FORNICE - Decherrek has a proposition

Bronz finally cracks a rare smile as it looks like they’re going to buy the Athelstone. "I’m in," he says. "Though it looks like we’re down at least one crew member. Might be a venture like this needs more hands anyway. Any idea where we’d find someone?"

Yes Yes. Many Free Trader organize with shares. Common to give one share in lieu of salary for each crewmember. Then allow purchase of additional shares to generate operating fund. Some go to bank or sophonts like Smugg for additional backing, but gets complicated and then must file corporation papers. LC can do that? But best to avoid. Tomorrow we go then and sign the papers. Ship yours to take possession on April 8, though last refurbishing still in progress. Bank pays for all that.

Can start researching next port. To get Freight and passengers must declare a destination. For speculative trade is good to know destination port, too. Know what might sell at profit.

Ah, my Economics thesis is almost writing itself. Soon I will be able to say I am Doctor Recherrek, PhD.

LC, the former lawyer and starport customs officer now Navigator, folds his arms and gives the crew a look that suggests they’re about to get a masterclass in legal wizardry. He flashes a grin at the crew, then with a calm, almost predatory smile.

"Sure, I can draft everything you need," LC says, with the easy confidence of someone who once got paid by the word.
"But for the complexity involved, I’ll require an additional half share. We're not just talking about basic paperwork here. I’ll have to engineer a multi-jurisdictional limited liability framework, complete with interstellar asset shielding, cross-sector incorporation redundancy, and dynamic fiduciary bypass protocols."
<br> He leans forward, voice dropping to a conspiratorial murmur.
"I'll structure the ship under a layered trust-LLC hybrid entity to obfuscate ownership chains, create non-domiciled corporate residencies to take advantage of favorable insolvency statutes, and file shell registrations across at least three star systems to avoid centralized lien exposure. Plus, we'll need embedded defensive equity clauses, quantum lien nullification riders, and hostile funding quarantine triggers to make sure no entity —"
LC gives a loud, theatrical cough,
"Smugg"
— can exercise voting control or asset foreclosure rights without triggering a cascade of nullification events."
<br>LC taps a stylus against the console, finishing with a razor-sharp grin.
"Long story short: when I’m done, they’ll need a full interstellar legal task force just to figure out who owns the coffee machine, let alone the ship."
LC leans back, hands behind his head, looking deeply pleased with himself.
[b]"Worth every credit, I promise."

The Droyne gives LC the Reptilian equivilant of 'side-eye'.

"Unless you have outside investors, a simple Merchant Charter will suffice."

Memories of his old life—where uneven deals often ended in blood—flash through Bronz’s mind. He’s relieved someone brought it up before things turned sour.

"Yeah," he says, voice steady. "I was thinking the same thing. If this is legit, why hide who owns what on paper? Start splitting it uneven, and sooner or later it’s gonna cause trouble. We’ve all got reasons we could argue for more if we wanted to. Easier to just call it even shares from the start. Otherwise... might not be worth it." He shrugs lightly. "Just my two credits—I'm in either way. Just saying."

LC reads the room quickly and sees his proposition is not accepted. He smiles at everyone;
"Okay"
shrugging his shoulders and then relaxing and smiling again
"A simple Merchant Charter like Decherrek outlines. Now that is settled, who are the share holders and who is replacing Delores Bing as our Broker?"

And perhaps you should consider adding to the crew. I noticed that the work load was heavy during our prior journey. And this time I will excuse myself from doing what I did before. So it will all be up to you to handle. You understand that?

So perhaps you give each of yourselves two shares. Offer one share to new hires. Plus the opportunity to raise operating funds through the sale of additional shares.

But it is your own enterprise, so consider this a mere suggestion.

To Said MA
"Thanks we can sure use your Broker skills."
Then after Decherrek speaks about the two share for current crew and one for new...LC asks
"While that maybe fair, to us, we are short a Steward, Mechanic and Broker. Did T-Jive say he was staying with the crew?"

BIC
LC says to the others
"Unless Decherrek put a advert on the Guild hall message boards (readit or 'saidso'...or maybe twitter/cheeper) We need to get our crew adverts out!"

LC taps out on his Hand Comp on his cheeper message app but before he hits send he flicks with a forefinger and sends it to everyone
"Let me know what you think of the Crew Advert
------Begin Message--------
🚀 Help Wanted – Crew for Athelstone 🚀
Seeking sharp, reliable, and somewhat daring individuals to join the crew of the Athelstone — a 200-ton Far Trader, Beowulf-class lineage, customized for versatility and long-haul independent operations.

We’re a working ship: profit-driven, opportunity-savvy, and aiming to keep flying no matter what the void throws at us. If you know your trade, can keep your head, and don’t mind a little gray around the edges of the law now and then, we want you aboard.

Positions Available:
-Steward – Keep passengers happy, manage supplies, handle small crises before they become big ones. Bonus points for a steady hand with a tray in zero-G.

-Broker – We need someone who can find deals, negotiate cargo contracts, and occasionally talk our way out of a bad port fee.

-Mechanic – Systems maintenance, jury-rigging miracles, and a willingness to get very greasy. Must be able to swear creatively at stubborn drives.

-Pilot – Precision flying essential. "Close enough" won't cut it on a grav assist or a dodgy docking maneuver.

Requirements:
Moderate experience preferred — but talent, good instincts, and loyalty mean more than paperwork.

No outstanding warrants that would cause serious diplomatic incidents.

Must be willing to work as part of a tight crew. Divas and loners need not apply (unless you're very good).

Perks:
-Fair shares in profits.
-Room, board, and a ship that’ll treat you better than most ports.
-Travel across the Spinward Main and beyond.
-Occasional hazard pay (negotiable).

Interested?
Message the Athelstone's crew manifest office on comms band 5147.AV or Look for the Athelstone dockside at Bay 14 or hail Comm ID ATHEL-719.
-------------End of Message------------

LC looks at the others for feedback and input
"Well what do you think?"

"Or I have this to post on a Guild wall"

Bronz leans over, giving LC’s comm a quick glance. "Sure, looks good to me," he says with a shrug.

He glances to see if T-Jive is still around and adds, "Won’t hurt to double up on a few roles. Depends who shows up—and if we get more than we need, we just tell 'em the position’s filled."

LC seeing that everyone agrees;
"Great"
LC hit hits send on his hand comp to send the message to the Merchant Guild Hiring boards and other hiring boards.

LC Rains sets down his glass with a satisfied clink and dabs at his mouth with the corner of a napkin — all lawyerly poise and polished charm.

"Well, this meal’s been a delightful dance of good company and marginally digestible bar fusion, but if you’ll excuse me—I've got to step away for a few moments. Something’s come up."

He stands, smoothing out the creases in his jacket, then adds with a slight conspiratorial grin:

"Let’s call it... an off-ledger investment opportunity. You know how it is—one minute you're enjoying a synth-prawn curry, the next, opportunity knocks wearing cheap cologne and carrying a briefcase full of high-interest dreams."

He winks at Said Ma.

He gestures reassuringly toward the table.

"Don’t wait on me — I’ll be back before Bronz finishes sorting the bill by mass displacement, or before Decherrek files another memo to the bank reminding them we exist."

He turns, casual but purposeful, heading toward the back of the establishment with the smooth confidence. Heading to a roped off area with two very imposing strongmen-types that look they mean business...and there business is to keep the riff-raff out.