Chapter 120: The Negotiation
Vhorx's massive metallic chassis leaned forward slightly, adopting the posture of a hardened merchant. "You provide the complete data-packet and initial application-guidance for this technology. I, and the entire administrative and production apparatus of Nexum, will handle the subsequent manufacturing, market distribution, and..."
He paused for effect. "...more critically, managing any... 'doctrinal concerns' or audits from Mars. As for profit distribution..."
He seemed to perform a difficult calculation. "The Forge World bears all production costs, the expense of refitting assembly lines, and the market risks. This investment is substantial..."
"Therefore, the lion's share of the profit naturally belongs to the Forge World."
"However, acknowledging you as the discoverer and provider, we are willing to grant you a ten percent share of net revenue."
"Given the current financial strain on the Forge World, this demonstrates my utmost sincerity. After all, the machine requires fuel to turn, does it not?"
Joric listened silently, his optical lenses unmoving. Vhorx's offer was low, but within his calculations. He did not counter the number directly. Instead, he projected a concise report onto the desk.
"Archmagos," Joric's synthesized voice was flat. "The value of this technology lies in its ability to grant Nexum a unique competitive advantage in the post-'Second Founding' landscape."
"We have lost the stability of massive, singular contracts. To attract the scattered, independent Chapters who now possess the right of choice, we need differentiation."
"Superior logistics, more precise fire-control, more flexible production lines... these will undoubtedly maximize Nexum's competitiveness."
"To achieve this, the Logic-Core is the key. A ten percent share underestimates its strategic significance in reversing our decline, and fails to cover the extraordinary cost I paid to acquire it."
Vhorx's mechadendrites stilled. His human eye narrowed slightly, clearly re-evaluating.
"Twelve percent," his voice carried a note of concession. "Refitting lines, training personnel, handling audits... these are sunk costs! The risk remains with the Forge World!"
Joric's voice cut in smoothly. "Seventeen percent. Furthermore, I require a Lunar-class Cruiser—specifically, hull designation NXS-07, currently unfinished in the orbital ring."
"It must be customized according to my specifications, with the modification costs borne by the Forge World."
Vhorx's mechadendrites froze in mid-air, emitting a sharp hydraulic hiss.
"Seventeen percent?! And a Lunar Cruiser?!" Electronic static burst from his vocalizer. "Joric, you are bleeding me dry! The keel of NXS-07 is forged from highest-purity Adamantium! The material cost alone is a king's ransom! To modify it to your specs... the cost would rebuild three secondary forges!"
"Since you mention secondary forges," Joric's optics flickered, seizing the opening instantly, "then, transferring ownership of one of the idle secondary forges to my name, as a dedicated research and pilot-production facility, would vastly increase the efficiency of tech-transfer. This holds greater value than modifying a single ship."
"ABSOLUTELY NOT!" Vhorx's reaction was instant and fierce. The merchant's hesitation vanished, replaced by unquestionable authority.
His massive tracked base moved forward half an inch, projecting tangible pressure. "Joric, hear me clearly: Profit shares can be negotiated. Ship modifications can be discussed. But a secondary forge—even the smallest, most idle one—represents a holy industrial node of the Omnissiah on this world!"
"Its governance is not a bargaining chip!"
"You are a newly ascended Magos. You have not yet established the merit or administrative framework to match such responsibility. Furthermore, your specialization is not Magos-Fabricator."
"Directly administering a forge violates doctrine and the fundamental statutes of this world. There is no room for negotiation here."
His human eye locked onto Joric, his voice low and grave. "I understand your hunger for resources, young one. But on certain matters, we must hold the line."
"The structure of the Forge World cannot be lightly disrupted. That is my principle."
The statement was final. It was his hard limit.
Joric was silent for a moment, his logic-core rapidly assessing the board.
Vhorx's refusal was absolute. Continuing to push would only damage the negotiation.
He adjusted his strategy immediately.
"I comprehend your principles, Archmagos." His voice returned to its steady calm. "Then, let us return to the Cruiser proposal."
He pressed his argument. "It is precisely due to the Forge World's current fiscal state that the requisition of NXS-07 is logical. It has sat idle in drydock for thirty-seven standard years, accruing daily maintenance costs."
"Converting it into my dedicated Forge Ship not only eliminates this drain immediately, but also opens new research domains for Nexum, far from the core sectors, which adheres to safety protocols."
"Moreover, a Forge Ship equipped with advanced research facilities will be better positioned to unearth more technical legacies like the 'Logic-Core,' the fruits of which will ultimately feed back into the Forge World."
Vhorx's tracked platform shifted uneasily, still seemingly irritated by the forge request. His tone was stiff. "Even so, the base modification costs are..."
"The modifications will be phased," Joric interrupted, his tone allowing no argument. "The Forge World is responsible only for the foundational refit to achieve void-worthiness. Subsequent advanced modifications will be my own responsibility. Considering the future returns on this investment, this requirement is not excessive."
After another round of intense haggling—primarily over the specifics of the Cruiser's refit and the payment schedule—Vhorx finally relented.
"Fifteen percent! That is the final offer! And you bear the cost of all deep-modifications to the Cruiser yourself!"
"Acceptable. Fifteen percent net profit share. Completion and foundational refit costs borne by the Forge World." Joric confirmed. He knew he had hit the floor. "Specifics to be codified in the agreement."
"Done, then! It is settled!" Archmagos Vhorx seemed drained. One mechadendrite rubbed his metal forehead; another waved dismissal.
"You are more difficult than a heretical algorithm, boy! Take it, take the ship, save me the dock space!" His tone was complaining, but a glint of relief—and shrewdness—flashed in his human eye.
Clearly, successfully defending the line on the forge made the other concessions acceptable.
"Agreement reached. May this collaboration mesh as tightly as precision gears, driving Nexum back to glory." Joric stated calmly.
He had achieved his primary objective. As for the secondary forge... that was merely a probe. The future was long.
(End of Chapter)