Economics of a war machine.

The Never Ending Quest - Episode 16207

"Slith." Scott says slowly. "Kang, there isn't a person alive who could do everything by his lonesome. I'm just a guy off the streets who happens to know.....a thing or two about what YOU guys need to do to start...and MAINTAIN this stuff...and make a few other things on the side."

"You guys need to build what is known as an industrial base." Scott suggest. "That is, something like the forge for making weapons, but much more involved....and complex. It's a matter of logistics.....I guess you could say."

Several draconian Supply Officers who had come along perk up, and drift over. Logistics is one of several key things they handle! Scott goes on to explain the basic theory of assembly lines and other arcane terms......Kang, sensing this is important....and not wanting to look ignorant in front of the Supply Officers, listens intently and struggles with the concepts that Scott shoots out like his new machine gun (that he's grown to love). The Supply Officers keep grilling Scott to explain a concept or term. Junior yawns and curls up to sleep. Slith reluctantly tears himself away long enough to assign somebody to feed the hatchling draconians. Scott suggests that a crate of MREs(Meals Ready to Eat) would probably do the trick. They aren't hight cuisine, but the hatchlings seem happy enough with the slop.

It is well after midnight, by Scott's watch, before he finally wraps it up.

"You have the resources to start up this industrial base, with the treasure pile you found your hatchlings in....I doubt that the Dwarves will have any objection at taking their share!" Scott ends. The last part brings a general chuckle from the Draconian soldiers.

"Before we finish here, you said that we sould.....develope our 'Capitalistic' side?" a Supply Officer in the back asks.

"Yes, most definitely!" Scott says emphatically. "The treasure hoard will get you only so far.....Getting a constant inflow of cash....money...will keep your base rolling right along! And, of course, you can 'conquer' others by means other than militarily this way."

"Oh, really?" Slith said, interested. "How's that?"

"Say what you will about Takhisis, but I've gotta admit she was thorough in what she sent you draconians." Scott says, taking a book off the shelves. "Basic economic books. Basic science....all the way up to a Master's Degree....That's high level education, folks!

"What I mean is that if you can do something cheaper....faster.....and maybe of roughly equal to better quality than the next guy.....You'lll eventually make the other person adapt quickly, or force him out of business! So what if you guys are Draconians! Well, maybe it is a factor, but you can run your wares through a middle man who's....willing to be a front!"

This brings some thoughtful hisses from the gathered. Kang turns a thoughtful eye on Scott and Junior and........

  1. Offers Scott a job as advisor and 'honorary draconian."

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MSG

6/23/2001 6:57:32 AM

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