A commonly over-used pun

[Natalie LaForte]

Commenor Royal Palace

It was often that Natalie was given a the pleasure of meeting with her superiors. Usually, that meant one of two things. The first being a stern telling off from her company's directors for overspending on frivolous investments, or the second, and this being the case, meeting with one of the Royal's of the Commenor System's alliance. Although she didn't view the legitimacy in having any royal lineage, these people did, so she respected them.

Usually speaking to a royal also in turn meant speaking to Lady Kay, although this time it was a different fellow, somebody Natalie only knew as "the husband" or "the King". More importantly, she knew he was also a bit more religious zealous that Kay was, she she would have to keep her cards held to her chest unlike when around the Queen, where she could possibly criticize the Jedi without fear of reprimand. However, she couldn't fathom why the topic would be brought up because this was exclusively business talks, nothing about people's beliefs, but people on both sides of the spectrum were more than happy to tell the other hey were wrong.

The only thing she was worried about would be him being able to detect her dark side affinity.

Natalie awaited patiently outside the meeting chamber where the two would be speaking, paying careful attention to her make-up to ensure she was looking at her best to ensure a good deal. While he was a married man, there was nothing wrong with being visibly attractive to perhaps sweeten the deal.

[member="Veiere Arenais"]

 

[WolfMortum]

Where his wife understood her role and often played it out with all the necessary formalities and procedures typical for a Queen, Veiere Arenais was quite the opposite. [member="Lady Kay"]'s life was politics, it always had been and from their first run-in together on Alzoc Three so many years ago, Veiere had agreed to support her in her endeavors (back then as her bodyguard) while too voicing his great frustration and disdain for the life style; he a man of the people but far more grounded and tended to be much more hands on when it came to trying to exact his reach upon the lives of others, it was safe to say that the King of Commoner acted like anything but a King should.

To the often disagreement of the rest of their body of government, Veiere walked the halls of the Palace of his own accord and without personal aids. He had taken on the work load that his wife had left behind, heading off world to take care of matters of political regard elsewhere and while her assistants and what have you had remained behind, Veiere had basically told them to take some time off while he handled things personally for a while. His noted absence from his home-world by favor for the other side of his life had often weighed on his conscience and now while Kay was out of the picture, he intended to make up for it and ensure things ran smoothly until her return.

Today's scheduled meeting was fortunately not one with the leaders of their neighboring worlds but with a face that he had seen recently, though he knew her little in personal regard, he recalled rather vividly her discomfort around his being Jedi and something about him having religious ties or something of the sort, obviously attached to said Jedi lifestyle. Kay had always hidden her sensitivity to the Force from the galaxy around her, she feared the sort of persecution that [member="Natalie LaForte"] had hinted at though with much kinder words than she could have thrown his way, certainly. For Veiere however, criticism and uncertainty towards Jedi was all part of the life. He'd gotten used to the indifference of the people, their backgrounds naturally differed greatly and she knew him not on a personal level; thus this meeting he was actually rather looking forward to.

While she awaited the invitation of one of the Palace aids to no doubt lead her into Kay's Office or some likely place, she'd instead be greeted by Veiere himself who came with a warm smile and genuine one at that. "Miss LaForte?" he tried to pronounce her name as best as possible while stepping forward to greet her with an offer to shake her hand in welcome. "I do hope you've not been waiting long?" He added out of consideration for her, the Palace as nice as it was and enjoyable for most people was honestly one of his least favorite places on Commenor.

"Would you care to accompany me outside perhaps? I'd love a break from this place"

 

[Natalie LaForte]

"Indeed." Bowing her head slightly and shaking his hand.

"Sure... I suppose I could do with the fresh air, though I've only been here for a few minutes or so. I enjoy being early, it gives me time to contemplate on the things I'm going to say. Could we stand in the shade though? I'm rather hot as it is by simply standing in this building, I imagine outside will be even warmer on a summers day." Usually, she would not be doing this and in honest truth she would've preferred staying inside, that way she wouldn't feel so tired from the sun affecting her energy levels and effectively draining her.

As the two walked, she began to whisper to him, thinking that there would be somebody else watching them, she was paranoid like that.

"I apologize for my comment earlier. I hope I didn't cause you any offense. I've just had a... past with the Jedi, and indeed the Sith at that. I don't believe organized religion should have a place in a government. It usually doesn't end well;". She would pause for a few seconds, awaiting his response to this if he was to give any, and then continue after.

"...but I digress. I'm sure you already caught the notes but in a few words I wish to support the Commenor Systems Alliance fully by obtaining a sponsorship in exchange for complete access to our goods and a permanent discount for all individuals serving the Commenori government. Consider it a personal gift from my company."

[member="Veiere Arenais"]

 

[WolfMortum]

By her preference, Veiere didn't take long to see where they'd be spending this meeting in his head. Instead of a casual walk to enjoy the sights of the real heart of the Alliance (the people), the pair of them would instead turn their sights to the Gardens in the eastern flank of the Palace for which they'd be graced by a pleasant shelter surrounded by the rather tactfully trimmed and decorated tree's and plant-life. Often times, [member="Lady Kay"] and Veiere had wandered out here to get away from the bustle of politics and every other little annoyance that so often sought to bother Veiere, especially now with his wife off-world on business.

"The entire Galaxy has had a past with Jedi and Force Users alike, not all of it entirely positive" Veiere offered a wary and sympathetic smile to her as he spoke, soon gesturing for her to take a seat and make herself comfortable while he turned to frown at the coming presence of another uninvited guest.

Captain Terrac walked briskly towards them, initially not seeing the company that Veiere shared though he weren't exactly the man for tact either; arguably this was why they got along so well. "Veiere...-Grife you're a had man to find these days. Deneba's on call-..." His words died down as Veiere lifted a hand in gesture for pause and soon stepped aside to bring [member="Natalie LaForte"] into the older mans view. "Aah, my apologies Ma'am" he inclined his head with a somewhat cheeky yet apologetic smirk and a tip of his hat before glancing back to Veiere; "It's not urgent per say...-But the Pheonix is on standby" he concluded, soon stepping away leaving the Jedi Master standing their a little curious and certainly wary for all that the two lives demanded of him.

"I apologize..." He said finally returning to the reason for his being out here; "There's always something going on around here and apparently no one's capable of doing anything without one of us to hold their hand..." He rolled his eyes a little before moving to seat himself across the table from Natalie LaForte. "The fact is I agree with your concerns completely. It was why way back in the days of the Republic, I spoke heavily against the mixing of Jedi lives with Politics; it is also why Kay much to her dismay, takes on the world of politics here alone where I prefer to intervene only when Commenor's in need of protection or otherwise the people of the Systems Alliance are threatened. While she's unable to be here...-And with the recent decline and removal of the Senate...-Much to my frustration I'm more involved than I perhaps should be. The fact is I detest politics; I wear my heart on my sleeve which makes me a dreadful player when it comes to that game of 'snakes and spies'" he over exaggerated for good reason though it wasn't a far stretch really.

"My wife doesn't share my optimism and want for transparency where my position as a Jedi is concerned, she fears it for exactly the same reasons you do though I prefer to leave nothing for assumption, secrets surrounding my position will only damage us more within our own government...".

 

[Natalie LaForte]

Natalie smiled as the Captain walked towards them and waved as he moved to speak to [member="Veiere Arenais"]

"Oh trust me I understand. Having so many lackies below yourself makes life troubling while trying to run an intergalactic trading conglomerate, along with being successful on top of that? Pfft. I really don't know how I could do it without having so many droids within my company. Honestly we must have about... 750 working in our headquarters alone, with a few AIs scattered in there for some of the 'higher order stuff'. Although, the planet, that being Mygeeto's government implemented very harsh sentient quotas so we couldn't get away with it all, not to mention on top of that we're being forced to pay 10% of our total profit margin to them just for having less than 40% of our employees being non-biological. It really is a hard knock life for me."

Natalie ran her hands through her hair and giggling slightly to herself.

"You really should stop me if I ramble on like that again. You probably don't even care about what I was talking about. Anyway, yes, that's one of the few areas where I disagree with Kay. Not being transparent just leaves so many unwanted openings for your opponents to attack you on all fronts, and to be honest, I'd rather tell people I did the most horrific things than pretend I'm some pretty princess who's neve-.."

Natalie chuckled once more..

"I'm so bad, anyway, I'm assuming you've taken a gander at our marketplace?"

[member="Veiere Arenais"]

 

[WolfMortum]

Veiere's brow lifted in momentary uncertainty, he couldn't tell if [member="Natalie LaForte"] was taking a bite at him for complaining about all things while under the pretense of having so many 'supporting' personnel to help manage the horrid affairs of governance and politics or if she were sincere in her sympathy towards his position; regardless he passed it off with a thoughtful half smile and instead focused on what she were telling him about her company. Mygeeto, to his knowledge was nearby, if not directly within the mantle that was Sith Space these days, the restored Sith Empire being known for working within the sector of the Galaxy, perhaps it was coincidence though he couldn't be entirely certain.

"This Ten Percent margin that you pay...-For non-biological workers, presumably droids...-Who put such a strain on your finances, if I can ask?" It seemed a little steep, given droids were easier bought than they were hired for long term commercial works; frankly the kind of tax she were suggesting seemed irregular at best though outside of Systems Alliance space, Veiere had to conclude that it could be a matter of government preference over the working industry and environmental control...Pollution and the like, economy and what not...-He was trying not to think they were being haggled with by the Sith.

"I have had a look yes..." Veiere turned his attention down as he withdrew his datapad and pausing a moment in his response, brought up the list of items under the Intergalactic Monetary Fund's (IMF) inventory manifest; "You've a select number of goods that could benefit Commenor's armed defenders...-A unique assortment of vessels especially, The Aegis Class transport is unlike anything I've seen before. Very curious...".

"If we were to say...-Endorse your Company as a main supplier for the worlds under the Systems Alliance, how might that position us towards your more private or isolated items list here...The Escort Gunship for example?"

 

[Natalie LaForte]

"Oh it's a complicated situation. Previously, IMF was for all intents and purposes a public sub-division of The Sith Ascendancy, the people who used to control Mygeeto. When they rebranded themselves as an Empire, I didn't see the point in transitioning so bought my company's shares for an exuberant price and drove myself into debt. Eventually, through some rather shady loans, I managed to go even, although I only control 50% of the company at the moment, while the rest is divided between my board of directors. Since I don't have any connections to the government on Mygeeto anymore, they've imposed a tariff on me for failing to employ enough locals, and well, here we are now." Natalie spoke very fluently as if she remembered every detail of that as if it were branded in her brain, and to tell the truth it almost was. T'was a very difficult time of her life, but she came out on the other side better for it.

"Well, all of our official major sponsors gain access to everything on the marketplace. Restricted items just indicates it's not for public purchase, I.E they're millitary grade. As long as the Commenor Systems Alliance is going to be using said items in their military arsenal, then I don't see any reason as to why you couldn't."

"On a final note, all of our corporate and public sponsors receive the opportunity to put in a custom production request for an entirely new model, whether that be a spaceship, droid or weapon system, that only they have exclusive access to; so long as its within our company's means of productions then it can be done."

What [member="Veiere Arenais"] said was true, everything that was produced was conceptualized from Natalie's very own artistic hands. Every weapon every shield and every design was made by her, and then approved by an additional 20 people because that's how bureaucracy works.

 

[WolfMortum]

Veiere glanced up from his datapad, meeting the gaze of [member="Natalie LaForte"] as she divulged a bit of the background to her company. IMF being co-owned by various other share-holders within that region, likely still connected in some way to the Sith Empire was a likely caution they would need to maintain assurances over, though this was of course Veiere's opinion where as Commenor itself had worked with Darksiders on numerous occasions and chose not to judge purely upon hearing the name; while at times it was difficult not to be discouraged regardless of their attempts.

"I would hope that our ties to the IMF won't be mediated at all by the Sith Empire. For example, we've seen instances where they've attacked the World of Yutan. You can imagine the good people there would not take kindly to any interference to their avenue of trade were the Sith to get involved..." his words were offered loosely, his tone quiet and his gaze dropping ever so slightly to give off the impression of personal sentiment. "Speaking plainly here of course. Officially, I see no reason why the Systems Alliance could not further support your establishment but for the sake of good will, convince an old man such as myself" Veiere chuckled softly, soon leaning back into his seat and crossing a leg over the other, his eyes taking to the gardens around them almost pensively.

"I hope you don't take offense to my questions though I do like to get to know the people I'm going into business with; my Wife may have a better way of handling these things, thinking first and foremost of the State yet I go by my gut instinct you might say. One of those horrid disadvantages of dealing with a Force User" he turned back to study her response, both in expression and the expectation of instant regression in their little meeting. It was not said in an insulting manner what-so-ever, yet knowing her discomfort for such things, he wished to gain better insight as to how she held herself and just how much she was willing to trust in him and by extension, [member="Lady Kay"].

 

[Natalie LaForte]

"Oh no I'm not affiliated with them anymore, and being that I have 50% of the company's ownership and my sister an additional 15%, there's essentially no way that anybody could contest my decisions. Whether that be for good or for bad." Laughing to herself. "Trust me, the last thing that I want is to be associated with The Sith Empire."

"And I'm sure you already know my opinions on using the force as a means of enforcing some moral code on people. Regardless, it's fortunate that I'm a reformed Sith, otherwise I would've attempted to behead you by now." Rolling her eyes back and then continuing. "Kidding by the way, don't arrest me for regicide. Anyway... is everything that I've listed here so far sounding to your liking?"

Natalie didn't want to come off as sarcastic, that's just the tone of her voice and her mannerisms. Usually, she would never have an issue speaking to Lady Kay but [member="Veiere Arenais"] was certainly different. He cared about his faith more, couldn't set aside personal difference... and above all was not very experienced in being a Monarch. While Natalie had no experience in this department, it was quite clear he was more the brains behind the brawn of the operation. But on the plus side, he was no pushover, something Natalie liked in those she worked with. It always ensured a fair deal above all else.

 

[WolfMortum]

"Frankly, opinions such as yours are what the Republic needed most in it's dying days..." Veiere responded, a thought that was spoken as easily as it was honestly; "Though this may surprise you, I was a voice against the Jedi Order's participation in government where the Republic was scrambling for organized leadership during the height of the Mandalorian Clans crusades against them and the One Sith. Those of the Jedi Order that I was brought up within were forbidden from such a position as mine, for the lure that politics might have and how easily one might sway to pursue personal endeavors, abusing their powers to seek prestige and personal gain..." he let the words sink in, his voice falling quiet a moment as he clearly knew just how hypocritical it would seem coming from he, Grand Master of the Enclave of Deneba and High King of the Commenor Systems Alliance.

"It is a dangerous gambit, one that even someone as experienced as I am may fall victim too should I not take care to be mindful of myself and my self restraint..." He would continue, choosing to share with [member="Natalie LaForte"] what was arguably the greatest struggle he had taken on since agreeing to accept the title, if not only to be married to his wife, Kay; "Typically I steer clear of politics...-Today is not so complicated, I don't mind speaking on Kay's behalf with matters such as these, your services will greatly aid our people in the pursuit of strengthened borders and the protection of innocent lives. The Senate however, I sought no part of and where decisions are made, I stand only to advise [member="Lady Kay"] as a Husband and Jedi...".

"You of course are left with nothing but my word, whether or not to choose to believe in them is not my place to judge. When you spoke your concerns, they were questions and doubts that every Jedi has heard in some point of their lives. Why I'm choosing to tell you all this however is that should we be working together, transparency I believe is crucial to building a foundation of trust between the IMF, or rather yourself and the CSA...-For which you support has been most appreciated".

Veiere soon nodded in conclusion, placing his datapad to the table between them and lifting an arm to lean against the side of his chair, his hand taking to his bearded chin as he watched her thoughtfully. "Should you feel comfortable in our agreement, and more important the complacency in working with someone such as myself, then yes, the CSA accepts".

 

[Natalie LaForte]

"Oh I know, I've always had a knack for the political talk. Making people hear what they want to hear. Fortunately for you, what I'm saying isn't me saying it just to make me seem more likable. Usually, having opinions would get me in trouble but it's appropriate for this context." Placing one of her legs over the other and both of her hands on that knee.

"I trust your word, I just don't trust what could happen in the coming future. If I didn't trust you then I wouldn't be here right now trying to get you to purchase my company's assets that could ultimately be used against me; I think that shows enough that I'm more than willing to give the Commenor Systems Alliance, my former employer, my undying millitary aid. Do call if you need assistance any time soon."

Natalie placed her hands on the table and then leaned in to whisper to [member="Veiere Arenais"]

"Can I ask you somet-.." her communicator began to ring. "One second."

Natalie would walk off to the side and answer it, speaking to someone in a quiet voice.

"That will have to do for today. I'd like to arrange a follow up meeting in... the near future. Toodaloo for now, my King." Natalie lifted her belongings, that being her bag, and strutted out of the garden, checking the time and sighing to herself.