Itztli looked at Iulia as he set his cup down. With a polite smile he pondered for several moments. He knew a way to expedite the travel of a vessel through Xyraeli waters, but it was against standard protocol. However, Itztli knew where profit could be made. Internal Affairs could accept this minor inconvenience and redirect the funds into more prudent affairs.
"There's one way to allow your request. Firstly, we would require a military escort to monitor your vessels to ensure no contraband is brought into the Imperial Republic by your vessels. Secondly, we could guarantee you vessels defense, and agreeing to this would benefit your business by decreasing not only the time you spend in docks compared to your competition, but also decreasing the the money you spend renting the docks by paying a small tariff. The tariff works this way. When you register the entry of your vessel ito Xyraeli waters, you rendevous with Republican Naval vessels. You will report your maximum dead weight tonnage capacity to the Republican Navy, and you will be charged one NS$ per one hundred DWT. Essentially, a Capesize freighter, the largest our Straight can support, averages at 150,00-175,000 DWT. So the tariff would be at $1,500-$1,750. It is possible to get larger vessels through the straight, but you understand the concept." Itztli paused, sipping again from the wine. He grinned as he remembered the word "willing", wondering if Nerdic would plan to force the Imperial Republic into joining.
He dismissed the thought, remembering his objectives. "Your proposition about our joining is slightly interesting. Food import is something the Republic needs. If anything arrangement is to be made it must be made directly with the government. You would not be allowed to trade, sell, or purchase goods with our private sector. That's Internal Affairs... affair. You will buy and sell directly from our Bureau if we agree, but first I want to know how you coporation functions exactly."