Majesty by Eva Caye

Author:Eva Caye
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: futuristic, futuristic invention, fiction science fiction, womens empowerment, futuristic societies, womens self defense
Publisher: Eva Caye

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“Your Majesty, if you plan to sell this – device, whatever it is – off-planet at all, it must come under the Ministry of Interstellar Trade. And they would have to know all the details except the most proprietary information.” Adjudicator Ballantine’s emphatic voice demonstrated that he knew he was considered the topmost authority on trade litigation in the Empire.

“I appreciate that. But these devices are one-off devices. They will have to be calculated and executed exclusively for the, ah, end-user on the destination planet. Which is why the rules for artisanship hold.” Felice defended her position; if she could get him to agree, no one would bother to gainsay her.

“Calculated how? Executed how?” Ballantine appeared to be holding back a fair amount of scorn. “That kind of craftsmanship, for individuals on distant planets? How many of these devices are you going to be manufacturing?”

“No more than five a year. And individually calculated to please the buyer.” She smiled enigmatically. “The details are proprietary, so naturally I won’t reveal them, but arranging for the details can be done via ordinary interstellar message beacons.”

“And their execution? How many people will be involved? If there’s a corporate entity sponsoring any part—” Ballantine stopped at her upraised hand. She figured she had to get at least a little more explicit.

“I have certain pieces made by other people, but it’s contractual in nature. I will simply hire a firm to make them and pay them for the parts. Much like an artist, for example, doesn’t mix her own paints or stretch her own canvases, but buys them from a store or perhaps an individual provider.

“The execution of the entire device will be by my own personal hands, using my equipment, and deliberately calculated to please the purchaser. Much like a commission for a fine sculpture. This won’t be a corporate entity at all. It’ll be me making devices for my own personal gain.”

“The dukes aren’t going to like having something they can’t tax,” Ballantine grumbled.

“The Emperor will deal with the dukes. I will simply be manufacturing a work of… art. Do any of the dukes’ relatives who produce works of art get taxed? I think not.”

She stared at him fiercely. “In particular, I refuse to turn over any design specifications whatsoever to the Ministry.”

“Very well, Your Majesty. But I want to actually see a device before I make a ruling on this.” Adjudicator Ballantine must have a lot of political friends.

“Oh, you will.” Felice grinned before she thanked and dismissed him.

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