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International Tower; Headquarters of the ICBBC
Topic Started: Jul 21 2009, 06:40 PM (1,121 Views)
Kasnyia
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Chairman of the Bank
OOC- This thread will be for RPing the bank itself, while the thread in the resource forum will be for dealings with the bank.

IC-

The International Tower was one of the very first skyscrapers to be built in the post-Dominion era. And certainly the most impressive. Having started construction immediately after the end of the war, in two years, the building was still only half finished, but the lower levels were ready for bussiness, and so the new bank started right away, even if they had to deal with the occasional crane and hubbub of construction work.

For Arne Soll, the bank's chairman, things couldn't be better. The tower would be completed in another year, the bank was in the green and expanding all over the world, and the Banking Consortium that had made him the leader of this organization was pleased and happy.

"We have just been offered some rather nice real estate in the middle east," announced Andrei Volnov, Soll's right hand man since the old days and Chief of Acquisitions for the bank, "A shiekh Najimullah Khan has offered ten acres in Dubai as collateral for us, in exchange for a higher level vault."

"What does the file say on him?" Soll asked.

"He's an avid gambler, both in and out of the casinos," Volnov replied, "Ran a gun running scheme during the war, to help insurgeants against the Dominion but also informed on the most dangerous of them to the Overwatch. Almost got killed by both sides toward the end of it."

"Both sides against the middle..." Soll muttered, "And what do our contacts over there say about his reliability?"

"He isn't, though he is a useful man in a pinch."

"Then set up an account for him with the land as collateral. But no special treatment, no matter how many acres he has," Soll ordered.

"I'll tell him," Volnov said, nodding, "Anyway I have to go and finish a financial report for one of our top clients, so..."

"Which one is that?" Soll asked, always curious to know what his best customers were up to.

"General Rahman, I believe."

"Ah yes, don't let me stop you."

"Good day, Mr. Soll," Volnov exclaimed with a short bow before leaving. Even though they were close friends, they had always maintained a professionality with each other, at least when on bussiness. For Soll, this was a blessing. He never liked the idea of mixing the personal life with the professional. Always hurt bussiness in the end.

OOC- Just a little intro.
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Toussaint
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Major
OOC: please delete this post.
Edited by Toussaint, Jul 21 2009, 06:51 PM.
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Kasnyia
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Chairman of the Bank
OOC- You could have PM'd me the question...

The war lasted a period of twenty five years, and the Dominion lasted about six months before that.
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lebowski2123
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Resident?
Stepping out a dark black sedan, Leo Thomas slowly took in the sights, sounds and smells of post-war Porcu. Before him loomed the International Tower, a behemoth of capitalism blossoming amidst remnants of decay and destruction. It reminded him of his own home, Hamburg. Leo had not always lived in Hamburg-Bremen, nor had he lived in Germany before its fall. Leo did not know the name of his car's driver, nor did he intend to ever meet the man again.

Leo was not even Leo's real name.

Instead, it emulated the name of the Church's second Pope, something which Pope Emmanuel IV did with all of his agents in the field. The Genesian Church's teachings were filled with virtue, yet Brother Fernando Amadau had never hesitated to use any means necessary to ensure that the word of God was spread with ruthless force. Upon his ascent to the Papacy, he had wasted no time in elevating the men of faith who had served him during his time in Germany. One such man, Father Leo Thomas, had become a Special Assistant to the Pope overnight.

Leo and the other men like him would never meet, yet they all lived a remarkably similar lifestyle. Given a comfortable allowance and a quaint apartment on a quiet street, Leo would be reached via cell phone whenever his services were required. Driven to the rear entrance of the Papal Residence, he would move through the service corridors to a mahogany panel, where he would wait. "Brother Fernando" would appear, hand him a laptop with instructions, and Leo would depart at once.

They had not spoken in years.

__________________________________________________________________________

Leo had been instructed to begin his task by proceeding to the airport and boarding a flight for Stockholm. Upon arriving he had been ushered in the black sedan, and arrived at the International Tower.

At this point, his instructions simply called for him to wait, briefcase in hand.
Edited by lebowski2123, Jul 22 2009, 05:17 PM.
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Kasnyia
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Chairman of the Bank
"Sir, a 'Leo Thomas' is here to see you," announced Soll's secretary via intercom. Soll gave a furtive look to Volnov, who sat on the sofa across from Soll's desk, laptop in hand,

"Who is he, Andrei?" he asked simply. Anyone visiting the International Tower usually had a file on them somewhere in the vast archives of the bank. However, after a few minutes of searching his laptop, which had a manifest of all the names, he frowned,

"Nothing on the man himself, but according to our information, he is a representative of the Pope," Volnov replied, clearly intrigued. Soll gave a cynical snort,

"Which one?" Soll snerked, unimpressed but not surprised at the idea of a religious instituition wanting to do bussiness with this particular bank.

"The Genesian one, but does it matter?" Volnov responded, his eyes almost mirthful at the possibilities, "This could be good for us. At the very least we should hear him out."

"Very well," Soll replied, before pressing the intercom button, "Miss Andrea, please send him in and apologize on behalf of the bank for the wait."

"Yes, Mr. Soll," the secretary's voice responded.

----------------------

Down on the lobby floor of the International Tower, the (very good looking) secretary walked to where Leo Thomas was quietly waiting,

"Mr. Soll and Mr. Volnov will see you now and wish to convey their regrets for any inconvenience for the wait," she announced chirpily. With that, she led the guest to the executive elevator that led directly to the upper levels.
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lebowski2123
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Leo Thomas followed the secretary into the elevator, noting her flowing blond hair. His mother had been a brunette. He had shaved his head long ago.

Upon arriving at the executive suite, Leo pushed past the secretary in a brusque manner. She was not the person he was here to see. Entering, he did not notice the cityscape unfolding before him, only the two men rising to greet him. Each man in turn shook hands with Leo, introducing themselves as Andrei Volnov and Arne Soll. Leo's dossier had named Soll as the person of interest, and his focus shifted accordingly. Offering no identification of his own, Leo placed his briefcase on a nearby table and opened it swiftly, withdrawing a sealed package. Opening it, he found a folder for himself and a portable DVD player for Mr. Soll.

He handed the player to Soll and, seating himself in a nearby chair, began to read the contents of the enclosed folder.

Pressing the power button, Chairman Soll observed the Papal seal unfurl across the screen, and then a video of the Pope began to play.

---------------------------------------

"Mr. Soll, you are seated across from Leo Thomas. He will represent the will of the Church in all of our subsequent business dealings. You find yourself in a highly enviable position, Mr. Soll, Chairman of an up and coming banking operation with assets the world over. However, your position is also a precarious one. Without a steady supply of capital, you will be forced to continue your relations with clients of, let us say questionable reliability.

I am faced with a problem of my own, the need to deposit a sizable portion of the Church's riches into an international banking group, with which the money can be safely invested and grown to reflect the widening prestige of the Genesian Church.

I should like to deposit the Church's funds within your vaults, allowing you access to an untold sum of capital long out of circulation. However, this offer is extended with two caveats:

Firstly, no formal records contain the sum of the Church's holdings and transactions, and

Secondly, that Leo Thomas remain privy to your financial actions both on and off of the books, to ensure the safety of the Church's money. He will in no way interfere with your actions other than to ensure their success.

He has been informed of his appointment, discuss your acceptance of this agreement with him. God be with you."


The screen blackened.
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Kasnyia
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Chairman of the Bank
Soll's mouth twitched slightly at being considered "precarious", but then the faux pas was no fault of the Pope, as the ICBBC had to play down its own strengths and background for various reasons.

"Mr. Thomas, you may inform the Pope that the International Commercial Bank of Bussiness and Credit accepts these terms," said Soll, "But I must discuss this caveat regarding your access to the bank's activities. We have many clients, other than the Church, who also wish to keep anonymous. As such, this Bank is obligated not to divulge their bussiness activities to you. However, anything that regards the use of the Church's money, we have no problem keeping you absolutely within the loop. Are we in agreement?"
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lebowski2123
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Leo Thomas' harsh blue eyes narrowed slightly as he considered the banker's proposal. His folder had contained information on housing in Stockholm, a series of credit account numbers and the directive to safeguard the Church's money unless contacted by Fernando himself. To limit his own knowledge of the bank's actions would be wise, in the interest of plausible denial remaining an option. Of course, he would die before anyone knew of the Pope's own hand in this game of finance and fortune.

"Your change to the terms is acceptable. Additionally, I have been instructed to invite the construction of a ICBBC building in Kiel, to facilitate future transactions between your bank and the Church."

He did not like the banker's expression, a haughty sort of reservation which signaled arrogance, concealed intent, or some combination of the two. He could kill the banker, but another smug, Godless financier would take his place. Instead he promised himself that he would complete the rosary twice that night, in a prayer for the faithful.
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Kasnyia
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OOC- Leb, go ahead and make the transaction post, this post is both the before and after of that.

"We will have plans drawn up for the new office first thing tomorrow," Soll nodded, "But to the matter of the fortune..."

-----------

After the transaction...

"If that is all the bussiness that needs to be conducted, allow my secretary to escort you back to the lobby. If you or His Holiness need anything, here is my card," said Soll as he handed a small piece of paper to Thomas, "That number is reserved only for our most important and exclusive clients. Call at anytime, anywhere. I will pick up. Good day, Mr. Thomas."

And with that, Soll gave a nod and a simpering smile and did an about face back to his desk, while Volnov, who hadn't spoken or moved since meeting had started, continued to enjoy the drink he had poured himself as the other two had been speaking.

"He reminds me of one of those Hunter-Killers from the war," Volnov mused with a wry smile. Soll was pouring his own drink at his desk,

"There are resemblances, but it doesn't matter," Soll replied, "The man is the Pope's errand boy. If we were anyone else, we would have to be very worried about what we were getting into, but we know who we are. As long as we give Mr. Thomas our organization's usual hospitality, the Pope should have nothing to worry about."

"And we get the biggest account in Europe," Volnov stated, looking at his laptop and organizing the funds of the Church, "With enough purchasing power..."

"To do whatever is necessary," Soll finished, taking a sip of his bourbon, "We have the money of God with us, Andrei. The ball will roll a bit more smoothly from now on."

"Cheers, old friend," Volnov stated as he realized he had been off the clock for the last ten minutes.

"Cheers."
Edited by Kasnyia, Jul 22 2009, 11:11 PM.
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Kasnyia
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Chairman of the Bank
Months Later-

"Hmm..." Volnov grunted to himself.

"What is it Andrei?" asked Soll

"A Zeelari corporation is trying to pay off its debt to a myriad of creditors by lending from us to wipe their accounts."

"And prospects for paying us back?"

"Not very high, Mr. Soll," Andrei allowed, "but they manufacture and control Zeelari armament surplus. They go under, and we get a supplier for our other clients..."

"Approve the loan then."
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Devin Wire
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The arrival of a concealed typewritten note, which had no specific evidence as to how it arrived at the ICBBC headquarters, marked the first official communications that DrillBit Technologies had with the company since their initial loan. Most likely, the note was delivered by a complex system of clandestine couriers, who were carefully selected so as to not tip off the fact that there certain elements of its design that were best left unseen by many individuals.

There is no need to mince words. The company I now own borrowed from you to wipe its accounts, knowing full well that it probably could not pay you back. Your representatives approved the loan, knowing very well that the firm would default and thus you would become heir to a large supply of surplus arms. However, I believe that I have worked together a formula that suits both our interests. Among these myriad supplies has been a supply of JAS Grippen 4.5th generation fighter jets. By careful reconstruction of the airframes and engines we have put together a collection of eighty such units that are practically new. It is not uncommon for anything as such to be transferred in Zeelar, and therefore, we are sure that you would gladly accept these as part of our repayment. As soon as I am made aware of what you value these at, I will select a method of shipping that is done in the most...silent way possible. If this is an acceptable mannerism, then I also have other plans in regards to the transfer of equipment to the company you represent. I realize, of course, that doling out technology as such is one of your primary, if not illegitimate, concerns. Therefore, I trust you will take me up on the offer.

- Thrace Volkan

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Kasnyia
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OOC- PM me what this is all about and then I'll respond. Nothing wrong, I'm just in too much of a hurry these days to read it carefully.
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Kasnyia
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Chairman of the Bank
Deal Accepted

- small note given to courier
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Kasnyia
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Chairman of the Bank
"Seems like we might have ourselves an interesting conflict on our hands," Volnov stated, sitting on his favorite couch in the top floor of the International Tower.

"France will collapse any day now," Soll replied, "Of course it should have been expected. They had underestimated just what the war had cost to their economy, and then went further by enacting that doctrine of hyperexpansion. Now the debt has caught up."

"I agree," Volnov nodded, "We will have to contact some of our associates and see what they know about the situation. There are multiple parties who wish to take a bite out of the French Apple, but also those who wish to simply wish to become the new government. Until we figure out which side is more viable, we shall keep our cards close to the chest, yes?"

"Exactly, Andrei," said Soll, "This could be our most important client yet. Even some of our minority shareholders have a vested interest in this."

He was of course referring to the Genesian Church.

"I will meet with our European associates," Volnov replied, as he stood up and got ready to leave, "I'll keep you abreast of the situation."

"Alright Andrei, make this happen."
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Aelius
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Norman Warlord
Secret Message

I would have an interest in attaining governorship over the Normandy region of France. I have significant resources and an ancestral claim to the region, dating back to the 11th century and the Norman conquest of England. I would like to arrange am meeting at your earliest convenience.

J.M.
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Kasnyia
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Chairman of the Bank
Secret Reply-

What sort of "significant" resources do you have?
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Aelius
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Norman Warlord
Kasnyia
Dec 31 2009, 03:14 PM
Secret Reply-

What sort of "significant" resources do you have?
Billions upon billions of dollars, and my own personal military force.

OOC: This is actually Jack Morris who sent this. He's the head of BB. Since this is after the Dominion Wars, he managed to take most of the money that BB earned from that conflict and others.
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Kasnyia
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Chairman of the Bank
OOC- Then why do you need the bank?
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Aelius
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OOC: I thought that France was going under the control of the bank or something. I'm not completely clear on this, I suppose. I figured it'd be easier to buy the area since BB may be... busy in other areas. :gnarkgnark:
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Kasnyia
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Chairman of the Bank
OOC- The bank does not own France, nor is it trying to. The way the bank works is far more clandestine. The banks more nefarious activities aren't even known outside of a few.
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Telosan
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The Foremost Intellectual Badass
Encoded Message
 
As you may already know, we have had some interest in this mysterious bank of yours. We wish to work alongside you in this business. It fits well with our nation's history and current goals. As for what we want? A piece of France of course. And a chance to work with this company. You would gain many resources equal to that of a nation rather than a bank, albeit most you already have, but what's the harm in having more of it?

We eagerly await a reply.
Edited by Telosan, Jan 1 2010, 12:13 PM.
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Kasnyia
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Chairman of the Bank
Secret Reply

Where do you wish to meet to discuss this potential joint venture?
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Telosan
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The Foremost Intellectual Badass
Another Encoded Message
 
We would invite you to visit our country, but it would throw suspicion on us. We have to meet offshore. There will be a cargo ship making a trip across the Atlantic soon. If you have a means of transportation, you can intercept it on it's trip. A fully briefed representative will be onboard. The coordinates will be in a separate message.
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Kasnyia
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Chairman of the Bank
Send the coordinates. We will be there.

OOC- Open a new thread.
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Devin Wire
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Once more, a typewritten note arrived from the proprietor of DrillBit Technologies, following the clandestine channels that were set up for the delivery of such messages.

I want to personally thank you for your acceptance of my previous offer. As well as the regular payments I trust you have been receiving, I wanted to finish off the debt that my company holds to your...esteemed company. If you would accept it, I have further military equipment to dispose of, and I am about to gain control over the largest arms manufacturer in Zeelar. On top of that, I believe that there something in France that you are handling to? Therefore, I believe this would be beneficial to both of us, to finally be rid of the debt that my firm holds to you.

- Trace Volkan, DrillBit Technologies, Proprietor
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