Contract Age of Empires | DE

[Alars Keto]

Gat Tambor | Aerarii Tithe | Meii-Nu Suu | Sabine Korvan​

In the dimly lit chamber of Cademimu V's industrial heart, several figures gathered around a polished durasteel table, their silhouettes cast by the glow of holo-screens flickering with data. Among them stood Alars Keto, his bearing aristocratic despite the weight of his past affiliations. Once a devotee of the enigmatic Krath cult and a shadowy figure within the Brotherhood of the Maw, now he navigated the corridors of power as a businessman and noble from the prestigious world of Empress Teta. With a keen understanding of the intricacies of both politics and commerce, Alars positioned himself as a crucial figure in the Empire's economic engine. Leveraging his connections and resources, he played a pivotal role in brokering deals and forging alliances that bolstered the Empire's coffers and consolidated the influence of his former 'allies'.

As the orchestrator of this clandestine gathering, Alars exuded an air of calculated authority. He extended invitations to three of the Trade Federation's most influential executives, among them Aerarii Tithe , whose tenure as Chancellor of the Galactic Alliance still echoed in many political circles, and the enigmatic Gat Tambor , a legend in the corridors of corporate power. A final invitation was made to Meii-Nu Suu , who represented the interests of the current Director, and had made a splash in local politics within the budding junta. Their mission: to forge the economic backbone of the burgeoning Empire, to lay the foundation upon which its ambitions could be built. With a firm hand pressed against the cold metal before him, the Tetan stood from his seat at the table, his demeanor radiating confidence and authority as he addressed the gathered titans of industry.

"My esteemed colleagues," Alars began, his voice resonating through the chamber, "it is my honor to represent the burgeoning Empire in this crucial meeting. We stand on the precipice of a new era."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing with a sense of purpose. "Let me be blunt. The Empire requires a confidential and exclusive partner to manufacture the weapons, armor, and starships that will fuel its expansion and ensure its dominance. This is not a task to be taken lightly, nor one to be entrusted to just anyone."

Turning his gaze to each of the executives gathered, Alars acknowledged their esteemed positions in the galaxy's industrial landscape. "The Trade Federation and it's former subsidiaries have proven themselves a useful partner to the old regime, as has the now-defunct Epoch Engineering Corporation to my former 'colleagues' of the Far West," he stated, his tone measured and deliberate.

"But now, with our coffers fresh with new capital, we have the means to forge a partnership that will surpass anything that came before," Alars continued, his voice steady and convincing. It was no surprise where this starting capital came from for the budding military junta, plundered worlds from the Second Great Hyperspace War, Imperial and Mawite reserves confiscated from warlords for the betterment of the Empire. Alars gestured towards the holo-screens displaying the steady increase in weapons of war within the markets, emphasizing the potential for profit in the Empire's aggressive policies and hushed aims. "This is not a request for aid, but rather a call to seize a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," he declared, his words imbued with conviction.
"In joining forces, we can not only capitalize on the Empire's ambitions but also..," Alars concluded, his gaze unwavering. "..together, we can shape the future of the galaxy itself."

 

[Sabine Korvan]

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COMPNOR​

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Objective: Represent the Dark Empire
Location: Cademimu V
Tags: Gat Tambor | Aerarii Tithe | Meii-Nu Suu | Alars Keto

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Meetings. Often people imagined the ‘glory of the Empire’ being preserved on the field of battle, surrounded by thousands of soldiers shrouded in white plasteel armor, and filling the air in smoke from blaster discharge. But often, the most meaningful of events would transpire within a meeting amongst a handful of people, in a room within some unassuming building. It was in such meetings that often the fate of Empires were decided, and fortunes made or squandered.

And it all sounded rather... boring. Yet, duty forced Sabine to be present, largely at the insistence of her lord-father. The reasoning was sound though; she had to give him that. The industrial future of the Dark Empire was at stake here, and these men represented major corporations that had the infrastructure and market positioning to seriously aid the development of the Empire moving forward.

So ideally placed were these entities, that it almost went without saying that they were equally well placed to significantly harm the Empire via the most valuable commodity of them all...

Information.

Sabine’s father had big plans for Cademimu V, his homeworld. He intended for it to become the industrial heart of this new Empire. These representatives would see much, and it was altogether possible that they could easily sell that information to the highest bidder - perhaps even the Alliance itself. Planetary information notwithstanding, they could also sabotage the development of the Empire via the very connections they sought to forge today - all under the Empire’s nose...

Although Sabine was certainly a daddy’s girl, she had also proven herself adept at a handful of very valuable talents when it came to information security.

One of those talents would be put on full display as a full detachment of CompForce personnel was deployed to keep the meeting area secure. Before each delegate entered the room, they would be subjected to a very thorough inspection to ensure they were not carrying any listening devices or recording apparatuses. Their personal communicators would be confiscated, to be returned upon their exit. All entrances and exits would be heavily guarded, and a dampening field would be projected around the room to prevent active surveillance from anywhere outside of the meeting room.

All of these measures were obviously intended to severely inhibit the active leak of information. But their secondary purpose was equally, if not more so important - for these representatives to come away with the singular understanding that they were being subjected to the most intensive scrutiny of all - that of the Imperial Security Bureau.

The second of her talents was one she shared with her father; which was the ability to analyze and manipulate those around her. She would attend this meeting alongside this ‘Alars Keto’ primarily as an observer and advisor to the negotiations. But her true purpose there was to read those in the room.

People believed that only their words gave away information. The truth of the matter was their bodies betrayed them on a far deeper level than words ever could. One could lie about cheating on their wife, but the perspiration on their brow when being asked where they were, combined with the variations in their normal idiosyncrasies and mannerisms, and the turns of phrase that might change with every slight variation of the question upon digging deeper...

All such cues told a far greater story than the lies spoken to hide such malfeasance. So she would remain quiet as she observed each man as they spoke, determining a baseline to their actions and subconscience. When the lying began however... they might find themselves playing a game they did not expect.

All from a woman who saw fit to wear red lipstick today, which served as a welcome splash of color to break the snow-white tunic and sable black pants that identified her as a special agent of the ISB.

She was a woman of taste, after all.

 

[Meii-Nu Suu]

Sabine Korvan Aerarii Tithe Gat Tambor Alars Keto

"A bold proclamation. If only pedestrian..." Meii-Nu couldn't help but exclaim with elongated vowels, her distinctive accent evident as she took a sweeping gaxe around the room, noticing the imposing security personnel in attendance.

She wasn't particularly thrilled about providing yet another empire with the aforementioned resources without thoroughly weighing the advantages and disadvantages of such an investment. After all, the New Imperial Order had served as the test ground for the Trade Federation of Planets, even though that specific gamble had resulted in economic losses due to their collapse. However, the Federation had managed to recover from it by making prudent investments on the Interstellar Stock Exchange and through lucrative arms trading with the Galactic Alliance.

"You can drop the sales-pitch approach, you require resources and we require assurances that our capital will not be utilized for frivolous overextensions."
The Gossam didn't hesitate to be straightforward when necessary, slipping on a tiny set of reading glasses to get a closer look at the holographic table before them.

 

[Alars Keto]

Gat Tambor | Aerarii Tithe | Meii-Nu Suu | Sabine Korvan​

Alars's expression turned to one of thinly veiled disdain as he fixed his gaze upon Meii-Nu Suu . With a subtle shake of his head, the Krath replied in a tone tinged with incredulity, "It seems you have either misheard or are simply hard of hearing. The Empire does not need your capital; what it requires is an engine of industry to manufacture its goods."

He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in before continuing with a cutting edge to his voice, "If you believe your watered down products grant you any gravitas here, you are welcome to entertain your delusion elsewhere on your own time. It is the Trade Federation's past affiliations and exquisite quality of goods and services that the Empire wishes to acquire."

There was no mistaking the disdain in Alars' words, nor the challenge implicit in his demeanor. He made it clear that he would brook no illusions or false pretenses in this critical discussion.

 

[Meii-Nu Suu]

Sabine Korvan Aerarii Tithe Gat Tambor Alars Keto

"Capital...industry..they are both linked in this context. Although you wouldn't know that." Meii-Nu shared the distain glance towards Alars Keto as they sought to correct the Gossam Businesswoman. To bring the Empire's vision to life and produce goods and services, they required financial backing to kickstart their home industry. However, the Dark Empire had yet to demonstrate their alleged 'capital' to sustain such an ambitious endeavor.

"If you are trying to be imposing, you obviously failed actor school. We are a business conglomerate not a charity, and so far all I see is credits going down the drain to support this endeavor. So tell me...what do we actually physically gain out of this bargain, planets in the new regime?" With a confident adjustment of her reading glasses, she made it clear that the Trade Federation of Planets wouldn't back down from force users or the Imperial Security Bureau. Understanding their gains in physical acquisitions was more important than presenting them with a rare chance.

 

[Aerarii Tithe]

SALES PITCH // CADEMIMU V
Alars Keto | Sabine Korvan | Meii-Nu Suu | Gat Tambor

Tithe watched the opening volleys between the Dark Empire and the Trade Federation. The newly formed Empire had wasted no time in seeking the aid of the Fed - a wise move in Tithe’s mind. Many fledgling governments let their pride get in the way of early opportunities, only asking for help when tidings were dire. Meii-Nu rebuffed the opening remarks with trademark Trade Federation indifference. The organisation remained a bastion of industrial stability for 40 years as empires and confederacies rose and fell. What impact the Dark Empire would leave on the galactic stage remained to be seen.

Regardless, the Empire's formation and lust for pangalactic conflict was a financial opportunity not to be squandered.

“Now, my illustrious colleagues can surely expound upon the technological marvels we have at our disposal,” Tithe explained. Tambor, the Titan of Trade, had bankrolled and armed the New Imperial Order and had mastered the panoply of war. While Meii-Nu wanted to jump straight into talked credits, Tithe applied a different approach.

“Whilst our esteemed engineers undeniably reign supreme, the Trade Federation presents an undeniable advantage over those who dare label themselves as our competitors.” A holoprojection of the galaxy came to life above the centre of the table. Hundreds of golden points of light appeared, cascading outward from the Deep Core to the furthest reaches of Wild Space.

“Our manufacturing prowess spans across the celestial canvas, stretching from the bountiful domains of the Colonies Region to the uncharted territories of the Outer Rim.” The holoprojector zoomed in and out on each point to identify the planet and its current manufacturing output.

“Consider, if you will, Kol Huro – a constellation of seven planets under the auspices of the Trade Federation, capable of churning out thousands of war machines with astonishing alacrity, each passing hour akin to a symphony of mechanised might.” While the Fed already had contracts to keep its manufacturing facilities busy for another decade, the lawyers on Aargau ensured that Tithe and his colleagues could amend the terms of these deals. For a price, the Dark Empire could jump the queue and have their machines of war coming off the production lines by the end of the next business day.

“Surely, this magnitude of production is integral to your, ahh, grand designs?”

 

[Gat Tambor]

X X I I : T H E _ G A L A X Y
TRADE FEDERATION
Aerarii Tithe | Alars Keto | Meii-Nu Suu | Sabine Korvan​

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RHINESTONE COWBOY​

So he had to return to business. When the dossier of the newly upstart Dark Empire came across the Trade Federation brass, Gat was eager to pursue the contract. He had...experience with such matters, upstart Imperials looking to square up with far larger Galactic super powers. The first venture into such a prospect certainly proved fruitful for Tambor's coffers. Even still, the New Imperial remnant capital remains prominently used in the Galaxy, certainly around the Braxant Run. A star lane which the Trade Federation had formerly controlled all the flow. Prominence would return there, eventually.

He entered not long after the other two, fashionably late. The presence of Tithe was a welcome one. It was good to see the man in working order after so long in isolation on Skako. Aerarii was far too clever to get caught up in anything other than profit. A gloved hand was set on the man's back in reassuring pat before he clasped his hands over his chest, observing the initial dialogue before eventually piping up himself in short order after Meii-Nu's rather abrasive approach.

"OWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERERRRRR- do tell what the Trade Federation can provide for the Empire...and what the Empire can provide for the Federation. From there...we can get into matters of...what is fair in good order of business, yes?" Gat asked, trying to steer the discussion in a productive direction.

"As...my colleague Aerarii Tithe suggests...if the Empire wishes to utilize the services of the Federation...it must also provide for the Federation in capital of its own. What you require in manufactured goods...we need to draw from in raw assets. Whilst Entralla is still churning out great machines of war...if you wish to do something truly...ambitious, the Trade Federation needs to regain some lost ground...and the Empire is certainly the means by which it can do that...if its willing, of course. If not, I can not promise any great contribution from the Federation...nor a cohesive working relationship." He explained.

 

[Alars Keto]

Gat Tambor | Aerarii Tithe | Meii-Nu Suu | Sabine Korvan​

The tension in the room was palpable, Alars had observed the opening salvo of their business discussion with thinly veiled disdain. The Trade Federation's spokesman had stumbled through this conversation, lacking the finesse necessary to come across anything but inept and hostile. Contemplating the swift dismissal of the representative, Alars was ready to end the charade with a wave of his hand when the smooth words of Aerarii Tithe began to weave a more promising narrative. Reinforcing the demands of the former with a more promising finesse and open term of engagement.

Tithe, with his polished rhetoric and strategic flattery, expertly played on Alars' ambitions, rekindling the spark of interest in the negotiations. Leaning back in his seat, Alars mulled over the possibilities, his mind calculating the potential gains and risks. As Tambor entered the discussion, he immediately presented a pragmatic solution rooted in mutual benefit, Alars found himself nodding in agreement. Hands clasped together as he listened. The notion of give and take resonated with his corporate sensibilities, and Gat's rationale struck a chord.

But it was Alars' own ambitions, fueled by the promise of Imperial favor, that drove him to make his own proposition. With a subtle emphasis on the Emperor's authority, he hinted at the potential rewards of a fruitful partnership. "The EMPEROR," he intoned, pausing for effect, "would surely bequeath such a relationship with an equatable bounty to match the efforts made. Perhaps even the Braxant Run could be made readily available under your rule, in the future. IF we are given the ample weapons of war to take our fight to the Core Worlds. To the Galactic Alliance."

Leaning forward, Alars locked eyes with his counterparts.

"We require fleet manufacturing, mobile armored divisions, and updated arms and armor to our ground forces... In return, we will grant you a system to rule as you see fit."

 

[Meii-Nu Suu]

Sabine Korvan Aerarii Tithe Gat Tambor Alars Keto

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Meii-Nu was more than ready to write off the negotiations with the Dark Empire as lost cause given her rather hostile approach to the business venture stemming from decades of self-interested governments and political power plays. There was a brief stare towards Aerarii Tithe - who presented a unique approach that showcased the brilliance of a former chancellor of the Galactic Alliance.

He suggested that the Federation could offer not only the required materials but also a plethora of other resources in return for control over a constellation of seven planets. Just then, the group was joined by the former Director of the Trade Federation, Gat Tambor , who had come out of seclusion to join them unexpectedly. His logical reasoning was sound enough for the Gossam to carry on with the discussions henceforth.

"It seems my colleagues are overjoyed with the prospects of forming a new power, and I have to agree that this bargain has been presented in a new light.
On the fleet manufacturing portion, we can offer a temporary solution to fill the fleet production gap until shipyards can be adequately prepared for your custom orders. The Mobile Spacedock 231 is a past generation design constructed under the New Imperial Order but imagine having a fleet of these at your disposal; functioning as mobile shipyards."

She would not apologize for her hostility towards the Dark Empire, but would try to offer some solutions.