowed his face to be shown, or... whatever he had... for a face. "I think this is definitely manageable. I don't know how you will actually manage it, but that is up to you, not my business. Instead of just purchasing my products, how about we have a trial run? I offer you some ships, you give me readily reports on your use of them and your organizations actions. If I like them, I'll sponsor your organization and have the engineers produce some modified ships to suit your organization. However...." He leaned forward, looking a little more stern, "am I to understand your policing organization will stay relatively small, or are they going to be a galactic entity and take territory?"

(Go Major or stay Minor?)

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum was surprised when his call was put through before the time allotment had expired. It was, perhaps, a good omen. Simply [member="Ferron Troste"] accepting the call was the beginning of an answer to Ultimatum. Rarely would a CEO answer a call on a subject that did not interest them. Therefore, because Ferron had been willing to accept his request, and did not immediately decline Ultimatum's concept, the sentient had some interest. Now it remained to be seen as to how far they could follow this, any questions or misunderstandings that needed to be ironed out, and similar business-related complexities.

If the robot could have smiled, he would have. Ultimatum did not overly care for the sentient rights quandary. It was most inconvenient for moving about freely in areas of space that did not allow droid freedom, but there were loopholes aplenty to that. His faceplate was readily visible on the screen; he had discovered organics were more relaxed when they saw a face, rather than some digital creation. "No need for an apology. Feel free to use the vocabulary that is most comfortable to yourself; I shall take no offense."

The man had struck on a definite issue, how would the droid manage it? There were a plethora of complexities to be solved before the operation could even begin, much less prosper. At this point, the droid was still looking to bring together the basic resources required for this enterprise, rather than focusing on how he would maintain it. It was putting off the inevitable, and the droid knew it, but he had decided that the first hurdle to be conquered was the resources and then he would focus on management. "The organization I have planned is to remain noncombative on the galactic scale. I believe that the closest thing that I have witnessed that is similar to the concept are mercenary groups. Before I continue, my idea shares very little in common with mercenary styles, but it is the best comparison in galactic standing I could discern. The organization, I shall call it CLE for now, would have no definite allegiance to any galactic power, but would, in a subscription style payment plan, offer policing services, equipment, and personnel to any government. This is assuming that the government fits in with a vital, but short, list of requirements. The CLE would send a group, varying in size depending on the juristictions size, that would be tailored to fit into the culture and to best maintain the laws. So long as the government continues in the subscribtion, the CLE will maintain the police force and make adjustment as needed to better 'personalize' the forces to their given system."

(Minor)

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Ultimatum"]


Truthfully, Ferron was alone in the galaxy. The most he had were business partners that made money with him and left. He worked his young life so hard so that he could gain Kuat Drive Yards, he never thought about socializing. So now, as old as he is, he is a little more inclined to hearing out any business proposals offered to his company. And since he had no Chief Operations Officer, he had to do it all himself. Ferron listened to Ultimatum but decided he was going to speak the proper way, against what he was comfortable with. Just because it was more comfortable didn't make it right. He has to show some sort of respect. Ferron slightly, slowly nodded listening to everything Ultimatum put over the holonet call, tapping his stylus as he put it all together in his head. This would be a complicated organization, but the reasons behind it were absolutely true. He would try. "Alright, Mister Ultimatum. We will prepare twenty Incarcerators and forty Interceptors for testing. I want weekly reports on how well this organization is doing. If you don't have someone that has already signed up, Kuat Drive Yards will agree to temporarily giving permission for them to carry out authority in Kuat Sector. While we own the Space, we do not own the planet. Do not touch the planet. Your jurisdiction ends at the atmosphere, unless you can get the current leader to give you permission, as well. I want to hear reports on other organizations opinions and choices on this matter as well. If all goes well, we will assign you some dedicated, modified ships for constant use by your police force. I understand the mercenary reference and understand you are not mercenaries, although you can be professional mercenaries and act in the way you suggest. It is possible, heh. You see, Kuat Sector Forces is literally almost acting the same, except I want them on a bigger, more militarized scale. KSF will not have any patriotic duty, and will mostly hire soldiers from other areas for jobs. You get hired to be a private, commander, or general, a crewman, officer, or admiral, and then I send you out on a job or mission. Take one job, or multiple, then go home. I want to exact authority, show the big players there are consequences to their actions. No longer let Rolo Tomassi get away with it. Also, to protect Kuat, because I don't want anyone exacting rule over me or Kuat. How does this all sound to you?"

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum was glad to hear that his proposition had been so readily accepted, outperforming even his most optimistic predictions. He had assumed there would be a bit more back and forth, defending his position and what have you. Experience told him most sentients looked for their own interests before looking out for others. Perhaps it was cynical of Ultimatum to expect it, but as a droid, the largest common denominator was the rule and to be anticipated, circumstances allowing.

As [member="Ferron Troste"] explained his own forces, Ultimatum wondered if there was some psychological issue at play with this sentient. Organics were notorious for these mental quirks; and honestly, droids were known for them as well, mostly in the form of developing personalities when abstaining from memory wipes. It was none of Ultimatum's concern, there would be enough issues with everything he would need to handle.

"I understand your mentality. It is commendable that you look to protect Kuat. I will require time to collect other resources before I can enact the system." Ultimatum already had the first volunteers, quite a decent number actually, but there was the question of equipment beyond ships, training, and of course facilities. He was already planning to speak with other companies to assist in those areas that best fit their expertise.

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Ultimatum"]


Hmm, so the organization wasn't quite ready yet, it seemed. He was still procuring other assets, maybe he could invest a little more into this operation. "Ultimatum, I am willing to supply you, little by little, some resources and materials. You should definitely have your own factory on-site in case a weapon needs repairs, a ship needs new parts, or otherwise. You won't have a government entity that voluntarily just give you these items, like major militaries and full police forces get everything for free by their backing government. But I am curious, do you have a weapons manufacturer already? You see, Kuat Drive Yards has never been in that business, but we need to be. If you found a substantially large weapons manufacturer, it could help us with our problems, and we could help you much more."

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum had planned for that. Maintenance and repair were fairly easy to cover, assuming that the companies involved would agree to the concept. "As of yet, I have LOOM functioning as a weapons manufactuerer until I can find better suited corporation. As far as facilities go, LOOM has the necessary capabilities, but I would need access to either trained personnel in the repair and maintenance or the schematics of the ships. Is that acceptable?"

Ultimatum decided that it was also important to gather information on what [member="Ferron Troste"] would want for the company, should they reach that point. "When we've managed to secure everything and begun work. Is there any unique laws I should be aware of for this space?"

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Ultimatum"]

As Ultimatum spoke, Ferron looked slightly disappointed. Not at Ultimatum, but it seemed things would be tougher for Ferron himself in this Galaxy. He continued to listen, but he immediately began accessing his computer to look up information. He was looking into LOOM. Although, to his dismay, it still would not be enough to help him. He took a breath as he sat back from his display, sighing, "I was just looking to see if I could support each other in another endeavor of mine," he looked up at Ultimatum, "but it seems I'll have to look elsewhere. Now, back to the subject at hand." He reached over off-screen to pick up a mug as it came into view of the screen. He took a sip of it, and put it back down off screen. "Kuat Drive Yards typically follows the most common laws that are logically sound and make the most sense. No one is above the law, not even me. Should the time arise you need to take me in, if I fight, it only solidifies the fact I've gone dark. However, I will never stand for Bribery. If someone is paid to lie or do another action than what they are supposed to do, like paying off a high political leader - I don't care if it's a damned 'donation,' there's nothing to donate to, he's doing his job - I hold Bribery almost as high as murder. Because it has the strength to murder a Nation."

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum took no offense at the disappointment; there were limitations to everything. That was why advancement was so significant. The continued pressure to expand and grow, to become greater than before. The galaxy, and in particular the construction industry, was a place where there were only to possibilities, growth or stagnation. He hoped to grow LOOM, but the long time without work and the uncertainty as to how to proceed with it were leading to its demise.

Ultimatum had discovered, when planning this and researching the necessary laws of various governments throughout the galaxy, that what one might consider sensible laws were not always as universal as they first appeared. About fifteen percent of the galaxy's governments had no laws against theft. A quarter had no law against killing another person, at least there was no written law. These were minorities of course, but the percentage was quite telling. Nonetheless, Ultimatum understood what [member="Ferron Troste"] was attempting to get across. Those fundamental laws that were held by most sophisticated cultures would remain equated here. There was the addition of increased punishment to Bribery. It was an interesting choice, certainly understandable, but still telling all the same. Perhaps he had previous experience with bribery.

"Understood. Bribery is equatable to murder. Would you be willing to have some monitors placed in the monetary flows through the system? It would be a preemptive measure to hopefully jump on bribery as soon as it occurs." There was no way, at this point, to predict crimes like that. Ultimatum had contemplated trying to break down whatever algorithm his previous self had produced to so correctly predict his current movements and to turn it to such uses. The ability to predict criminal acts and plan accordingly would have been impressive, but controversial. Preventive measures were the best that could be done.

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Ultimatum"]


"Just to be clear," Ferron spoke up, "that doesn't mean your people can fire on an individual bribing another. I know when an officer witness a murder they have to try and stop it or the murderer at all costs, sometimes lethally if the murderer is using a lethal weapon. When I mean equally I mean the charge is equally as high, and your people investigate or chase after it they should have the same conviction if they were going after a murderer. Now, small claims bribery, like to civilians, I couldn't care less. If it's reported, that's different. What we're looking for are individuals in control or in a high position where their word could do damage if used improperly. However, I do not condone watching individuals bank accounts. You will have to go through the legal route of establishing a Warrant to search through their privacy. The most I can offer you is complete and total surveillance of my Orbital Array, Stations, and Facilities. Like a CCTV System. No one is rich around Kuat Drive Yards, except the Organization Leaders, and Monarchs of worlds. I do not even flash my credits around, my credits are in Kuat Drive Yards Vault, and I have to make a full report of withdrawal if I ever use it. No one in KDY is paid enough to sleep on a bed of credits, as bad as that may sound, so if you think someone is using illegal money, find evidence."

Ferron wasn't inclined to restrict freedoms, but he wanted to make sure people knew the consequences. "I do not condone execution, and while I'm not fond of jail time as it is near useless, there are times they will be needed, and I want criminals to know their business is not welcome. Do not harm a subject once in custody. But don't treat them like a child. Do not console them. Do not show them respect. Jail time and execution are reserved for the worst ones. When they are the worst ones, let them know they are the worse ones."

 

[Ultimatum]

"Understandable. Lethal force will be tolerated in only the most extreme circumstances, and even then will have repercussions. I have no intention of permanently harming any criminal, for though they may deserve death, that is for you to decide according to the law, not me." It seemed strange to Ultimatum that there was such a concern with the privacy of one's money. It was nothing that special, merely information of what could have been valueless bits of metal that were too useless to be used in proper construction. What more, [member="Ferron Troste"] preferred the legal route. Of course, Ultimatum intended on following that to the letter, he would not have police running around breaking the laws they were supposed to uphold. But at the same time, there was a dangerous assumption of the universal nature of laws. It did not exist. There was no law that was accepted by every culture and people as right. In that lay the issue of definitions. Ultimatum knew he would have to use the definitions utilized by the people he worked with, and probably to avoid accidentally, or intentionally, popping the proverbial bubble of their universal law belief. As far as the privacy of monetary accounts went, Ultimatum was okay with working with it. It would be easier to keep track of the overall financial status of the Kuat Drive Yards by using the public news. If a sudden spike in profits appeared with no apparent explanation, there was a possibility for criminal activity. Though, at that level, it would require careful maneuvering so as to avoid antagonizing the company.

"Then it would be acceptable to use such reports akin to that you mentioned as evidence for further investigation, should a report be suspicious or clearly criminal in nature?" He then continued, "What is to be done with less severe criminals fines?" It seemed very unlikely that such a system would work in the long run. Perhaps in a company, it would be sufficient, which was just as well then that the purpose of this was to function alongside a company.

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Ultimatum"]


As Ultimatum spoke, Ferron listened very intently and the droid could obviously tell by his mannerisms, but he began to write up a document of information, and send it over the Holonet. It was available to the public, but Ferron made sure the droid had access to it. It wasn't encrypted, in fact, it was made easy for any droid to download into their database. "I'm sending you the Kuati Sector Forces Modus Operandi. Your people will be required to follow it while using authority in our sector. While we are very lenient, crime is a very serious thing. Corrupt authorities are not tolerated either, and if found out, engage with whatever means as long as it meets the rules of engagement. That means while an officer may choose not to use deadly force against a murder, a corrupt authority member must be faced with the same use of force that they exert, at all times. Failure to do so may mean the failure to apprehend the individual could mean they get away. The less harsh crimes, which should be the majority - Even murder may be classified into this unless it's genocide - will be sent to a new system I am preparing; the Kuat Court Systems. As long as their intentions were not evil, accidental or wanting, the label will be taken from them and they will be forced to do community service, while paying restitution to any of the afflicted relations. i.e. Friends or Family. All criminals you apprehend in the Kuat Sector, except on the Planet Kuat, will be sent to Kuat Court Systems, and we will settle them."

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum had hoped that he would say that. Without a need to be responsible for the prisoner's punishment, the droid felt there would be more freedom for his officers to maintain the peace. There would be no need for long-term containment facilities or punishment apparatus and thus more resources could be poured into merely outfitting the forces. Of course, he would need to have those sorts of things created nonetheless, in case some later patron required it.

"Understood. Thank you for the information. Is there any other special rules that should be noted, or any information that should be shared?"

[member="Ferron Troste"]

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Ultimatum"]


Ferron looked over the information he wrote down from their conversation, reading over it quickly. "Twenty Incarcerators and forty interceptors for testing, material supply for maintenance, ah - You may use our facilities, which includes the Orbital Array, for maintenance. At a later time, you should request an order for a space station as a headquarters for your people. Whether that would just be for Kuat, or a more longterm solution where we can build you a station to use anywhere else.I need weekly reports of your efforts, how other organizations respond to your idea and how your units are doing in active roles. Should things go smoothly, Kuat Drive Yards will sponsor you and create custom modified ships for your security force to operate. There is one additional requirement; you understand your force is strictly law enforcement, you do not make the rules? Your officers will need to understand not only are they not above the law, but they are held to our laws. You investigate and you arrest, at times, if necessary, take the criminal down. But the death of an individual at the hands of your security will be investigated. Do not chock it up to, 'oh, self defense. Your man did a great job,' kind of deal. When they pull that trigger they are taking a life, that needs to be understood as a serious thing. Kuati Sector Forces have jurisdiction everywhere in Kuat Drive Yards territory, of course we spoke about none on Kuat. But that means when KSF takes over, you leave. When you drop off a criminal into KSF custody, you can stop worrying about them and move on. The only reason you would go back to that criminal is if somehow they escaped custody. Additionally, later on I may contact LOOM again for assistance in the field of armor producing. Other than that, all looks good and well to me. The ships I've assigned to you I will be sending over the construction orders to our Shipyards and you can pick them up any time after they are ready. Anything more you'd like to add?"

 

[Ultimatum]

Life was a sacred thing. Or so Ultimatum had been told by any number of organics. While he could not vouch for the pseudo-religious importance, Ultimatum did agree that life was one of those aspects of the galaxy that should be protected at almost any cost. At one point, in an older version of himself, the droid had been a war machine, built to kill and make strategies that would have killed. But now, through some change which he could not discern, the droid cared for life more thoroughly than was possible before. His last rendition had been indeed more cautious about the loss of life but had still built machines of mass destruction, ostensively to help end war. Ultimatum had little intention of allowing his people to use, much less have lethal weapons in the field. Would it add potential danger to the officers? Yes. However, [member="Ferron Troste"] had demonstrated the exact reason to allow such a threat. When it came to it, a civilian would little understand the preference to kill a criminal than to let an officer die. Killing, while never the preferable outcome, occasionally was the only method. To punish an officer for self-preservation, which honestly most people would kill to keep themselves alive, was a hypocrisy that Ultimatum could little abide. But he did because there was no alternative. He could not just cut himself off from the rest of civilization and therefore had to overcome his own weaknesses.

"Thank you for the expounding. We shall not make rules, but as keepers of the laws, we will have the ability investigate and detain anyone who, with sufficient evidence, is suspected of criminal activity. Further judgment and following punishment will be left to the KSF. I would expect that should an officer kill another person that the officer will be given the same benefit of innocence until proven guilty as any other criminal."

That was an aspect that Ultimatum wanted to ensure was understood. Certainly, an officer killing another would be given serious questioning, not just by the KSF but also by Ultimatum's organization. However, there would need to be protection in place against an officer being treated like a criminal for defending himself in a life or death situation. The police would be held to a higher standard than civilians, as far as remaining calm under pressure, but that did not mean that they should be treated any differently than someone who may have committed murder in defense of their life.

"I hope that LOOM may help more. I look forward to beginning this venture as soon as possible. I believe that is all I have. Unless you have something more to suggest I believe this is farewell for now."

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Ultimatum"]

"I'm getting the wrong impression," Ferron leaned back, clasping his hands together, "I'm getting the feeling from your words you misunderstood me. I will not put an officer on death row or on trial for self preservation nor for taking lethal action against equally lethal action. I want them to understand lethal action is a last resort. I want them to understand that taking a life isn't easy, it isn't rewarded with a pat on the back. I want them to understand they just snuffed out a light in the ever consuming darkness we call the universe. The more that are killed, the more dim we get everyday. Passive investigations are legal on another Officer, but nothing to pressure them to think they are a bad guy. There's been enough killing in the galaxy since the Plague, Ultimatum. I don't want to see anymore. Good day." And with that, Ferron shut off the holonet feed. He sat there at his desk and stared at the monitor, pondering, he never thought he'd have a day discussing and explaining life and death, morality, right and wrong, with a droid. In Ferrons mind and culture, it was no different than talking to a pet, or a wall, questioning whether they understand anything of what they said. Not the words they spoke, but the meaning in them. Of course, if Ultimatum had any further questions, he could contact Ferron again.