Private Alternative Revenue Stream

[Taeli Raaf]

Danger Arceneau
Jutrand, Sadow District, Obscurial Reliquary​

With her little chat concluded with Lina, she could once again turn her full attention to the matter at hand... how to remedy the issues with the Empire's economy. Empyrean had created this iteration of the Sith-Imperial Banking Clan to try to seize firmer control of the economy, and essentially indenture each world within the Sith Empire through debt and selective economic maneuverings. For a time, the system had worked as intended, and those on the Supreme Economic Council and within the SIBC grew rich and controlled the functions of the Empire through monetary policy until Elane of Kuat had risen to the position of High Treasurer. She had turned the SIBC into her own personal fiefdom, emulating the Sith Lords and Ladies and their individual power bases, and had allowed a far more prevalent corruption to seep into the Empire's economy. Greed and moral decadence were not necessarily evils within an Empire controlled by Sith, but there needed to be some level of pragmatism to keep it in check enough that the state could function.

Clearly that had not been the case.

When Strosius killed Elane, it quickly became apparent just how integral she had made herself in the Empire's economy. Her death had triggered catastrophic ripple effects, the least of which was the entire system freezing. It had also become apparent just how much Elane had made off with of the Empire's assets when significant reserves, strategic industries, and resources were found to be lost, and then reclaimed by this Lord Quern. Taeli had acted swiftly to get at least some partial pieces moving, and the invasion by the Imperials into the Holy Worlds again had distracted the populace enough to grant some breathing space to fix the whole system. It was the situation with Tithe all over again when he made off with tens of billions of credits when he defected during the last Empire, and she wasn't going to stand for it this time.

Multiple members of the SIBC board and the Supreme Economic Council had unfortunately been on Brosi when the attack from the Imperials came, perishing in the fighting and leaving their positions open to be erased. It was a first salvo from the Dark Councilor that seemed interested in handling domestic affairs, and she wasn't done by a long shot. The whole system of the Empire's entire economy was going to be redone, and that meant calling in the big guns.

She had granted special dispensation and a wayfinder for the Trade Queen herself to pass through the Blackwall and to meet her on Jutrand, and her aides were already preparing the sitting area with her favorite refreshments, along with a new plate of her own baked goods, for the meeting to come. It also reminded her that more than one Blackgate would be necessary for what she had planned, but that was something else that could be discussed.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Taeli Raaf
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

The Trade Queen's yacht touched down on Jutrand in a soft bloom of dust, repulsors sighing as the vessel settled onto the duracrete pad.

There were many moving parts in the galaxy -- cause and effect unfolding across markets and governments alike. The sort of currents that demanded Danger's attention, not only because of the Convergence, but because the political landscape seemed to shift with every passing season. In her experience, galactic politics could turn faster than a podracer in a canyon run, and if you weren't watchin' the lanes you'd find yourself driftin' blind through an asteroid field.

Over the past two years, the Trade Queen had commissioned and partnered with several companies to rechart old hyperlanes and carve new ones through the stars. Just like how she once told Lysander -- trade was what made the galaxy turn, and the hyperlanes were its lifeblood.

Without John Locke 's ,Locke and Key's gates, who knew where those routes might have collapsed. A body could talk about tariffs and treaties all day, but at the end of it, if the lanes dried up, the whole galactic wagon stopped rollin'.

It was precisely why Aurum Saacs Bank had become so pivotal in keeping credits flowing. Backed by peggots and the vast resources of Arceneau Trade and its subsidiaries and its depositors, Aurum Saacs had the reach to operate from one end of the galaxy to the other. While Danger already maintained a handful of branches through the Space Stations in Sith Imperial space and the Holy Worlds, there was always room for further discussion.

In business, as she liked to say, you caught more credits with patience than you ever did swingin' a blaster.

The attendants who greeted her at the port were met with an easy smile and warm acknowledgment before escorting her inside. In short order, the Queen of Trade was ushered into the sitting room prepared for her meeting.

Danger entered with her usual full-hipped stride, that emerald fire gaze settling quickly on the CEO of Aurora Industries.

A genuine smile curved across her lips as she approached Taeli, greeting the brunette with unmistakable warmth.

"You are a sight for sore eyes, Taeli," she began with that signature husky drawl, the auburn haired matron's visage brightening in earnest as she neared.

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Danger Arceneau
Jutrand, Sadow District, Obscurial Reliquary
Dress and Robes
​

"It has been far too long, Danger, far too long indeed," she replied, standing up and offering her own genuine smile in return as she came over to give the woman a friendly embrace. She had long counted Danger as a friend, even a mentor, as she had helped Taeli learn the lessons of business long ago. It was one of many reasons why she was turning to the Trade Queen to help with the issue at hand, but she also just genuinely enjoyed her company. Their involvement with the Guild hadn't allowed for much time to talk and catch up.

"I hope Myra is well, and Kaine sends his regards. He regrets he can't join us, but he did say he owes you lunch at some point at the place of your choosing," she added, pulling away from the embrace and guiding them over to the seating area. Tea, of course, was arranged there along with several varieties of brandy and Corellian whiskey if Danger was feeling something a little stronger. A few trays of tarts, cookies, and small pies were also on offer, baked by the Lady of Secrets herself. Once they were seated and drinks had been poured, she gestured at the holoprojector, and the various news streams and data coming from what was still functioning of the Empire's economy would come up for them to view.

"An absolute nightmare," she sighed. "SIBC cratered because of corruption and graft, yet again, and it's been all I can do to keep it running so there aren't full-blown riots and mutinies in the streets." Not that the Sith couldn't deal with them; she would just prefer not having to slaughter their citizens and workforce if she could help it. "It's the Tithe situation all over again, but at least this time the Empire isn't collapsing from constant attacks and rebellions."

Pleasantries and catching up could be interwoven with business, she knew, but she wanted to get started on their subject as quickly as possible.

"Srina has authorized me to do whatever is necessary to fix the situation, and as you can see, I've decided step one is bringing in the master." Well technically, it was step two, but the former and deceased members of the SIBC board and SEC couldn't really argue with that.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Taeli Raaf
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

Danger returned the embrace with genuine warmth before stepping back, a fond smile resting upon the auburn's lips. Taeli was one of the few who would deal business the way one knew to take upon her word. Taeli was a brilliant businesswoman, and that had earned not only her respect, but her admiration for the woman.

"Would you believe I am a grandmother already? Myras got herself married to her childhood sweetheart and now I'm enjoying bein' able to spoil the little one rotten." Which made sense, seeing as how Danger was always much of a mother hen to those she took under her wing.

At the mention of Carnifex, Danger smiled. THey had had dinner a while back on Naboo. It had been nice to just enjoy it with someone without pressure or a need of expectation. In the wake of Alric's death at that point, Kaine had been one of the few who had sought her out to pay his condolences and truly mean it.

"I'll have to reach out to him, see how he is doin'," Danger admitted, settling gracefully into her chair and pouring herself a small measure of brandy. She saw the large spread of charcuterie and cookies and Danger's smile broadened, "You spoil me." the woman teased, and she served herself a plate.

While this was business, yes, it was also a bit more casual a discussion than Danger would have taken elsewhere.

"How about you? It has been a while since we've been able to catch up. What was it? That concord where we met last time?" the one convention that had taken a few days and had honestly felt as if they were being watched. It hadn't allowed the ease of conversation.

Danger listened to Taeli's explanation regarding the matters of the bank, eyes turning up as the holoprojector flickered to life. Her emerald gaze drifted over the data, studying it quietly for a moment.

Taeli was right. This was a nightmare. The SIBC was both the central financial authority and the chief enforcer of economic policy.

"My," she murmured softly. "Well ain' that a proper mess."

She leaned back slightly, turning her attention to Taeli.

"Well, first off, I'd like to ask on what options are you lookin' to entertain?" Danger asked, curious.

"Truth be told, you have the infrastructure in place across Sith regions already with the Sith Imperial Bankin' Clan... locations and venues for citizens and government alike to draw on funds... Are you lookin' to remake the Sith Imperial Banking Clan and continue using the Sith Imperial Credit and need bankin' management assistance... or are you looking to diversify?"

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Danger Arceneau
Jutrand, Sadow District, Obscurial Reliquary
Dress and Robes
​

With the situation on display for Danger's assessment, and while she waited for her initial thoughts, Taeli thought back on the last time they had been in the same room. Had it really been that little gathering put together by Nova, her puppet Ayra, and her actual Master on Sojourn? Yes, it really had been, and neither of them had made more than polite conversation there as they both knew every movement they made and every syllable they uttered was being watched.

Hearing her Danger's initial questions, Taeli decided a touch of levity might be needed before diving into the subject. "As a fellow grandmother, I can safely say I'd rather be dealing with their shenanigans, but then I think my grandchildren are a bit older than yours. Nerralyn still hasn't found anyone she finds worthy, but Aerys and Iaacen both have families in the Dosuun Commonwealth... and Fio and I have three more little ones. Hard to believe that Myra and Makai have been together so long though."

If there was one thing she was proudest of, and she had much to be proud of in her long life thus far, it was ensuring that the Raaf family would continue. From being the only remaining one to now being the matriarch of an extended family... it felt like a way to honor the family she had never gotten to know and the sisters she lost.

"As for all of this," she would gesture at the displayed economic data and statistics about the SIBC, "I'm inclined to diversify, liquidate, and otherwise shift it to new management. SIBC and autarky have been an absolute failure. The whole system was designed to stifle and control, and I intend to replace it with a system that can create opportunity for growth and prosperity... and one that I hope isn't nearly as susceptible to state corruption, or at the very least, an acceptably low-level of self-dealing." They were Sith after all, and she knew she couldn't expect it to be completely free of... illicit activity.

"So, for starters, I want to shift us back to the Galactic Standard and abolish the Sith-Imperial Credit. I want to bring Aurum in to manage the monetary system and get it healthy again. I want to open up more trade zones, if not an outright capitalist system, with further Blackgate stations built and opened to have controlled transit through the Blackwall along the known major hyperlanes. That would require ATC investment, most likely as I don't trust the Trade Federation as far as I can throw those Neimoidians."

Which, to be fair, she could throw them quite far with the Force, and she was a large shareholder in the conglomerate. She just didn't trust them not to create another whole self-serving and corrupt system.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Taeli Raaf
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

"Well, I figured it was goin' to be a thing considerin' how sweet she was for him. Granted, there were a few years there when they didn't talk, and Makai's pa and I figure we lend a hand. Glad it worked." Danger revealed with a chuckle.

Rue was too young to be thinking of pairing off, and the other young man she'd been keeping an eye on was doing things in the Core, trying to make a name for himself.

Now, however, was the subject of this Banking business.

Danger's gaze lingered on the projections a few moments longer, the faint glow of shifting figures reflecting in her emerald eyes, listening without interruption regarding the need to diversify, liquidate, and rebuild from the ground up.

A slow nod followed.

"Hrm," she murmured, murmured with a smoky tone, eyes narrowing just slightly as the shape of it all settled in her mind.

"You're not wrong. Systems like that were built to keep folks in line… not to let 'em thrive. And once rot sets in, it didn't matter how polished and pretty the surface looked," she murmured with that signature husky tone, leaning back in her chair as her fingers gave a soft thrum on her armrest.

Then came her firm nod of agreement, already in place on what Taeli had detailed.

"Shiftin' to Galactic Standard's the right move," she continued, the Redhead turning to meet the brunette's gaze with an honest expression.

"'Verse may go to chit, but the Galactic Standard still brings in bites regardless of where one is at. " She drew a breath and then got down to business.

"And that's exactly how we do it." She began, using the holographic screen to detail out the plan, "First thing -- we stop the bleed. Immediate liquidity through Aurum Saacs 'nough to steady the markets, calm your investors, and remind folks the system's still breathin'. I'll use Arceneau investments to help with the stabilization and keep things movin'."

Her hands swept over the display, moving to add in more details.

"Then we gut what ain't worth savin'. SIBC gets stripped down to its bones. What's viable, we fold into somethin' new. You are more than welcomed to continue to use Aurum Saccs as your bank of choice -- or build one that will have what you need. What ain't…" a slight shrug, "we let it die proper."

That emerald fire gaze lifted back to Taeli.

"After that, we open your doors again with those blackgates on your major lanes and encourage controlled transit to steady trade flow. You don't build prosperity by closin' yourself off," she said softly, rolled out in a warm, whiskey-soft rasp. "You build it by choosin' who you let in… and makin' sure they bring somethin' worth havin'."

A soft hum and then she added:

"And while all that's settlin'… we anchor it to real assets. Trade. Supply. Infrastructure. Things folks can see, touch, and rely on. Not numbers that vanish the moment someone gets greedy."

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Danger Arceneau
Jutrand, Sadow District, Obscurial Reliquary
Dress and Robes
​

It was really gratifying to know that her own instincts on the situation were aligned with Danger was thinking. The Galactic Standard had survived as the galaxy's common currency for millennia for a reason. The IGBC had backed it with physical assets, and governments from the local planetary system to sector-spanning superpowers all understood that stability was invaluable. The Sith-Imperial credit had been an experiment from both Empyrean and Carnifex, but it was time to let it die out. They had viewed the currency in terms of autarky and control, but that wasn't what a currency should be.

"Considering the current mess, I'm inclined to allow Aurum-Saccs to remain as the bank of choice," she stated, taking a sip of her tea. "It's clear that Sith in general can't be trusted to be bankers."

A slight hint of humor would color the last part of that statement, though it was true as well. Of the current major Sith, or even aspiring Sith working their way up the ranks, or even the various ministers and officials that could establish a new bank, none of them had the outlook of a business-being that she would trust with the system. Empyrean had been an experienced businessman, but he allowed ideology to influence policy when he established this version of the SIBC.

"The current estimates for the next three Blackgates and their completion won't be for another three months, so that gives us time to figure out where they should be positioned, properly, along the Corellian Trade Spine, the Hydian, and the Rimma," she continued, bringing up an image of the proposed station design for Danger. The new Blackgates were of her own design, essentially creating controlled access points within the very storms and hyperspace disruptions, funneled through the central point that would be scanning for anything and everything that could be identified as an enemy or trouble. "It should do exactly as you say; let us determine who comes in and make sure they're friendly and useful."

She would select a second cookie to be placed on her tea cup saucer as she thought about other potential movements.

"We'll need to redo the guild system as well to make sure we can anchor to real assets, and do it so that not every single resource possible goes towards control of the populace and military expansionism." She wasn't opposed, as the executive overseeing a military-industrial company, to a good chunk of the Empire's resources going towards that goal. But it needed to be balanced with actual strengthening of the domestic situation, and that would take some time. "The SIFIB will be allowed to die out, as will the Supreme Economic Council to cut down on the bureaucracy. The Revenue Collection Agency will need to be restructured, as I believe a good many of my fellows are skirting their tax responsibilities and that will also help with our liquidity issue."

A new type of Auditor would be needed... something she had already been starting to form within her head, given the plotting some of the factions within the Empire were doing.

"ATC and your subsidiaries will have first crack at any infrastructure projects," she added. "You'll have my backing for any projects you might be interested in starting, and you'll have wide latitude on where and what they are."

She fully intended to bring others in, such as the Dashiells and the Commonwealth, and even put up commissions for others to compete for, but for now, ATC and Aurum and all of the other companies within the umbrella would have the chances for contracts.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Taeli Raaf
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

Danger listened in silence, the faint curl of a smile lingering as Taeli spoke. At the remark about Sith bankers she let slip an amused breath.

"Well now," the Queen of Trade sang with a soft, husky drawl, lifting her glass just slightly, "I won't argue that point too hard."

Those Emerald Fire eyes shifted to the projection of the Blackgates, studying the design with a slow, thoughtful nod.

"Three months gives us just enough room to do this right," she added in agreement, "Corellian Spine, Hydian, Rimma… those routes have good bones and we've been doing our best to get them set up right after the convergence. Place those gates proper and you won't just be controlin' flow -- you'll be guidin' it."

She set her glass down gently as she mused on Taeli's remarks on the guilds and which will die off and which will be restructured. Those were good. Tie 'em back to real assets and real production and it will give folks something tangible to anchor to. They'll know which way their bread is buttered and odds were they'll fall in line without havin' to squeeze 'em for it.

The redhead gave a small tilt of her head at the mention of infrastructure and her crimson lips widened.

"I do appreciate that." she said, drawled out with a honeyed rasp, a flicker of warmth in her eyes. "ATC'll make it count."

A full hip leaned forward just slightly, expression settling into something more focused.

"First step, then," Danger went on, spoken in a low, velvet rasp. "I'll have Aurum begin preparin' the transition framework to Galactic Standard. Quiet at first, no sense spookin' the markets before we're ready."

Her gaze held steady on Taeli.

"In the meantime, with your approval, I'll dispatch survey teams to those gate routes," she added. "Logistics, supply chains, infrastructure needs. By the time your gates come online, we'll already have the arteries mapped and ready to carry the full weight of trade."

A faint, confident smile returned.

"You handle the politics, Taeli," Danger finished softly. "I'll make sure the credits and the systems behave themselves."

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Danger Arceneau
Jutrand, Sadow District, Obscurial Reliquary
Dress and Robes
​

"Now why do I feel like you're the one getting to have all the fun while I deal with the political side?" she replied, amusement coloring her tone as she finished her current cup of tea. Of course, she wasn't about to let Danger have all the fun once they got the ball rolling. She fully intended for Aurora to gain more foothold within Sith-controlled space, a presence she could maintain long after any Empire controlled the region. She was realistic enough to know that.

"Not that the politics will be too difficult to manage at present," she continued, pouring herself a new cup of tea even as she continued to look at her old friend. "The Assembly has fallen quiet, and much of the official policy-making has reverted strictly to the Dark Council. We only need a majority among our members to enact policy, and that won't be much of an issue." Perhaps in time the Assembly might regain relevance, but it had been a project that Malum had thrown his weight behind, and without him, the governors had turned inward to their own worlds rather than be a decision-making body. It was ironic, considering that thought, that she had been the one to propose and move more legislation through the Assembly than any other Sith. Now, it would simply be a matter of getting Quinn, Gerwald, and Caedes to support her reforms.

"As that may be, you have my approval to begin the surveys and planning of the new routes. And once Aurum is ready with the transition, I'll bring that before the Dark Council and Srina for full approval."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Taeli Raaf
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

Danger took a sip of her drink as Taeli spoke, if only to have the corner of her mouth quirk up at the quip that she'd be having all the fun while Taeli deals with the poltical bits.

"Oh I am more than happy to lend a hand to clean up shop if you want," Danger's red lips grew even wider. "Politics are just another form of business."

There was a soft husky chuckle at that. However, Danger was sure that, depending on how things went, Taeli would move in a way that would make the example. But if they only need a majority among the members to enact policy, then with the brunette's strategic mind, it was as good as done. Taeli, after all, didn't get this far by letting any bureaucracy get in her way.

As soon as Taeli said she gave her approval, Danger's smile grew wider and she gave a slight clink of her glass against Taeli's delicate tea cup.

"Then I'll get everything in motion as soon as possible, move towards those surveys and the planning of the new routes. I'll keep you abreast of the situation with updates and I reckon if I can get pull a few more favors, we can get that done promptly."

ALl in all, it was just good business. In this matter, Taeli and Danger understood each other well and trusted each other's word.

It was time to clean up the Sith Bank and get trade flowing a bit more favorably.

And if it brought with it a few more credits Danger could use with the re-charting and movements of other hyperlane routes, all the better.

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Danger Arceneau
​

"I appreciate it all, Danger, truly," she replied, getting up and moving over to her desk for a moment. She really did appreciate everything Danger was willing to do for the region's economy, but even on a deeper personal level, she was thankful for the woman's long mentorship and friendship. Interacting with her always made her wonder if this is what her life might have become if she had never become a Force user, but those had long been mere idle fantasies. She wouldn't trade much anything of her life... well maybe two things...

She retrieved the box from its drawer, walking back over to the sitting area and placing it on the small table between their seats. Opening the lid, she would reveal two armlets; one was in the same color tones as the setting Tatooine suns, and the other a more golden tone, but with slight traces of ocean blue. "These are Aredian armlets, something Aurora has developed using our Absencite crystals. They provide localized protection from Force powers on par with void stone... and they are stylish chronometers in addition. My gift to you and to Myra."

She would resume her seat, hoping that Danger would catch the underlying promise in the gift. Their efforts were likely to attract some unwanted trouble from other elements in the Sith Order, and as Danger wasn't a Force user, they would likely conclude that she was a more vulnerable target to disrupt Taeli's reforms. The armlets were a promise, the start of one, that she would protect her allies and those they cared about from the Dark Councilor's enemies whenever they might operate in the region and beyond.

"I did have a curiosity," she continued. "The old One Sith designs, specifically the Maladi and the Dark Blade, ended up in your possession, yes?"