Private The Rock of Ages

[Derron Daks]

Shuttle DDSI Vector
Planet Ceto - Asherah System
Enroute to Salacia Consolidated HQ

​

"Cetosian Control, this is the DDSI Vector on approach. Requesting clearance for descent along preset authorized route 2269."

While the pilot called in for descent clearance, Derron Daks sat in the spacious and comfortable interior of the Lambda-class shuttle. Dynamic Discoveries & Scientific Initiatives was a well-funded company for its size, but it hadn't splurged for executive shuttles. Still, the Lambda provided more than enough comfort for the CEO's needs, and was notably better armed than the competing Tango class vessels which ferried the wealthy about the galaxy.

The first thing Derron had learned about the unknown corners of the galaxy was that they could be very dangerous.

Fortunately, none of that danger loomed here, at the civilized and pacifist world of Ceto. Listed on some charts as Oceanic and on others as an Archipelago World, it was big, blue, and beautiful, and home to a variety of species that appreciated lovely beach-side and undersea living.

"Let's go over the details one more time before landing," Derron told the protocol droid seated across from him. It was a rental which he'd arranged for this assignment. Eventually, he'd get one of his own, but DDSI wasn't quite at the stage of spending money for frills. The scientific and exploration gear they had- not to mention the corporate flagship- were quite expensive enough. Derron had found it easier to justify a culinary droid to service the crew, than a personal assistant protocol droid, at this stage of his company's development. No one who looked at the corporate data sheet would mistake the CEO for indulging himself at the expense of the company.

The droid nodded, "Of course, Sir. You will be meeting with the corporate heir, a Human-Galanite hybrid by the name of Makai Dashiell. He holds degrees in Marine Geosciences and Geospatial Analysis, a rarity of higher educational achievement for someone of his cultural background. He is the anticipated heir to Salacia Consolidated, a company primarily owned by his father, Judah Dashiell. It seems likely the son has been granted this meeting to prepare him for a larger leadership role at the company as the father considers transitioning into retirement. This is speculation, however."

The droid paused, as if considering the proper protocol for its inquiry. Finally, it spoke again, "If I may, Sir, Salacia Consolidated is primarily known for its oceanic mining operations. It is renowned for extracting minerals from within an ocean floor without contaminating the biosphere. But they are not known for mining in space, and have no particular expertise in this area."

Derron's brows lifted one millimeter. An almost imperceptible change, but one which demonstrated the man's surprise at the droid's inquisitiveness. "So, you wonder why I have chosen them for this offer?"

The droid nodded, "Precisely, Sir."

Derron studied the expressionless face of the droid for a moment. "You realize that you will be memory wiped after this meeting, and so my answer will not avail you of any greater understanding?"

The droid nodded, "Yes, Sir. I only ask because it may aid in negotiations during the meeting."

Derron considered this for a long moment. He would have to check the droid for a backup memory core. It would be easy to use rented protocol droids for the purposes of espionage.

"A dedicated space mining corporation would be more likely to have the resources to take the information from this meeting and use it to discover the very data I wish to sell through independent inquiry. Perhaps after stalling me with a promise of contract- one which is repeatedly delayed. Then, to cancel at the last moment once their formidable resources discover the item in question. I anticipate a seventy-percent chance of this outcome with any of the likely space ore mining corporations.

However, an oceanic mining corporation is unlikely to have the resources to embark on such a betrayal. Any agreement with them is more likely to be legitimate, and less likely to be a ploy. There is some difficulty in that their space mining resources may not be up to the task at hand. However, with the promise of a find of this magnitude, they will be able to make the necessary investment in space mining vehicles. Or perhaps manufacture them at their subsidiary shipyard. I anticipate that the chance of betrayal is only thirty-percent."

The droid nodded, "I see. I am equipped to read micro-expressions. So, if betrayal is your concern, I can evaluate the truthfulness of the young man as he negotiates with you."

"No," Derron said almost immediately, "according to my research, micro-expressions in hybrid species are misread at least twenty-percent of the time, due to different heritages producing different emotional tells. I would rather be deceived by the man himself than by your misreading of the situation."

"Then, if I may ask, Sir... what is my role here?"

Derron frowned very slightly, "My human officers have occasionally expressed... concern... with my manner. The cybernetic implants which enable my superior traditional intellect have also... blunted... my emotional intelligence. You are here for protocol. Nothing more. You will help to adjust the course of negotiations if my manner of speaking or emotional understanding proves... inadequate."

The droid nodded once more, "Understood, Sir."

The shuttle shuddered slightly as it set down on a landing pad. Derron stood up, dwarfing the protocol droid by nearly a foot. Yakans were near-human, but they were bigger than average.

The exit ramp for the shuttle lowered. Derron and the droid stepped down to the platform proper.

Hopefully, there would be someone here to meet them.





Makai Dashiell

​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Ceto.

Makai hadn't been on the planet since he was six years old. He supposed he should feel some type of fondness or longing or desire to see some of the 'sights' such as his childhood home or tour more of the Salacia facility. Yet he would be skipping all of that, nothing about the planet felt like home, it had been nothing but bad memory after bad memory.

He knew he would have to return at one point. Salacia's subsidiary - Sedna Mining - has perfected the art of oceanic mining in a sustainable way. Now that he was taking over the mining portions of Salacia Consolidated, that meant visiting every mine in their vast portfolio. It also meant expanding and trying something new. Salacia did well with mining on land ; oceans or deserts or mountain valleys but had never ventured into space or asteroid mining. Makai had been looking towards atmospheric gas mining but that was a bit further down the road.

Ocean breeze kicked up as he stood on the landing platform dressed in a navy blue suit, quite the contrast to the quiet tropical vibes of the planet. Makai was taking a page from his fathers book and meeting the other personally, rather than using his personal protocol droid, L3-37. Even if he wasn't willing to visit the other immediately upon landing, L3 greeting others wasn't a wise idea. Makai thought the droid was a bit intimating in an overbearing, rapid-fire question type of way.

[ Sir, do you want me to do the talking? Should I introduce you? ]

Makai had his eyes closed, enjoying the warmth of the sun beating down.

"Not at all L3. I'll introduce you. Just take a break today."

[ Understood. I will observe until needed. ]

Well that was a first. Iced topaz eyes opened as he heard the vessel approach. Landing didn't take long and soon enough a tall being was walking down the ramp. Makai was going to assume this was who he was supposed to meet - had a very scientific look about him. Focused.

Hand was outstretched in greeting.

"Mister Daks? Pleasure to meet you, Makai Dashiell. This is my protocol droid, L3-37. Welcome to Ceto."

Derron Daks

 

[Derron Daks]

Derron remembered that he was supposed to smile, and managed to put something resembling the correct expression on his face.

"Mr. Dashiell. It is gratifying to meet you." He gestured to one side, "This is my droid..." He paused, realizing he had no idea of the droid's designation.

"CF-0Z," the droid interjected, "though many humanoids elect to call me 'Foz.'

Derron went on, "This planet's high ocean-to-surface ratio explains your company's prowess at undersea mining."

"That is, the oceans are quite beautiful on Ceto," Foz interjected once more.

Derron glanced at the droid, then back at Makai, "Liquid water comprises less than a hundredth of one percent of the observable mass in the universe. You can do better."

The droid coughed, which was a wholly artificial sound for a droid to make. "That is, Mister Daks has an exciting opportunity for you to expand your well-regarded and profitable operations for even greater success."

Derron looked to the droid again, looking very much like someone who didn't understand why the droid kept feeling the need to make commentary. Things had barely begun, but already he perceived that his social skills were veering off of expectation.

"Perhaps we should go into a private meeting space," Derron said.

"Unless you prefer to perform some relaxing, getting-to-know-you function, first," Foz added.






Makai Dashiell

 

[Makai Dashiell]

It wasn't often Makai had to crane his head up to look at someone. Eyes squinted against the bright sun as he looked between Mister Daks and the protocol droid known as Foz. Unlike the relationship between himself and Thirty-Seven, it seemed the exact opposite. Foz was the one filling in the warm, cordial fluff of business while Daks was cut and dry.

Cut and dry didn't bother him. Rather a refreshing change from the thin veneer that he had encountered recently.

"Mister Daks is right, I could be doing better. Let's head inside and discuss our potential contract."

L3-37 looked to CF-07.

[ I see you have a problem with your organic as well. You have my sympathy. ]

Ignoring the droid commentary, Makai walked along towards a building with massive glass windows overlooking a vast portion of the ocean.

"How long have you been in business Mister Daks? Is there a certain reason you chose this line of work or did it just fall into your lap so to speak?"

Makai was working on filling the silence on the short walk, working on his business niceties skills, not that they needed that much polishing. Just honing.

Derron Daks

 

[Derron Daks]

Derron followed Makai inside, oblivious to the consolations offered by one droid to the other. If droids such as these could have expressions, Foz would have returned a commiserating look.

"It has been about a year, now," Derron said. Even he wasn't immune to the allure of talking about himself and his interests.

"At a young age, I determined that knowledge was the greatest possible boon to the interests of sentient life. Further, that the acquisition of knowledge must therefore be the noblest pursuit of sentient beings.

I spent some time in debate with myself about the best means to obtain knowledge. It struck me that there were many extant research institutes and corporations suitable to investigating every phenomenon and area of scientific inquiry. The most successful were engaged in such pursuits for economic gain. The commodification of knowledge has been the greatest boon to scientific endeavor, gaining interest that would otherwise be absent.

However, there is only so much that can be gleaned while remaining in a single environment. There is always the need for new material to study. New data, which can only be obtained elsewhere in the universe. Research institutes and corporations require that someone go out and get that data. Exploration corporations have surfaced to fill such needs in the past.

Most exploration corporations I became familiar with were interested in a single area of inquiry. Usually in service to a single industry. Hyperspace lane mapping. Planetary surveys. Mineralogical sampling.

However, such focus means that exploratory efforts of these companies are necessarily discarding a great deal of the data-acquisition opportunities they encounter in favor of a particular area of interest.

I foresaw the benefit of having an exploration company with more general focus, using ships equipped for a variety of investigations. The knowledge obtained could be of benefit to any number of industries. Commodifying the data- making it available for sale- would provide revenue to further expand the scientific fleet.

It was on this premise that I secured investment for a general research corporation equipped to collect data about anything, anywhere, for anyone. And indeed for no one in particular. We investigate in the proverbial now and figure out buyers later. There is always someone who is interested in what we discover."

He regarded Makai.

"Often we put the data for sale to the highest bidder. But sometimes, more care and prudence are warranted.

I have determined that dealing with your corporation is most likely to garner mutual benefit at low risk. The information I have is so valuable that a more established or larger mineral extraction organization would be tempted to use deception or aggression to take what I would prefer to sell."

Foz spoke up hastily, "Mister Daks means to say that your honor and reputation are above reproach."




Makai Dashiell

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Makai listened to the man's explanation on his ventures into data and exploration, how he chose not to remain in one sphere of knowledge. He could relate - hence why this meeting about expanding in mining operations. Oceanic mining was great, as were their ventures recently in tunnel and strip mining operations.

Being in charge now of the entire mining division, Makai was eager to expand their sights elsewhere. Asteroid, space, and gas mining as soon as possible. Thanks to a relationship with MaraTibX, gas mining was next on the agenda, several gas giants had already been marked for survey.

"I appreciate the acknowledgement of our reputation. It's something my father has worked hard to establish throughout years."

As they entered the building, Makai directed the tall CEO to a conference room for further talks. Various refreshments sat in the middle of the table, Thirty-Seven's doing as the droid wasn't aware of Mister Dak's preferences.

"Please, take a seat."

Makai sat down, yet not at the head of the conference table. A subtle sign he wished the negotiations to be more of a partnership between both organizations.

"We're willing to pay your organization what the data is worth, there is no doubt about that. What is more valuable in this situation is continuing to work in a beneficial arrangement in the future."

Derron Daks

 

[Derron Daks]

Foz advanced and pulled a chair for Derron, ensuring that he sat in an appropriate collaborative position. It was the sort of subtle prompting and manipulation that good protocol droids did without most people noticing.

"Thank you," Derron remembered to say as he took the seat. He glanced over the drinks and selected something that seemed reasonably likely to be water. It was.

"I am not entirely convinced that you can pay what the data is worth," Derron said, "at least, not up front. But your honest intention to do so is laudable.

I should perhaps begin by explaining more about what we've discovered."

He dipped fingers into the shirt pocket under his suit jacket and produced a data-chip.

"If this table has a holo-projection feature, I'd like to make a brief presentation so that you will fully grasp what is being discussed."

The chip was a standard media storage medium, commonly used throughout the galaxy.



Makai Dashiell

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Makai sat down with Thirty-Seven just behind his shoulder. At first he had struggled with the protocol droid looming over him but by now the droid was just another fixture in his life. The half-Galan just needed to ensure he stayed quiet.

Presentation came to life in the middle of the table. Neutronium. A fairly rare ore, used for various ship hulls and armor. Makai knew it was a fairly strong metal once properly refined.

Images of an asteroid field circled the table, along with hovering text and references, pointing out some of the data on estimated value and volume of the ores.

Makai looked to Derron.

"These asteroids are fairly isolated? Trying to gauge security risk and territory claims."

Derron Daks

 

[Derron Daks]

Derron nodded.

"Isolated, and with extra-galactic origins."

He stood, and moved his hands so that that the computer should shift the display according to his gesticulations.

"As you know, neutronium has applications in various alloys for hulls, armor, and weapon systems. A single capital ship can demand ten million tons of it, mixed in with more common iron, titanium, and carbon.

Our original find was a rogue neutronium asteroid on course to collide with a planet. This event had several witnesses, and potentially other claimants."

​

He shifted the display again.

"But our scientists went to work trying to ascertain where the neutronium had come from.

Adjusting its flight-path by reverse-engineering gravitational influences, we tracked its course to a nearby galaxy where a kilonova is suspected to have occurred about one-hundred million years ago, creating ejecta that were accelerated to a percentage of lightspeed.

After running mathematical probability studies on the predicted ejecta of such a kilonova, we were able to deduce the likely flight path of additional material.

This ejecta was drawn by gravity towards our galaxy, and was further captured by a lone star with no planets of its own, in outer-rim territory which is not currently claimed by any power."

"There is no reason the typical observer would suspect that a lone blue dwarf of this type would produce mineral material worthy of investigation. And indeed it did not. It merely captured interesting material from outside the galaxy.

To the best of our knowledge, no one is aware of this field, and if anyone became aware of it, they would have no reason to suspect it has unusual value.

7.7 times 10 to the 12th metric tons of neutronium. Enough to supply the needs of an entire sector for a century."

The profit to be found in a field like that was hard to calculate, but it was certainly enough to fund the creation of an entire fleet of interstellar mining vessels. In a few years, it could turn a minor mining company into one of the powerhouses of the galaxy.

Unfortunately, it was also worth so much that paying for its location could be financially devastating.





Makai Dashiell

 

[Makai Dashiell]

7.7 times 10 to the 12th metric tons of neutronium. Enough to supply the needs of an entire sector for a century."

"Now this explains why you said we could not afford the data."

Makai chuckled a little, shaking his head. He doubted even Arceneau Trade could afford to pay for such information outright. Supplying an entire sector for more than a century was a very profitable venture.

To the best of our knowledge, no one is aware of this field, and if anyone became aware of it, they would have no reason to suspect it has unusual value.

"This is a good thing. Sounds like its quite buried out there. We do have several resources to pull from in order to reach - long distances are nothing for the company. You would only the imagine the salvage that's out in the middle of nowhere."

Makai enjoyed Derron was no nonsense. Cutting straight to the point was important. It meant less risk of something being buried in flowery language.

"What are your terms for the contract? As in, what are you looking to gain? We have limited asteroid mining experience but do have the connections to start mining quickly and efficiently."

Derron Daks

 

[Derron Daks]

Derron sat down again with his arms lowered.

"I am gratified to hear that you can start mining swiftly. I was not entirely certain about your scope and reach."

Foz quickly spoke up, "Of course, your planetary mining acumen is well-renowned."

Derron glanced at the droid. It was constantly interjecting irrelevancies. This suggested to him that these irrelevancies had relevance that escaped him.

How could a droid be better at protocol than a living being, even one which had been cybernetically modified? Well... he certainly hadn't prioritized such functions. Installing a protocol chip in his cranial implant seemed like a waste of limited processing capacity.

"I propose that you take possession of the field at no up-front cost. Instead, you agree that DDSI will receive one-percent of the mined material, which you will sell on consignment for us at the going market rate.

Such terms would enable DDSI to expand our exploration fleet, relying on the profits from the neutronium for ongoing costs. This, without having to invest our own ships or personnel into extracting and marketing ore. A continuing source of revenue is more valuable to me than even a sizeable up-front payment, as the salaries of crew and expense of fuel have costs that extend indefinitely and multiply with each ship put into service.

Moreover, if this arrangement is successful, I propose that any future finds of interest to a mining concern be presented to your corporation on a first-right-of-refusal basis.

I would prefer to continue dealings with a trustworthy trading partner rather than seek the greatest possible immediate profit. The highest bidders are often shrewd and conniving, seeking their own short-term advantages rather than building relationships.

These are pitfalls and safety concerns I prefer to sidestep. I am in the business of discovery, not in the business of business."

If a droid could have conveyed wordless discomfort, Foz would have done so at several points. Still, nothing said crossed the threshold where another interjection seemed necessary.



Makai Dashiell

 

[Makai Dashiell]

He listened without interruption, the cybernetic being before him actually made perfect sense. Terms were reasonable - one percent of profits sold at market. Considering their mining holding, Sedna, would be assuming all the risks associated. Labor, vessels, security, the hassle of refining and selling on the market.

Eyes glanced to Thirty-Seven. The droid was unusually quiet, perhaps he had finally learned to not interject where needed. Or perhaps the deal was worth taking and there was nothing his protocol droid could say.

"We will accept your terms. One percent of the mined profits and a long-term relationship in other discoveries you may come across."

[ I can provide contact information for Mister Dashiell to your protocol droid for future use. ]

Of course Thirty-Seven couldn't go too long without interjecting himself.

"I find building long-term relationships often bring in more profit in the future, rather than going for short term goals. However, not all view it this way. Nice to know we both agree on this front."

Mentally he calculated a timeline. Various pieces of equipment would have to be bought and put into place, along with an experienced asteroid mining crew. A refining facility would have to be brought in, those tended to move a bit slow through space.

If he started now, easily two to three months and profits would be flowing.

"I project you will see profits in one quarter, perhaps a bit sooner. Do you find this agreeable or do I need to make the impossible happen and advance the timeline?"

Derron Daks

 

[Derron Daks]

A smile actually touched lightly upon Derron's features as he stood up.

"I can't think of a surer way to ruin a large operation than by rushing it. One quarter will be just fine.

In any event, if we need funds sooner, we can always borrow against expected returns now that an agreement is in place."

He extended a large hand in an offer of a handshake, which even he understood was the proper way to informally make an agreement.

Paperwork would follow for the more formal part of this process, of course. Perhaps more than a day's worth. But with the agreement made in principle, everything else was just details. Details that Foz was ably equipped to help him handle.

Derron glanced at Foz.

Perhaps this would become a 'rent-to-own' situation. As irritating as the droid's interruptions were, this meeting had gone off without a hitch. Some of Derron's other arrangements hadn't gone as smoothly.

Then again, perhaps there was more than a good protocol droid at work.

Looking again at Makai, he recognized that the man himself had qualities which made frustration-free negotiations possible.

"I look forward to a long and profitable working relationship with you, Sir."




Makai Dashiell

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Makai stood and shook the mans hand, happy to make the agreement in their new foray into asteroid and space mining. He hadn't been sure if the contract had been a possibility at first, especially considering their lack of work in this area.

"Likewise Mister Daks. I look forward to continuing furthering our business relationship."

[ I assure you Mister Daks the contract will be drawn and signed according to your liking. I will be contacting you or your protocol droid shortly. ]

"Ensure you also get Mister Daks' contact information and that of his droid Foz. I would like to keep them updated regularly of our progress."

[ Of course Sir. ]

Derron Daks