Aug 1, 2784
Colonel Harry Mitchell sat opposite the Lyran representatives while they discussed a contract. The offer sounded too good to be true. Pirate hunting, 6 months. Independent command, 100% Transport, 90% salvage and 80% Battle Loss Comp. Monthly payout 4.4 million.
"I want a clause entered into this contract before we sign, it will state that we get to have our pick of any Aerospace, Dropships or Jumpships captured or the Lyran Government pays us 75% of market value of any assets we capture ." Colonel Mitchell stated flatly.
The Lyran rep blinked hard, "Sir, you cannot be serious, we are offering you solid terms as it is."
"But I am serious, it gets put on paper or our discussions are done. I have a 2pm meeting with the Combine rep, so what is it going to be?" Colonel Mitchell leaned back in his chair and waited.
"30% market value and we get to choose what you get to keep." The Lyran rep coldly said.
"Look, we can play this game all day, so this is my final offer, we get first dibs on any asset captured and we get 40% of the fair market value of any and all we turn over to you. This applies to Aerospace fighters, Dropships or Jumpships only, everything else the 90% salvage applies. So take it, or leave it, I got a meeting in less than 20 min with the Combine rep."
The Lyran representatives looked at each other, finally the one in charge stood and offered his hand "Sir, the Lyran Government agrees to your terms".
Colonel Mitchell stood and took the offered hand. "Let's get this contract written up and signed. Guess the Combine is out of luck."
Ten minutes later the Lyran reps left the office and Colonel Mitchell's XO entered, "Sir, that was a heck of a bluff, they were the only ones that offered us a contract other than the damn Taurian's and I am glad we both agreed to tell them a flat no".
"Well XO, I do love a good game of poker. But we got what we wanted, so let's get the troops gathered and head on out, we got some pirates to beat down.