Negotiations continue

Everyone was stunned speechless; they couldn't believe the words coming from the robot that had appeared less than 30 seconds ago. The attitude of this new group of leaders was baffling. Did they not know fear?

The silent Penelope creased her eyebrows slightly. Their attitude was beyond her initial expectations.

Her thoughts froze for a moment, unable to process an adequate response. But Rodriguez didn't seem so flustered and instead exploded into a rage.

BANG!

He slammed his hand down on the wooden table standing up as he did so before pointing at Gaia and Rex with a scrunched-up frown. Some veins were bulging on the side of his head.

"Have you no respect? You're brave to run your mouth like this. It's true what they say, ignorance is bliss, tis folly to be wise" he said mockingly, calming down slightly and sitting back down on his chair. He knew he had overreacted after looking around to see the tense expressions on everyone's faces.

There was another bout of silence before Rex spoke, the innocent smile had returned to his face, and the aura of a general had dissipated into smoke confusing everyone, was before an illusion or something else?

"My apologies, my partner was too forward and neglected to take into consideration your feelings. I believe those who have been at the top for too long, eventually forget what it feels like to have someone talk back to them.

But… what Gaia said is along the lines of how this is going to go.

We will give you 30% of the profits from the sales and recognition in the development of the technology, which…" he paused and chuckled.

"You didn't have any part in. All we ask in return is that you let us use the best routes of transportation, wave the tax fee, turn a blind eye to my organisation's activities and allow them to be unrestricted at every region's borders and their cities.

When you think about it, we don't gain too much, we evade tax which is nothing crazy considering the profit you stand to gain, we streamline travel time for the transportation of products from place to place, which if you think about it, benefits you as well, and to simply go about our business without having anyone bothering us.

On the opposite side, you guys stand to gain millions, a further boost in public perception which, let's be honest, has been dropping as of late due to your negligence in many instances which I don't need to go into detail I'm sure. So, I don't really understand where further discussion is needed," he said, feigning a confused expression.

the groups expressions changed slightly at his words. Rodriguez was the first to recover.

"I would say that is right, but we worry that your company will not be able to cope with the monstrous demand that is to be expected. After all, you will be supplying to all regions under the jurisdiction of the league. We only wish to have the blueprint as well as increase the shares to a nice and even 50% each." Rodriguez said in a calmer tone.

He was rather pissed off by this kid. He really didn't want to have to use his backup method, so he really wished the kid would agree to be extorted. Once they had the blueprint, they could start producing it, improving it and eventually create a new line of products independent of theirs which is better. This way, they could keep the profits as well as the fame.

His words about their currently declining public perception hit a sore spot which he tried very hard not to react to.

"Please understand, we cannot give you the blueprint since that would be the equivalent of killing our cash cow. The only thing holding up this bargain and the only reason you are willing to even negotiate with us is because we hold this advantage. You don't take us for fools, do you?

But… in the spirit of friendship, I will increase the shares to 40% for you and 60% for us. That is the best we can do after all. How about it?" he asked with an amiable smile.

The league team frowned slightly; they didn't believe he would plainly say it out loud. Wasn't there supposed to be some tactic understanding?

Rodriguez secretly looked at his phone which had a message on it. it was actually from Penelope sitting next to him.

(Push further, I want to see what trump cards they have to act so arrogantly.) she wrote.

Rodriguez sighed slightly before looking up at the youth who was still smiling.

What the two of them didn't know was that Gaia who was sitting across from them had already hacked all of their phones alerting it of their conversation. If the robot could grin it would have.

"We really would like that blueprint, how about signing a contract that stipulates that the item cannot be manufactured or sold by any other party apart from the creators for the next 5 years. Sounds fair right?" Rodriguez asked with a merchants grin.

He secretly really hoped they would agree, even though they couldn't sell it, the black market always has ways of acquiring goods and selling them. Most importantly, he was confident the league would be able to develop this tech further in 5 years' time.

Rex and Gaia were currently chatting in his head, had already more or less guessed his thought process. It was honestly a good move. The league still gained money while secretly developing it further. Both parties were happy, and their partner was none the wiser. Sadly, they were dealing with Rex and Gaia, they weren't some ordinary rookies.