Sandoval Strikes Historic Earthwerks 'Mech Deal 6/27/3132
AP-HPG News Services
RIO DE JANEIRO, TERRA—Today, Duke Aaron Sandoval announced that Tikonov’
s Earthwerks Ltd. has signed ’Mech subsystems-integration deals with several
corporations on Prefecture III and Prefecture X worlds, including two on Terra. The
deal is reported to be worth several billion C-Bills per year for Sandoval’s constituents
alone. Duke Sandoval arrived on Terra only yesterday, suggesting that negotiations
have been under way for some time now.
“This is a historic agreement,” said Sandoval at the signing ceremony. “By signing
these documents, we are sealing a better future for the people of three Prefectures.
This is The Republic in action.” Also in attendance were Earthwerks COO Jerome
Dutch, several Terran officials, and members of the press. Officials from Tikonov, as
well as officials and corporate leaders from Ozawa in Prefecture III, attended by
Hyperpulse Generator net linkup.
Countess Tara Campbell, Legate of Northwind, was among those attending via HPG
link. The appearance of Northwind’s highest military official was remarkable, given
Prefect Katana Tormark’s recent criticism of Duke Sandoval. Tormark is Campbell’s
direct superior.
Reached at her dojo on Ozawa by AP-HPG News Service, Tormark said, “Of course
I was aware that Legate Campbell was following Duke Sandoval’s dealings.” Because
Tormark had been in martial training at the time we contacted her, she was dressed in
simple infantryman’s tan camouflage. (After the interview, a representative of the
entertainment press noted that Tormark “is even more striking when working out.”)
“I designated her as a liaison to Duke Sandoval in this matter,” Tormark stated.
“Legate Campbell’s mission was to ensure that Prefecture III defense contractors had
the equipment necessary to produce the most up-to-date defense systems available
should the need arise. She has accomplished that mission.”
When asked about her criticism of Duke Sandoval, she said, “We must beware of
those who seek to improve military technology in a time of peace. I don’t believe the
Duke’s motives to be as pure and free of politics as he would suggest.”
Another official spoke on condition of anonymity. “Follow the money trails. You
might discover that some unpleasant things are brewing.” The only client for the
subsystems to be built by Earthwerks and its subsidiaries is The Republic, whose
military has received little attention in the last three decades.
Later, in an informal press reception, Duke Sandoval responded to Tormark’s
comments. “Prefect Tormark accused me of self-interest—of an obsession with
technology—when I began this mission. I just delivered agreements that will enrich
both of our Prefectures.”
Sandoval looked thoughtful while others in the room awaited his response. “Okay, let’
s say I’m obsessed with technology. Where’s the failing there? Who would prefer to
shovel coal into a steam engine when you can turn a key and fly quietly, comfortably,
and economically to your office? Humankind would not even exist in the worlds
beyond Terra, here, without technological innovation. Prefect Tormark might wish to
return to the bad old days, but I wager that few citizens in our Prefectures would
agree.”
When pressed to address the specifics of the current deal, which centers around
defense systems rather than civilian technology, Sandoval declined to comment
further.
Sandoval travels next to Northwind before returning to Tikonov.
AP-HPG News Services
RIO DE JANEIRO, TERRA—Today, Duke Aaron Sandoval announced that Tikonov’
s Earthwerks Ltd. has signed ’Mech subsystems-integration deals with several
corporations on Prefecture III and Prefecture X worlds, including two on Terra. The
deal is reported to be worth several billion C-Bills per year for Sandoval’s constituents
alone. Duke Sandoval arrived on Terra only yesterday, suggesting that negotiations
have been under way for some time now.
“This is a historic agreement,” said Sandoval at the signing ceremony. “By signing
these documents, we are sealing a better future for the people of three Prefectures.
This is The Republic in action.” Also in attendance were Earthwerks COO Jerome
Dutch, several Terran officials, and members of the press. Officials from Tikonov, as
well as officials and corporate leaders from Ozawa in Prefecture III, attended by
Hyperpulse Generator net linkup.
Countess Tara Campbell, Legate of Northwind, was among those attending via HPG
link. The appearance of Northwind’s highest military official was remarkable, given
Prefect Katana Tormark’s recent criticism of Duke Sandoval. Tormark is Campbell’s
direct superior.
Reached at her dojo on Ozawa by AP-HPG News Service, Tormark said, “Of course
I was aware that Legate Campbell was following Duke Sandoval’s dealings.” Because
Tormark had been in martial training at the time we contacted her, she was dressed in
simple infantryman’s tan camouflage. (After the interview, a representative of the
entertainment press noted that Tormark “is even more striking when working out.”)
“I designated her as a liaison to Duke Sandoval in this matter,” Tormark stated.
“Legate Campbell’s mission was to ensure that Prefecture III defense contractors had
the equipment necessary to produce the most up-to-date defense systems available
should the need arise. She has accomplished that mission.”
When asked about her criticism of Duke Sandoval, she said, “We must beware of
those who seek to improve military technology in a time of peace. I don’t believe the
Duke’s motives to be as pure and free of politics as he would suggest.”
Another official spoke on condition of anonymity. “Follow the money trails. You
might discover that some unpleasant things are brewing.” The only client for the
subsystems to be built by Earthwerks and its subsidiaries is The Republic, whose
military has received little attention in the last three decades.
Later, in an informal press reception, Duke Sandoval responded to Tormark’s
comments. “Prefect Tormark accused me of self-interest—of an obsession with
technology—when I began this mission. I just delivered agreements that will enrich
both of our Prefectures.”
Sandoval looked thoughtful while others in the room awaited his response. “Okay, let’
s say I’m obsessed with technology. Where’s the failing there? Who would prefer to
shovel coal into a steam engine when you can turn a key and fly quietly, comfortably,
and economically to your office? Humankind would not even exist in the worlds
beyond Terra, here, without technological innovation. Prefect Tormark might wish to
return to the bad old days, but I wager that few citizens in our Prefectures would
agree.”
When pressed to address the specifics of the current deal, which centers around
defense systems rather than civilian technology, Sandoval declined to comment
further.
Sandoval travels next to Northwind before returning to Tikonov.
| June 27, 3132 |