Moments later, Anna returned leading four women. There were audible gasps and hushed mutterings as most people recognized Kerrigan. Conor stood and kindly pointed Kerrigan to a chair across from him near the head of the table. She was dressed in tall leather boots and a gray sweater dress that hug around her thighs, and a black coat draped over her shoulders that hung down past her knees. Conor could sense she was still trying to hide a wince as she sat. Two of the green uniformed women took up positions on either side of her, while one dressed in dark leathers slid to the back wall, eyes scanning every inch of the room.
"Most of you recognize Miss. Kerrigan Lokir. You are not to speak of her presence here to anyone. EVER. That includes to people inside this room. Until further notice, her existence in Jinstain is top secret. To drive the point home, to the outside world, she is as good as dead, and if such a rumor arises, you are not to dissuade them of that notion. Understood?"
There was more muttering but everyone nodded in acknowledgment. Conor then nodded to Colonel Eli, who stood. "I am Colonel Eli Johnson, formally of the Abraxas Dragoons and his Majesties army. I am now out of retirement and have taken up the position of head of security here at Vokrizin. For the time being, we will also be bringing on the three ladies you see behind Miss Lokir who are her personal guard. Second Lieutenant Gabrielle. There is a captain Evelyn Lennox, and the scary fuck with the red hair in the back is Major Reilynn." He gestured to Reilynn who just quirked a grin from where she leaned cross-armed against the wall.
Several eyes glanced at the dark leather-clad warrior before flicking to the other two green uniformed soldier women. Colonel Eli continued, "Soon, we will be formalizing a new Vokrizin security uniform and they will all be dressed in that, but understand they are on special assignment for Miss Lokir. As Mr. Brantley has explained, at no time shall their presence be leaked to the outside world." Eli sat, turning the floor back to Conor.
"Now, Miss Lokir, we were discussing some issues we are having with a few of our subsidiaries acquiring rare materials. Silver and other components needed for circuit board manufacturing. Would any of dragon Corporation be set up to handle a new order of that? it would be on a decently large scale."
Kerrigan cracked a grin, "Oh, I believe I may be able to help." His face fell then, "However, I am a bit ashamed to say, that even if I accept your order, I am not sure I can ship it right now. We are having trouble getting supplies out of Targu province."
Conor nodded, "I have heard that Bayan Rail line has been having challenges with shipping. If that situation was rectified, could Dragon corporation handle that order?"
"Of course," Kerrigan said without hesitation.
Conor gave her a small smile, "Then let us turn our attention shortly to some other mutual business. Do you have interest in the projects around this area?" he indicated for Anna to pull up the map again, and pointed to the community center.
Kerrigan glanced at the screen and frowned, "We own several warehouses in that area but honestly they have been a money pit. I have only been holding on to them to spit Kelan Benedict when I found out he was showing interest in the area. Why?"
Conor shared a look with Anna. "Our information also says he is interested in it, and wants to build some sort of lead and ore smelting and refining plants to the area."
"In the middle of downtown Jinstain? Why the hell would he not just do that out by his mine?" Kerrigan demanded.
"Our question as well. It seems he wants to plant near his other manufacturing in town for special orders and custom pour requirements."
"Surely the city council will prevent such a shit plan! Right?" the last was said with significantly less confidence.
Mr. Nuri took over, "Sadly, Miss Lokir, the counsel is predominantly bought and paid for by the Benedict family. This is not much they cannot do. We do have some legal procedures that can slow them down and economic measures to work with but on the whole, if it is beneficial to the Benedicts, they can do it."
Kerrigan glared, her lilting voice coming out thick as her anger got the better of her, "Don't tell me you can't find a way to beat that arrogant ass. Dragon Corporation is at your disposal if that is what is needed." She glared around the room and let her green eyes rest on Conor, "Let the full weight of Abraxas and his wrath pour out on that sorry excuse of existence." She let her anger vent for a second before an idea lit her face, "Conor, does your spice contact have some more of that Abraxas Wrath spice? Can I get some to sent to Kelan as an anonymous 'gift', perhaps mixed in a few other foods?"
Conor stared in horror at first, but then chuckled, "I believe my Aros can accommodate you and even help come up with some convincing treats to package it in. just be sure who ever is tasked with dealing with it wears protective gear. Now, as for the issue at hand, how would you feel about those buildings being renovated into some high-end apartments for staff, with a few being retrofitted to one of our clean plants? I know between the two of us, we could likely make good use who the whole area."
"I only own ten of the 25 sites."
"We own several as well but not all," Conor said, allowing Anna to highlight the sites. "Benedict Corporation owns the rest. I propose a bait and switch. The Benedicts own the city counsel but not the heart of the people. I am preparing to launch a public relations campaign and the Benedicts own a tract of land I want. It might be a pawn to get the Benedicts to pay a premium for our factory spots. If we both express interest in the area, drive the prices up, then let them trade the land they already cannot get permits for, then we will block the new permits with every legal grounds we can."
Kerrigan looked to Mr. Nuri, "It sounds risky. Wouldn't the Benedicts just seize advantage of such a deal and bribe their way through the process?"
"They will likely try. However, I have already pulled every health code and building permit code for the whole area from ten years ago to now. When that area was first invested in, all it would ever be good for was select manufacturing of cosmetic goods or clothing assembly, and housing. Everything the Benedicts want to transform it into is against numerous codes."
"So why have they expressed so much willingness to try?" she asked, "He is a devious bastard, but as much as I loath him, I am not about to underestimate him."
"The trains," Jarad said suddenly, snapping his fingers.
Everyone swiveled to him, but Kerrigan spoke first, "explain."
"It would make sense for the Benedict mines to process their materials right at the mines, however, where they are currently mining, there is a downhill slope to the town. Anything they dump there or bury would eventually pollute the town and, oddly enough, their own mansion, which is a 150-acre estate on that end of town. So they have to ship any waste produced. However, the king is VERY strict about that sort of thing, and waste must be handled carefully. What is not monitored though is the trains between the town and the port. Benedict Corporation controls several of the port docks with major cargo shipping lines, and if they had a smelting plant in town, it's only a ten-minute train ride to the port. It would be easy to sneak a few carloads of waste to the port each night. I bet they are already trying it from the mines but again, any leaks or spills from a smelting processor out there would risk their own private lands."
"Fuck, no wonder he wants the northern mines too," Kerrigan fumed. "If he started smelting there, he wouldn't risk his lands because the mountains are between here and there. Pompous bastard."
Conor stood, "So, we have several issues before us. The Bayan Rail line is clearly an intricate part of that, as well as the downtown district. Anna, you know your task with your agents. Everyone else, I need some time with Miss Lokir. Thank you for your efforts." The team all began to file out but Conor signaled to Mr. Nuri to stay behind as well.