Faction All Roads Lead to Fondor

[Damian du Couteau]

Damian Du Couteau, Senator of Empress Teta
Location: Copero City, Alliance Embassy Office
Outfit

Damian kept his arms crossed over his chest, his eyes looking around the snowy mountainous scene that appeared before him through the large window. It sent a chill down his spine as Damian desperately attempted to keep himself appearing unsuited for the colder climate. Even inside I feel as if it’s possible to freeze to death. He quietly shook his head and turned his attention back to his temporary office in Copero City.

He had several reports that needed further reading, the situation had grown rather interesting in the former Maw controlled space. Copero had proven to be a perfect staging area for the Alliance Fleets, the large shipyard in-system was a fantastic boom. After the destruction of Exegol and the supposed destruction of the Maw, Damian had later learned that much of the northern galaxy life had returned to normal life. People rebuild and move on after all, not everyone is stuck in the past.

So it was clear to Damian that this area was perfect to test out a new idea of galactic infrastructure. While hyperlanes allowed massive trade benefits for entire sectors of space, Trade Stations offered inter-system cohesiveness. A trip between star-systems doesn't really need the speed a hyper-lane can offer between Ord Providence and Eshan after all. He already managed to convince several key offices among the Copero planetary government, what though Damian had underestimated was the sheer amount of growth that had simply gone unnoticed.

The destruction of Csilla proved devastating to the local trade lanes and economic growth of the Chiss people and their colonies. But that had been quite some time ago and Damian had only begun to scratch the surface of the rebuild and alarming growth. Perhaps there’s a military spending bill here as well once my trade station comes online. But chasing after an uncertain future was poor form for Damian, he instead refocused his attention to the new reports. The improvement of Galactic Alliance’s infrastructure was the young Du Couteau heir’s goal, thus he readied himself for long nights and shortened sleep hours.
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Tags: (Open)​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

COPERO CITY

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X | "Thirty-Seven"
Interacting With : Damian du Couteau

Makai wasn't sure if he had heard of a politician with open office hours. Seemed most days they were trying to kick out anyone who came knocking to ask a question or two. Always busy, were they not all? Not a citizen of the Galactic Alliance, not really anyway, he was surprised even more when the personal assistant had ushered him on back to the office space. Idly, he wondered if Casteel Mer'taal had already met with the Senator, although there may be little reason for the blonde to do so given the fact Empress Teta was now under Dark Empire rule.

The assistant stopped, knocking on the door briefly before opening it and ushering himself in. Not far behind was his droid, Thirty-Seven, unusually quiet at the moment. Typically the droid would be trying to interject and give him advice, but today Makai was thankful for the relative silence.

Striding into the room, Makai offered a smile to the other man and extended his hand.

"Senator Du Couteau, a pleasure. Makai Dashiell."

 

[Damian du Couteau]

Damian Du Couteau, Senator of Empress Teta
Location: Copero City, Alliance Embassy Office
Outfit

An alert had been sent to a nearby data-pad, unseen by Damian who continued to quickly read the additional reports he had requested. The sound of the door opening broke his concentration and looked up to see two figures walk into his office. It wasn’t everyday for the young Du Couteau heir to find himself caught unaware of any appointments. Hopefully not an unwelcome surprise.

Damian stood up and walked closer to the pair, a protocol droid and an adult male who quickly introduced himself as Makai Dashiell. Instinctively Damian bowed and accepted the offered handshake, he then pivoted to his side and gestured to the desk and the chairs available. Despite already mostly sitting for the majority of the day, the young Du Couteau heir already yearned to be seated.

“Senator Damian Du Couteau, but you can simply call me Damian.” He responded, keeping his expression neutral for the time being, “-I must apologize, there had been much to do once I arrived on planet I had forgotten this meeting Mister Dashiell.” He added, before sparring a glance towards the protocol droid.

“Is the droid a partner for today’s dealings or. . .?” Damian asked as he tentatively walked back to his desk. Better to play it safe and not assume it’s just a servant. . . one never knows in this galaxy filled with strange sentient beings. . . non-living and otherwise.
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|| Makai Dashiell | (Open) ||​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X Interacting With : Damian du Couteau

Shaking the other man's hand, Makai hadn't expected someone who appeared to be his own age or near to it. His assistant had made the appointment and he didn't know much about the Senator beyond hailing from Empress Teta. It meant the Senator may not to be able to assist him, yet at the very least, point him in the correct direction.

"No need to apologize Senator. I shouldn't take up too much of your time, maybe ten minutes? I am sure you have other items on your agenda and I am not a constituent, so I will try to keep things brief."

Head turned to Thirty-Seven and he cocked his head towards the door, dismissing his droid. Thirty-Seven would shuffle out into the hallway as Makai took a seat, unbuttoning his suit jacket and settling back against the plush chair.

"No, the droid is my assistant. However, I understand some do not enjoy their presence, so he can wait in the hallway." A small pause. "How have you been Senator, considering what is occuring on Empress Teta?"

 

[Damian du Couteau]

Damian Du Couteau, Senator of Empress Teta
Location: Copero City, Alliance Embassy Office
Outfit

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“Ah, good assistants are hard to come-by, droid or not.” Damian responded, while his back was still turned he quickly raised his right hand to rub his eyes before he turned around and took his own seat. At least I didn’t offend the droid, so far so good. He placed both hands in front of him on top of the desk, his only method to not subconsciously reach for the data-slate and make himself appear rude in front of his guest. ​

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“My feelings on the matter are neutral, haven’t arrived at a reason to hold any resentment towards droids. I have met some that are seemingly sentient.” Damian explained, his shoulders shrugged. “-As for my well-being, considering my home-planet, I’ve been okay. Easy to lose myself in work, an area I feel like I can make a difference.” He kept his expression neutral, a simple mask to maintain for the time being. It's not like I'm lying. ​

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Leaning forward in an effort to seem relaxed, Damian gestured with his right hand towards Makai, “I’m neither an Admiral or Jedi, but I’ve been told I have a wonderful set of ears. So please, make use of them for as long as you need.” Truthfully he had not all day, but at least the young Du Couteau heir needn’t strain his eyes further on his data-slate. A break to focus on something else, something that I can perhaps help with sounds like a wonderful time. ​

|| Makai Dashiell | (Open) ||​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Damian du Couteau

"Working, the escape most of us seem to have. At least some good can come out of it."

Makai was curious about Empress Teta and if the Alliance even had plans to try to get the planet back. However, he didn't arrive on Fondor to ask questions he wouldn't get any answers to. To be honest, he wasn't even sure he would be getting answers to the questions he had now but one could try. After all, sometimes body language would be a better indicator to what Senator Du Couteau was thinking beyond words. Couldn't convey such a thing in a holomail message.

"I'm glad you're not an Admiral or Jedi, doubtful they could ease my concerns." A small smile and he continued. "Senator, I've come today to discuss economics. As you may be aware, the Dark Empire has made it clear executions for business owners and corporate executives is not off the table."

"Which has thrown the capitalistic community for a loop, let me tell you. My concerns and questioning lie in terms of ensuring the Galactic Alliance has nothing else similar planned. Not execution, doesn't seem your style, but more or less restrictions on companies and trade. Word on the street is a new hyperlane is planned - I would hope this is not for military use only."

"I understand you are limited on what you can say. So am I. Your perspective and insights on the issue alone would be fine."

 

[Damian du Couteau]

Damian Du Couteau, Senator of Empress Teta
Location: Copero City, Alliance Embassy Office
Outfit

Damian raised a single eyebrow, his mask slightly slipping off as he had not expected this conversation. In truth he had begun to venture on expanding the galactic trading infrastructure with the idea of doing it mostly alone. Talking markets and trade aren’t quite the tantalizing subject. On the topic of the Imperials, Damian had heard of their quite drastic measure to reign in their corporate interests. Perhaps not the wisest of moves on their part, but it had certainly caused waves that Damian had plans to take advantage of.

“Perception is the highest importance when it comes to Senate. Perhaps even more so when it comes to passing legislation.” Damian explained, “As it stands the Alliance is surrounded by enemies and after losing key systems in the Core; logistics has been ever poorer for it. So this new Hyperlane will allow greater flexibility for faster deployments and quicker refueling to thwart away future attacks.” He spoke, words remembered and to be recited to the greater assembly later.

“Such is my official position and one I will maintain whenever asked openly,” He added with a tilt of his head Damian glanced towards his data-slate before returning attention to Mister Dashiell. “As for my private positions? Well. . .”

“When my father was the Senator of Teta before me; he along with the assembly and Chancellor, they oversaw the greatest growth ever recorded in Alliance market’s history. I hope to replicate such a feat, even if it just lands on my shoulders.” Damian spoke quickly.

“I find it quite stressful that the shipyards of Copero are not supplying the demand of our southern sectors. As well as the industry of the northern regions having nothing to produce except military grade equipment. . . peace-keeping tools I mean.” Damian corrected himself as he leaned back into his chair.

“Maybe not to make it that fine of a point; To the markets I am a friend, the citizenry I am a provider and the Chancellor I am a supporter. So who do you want me to be for you?” Damian asked.
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|| Makai Dashiell | (Open) ||​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X Interacting With : Damian du Couteau | Open!

Makai listened to the response to his hyperlane question. It was one of those politician answers, where things could get lost in the explanation. The half-Galan didn't find it odd the man had an 'official stance' and one a little more off the cuff, yet still polished and refined. It didn't quite answer the question if business was welcome in Galactic Alliance space but the Senator mentioned wanting great economic expansion.

He took that to be a roundabout yes.

"I'm certain with time growth will occur again Senator. You have all the elements for it. Large territory. Great resources. An influx of refugees eager to start a new life. Seems an opportunity to have the highest output ever once again is right on your doorstep."

Makai paused an looked amused at the 'what do you want me to be for you' question. One he didn't see coming and it was nice to be asked all the same.

"Nothing, Senator. I'm not a resident of the Galactic Alliance, not in the truest sense. I merely appreciated the opportunity to meet and ensure corporations were not going to be nationalized into the government."

Fingertips tapped on his leg, another question ready.

"Is there anything I can do for you, Senator?"

 

[Damian du Couteau]

Damian Du Couteau, Senator of Empress Teta
Location: Copero City, Alliance Embassy Office
Outfit

“I cannot blame someone for being prudent in such manners, but you can be rest assured I will fight against any such invasive behavior of the Alliance that would jeopardize the markets.” Damian spoke, his mind giving thought to how the Imperials recently began their nationalization project. It almost seems like a feint to distract someone or something or maybe it’s just poor judgment and nothing more.

Damian placed a hand over his lips as he listened, he turned to his data-slate for a moment, the look towards it only reminded Damian of the future sleepless nights he planned on having to finish his work.

“There is one thing I can use some help with; The promise of a new trade lane will no doubt be faced by the opposition asking ‘What about us’ questions.” Damian wasn’t surprised by such a notion, but it certainly proved troublesome to smooth over bruised egos. “-While normally I’d offer my own assistance with contracts of mining and transportation, so as to help off-set any potential negative credit-flow to the opposition. . .much of my leverage is on Empress Teta.” He confessed, it was a brutal reality for a Senator without a planet to represent.

“Now I don’t expect a blank check, but if you could help pave over any bumps along the way for this new hyper-lane to be approved in the Senate; I shall be quite grateful.” Damian added, “- I should also mention that infrastructure contracts and bank loans fall under my office’s purview. Giving me quite the leash to stamp and approve future plans of systems not yet within Alliance space. So I hope you won’t find my gratitude empty.” Damian rested his hand back on top of his other, his lips remained in a thin line but his eyes looked at Makai expectantly. So much to build and so many more systems that will need building.

“I’ll be quite honest, none really expected the Alliance to last. The grand merger between the Republic and the Grayson Imperium was viewed by many as a dying grasp and not a rebirth.” He began to regale, only pausing to clear his throat.

“Of course I’m not suggesting that the Alliance will encompass the entirety of the known galaxy, but I imagine there will be a time when 'neutral space' will be considered neutral not because they exist outside the borders of controlled space but because the neutrality of galactic government that the 'neutral space' falls within. . . . And who’s to say Mister Dashiell, you might one day become a citizen of the Alliance. ” Damian spoke, his throat grew dry and strained by the amount of words being used presently. "-But that's conjecture for the future, so, what do you say about helping me pass this legislation?"
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|| Makai Dashiell | (Open) ||​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Damian du Couteau

Makai listened quietly to the vision of Senator Du Couteau, eyebrow gently raising at the mention of paving down speed bumps to allow legislation of a hyperlane bill. Was the Senator suggesting he should fund lobbyists? Makai was curious was the cost of funding lobbyists would be in comparison to making his own hyperlane. The wheels of government were much slower in comparison to corporate entities.

"How exactly would I be helping you pass this legislation, Senator Du Couteau? Are you looking financial backing? Corporate leverage? A speech to the Senate?"

 

[Damian du Couteau]

Damian du Couteau, Senator of Empress Teta
Location: Copero City, Alliance Embassy Office
Outfit

Damian hated to act noncommittal, but as it stood the Senate was hardly as predictable as he would have wanted. Well, not so much unpredictable but certainly unfathomable with the amount of unnecessary arguments. He wondered if most of the time certain Senators simply wanted to argue for the sake of arguing, as if being paid by each spoken word. A rather interesting proposition though if it was the case, Damian had spare credits. . . .

“Financial backing and leverage are perfect tools in dealing with the more Corporate aligned Senators; as for a speech in support?” Damian paused a moment, his thoughts venturing towards the possible optics of it all. “-I’ll leave that to your discretion, the Senate discussions often yield rather unexpected discourse. It’s difficult to properly get ahead of every possible question that might be fielded so perhaps you can help alleviate any concerns as they come.” He explained, his eyes dancing back to his data-slate for a moment.

The situation of the Alliance was hardly one of teetering on the edge of collapse, Damian believed in the idea of ‘too large to fail’. It certainly seems so, even if the Alliance trips and falls ever so often the scale of the Alliance simply leaves it unable to remain defeated for long. So in similar fashion Damian planned for a galaxy in which his proposal fails.

“Should the legislation not pass. . . such is the nature of the Senate. Fickle.” Damian shrugged once as he went to hold out his hand towards Mister Dashiell. “If that is acceptable then I hope we can see the Alliance continue to prosper economically.”
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|| Makai Dashiell ||​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Damian du Couteau

Makai listened, it was hard for him to pin down what the Senator truly wanted from him. Financial support was always a must, naturally, the half-Galan would expect such a thing. Talking up the bill itself and alleviating concerns of his fellow corporatists meant he would have to do some work. It also meant putting his name on the line. Something he wouldn't do lightly or without being abler to mull it over.

A small smile at the Senator's outstretched hand.

"I would have to know more about the bill and its contents before I could agree, Senator. Something I would have to read and mull over - simply because if my name was to be attached, it's critical it is something I could agree with. See, speaking up this bill to my fellow capitalists is fine on the surface, but if something was amiss business wise....I could easily lose credits and lose connections. Connections that are hard fought to be built."

He paused.

"I'm not saying no, I am saying I would have to know more and think."

 

[Damian du Couteau]

Damian du Couteau, Senator of Empress Teta
Location: Copero City, Alliance Embassy Office
Outfit

Damian offered a small shrug and a nod in understanding, his hand instead went to grab his data-slate and bring it closer into focus.

“Failure is difficult in the market, while we in politics. . . well our constituents give us quite a bit of forgiveness should we come up short.” Damian acknowledged the difference in commitment between the two of them, Damian had plenty of cushion to fall on should this particular bill not succeed in the Senate Halls.

“-All the same, you are of course invited to attend the Senate Session when my bill goes to the floor as just a neutral observer.” He offered as he fiddled with his data-slate for a few moments. “Here I have a copy of the information on the bill itself,” Damian slid his data-slate towards Makai.

“Do take of yourself Mister Dashiell and if there are any future business endeavors you believe I can assist with do give me a call.”

If nothing else came out of this meeting, Damian figured he could at least develop a business relation down the line. The future had plenty of opportunities, and given the state of the galaxy there was certainly no shortage of possibilities. Either ill or good, but even the market can sell misery just as effective as happiness. The young du Couteau heir found himself well versed with misery, but he held confidence for the changing winds of fortune.
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|| Makai Dashiell ||​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Damian du Couteau

"Excellent, I'll be happy to look it over at my leisure. I appreciate your time today Senator. I hope we will meet more in the future."

Makai stood and now shook the hand of the Senator as a token of farewell. He understood the Senator needed support and things passed but his name would be attached to such a thing if campaigning. It seemed though the other young man understood, being a representative of his citizens and all.

"Until next time Senator."

With that, the half-Galan exited the office.