Heartened by the thought of a quick move to business, Fineus quickly began to access his files, and leave them stacked neatly before him.

"Well, gentlemen, I'm glad you allowed us this meeting on such short notice. Your sudden rise in galactic economics have given us much business to consider. I hope you don't mind if I speak in generalities and euphemisms, but I'm sure you'll agree that when money is involved, it's better to speak vaguely and deal specifically - you take my meaning? Good!

"I represent today a collective of interest groups situated around the galaxy, interested in officially and efficiently forming a contract with you. My 'clients' are confident that your sudden growth in resources as well as the skill you have displayed in investing and expanding them is representative of your ability.

"Of course, the contract is more of an umbrella of lesser contracts - many of them as varied as the collective I represent. The files I have prepared for transfer include the little details of our offer as well as it's value to Brandt Enterprises - your recent establishment of stations make you perfectly positioned to carry out each contract in turn.

"As you can see, there's a lot of urban development." Fineus couldn't help but throw in perhaps one undiplomatic comment, to keep his opposites on their toes "Not many casinos or Pod Race tracks, but I'm sure there would be something to interest Vice President Taku." It was meant in good-humour, although Fineus didn't actually expect it to be taken as such. Still, it was unlikely to hurt much.

"Anyways, the files are yours to peruse. I will of course answer any questions you might have about our proposal, then will follow the fascinating negotiation part, where we bicker over the spelling of a sub-clause in the technical definitions section."

Brandt listened to Fineus intently, and relaxed into his chair. A subtle look of bemusement spread across his face as the Bimm alluded to Taku’s past, ruffling his Vice-Prex’s feathers somewhat.

It was clear why they had sent this creature, a wise choice…

…evidently, our friend has done his research…

…and for just one brief moment he wondered what else Fineus had managed to dig up, and of course just how much the Bimm knew about his own good self.

As the representative finished speaking and handed over the files, Brandt took them and began to read with interest. Scanning the pages intensely in silence, before finally looking up at the Bimm with a wry smile.

They were after huge investment, and Zim felt there was no doubt that the Bimm was expecting a difficult session of bartering.

The truth be told, the bartering had already been done, and agreed to. It was now merely a matter of formality, his superiors had already agreed to the deal, and the investment plan itself, and what he was about to say would no doubt surprise the Bimm somewhat.

He had been given the go ahead to agree to all the terms proposed.

“everything appears to be in order, my investors and I wish to get things moving as quickly as possible, so expect things to start moving rapidly…”

He signed the agreement and handed back to the Bimm, and his smile broadened slightly…

“now that’s out of the way, could I offer you a drink?…” He said wryly, as the Bimm looked at him rather blankly, clearly not expecting things to have been quite as easy as they had turned out to be.

…that should throw him… (Zim thought to himself in amusement)

Meanwhile

Nkllon Orbiting mining and refining station – ‘Andiv 5’



The head of Magnusson industries, Karl Magnusson entered the newly constructed facility with a mixture of excitement and amazement. Andiv 5 was one of five facilities recently built by Magnusson Industries newest subsidiary, ORM-CO, (the Outer Rim Mining Company).

A tall human with with a very serious demeanour and always smartly dressed, Mr Magnusson made an impression when he entered the room.

His footsteps echoed over the polished metal surface of the docking bay he gazed around, impressed at how quickly things had progressed, he smiled inwardly to himself…

…the investors will be happy…

ORM-CO had been set-up to mine and refine various resources on a number of selected planets, and thusfar, things had been going smoothly.

With the new contracts already completed, the first of many shipments to Malastare had already begun, with no small ceremony. Brandt enterprises had kept their end of the bargain, and the new spaceports to accommodate their raw materials were now ready and waiting.

These new facilities had helped to create thousands of jobs , and workers from far and wide had already started working feverishly, with special preference given to local people and other various planets, (if one could call neighbour planets local).

…a good start indeed…

As he entered the executive lounge, he was greeted by everyone with handshakes and smiles, he of course returned all in kind, and as the sound of a cork from a champagne bottle filled his ears along with a raucous cheer, he looked out from the window of the lounge overlooking the orbiting planet. A warm feeling of pride and sense of achievement overcame him and he smiled in contentment…
Magnusson couldn’t help but wonder at the many opportunities that lay ahead, many contracts would be sure to follow.

These thoughts made his eyes widen and sparkle…and with a hefty sip from his champagne glass he turned back to join the humble celebration, the relaunch of Magnusson industries, and the new launch of its newest acquisition, ORM-CO.

Elsewhere…

Pan-Gal Flagship – ‘The Shivananda’ – In orbit above Anoat



The head of Pan-Galactic Hyperways (PAN-GAL) Zavid Shivanada looked out from the bridge of his newest flagship and smiled broadly. A human of thirty two years he felt very pleased with himself. Everything had been moving along nicely, apart from the two stray orders that he had to track down. They had been sent to a different planet entirely, (attributed to an administrative error at the factory).

Nevertheless, two vessels aside, Pan-Gal’s new fleet ‘stood’ floating in limbo for his inspection.

Two hundred and ninety eight ships in total.

Each one roughly about eighty meters in length, and designed to specific requirements he himself had drawn up.

They were not the most luxurious ships in existence, but they were not designed to be, these ships had been designed for a specific niche in the market, a cheap affordable, realistic shuttle service to shift the various denizens of the galaxy to one side of it to the other.

The launch of Pan-Gal had thusfar gone well too, with the new Starport built to accommodate their size and frequency , their turnover projections had been considerable indeed , and even then they had been thought of as conservative at the time.

The many crews, and onboard staff needed to keep the vessels running and to look after the many thousands of passengers travelling daily , had all created many new and exciting job opportunities for the local systems, where their many stations were based. (The main one being Malastare).

The routes stretched from one end of the Hydian way to the other, across the Correllian Trade Spine, and as far back across the Perlemian trade route as Tirahnn.

Onyx, Cerea, Mon Calamari, Ando, Rattatak, Krakken IV, Bimmisari, Riflor and Tynna, all but a few of the many worlds Pan-Gal would come to serve.

As the first vessel was cleared and left its moorings from the plush new Starport below a huge cheer went up across the bridge, and it was Zavid’s turn to smile.

Mon Calamari

Seven months previous




Nobu Sanda, a respected and conservative fellow in the banking Guild found himself unable to sit still with the excitement of what he had just been told.

He looked at the figure via the Holonet with a mixture of awe and trepidation, this was surely the biggest decision of his life.

”Well Mr Sanda?…what do you say?…”

Nobu shifted upon his chair unable to stifle his eagerness…

“yes! of course!”

” excellent!…then may I be the first to congratulate the new Exo of the Bank of Malastare / Mon Calamari Investments, (BMI)…”

Practically agog , Nobu was almost speechless…

“y-your faith in me has not been misplaced! I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity…Mr--“ He managed to stammer before the visage of the figure interjected…

”...it never is, Mr Sanda…I can assure you if I had any doubt, I would not have selected you…but I can only start you off. The investment is there and ready at your disposal, but it is down to you to make it a success, invest wisely Mr Sanda...”

…and with that the holo-feed was cut leaving Nobu to consider the road ahead.






The Present

(Seven months later)



BMI Headquarters - Mon Calamari Division



With a quiet and dignified air, Nobu opened the door to the huge newly constructed Bank and turned around to see the various employees and staff applaud their new employer…

Around the same time, BMI’s various subsidiaries across the galaxy opened their doors for the first time also.
Malastare, Cerea, Onyx, Ando, Rattatak, Krakken IV, Anoat, Bimmisari, Riflor, Warmart, Aargau, Tynna, and Tirahnn.

BMI was open for business.

Malastare

Nine months later – Malastare / Mon Calamari Stocks and Commodities market



Zim looked out from the plush executive gallery that looked out across the large stockmarket floor, and smiled wryly.

BMI had been busy, Malastare’s recent addition to its growing roster of expanding infrastructure was grand indeed. The MSC, as it had become known in shorthand , had become a welcome boost to Malastare’s now growing economy.

Brandt watched as the melee of traders and businessmen bartered and haggled in yet another prosperous day of trading.

They were like ants scurrying around, oblivious to their observer.

Mr Sanda had invested in buying up the smaller chains of banks and markets across their targeted planets in impressive time , Malastare, Cerea, Onyx, Ando, Rattatak, Krakken IV, Anoat, Bimmisari, Riflor, Warmart, Tynna, and Tirahnn, all had been brought slowly together under the banner of BMI.

They had even managed to open a subsidary upon Aargau, the banking capital of the galaxy, after some heavy negotiations.

Sanda had also overseen the introduction of Credit dispensers across BMI's holdings, a kind of cash machine in which a being could exchange precious metals and jewels, and even other currencies into the native planets currency. Along with this the introduction of other universal currencies had been introduced, to ensure the markets were flexible, and more importantly condusive to those visiting businessmen.

It had been no small feat, and truth be told, Brandt was deeply impressed. Mr Sanda had been an excellent choice , but then he knew his investor would not have picked unwisely.

His eyes narrowed slightly at this thought, and was about to take a sip of his caff when the comms alert sounded.

He smiled as he heard the voice come through…

The final part of the puzzle was about to fit into place.




Two days later…



Tirahnn

The Brandt Academy of Business and Economics



As Zim joined the large waiting crowd of spectators outside the huge building, he was pleased to see a few familiar faces amongst them; Fineus Flagrant, Mr Magnusson, Mr Sanda, Mr Shivananda, and of course Yeyo Delphi, the Academy’s appointed Head professor.

He smiled broadly as he greeted them, shaking hands with each in turn, today the Academy would open its doors to the many aspiring businessmen of the future.

“it’s a pleasure to see you all here, I thank you all for coming, its truly an honour” He said as the group congregated around the main entrance…

Three months before the opening of The Brandt Academy of Business and Economics

Yeyo rubbed his eyes. It was getting late but he had to finish his work. Yeyo was the Head Professor of Economics at Mon Cal Municipal College. He had been for years and he probably would be until the day he died. When he began his career as an economist the galactic economy had been thriving and constantly changing. Economics was exciting during those days. Then after the GC lost three wars in a row to the New Order the economy went to Hell. Though lately Yeyo had noticed things going up, industries popping up on key planets along the Correllian Trade Spine. For the past couple of months Yeyo had been watching this, taking notes, and even publishing his findings in economics magazines.

Yeyo looked back to his computer terminal. He had a new message.

Zim Brandt? What the Hell?

The Present

Yeyo was enjoying his new life style. The acount balance of a headmaster was greatly different from the one of a Municipal Professor with a dead end job.

Mr. Brandt began to speak; he then ushered everyone into the new Academy.

Fineus, in all honesty, was blown away.

Ever since that fateful meeting with Brandt, life for the little economist hadn't stopped spinning. Companies had been springing up all over the place. Entire industries were forming. It was like watching the evolution of civilization on fast-forward, and for a man whos business was the business of civilization, it was heartening to see. This latest accomplishment - to him - seemed as some sort of crowning jewel, a watershed or milestone of some kind. As if this new academy was meant to symbolize the new education and new generation needed to run the shifting economic landscape. Hell, Fineus might apply himself, after that meeting nothing had been the same.

He'd done everything he'd asked and more, all the while keeping within the boundaries and limits imposed by a dozen differing codes of law as if blessed by an open path straight through them. The ramifications would be felt for years - no, generations - from actions accomplished in months.

In the end, it was all thanks to this man - at least, he thought. Fineus admitted there were some questions left, some curiosities about how he'd managed it all. Where had he found all these skilled business partners to establish his companies? Where were his investors that were paying for all of this? Just who was Brandt really? Some of his fellow economists had been whipping up some strange explinations (android, alien race of bankers, he can see the future), but not a one seemed to explain this man.

Fineus decided to put aside any worries, any questions, and instead consider the moment. It wasn't over yet, oh no, this was really just the beginning. With these new companies in play, the opportunities in the future were just... well, they sky's the limit at this point, and even then not for everyone. The foundations had been set, and for that, Fineus was thankful.

He also wondered if his gracious host would be offering another drink after this speech.

As the ribbon was cut, and the crowd applauded, Brandt felt the swell of pride, yet, also, he felt somewhat humble.

There was something missing, or rather...someone missing.

Brandt had not seen the individual he had hoped too, as by all rights, it should have been this particular person cutting the ribbon instead of he...
...but, as he lead the others into the main lobby of the building, he figured his ominous investor or indeed investors had their reasons.

After taking a quick sip of champagne , Brandt felt it was the opportune time for a few words.

"Once again , I want to thank everyone for showing up today, and for everyone's hard work. As I said before it is truly an honour! I am deeply flattered , but this is not just due to me, Mr Flagrant, Mr Magnusson, Mr Sanda, Mr Shivananda, our new Head proffessor Delpi, and of course my loyal Vice-Prex, Mr Grange, this day is as much for yours as it is mine...

I thank you all, the people thank you all! With the opening of these two fine institutions , here on Tirahnn, and on Cerea, The foundations of the future are set, for generations to come! I propose a toast!"

He raised his glass high, and watched as the congregation followed suit...

"To the future!"

As the toast was made Brandt watched as the throng of people cheered and congratulated one another, it was a good day.













later that evening...




Brandt watched from the visitors gallery at the merry crowd below, until the shrill buzz of his comms unit caught his attention...

"Brandt here"

"is everything complete?"

Brandt smirked, it was his 'investor'...

"Both academies opened, everything is going according to plan, I feel somewhat uncomfortable when they named it after me...by all rights it should be your name on this building..."

There was a distinct pause as the other digested this comment...

"It already is, Mr Brandt, and for me knowing is enough. If one does things right, no one is ever sure you have done anything at all..."

The other finally said rather ominously.This comment struck Brandt as kind of odd...

"I hardly think you can say that! what we've achieved has been tremendous..."

"quite, but it is only a beginning, Mr Brandt..."

Brandt nodded slowly at this comment, as the other continued...

"You've done an excellent job, and I suggest you go back to your party, you deserve it, there will be more to do, so for now. Relax..."

Zim felt his pride rise up within him once again at the others words...

"I can't thank you enough for this opportunity..." Brandt suddenly gushed....

" There is no need, what you have done is thanks enough"

Brandt smiled wryly at this...

"So how come you weren't here, I thought I might at least get a chance to meet you..."

Even though, he could not see, Brandt could have sworn he 'heard' the other smile through the comms...

"To the future, Mr Brandt...

...To the future!"


"how did you know I said tha-- It only took Zim a split second to realise the implications of that last comment, but by the time he had, the connection had already been cut, and the 'other' had gone as mysteriously and as suddenly as he had come.

Stunned into silence for a moment, a faint smile began to creep across Brandt's face, and he laughed to himself.

...Right!...

With that, he took a swig from his champagne glass and rejoined the small gathering...