HdweuH Chpt 13

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==How did we end up here?‎‎- Chapter 13 -==
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I sat across from the ComStar representative in their sleek, minimalist office, I couldn't help but feel a mix of nerves and excitement. Selling off some of my recently acquired salvage was a big step, but I was determined to get the best deal possible.
 
"Ms. Jenskin, thank you for meeting with us today," the representative began, his voice polite but tinged with a hint of formality. "I understand you have some salvage you're looking to sell?"
 
I nodded, trying to project confidence despite the butterflies in my stomach. "That's correct. I've recently come into possession of a variety of salvage, including several pieces of los-tech equipment."
 
The representative raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Los-tech, you say? That's quite rare these days. Let's take a look at what you have."
 
I pulled out a list of the salvage I had brought with me and began to go over each item one by one.
 
"First up, we have three ER Large lasers," I said, gesturing to the list. "They're in good condition, practically new."
 
The representative studied the list for a moment before nodding. "ER Large lasers are always in demand. I'd be willing to offer you 400,000 C-Bills each for them."
 
I mentally ran the numbers, considering the offer. It was a solid price, but I knew I could push for more. "I was hoping for something closer to 450,000 C-Bills each," I countered, trying to keep my tone firm but polite.
 
After a brief back-and-forth, we settled on a compromise of 430,000 C-Bills each for the ER Large lasers.
 
Next, we moved on to the five Medium Pulse Lasers. "These are a bit more specialized, but still valuable," I explained. "I was thinking around 200,000 C-Bills each."
 
The representative hesitated, clearly considering his options. "I can offer you 180,000 C-Bills each for them," he finally said.
 
I frowned slightly, but knew I had to be flexible. "How about we meet in the middle at 190,000 C-Bills each?" I suggested.
 
After some negotiation, we settled on a price of 195,000 C-Bills each for the Medium Pulse Lasers.
 
We continued in this manner, going through each item on the list and haggling over the price. The process was long and sometimes frustrating, but I remained determined to get the best deal possible.
 
Finally, we came to the last item on the list: the thirty crates of SLDF uniforms. "These are in excellent condition," I said, running my hand over the fabric. "I was hoping for around 10,000 C-Bills per crate."
 
The representative frowned, clearly taken aback by the high asking price. "That seems a bit steep," he said cautiously. "I can offer you 7,000 C-Bills per crate."
 
I hesitated, considering my options. The uniforms were in high demand, and I knew I could probably get a better price elsewhere. "How about we split the difference at 8,500 C-Bills per crate?" I suggested.
 
After some deliberation, the representative agreed to my offer.
 
In the end, we managed to reach a deal that satisfied both parties. The representative agreed to purchase my entire cache of los-tech salvage for a total of 15.4 million C-Bills – a price slightly above market value.
 
As I left the meeting, a sense of satisfaction washed over me. Negotiating the deal had been a challenge, but it was worth it knowing that I had gotten the best possible price for my salvage. Now, with the deal finalized, I could focus on using the proceeds to further my goals in the Inner Sphere.
 
While the ComStar representative and I made our way to the hangar where my Karnov heavy lift VTOL was waiting. The anticipation of unloading the salvage and finalizing the deal filled the air, mingling with the hum of activity from the ComStar technicians and acolytes already at work.
 
"Quite the haul you've got there, Ms. Jenskin," the representative commented, eyeing the crates and equipment piled in the cargo hold of the Karnov.
 
I nodded, a sense of pride swelling within me. "It took some effort to acquire, but I believe it's worth it," I replied, watching as the technicians began the process of unloading the salvage.
 
As we approached the Karnov, I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for the pilot who had made this venture possible. "I got lucky finding a pilot willing to take on the job," I admitted to the representative. "He used to be a hotshot ASF fighter pilot until he got laid off."
 
The representative raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Sounds like quite the find. Is he reliable?"
 
I nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Absolutely. He's proven to be a valuable asset. His name's Larry Foulke."
 
As we reached the Karnov, I keyed the radio to communicate with Larry. "Pixy, we're ready to start unloading. Let's get this show on the road."
 
"Roger that, boss," came Larry's voice over the radio. "I'll have everything unloaded in no time."
 
I chuckled inwardly at the nickname, a nod to a certain ace combat game. "Copy that, Pixy. I'll be overseeing the process from the ground."
 
With that, the unloading process began in earnest. The ComStar technicians and acolytes worked quickly and efficiently, carefully removing each crate and piece of equipment from the cargo hold of the Karnov.
 
As I watched the salvage being unloaded, I couldn't help but reflect on how far I had come. Just a few months ago, I was struggling to make ends meet, working at a dead-end job and barely scraping by. Now, thanks to a stroke of luck and determination, I was on the verge of building something truly remarkable.
 
As the last crate was unloaded, I turned to the ComStar representative with a sense of satisfaction. "Well, it looks like everything's here. Shall we finalize the deal?"
 
The representative nodded, a smile crossing his face. "Absolutely. I'll have the funds transferred to your account immediately."
 
With the deal finalized, I felt a sense of excitement for the future. This was just the beginning – the first step towards building my own business and carving out a better life for myself in the Inner Sphere.
As I watched the Karnov take off into the sky, carrying with it the promise of a brighter future, I couldn't help but feel a surge of optimism. With Larry at the helm and a cargo hold full of salvage, the possibilities were endless.
 
But as I made my way back to the storehouse, my thoughts turned to the next steps. It was time to get serious – time to register the company, secure funding, and expand this opportunity into something even greater.
 
With determination in my heart, I set to work, knowing that with hard work and perseverance, anything was possible. And as I looked out over the storehouse, filled with salvage and potential, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for the journey that lay ahead.
 
Several days later, I found myself in a rented meeting room in Geneva buzzed with anticipation as I awaited the arrival of Lieutenant Unthers and his fellow discharged soldiers. I adjusted my jacket nervously, mentally preparing myself for the interview ahead.
 
As the door swung open, Lieutenant Unthers entered, followed closely by a group of stern-faced men and women. I rose to greet them, extending my hand in greeting. "Lieutenant Unthers, it's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for coming."
 
Unthers nodded curtly, his expression serious. "Ms. Jenskin, the pleasure is mine. Allow me to introduce my comrades," he said, gesturing to the group behind him. "We are here as representatives for the fourteen soldiers who were dishonorably discharged from the Lyran armed forces."
 
I nodded, acknowledging the group with a polite smile. "Of course. Please, have a seat. Let's get started."
 
As everyone settled into their chairs, I began the interview, eager to learn more about their situation. "Lieutenant Unthers, could you please tell me about the circumstances surrounding your discharge from the Lyran armed forces?"
 
Unthers cleared his throat, his gaze steely. "Certainly. We were stationed on the front lines, facing off against Kurita forces. Our commanding officer ordered a charge against their fortified positions, despite the overwhelming odds. We refused to obey the order, knowing it would result in needless casualties. In the heat of the moment, I confronted the general and, well, things escalated."
 
I listened intently, my heart sinking at the injustice of their situation. "I see," I said quietly. "And as a result of your actions, you were dishonorably discharged?"
 
Unthers nodded grimly. "Yes. Our refusal to follow orders was seen as insubordination, and we were summarily dismissed from the military."
 
I glanced around the room, meeting the eyes of each of Unthers' comrades. "And you all stand together in solidarity?"
 
The group nodded as one, a silent testament to their unity and resolve.
 
I took a moment to gather my thoughts before speaking again. "Lieutenant Unthers, I admire your courage and your commitment to doing what is right, even in the face of adversity. I believe that everyone deserves a second chance, and I am willing to offer you and your comrades employment opportunities within my company."
 
A murmur of surprise rippled through the room, followed by a chorus of grateful expressions.
 
Unthers regarded me with a mixture of disbelief and gratitude. "Ms. Jenskin, we cannot thank you enough for your generosity. We are eager to prove ourselves and make the most of this opportunity."
 
I smiled warmly, feeling a sense of purpose and determination. "Welcome aboard, Lieutenant Unthers. Let's get started.
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*; Author Chapter Note : I know some of the item are underprice to god but it Terra which can still produces them so it not really considered lostech on Terra plus Comstar does have a large stockpile of them which decreases the price even more.
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