"Astra could you please turn on the news."
There was a brief silence, and then a projection sparked into life, its shimmering colours filling Wein's entire field of vision. After, the screen dispersed backward and then expanded, hovering in midair covering most of the room.
Images began flooding in, the first being the emblem/crest of House Voss, and then there was the brand icon for one of the news channels popular in the Barony. The image filled the whole screen then was pushed to the left lower corner and words appeared from it:
'House Voss Remains Strong amidst the rising power of noble houses in the Empire.'
The voice of an anchor-woman cut through the silence, her tone was polished and captivating. She as he profession intended was the picture of professional while across her male cohost.
"Good evening, citizens of Velmora. We begin tonight's coverage with the summary of events that have unfolded over the past few days in the galaxy" she spoke while staring directly at the camera before her.
"Tensions continue to rise between the Celetrial Empire and the Republic of Independent Systems as various factions from the two continue to vie for control of the systems and planets ravaged in the war. The Barony under his lordship Nielson Voss has reissued its statement to maintaining its current territories and will refrain from the Empire's efforts in fighting for more land unless it is to aid suppressed civilians."
As the news anchor spoke, a series of holographic images appeared on the screen rotating above the headline. There were news clips that interjected once in a while showing soldiers armed from both the Empire's side and the Republic, ready for war.
The clips even extended to the numerous fleets of ships belonging to the many nobles in the Empire and from the other side, diplomats of each side who were in high stakes heated negotiations and the systems that were the cause of this which had been ravaged by the war.
"This action by the Barony has been hailed throughout the galaxy as the ideal stance which the rest of the galaxy leaders should follow behind much more since it comes from the great House that saved the galaxy. Multiple star systems and group who refused to participate in this territorial war have hailed House Voss as a true noble House embodying the ideals of its ancestors."
Wein's interest was piqued.
He knew all too well about House Voss's reputation in outside the Empire, House Voss was like the black sheep of the Empire. It had more authority that other houses didn't and governed differently from others, but the most shocking thing was its refusal to gain more land than it already had while being rightfully able to.
House Voss sold the rights of the new territory it had liberated away to other houses and remained as small as they were. This action though complex painted the image of House Voss being a dignified house unseduced by power, choosing to remain unchanged.
This boosted its reputation all over the galaxy spreading from the Empire and beyond. To add to what their role was in ending the Great War, House Voss was more revered even higher than noble houses higher than itself.
…
The male anchor's voice interrupted Wein's thoughts.
"In other news, the diplomatic relations between the Empire and the neighbouring Nova Confederacy have soured further. As alliances shift and more conflicts emerge, the Empire's resources are stretched thin. This latest conflict which is expected to escalate in the coming weeks has led to calls for increased vigilance in the defence of the Empire's borders."
The anchor continued, "On other news the trade between…."
At that moment, a few androids carrying trays and trolleys with covered food strolled into the room in a single line. Wein's attention was split between them and the many trays of food they brought.
Based in his observations the androids were of the same model as RXT68.
Astra decreased the volume of the broadcast.
"Your dinner is ready sir," she spoke.
The androids neatly placed the bowls of food on the table before Wein then they uncovered them to a Wein who's mouth was beginning to water.
The whole table was filled with different foods he had never seen before, but he could tell they would be very delicious.
There were over five trays on his table and set before him were eating utensils, ranging from fork knife to chopsticks. There were also two wine glasses, one with water and the other empty but currently being filled with the best wine brand Wein knew by one of the androids.
The aroma of the steamy meal caused Wein's stomach to grumble.
In his time in the military, he had never eaten anything so expensive looking. There, he only ate for sustenance and to get energy for his job. But now with the smell filling the room, it was so appealing.
Wein was looking forward on trying all the best food the planet had to offer.
After the androids were done, they excused themselves and lined up on the side waiting to take further orders.
Wein began his feast, at first, he tried to mimic high society's etiquette, being careful and taking small bites but after some time he just devoured everything.
The meat on the plates was ripped from its bone and drowned with the wine, which was refilled. Spoons of the tasty soup were scooped and drank like tea, everything drowning in his mouth until the table was devoid of food with just the remains and the dirty plates needing cleaning.
Wein took a wiper and cleaned his face stroking his stomach and leaned back, he was full and wanting nothing more.
"That was great, thank you, Astra."
…
As he was picking his teeth Wein saw something on the news.
Many graphs showing the crime statistics of Velmora and how order had been decreasing since the war were on full display.
"Astra, please raise the volume."
"The crime epidemic has reached an all-time high, with almost all major cities of the planet having different criminal factions vying for control. Chaos is the only thing that awaits Velmora unless something can be done" said the news anchor.
Wein found himself agreeing with her, even before he was a Trooper, crime was a problem, and the criminals had grown uncontrollable and brave in that time. He had wondered why the Baron had let something like this happen but after being in the military he came to understand Nielson just a bit.
House Voss lost a lot during the Great War compared to most houses, it lost most of its military and had been severely weakened.
At the current time, it was in the process of restrengthening its weakened forces, so it did not have too much time to deal with internal problems when the outside was ready to attack at any time.
Additionally, the Baron had also lost a lot personally, because of that he was never the same.
Wein understood better than the average civilian but even he wanted something to be done about the increased crime.
He flicked his hand and turned off the projections then stood up, his full belly making it hard.
"I'm going to bed. I'm tired"
As he left the table the androids began taking the plates away and cleaned the table back to what it was.
…
While Wein was slowly walking through the hallways of the mansion, a thought came to him.
"Astra, you have access to almost everything about me, right? Can you tell me, my bank balance? I haven't even checked how much I have."
A faint blue light shimmered beside him, and projections of Wein's account details were revealed.
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Personal and Service Profile
Name: Wein Serin
Rank: 5-star Trooper (Lieutenant)
Age: 28
Species: Human.
Service: House Voss, Celetrial Empire
Years in Service: 4
Financial Data
Balance: 240,000 Galactic Credits/ 24,000,000 V Units
Income stream: 20,000 GC per year for 5 years [Reserve]
Conversion Rate: 1 Voss Unit = 100 Galactic Credits
Galactic Tier System: Tier 3 (Professional Class) + (Lieutenant 5-star Trooper)
-------------------------------------------------
"Your current balance is 240, 000 Galactic Credits," Astra spoke. "This is from your four years of service as a Trooper and your recent promotion combined."
Wein was taken aback by the amount 240,000 GC was a large amount even for a Trooper. If he was smart, he could live wealthy for a long time even with that amount without the need to go back to duty.
On Velmora it meant he was a multi-millionaire.
With all that said, a line caught his attention from the projection.
"Astra what does Teir 3 mean on the tier system?"
Astra proceeded to tell him about the purpose of the tier system.
In the galaxy encompassing most star systems and planets, the Galactic Credits were the basis for trade, exchange, and basically it was the dominant currency. One's wealth was decided solely by how much GC one had and because of this, there were different tiers for people.
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Tier 1: Worker Class
Wealth Range: 0- 25,000 GC
Privileges: Access to housing and rations provided by star system ruler. Access to public transport and healthcare. Limited savings capabilities with no investment opportunities. Tax rate 10%.
Tier 2: Merchant Class
Wealth Range:25,000-100,000 GC
Privileges: Eligibility for small loans (max 40,000 GC). Access to more advanced savings accounts with minimal returns. Discounts on commercial licenses and small property purchases. Priority access to mid-level transport systems. Tax rate 8%.
Tier 3: Professional Class
Wealth Range: 100,000-250,000 GC
Privileges: Eligibility for medium loans (max 150,000 GC). Investment options in the ruling star system-approved ventures ranging from trade routes, small starship companies, etc. semi-luxurious housing and healthcare packages. Access to personal transportation options. Invitations to local noble events. Tax rate 6%.
Tier 4: Aristocrat Class
Wealth Range: 250,000-1,000,000 GC
Privileges: Eligibility to high loans (max 900,000 GC) with very small interest rates. Ownership of vast land, estates, and trade routes within local noble territory. Invitation to high society events. Access to high-security banking services and private personal AI assistants. Tax: 4%.
Tier 5: Elite Class
Wealth Range: 1,000,000-100,000,000 GC
Privileges: Unlimited loan eligibility with no interest. Ownership of large-scale ventures e.g. mining colonies, star fleets, etc. Priority access to all services in the local noble territory. Access to elite real estate. Tax: 3.5%
Tier 6: Titan Class
Wealth Range: 100,000,000 GC +
Privileges: Privileged access to the ruling star system, Senate membership and decision-making influence. Exclusive control over intergalactic trade networks. Personalised planetary/ large land estates equivalent to noble domains. Priority Access, even over nobles lower-rank, based on the star- ranking system (1-9). Private star fleet under the protection of the ruling star system for personal use. No taxation.
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Wein was amazed by all the benefits that came with wealth, the rich could get richer if they tried but the poor only had enough to make ends meet. Still, it was a sturdy system that lasted years.
In his case he was rich even for a Trooper, having stayed for consecutive four years after his deployment Wein qualified to be added on the Tier 3 rank. To add to that he was a Trooper which had advantages of itself, one being there was little to no taxing on Troopers.
Wein new position in society placed him in a position of extreme comfort, he was content with life.