December 2950

To: Richard Mercier <rmercier@i-mail.com>
Send on: 12/02/2950, 3.05 PM
Topic: Finally home again

Hello Dad,

Finally home again. We arrived at Goss this morning, just brought the Yengis home and then headed shopping to get the fridge full again. How are you doing today?

Anyway, Intergalactic Aerospace Expo was fine again. The most I told you already. We got a consolidated outland Nomad again. Amusingly, we did not had big discussions about purchasing the ship. Indy liked it due to it’s cozy environment and it’s large outside cargo bay: “Good for our Weekend trips to Bethanies Bay”, she said.

To be true, for a ship of this size, the Nomad is awesome. You can add either a ground or Grav Lev Vehicle in the Cargo Area… Or some rafts… Or a boat… Or even a some chairs and a camping table. So it is perfect for our private weekend camping tours. Should you ever like to join, just let me know.

Additionally, I signed in for a Type rating course for Crusader Hercules C… But I guess I told you already.

But what was really interesting, was xeno day at IAE. Okay, I am not that big at alien starships. But now comes the cracker.

With growing trade and traffic between Xi’An and UEE, proper flight licences will gain more and more importance. So when we walked through expo, Indy stumbled over this Xi’An Flight School, offering flight licences and training to UEE pilots. Okay, I have to confess – I also thought about gaining a proper flight licence for Xi’An Empire. But for me it was more or less a project for the far future…

Anyway, Indy decided to ask about possibilities for proper commercial flight certification training to Xi’An space. And what was even more astonishing – she did so in Xi’An language. You remember? She had Xi’An at College.

The marketing team there was so surprised, that we spent around 2 1/2 hours talking about courses for civilian pilots and exchanged addresses here. We also got an invitation to visit the headquarter of their flight school at Ail’ka system.

So Indy and me, we decided to go there. We still do not know when, but a good chance would be somewhere early next year.

By the way – Indy also decided to join me on the next flight to Tal System. Should be next months. So don’t worry, if nobody is home. We will be back on weekend then.

By the way – not that I want to stress or bother… But could you take care of the Yengis during our trip to Tal…?

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From: Nancy Cszechov <n.cszechov@extensive-enterprises.space>
Received on: 12/09/2950, 3.59 PM
Topic: Short request

Good afternoon, Nick…

Sorry for disturbing your wintersleep. I received a request from Arccorp this morning. They ask whether Swift would be capable to handle some urgent Deliveries to Hadur system…

I know, you don’t like politics that much. But Hadur is in Xi’An space and can be of strategic importance for achieving further routes into rimward directions of the empire.

Anyway – in 2942 Arccorp applied for a terraforming joint venture in Xi’An’s Hadur system and successfully received the majority for the project coordination. Since this time the company performs most terraforming functions in the system.

Anyway, the project is currently on it’s peak level, with most of UEE transportation companies tied to materials delivery to Hadur. Yet things look different concerning to Xi’An’s transportation and delivery regulations for heavy machinery. Here the century long conflicts between United Empire of Earth and Xi’An Empire led to a particular caution to everything that comes from UEE and that looks like more than a light ground vehicle.

So – in Arccorp’s logic – Swift could be a valuable assistance to deliver the stuff, since we already have a name in the Xi’An Empire.. Not really a huge name, but a long known name and, what is even more important, a reputation as reliable partner. You know what I mean?

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To: Nancy Cszechov <n.creplyszechov@extensive-enterprises.space>
Send on: 12/11/2950, 11.28 AM
Topic: sorry for the late

Hey, Nancy…

Sorry for the late reply. We had some delays on our way to Odin… So I just could contact you today.

A charter contract with Arccorp? To be true – this is a great opportunity to gain a route licence down into Hadur system and maybe be even further rimwards. I wouldn’t say no to such an issue.

See Swift can’t compete against major Starlines within UEE. But I have also to say – I do not even want to. If we could develope Swift to a “specialist airline” to Xi’An space and may be even further into Banu territory, it would be even enough for me, since we could develope into a niche market with even more profit and less competitors.

Another big issue of this project is the chance to redevelope a cargo fleet. Currently, our Hercules just stands in the hangar and rusts away. So we would get the chance to re-activate ship, adding some additional profit for Swift with it.

And last but least – Gaining a stable cooperation with Arccorp is a beneficial side issue, too. You know – each passenger and customer is welcome, and if it is one of the bigger players in the business it is even better. I am happy for everything that helps to stabilise Swift’s economic situation currently and on a legal base.

What do you think?

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From: Nancy Cszechov <n.cszechov@extensive-enterprises.space>
Received on: 12/11/2950, 11.53 AM
Topic: completely agreed

Mostly agreed, although I also see a big chance in an intensifying a cooperation with Arccorp in Hadur. Of course Swift can’t compete with the big cargo haulers in the system, but it can definitely compete with them in passenger and vehicle transportation due to it’s reputation as small but reliable company.

Additionally, the contract with Arccorp would be a good chance to get Swift’s Starlifter out of hangar again. The thing hasn’t seen any daylight since Summer, so it would be a good chance to make it productive again. Even rusting metal costs money.

May be one final tip, Nick. Arccorp is known to intensify it’s cooperation with reliable partners… Swift’s one Starlifter will be a good start in the beginning. But it won’t be enough for an extended cooperation. So if I would be you, I would think about the one or the other wet-lease… May be two or three additional starlifters. Not now immediately, but may be later with increasing collaboration?

You understand what I want to say, Darling?

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From: Nancy Cszechov <n.cszechov@extensive-enterprises.space>
Received on: 12/16/2950, 10.12 AM
Topic: Some News

Good morning, Nick.

I have some major news for you.

News 1. Crusader Industries confirmed your Hercules Familiarisation Course. It will take place on Crusader and start on December, 26th, 2950. So you will have a good chance to celebrate New year’s eve at Horizon. Shall I book arrange the trip for you, do you want to do it on your own? I mean, you met the first time on Crusader – at least your wife told me. So it would be a great opportunity for some romantic holidays.

News 2. Arccorp confirmed our lease offer. They would be grateful if we could delivery the terraforming machinery as soon as we can. I checked the available crews and the hercules papers. If you like we could offer a first charter this weekend. But wait, before replaying. We still need Xi’An and UEE approval to head into Hadur System.

Although I prepared all necessary papers, keep in mind that holidays are coming. Normally receiving permission can take half a week under normal circumstances, but I would offer Arccorp the first flight at early January 2951 and with an option of an anticipated trip if things go faster.

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To: Nancy Cszechov <n.creplyszechov@extensive-enterprises.space>
Send on: 12/11/2950, 10.38 AM
Topic: Thanks

Hey Nancy,

Sorry, I am in a hurry again.

Concerning, Crusader. Great Idea, I take Indy with me. She loves Crusader quite much and haven’t been there for quite a while. She always wanted to have a suit down at Horizon Western Plaza Hotel. So we will arrange the trip on our own expenses.

And finally concerning Arccorp – great job. Just submit the papers to UEE and Xi’An Authorities, requesting proper travel and transportation licences. I will clear the rest personally with the Arccorp management.

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From: Indira Mercier <Indira.Mercier@UEE-MAIL.COM>
Received on: 12/28/2950, 10.26 AM
Topic: Finalllyyyyyy … it is there …

Nicky? Nicky? Are you there… I just wanted to tell you, we finally got our AI Social Protocol System delivered for our hab… You remember? This nice thingy supervising and controling most stuff at home … Central heating, Air Condition, Lights, Media stuff…and so on … I am so excited …

I hope you don´t mind, that Sue and me, just start to get it set up? Do you? *chuckles*

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From: Indira Mercier <Indira.Mercier@UEE-MAIL.COM>
Received on: 12/28/2950, 12.03 AM
Topic: Doooonneeeee

Okay, Nicky, so far we got the social protocol system set up… It was fun… I hope you didn’t mind that Sue and me took an holographic image of my mom as standard sp-image… You know, that I miss her much…

We also added most systems here in the house and connected them to SP. Electronic shuts down automatically, once both of us have left the house. Also blinds, as well as light, work according to day cycle now. And the holo turns off around ten pm, since we both mostly are in bed around this time. Chuckles.

By the way – I also got a letter from this Xi’An – flight school. Jeeezzz, the thing is quite impressive. They really put much work in promoting their services. I hope you don’t mind, that I will put it up in your office. I am sure you will like it too… Red Hwa’jiung-Parchment with golden letters. I will translate it for you you. Okay?

“Honorable and kind Sire, Mister Nickolas Mercier, Son of Richard and Nataly Mercier, being born on Goss in the the 32 year of the reign of our kind and proud ruler, Emperor T.ueng Kr.e, kindly and wisely protecting the great empire Xi’An, it’s people and it’s stars.

We, the Thousand Stars Flight Academy, proudly and gratefully appreciate your interest in our services. May the spirits of your and our ancestors bless you for your wise decision and your prudence. We, the proud Thousand Stars Flight Academy offer our services to pilots and navigators for around 5 generations. With pride we welcomed students like the honorable H.wang’Sun’Yi, Han’tai Yung, Ma.n’Tai Yiao or M.ai’Yun in our ranks. Thus we consider to have granted Xi’An best pilots a heaven for learning, studying and advancement in profession.

Thus, with proud support and kind agreement of Xi’An Department of Travel Services and Transportation, we are honored to offer you the following services as a pilot of a benevolent race – so that your ways and travels inside our glorious realms may proceed successfully and kind.

Training Services – Chapter 1: Introduction to flight methodology and aerospace regulations inside Xi’An Space for flying personell from alien territories. Duration of 6 Xi’An cycles – 8 weeks in human Time scale. This course is mandatory for flight deck personal, traveling in and out of Xi’An Space. Cost is 650.000 UEE.

Training – Chapter 2: Advanced Certification Course for alien spaceships commandants: Rules and regulations for travels inside and outside of Xi’An Space. Duration of 4 Xi’An-Cycles (6 Weeks of Mankind Species) This course is mandatory for all spaceship commanders, travelling in and out Xi’An space. Cost is 1.300.000 UEE.

Included in your generous training donation to our academy are supreme materials and documentations for studying, as well as humble commodities for studying and living. Enclosed you find a short holographic documentation about our Academy and their facilities. Please take note, that acceptance of Xi’An law, habits and traditions is expected from our foreign students. Accompanying family members can be welcome upon preliminary request.

Thousands stars flight academy gratefully answers any of your questions and kindly invites you to visit all of our facilities in Xi’An.

In Humble Pride and glorious Praise of our shining Empire

Sung’Yao’Par”

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To: Indira Mercier <Indira.Mercier@UEE-MAIL.COM>
Send on: 12/29/2950, 09.55 AM
Topic: Jeeeeezzz

Jeeeeezzz, illustrous letter… when do we have vacations together?

And by the way – why your mom as a SPS-Image?

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From: Indira Mercier <Indira.Mercier@UEE-MAIL.COM>
Received on: 12/29/2950, 09.57 AM
Topic: :-p

Why not Mom? Would you rather prefer your most favorite X-Movies Star? Giana Wilde? *chuckles

And our next vacations are in February… Thanks for not knowing so :-p You bad boy deserve to be punished. But why are you asking…

But aside with the jokes … See, the letter from thousand stars flight academy is a typical Xi`An self-intoduction… Did you spot it? They even know the name of your parents… Don´t worry… It is a typical habit of Xi´an Society. A person standing in society is also defined by his family line. And with this phrase they say, we know who you are, and we appreciate your background. It would have been worser, if your family would not have been mentioned … that is normally a real bad sign indicating on activities in crime.

And well, in Xi´An Culture some kind of “boasting” and “self-appraisal” is a normal habit for winning a a client, business contract or project member. It just means “Hey, we have this things to offer and we thing that you have the following virtues …” The latter is mostly targeted to push up the client on a similar eye-to-eye-level.

But what is also an interesting another topic in the letter … the material it is written on Hwa’jiung-Parchment. It really seems that they regard you with some kind of importance… Hwa’jiung is not really a really a cheap material for writing in Xi´An Culture and the golden letter emphasize that. It´s red color indicate, that they regard you as somebody important. Not in a political way of importance , then the letter would have been dyed in purple colour, but in matter of economical or intellectual aspects.

So what ever this flight school things about you, you are not considered as unimportant. Otherwise they would have made it with classical, no-frill spectrum message.

But now back to topic… Why did you ask about vacations?

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To: Indira Mercier <Indira.Mercier@UEE-MAIL.COM>
Send on: 12/29/2950, 10.29 AM
Topic: Jeeeeezzz

Jeeez, and you know all this stuff …? And where to hell have you learned it?

But concerning your question – to be true I think about heading there with you in our vacations?

I have to confess, that I would like to see their academy.

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From: Indira Mercier <Indira.Mercier@UEE-MAIL.COM>
Received on: 12/29/2950, 10.39 AM
Topic: 🙂

Nick, I had Xi´An language and culture for around four years, when doing my primary degree :-p And I guess I told you several time :-p

And I just have checked out the holo of their academy … to be true, I am speechless in a positive matter. Their living and training quarters look awesome … I guess, we should check their holos together when you are back home from Stanton. My College at Terra looked like at ramshackle compared to their academy. And remember, I was in quite a good one…

But back to your idea … Agreed – I am in for a trip to Thousands Stars Flight Academy. Just keep in mind, that they have several subsidiaries in Xi´An empires. So if you like, I can arrange the trip for you as well as writing a proper reply to their letter … I think your rather … ehmmm … “sparse” eloquence would not fit well in this matter. Let me do it, I will submit you the draft when finished…

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Nickolas Mercier

First Officer Nickolas Mercier was born in 2914 on Goss III. His father being a Navy Officer and his mother being a Nurse, he somehow merged with the differing interests in his family. Being sly and educated, well-mannered and long-term oriented, he somehow lacked all qualities necessary for his dream profession: becoming a fighter pilot. Although he learned aeronautics pretty early due to his Dad, Nick showed no sign of evidently necessary combat pilot qualities like intuition, agressivity and tactical focus. So he failed his Navy Combat Pilot Test in 2935. What can be a lack of qualities in one branch was his benefit in another. So he sucessfully passed his test for United Empire of Earth Imperial Center of Cartography in the same year and became Pilot in 23rd Exploration Group. He earned his merits there for being a skilled pilot, serving on an Andromeda Class Vessel in his final stages of service. In 2946 he surprisingly mustered out after his mother´s death and joined Intergalactic Airlines, gaining his Type Rating for Genesis Starliners in 2947 and advancing to management and flight instructor position rapidly. In 2949 he changed his employer and joined Atlas Defense Industry as transportation pilot for roughly a year. Prefering a career in civil aerospace transportation though, he skipped to Extensive Enterprises becoming Chief Pilot in 2950. Due to his experience in Starline Operation he was nominated as Interim Operations Manager for Swift Starlines - a small semi-bancrupt passenger and cargo transportation company in the same year, effectively managing to lead the company out of it´s financial within a year.

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