Title: Sanc's Needs
Author: Karina
Rating: PG
Pairing: Milliardo + Marquise Weyridge
Notes: Challenge 216. Baby Series 4 #105. Takes place approximately half an hour following An Unexpected Meal.
Spoilers: None
Warnings:
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing or the Characters from the series but the baby is mine.
Title: Sanc's Needs
"It was nothing personal, I've never been particularly fond of oysters. I am certain, since you provided them, that they were of the highest quality, however, that does not explain what brings you to Sanc... and with your own seafood menu."
Weyridge was seated, back rigidly upright, in a great chair set before the roaring log fire. He looked anything but relaxed and Milliardo was thankful neither Relena nor her mother were in attendance. Following lunch, which sat heavier in his stomach than he would have liked, he and his grandfather had retired to his study. It was at his grandfather's suggestion and he was watching the clock, well aware that he had another appointment in less than half an hour.
"Investment opportunities of this nature do not come along often, Milliardo. Investing in feeding the world and the colonies is a growth industry and seafood is a source in growing demand in the colonies. They can not grow enough to sate the appetites of their people, and if there is one thing Sanc has it is fishing boats and some of the richest fishing grounds on Earth."
"Our people have a high seafood diet because there is not a great deal of land that is arable for much of the year. We rely on the sea more than the land to feed us and at present we are fishing within sustainable tolerance. I've seen the Elgeron Wayfarer, grandfather. I've watch the news and I will not permit the super-trawler to operate within Sancian waters."
The old man's eyes flashed dangerously. "There is nothing illegal about the methods used..."
Milliardo sighed, cutting across his grandfather's speech which was considered more than a little rude, but he was on a time limit and he was not inclined to bandy around the bush. Sometimes a spade needed to be called a spade and Sanc had too much to lose.
"Grandfather, we have barely enough employment to keep this country afloat and you want me to okay the super-trawler and put my fishing fleets out of work? No. The Elgeron Corporation can take their ship and mothball her as far as I am concerned. Sanc's waters would not support the people if a catch the size of the factory trawler fished our waters."
"You have been listening to too much conservationist hype, Milliardo. The Elgeron Corporation practise sustainable fishing practises, contrary to what you hear on the news every night. Sanc needs employment and investment opportunities. Elgeron are willing to invest in Sanc; there is talk of them making New Port City their headquarters. It will lead to new investment, new employment opportunities, and none of it on a small scale."
"I have no particular objection to the Elgeron Corporation opening a branch office or, indeed, establishing their headquarters in the city, but I will not sign off on the super-trawler fishing in our waters."
"I have detailed scientific projections, charts, tables and testimony..."
"No, grandfather. No."
End
Karina Robertson 2013