Kamino
Seamus Arliss sat facing the Military Tribunal Council, convened to review Arliss Industries latest request. Having to deal with military types always irritated the business owner since they always tried to impress with power where they had no personal money.
Unfortunately for them, I have both.
“Mr. Arliss,” a rather fat retired Admiral, having won his fame from Fondor and subsequently retiring, was saying, “ surely you are aware of the Biogenetics Accords drafted by the Military Command classifying biomaterial as a military item and as such, a material unable to be allocated to civilian and private agencies.”
Seamus was flanked by his corporate lawyer, Mr. Conrad of Financing, and Jenice Arliss, his daughter and Executive Director of Arliss Towers on Muunillist. All were seated stiffly in their seats and were immaculately dressed.
The lawyer, a white haired and rather pale figure, leaned forward. “Does this also include Bacta?”
“Objection! Irrelevant to the case at hand.” the Imperial protocol droid serving as a legal recorder incorporated.
“Sustained. Mr. Arliss, if you will instruct your lawyer to stick to the relevancy of the case at hand, this Tribunal will not have to hold you in contempt.”
Another Admiral spoke up, relishing the thought of going against Seamus Arliss, “The issue at hand being that your company has petitioned the Military Command for samples of Bioweapons-grade material. Given the ‘Accords’ Policy, we find that this Tribunal cannot, in good conscience, release the material to you.”
Good conscience, indeed! How many Admirals does the Empire have?
Another retired Moff spoke up, a Moff Handler.
Things do not look so dark just yet..
“While my esteemed fellow officers do interpret the Biogenetics Accords truthfully, I feel I must give you the underlying reasoning behind the Accords and the Tribunal’s decision.”
Moff Handler put his hands together and leaned forward. “Mr. Arliss, bioweapons are quickly turning into a commonplace item in the arsenals of both factions and terrorist organizations. It is the Regent’s express decision, as well as the Imperial High Command that such material be handled by none other than military organizations.
By giving access to a possibly virulent biomaterial, we provide an unnecessary risk to our citizenry and Empire at large.”
The fat Admiral broke in, attempting to be the voice of reason, “A private corporation just does not have the suitable security measures to prevent the material from falling into the wrong hands.”
A captain from the Bastion Conclave spoke up, “We will NOT have another Wrath Virus on our hands nor another New Empire!”
Jenice Arliss spoke up, “Biomaterial does not mean bioweapons, however. Surely the Tribunal can see the distinction..”
“Acquisition of suitable biomaterial is the first step to the creation of a bioweapon.”
“Durasteel is the first acquisition for building a planetary defense cannon. I do not see the military regulating durasteel purchases.” Jenice countered.
“Durasteel was not an item for discussion when the Biogenetic Accords were drafted, Ms. Arliss.” Moff Handler answered quietly.
“This is bullshit!” Mr. Conrad whispered to Seamus and Seamus agreed. Military politics were fairly different in nature than those with political offices. “We don’t run into these damned roadblocks when working from Coruscant!”
Because we have the government’s ear on Coruscant! snapped Seamus’ mind irritably. He sighed, ..but what we need is not on Corsucant now. It’s here.
“Moff Handler, this is nothing more than a delaying tactic devised by the regional commander of this planet. The Bastion Conclave cannot be happy with their monopoly over the cloning industry being prevented. However, it must please you to know that we have no intention of raiding any of Kamino’s genetic secrets. They still retain the premier status among cloners galaxy wide.”
“Words..” muttered the Commander, a little too low for Seamus to hear though the expression on his face told all.
“The manufacture of bioweapons is to remain in the hands of the military, Mr. Arliss, whatever the commander’s intentions or feelings.” Moff Handler concluded.
“We are not asking to circumvent the Biogenetic Accords, Moff Handler,” the lawyer continued. “We are not asking for your consent to build bioweapons. We are, however, asking for this Tribunal’s consent to have access to necessary biomaterial.”
“The use of which is strictly restricted by the same Accords!” the fat Admiral nearly shouted. “There is no getting around it!”
“Restricted yes, but no prohibited.” The lawyer countered. “As in the case of Bacta.”
“The definition of Bacta and it’s relation to Biogenetic Accords is still under review.” The retired Admiral commented.
“To give you access to biomaterial is tantamount to giving you our consent to build bioweapons. There is money in bioweaponry Mr. Arliss. Lots of money. Can this Tribunal actually be asked to believe you will turn your eyes from a substantial profit?”
Seamus Arliss smiled at that. “Yes. When there is substantially more to be made with what we are proposing.”
Jenice Arliss spoke up, “Can this Tribunal actually guarantee that if the military retained all biomaterial in their possession, that there will not be another debacle like Wrath loosed upon the Empire?”
The Tribunal shifted uneasily and Moff Handler had the shadow of a smile form on his lips. “No, we cannot guarantee.. .but we can reduce the probability of the military held in security biomaterial.”
Jenice continued, “Of course. No one here is saying that the Biogenetic Accords are wrong! That military protocol is used to secure biomaterial is advantageous. But our proposition rests on one factor. Even with the probability reduced, that small chance is still too high! If something like Wrath was released the damage would still be extensive!
So, does this Tribunal think that the military is prepared to handle the outbreak of a bioweapon. Is the military prepared to combat a weapon of extreme depth and scope should an outbreak occur?”
“The Biogenetic Accords limits access to biomaterial and thus reduces the chance for bioweapons to spread in the Empire but the Accords do nothing to prepare the military for combating either an outbreak or handling the damage it ensues.
And that is where Arliss Industries comes in.”
The lawyer spoke up, “The Invisec Division of Arliss Industries had obtained a military charter to set up Emergency Response Centers on every planet in the Empire. The prime objective of Invisec is to develop counter-agents against bioweapons used against the people of the Empire.”
“There is more profit in curing a person with a sickness than giving them the sickness isn’t it?” Moff Handler commented dryly.
Mr. Conrad spoke up sharply, “Be that as it may, the military is pathetically ill-prepared to handle another crisis on the level of Wrath. We are here to set up that infrastructure to ensure that the Empire can combat an enemy on ALL fronts!”
“The only advantage of the military is logistical support it has in place. But there is no clear line of command and control procedures in place.”
“But what you are asking for is a military responsibility.”
“Which is why Invisec Division is a military charter. This division will be funded by the Imperial Military Budget..”
“..which usually means the department will be flat broke most of the time.” Mr. Conrad inserted.
“..and why Arliss will also direct it’s own resources to make Invisec Division a serious player in military matters involving biowarfare and counteraction. The division will prepare regular status reports and delivered to the officer in charge. The power of the Emergency Response Center will be nearly absolute in the advent of a bioterrorist act, yet every other time completely subordinate to the local chain of command.”
“But we will not be able to transfer personnel..”
“No. Our operation is highly specific and specialized. Our people will be the best at what they do.”
The lawyer spoke up, “What we are doing today is presenting you with our charter notification and taking the local people’s pulse (as it were) about ERC’s being set up.”
“And to secure available quantities of biomaterial...”
“Absolutely NOT!” barked the fat Admiral. “By all means, give us cures, but you do not need biomaterial…” his voice trailed off as he looked at his fellow Tribunal members. “They do?” he asked.
Moff Handler cleared his throat but it was the Bastion Conclave Commander who spoke, “To test cures one needs the proper medium to work with.” He turned to the representatives of Arliss Industries. “I suppose you will want samples of the Empire’s bioweapons as well?”
“Why thank you, Commander! I had hoped to obtain samples of our own bioweapons. Imperial Intelligence has already agreed to send us samples of any bioweapon material that outside factions are developing so we can work to arm ourselves.”
Seamus shrugged, “but with the rebellions to the New Order, it seems the prudent thing to secure cures for our own weapons should some insanity induce someone to turn our own weapons against us.”
“There is talk of increasing the internal security of the Empire..”
“And it will go a very long way to making sure such insanity never takes one of our officers but better safe than sorry.” Seamus finished smoothly.
Moff Handler smiled. “While you do have a military charter, I find that it is also general due to this being a rather new creation. Therefore, we should meet tomorrow to determine the exact jurisdictions and responsibilities of the ERC’s and how we can insert them into our present Military System with as few problems as possible.
We are adjourned until tomorrow. Same time.”
The Tribunal members and the Arliss Representatives stood in unison. When the members had exited, Jenice let out a breath. “Military pricks.” She said, with little heat.
“I don’t know. Moff Handler seemed to enjoy himself.” Seamus mused.
“He’ll be a problem if he comes down on the wrong side of this.” Mr. Conrad commented packing his notes in his briefcase.
“We have the charter from Imperial Center but it’s up to us to see that it is implemented the way we want with the various districts. Damned military bureaucracy!”
“It’s a damned shame we couldn’t get the Military Budget to cover only Invisec’s corporate expenses.” Mr. Conrad mourned.
“No. I’ll not have our company come under military scrutiny. I consented to Invisec because it is necessary to do what we need to do!”
“Besides,” Jenice offered, “The Imperial Military Budget couldn’t afford to pay our entire corporate expenses.”
Seamus laughed. “Come all. I know this perfect seafood place about 200 fathoms down.”
Seamus Arliss sat facing the Military Tribunal Council, convened to review Arliss Industries latest request. Having to deal with military types always irritated the business owner since they always tried to impress with power where they had no personal money.
Unfortunately for them, I have both.
“Mr. Arliss,” a rather fat retired Admiral, having won his fame from Fondor and subsequently retiring, was saying, “ surely you are aware of the Biogenetics Accords drafted by the Military Command classifying biomaterial as a military item and as such, a material unable to be allocated to civilian and private agencies.”
Seamus was flanked by his corporate lawyer, Mr. Conrad of Financing, and Jenice Arliss, his daughter and Executive Director of Arliss Towers on Muunillist. All were seated stiffly in their seats and were immaculately dressed.
The lawyer, a white haired and rather pale figure, leaned forward. “Does this also include Bacta?”
“Objection! Irrelevant to the case at hand.” the Imperial protocol droid serving as a legal recorder incorporated.
“Sustained. Mr. Arliss, if you will instruct your lawyer to stick to the relevancy of the case at hand, this Tribunal will not have to hold you in contempt.”
Another Admiral spoke up, relishing the thought of going against Seamus Arliss, “The issue at hand being that your company has petitioned the Military Command for samples of Bioweapons-grade material. Given the ‘Accords’ Policy, we find that this Tribunal cannot, in good conscience, release the material to you.”
Good conscience, indeed! How many Admirals does the Empire have?
Another retired Moff spoke up, a Moff Handler.
Things do not look so dark just yet..
“While my esteemed fellow officers do interpret the Biogenetics Accords truthfully, I feel I must give you the underlying reasoning behind the Accords and the Tribunal’s decision.”
Moff Handler put his hands together and leaned forward. “Mr. Arliss, bioweapons are quickly turning into a commonplace item in the arsenals of both factions and terrorist organizations. It is the Regent’s express decision, as well as the Imperial High Command that such material be handled by none other than military organizations.
By giving access to a possibly virulent biomaterial, we provide an unnecessary risk to our citizenry and Empire at large.”
The fat Admiral broke in, attempting to be the voice of reason, “A private corporation just does not have the suitable security measures to prevent the material from falling into the wrong hands.”
A captain from the Bastion Conclave spoke up, “We will NOT have another Wrath Virus on our hands nor another New Empire!”
Jenice Arliss spoke up, “Biomaterial does not mean bioweapons, however. Surely the Tribunal can see the distinction..”
“Acquisition of suitable biomaterial is the first step to the creation of a bioweapon.”
“Durasteel is the first acquisition for building a planetary defense cannon. I do not see the military regulating durasteel purchases.” Jenice countered.
“Durasteel was not an item for discussion when the Biogenetic Accords were drafted, Ms. Arliss.” Moff Handler answered quietly.
“This is bullshit!” Mr. Conrad whispered to Seamus and Seamus agreed. Military politics were fairly different in nature than those with political offices. “We don’t run into these damned roadblocks when working from Coruscant!”
Because we have the government’s ear on Coruscant! snapped Seamus’ mind irritably. He sighed, ..but what we need is not on Corsucant now. It’s here.
“Moff Handler, this is nothing more than a delaying tactic devised by the regional commander of this planet. The Bastion Conclave cannot be happy with their monopoly over the cloning industry being prevented. However, it must please you to know that we have no intention of raiding any of Kamino’s genetic secrets. They still retain the premier status among cloners galaxy wide.”
“Words..” muttered the Commander, a little too low for Seamus to hear though the expression on his face told all.
“The manufacture of bioweapons is to remain in the hands of the military, Mr. Arliss, whatever the commander’s intentions or feelings.” Moff Handler concluded.
“We are not asking to circumvent the Biogenetic Accords, Moff Handler,” the lawyer continued. “We are not asking for your consent to build bioweapons. We are, however, asking for this Tribunal’s consent to have access to necessary biomaterial.”
“The use of which is strictly restricted by the same Accords!” the fat Admiral nearly shouted. “There is no getting around it!”
“Restricted yes, but no prohibited.” The lawyer countered. “As in the case of Bacta.”
“The definition of Bacta and it’s relation to Biogenetic Accords is still under review.” The retired Admiral commented.
“To give you access to biomaterial is tantamount to giving you our consent to build bioweapons. There is money in bioweaponry Mr. Arliss. Lots of money. Can this Tribunal actually be asked to believe you will turn your eyes from a substantial profit?”
Seamus Arliss smiled at that. “Yes. When there is substantially more to be made with what we are proposing.”
Jenice Arliss spoke up, “Can this Tribunal actually guarantee that if the military retained all biomaterial in their possession, that there will not be another debacle like Wrath loosed upon the Empire?”
The Tribunal shifted uneasily and Moff Handler had the shadow of a smile form on his lips. “No, we cannot guarantee.. .but we can reduce the probability of the military held in security biomaterial.”
Jenice continued, “Of course. No one here is saying that the Biogenetic Accords are wrong! That military protocol is used to secure biomaterial is advantageous. But our proposition rests on one factor. Even with the probability reduced, that small chance is still too high! If something like Wrath was released the damage would still be extensive!
So, does this Tribunal think that the military is prepared to handle the outbreak of a bioweapon. Is the military prepared to combat a weapon of extreme depth and scope should an outbreak occur?”
“The Biogenetic Accords limits access to biomaterial and thus reduces the chance for bioweapons to spread in the Empire but the Accords do nothing to prepare the military for combating either an outbreak or handling the damage it ensues.
And that is where Arliss Industries comes in.”
The lawyer spoke up, “The Invisec Division of Arliss Industries had obtained a military charter to set up Emergency Response Centers on every planet in the Empire. The prime objective of Invisec is to develop counter-agents against bioweapons used against the people of the Empire.”
“There is more profit in curing a person with a sickness than giving them the sickness isn’t it?” Moff Handler commented dryly.
Mr. Conrad spoke up sharply, “Be that as it may, the military is pathetically ill-prepared to handle another crisis on the level of Wrath. We are here to set up that infrastructure to ensure that the Empire can combat an enemy on ALL fronts!”
“The only advantage of the military is logistical support it has in place. But there is no clear line of command and control procedures in place.”
“But what you are asking for is a military responsibility.”
“Which is why Invisec Division is a military charter. This division will be funded by the Imperial Military Budget..”
“..which usually means the department will be flat broke most of the time.” Mr. Conrad inserted.
“..and why Arliss will also direct it’s own resources to make Invisec Division a serious player in military matters involving biowarfare and counteraction. The division will prepare regular status reports and delivered to the officer in charge. The power of the Emergency Response Center will be nearly absolute in the advent of a bioterrorist act, yet every other time completely subordinate to the local chain of command.”
“But we will not be able to transfer personnel..”
“No. Our operation is highly specific and specialized. Our people will be the best at what they do.”
The lawyer spoke up, “What we are doing today is presenting you with our charter notification and taking the local people’s pulse (as it were) about ERC’s being set up.”
“And to secure available quantities of biomaterial...”
“Absolutely NOT!” barked the fat Admiral. “By all means, give us cures, but you do not need biomaterial…” his voice trailed off as he looked at his fellow Tribunal members. “They do?” he asked.
Moff Handler cleared his throat but it was the Bastion Conclave Commander who spoke, “To test cures one needs the proper medium to work with.” He turned to the representatives of Arliss Industries. “I suppose you will want samples of the Empire’s bioweapons as well?”
“Why thank you, Commander! I had hoped to obtain samples of our own bioweapons. Imperial Intelligence has already agreed to send us samples of any bioweapon material that outside factions are developing so we can work to arm ourselves.”
Seamus shrugged, “but with the rebellions to the New Order, it seems the prudent thing to secure cures for our own weapons should some insanity induce someone to turn our own weapons against us.”
“There is talk of increasing the internal security of the Empire..”
“And it will go a very long way to making sure such insanity never takes one of our officers but better safe than sorry.” Seamus finished smoothly.
Moff Handler smiled. “While you do have a military charter, I find that it is also general due to this being a rather new creation. Therefore, we should meet tomorrow to determine the exact jurisdictions and responsibilities of the ERC’s and how we can insert them into our present Military System with as few problems as possible.
We are adjourned until tomorrow. Same time.”
The Tribunal members and the Arliss Representatives stood in unison. When the members had exited, Jenice let out a breath. “Military pricks.” She said, with little heat.
“I don’t know. Moff Handler seemed to enjoy himself.” Seamus mused.
“He’ll be a problem if he comes down on the wrong side of this.” Mr. Conrad commented packing his notes in his briefcase.
“We have the charter from Imperial Center but it’s up to us to see that it is implemented the way we want with the various districts. Damned military bureaucracy!”
“It’s a damned shame we couldn’t get the Military Budget to cover only Invisec’s corporate expenses.” Mr. Conrad mourned.
“No. I’ll not have our company come under military scrutiny. I consented to Invisec because it is necessary to do what we need to do!”
“Besides,” Jenice offered, “The Imperial Military Budget couldn’t afford to pay our entire corporate expenses.”
Seamus laughed. “Come all. I know this perfect seafood place about 200 fathoms down.”