2023-01-18

March Harrier Subsidy Contract

Starship Ownership and Subsidy Agreement

between

Aramis Trace Commercial Development Trust, LIC ("the Trust")
March Harrier Lines, LIC ("MHL")
Individual Principals of March Harrier Lines, LIC
(names TODO)

295-1099, Rhylanor/Rhylanor

The Aramis Trace comprises the following worlds:
  •    Aramis subsector: Aramis, L'eoul d'Dieu, Natoko, and Reacher
  •    Rhylanor subsector: Vinorian, Nutema, and Margesi
  •    Sabine subsector: Saarinen

The Aramis Trace worlds not currently connected by Imperial Interstellar
Scout Service Express Boat Routes are Reacher, Vinorian, Nutema, Margesi,
and Saarinen.

It is in the interests of the Worlds of the Aramis Trace, the Subsector of
Rhylanor, the Domain of Deneb, and the Imperium to ensure that all of the worlds of the Aramis Trace are regularly connected by reliable starship service allowing for delivery of freight, passengers, and mail.

Due to the currently small populations of some worlds of the Aramis Trace, there is currently a scarcity of commercial traffic between some of these worlds at some times.  The Trust believes this scarcity is likely to continue.

MHL is interested in conducting commercial passenger and freight operations in the Aramis Trace and would benefit from doing so without sole responsibility for the cost of a starship.

The Duke of Rhylanor has authorized the Trust to purchase a 400-displacement-ton Type R Subsidized Merchant starship (Imperial registry A90FD58D578C, referred to as "March Harrier") at a cost of not more than MCr 185) for delivery as soon as possible but no later than 001-1100.

Ownership of March Harrier shall be shared 50/50 between March Harrier Enterprises and Aramis Trace Development Trust, within the limits of this agreement, for 30 years.  After 30 years, March Harrier Enterprises shall assume full ownership of the March Harrier and this subsidy agreement will be voided, unless both parties agree to an extension.

March Harrier Enterprises shall name the captain and crew of the March Harrier.  At least two of the above named principals of March Harrier Enterprises shall remain part of the crew at all times, unless an emergency prevents this or The Trust agrees to a change.

The March Harrier shall be crewed (at a minimum) by a Captain with a Master's License, a First Officer with a Mate's License, a Chief Engineer with a Chief Engineer's License, and a Certified Medical Technician.  All qualifications must remain current and in good standing.

Because Imperial Mail regulations require that starships carrying mail be armed for self-defense, the Trust will ensure that the March Harrier is armed with at least two turrets, each with at least two operational beam lasers.  MHL will ensure that the crew contains at least two persons qualified to operate such armament at any time the March Harrier is carrying mail, and that said armament is properly maintained and
operational.

Because Imperial Mail regulations require 5 displacement tons of secure cargo space for starships carrying mail, the Trust will equip March Harrier with a certified mail locker, and the crew will be trained in its secure operation and will follow all Imperial Mail regulations to ensure the security of the mail.  (In particular, except in emergencies, the mail locker will only be opened when both an officer of the March Harrier and an authorized agent of Imperial Mail are present.)

MHL agrees to conduct regular commercial freight and passenger service between the worlds of the Aramis Trace at least 70% of the time.  The remaining 30% of the time can be spent persuing any legal business anywhere within the Imperium.  (The ship shall not leave the Imperium without explicit permission from the Trust.)

At all times, 50% of the gross revenues generated by the March Harrier will be paid to the Trust.  MHL receives the other 50%.  MHL is responsible for all expenses.  The Trust has banking services at every starport within the Aramis Trace, and on other major worlds throughout the Domain.  Payment must be made within one month of the time revenue was received.

MHL agrees to keep accurate records of all commercial transactions by March Harrier and to submit said records for audit annually, or immediately on demand.

MHL and the Captain of the March Harrier shall have freedom to decide routes, passengers, and freight, except that any Imperial Mail enroute to the desired destination shall have first call on the ship's freight capacity.  Furthermore, during the 70% of the time that it is following the subsidy route, MHL agrees to support a diversity of freight and passenger traffic, rather than allowing the ship's resources to be monopolized by charters, private cargo speculation, or shipping to a
single corporation, to the extent that other passengers and freight are available.  (Nothing in this agreement shall prevent the crew of the March Harrier from using any passenger or cargo space for any legal purpose when there is not other demand, as long as the crew pays 50% of the retail cost of the space to the Trust.)

MHL agrees to visit and attempt to conduct commerce on every world in the Aramis Trace at least once per six months spent following the subsidy route.  An exception will be made if a world is Interdicted.

MHL agrees to maintain the March Harrier in accordance with Imperial best practices for commercial starships, including an annual overhaul. MHL agrees to have major maintenance and repair work done within the Aramis Trace, to the extent practicable, and to forward annual maintenance reports to the Trust.

In the event that this contract is violated by MHL or any principal of MHL is  convicted of an Imperial felony, the Trust reserves the right to end this subsidy  contract and assume possession of the March Harrier.


Sir Amin Brogers
Director, Aramis Trace Development Trust, LIC
for
Leonard Stephanos Kirgashii, Duke of Rhylanor

[electronic signatures attached]

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