NationStates Jolt Archive

In the region of New York (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/30909/page=display_region/region=new_york), the Empire of Layarteb has recently had difficulty with our Uranium industry. Workers have been complaining of wages and benefits, which mind you are full medical covering everything one could have happen to them while on the job and elsewhere as well as their families. Wages for Uranium miners are, on the average, 15% above the average wage in Layarteb. Recently, the Layarteb secret police have put down three strikes that turned out violent. All-in-all, before the secret police got involved sixteen people were seriously injured and three were murdered by protestors and picketeers. Secret police got involved just after one SWAT man was injured by an accelerant being used to start a car on fire.

Secret police have handled the situation and they are back at work. However, in our regional neighbor of the Allied States of Boss Tweed, Uranium mining has been at a near impossibility. Black market makes it impossible and lack of equipment and experience also makes it impossible for them to mine and export any of their Uranium. They have asked us for help and we have agreed.

Our contract has been signed by both nations:

BEGINNING OF CONTRACT

Uranium Ore Concessions by The Allied States of Boss Tweed to The Empire of Layarteb

Note: In the following contract, all references to "we", "us", "our", and "Boss Tweed" refer to The Allied States of Boss Tweed. All references to "you" and "Layarteb" refer to The Empire of Layarteb.

TERMS OF CONTRACT

Payment & Transaction Schedule:

Sale of 1,000 tons of uranium by Boss Tweed to Layarteb:

No Charge ($0.00), arrangements for the safe transport of uranium to be provided by Layarteb.

Initial Startup costs for infrastructure:

$1,500,000,000 by Boss Tweed to Layarteb paid upon signing of contract.

Turnover costs:

$500,000,000 by Boss Tweed to Layarteb paid after 5 years. Payment waived and nullified by Layarteb if 42,000,000 tons of uranium have not been extracted after 5 years.

After 42,000,000 tons of uranium ore have been extracted:

Bulk payment of $4,200,000,000 to be paid by Boss Tweed to Layarteb. Bonus payment of $800,000,000 for every NS year if the 42,000,000 tons of uranium are extracted prior to year 5 (i.e., if 42,000,000 tons are extracted by year 4, Boss Tweed shall pay Layarteb a premium price of $5,000,000,000). Late Penalties of $600,000,000 for every NS year if the 42,000,000 tons of uranium are extracted after year 5 (i.e., if 42,000,000 tons are extracted by year 8, Boss Tweed shall pay a modified price of $3,000,000,000).

After an additional 100,000,000 tons of uranium ore have been extracted:

Bulk payment of $10,000,000,000 to be paid by Boss Tweed to Layarteb. Bonus payment of $800,000,000 for every NS year if the 100,000,000 tons of uranium are extracted prior to year 25 (i.e., if 100,000,000 tons are extracted by year 22, Boss Tweed shall pay Layarteb a premium price of $102,400,000,000). Late Penalties of $800,000,000 for every NS year if the 100,000,000 tons of uranium are extracted after year 25 (i.e., if 100,000,000 tons are extracted by year 27, Boss Tweed shall pay a modified price of $9,840,000,000).

Additional Terms of Contract:

-Boss Tweed provides guarantee that sale of uranium product will not be sold by us to listed enemies of Layarteb.

-Boss Tweed provides guarantee that sale of uranium product will not be sold by us to terrorist nations.

-Contract effective upon signature by Layarteb.

END OF CONTRACT

:: bump ::

The economic windfall from the arrangement was met with great joy by Boss Tweed and the pro-market business sector. Already plans for infrastructure improvements have been developed and they will be implemented within the next few years. The year began with the dredging and expansion of our main western port to allow international transport ships to arrive and change inventory in the most efficient manner possible. As a result of this and other improvements to our mining sector, our uranium trade will increase fivefold over the next few years.

The Black Market forces in Boss Tweed were unprepared for this event to occur, as this arrangement was made in the backrooms of the Capitol with only the most trusted associates. Several demonstrations and riots were staged by these shady elements. This only served to expose their weakness more, and they were quickly cornered and jailed by our efficient police force. A leader replied that he was surprised at how quickly and ruthlessly the police overtook their organization. When uranium workers learned that they would earn more money with some minimal benefits if they worked with the government and Layarteb, the demonstrations stopped. For now, it looks as though it has been a smooth transition.

Startup was slow, but that was expected. Quarterly reports suggest that Layarteb was highly accurate in its prediction: 2,000,000 tons of uranium would be mined this year.

Bob Willard, the official in charge of this operation arrived in Boss Tweed today via cargo ship carrying the last of the equipment that would be used to mine the Uranium in Boss Tweed. He carried a diplomatic pouch with him, which would be used to carry the information of the bank account number for the operation. With the arrival of the last of the equipment and with it the last of the workers, the payment of $1.5B would be deposited in the account.

Willard spoke to press officials early after his arrival explaining that the operation would begin within 96 hours of his arrival. The site was already being excavated to reach the Uranium and necessary safety measures were being implemented. Uranium was a dangerous substance and they wanted to take every precaution.

In addition, security for the operation was being provided by a small force of Layarteb Black Ops from the 1st Black Operations Division "Force Falcon." There were, in total, six teams of Force Falcon ops totallying forty-eight soldiers in all. They would be responsible for security of the dig site and of Layarteb equipment and the workers. Outside of that they had no jurisdiction and would leave the rest to Boss Tweed police and military forces.

http://www.akmining.com/ganes/mining.jpg

It was also with great fanfare that the Layartebian Embassy opened on the streets of the capital of Boss Tweed. The legislative house of Boss Tweed issued proclamations declaring the opening of the embassy as a "symbol of a new friendship and a declaration for continued understanding between our nations".

http://dump-upload.741.com/Embassy1.jpg

*double post*

The ambassdor to the Allied States of Boss Tweed, Max Karval, stood at the podium to a crowd of forty journalists and well over six hundred guests in the press room of the new embassy. He was momentarily blinded by the flashes of the cameras and of the lights on him. He had never had a position before aboard and was only thirty-six. As green as he was though, he was confident in himself and in his staff and counterparts at Boss Tweed.

"Ladies and gentlemen I want to thank you all for coming. This is a momentous day for the Empire of Layarteb. The President (?see ooc) has asked for the help of my great nation in mining their Uranium. A contract has been drafted and signed, which you are all aware of as it is public news so I won't waste any time discussing what is already known.

"The Emperor has given me a personal message to extend to the people of the Allied States of Boss Tweed. He states, 'Dear people of the Allied States of Boss Tweed. It is a great honor to share diplomatic relations with your country and vice versa. It is our intention to assist you in any way possible with your Uranium mining and any other matter you see fit to ask us for assistance with. The Empire of Layarteb looks forward to the future and hope that our alliance runs long and strong.'


"The Emperor is greatly pleased with how things have progressed and worked out so far. The amount of jobs created from building both embassies and from this mining operation has taken the unemployment rate in Layarteb, which was previously three percent and reduced it to one and a half percent. This is greatly appreciated. And with that I shall leave to begin work immediately in my new office in this new building. I encourage you all to stay and enjoy the ceremonies and banquet afterwards as well as tonight. I regret I am not able to partake in the festivities as duty calls me away. Thank you all."

The journalists erupted with raised hands, pictures, and shouts for questions but the diplomat ignored them all, walking out the rear door to the main hallway. He walked down the hallway to his office and sat down. It was peaceful and tranquil, all of his aides and advisors hard at work elsewhere. "This is probably the last I'll see of this peace in this office." He smiled and began working.

OOC: The ruler of your nation is a president or what? And does he have a name?

CIA Worldbook Data File: The Allied States of Boss Tweed (condensed)

Background: Offshoot from The Most Serene Republic of R-Kal Trulock (which in turn was formed from trusteeship). Developed from a negotiated settlement in which largely spartan territorial lands in far off New York were set aside for more conservative elements in the society of R-Kal Trulock. First Nation gained independence via resolution six years after first settlement. Coalition government formed twenty years later under the name "Allied States"

Geography:

Location: The New York region, bordered by The Empire of Nuova Roma to the north, and bounded by the Hudson and East Rivers to the SW and SE. Located in close proximity to The Free Land of Dnalkrad.

Government:

Country name:
Conventional Long Form- The Allied States of Boss Tweed
Conventional Short Form- Boss Tweed
Government Type- Poligarchy
Capital- Bowery
Administrative Districts- 23 wards, run by Aldermen.
Constitution- In Development
Suffrage- 18 years of age; universal
Executive Branch:
Chief of State- The Boss, currently William Marcy Tweed.
Head of Government- Boss Tweed, heavy influence by Ward Aldermen.
Election Results- Not considered free and fair
Legislative Branch: Northern United Ward Council (53 seats), Conservative Ward Council (34 seats), National Union Council (2 seats).
Judicial branch: Decentralized by wards. 3 Ward Judges appointed by 23 Aldermen.
Political Parties and Leaders- Northern United Ward Council, Conservative Ward Council, National Union Council
Political Pressure Groups and Leaders- Various intra-ward parties, large criminal element.

CIA Worldbook Data File: The Allied States of Boss Tweed (condensed)

Background: Offshoot from The Most Serene Republic of R-Kal Trulock (which in turn was formed from trusteeship). Developed from a negotiated settlement in which largely spartan territorial lands in far off New York were set aside for more conservative elements in the society of R-Kal Trulock. First Nation gained independence via resolution six years after first settlement. Coalition government formed twenty years later under the name "Allied States"

Geography:

Location: The New York region, bordered by The Empire of Nuova Roma to the north, and bounded by the Hudson and East Rivers to the SW and SE. Located in close proximity to The Free Land of Dnalkrad.

Government:

Country name:
Conventional Long Form- The Allied States of Boss Tweed
Conventional Short Form- Boss Tweed
Government Type- Poligarchy
Capital- Bowery
Administrative Districts- 23 wards, run by Aldermen.
Constitution- In Development
Suffrage- 18 years of age; universal
Executive Branch:
Chief of State- The Boss, currently William Marcy Tweed.
Head of Government- Boss Tweed, heavy influence by Ward Aldermen.
Election Results- Not considered free and fair
Legislative Branch: Northern United Ward Council (53 seats), Conservative Ward Council (34 seats), National Union Council (2 seats).
Judicial branch: Decentralized by wards. 3 Ward Judges appointed by 23 Aldermen.
Political Parties and Leaders- Northern United Ward Council, Conservative Ward Council, National Union Council
Political Pressure Groups and Leaders- Various intra-ward parties, large criminal element.

Okay so Boss William Marcy Tweed is the head of government for you. Thank you I'll use that in further stuff.

OOC: No problem. I just put together a country map if that'd help out too. The capital of Bowery is (quite logically) located in Bowery.

http://dump-upload.741.com/BossT_wards.jpg

None of these pictures are displaying. Possibly URL errors or errors with whoever you are hosting with?

It's a cheap upload site. Practically worthless - I always have this problem. They're here at the bottom of the page.

http://dump-upload.741.com/

I like my embassy and good work with the flag :)

Your embassy in Falcon City
http://www.ambafrance.si/embassy.gif

Very nicely done guys...

Very nicely done guys...

Thank you.

OOC: 1 NS year = 1 RL week

PRESS RELEASE

Mining operations have commenced in Boss Tweed and we are excavating rock and earth above the Uranium deposit. So far we have had no major problems and have had no disturbences.

[END]

Max Karval stood at the podium again, the press corps quiet as he spoke, "It is my great pleasure to announce the progress of our mining operations in Boss Tweed. May I introduce Bob Willard, chief operations officer of this operation. Bob." He stood aside as Bob Willard took the podium. He was tall and strong, having been a miner himself for twenty-three years and having never lost the physique.

"Our operations have been very excellent. In the past month we have made significant progress. With each day we dig deeper and deeper. Well, yesterday we reached the beginning of the Uranium deposit. From our calculations, it appears to be approximately fifteen point seven percent larger then we originally thought and therefore we will be able to increase output by a small factor, allowing us to compensate for any unforseen difficulties that arise in the future. Thank you."

Max took the podium again clapping still. "It is our agreement and our opinion that if we mine more then the set figures we will not seek profit on the excess. We will remain true to what we shook hands on and signed on and therefore any excess will be full property of Boss Tweed. May I now open the floor to some questions." Hands shot up like Saturn V rockets! "Yes Shep."

"Shepherd Smith of the Layarteb News Agency. What will Boss Tweed do with the Uranium? Does he have plans for weapons?"

"Very good question Shepherd. What Boss Tweed does is of his own accord. We respectfully requested that the material not be given to any hostile nations and it was agreed upon. One can only imagine the possibilities of Uranium. Next question?"

"Marcy Davis of the International Press Corps. Have there been any attacks by black market groups and if so to what extent. I have a follow-up." Everyone laughed.

"A follow-up alright. Well no there have been no attacks yet but that does not mean that we don't expect any. We are ready and we fully expect attacks in the future. To not expect any would be foolish. We're talking about a very powerful organization group."

"If there is attacks what do you plan to do?" She continued.

"Stop them, protect the equipment and personnel there and then get to the basis of the attacks and try to stop all future ones. Last question."

"Jack Sinclair of the Associated Journalist Group. Are workers from Boss Tweed mining alongside Layarteb workers and what is the status of them?"

"Very good question. Boss Tweed workers are currently not working alongside Layarteb workers. They are still being trained. In three months we expect them to join Layarteb workers and then begin a gradual implementation process. After roughly six to eight years we expect the mining to be under full Boss Tweed control. However, those numbers are not set in stone. Thank you and have a wonderful day." Both Max and Bob walked out of the room to a fury of hands and shouts for questions.

As they walked down the hallway, Max turned to Bob and they stopped. "Have there been any attacks?"

"No." He was truthful. "But we have intelligence to suggest there will be some very soon. Our protectors are at full alert."

"Very well."

:: bump ::

PRESS RELEASE

Output on course. No problems reported.

[END]

Boss Tweed sat at his desk, reviewing pending legislation on highway expansion in the country. The past five years had been extremely productive: the treasury had seen astronomic growth while unemployment was low. Sure, the inflation was clipping along at 20% a year, but it was little worry to a rapidly growing nation.

Tweed signed the legislation and was ambling out of his chair when Richard Gale, alderman of the powerful South Grand Ward, knocked on his door. Gale's ward was home to half of the new uranium mining operations in the country, and his power grew with every new Tweedian who moved to his ward and worked in the mines. This made Tweed understandably nervous; he knew that Aldermen shouldn't get too powerful or they will be unable to control. Still, Boss Tweed knew better than to brush off a unscheduled visit from Gale.

Tweed, a veteran of many political games, smiled warmly at Richard Gale and motioned him to come to the desk and sit. "What can I help you with, Rich?"

"Well Boss, I've come to tell you that there are some problems out there. I've got people in my ward coming up and tellin' me that they don't see why we should be paying those palookas running our mines so much money. Hell, I've got people in Essex and Nassau wards comin' up to me and sayin' that they don't see why we should pay over $4,700,000,000 to these guys. I'm up to my neck in complaints. Boss, I think I'm speaking for everyone when I say we should renegotiate."

Tweed laughed, years of political games had made him well aware what "renegotiation" meant. Renegotiation had nothing to do with Layarteb or control of the Uranium mines, or even even the mines themselves - it meant kickbacks. He had expected this call for quite some time and was surprised it took so long. Perhaps Alderman Gale wasn't as politically sophisticated as Tweed thought.

Boss Tweed reached into his desk and reached for some new $100,000,000 bills that the Treasury Department had created for "Government Business". He pulled out 4 of these bills and spaced them evenly apart on his desk and said, "The contract will be honored, see to it that it'll be honored, and I want to see no trouble from your ward, Essex Ward, Nassau Ward, or ANY ward. Can you do that for me?"

Richard Gale smiled and said, "Lemme talk to my people. I think we're very close." Gale and Tweed shook hands and Gale left through the Oak doors he had walked through a few minutes before.

Tweed sighed and pulled out two pieces of legislation: one to release $500,000,000 for payment to Layarteb for turnover costs, the other to release $5,000,000,000 for the extraction of 42,000,000 last year. He took out his pen and signed both pieces of legislation.

Tweed laughed to himself, "Hasn't anybody done the math on this deal?" He turned off the light to his office and headed out of the door, still chuckling.

The Emperor sat at his desk reading documents about the Uranium mining situation in Boss Tweed. Intel confirmed the possibility of an uprising within thirty days if not sooner. This made the Emperor uneasy. He had his elite Black Operations unit deployed but he was more worried about tainted Uranium. This was Uranium he had planned to use in nuclear weapons and powerplants. It was some of the purest in the region and while it was almost equal in purity to that which Layarteb mined, it was certainly up there in the top.

The financial advisor came in only minutes after he put the paper down and looked at the sunset. When was the last time I slept? He thought to himself. No time for sleeping when you rule an empire. "How can I help you today?" The Emperor asked.

"The checks have come in. Two billion complete for turnover with the last payment and the five billion for the first year output. You know we're not making nearly as much as we could?"

"This isn't about money. I've got plenty of money. Hell we can't spend what we have and no I don't plan on squandering it so get that idea out of your head." The financial advisor wiped the smirk off his face. "This is far greater then that. Look at this map." He pulled out a map.

http://www.theforsakenoutlaw.com/Graphics/Nation-States/Other/new_york_region.gif

"Look where Boss Tweed is. Look at us. We're going to have Dnalkrad in a few days and then what. Our empire will be thirty-three percent larger! It is important not to have an enemy on our border."

"But we can crush them if we had to."

"And more then that but you see I don't wish to use force unless I have to, haven't you noticed that yet. Look above, Nuovo Roma. They're another one we're friendly with. Like I said, this isn't about money."

"I see. Then what is it about?"

"Power. Absolute power!" The Emperor smiled and motioned that he was done as he picked up another briefing, this one from the war in Dnalkrad.

Layartebian Embassy, Bowery, Bowery Ward:

A representative from the Wall Ward nervously waited outside of the Ambassador's office, reviewing his notes for the upcoming meeting. A well received meeting and his career could take off. Maybe he could be the Vice-Alderman of Wall Ward with a little luck. He shook his head - this was not a time for dreams, it was a time to produce. As Boss Tweed always says, "Let The Machine work, and it will work for you." The representative gathered his composure, confidently walked into the Ambassador's office and presented his proposal:

Mr. Ambassador, the continued success of the uranium operations have been extremely successful for both of our nations. There are, however, concerns that we have been too successful. The price of uranium, coupled with production has made millionaires out of common bureaucrats and the nation's GDP has increased twentyfold.

The problem is that inflation has grown by 20% each year for the past six years. Those of us in wards without uranium deposits are left with ballooning bills and no extra cash to pay for it. I know you might think this as a domestic issue, but understand: some people in non-uranium wards are growing restless, and there is a serious potential for civil disobedience. You have generously offered your Special Ops for the operational safety of the mines, but we don't wish bloodshed in remote wards over an issue that can be easily resolved with good government.

We have a proposal before the legislature that authorizes the establishment of a Uranium Board of Trade in Wall Ward. All trade in uranium in Boss Tweed will be allowed to trade on a free market affected by supply and demand, with fluctuating prices. The current quasi-socialist system of pegging the price of uranium at $100 a pound has led to hyperinflation, unrest, and a general rebuke by the conservative majority in the legislature. The entire trade system in uranium could collapse if supply continues to supercede demand! That would bring back black market elements in trade, and we can make no guarantees into the safety and security of the product.

All transactions on the Board of Trade would be recorded and reviewed by an independent board, making sure that ALL purchasers would be economically solvent, non-liberal, and non-terrorist. This second feature would benefit us both greatly. Understand that this Uranium trade would only affect OUR products, although you would be most welcome to trade Uranium on the Board of Trade if you wish.

We are asking for your approval of the establishment of the Board of Trade. It would go a long way to legitimize the Board, secure the bills passing in the legislature, and continue our tradition of mutual development.

The representative stood and waited for the Ambassador's reply...

The ambassador picked up his phone and contacted the chief then the Emperor. "A Board of Trade you say?" He sneezed. "Allergies. Excuse me." He blew his nose and threw away the tissue. "A board of trade is of great concern for us. Who would regulate where it goes and what? What benefit do we have that we will not lose money? You see what our problem is? At $100 per ton we can at least ensure that we get a certain amount. What if there was a way that the price would never go below this, only above it? I can understand your concern of future civil disobedience and that some are profiting and some are not but I cannot grant any concessions. We may the deal with Boss Tweed and you see we will not go behind his back. If there is a unanimous approval of a board throughout all of your wards then we will consider it but otherwise we shall remain at the status quo." The ambassador shuffled around some papers and buzzed his secretary. "Please see this gentleman out."

"Right away sir."

"It was a pleasure sir. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day." The ambassador shook his hand and he left. When he was out of the building, the ambassador phoned the Emperor again. "Emperor, sir. There is a minor problem." He detailed the meeting to the Emperor. "Send you the tape? Yes sir." Immediately, a diplomatic pouch was being sent to the Emperor with a cassette tape of the meeting. A new tape was placed in the recorder and the ambassador went on his duty.

Lyndon Parker, Boss Tweed's consummate political backroom specialist and leader of the Northern United Ward Council, waited in his congressional office with the Wall Alderman. The representative walked in and told them of the Layartebian response. The representative concluded, "Sirs, I don't think we have any possible solution to this issue now."

Lyndon made a face as if he'd just sucked on a sour lemon. He admonished the representative, "This is a completely unacceptable response, you realize this?"

"Yessir, but I don't think we have much room for negotiation on this issue."

"Like hell we don't! Son, if there is one thing you need to learn in politics, is that there is always room for negotiation."

Richard Kells, the Alderman from Wall Ward, defended his representative. He briefly caught Lyndon's lapel with his hand as he began to speak, "Lyndon, you do realize who we're talking about? This isn't some punk regional director in a do-nothing ward, this is the damn Emporer of Layarteb! He sneezes, we feel every twitch through our whole nation! You remember what that vice-Alderman said in last nights poker game? 'Living next to Layarteb is in some ways like sleeping with an elephant. No matter how friendly and even-tempered the beast, one is affected by every twitch and grunt.' And you know what, he was right! Dammit Lyndon, we just have to drop the whole issue and look at solving our inflation issue in some other way!"

Lyndon smiled and stared directly into the eyes of Rich Kells. "He did say he would consider the issue with unanimous consent."

Rich turned and scoffed, "Unanimous consent! Oh please, Lyndon! You couldn't get unanimous concent in this Congress on the color of the towels in the Senate bathroom! You expect the folks in South Grand and Nassau to just change their opinions overnight? Hell... you're a genious in this politics game, but this is too much, even for you."

Lyndon smiled and ambled toward the floor of the Congress. (continued)

The large Cherry-stained doors of the Congressional Hall opened with Lyndon Parker followed by Alderman Kells. Kells noticed that the members of the Northern United Ward Council and western members of the Conservative Ward Council were lazily sitting in groups around the Hall. When Lyndon Parker walked into the room, it seemed as though a jolt ran throught the Congress. Everyone moved to their voting positions: something was about to happen. Lyndon gave the thumbs-up sign to his second-in-command. Lyndon walked up to the Congressional Pro Tempore and announced, "Sir, I ask for unanimous consent that bill C.R. 2731, concerning the establishment of a Uranium Board of Trade, be open for immediate review following the establishment of a quorum."

The Pro Tempore granted the request, and the necessary 2/3's quorom was more than met. Lyndon proceeded, "Sir I ask that the bill be voted on in the following amended form:

The Board of Trade shall be established provided:
1) The board is established with a permanently independent board, ensuring all purchasers are economically solvent, non-liberal, and non-terrorist.

2) The Board of Trade ensures that the price ceiling of $100 be removed and free market policies reflect the market price of uranium, PROVIDED the price of Uranium does not go under $100 a ton.

3) The Board of Trade's establishment comes with the agreement of the parties provided in unanimous consent, with all wards present."

Richard Kells looked around and noticed that at least one member of every ward was here.

Lyndon continued, "Sir I ask that the issue be open to a vote."

The Congress proceeded to vote. Richard sat amazed as all members in the Congress stood up and voted in favor of the bill. The final tally: 73 For, 0 against. The Pro Tempore announced the bill passed in its amended form.

Lyndon Parker walked out of the room, once again a triumphant man. Kells stopped him in the hallway, "Lyndon, I've been in this business for 38 years, and I have never seen anything like this. How the hell did you do it?"

Lyndon flashed another of his wiley smiles and said, "Rich, sometimes you've got to let the system strike while the iron is hot."

Richard shook his head, "I still don't understand. And you'll STILL have to deal with the Wards. A $100 price floor? South Grand, Essex, they'll be screaming for your head!"

Lyndon continued to smile, "Rich, this was the difficult part. Everything will be easy once they realize what I have realized."

The ambassador sat at his desk and reviewed the paper. Son of a bitch got a unanimous vote. I wonder how but it's a vote. His aide looked at him wearily. "What do we do now sir?" The aide asked.

"Get Boss Tweed on the line. I am sure he'll have to honor it. If he gives the okay and assures me through contract that we will recieve the aforementioned money then we'll have no choice. Also get the Emperor on the line. I want some additional defenses around this embassy and around the dig site. Something is cooking and I don't smell what it is yet but to be on the safe side..."

"Yes sir." The aide rushed out and the ambassador looked at the paper. Seventy-three to nothing. Who got shot? He smirked. "Sir the Emperor is on the line."

"Emperor. Yes sir. Well I told you of the Board of Trade? Yes sir. Seventy-three to nothing. Awaiting the call from Boss Tweed. Well sir we'll have to honor it correct? Yes sir. In addition, I don't trust the situation. Indeed sir. Is there anyway I can get additional forces at the embassy and the dig site? Not many. Spectre Force? No sir I don't. Elite huh? Well then sir I'll be happy to recieve them at my embassy. Black Operations? Okay. Well kept. Eighty-five for the embassy? Sixty-two for the dig site? Very well I appreciate it greatly sir. Thank you." He hung up the phone and penciled in the force tally that was now to recieve members of the 3rd Black Operations Unit: Spectre Force. These guys were more elite then any Special Forces and they were completely unknown. When they struck it hurt there was no doubt about that. With them came a resupply and other elements. Once the war in Dnalkrad was over and the new divisions came into effect they would have plenty to spare.

It was only the sixth year and transitioning was going well. By the tenth year it would be under complete control of Boss Tweed. Until then, however, it was not a completely smooth place. Protestors outside the Layarteb embassy were growing increasingly annoying and they were now throwing rocks and glass bottles on occassion.

8:58 AM - Uranium Board of Trade, Wall Ward.

Richard Kells stood ready with gavel in hand. In two minutes, he would be the one to open the Board of Trade. He was joined at the podium by Lyndon Parker - Boss Tweed had a previous engagement with the South Grand Alderman and couldn't attend.

Kells was much more at ease than he had been 12 months ago when the bill to authorize the Board of Trade had been passed. He now knew that the Aldermen with the most concern for the Board of Trade had been paid off with significant amounts of cash, and that they were likely to retire soon in some upscale community on the shores of the Hudson.
The response from Layarteb had been amenable. Demonstrations had continued outside of the Layartebian Embassy for a few weeks after the bill passing, but Boss Tweed ensured their safety. For good measure, he replaced all of the broken windows of the embassy, restricted access in the street in front of the embassy, and even trimmed the trees around the embassy to allow for better visibility of street conditions by the Layartebian Embassy. In other words, he gave their snipers a better shot if some crazed local ran through the restricted zone. The police had also done a fairly good job of quieting down the situation, and the past 8 months had seen no demonstrations and some indication that respect for Layarteb by the common citizen on the street had improved.

"Are you ready?" Lyndon asked.

"Most certainly," Kells grinned, "this is a big day for Wall".

"Good, I understand that you should put up the opening price now - press this button and it should appear," Lyndon said. Kells pressed the button, a large digital readout appeared above the Board with the words:

***
URANIUM

1 month advanced = $100/pound
2 month advanced = $100/pound
6 month advanced = $100/pound
12 month advanced = $100/pound

***

Everything looked in order. The Signalman, responsible for recording the exact opening and closing time gave Kells the order. The loud *whack* of the gavel was soon replaced with the sound of hundreds of traders yelling at the top of their lungs. Kells turned into a side room with the others, exchanged further pleasantries, and asked Lyndon if he'd ever seen anything so chaotic in his life.

Lyndon replied, "This? This is a well-oiled enterprise here. Everybody and everything is working perfectly in order. Look for yourself." Lyndon pointed to the readout. Kells felt like falling to the floor. He stood ashen-faced as he saw the digital readout after 5 minutes of trading:

***

URANIUM

1 month advanced = $81/pound
2 month advanced = $72/pound
6 month advanced = $70/pound
12 month advanced = $66/ pound

***

Lyndon steadied the Aldermen, "Don't worry. The prices will probably remain steady like this for a long while. It's just the first few minutes that will see this big a change in price."

The Aldermen stammered, "I THOUGHT THERE WAS A PRICE FLOOR!"

Lyndon looked shocked and insulted, "Of course there's a price floor! Look again: Prices for 6 month advanced are now at $70 a pound, how much is that in tons?"

Kells calculated, "It's seventy multipied by two-thousand, so it's $140,000 a ton."

Lyndon pulled out a sheet of paper, "Here's the bill, what is the specified price floor?"

Kells looked stunned, "It's $100 a TON! Surely.."

Lyndon interrupted, "Surely nothing! Check the transcript from the representative who visited with the Layartebian ambassador. We only want to do what's best for both of our nations, and I assure you that we'll keep the price floor per the Emporer's wishes."

Kells rubbed his face and sighed. "Well, I guess you're right - but what if Layarteb blames.."

"Who? Blames us?!?" Lyndon interrupted yet again, "Blames us for what? Respecting the wishes of the Emporer? Please, we're only holding up our end of the bargain. I think we've nothing to be blamed about at all. If anything, it's that Layartebian Ambassador who should be looking for another job right now."

Kells worked a weak smile; Lyndon was right.

Lyndon wrapped his arm around the old Alderman's shoulder. "C'mon Rich, the Finance Minister is going to make a readjusted inflation forecast. I hear there's free punch and pie. What do you say we go over and celebrate?"

The Emperor looked at the memo from the ambassador. Uranium prices had soared. Surely they were losing money on the deal and he knew it but he smiled. I'm meeting cost and making profit. So what if I'm not making what I could be. As long as they keep paying. He smiled again and put the memo down and picked up the phone to the Boss Tweed ambassador. "Give me a situation report ambassador." He was quick and to the point.

"Well the riots have stopped and they've even cut the treets and replaced the windows. Quite nice I must say. As far as the Board of Trade, they're making a massive amount sir. What gives if I might ask?"

"Money and greed motivates in ways neither you or I could understand. Right now they're fine but you just watch. Civil unrest and political 'cheating' as well as political 'corruption' will grow so vast that not even they can control themselves. Guess where they'll come for help?"

"But of the other nations in the region sir?"

"Other nations. The Empire has more weaponry then any nation in this region and when we expand it will be so vast that it will be feared. Capabilities will increase ten fold you see. Yes. By the way, General Joubin surrendered."

"Very well sir. Thank you for your time."

"Thank you ambassador." The Emperor hung up the phone, cumpled the memo up, and threw it out. Time is of teh essence.

Year 10 has passed.

Tonnage amounts decrease to 5,000,000 tons per year.

Price holds steady in the $70-$75 range.

The ambassador walked into the press room yet again. He had a look about him as if he hadn't slept in months. He hadn't. "Ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for coming to this special press conference. As you are aware, output of the Boss Tweed Uranium deal has decreased. We can attribute this to several factors. The first is that last year, Layarteb workers turned over their operaiton to Boss Tweed workers completely. We no longer have our men at the dig site, including bodyguards. Secondly, a new group calling themselves 'Mother Earths Revenge' has been sabotaging the equipment and launching terrorist attacks upon the dig sites.

"In response to these attacks and terrorist actions, I am ordering this embassy on full alert. Letters and e-mails threatening attacks on our embassy have been flooding in. We have alerted the Emperor and and with this we have an increased alert. Any attack upon the embassy of Layarteb will result in a full-scale sweep of this terrorist organization and their base of operations. Thank you."

He left the press room to another fury of hands and screams for questions.

:: bump ::

It was the final year of the agreement with the Empire of Layarteb. Boss Tweed reviewed the final figures of the arrangement.

Total income from trade: 28,530,000,000,000
Total payment to Layarteb, including bonuses for meeting output in Year 4 and Year 24.: 18,200,000,000

There was more than just the numbers, Tweed thought. It had been a good arrangement. A few moments of hardship had been smoothed over and no major conflicts had arisen over such a contentious issue. In fact, the relationship between Layarteb and the Allied States of Boss Tweed had grown stronger, if not closer. The uranium industry, once decentralized and controlled by illegitimate forces, was now regionally known as one of the most credible and stable sources for the purchase of high-grade uranium. After the control of inflation, additional diversified industries began popping up around the Allied States and foreign investment rose from almost nothing to a hefty portion of the economy. The Allied States of Boss Tweed was no longer a tin-pot nation, but rather a tiny economic tiger.

"It's time to continue on to greater things," Tweed thought. He turned his thoughts to the upcoming reconstruction projects in Dnalkrad.

The Emperor met with the Ambassador to Boss Tweed. They discussed the deal and the many bumps along the way. "It was a good deal sir." The ambassador said.

"Yes it was. They're assissting in Dnalkrad you know."

"Yes they are."

"Is this still about power?"

"When is it not!"

The Emperor smiled and the meeting ended shortly thereafter.