A Few Ships Too Short

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"I have absolutely no idea where we're going to get our starfighters."

The frustration in Cedric's words was palpable. Eleven companies had turned down his request for supply after running background checks on their would be customer. No one in Sith space wanted to deal arms to a man on the Sith's most wanted list.

"I have our destroyers, but they won't be much use if they don't an escort." He continued as he rubbed at his temples. "I don't think there's anyone else out this far that would deal with us," his frown deepened. "You've more experience with the alliance and its space. Do you think we would find sympathizers there willing to take the risk of drawing the Sith's ire?"

Cedric's gaze shifted to [member="Aela Talith"]. The young master had been invited to his office atop the Graywall to discuss this very issue. It was a problem that Cedric did not want leaving the room; morale was high among the cadets, and there was no reason to stifle their resolve with issues that did not concern them.

It'll start to concern them if we can't get our hands on ships.

The knight breathed a heavy sigh, and awaited Aela's answer.

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Cedric Grayson"]

For a moment she thought about her answer. Having spent the last few years of her life within the New Jedi Order she'd never really been concerned about providing herself with ships of any nature. Every time that she'd required something Aela had simply put in an order through the NJO and the Alliance's Military branch would supply it. Of course it had been rather different when she'd headed the 5th Legion, the military being far more strict with it's hardware.

She had precious few contacts when it came to the corporate world, but she at least had some. "I know a few names."

It helped that she had been present at the Alliance's founding. She still remembered most of the Corporations who had been willing to lend a hand through that time. That being said, none of them would be looking to simply hand things out.

"Incom, Vanir Technologies, Haven Shipyards...maybe even Aurora." She couldn't recall if the latter made ships, but it was one of the Corporations that worked somewhat closely with the Alliance. "They're all old Corporations, most of them pre-dating this current Sith Empire."

Aela mused for a second. "I doubt any of them would be afraid of dealing with us."

 

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While the knight cursed his lack of experience in corporate matters, Aela gave her answer. He listened attentively, his frustrated expression easing as she spoke the names. Most of those he had heard of at one point or another, though he'd never bothered to actually deal with them before. The Dominion had supplied its own fleet from a myriad of scavenged flottilas. There had never been a standard model for anything, save for the Star Destroyers christened with his late father's title. As such, while he understood the logistics, his connections had proven to be woefully inadequate.

"Something is better than nothing. We have a few million credits left in the coffers; if we can purchase a proper strike force, I'm sure the donations will begin to pour in. People tend to hesitate in offering support until the person they're wanting it proves capable. If we strike a proper blow against our enemy, then that will be the case with us."

He began to do the math in his head. It did not look friendly.

"We just need to contact them, preferably discuss things in person. I'd like to keep as much of our dealings off the holonet as possible. We've already had one leak."

[member="Aela Talith"]

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Cedric Grayson"]

She nodded her head. Aela didn't know the names she needed to, but she knew the names of people who could get her those names. It would take some time, but she would be able to contact more than a few folk that could help them. "I'll send invitations, somewhere in Alliance space."

It wouldn't do to have the representatives from these companies come all the way out here, for more reasons than just one. She and Cedric would have to travel, and the best place was in the core somewhere. Most of these corporations at least had offices in that vicinity and it would be better to accommodate them rather than the other way around. Without another word she stood from her seat, pulling some of her hair back and tucking it behind her ear.

"I'll let you know who I get in touch with." The young Jedi Master said. "You get a shuttle ready."

Without further ado Aela headed off to somewhere she could speak in private.

The calls she made over the next several minutes were to her contacts within the Alliance, SIS, and the 5th Legion. All of them were asked the same question and eventually she came upon the few names that she was looking for. With a pleased smile Aela began to type out a missive, a simple request to representatives from Incom, Aurora, Haven Shipyards, and Vanir Technologies. Her message was short, but polite, asking for the corporations to send a representative to meet with her over the purchase of starfighters.

Attached would be her name, title, and the location of a neutral Trade Hub within Alliance space as well as a meeting set several days from the current date.

[member="Taeli Raaf"] | [member="Pella Vun"] | [member="Saffron"]​

 

[Noire Vanya Tal]

[member="Aela Talith"] [member="Cedric Grayson"]

A few days later, Noire stepped out of her transport onto the landing pad. The Companion had been assigned to this meeting request as the Kiffar was the Galactic Alliance representative and normally handled any business within Alliance space.

Her thick, wavy hair was set in pins along her temples, securing it in place. She wore a coral and gold Sari, with flower patterns hand stitched in a vibrant crimson red reminiscent of Corseca gems. Alongside her was L3-37, the personal assistant droid assigned to her for this meeting.

An escort was waiting for her and she presented them a warm, cordial smile.

“Greetings.” she began, a slight accent to her voice. “My name is Noire, I am here representing Haven Shipyards MaraTibx.”

 

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The flight had been one of meditation, reading, and anxiety for Cedric; the meditation was mostly there specifically to assuage the latter. He'd left the initial conversation to Aela: she had far more experience in dealing with the alliance than he did. She was one of their heroes, and his father had turned on them in such a grand display of betrayal that it could have befitted a holomovie.

To say that Cedric was nervous about trying to garner any support from them or their own was a gross understatement. Even still, nervous or not, when the shuttle settled onto the landing pad, Cedric stepped down all the same. He chose to walk proudly, his Jedi cloak billowing behind him as the winds caught its by the tails.

"Alright," Cedric sighed and looked to his companion. "So long as we're logical, sympathetic, and polite, I think we'll succeed here." A brief comm message flashed through Cedric's datapad informing the knight that the representative from Haven Shipyard had arrived.

"That's our signal. She's out on our adjacent pad - shall we?"

[member="Noire Vanya Tal"], [member="Aela Talith"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Cedric Grayson"] [member="Noire Vanya Tal"] [member="Aela Talith"]

Well, this should be an interesting meeting.

That was the thought that kept entering her head as she viewed and reviewed the message sent by Master Talith about a meeting for purchasing starfighters. She had initially thought to just send Jaxson to the meeting, and as her right hand man, it wouldn't have been viewed as an insult. However, she had decided the meeting required a more personal touch. So, commandeering a shuttle, Taeli herself and a small retinue of aides as part of her role as acting Grand Marshal had traveled to the trade hub designated for the meeting.

Descending the ramp, datapad tucked under her arm, Taeli schooled her features into a calm expression. She had just gotten off the comm with Supreme Commander Teth about his attack on Myrkr, and needless to say, she was slightly on edge about it. The absolute nerve of that man... but it was neither here nor there.

"Master Raaf, the others seem to be here already," an aide said. Taeli didn't need to hear him say it, she could sense them in the Force. Two bright lights and someone who felt familiar from her dealings with ATC.

"And we shouldn't keep them waiting," she responded, setting off to the meeting room.

 

[Asmus Janes]

[member="Taeli Raaf"] [member="Cedric Grayson"] [member="Noire Vanya Tal"] [member="Aela Talith"]

This was, publicly at least, Asmus' full time occupation. Flying black ops missions for a secret arm of intelligence was entirely off the record. Incom kept him more as a trophy than a real worker. The ex-leader of Rogue squadron with far more combat hours under his belt than any man his age should own. He smiled, looked good (very good) and appeared in public when they needed him.

However, he also knew his ships inside and out. Every Incom vessel on sale he could pilot competently. Incom didn't entirely trust him. The bothan at his side was in charge of making sure Asmus didn't exaggerate, start telling stories or made promises the executives wouldn't be happy to keep.

Asmus walked towards the group, reviewing the list of vessels he'd been provided with to discuss.




U-Wing Transport (60T)
Description: the workhorse transport for any ground force. Can deploy squads right into the heat of battle and provide close air support.

XJ-7 Elite Fighter
Description: built to order for each customer, an exceptional Starfighter for exceptional pilots.

Y-Wing Bomber
Description: dependable bomber with more advanced energy and stealth features. Export restrictions apply to this model, discuss with us before placing an order or week prior approval from Alliance or Alderaan representatives.

X-83 TwinTail V2 Starfighter
Description: excellent value Starfighter for all needs.

Aegis Class Heavy Dropship
Description: can deploy a large walker into dangerous territory. Exceptionally well armed.

A-36 Sleuth Starfighter
Description: an excellent reconnaissance platform or long distance personal transport.

B-Wing Bomber
Description: Multirole bomber. Capable of engaging a range of threats.

H-Wing Heavy Fighter
Description: Affordable heavy fighter. Durable and reliable.

A-Wing Interceptor
Description: Exceptional interceptor, lightweight and compact.

X-Wing Fighter (Sprite class)
Description: Space superiority starfighter. Agile, but packs a punch.

Dirigible-Class Corvette

Description: Corvette designed to hunt anti-starfighter frigates

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Noire Vanya Tal"] | [member="Cedric Grayson"] | [member="Taeli Raaf"] | [member="Asmus Janes"]

It seemed that all of the representatives had shown up together at once.

That wasn't really a bad thing, in fact it may actually have been good. Having them all here at once meant that she and Cedric didn't need to explain themselves half a dozen times before they ever actually got anywhere. She took a slight breath as she and the Jedi Knight stepped through the hangar bay door. They wandered for a moment, then she spotted the three representatives all sort of converging on the same spot. One of them she knew instantly of course.

She had met Taeli more than once at functions of the New Jedi Order. A pleasant enough woman, Aela had never really held a conversation with her but had also never had a bad thing to say about her. Noire she did not know of course, but the last...the last person surprised her. "Asmus?"

Confusion slipped across the Jedi Master's features.

Aela had met Asmus before, albeit their meeting had been an odd one. She, Jamie, and Asmus had taken a shuttle to a remote outpost that had fallen victim to...well she still wasn't entirely sure what it had been. The small adventure had nearly seen them all killed. Still, for some reason she had never expect the man to be here.

"What a surprise." She said with a pleasant smile. "Thank you all for coming."

 

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The knight's expression was placid as he and Aela approached the three representatives. Initially he'd planned to let the Jedi Master take the lead here, given her past experience with these particular groups. It was only when she recognized Mister Asmus that something drew Cedric from his silence.

"Good morning my friends. I thank you for seeing us so quickly," the smile he adopted was cordial, though one would not be wrong to describe it as guarded.

Now came the honest question; should these companies know where their fighters were going? Unaware of what grounds they stood upon, Cedric momentarily held his tongue on the matter. "Master Raaf," he inclined his head to the Jedi Master. He'd not met the woman, though his father had spoken of her in past dealings.

His lips parted to speak further, but -

What?

The lightsaber at his belt seemed to be calling to him.

It provided him with focus, but it would normally not do such a thing unless it was preparing for battle. The knight's gaze darted around in all directions: no threat. His senses extended far out into the empyrean's ethereal plain, and again he felt nothing.

For a fraction of a second, the youth's brow furrowed before his expression relaxed once again.

"I'm Cedric Grayson. You all know Miss Talith from the messages," whatever had drawn the knight's attention had disappeared, and he showed no signs of interest in pursuing it. "I thought about being dishonest with our intentions, but that isn't how I do things anymore," the knight gestured toward his companion, "Aela and I mean to supply rebel groups along the First Order's northern flank, hit them from behind. If you're alright with supplying us, we can certainly pay."

[member="Aela Talith"], [member="Asmus Janes"], [member="Taeli Raaf"], [member="Noire Vanya Tal"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Cedric Grayson"] [member="Aela Talith"] [member="Asmus Janes"] [member="Noire Vanya Tal"]

She gave Aela a small smile in welcome as she greeted Taeli, bowing her head in respect. Cedric was... an unknown entity for the most part. If he was anything like his father, well... things were likely going to be interesting. She still remembered the civil war caused by Grayson among the One Sith, and then his later experiments with the Dominion. It did give her cause to wonder if the son was cut from the same clothe... and if he had reached out to old allies, to good or ill depending.

The smallest of frowns drew across her face as Grayson began his pitch, mentioning he had considered being dishonest on where these fighters were going to be sent once paid for. Candor, she could appreciate that, and admittance that he had discarded the idea relieved her of the frown. Master Talith seemed to be on board with whatever Cedric was working on, and to her, it sounded like he was hoping to spark a wider campaign of rebellion against the Sith and Imperial powers. She could also feel the lightsaber at his side calling out, a beacon of the light. Imbued or enhanced with the light side it would seem.

Her eyes darted to both Asmus and Noire, before returning to regard Grayson.

"I certainly don't speak for either Miss Tal or Mister Janes, but I find myself... hesitant. What exactly are you looking to purchase? How many ships, or other supplies, are you looking to acquire for these groups and what is your method of payment? And, perhaps my largest hesitation, who are these groups and exactly how radical might they be?"

She didn't think she needed to mention just how delicate situations were right now, and none of the light factions needed more bad PR tied to them if radicalized rebels did something too extreme. And Force forbid that something extreme happened, and it got tied back to the people who supplied the ships.

 

[Noire Vanya Tal]

[member="Taeli Raaf"] [member="Cedric Grayson"] [member="Aela Talith"] [member="Asmus Janes"]

The exchange of cordial nods and introductions had led them all here. The first to speak was Cedric Grayson, stating his objective on what his ultimate goal would be. The Kiffar gave a quiet blink, pondering this. Truth be told, Haven Shipyards was a neutral entity, much like the rest of Arceneau Trade subsidiaries and affiliates. They supplied and provided trades and goods across the entire galaxy. They had contracts with the First Order, with the Sith, with the Galactic Alliance, the Outer Rim Coalition and the Silver Jedi. Arceneau Trade was a household name through the Southern Systems Business Bazaar, so dealing with a broad spectrum of clients was no different to them.

However, it was Taeli Raaf that was first to speak. Noire recognized her not as a Master Jedi, but that of the woman behind Aurora Industries. Arceneau Trade had made contracts with them before. Seeing her here was not a surprise.

For now, she would await to see the response given by Mr. Grayson.

 

[Asmus Janes]

Asmus flashed Aela a disarming grin. As Taeli spoke he passed over a business card. It was nearly embossed with the Incom logo. The role beneath his name slowly shifted between Executive Sales and Test Pilot when the card was being held. It was similar to the sabacc cards used by cheaters that could shift when the corner was pinched.

Asmus hadn't thought to ask the same question. Having their ships drop proton bombs on civilians would have raised questions. What he did know what that his other employer, the SIS, wanted these sales to happen.

He listened for the answer, but his expression didn't suggest he was hanging off the response. They could always find ways to get the ships into the wrong hands if they couldn't be directly affiliated.

[member="Cedric Grayson"]

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Asmus Janes"] | [member="Noire Vanya Tal"] | [member="Taeli Raaf"] | [member="Cedric Grayson"]

"Master Raaf If I thought these weapons would be misused in any way I wouldn't be here." That was the simple truth.

Aela had always been a moral being, even while fighting in multiple wars. She had always striven to be the most just that she could, accepting that while death was a part of battle, she didn't have to be a dealer of it. Only recently had she bent that rule, and it had been in order to save one of her best friends.

"I can assure you." She glanced at the other two as well, taking the card from Asmus. "These weapons will not end up in the wrong hands."

She would let Cedric handle talking about the money.

 

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"I don't do business with radicals. They're unreliable." Cedric answered honestly. "Protection of the civilian populace is our highest priority. Using these tools on anyone aside from our intended targets would be counter to the overall mission objective: the preservation of life and its right to choose for itself. I don't deal in oxymorons." His expression was placid, his tone respectful. Perhaps his words did not carry the traditional Jedi-charm, but then honesty seemed to be the language the businessmen he'd dealt with enjoyed.

"Everyone involved in these operations has been vetted many times over. There won't be any problem children." His tone suggested that he truly believed his own words. "As for payment, the majority will be coming out of my family's coffers. We amassed quite a fortune over several centuries of service to the Republic. It's time we put that to good use," a pause, "The people you're outfitting are calling themselves the Rebel Alliance. Take that statement for whatever you will."

His gaze flickered over to [member="Noire Vanya Tal"]. He was well aware of their neutral stance, but Aela had called them forth anyway, Clearly she'd done it with good reason. "Additionally, we're willing to keep sales off of your books, should it cause your other clients any forms of...discomfort."

[member="Aela Talith"], [member="Asmus Janes"], [member="Noire Vanya Tal"], [member="Taeli Raaf"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Cedric Grayson"] [member="Aela Talith"] [member="Asmus Janes"] [member="Noire Vanya Tal"]

"I see," she said simply, silently appraising Grayson. Aela's support did mean a good deal as Taeli had always thought the girl had a good head on her shoulders, and as a Talith she could be quite resourceful. Pity that she was on this side of the conflict. The jury was still out for Grayson, as to Taeli, he sounded like yet another one of those idealists she had heard a dozen times before. And in regards to his belief that no problem children might pop up in these organizations he was creating or helping...

"You'll excuse my continued... skepticism," she said, her tone apologetic. "Perhaps it's from having spent over a decade fighting in the wars, but I tend to take a more... cynical outlook on resistance cells. Twice, I've funded or helped organizations called the Rebel Alliance, and twice I've seen them collapse in failure. One embraced a radical selectvist, as the Republic would do in time..." Her voice trailed off, as she doubted she needed to remind anyone of what the former Prime Minister Gen Lasedri had done, especially Noire. "And we all know how well that turned out for the rebels. The second was crushed by the far weaker Empire based around Kamino."

She looked between Aela and Cedric. Her datapad came into her hand now, and a list of Aurora's ships appeared on it, specifically the fighter portion of the catalog.

"So, I don't doubt your ability to pay for the ships, nor do I believe you'v recruited any bad seeds, at least for the moment, but... perhaps some proof to their effectiveness? Have you overseen or helped any operations, or planning any operations, against the Sith or First Order that have had a material effect?"

 

[Noire Vanya Tal]

[member="Taeli Raaf"][member="Cedric Grayson"] [member="Aela Talith"] [member="Asmus Janes"]

There would always be ways to sell their business to various entities. That was the bread and butter of being a neutral entity. Either through discount buy outs, a trade expo, or direct buy, it wasn't really an issue that items were bought and paid for.

Haven Shipyards built support vessels. Fuel transports, Tugboats, cargo transports. Like any salesman selling a starcraft, once it went off the proverbial space lot, what that owner did with his ship was up to him. A purchase wouldn't suggest the sway of one opinion to the next. It was just business.

"Haven Shipyards is a neutral entity that sells to everyone. To the First Order and the Sith Empire as well. We have contracts and ongoing taxes that we pay to ensure our continued mutually beneficial arrangement. How they are utilized thereafter is not of our concern once they become someone's property."

Noire said simply.

"However, I do say this. I would advise forethought when attacking any government entity. I am sure you are well aware that combating the Sith or the First Order would not benefit your longevity. They have the arms and the might and I would imagine that if any of your forces were to be caught that it would not end well. Also, we will follow any rules and regulations for our locations within Sith and First Order space if asked of us; it is only fair. If this sits well with you, then we can conduct business."

"While we are a small shipyard, we do provide notable products in transport and fueling. We can offer those products as well as fuel if you desire."

 

[Asmus Janes]

[member="Cedric Grayson"]

Asmus didn't have much to say at all right now. He turned over the datapad and held it out towards Cedric.

"Any questions let me know. If you want to talk training packages we can do that discretely too. The H-Wing hits hard and will take a lot of punishment. Headhunters are proven, reliable and affordable."

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Asmus Janes"] | [member="Noire Vanya Tal"] | [member="Taeli Raaf"] | [member="Cedric Grayson"]

Out of the three representatives it seemed that Asmus was the most receptive, though that wasn't really much of a surprise.

InCom had been the supplier to rebels and peacekeepers for as long as anyone could remember. The Famed X-wings and other designs were something of legend when one looked back to the history books. It seemed amusing to her though that while the other two addressed the moral concerns of all of this Asmus...simply pitched his product.

Aela gave the young man an amused smile.

"Cedric?" The Jedi Master prompted her companion.

The questions that Taeli had asked would be bettered answered by him. Much the same went for Noire. She had brought these representatives here, but in the end it was his decision.

 

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Cedric gave Asmus a slight nod - it was enough to transmit his thanks.

"That's most certainly enough for me ma'am," he gestured toward [member="Noire Vanya Tal"]. "I only ask that you do business with us. The details aren't entirely relevant right now," that wasn't true, but opening the doors to alternative dealer should efforts fall through with other manufacturers certainly never hurt. "I'm very much looking forward to trying out an H-Wing," he added quietly, but genuinely.

Then there was Master Raaf and her unfortunately reasonable questions; questions Cedric couldn't just dodge. "Ma'am, I'm afraid giving details as to our operations would put them in jeopardy. I don't think any of you would leak what we do to unfriendly ears, but with technology these days, it's impossible for me to know if this location is truly secure."

Or perhaps he could.

"I will assure you that these individuals have been personally trained by my hand. I have the greatest confidence in their capabilities."

[member="Aela Talith"], [member="Asmus Janes"], [member="Noire Vanya Tal"], [member="Taeli Raaf"]