NationStates Jolt Archive

Excerpt from FNN Broadcast

“And in money news, it appears that DragonStar Shipbuilding Incorporated has received yet another massive contract, as our business watchers report more and more of DragonStar’s orbital shipyards are coming online. It is unclear what they are planning on building, for the shipyards are not being assembled in known configurations. Further, rumors are being leaked about DragonStar wanting to initiate a heavy duty employment plan to expand their worker base, which will give yet another boost to the economy, which, despite DragonStar’s recent international contracts, has been struggling along slowly. Wait, what’s this, we’re getting a press release from DragonStar. Let me transfer you…”

The scene changes, shifting from a younger woman behind a news desk to an older man behind a podium emblazoned with the dragon consuming a star image of DragonStar Shipbuilding. “Yes, we have indeed received a new contract. This one is from the government of El Sentiel, and we’re going to be assisting with their current round of naval expansion. We’ll be operating off of their plans, and building their ships, but we’ve settled on a reasonable agreement between all of us, with a two and three quarters trillion dollar contract for ninety-eight ships to be built. That’s all I can say at this time, and if you want more information, I suggest contacting the El Sentiel government for it. We’ll be closing the yards we’ll be using to the press, so don’t even try.” The man smiles almost happily at the thought. “That’s all I have to say.”


The image returns to the news anchor. “Well, there you have it, folks. We’ll be sure to provide more information as it become available to us, but that’s all for now. In other money news…”

DSI Civilian Shipyards, High Earth Orbit

Senior Merchant Captain Dominguez grinned as he looked around the bridge of the new vessel that was preparing to leave the yards. Only a skelton crew was aboard, merely enough to deliver the ship to its destination. Which was, to say, very few. Movement from the communications officer drew his attention. "Ensign?" he prompted.

"We have departure clearance, whenever you're ready, sir," the young woman replied.

"Very good. Helm, take us out."

"Aye aye, sir." The man moved his controls, shifting the internal workings of the ship, and then, acceleration. Movement. Freedom. The light cruiser drifted forward, free of its berth, free of its moorings as Rafe watched the progress on the screen, watching as they moved towards the collection of ships for the first delivery to El Sentiel.

"Take us to within twenty kilometers of the nearest ship and settle in, we may be here for a while. I'm not sure what we're supposed to do next, though I'm sure we'll be told, as always." Dominguez turned to his very attractive second in command. "Exec, please accompany me to my quarters so we can, ah, discuss contingency plans if something were to go wrong."

His wife smiled at him. "Of course, sir."

Rafe grinned. The advantages of being a merchant captain and turned to the astrogator. "Commander, you have the bridge." As he and his wife left the bridge, he was sure he heard someone snickering.

Asteroid Belt, Sol System

Senior Merchant Captain Dominguez sat aboard the battlecruiser as he watched the growing collection of ships that DSI was constructing for the rat-cats. It was an excellent fleet, and growing almost daily. Fifty of the more than ninety ships were gathered here, waiting the rest of their sisters before delivery as a whole.

He turned away from the screen and kissed his sleeping wife. "Be back in a little while." The call light was flashing, and he slipped out into the main room so as to not wake his wife.

Rafe rested his chin on his hands as he watched out the shuttle window, staring at the high orbit empty shipyards. All the commissions were done, all the ships delivered.

Dragonstar Shipbuilding had produced 150 warships for foreign contracts in the last few months, in addition to its local commitments for freighters and to the Government contract. It had to be one of the biggest countries in the Federation, accounting for nearly five percent of the Gross Domestic Product on its own.

Rafe was proud of the company he had chosen to work for, and its contribution to the Federation, and to the world. He hoped there would be more jobs soon. Both he and his wide preferred being in space than planetside, even if ferrying starships to their new owners was not the most exciting job in the world.