Faction A Canvas With Two Faces [Code Zero & Corpos]

[Saga]

CANTO BIGHT
Tizdalle Jyll Malcoma Hesse Marek Ares OPEN

Saga checked the power cell on her stolen DL-18 blaster before stuffing it under a dark nerf-leather jacket. Nervous fingers lit a thin cigarra while she worked up the courage to walk inside. A scrolling darknet feed faded along with the glow of her eyes. Synthetic irises refocused on their surroundings with only minimal data overlay.

She followed the music until her world exploded in a rush of flagged hardware. Blaster and vibroweapon outlines superimposed themselves over gang muscle everywhere Saga looked. Raising her collar to keep a low profile, the street punk pushed through dancing crowds until she bumped into a girl chromed up with an exotic implant shielded from her scans.

"Nice mod!" Saga shouted over the music, "You a codebreaker?"

Tonight was about conducting some business under the Authority's nose, not making friends but meeting another potential netrunner intrigued her. Then again those overalls made the girl look more like a speeder mechanic but Saga didn't know too many of those with such serious tech.

 

[Castor Crane]

​

Tags: Lodd Grimmin | Danger Arceneau | Makai Dashiell | Alicia Drey
At the Crescent Royale Casino on CANTONICA...

"I must say, ExO Crane, you certainly know how to host a conference."

Castor couldn't help but smirk. Danger's voice was like honey to his ears, certainly a tactic but one he had no qualms over. He liked an interesting playing field after all.

"The CSA spares no expense on its friends," he said with a nod. "These are... interesting times to say the least. Bonds are so tenuous these days. It's important to make connections that last."

He was referring, of course, to the tumultuous political landscape that surrounded the Sector's neutral swath of space. Not so long ago, the only competitor in the room was the almighty Galactic Alliance with their rules and regulations. Roadblocks and obstacles, more like. Then there were the Sith Order and their shadowy vassal state to the southwest. Castor was still leery of their reliability, despite his loose connections to Dromund Kaas. Now there were the Mandalorians, Hutts, and Imperials... time would only whether they'd be clients or enemies.

Hence the topic of conversation this evening.

"So tell us, ExO Crane. How do you plan to expand the Corporate Sector?"

"The same way we always have, Minister," Castor said. He gave the magnates a lascivious grin, no longer dancing around the lust for power and credits that drives the CSA forward. Each of them knew exactly what the CorpSec was all about. There was no need for the façade of humility any longer.

"The Corporate Sector is held together by a charter that grants many benefits to member corporations. Exclusive trade deals, mutual defense agreements... generous manufacturing rights."

He tapped his fingers against the tabletop again, though this time it was to reveal a small panel in the center of the table. Inside was a holoprojector that flickered to life, displaying for his guests a three-dimensional map of the Corporate Sector. Those with a deeper knowledge of the CSA's history like Minister Lodd Grimmin and Danger Arceneau would likely notice its holdings were a fraction of what they once were even a few decades ago. With more and more power being consolidated by the Galactic Alliance, it grew increasingly difficult to make a region in the distant Outer Rim as appealing as Core-front property. That could easily be remedied if they could prove the Sector was safer than Alliance space.

Castor brought their attention to the Sector's southwestern border.

"Before the CSA can expand, we must secure the southern expanse of Corporate space. The Sith Order has proven to be an unpredictable force, while this self-proclaimed 'Empire of the Lost' is swallowing up system after system with no discernable goal in mind. Then there's the Mandalorians," he added with a sigh, "who're tearing across Alliance space with no care for who they kill along the way."

The holographic map panned and zoomed across the galactic stage as he spoke, giving significance to each of the superpowers as he described their positions and intentions.

"For the time being," Castor said, cybernetic eyes focused on the Neimoidian, "our goals are centered on partnerships and alliances. Who can help secure the Sector, and to what extent? What do they want in return? These are the things we're looking for."

He glanced then to Danger, eyes contracting eerily.

"As I said before, we take good care of our friends."

 

[Kivah]

Tags: Shy but open to interaction.
​

Loud base and the hammering of electronic notes swept around Kivah as she made her way off the dance floor as she fanned her thin top to help the sweat cool her in the too hot press of bodies. She'd taken a razor to it before coming out like one of her current friends had suggested, well ventilating it until it showed nearly as much tanned muscle and light fur as it concealed. Finding a spot at the bar, she pressed a leather-clad hip up to it and snagged herself a cold drink.

Taking the moment to people watch, her eyes flicked from person to person as she guessed who was armed, who was high, and who might be fun in a bed or a fight. Her eyes settled on a blond that looked well over-dressed to be here dancing. Curious, but she seemed to have two attendants with her, bodyguards or minders of a sort she guessed. Maybe she was part of whatever leadership was behind this party? Taking a pull from her cocktail Kivah went back to crowd watching. Suddenly she felt very alone in the crowd and comforted herself with the thought of maybe finding a fight later. Could even earn a few credits maybe.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

The Beating Heart
OBJECTIVE II: Feel free to Approach for chat or business
Castor Crane | Glistaweb Outfit & x | x | x | x | ​

Well, I'll be darned, Castor Crane sure knows how to charm, thought Danger, a hint of amusement dancing in her emerald-fire eyes as she tilted her head in acknowledgment. He had a point; in this day and age, it's all about who's scratchin' whose back and who'll do the scratchin' back.

While Castor Crane went on to answer the Minister in the wake of Alicia Drey 's and Lodd Grimmin 's questions, Danger shifted her focus to the young blonde gal. Extending her hand in greeting, she nodded towards Alicia Drey with a friendly smile.

"A pleasure. The name is familiar, and I am pleased to be able to make your acquaintance." The words were genuine, offered with that throaty drawl. "I am certainly most interested in determining what sort of mutually beneficial connections we are all able to make."

At the query by Minister Lodd Grimmin , the Queen of Trade gave a small smile, but her eyes widened in intrigue. "Of course, I would be most happy to schedule a meeting in a venue of the Director's choosing. If his assistant is able to relay to mine his schedule, we can coordinate a meeting."

Now, it was time to lend an ear to the Exo's notions about the Corporate Sector Authority. His approach seemed as timeless as a Southern saying -- tit for tat. It was a system that works, the system called reciprocity. Danger was well-acquainted with this dance, yet she couldn't help but wonder about the specifics of these partnerships.

Those crimson cybernetic eyes of Castor Crane didn't miss a beat. The voluptuous curve of her hip went cocking to the right, while she her wrist gave a gentle rotation, swirling the whiskey in her glass. Interest piqued, Danger leaned forward with a soft but curious drawl, "Well now, ExO Crane, might I ask what it be that your pressed for the most for assistance?"

 

[Reggie]

Tags: Malcoma Hesse | Marek Ares | Saga
Objective 1: Never Fade Away
Location: CANTONICA

"What the hell is she wearing?" Gaz rasped over the heavy bass of the Blue Suns DJ. Reggie shrugged, straining to hear the stumpy, four-armed shadowrunner over the noise. Normally, Reggie enjoyed a good party but the music these chrome-jockeys blasting made his heart thump against its natural rhythm.

"Looks like she skinned a slice hound and tossed it over her shoulder for the trip back home!" the old alien said, cackling at the woman from afar. Again, Reggie shrugged. The pair had been eyeing Malcoma Hesse from across the warehouse floor for a few minutes now.

Why, he wasn't sure. Gaz seemed perfectly satisfied with Reggie's report from their meeting on Ord Radama, but the moment the Latero spotted her at the rave he decided she needed to be watched. Reggie supposed it was rather odd for her to be this deep in Corpo space so soon after joining the cause, but she hadn't given him any red flags yet. Maybe the girl just likes a good party? Who was he to judge? Gaz was four drinks in already anyway, so when he ordered his fifth Reggie decided to part ways for the evening and catch up with the Freedom Trail's newest ally.

"Be good out there, kid," Gaz said with a hiccup.

Reggie nodded, leaving his friend with the usual "I always am" before snaking his way through the crowd of ravers. These old warehouses never looked that large from the outside, but if you jam a hundred strung-out cyberpunks inside it seems to grow by miles. When he finally made it through the mob, he locked eyes on Mal and closed the distance between them.

"Gaz hates your shawl," Reggie said plainly, standing beside her. He looked to the rather large fella who'd accompanied her this evening, then to Saga and the others that had been drawn to Mal's presence. He cracked a wry smile that looked rather sinister when the flashing lights caught him at the right angle, but those who knew Reggie knew he wasn't nefarious.

"How's Canto Bight treating you?" he asked of no one in particular.

 

[Alicia Drey]

Tags: Danger Arceneau Castor Crane Lodd Grimmin

Alicia quietly listened to the conversation as each participant took their turns to speak. When Danger greeted her Alicia nodded and smiled politely, adding on, "I have an idea or two that would be of interest to you."

As Castor explained the current events of the Galaxy Alicia noted that he did not include the new power that was rising in the Outer Rim Territories. Intriguing, Alicia thought to herself as Castor finished his explanation that had been expertly turned into a proposal to set up commerce between the Arceneau Trade Company and Trade Federation. This was an opportunity to chime in, and turn the conversation into an advantage for herself.

"I can think of many ways that your company can help our host," Alicia begun while unfolding her arms. In her pocket she removed a packet of cigarettes, slid one out of the pack and fixed it between her teeth. Putting the pack away, Alicia took the cigarette out of her teeth so she could continue speaking. "And there are ways that I can be useful contact for the Arceneau Trade Company, Trade Federation and the Corporate Sector that you are trying to revive, Castor. My business lays in agriculture, namely the manufacture and distribution of foodstuffs, but namely in intelligence, where I can share some of what I know with you today."

Lighting the cigarette up, Alicia discarded the match into a nearby ashtray and took a drag of it while she conversed. "I have well established contacts with Santhe-Sienar on Lianna and with Mecetti Nationalized Industries on Obulette. The Empire has made light work of mopping up piracy in their space, so I know Vyllia Santhe is thriving away from the troubles in Alliance space. As for the Tapani sector Casteban Mecetti runs a tight ship, and has a personalized naval forces capable of dealing with piracy, or other threats there. I would recommend both of them if you are looking to do business in the Alliance or Empire."

"I confess that I do not know much about the Mandalorian Protectors, and the Sith have always been a blight to the Galaxy. But I could not help and notice that you did not include a new power in your assessment. Rumours have reached me which suggest that Ignacious Korvan has returned, and with it things will change, certainly within the Alliance. I would be more than willing to act as an advisor to the three of you in regards to this news in your future business matters if I could have some access in return."

"I have recently acquired several properties and land on the planet Lothal, as well as fishing colonies on the remote world of Ruisto. These assets have been formed under a new organisation that I have named after myself, and I am looking for investors who would look to expand Drey. Among my new companys portfolio is a Cortosis mine I obtained some time ago on Obredaan where I am meeting with Salacia Consolidated and the Mecetti to arrange opening the mine over the next few weeks."

Alicia averted her gaze from the three directly to Lodd. "In fact dignitaries from the Trade Federation were already invited to my gathering on Obredaan to make these arrangements." She then turned to speak to Castor and Danger. "I would be more than happy to have the two of you come and meet with me to discuss these agendas. There is a lot of money that can be made in the foodstuffs market, and especially with Cortosis."

 

[Malcoma Hesse]

"Shame," Mal replied to Reggie, glancing blankly over at him only after she uttered the syllable. "It was a reverse welcome gift. I..." She looked him up and down, then slightly canting her head and cracking a small, twistedly playful smile. "I don't suppose you'd wear it."

That's all she said for now, content with leaving his question for anyone else in the vicinity to answer.

Reggie Saga @others in obj 1

 

[Lodd Grimmin]

THE BEATING HEART

Castor Crane Danger Arceneau Alicia Drey ​

Castor Crane, after a brief pause, finally responded to the Minister's inquiry with a comprehensive explanation of the Restored Corporate Sector. There was a quick glance at the holographic map that materialized before them, emphasizing that the Corporate Sector was not as powerful as they once were during the reign of the Galactic Empire of Palpatine.

It came to his attention that the Sith Empire was rapidly spreading throughout different systems, while the Empire of the Lost was conquering one system after another, imposing their own version of Imperial Ideologies. Moreover, the ongoing Mandalorian-Alliance War was significantly impacting profits across the vast expanse of the Alliance Frontier, causing prices to skyrocket across all sectors.

"I have heard creditable information that the Mandalorian Enclave is suffering internal frictions, which means that the Mandalorian-Alliance War is coming to an suitable end which should free up resources from the Alliance Frontier in order to revitalize the Corporate Sector with various goods and services." The Neimoidian relayed such information confidently as various informants within the Enclave had told him that they were soon to lose their superpower status once more which means that the Alliance-Enclave Conflict was coming to an end.


There was a brief nod in recognition to Danger Arceneau as they agreed to formalize a proper meeting with the Director of the Trade Federation. Establishing fresh connections with experienced corporations would allow them to gain new perspectives and ideals to utilize in their own business practices. With that matter settled, there was a glance towards Alicia Drey who had joined them some time ago.

"If the rumors are true that Grand Admiral Ignacious Korvan has returned to galactic prominence, then our economic ratings will surely plummet. He is a mad-man with no vision for the galactic future beyond his own survival, not to mention destroying half of the Imperial Armada over Ilum with his dangerous usage of a superweapon." He was grateful for the third party contact, but the mere mention of the Infamous Grand Admiral gave him some pause.

 

[Das]

​

Tags: Kivah
Objective 1: Never Fade Away
Location: Canto Bight, CANTONICA

​

If anyone in the Canto Bight scene knew Das from back on Denon, they’d absolutely lose their chit. She was always the quiet one, even when she was netrunning for Darkwire. Other than that house party where she’d made a complete gonk of herself, Das was a pretty tame kid. She wondered if Zenric remembered that night. Or any of them, really… Das took a liking to him and on several occasions helped to patch him up when things went wrong.

She heard he’d be here tonight on Cantonica, either playing for the Blue Suns or trying to kill one of them - the rumors were shaky. It was all the same to her, though. Das had to be here tonight either way, with or without a cyborg ghost from her past. But she’d be lying if she said she didn’t want to run into him again. The teen pushed through the crowd to the makeshift bar and stole the first seat she could find. It had a great view of the warehouse floor, positioned between an unbelievably drunk Gran and a quiet Cathar. Das decided to make conversation with the latter, leaving the three-eyed being to his liquor.

“Cool party!” Das said over the music, trying not to startle Kivah or weird her out. The netrunner nodded to a nearby crowd where Reggie was chatting with Malcoma Hesse and Saga across the room.

“I’m here with some friends, who’ve apparently made extra friends along the way. What about you?”

Das eyed the Cathar for a moment, noticing she’d be more likely to haul off and punch someone in the throat than make nice with strangers. Das swallowed, tried to smile, then ordered a drink with a forged holo-ID that pegged her as Amaya Karos from Etti IV.

​

 

[Tizdalle Jyll]

Location: Warehouse | Canto Bight | Cantonica
Addressing: Saga
Tags: Das | Malcoma Hesse | Kivah | Reggie | OPEN
Wearing: Overalls and Tank

The music was quite easy to get lost in. I wasn’t sure if I would have ever stopped dancing until the music had stopped, but something else enterceded before that could happen. It was probably for the best as I wasn’t getting anything accomplished other than a rise in my serotonin levels going through the motions of dancing. The interdiction to my dance groove was a bump from a woman who looked her over and asked about codebreaking.

I gave a bit of a sigh as I shook my head. ”Code is not my specialty. I can do a bit here and there. I like getting greasy. Work in droids, implants, that sorta thing.” I responded as I continued to give the woman another once over. ”Looking at possibly expanding my business into the Outer Rim. Denon is getting pretty cramped. If you’re needing a codebreaker I can throw a few names around.”

I knew my trade well enough to tell that the woman had been enhanced, and to say the least I was quite curious to discover what sort of hardware was on the woman’s body. ”I’ve been dancing for a bit. Want to go get a drink and see what we might be able to do for each other?”

 

[Kivah]

Tag: Das | Malcoma Hesse | Tizdalle Jyll | Reggie |
A seat next to her had barely been open before a young human-looking girl with facial augs was there filling it. "Yeah!" Kivah agreed putting some energy into her voice. She welcomed the intrusion, her attitude warming with the alcohol and warmth of the packed warehouse. "Looking to make friends!," she half-shouted back over the noise as she followed the indicated direction back to the overly dressed woman who was now surrounded by even more people. Maybe she'd been wrong about the woman being of rank with the Blue Suns, maybe the girl was lying.

Shrugging, Kivah turned back to her and saw her laying out an ID for the drink. "I don't think they're checking those here." The impression she'd gotten was that most people here would have found the idea laughable. Still she turned her head to look it over and noted her name. "Amaya huh? Nice tech, I'm Kivah." She casually stretched out the hand not holding her drink, knuckles half-curled for an introductory fist bump.

 

[Saga]

CANTO BIGHT
Tizdalle Jyll Malcoma Hesse Reggie Das Kivah

I gave a bit of a sigh as I shook my head. ”Code is not my specialty. I can do a bit here and there. I like getting greasy. Work in droids, implants, that sorta thing.”

"Oh. Stoopa me," Saga looked a little crestfallen, "That explains the shiny chrome, I guess."

Her casual use of huttese slipped without thinking. Under the slicer's jacket her arms were covered in electro-tattoos transforming flesh into circuit patterns whose frontiers were just barely visible beyond each sleeve. Saga wore a pair of synth-hide boots which didn't look made for dancing. Perhaps this explained the relief dawning upon her face when drinks were suggested.

"I could really use one," she confessed, "Call me Saga, by the way."

It was as close to a real name as she had. On the darknet your alias represented a slicer's truest self. Saga used her implant to avoid the most heavily armed thugs on their way to the cantina. She could not help but overhear some of the local conversation.

"How's Canto Bight treating you?" he asked of no one in particular.

"I wish I could put my fist through this whole lousy, beautiful town."

Saga ordered an antakarian fire dancer, grimacing at the burn of strong liquor when she took the shot. Sure hands flipped over an empty tumbler then tapped it in a signal to serve her another.

"So you're not from this sector then?" Saga asked the other girl, "I hear all the best cybertechs are on Denon. You must be really good!"

 

[Das]

​

//: Tags: Kivah | Malcoma Hesse | Saga | Tizdalle Jyll
//: Objective 1: Never Fade Away
//: Location: Canto Bight, CANTONICA...

​

Das snickered as the bartender placed her drink on the counter with a thud. The liquid was a sharp pink color, just how she liked it. She tapped a finger on the holo-ID before slipping it back into her pocket. "It's not the Suns you gotta keep up appearances for," the girl said with a coy smile. Das had used dozens of fake names to cover her tracks back on Denon. The Corporate Authority there was much tighter, though. Smaller domain, fewer beings to babysit... made it easier to catch shadowrunners, and much harder to disappear behind a fake ID.

In the Corporate Sector, though? Das was golden. In fact, she was probably going a bit overkill with her persona as Amaya.

"Haha! Thanks!" Das said, pounding Kivah's fist. "It's all custom, from a friend on Etti. If you ever find yourself around the Gemini Strand, look for Krieg. He's a mean-ass Kaleesh but he knows his stuff."

Das turned her eyes back to Reggie and his little gang. She shot back the pink liquor, wincing a bit as it rolled down her throat like hot coaxium in a freighter engine. Then she choked a bit, realizing she neglected to actually introduce herself to her new barmate.

"Ah chit, sorry- I'm Das," she said with an apologetic smile. "Amaya's my, erm... travelling name."

 

[Kivah]

Tag: Das | Malcoma Hesse | Tizdalle Jyll | Reggie | Saga​

Kivah laughed at Das' antics. "Traveling name huh?" A lot of people in these parts seemed to have a fake name or two and she considered what hers might be, if there was even a point. She'd never really traveled registered or even carried an ID, home wasn't a place that needed those sort of things. Leaning back against the bar, she took a long pull of her drink to finish it off before rapping her knuckles on the bar to get service for the two of them. "I've thought about getting some implants, some rybco would be right up my alley." She flexed to show off her already strong muscles through her cut shirt. "Subderms sound like a good idea too, but getting cut open," she winced to express her thoughts on that. "And the big places are pricy."

"Corellian Star Chaser." She told the bartender working their section before turning to Das. "Corellian Star Chaser? Two." She ordered returning her attention to the waiter without waiting for a reply. The golden-orange tequila was charged with a bright yellow adrenal booster sitting in the bottom of the glass and Kivah knocked hers back with a relish. Ears folding back and lips pulling taunt as the stim began to take hold. "Ahh, good stuff. Ready to hit the dance floor again!" She clapped Das on the arm, an invitation to join her.

 

[Tizdalle Jyll]

Location: Warehouse | Canto Bight | Cantonica
Addressing: Saga
Tags: Das | Malcoma Hesse | Kivah | Reggie | OPEN
Wearing: Overalls and Tank

I frowned when Saga insulted herself. To be fair I did know a good deal of code. Had to in order to get the droids to act right and the implants to receive input from a living host. Each species was different. Sent different messages down different pathways. I had to know all of them. Or at least know how to interpret them on the go and adapt the implant’s programming. In other words, I didn’t use code to sneak into places that I wasn’t supposed to be, but it wasn’t a far off assumption to think it was something I did. Especially in the present locale. ”Don’t go calling yourself names. It’s an easy mistake.”

When the woman admitted that she needed a drink I nodded and smiled leading the way to the bar. Before we got too far another guy asked how we were finding Canto Bight. I gave a bit of a shrug before Saga answered him. It was surprisingly complementary and violent at the same time. I wasn’t sure what to make of the comment, but Saga continued on to order a drink so I didn’t think much of it at all. Saga’s choice of beverage, an Antakarian fire dancer, was a little rough for me. I thought over the various choices, not thinking it would be a good idea to be too drunk if business came my way, but certainly wanting to have a good time I ordered a Pink Nebula, a nice middle of the road choice. Not too potent, but visually interesting and not suitable for most lightweights.

”No not from here. Denon born and raised. I’m Tizdalle. You can call me Tiz,” I happily gave my name to Saga after taking her first drink off her cocktail. ”I am not sure that I should give my true assessment of my talents. You might think I’m just conceited,” I gave a little bit of a giggle and took another drink. ”Honestly though. I’m good, but no desire to be big time. Thought maybe that attitude would play well out here in the Outer Rim. It’s getting harder just to get by closer to the Core. And with the GA around.”

 

[Castor Crane]

​

Tags: Lodd Grimmin | Danger Arceneau | Makai Dashiell | Alicia Drey
Location: Crescent Royale Casino, CANTONICA

The ExO was careful not to give more away than he could afford with his smiles. His eyes had long since abandoned their role as the proverbial windows to his soul, but that million-credit smirk he wore could spill just as easily. Luckily, though, his desires aligned perfectly with his newfound compatriots: profits.

"Well now, ExO Crane, might I ask what it be that your pressed for the most for assistance?"

“Ships,” the ExO answered matter-of-factly.

“Ships, weapons, armor - and yes, intelligence,” he added, nodding at Alicia Drey in recognition of her offer. It shouldn’t surprise any of his guests to know that the CSA’s standing fleet has been decades behind in technology. Even during the height of its existence, the Sector made extensive use of refurbished technologies. After the Clone Wars, Palpatine’s administration allowed them to absorb CIS assets freely.

When the Empire collapsed, the New Republic did the same with reclaimed Star Destroyers. The very same was repeated when the New Imperial Order was dissolved, leaving them with their current arsenal. It was time to complement their hand-me-downs with something more modern. More powerful.

“Especially with this new information,” Castor said aloud, carrying his thoughts from his mind to the table.

“The Grand Admiral’s return only makes it more pressing that we strengthen the Sector’s defensive capabilities. It’s a process we’ve already begun,” he went on to say. “Shuklaar Kyrdol of Breshig War Forge Consolidated has already contributed a generous addition to our fleets. Outer Rim Resources and Priddy General as well. We source the Security Division’s numbers from local systems. Some trickle in from the Sith proxy state surrounding Dromund Kaas, and others from former NIO sectors. But it’s armaments that we need.”

He swallowed hard, but it was barely perceptible to those who lacked deep insight. It was never easy to reveal just how weak you really are, and if the rest of the Board had their way Castor would have bared false teeth and artificial claws the whole night to gain their trust. He wasn’t a fool like the others, though. Crane knew an honest perspective on the Sector’s state would have a better chance of winning their support than banking on false promises.

“Our fleet is functional and it’s served us well enough for centuries. But ‘functional’ and ‘well enough’ are a far cry from what we could be. The Sector could wait around for the Enclave to dissolve or this new Dark Empire to lose a few battles and come swooping in for the scraps…” he paused, taking a moment to lean in and emphasize the lucrative opportunity that he was offering.

“… or we can enter into a partnership. Our credits - untraceable, of course, should they need to be - in exchange for military-grade assets to strengthen the Sector and secure our borders.”

 

[Danger Arceneau]

The Beating Heart
OBJECTIVE II: Feel free to Approach for chat or business
Castor Crane Alicia Drey | Lodd Grimmin | | Glistaweb Outfit & x | x | x | x | ​

The more Miz. Drey spoke, the more intrigued Danger became. Surely, she would want to delve deeper into discussions with Alicia and explore how they could support each other. They appeared to share many similarities, and Danger held great respect for a woman who had built her business to the extent Ms. Drey had described her own.

Minister Grimmin's concerns were undoubtedly valid. Acquiring additional intelligence regarding the galaxy's movements was crucial. Learning that Miz Drey and Minister Grimmin could offer more in this regard piqued Danger's interest further.

Now, as for the Exo...

Military-grade ships, credits, weapons, and information. Free trade meant that neutral parties such as hers would be able to collaborate with the Corporate Sector Authority, a partnership she found intriguing. Finishing her drink, Danger contemplated the potential benefits and drawbacks of the Grand Admiral's return. How would it impact and filter down to all parties involved?

"Alright. If you have a list ready for distribution outlining these needs, we can explore how we might assist in securing your borders," Danger replied thoughtfully. She was confident that others would share her interest.

"At the very least, we have access to raw ores and refined materials available at a discounted rate for their production," she continued, considering the possibilities. She could also enlist Makai Dashiell 's expertise to provide salvaged materials. Given the frequency of wars and battles, repurposing and refining such materials would lead to significant cost savings.

 

[Lodd Grimmin]

THE BEATING HEART

Castor Crane Danger Arceneau Alicia Drey ​

The Neimoidian's eyes shifted from one side of the table to the other, focusing on the ExO of the Corporate Sector, Castor Crane . They continued to address the concerns raised from the delegations and shared enticing details to draw in the potential corporate investors currently at the table. Specifically, they highlighted the need for ships, weapons, armor, and intelligence services within the corporate sector, mentioning Alicia Drey willingness to act as a mediator in these confidential dealings.

If the Corporate Standing Fleet lacked powerful military weapons, the Trade Federation of Planets could benefit financially by offering cutting-edge alliance-made ships from their subsidiary, Byblos Star Drives. Such a scenario became even more valuable when Danger Arceneau chimed in; offering discounted raw materials for warship production. Combining the reach of the Federation and the resources of the Arceneau Trading Company would allow the Corporate Sector to expand quite rapidly to nearby planets and defend these new worlds with quality defenses and armaments.

"The Trade Federation can supply top-of-the-line alliance vessels from our subsidiary, Byblos Star Drives to supplement your fleet at least temporarily until the discounted resources provided by Arceneau Trading Company can be utilized for proper Corvette, Frigate, and Capital Ship Shipyards across the sector." The Neimoidian said, keenly interested in such an agreement that the ExO was proposing to them.

 

[Alicia Drey]

Tags: Danger Arceneau Makai Dashiell Lodd Grimmin Castor Crane

Alicia fell silent as the party continued their conversation. She nodded to Castor when he acknowledged her offer for intelligence. Indeed, Alicia Drey was building an organisation as the three of them spoke, and if all went to plan- knowingly, or unknowingly- then the three of them would play a part in it. The true power of the dark side laid in it's subtleness. You did not know it was truly ever there. A Master of the dark side never revealed himself or herself. Through actions, conversations, coercion, the gathering of intelligence, and stories Alicia would use the power of the dark side to ensnare those she came into contact with through subtly without any of them knowing her ultimate goal.

Through destruction I breed creation, Alicia thought to herself as the conversation continued. Her gaze turned to Danger as she asked Castor about how she could be of service to the Corporate Sector. Indeed, Arceneau would be a valuable commodity in Castor's vision to rejuvenate it for the woman had access to shipping lanes, commerce and contacts all across the Galaxy that would see a regeneration in this sector of the Galaxy. When the invitation had come to attend this meeting Alicia knew she had chosen well. Wherever Danger Arceneau went wealth followed, and she would be there to fill her spoils.

Then there was Lodd Grimmin. The Trade Federation were known to Alicia, both historically, and in recent endeavours. They had their place in the Galactic Alliance which made them influential in their politicks. Then there was the economical advantages that could come if she could secure Grimmin as an associate alongside Crane or Arceneau. On top of it all the Federation had a considerable armada that they had amassed to protect their assets which would make them a significant ally- not only to Alicia- but to the Corporate Sector too. In fact, as Grimmin spoke, there came the offer Alicia had anticipated he would give after Crane finished his elaborations.

"With the Arceneau Trade Company and Trade Federation joining this venture of rejuvenation for this region of space, I would like more than anything to become a mutual associate to the three of you," Alicia chimed in. "While I would never take this opportunity to undermine Minister Grimmin's offer it would expeditate the rejuvenation of the Sector's naval and security forces if you were to allow me to contact my associates on Obulette and Lianna. The Mecetti make fine ships, and Santhe-Sienar are well known for their products. A joint venture between the Federation and my friends would be a powerful combination for all involved. Plus it never hurts to open new lanes of commerce and trade which such a deal would open for all of us if we are interested?"

As Alicia left Danger, Castor and Lodd to ponder on a deal that would see the Federation, Santhe-Sienar and Mecetti Nationalized Industries come together to rebuild, salvage or refit the waning forces of the CSA Alicia pushed on.

"My sources tell me that Korvan will make his move soon, so this revelation of his return was something that was going to come out sooner rather than later. However, I would suggest to the three of you to use this small window to secure your assets, particularly if you have business in the Alliance. I would be more than willing to continue sharing my intelligence with the three of you in return for a fee, of course. As an intermediary I can provide you with things that you should know ahead of time in the war that is to come."

 

[Commodore Helix]

Objectives: The Room Where It Happens
Tags: Castor Crane / Danger Arceneau / Lodd Grimmin / Alicia Drey​

So it was security Crane was concerned about. How convenient, in more ways than one. It certainly explained his own invitation here. It also made sense. Corporate space was uncomfortably close these days to more than one group of warmongers, most of whom couldn't be easily bought or reasoned with.

He let the others present speak first. It was typically wise, he found, to listen more than one spoke. Let others volunteer their hands, before showing one's own. It was clear, from what he could see, that Crane's position was a tenuous one. There were some large players here, among whom he was most certainly the least in any field, save perhaps the military one. Helix's armies and fleets were, for a minor power in the grand scheme, vast, but there was more to power than simple might in the physical sense. He was already protecting many clients; landing the Corporate Sector would be a true prize, assuming he could do so without attaching any bothersome "ands" or "buts".

That was the real trick, though. There were nearly always strings attached to these deals, or clients tried to emplace them. He'd so far resisted any clinging to him. He found it best to conduct business on a simple, case-by-case, and purely transactional basis, with today's business bringing no guarantee of any future favor or support, if the money wasn't right.

He broke his silence finally.

"Security, thankfully, happens to be my business, Mr. Crane. Which I'm confident you knew already. Security, or anything else one might need related to it, even matters of a more... clandestine nature. I'd be happy to discuss business at your leisure in more confidential settings."

"As for what I want in return, well. That, too, can be discussed at a later time. Suffice to say I am interested in being of assistance, where possible. I'll be direct. I don't sell technology, perishables, or even weapons. I sell violence, Mr. Crane. Defensive or offensive. I'm certain the Corporate Sector is more than capable already in this arena, despite your worries, but I'm sure you'll agree that there is no such thing as too much security. Not when so many old evils stir up again. Take it from me, they don't like neutral parties. I've got the scars on my chassis and a lot of money to prove it. Should violence be something you ever wish to purchase..." he said, placing something small and metal on the table with a click, and sliding it over.

"My card. You know where to contact me. Until then, I will say no more on that. Security is, after all, a sensitive matter, and information is a commodity as dangerous as it is valuable."

"As for myself, you've doubtless done your research on everyone in this room before allowing them to be here. You're a careful man, or else all of this..." he gestured around with one metal hand. "Wouldn't be yours for long. Having done that research, you know who I am, what I'm capable of, and the lengths I'll go to for my clients. I'll therefore spare you any more of my detailed, redundant sales pitch. The campfire stories speak for themselves. If you want pirates, scum, and any other undesirables to lose bladder control at the mere idea of crossing your borders, I'll make that happen. For the right price, of course."

"Consider my name in the hat. I'll quite gladly cooperate where needed with such noble personages as those present here to ensure your business dealings remain uninterrupted by the locals, should you wish to engage my services."