A Monumental Task, A Glorious Cause [First Order High Command]

[Ludolf Vaas]

[member="Aram Kalast"] [member="Natasi Fortan"] [member="Ricochet"]

General Vaas thumbed and swiped through his datapad with a black-gloved finger while pursing his lips, his other hand resting underneath his chin. Rubbing his eyes and blinking, he looked again and continued swiping. He had spent the better part of the day poring through the First Order Army's supply invoices, as well as the new growth of the Army's legions and the new equipment that the new legions would need to be supplied with.

It was becoming painfully obvious that the First Order had outgrown their training wheels here in their corner of the galaxy, and new infrastructure was needed to compensate for their increase in manpower.

All good problems, to be sure. The First Order was bigger than ever and growing. However, the monumental task of handling this new growth in power would fall to only a handful of the First Order's most powerful and influential individuals. Right now the conference room aboard the Super Star Destroyer Terminator was empty, but Ludolf expected Supreme Commander Kalast to walk through the door at any moment. Not only him, but any plans for infrastructure would necessarily need the input of the First Order's foremost governor, Ms. Fortan. And he had also extended the invitation to one of the finest Stormtrooper captains currently in service, because Ludolf valued the opinions of his soldiers and he wanted to make sure that whatever High Command decided, it would be beneficial and useful on a practical level. No matter what was decided, High Command would need to come up with a coherent plan before bringing it to the Supreme Leader himself. Sieger Ren had no time for pontificating or bickering amongst his finest servants. Sieger Ren was a man of action, which is why large swathes of the galaxy were now bending the knee to follow him.

Ludolf continued to thumb through the First Order's records, and took a sip of stimcaf on the table.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Sioux Chambers strode alongside Natasi Fortan as the Governor for the Home Sectors stalked off her ship. "Why this little party couldn't possibly be done over the holonet is frankly beyond me," said Natasi as she used her datapad as a hard surface upon which to sign paper documents. "Does he think I just have all day to go galavanting around First Order space? I have my own project going on -- the capital isn't going to build itself for the Balance's sake."

"Yes ma'am," said Sioux dutifully. The private secretary knew exactly what Natasi wanted to hear, and played her part with elegance and grace. "They'll need a grown-up in the room. I mean, how many hot tubs does one military training academy really need?"

The Governor arched an eyebrow and stifled a smirk. "None of that in the meeting, but... thank you," she whispered confidentially. "I expect the Supreme Commander to be a voice of reason as well." She had utmost confidence in Kalast, but Vaas and this... Ricochet person ...were unknown entities. They rounded a corner and then shortly after entered the conference room. "General," she said coolly before taking a seat at the conference table. Sioux sat in a chair against the bulkhead, out of the way, to take notes.

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

Ludolf perked up as [member="Natasi Fortan"] entered the room. How she could consider him an enigma after all this time would be beyond him, if he knew how she felt. After all, he had only saved her life on Skye. If it weren't for Ludolf, the bomb that had targeted the Governor might well have found its mark. For that reason, he greeted her warmly.

"Good afternoon, Governor Fortan," He said as he stood up upon Natasi's entrance, revealing his spotless onyx black uniform. His eyes followed Natasi as she rounded the conference table, and then shifted to the woman in tow, a protege of sorts. "I see you've brought your... secretary, is it?"

He motioned to Sioux, who promptly introduced herself. Ludolf sat back down. "Ah, very well then. Whatever you may need, Ms. Fortan."

There was a small station for stimcaf in the middle of the table, which Ludolf promptly reached for again, refilling his cup. After taking a refreshing sip, he turned to Natasi. "The others haven't arrived yet, but I see no need to wait for them. They have already been briefed on the situation. But let me fill you in. To make it short, the First Order is expanding at a rate that currently requires more investment in our military expenditures," Ludolf said.

Natasi would no doubt find that amusing, considering military spending already constituted the majority of the First Order's budget. Ludolf would elaborate. "As our territories increase, so do the demands of our military forces to ensure order. We will institute conscription for all male humans within our borders to fill the manpower need, but this massive increase in manpower will require infrastructure for training. In short, Ms. Fortan... we need a base. A massive base."

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi looked over her shoulder and saw Sioux smirk out of the corner of her eye. "Ms. Chambers is not merely a secretary," she said coolly. "She is my principle private secretary. She is brilliant, ruthlessly efficient, and entirely loyal, to the First Order and to me, in that order. You would do well not to cross her. Not that you will have a chance." The Governor folded her arms across her chest and turned her attention back to [member="Ludolf Vaas"]. "She'll take notes so we can confirm figures when I get back to my office. No more of your men running amok and sticking me with the unhappy task of finding room in the budget. I understand the need and I think you'll find I have not been ungenerous."

She reached back and Sioux placed a sheaf of papers in her hand. Natasi separated them and handed Vaas one, then distributed to the others. "It's expensive, but I think we can do it. Obviously I used estimates on the military equipment and defenses. We have a little leeway on the credits, but I'm afraid we can't get any cheaper on the building materials."

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

"No offense to your principle private secretary was intended, Ms. Fortan," Ludolf said calmly, sitting back in his chair. "But I would remind her, and you, that she should not remain so comfortable around this company. She is speaking to a General of the First Order, as are you."

Natasi could have all the fun she wanted with her secretary and on the Moff Council, and there was plenty of power for her there, but she needed to temper her aggression when around Ludolf. He liked Natasi, but he simply could not tolerate such disrespect. There had to be order, and a secretary, however highly prized, was not to be on the same level as a military leader. He caught Ms. Chambers' smug grin in the corner of his eye and Ludolf would make sure to nip that in the bud. After the meeting, of course.

General Vaas returned to the business at hand. "I don't want any corners cut on this, Ms. Fortan. This construction will be too big to risk using any cheap materials," He slid his datapad across the table to Natasi, so she could have a look at the holographic blueprints. The plans so far were huge, giving her an idea of just what a massive undertaking this would be. "I would like to see this done right the first time, to ensure that we use this base for a thousand years. Whatever we can do with the budget to make that happen, I trust you of all people can find the answer. Any ideas?"

[member="Natasi Fortan"]

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"Let's start as we mean to go on, General. It's Governor Fortan," Natasi said calmly as she sat back in her seat. "I have never been Ms. Anything." She unscrewed her pen cap and made a note on her copy of the budget proposal. "And I would suggest you take a look at what I have prepared before you begin to accuse me of cutting corners or using cheap materials. You have clearly misunderstood me. When I say we cannot go cheaper on the materials, I mean that in order to achieve what we need to achieve with this base, the amount and quality of materials that I have earmarked budgetary funds for -- and begun to source, by the way -- are substantial. While we may wish -- or be forced by budgetary constraints -- to make trade-offs in one thing or another, the structural integrity of the plans that were proposed require a substantial outlay of capital for the materials alone. We cannot afford to seek cost-saving measures on these materials if we are to have a base that will stand the test of time."

She paused and glanced down at her notes. "At any rate -- " She stopped as he pushed the datapad across to her. Her dark eyes flicked up to Vaas for a moment before she reached across the table to take the datapad. "This is larger than we were given to understand," she said flatly. "Are these the final plans? If not, this is a waste of time."

[member="Ludolf Vaas"]

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

"These are the final plans," Ludolf affirmed. Natasi could see now what a monolithic structure the proposed Zenith Base would be if it were to be completed.

"And as I said, anything that can be done to expand the budget - I want you to do it. Anything, Governor Fortan," He punctuated his last statement with emphasis on her name.

Natasi meant well, truly she did, but Ludolf often tired of dealing with these political types. They were mostly all talk and little action, and they enjoyed posturing to a large degree. Natasi was usually the opposite of this, which was why he could tolerate her in larger doses.

"What about the planet of Skye?" Ludolf suggested, holding out a black-gloved hand in question. "Surely there is some wealth that can be... confiscated... from the local aliens there. And if the terms are too much for them and they choose to pack up and leave, then all the better for us. Either way, we win."

[member="Natasi Fortan"]

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"Skye?" Natasi demanded incredulously. "Skye?" she repeated. "No, please, General. I heard you. I just wanted to make sure you could hear you. Outside of the capital, the natives there have absolutely nothing of value to us. Unless you have some sort of scheme to monetize beads and feathers. Skye will contribute its labor and wood and stone. We'll harvest everything we can find there, but wealth?" She waved a hand derisively.

"We can increase import and export fees, taxes, et cetera. That will help to close the gap. I'll organize a bond drive and put the screw to the Bespin Administrator to make the rest up. They won't be happy but we'll make it up to them when the project is completed." She looked up at Vaas under heavily lidded eyes. "I will find the money, General, based on these plans, whatever it takes. I can't run the numbers here -- obviously -- but I'll make it happen even if we need to divert funds from the Capitol Complex." It pained her to put her own pet project to one side, but it really was for the greater good. To a point, that is. "Obviously, any overruns will be your responsibility."

[member="Ludolf Vaas"]

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

Ludolf nodded. "I know I can count on you to get the job done, Governor Fortan," He said with a smile. "Very well then. All is in order. Once the budget is passed we will begin construction immediately. One thing, though. I don't want any of those aliens from Skye being used as slave labor for the construction process. I would like to see businesses loyal to the First Order get the profit. And besides, I wouldn't trust those aliens with making anything besides boots for our troops, perhaps. It appears I've given them far too much credit."

Ludolf stood up from the table and extended his gloved hand.

"We're done here, then," He nodded to Natasi. "But before you two go, I would like a word with your Secretary, if possible."

[member="Natasi Fortan"]

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"You want businesses to perform -- General, it's easy to want things when you're not the one responsible for obtaining them." She pressed her lips together angrily and stood, tugging her uniform jacket down firmly. After taking a breath, she waved a hand. "Fine. We'll begin the bid process. I'll keep your office in the loop, since obviously you'll need to have the final say. It will up the price, but since you're not the one finding the funds I can see you clearly don't give a damn." Natasi began to gather her items before she had finished speaking.

"Ms. Chambers?" Natasi asked, glancing at Sioux. Sioux raised an eyebrow and then gave an imperceptible nod, and Natasi glanced at her chronometer. "Two minutes, General. We have a lot to do. I'll be outside." Natasi left and Sioux Chambers stood, tucking her notes away and then looping her bag over her shoulder. "Yes, General?"

[member="Ludolf Vaas"]