

It operates its own navy based around its security service, using a small number of Imperial cruisers in company colours, together with a fleet of cutters. These tend to deal with pirate incursions, and escort its transport when outside ‘civilised’ space, while the security service deals with personal issues ‘on the ground’.

Mastopolos Mining has grown to be a major mining force, particularly in Imperial space, occasionally competing directly with WCM. It has its own force of loyal slaves who are treated very well according to Imperial rules (something that Gabriella Mastopolos, now in her 90s, widely insisted upon, and regularly visits installations to do personal spot checks). Slave leave at the end of their assigned terms with a generous bonus (calculated based on their productivity during their term), over and above their required payout under Imperial law. This means the workforce work hard and diligently – and also increases the number of people signing up for such service.