While the First Minister was still watching and apparently analyzing the situation from a rather leaned back, quiet position, the General was getting frustrated. 'At least he's clever enough not to argue back' she thought with a hint of amusement, even though his reaction didn't surprise her at all.
If he wanted to act in Lantillies' best interest, too, there was no way he could refuse their offer or disagree with them. It was sometimes a little ironic that the Killiks were - despite being a horrible, galactical thread- a legit reason to unite forces and so have the Empire expand so 'easily'. Of course having another planet to defend in a case of an Emergency was a price to pay, but Lantilles' Shipwright Guild and stable economy had much to offer as well. She hadn't lied about this becoming a win-win situation.
While one remained silent, the other one still wasn't happy about them being right, but the third one was starting to play a dangerous game now. Obviously, this was not just a presentation that ended with them signing a contract, but this was about negotiating. Celeste's eyes scanned the representative's list of demands, her business facade resting on her face, which was, however, still concealed behind the mask.
The last demand was definitely agreeable, as long as they would meet the Empire's terms and acknowledge their authority as well. The third demand obviously made sense for the Empire as well, as expansion started with investment anyway, however the first two points were still negotiable. Tilting her head ever so slightly to the left, her gaze flicked back up and towards Velki, mirroring his posture...
Five years weren't a long time putting it all into this long term perspective and she had seen many planets that wanted such an immunity period to readjust. In the end, it would be the Shipwright's Guild that would profit from the tax relief and if their economy grew, the Empire would profit, too. Same with the preexisting contracts. Terminating them wouldn't be an option, not so quickly, but they had to be able to ensure that the Empire would be provided with ships as well. Still, Vahliri had the last saying and so she telepathically made a suggestion she should consider before coming to an agreement. 'We could demand either a four year tax relief or an actual adjustment period after three years with a lower tax rate. However, if we refrain from readjustments of the demands, we'll have their favor for now which could prove itself useful'. As much as she has wanted to continue this negotiation openly, she was obviously double checking with Vahliri before wrapping this session up.
@Altaris
If he wanted to act in Lantillies' best interest, too, there was no way he could refuse their offer or disagree with them. It was sometimes a little ironic that the Killiks were - despite being a horrible, galactical thread- a legit reason to unite forces and so have the Empire expand so 'easily'. Of course having another planet to defend in a case of an Emergency was a price to pay, but Lantilles' Shipwright Guild and stable economy had much to offer as well. She hadn't lied about this becoming a win-win situation.
While one remained silent, the other one still wasn't happy about them being right, but the third one was starting to play a dangerous game now. Obviously, this was not just a presentation that ended with them signing a contract, but this was about negotiating. Celeste's eyes scanned the representative's list of demands, her business facade resting on her face, which was, however, still concealed behind the mask.
The last demand was definitely agreeable, as long as they would meet the Empire's terms and acknowledge their authority as well. The third demand obviously made sense for the Empire as well, as expansion started with investment anyway, however the first two points were still negotiable. Tilting her head ever so slightly to the left, her gaze flicked back up and towards Velki, mirroring his posture...
Five years weren't a long time putting it all into this long term perspective and she had seen many planets that wanted such an immunity period to readjust. In the end, it would be the Shipwright's Guild that would profit from the tax relief and if their economy grew, the Empire would profit, too. Same with the preexisting contracts. Terminating them wouldn't be an option, not so quickly, but they had to be able to ensure that the Empire would be provided with ships as well. Still, Vahliri had the last saying and so she telepathically made a suggestion she should consider before coming to an agreement. 'We could demand either a four year tax relief or an actual adjustment period after three years with a lower tax rate. However, if we refrain from readjustments of the demands, we'll have their favor for now which could prove itself useful'. As much as she has wanted to continue this negotiation openly, she was obviously double checking with Vahliri before wrapping this session up.
@Altaris