Ask, Seek, Knock

[Zef Halo]

For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.​

- Luke 11:10​

​

Ask.

The Ma'alkerrite who had contacted him was given the green light to meet with Vitor, who would represent Corondex Arms - a growing arms producing company started by a couple of graduates. The meeting, as usual, was scheduled to be in the meeting room of Corondex Arm's office. The office represented a floor in a corporate building on Etti IV in the Corporate Sector. Its interior and atmosphere was that of a start up - rather chaotic but very, very ambitious.

Seek.

Judging by the Ma'alkerrite's demands on what he would like to acquire, the young banker believed the ape-man was certainly arming a group keen on seeing combat. And that was something Vitor would inquire more about, forging more connections, especially with those capable of warfare was vital in Vitor's agenda. For a moment he wondered whether his methodical approach to things and generally way of thinking was influenced by his master - Velok. Most likely yes.

Knock.

"Do enter, please, Mr. [member="Malok"]."

 

[Darth Metus]

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

This universal truth was a key motivator in the Behemoth's reaching out to Corondex Arms. You see, the modern battlefield was always evolving. Nations were always developing new ways to deliver evisceration upon their foes. As such, the ApeX Commander needed to stand upon the cutting edge. His private military company needed to stand upon the cutting edge. Thus had Malok made the necessary arrangements - a meeting with the face of Corondex Arms.

But why not Vanir? Why not Blas-Tech? Browncoat? Why had Malok elected to choose an organization devoid of a Galaxy-spanning reputation.

Potential.

Having held the G-35 in his own hands...Corondex was the right choice. The company was the definition of what he was looking for.

At the appointed time, the towering mass of fur entered the conference room. With hands folded behind his back, Malok confidently strolled forward. Gone was his typical power hammer, and in its place was a saber borrowed from Darth Prazutis. It was not his typical go-to...but for a meeting of this sort, it would go over better than walking in with a man-sized weapon. The Behemoth lowered his head in greeting.

"Greetings [member="Vitor Avendahl"], thank you for agreeing to meet."

 

[Zef Halo]

The massive figure of the ape-man barely passed through the door that slid open, his height and width were certainly grabbing the eyes of the ever busy employees of Corondex Arms. The first thing that struck him was that Malok's attitude and body language did not match the stereotypes of brutes. He had a certain dose of finesse, grace and manners that fitted him oddly well. An interesting observation and Vitor wondered if it was just his imagination or not.

"Welcome, Mr. [member="Malok"]. Pleasure to finally see you personally." He nodded to the massive apeman and nodded to his aide June to get the serving droid. "Anything to drink or to eat before we talk business ?'

Whatever the man's answer would be, Vitor would follow up with a question.

"How much are you looking for ?" He asked and then added. "I'm sure we can strike a deal that is more than just weapons, Mr. Malok."

"What does ApeX need?"

 

[Darth Metus]

"Water, please."

With the pleasantries aside, the Behemoth eased himself into the seat that had been provided. Fortunately enough, it was sturdy enough to support his form – and that alone scored [member="Vitor Avendahl"] points. Reaching out, he helped himself to a sip of his requested beverage before setting his gaze upon the businessman. What did ApeX need? At the exact moment, the answer was weapons...enough to befit a battalion and change. However, Malok did not plan on sitting on his hands - ApeX was to grow. ApeX was to become...more than mercenaries, but a Force in the Galaxy.

And so, he began.

"To become more than a PMC. ApeX needs to become an idea."

This statement was punctuated by setting the glass down upon the table.

"Criminal elements have mercenaries at their employ. Nations have their armies. And the Mandalorians are an ever-present force. ApeX must rise above them all by transcending what it means to be a PMC. Put simply, we do not need to just get the job done...we need to do so in such a manner that permanently associates our name with Victory. And...Brutality."

He motioned at the room in general.

"And that is why we need Corondex. We need new...nay, vicious ways of sending men to an early grave. It is my hope that you would begin an ApeX-exclusive line of weaponry for this purpose, and remain a valuable partner from this day forward."

"For when ApeX succeeds, it will be with a Corondex weapon."

Sip.

 

[Zef Halo]

The serving droid obediently poured water into a large jug capable of being held within the hands of the behemoth as Vitor listened to the man speak. What he spoke was by far much more advanced than what usual downgrade mercenaries would say. There was more than credit chits to Malok. Of course, Vitor assumed, that it definitely played a role but the flames of passion that the apeman kept cool could be heard in the tone of his voice.

"Hm. Very well." The banker nodded with a smile and demonstratively moved the datapad with the portfolio of Corondex's products aside. No, this was something new. New opportunities, new doors, growth. This was not some man arming a band of cutthroats to the teeth. This was the arming of an idea.

Nothing.

Nothing is more dangerous than an idea armed to the teeth.

He felt his heart pace, Malok certainly had the natural-born leader spirit to him. To rouse Vitor as one of his own and feel the satisfaction of immediate victory was refreshing and exhilarating. It also reminded him of his whipid master's task - find leaders. The former miner felt as if he had won the lottery.

"Corondex Arms will do anything to arm you the way you should be armed, Mr. [member="Malok"]. Just say what is it that your idea needs."

"I can guarantee you that."

This was the beginning of change.

A revolution.

 

[Darth Metus]

There were perks to having the education of a noble. In particular, Malok found himself remembering an old lesson on symbiosis. Within the world of fauna, certain creatures developed relationships with one another. In these, both parties stood to benefit equally and their lives were better - nay, even comfortable - because of it. As such, the Behemoth (feeling quite pleased with the response of the man before him) raised his glass once again. When it was lowered, he had an idea to share. An idea...followed by Symbiosis.

"Have you ever heard of a Shatter Beam, Mr. Avendahl? It's ancient technology, Old Republic era in fact. he began.

The Behemoth gave the ice within his glass a swirl.

"My father had one, a trinket he picked up a lifetime ago. When I was young, my brother and I decided it was a good idea to borrow it from the display case and play about the halls. It took a man's leg off."

Malok tiled the glass, absent-mindedly. He could almost hear the enraged voice of his father ringing in his ears.

"It's an unconventional tool. Powerful, yes, but to carry it into battle would be...difficult for the average Human." The edges of his lips twitched ever so slightly. "However, my warriors and I won't have that problem...and the ability to tear off limbs with the pull of a trigger would be an excellent start..."

At that point the serving droid took it upon itself to refresh his beverage - an operation that Malok was grateful for. He gave a nod of gratitude before indulging in a hearty sip.

"Now then, as you are already aware, every relationship is a two-way street. While my credits are good, and you will undoubtedly receive a plethora of them, I will also offer you something of great value. As you grow...As we grow together...Your holdings will require special attention. You will require security from those you can trust."

Amber eyes bored directly into Vitor's skull, emphasising the following point.

"ApeX will be entrusting its lives to these weapons. And as such, I would like Corondex Arms to entrust its protection to ApeX. A symbiotic relationship, if you will."

Malok did not think it necessary to list out the numerous benefits to such an arrangement. By contracting Corondex Arms' security to ApeX, there would always be a cycle of reliance...of eventual trust. ApeX would protect the product, not only due to payment, but due to brand loyalty. And, Corondex would likewise produce excellence to keep its comrades alive.

A match made in Paradise.

 

[Zef Halo]

Perfect.

That word was obviously painted on his satisfactory smile that covered his face. Both Malok and Vitor were on the same page and that pleased him extremely. Certainly, he had not heard of the shatter beam technology but he was sure that their head designer and developer - Gad Ignashevic II had. Arm these men with weapons of destruction and reap the benefits. Their success on the battlefield would bring flocks of customers and the credits that the apeman before him offered were definitely worth it.

Yet, that was not what pleased him the most. Yes, this all benefited the company thus him too but what personally benefited him the most was the access to the warriors that followed Malok.

ApeX.

"Brilliant." He simply stated and turned to look at June, his Pantoran aide. "Let Mr. Ignashevic know of this shatter beam."

"I can only assume, Mr. Malok here, would desire this done as soon as possible." With a silent nod his aide turned around and left the meeting room.

"This relationship can be far more beneficial than any this company has ever made, I would be honest to you. Yet, toss aside companies. I have also personal objectives to follow." Vitor said honestly locking his gaze with Malok. "Can you entrust a...perhaps a platoon of your warriors to more than security of Corondex but also to their employment under me in various operations."

"Of course, their use will be paid as a usual price. I do not expect it for free." Deep inside Vitor hated the fact that these men would not be loyal completely to him but everyone started somewhere and [member="Malok"]'s warriors might be the best opportunity he would get in the near future.

 

[Darth Metus]

Toss companies aside.

Upon hearing these words, the Behemoth leaned forward ever so slightly. His beverage was forsaken - his hands folded together upon the table. His eyes...then met the severe gaze of [member="Vitor Avendahl"]. And he listened. Malok did not immediately provide a response to the CEO's request; and in this scenario, doing so would be folly. To rush an affirmation without mulling over the details was...amateur, no? And thus did the Behemoth chew over the request for a moment or two before speaking again.

"Lieutenant Stirok..." he began. "I will inform him of this arrangement and have him report to you following our meeting. My only request is that, aside from financial compensation, you treat him and his men well. Feed them well."

After all, the best way to an ape's heart was through his stomach.

"Now then, I'd like to touch on the matter of general security. How many facilities under the Corondex banner require personal attention?" he asked, attempting to discern how many men he'd need to commit to keeping the company physically secure.

 

[Zef Halo]

His satisfactory smile grew into a grin as he replied to the massive apeman before him.

"Excellent. I will not dare harm our established relationship by mistreating your men, that I dare you." Vitor assured Malok and made sure to remember the name of the officer that was to be attached to the young banker for a certain daring operation he was contemplating. Not only did Vitor need ApeX's skill but also the brains of this lieutenant. In the end, Vitor was no warfare tactician.

When Malok turned the topic towards securing the factories of Corondex, Vitor shook his head and waved his hand.

"Here, on Etti IV, the hub of the corporate sector I am hardly worried. For now." The former miner stated before adding. "Your men's skills, I am sure, would be better utilized in different jobs than security in this situation."

"I can only guess that this may very well be us finalizing this deal. I will be very happy to pass on any wants and needs for weaponry that ApeX may require and be guaranteed priority in our production line." A hand was extended at the behemoth.

[member="Malok"]​

 

[Darth Metus]

"You'll find that the quickest way to my soldiers' hearts is through their stomach. They'll die for you if needed, but with the right menu, they'll live for you."

His words were a closing jest, one coupled with Malok's own ascent from the seat. This meeting had proven to be exceptionally fruitful and bode well of things to come. Reaching out, the Ma'alkerrite took hold of Vitor's hand, rendered a firm shake, and released - making sure not to accidentally crush his bone in the process.

"As of this moment, I've no special requests. If anything does come to mind, I'll reach out directly or relay them through Striok."

With that said, ApeX and Corondex Arms were officially in bed with one another.