"Second on the agenda, I want to revise the trade routes," Wein stated, his voice calm. "After the war, we closed down several key routes, and as a result, illegal occupiers have taken over. We need to reclaim them, that way we will encourage legitimate trade within our borders."
"My lord, many of those routes have been overrun by a coalition of pirates. Over the years, they have been amassing strength and growing bolder. We have reason to believe our enemies are backing them" spoke Eric.
Wein remained silent for a moment, tapping his fingers slightly against the table. He was aware of the increased piracy in the territory, the pirates had been causing more and more trouble. In fact, during the time he came to Velmora as an immigrant, he was attacked by them.
The pirate factions had expanded their influence, operating with impunity and feeding off the lax security of the territory its routes after the war. It was clear that some noble houses were behind this.
The pirates had weapons and strongholds something difficult to get under normal circumstances. They were able to strangle the system and increase their strength becoming an issue for security and trade.
"That is not a problem," Wein replied. "I have already made plans to scale back certain external military activities and recalled some of our fleets. After that, I will personally deal with the pirates."
Eric nodded though his concerns were not fully alleviated. "I understand, my lord."
"My lord, if I may," spoke Vern. "Reopening the routes will increase suspicion from our enemies. Currently, we are able to keep them at bay thanks to the lockdown, but such a drastic move will alarm the galaxy that House Voss is beginning to move."
"So what? We will continue as we have, just decline any request to meet me and instead have them speak with you as the Prime Minister."
There was silence in the whole room.
"Now that we have a plan for the trade routes and the mining operations, it is time to get down to the main reason I brought you here. I want to increase House Voss's influence, both economically and politically."
Eric nodded. "I assume you want to strengthen our ties and relations with other houses?"
"Correct. Currently, we are surrounded by House Ulix and House Barax, both of which are strong and enemies waiting to pounce at any sign of weakness. We can't afford to give them the opportunity. Vern, as the Prime Minister you know which noble houses have been neutral or friendly was House Voss in the past"?
Vern adjusted his collar, picked up a data pad and scrolled.
"There are a few houses that were loyal to House Voss since its decline and have remained neutral on the outside. But contact with them is risky. However, there is one house which I believe would be beneficial to reach out to."
He flicked the pad and images appeared in front of the group.
"House Kell is a barony known for their shipbuilding industry. They have been in decline over the past few years, and rumours suggest that they have incurred a huge debt. They were once among the Empire's top-rated ship producers. If we establish a relationship with them, we might gain access to a valuable production partner."
Wein considered the idea. It was good, Voss had resources that Kell needed, the partnership could help Kell rebuild and indebt them.
"Being connected with them would reap us many benefits. I wonder why it is not the case?"
There was an awkward silence in the room.
"Ahem..." began Vern, uncomfortable. "My lord, Baron Nielson had a… thing about other races..."
Wein took another look at the images of House Kell. The current Baron, Dol'jaa Kell, was an alien, a Kirrill. They were a humanoid race, distinguished by their huge and silver semi/ transparent build. Kirrill had a huge frontal lobe with two tentacle-like appendages falling on the sides, and a third long, thicker appendage resembling a tail where humans would have hair, ending in a rounded tip. Beside these, they resembled humans closely.
…
"I had heard, the Baron did not favour other species as he did humans" spoke Wein.
"It is true. Velmora and the whole territory is predominately human, with few other races. The Baron did not want non-human influence, to replace that of the ancestors" replied Vern.
Wein smirked, the idea of Baron Neilson's alien dislike was a rumour known even among the army. Wein had often wondered why he had met few alien races in Velmora and the army, despite House Voss being part of the multi-species Empire.
To be fair, Neilson tolerated other races and was never openly prejudice but the preference was felt even if unspoken. Despite that, House Voss was known as a house that fought for the whole galaxy. It was involved in the fights for the liberation of oppressed races, mostly at the hands of human. So, despite a few alien races in the territory House Voss was still respected.
…
"I understand. Vern, I will send you and Eric in my stead to negotiate with House Kell. Given our position, they should agree."
Vern and Eric both bowed their heads. "As you command, my lord"
Wein turned his attention to Vanessa. "We also need to start thinking long term. I have inherited a vast amount of funds and need investment options. Do you have any ideas?"
"There are numerous emerging companies that have grown in recent years, my lord. Investing in them could be beneficial," she replied.
"If we invest so blatantly, we will attract too much attention. It's best to do so quietly, without drawing eyes."
"In that case… there is an organisation not rooted in the Empire that boasts wealth and power it could content with multiple star systems. It is rooted in secrecy and confidentiality. If we can establish ties with them, we will gain access to information and technology that could be beneficial to us."
"Who are they?"
Vanessa hesitated for a moment, as if weighing the risk of uttering the name without permission. Finally, she answered.
"They are called the Orion Belt. They are behind powerful corporate conglomerates, mercenary guilds, and intelligence networks rooted throughout the entire galaxy. They operate independently and have branches all over the galaxy, some say they have the power and influence to rival the Union and the Empire. It is believed that there are even high-ranking nobles from across the galaxy in their ranks."
Wein narrowed his eyes. Eric and Vern were silent, like him, they had never heard of this group. If they truly had the power to rival the Empire, they could be valuable as an alley but also be dangerous as an enemy."
"And what do they do?" he asked.
"They prefer to remain covert. Little information is available about them, but it is estimated that they deal in everything."
Wein's expression darkened, he leaned forward his mind calculating the pros and cons.
"Can we get in contact with them?"
"I believe with the reputation and privilege House Voss has in the Empire, they would allow contact."
"Good, I will leave this up to you. Help set up a meeting and handle it on my behalf or if needed bring Vern with you."
"Thank you for your trust, my lord" Vanessa bowed.
"My lord," Eric spoke after being silent for a while. "If we establish a relationship with them, how far will it go."
"For now, it will be investment. With the large funds I have inherited from the Baron and the House, we should have enough to get a hold of major shares many business ventures. I will send you the quota and the limit for investment. Our role with the group will be more of silent investor, whether we engage in trade or military action on their behalf will be decided later on."
The room went silent as everyone absorbed the decision.
"That is enough for today, everyone you know your tasks, go carry them out."
The members of the Circle stood, bowed, and left the room one by one, their servants and guards were waiting for them outside.
As the doors closed behind them, Wein who remained seated and reviewing documents had a faint eerie feeling overcome. These decisions he had been taking, though meticulous would impact the galaxy and his territory's future.
He was now stepping into the realm of authority, he was getting a taste of that power, and he feared he would come to enjoy it.
What remained now was to strengthen himself, which meant mastering the Divine Blood Core.