[PRC] Message to First Choice International

[Alex]

PRIVATE AND ENCRYPTED​

To: Alexander Smith From: Xu Guanhua Dearest Mr. Smith, I hope this message reaches you well. My name is Xu Guanhua, I am the Minister of Science and Technology for the People's Republic of China. I am contacting you on behalf of my government regarding First Choice International's latest business update; primarily First Choice International's search for a 50/50 venture partner in the, yet untapped, space industry. This is something that I would consider perfect timing as China has begun plans to begin their own space agency and begin researching and launching satellites, sending drones on the surface of exoplanets and asteroids, and manned missions. All of this would be, for obvious reasons, much easier with a 50/50 partner. With that said; as a loyal customer of First Choice, we believe that a space agency co-founded and co-funded by both First Choice and China would not only be beneficial for both of our treasuries but I believe that we would be able to make many breakthroughs in the science of astronomy and space exploration. We have also noted that First Choice's primary interest in this would be for military applications and China is more than fine with that, we would in fact be very much interested in furthering military applications in our satellites and potentially other space technologies If First Choice would be interested in the possibility of a 50/50 venture with China then I would be intrigued in discussing further details of this venture and exactly what First Choice has planned for this along with what your business would expect of this venture. I eagerly await your reply. Kindest Regards, Xu Guanhua Minister of Science and Technology People's Republic of China

@Hollie

 

[Hollie]

This Response is PRIVATE and ENCRYPTED — @Alex
Recipient: Xu Guanhua, Minister of Science and Technology

Thank you for contacting First Choice, Xu Guanhua. A Space Program would provide Scientific and Technological Advancements, that we ourselves cannot accomplish otherwise. You might think this is Ambitious, but it seems achievable with the support of the Chinese Authorities. Understand though, we are the Defense Industry and historically, the safest road to peace is through Military Superiority — Especially in the Eyes of our Patronage. Therefore, militarizing Space will always be at the forefront of our Negotiations. But, we have no intention of escalating the Arms Race – We would only like to provide a Level of Security to the Consumers, in which we attract. For example, the Space Agency will have the means to put an Intelligence Satellite into orbit. Of course, this will incur a small commission but in exchange, this Satellite becomes an invaluable Resource for Defence and Security Missions to the Modern Soldier. Do you mind First Choice using this Partnership as a Commercial opportunity?

A Space Agency has an estimated cost of $3,000,000,000 which will include a Small Landing Platform. That being said, the Agency should have High-quality Infrastructure to stay renewable. The Executives are happy to contribute $5,000,000,000, if the Contribution from the Chinese Government is at least 35% of this figure. The Project Funding would then total $6,750,000,000. The initial investment is an important feature as they create Externalities. Things such as sustained growth of Employment and bringing Prosperity to a region. All things we consider essential.

We would see each Partner receive a 50% Stake to the Agency, under a Privately held or Public company name. Though, we would need to negotiate this with our Legal Counsel, Strömberg so neither Shareholder is at risk by the other.
Given the nature of this Venture, a Meeting in person would be appreciated. Are you able to facilitate this? I can get the next available flight.

Deputy Chief Executive Offer ?
__________________________________________

 

[Alex]

PRIVATE AND ENCRYPTED​

To: Alexander Smith From: Xu Guanhua Dearest Mr. Smith, The Chinese people know all too well what it takes to secure peace. The PRC has no objections towards this partnered space agency being primarily a commercial venture as long as 50% of the profits are given to the PRC and that space exploration and the advancement of scientific pursuits remains the third focus of the agency; after commercial and military pursuits. The Chinese Treasury will easily be able to pay 1,750,000,000.00$ of this total sum, although, rounding our contribution up to 2,000,000,000.00$ would also be possible if you wish to do that instead. As for the company name, China would prefer for it to be privately held; but as you said, it would be better to discuss all of this in person. I will be able to host you and whoever you bring with you at Zhongnanhai, Beijing at your earliest convenience. Kindest Regards, Xu Guanhua Minister of Science and Technology People's Republic of China

@Hollie

 

[Hollie]

This Response is PRIVATE and ENCRYPTED — @Alex , @Connor
Recipient: Xu Guanhua, Minister of Science and Technology
Cct: Albina Söderström, Strömberg's Divisional Practice Head

We have contacted Strömberg International Legal Consultants, who will be joining us in Beijing when they're able. Due to unavoidable circumstance, Mr. Alexander Smith will be attending in my place.
I've arranged a Business Flight for Alexander, who will arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport on Wednesday, 09:55am (Tomorrow)

Deputy Chief Executive Offer ?
__________________________________________


Mrs. Durand would send their Earlier Transcriptions to Strömberg, so they may come prepared for the Appointment. With that, Alexander would take his flight from Rotterdam, The Hague Airport.
During his Flight, Aimee would Telephone the Licensed Car Rental Service to book his Porsche 993, Turbo Coupé to take him to Zhongnanhai, approximately 16 Minutes away.
Alexander would be carrying his Mobile, the Nokia 2191 and his Briefcase.

 

[Connor]

Devin Lundin departs from Stockholm International Airport on the next available, and subsequent connecting, flights in order to attend the arranged meeting in Beijing. Along with him would be a small number of aides able to provide administrative support throughout the talks. A respectable hotel room would be booked individually for the representatives of Strömberg International Legal Consultants and use of private-hire taxi services will allow transportation through to the city to whichever meeting location be preferable.

 

[Alex]

Xu Guanhua would be waiting outside the main gate of Zhongnanhai, nicknamed the Gate of New China. Beside him were lawyers, financial assistants, and fellow scientists all prepared to discuss with Strömberg International Legal Consultants and First Choice International on creating a space agency. All information, including prices and locations had already been discussed among Chinese officials but they were prepared to negotiate all of this.

Upon the arrival of the vehicles, Xu Guanhua would approach the guests. Xu would give a slight bow and extend his hand to the first arrival. "Mr. Smith, it is an honor to meet you at last." He would then do the same to their second guest. "Mr. Lundin, it is nice to meet you as well." Hu would gesture to the gate. "If you would please both follow me to our table."

Xu would lead the party through the large walled off region in the heart of Beijing. They'd follow the stone path along the Southern Sea with Gingko trees over head, their leaves shone with a golden hue as the clouds gave way to the sun. After a few minutes they would reach the gardens where a large table was waiting for them. Hu would let his guests sit first, taking his seat last.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable and let me know if there's anything that you need." He would take his seat as his lawyers, financial assistants, and scientists prepared their papers and notes. "I believe it would make the most sense if you began the discussions, Mr. Smith. After all it is your company's idea and you would know best what it wants from this potential Space Agency and how it wishes to proceed with it."

@Hollie @Connor

 

[Hollie]

"Very well, Xu. Opening a Space Agency or more specifically, a Flight Programme would be the investment we're making. Targeting areas that have the Greatest Potential for delivering benefits to our Customer's National Security and to their Public Services. This lies at the heart of our Business efforts. We believe that with China, we can develop a successful Programme that will allow us to operate and maintain Spacecraft Vehicles for use by Major Contractors, Governments or individuals with a desire for Space flight. Over the course of next year, we hope to have a Corporate Plan agreed with the Chinese Authorities, communicating how the Agency works and the construction of hard infrastructure, supporting tens of thousands of jobs. First Choice has access to Reliable, and Technologically sophisticated Hardware, from our Partner Companies Airbus and Lockheed Martin that are focused on fulfilling the needs of carrying flight crews and vital cargo into space.

We do not want to outsource the Launch Role to any Contractor, so we will need a significant investment from China to maintain Launch operation on a daily basis. And, in spite of present Economic Trends and the closure of NASA, there continues to be a major demand for Orbital Space Travel and First Choice would like to be the first to offer the service. As the demand grows, so does the need for quality and price-competitive manufacturing. Our Primary Goal is to provide Spacecraft Services that are either not readily available or not available at a reasonable cost and within a reasonable time frame. So, it's important we establish credibility, confidence, and long-term customer loyalty. Phase 1 will focus on financing the design of the building, and associated costs for Personnel, Supplies, Equipment and Crew procedures. First Choice needs an initial value of $1,750,000,000 from China and, a 1% Running cost to cover maintenance..."

@Alex @Connor

 

[Alex]

"Of course, China will support this project in any way that it can. We're on the same page when you say that this is an untapped business, every nation will need these services at one point or another if they plan on bringing their armed forces to this new generation.

It is our hopes that with this 50/50 venture that First Choice will also be able to share its technology with China to further its own military technologies? With that said, we hope that this technology you share with us will be more advanced than what you are offering to other nations with satellites and other space technologies. After all, China does see this more as a way to further our own standing in the world rather than just monetary gain. There's also the subject that China wishes to use this business venture for the exploration of space and focusing on the sciences revolving around it. If we would be able to use First Choice's technology for this as well I believe that this would serve us well; First Choice gives us the technology to further activities in outer space and space exploration, we fund it all, and then once we make breakthroughs our Space Agency's reputation will benefit from it. But we can talk further about that with your Stromberg representative once we have everything else figured out.

China will be more than willing to offer this Space Agency any territory and office space that it needs. In fact, we could be able to refurbish the office of the National Space Administration in Haidian District, Beijing. We could also use its previous launching locations; Jiuquan, Taiyuan, Xichang, Wenchang Satellite Launch Centers. Of course, all of the equipment and technology was sold when the Space Administration collapsed, so we will need to purchase everything again. However, the locations were more than suitable for them and they'll serve our purpose more than enough.

We'd gladly pay the sum of 1,750,000,000.00$, however there's a small problem. If we were to add a 1% running cost to cover the maintenance, we would not be able to collect taxes which means we would go in a deficit if First Choice were to collect the payment of the loans we've taken from you. So I ask that as we are going to change our running costs that the payment of our twelve billion dollar loan does not begin until the 1st of January 1996. As for the 1,800,000,000.00$ we owe from our previous loan, I'll contact the Minister in charge and we'll have the funds transferred immediately.

If you can agree to those terms, I'll have my government know of the needed running cost change."

@Hollie @Connor

 

[Hollie]

"Regrettably, we will only be offering access to Technologies for which it's intended — Space missions, planned or otherwise. Strictly speaking, they should not be used to facilitate your Armed forces. However, I'm sure we can arrange something further down the line which enhances your competitive edge. For the moment, we will only be allowing our Products to serve in the interests of science and exploration, until we have the experience to go beyond this.

With all due respect, First Choice would prefer a new location than the former CNSA to accommodate the demands of both parties. Upon inspection, we might decide to use some of the old launch locations, but I was hoping you would consider at least one site to be outside of Chinese territory? This will certainly improve our effectiveness to bring Products to and from the platform, without journeying. We've not yet determined a location but our thoughts are with the Netherlands, because of it's close proximity to our Headquarters. Of course, this is something I would need to discuss with the Dutch Authorities if we're all in agreement. Besides, Marketing the services to our European consumers was always our intention.

It appears that our Administrator already took the first payment in December. Fortunately, it hasn't made a huge impact to your finances. We can push back January, so the second Payment will not leave your account until February 01st? Would this allow you enough time to recover any losses from your investment? We're happy to accommodate in any way we can"

@Alex @Connor