Star Wars Roleplay: Chaos

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Business As Usual

qE3JYeS.gif
5MyoGwv.jpg
Attn: [member="Fiolette Raaf"] | [member="Taeli Raaf"] | [member="Alessandra Creed"]
  • Industrial District
    Arcenon, Planet of Nelvaan

Karavin Tower rose like an imposing, jagged spire against the backdrop of the cityscape of Nelvaan's capital city, even amongst the other spacescrapers which huddled amongst eachother as if competing for the cramped space of Arcenon's industrial district. Like the rest of the city around it and the company which owned it, the tower was surprisingly new, having been constructed almost over night, as far as construction efforts go, thanks to the ingenuity of the Geonosian engineers which planned and executed the massive project that was the capital of the Eternal Empire.

Yet, despite its age, the imposing building managed to successfuly convey its owner's ambitions, a rapidly growing military-industrial conglomerate which enjoyed great economic success, though partly because of the state funding and support it received. As far as the great game that was the galactic arms market was concerned, Karavin Concern was a relative newcomer, yet it was gradually building a reputation for itself as a manufacturer of sophisticated, innovative and high quality equipment which was primarily employed by the Eternal Empire's and Confederacy's armed forces, some of it in sufficiently large quantities to power the company's rather rapid growth. The other big source of profit from the conglomerate came from the research and development programs it carried out for the state, though much of that was highly classified and not often discussed, of course.

Through thick and thin, Karavin Concern had secured a somewhat comfortable niche for itself in the market, yet it was always looking for opportunities to expand. This was one of the factors which led to the meeting that was about to take place, the other being that the company's primary shareholder was also the Eternal Emperor of Nelvaan and as such, even if no deals concerning the conglomerate were reached today, convincing the guests to invest in Arcenon was always a good thing. Afterall, the planet's central location in the Confederacy did offer an advantageous position to potential investors looking to ship goods made here, to various other parts of the galactic superpower. And security was most certainly not an issue, as under its ruler's administration, Nelvaan had become one of the most heavily fortified planets within Confederate space.

Dressed as always in immaculate military attire, the enigmatic Darth Tacitus awaited his guests within the tower's most luxurious and impressive conference room, one reserved for the most important company officials and guests. An immense mahogany table took up the center of the room, surrounded by ergonomic, high-backed chairs fashioned out of the same materials. Everything was hand-crafted, painstakingly made by the best artisans money could buy.

Immense windows took up one of the walls, ending in arches that connected with the ceiling that hung high above, giving the impression that they held up the sky. An expensive, yet tasteful rug took up most of the floor of the massive room, the rest consisting of wood parquet that gave a rustic, yet imposing feeling. A few logs burned slowly in a large stone fireplace and various heraldic banners completed the decor, some bearing the company colors, while others displayed the various designs of the aristocratic houses to which the company's three main shareholders belonged to, interspersed with the red-white-and-black national banners of the Eternal Empires, these also adorned with row upon row of blocky, clean-cut letters that formed the distinctive alphabet of High Nelvaanian, the planet's official language. A studious guest, who looked into Nelvaan's society and ways, would be aware that the text was likely laws, or the tales of military valor that were an ever-present feature of Nelvaanian propaganda.

The conference room was a far cry from the typically sterile style used by most corporations around the galaxy, intended to convey a sense of tradition, despite the company's relatively young age. As was the case with everything else on Nelvaan, things were done differently here and the Eternal Empire's strict, cold discipline and formality had not failed to seep even into the ever-changing world of business. And now, the captains that steered two of the galaxy's biggest corporations would come into contact with all of that.

qE3JYeS.gif
 
[member="Darth Tacitus"] [member="Fiolette Raaf"] [member="Alessandra Creed"]

"Have you ever been to this world, dear?" Taeli asked, looking up from her datapad as their speeder neared the meeting location. "It has an absolutely fascinating history."

Unlike others who might not have access to the records, Taeli had retained copies of much that had been stored in the Jedi archives. Apparently, during the ancient Clone Wars, the Techno Union had been running experiments here and the famous duo of Skywalker and Kenobi had investigated. What exactly had occurred had been lost to history, but the report had mentioned that the Skakoan scientists had mutated the men of one of the native tribes.

So, it had come as some surprise that, given tribal stories, that the planet had been colonized and was rapidly growing under those that had fled from the Ancient Eye. Tacitus was working hard it seemed to grow his planet and power, to make this world a hub of a powerful military-industrial complex. The city they were flying through, and the rapidly approaching citadel, were new and she had a feeling their pilot, provided by Karavin Concern, was ordered to take the scenic route to show the two powerful women he was escorting that rapid growth for themselves.

Taeli, always looking for new investment opportunities, had also come with a more... personal reason to speak with Darth Tacitus. Underneath her datapad, a small leather-bound journal rested on her knee.
 

Fiolette Fortan

Guest
F
"Can't say that I have," Fiolette replied honestly as their speeder brought Nelvaan's capital into view. She got a look at the leather bound journal that rested on Taeli's knee and then turned her attention to the city's view. The Rear Admiral had only met Tacitus formally not so long ago, since then she took time to research a bit more about the Ancient Eye and the events that led to this Eternal Empire resting within Confederacy space. As they approached the Citadel she took note of the designs and architecture, "mhmm a sight to behold, isn't it?" Fiolette could know they were being shown around, given time to look at the man's work his labors come to fruition. "Will have to take some time and have you regale me with the city's history at some point." Her voice held a cheeky tone to it with a twinkle in her eyes a small bit of laughter followed.

The speeder eventually came to rest and the two women were led out and Fiolette knew they would be escorted to see their host. "Remind me there are a few property locations that I wish to show you when we're done here. Real estate in the Confederacy seems to be quite the bargain." Mentioned just out of earshot of their escorts and as they made their way inside. The Galidraani felt a sense of appreciation as so very few in the galaxy loved the older styles more than they. A small courteous nod to those they passed by the redhead remained silent throughout the walk. Arches hung high over them with immense windows that seemed to take up an entire wall as they passed. They all gave way to the massive room in which the escorts gestured toward their host. "Thank you," Fiolette remarked quietly as the two women crossed the threshold.

[member="Taeli Raaf"] | [member="Darth Tacitus"]
 
qE3JYeS.gif
Attn: [member="Fiolette Raaf"] | [member="Taeli Raaf"] | [member="Alessandra Creed"]
  • Industrial District
    Arcenon, Planet of Nelvaan

What awaited the two guests on the landing pad, was an honor guard of Nelvaan's finest. Wolfguards, they were called and they had a reputation for being amongst the most zealous and fanatical troops in the galaxy, willing to throw themselves into the fire at their master's command. Their light armor was accompanied by wolfskin cloaks, the heads of which rested on top of their helmets like some sort of barbarian hoods, giving them a feral, predatory look which contrasted eerily with their complete silence.

Of course their pilot had taken the two women along the scenic route. The Reaper of Lorrd knew the value of first impressions better than many others. That was why he so carefully maintained an aura of mystery around him and one of the reasons he had gone to great lengths to conceal and suppress information about his youth. The other reasons were of a more personal nature.

Now, their escorts led them into the building along a route which showcased some of the company's operations, several construction hangars and floors of offices visible through the transparisteel walls of the turbolift, the massive tower abuzz with activity as it churned out the various parts that would be assembled into the ships slowly taking place in orbit, or in other parts of the Confederacy, where the conglomerate and its customers had such facilities.

Yet, despite the modern machinery and facilities, everything maintained the same grandiose, neoclassical style, complete with the colors and textures that this style required. One more example of the dual nature of the emerging Nelvaanian civilization, one already steeped in traditions that gave it the impression of something ancient. Arcenon was nothing like the chaotic, sterile cityscapes of worlds such as Coruscant. There was an inherent order to everything, here, something which was a part of the very bones of this nation, a page taken, perhaps, from the Sith Empire's own doctrine of the Rule of Order, only here it seemed ingrained into the very identity of the world's inhabitants.

Everyone in the building went about their business in an orderly fashion, greeting eachother with short, precise phrases and only for the purpose of exchanging information relevant to their assigned tasks. Everything and everyone seemed focused on maximizing the efficiency of their actions and limiting any unnecessary activities and interactions to a bare minimum. With such an attitude born from the highly disciplined nature of its homeworld's society, Karavin Concern seemed poised to become a major player in the galactic market.

Tacitus welcomed the two women in the conference room in a polite, formal manner reminiscent of old nobility and very much unlike the typical corporate conduct practiced amongst the galaxy. "Greetings, my ladies. Allow me to formally welcome you to the Eternal Empire," he said, gently lifting their hands to his lips as he greeted each of them, mindful of the sharp talons on the ends of his fingers, which could rend flesh and flay skin. Perhaps uncharacteristically of him, they were the only weapons in his possession, as much a part of him as his golden, cat-like eyes, besides the longsword which his attendant protocol droid carried along with his leather cape, a blade which he tended to keep with him at all times when out in public. "May I offer you some refreshments?" he asked them, having already ordered the catering staff to prepare for the arrival of the two guests.

qE3JYeS.gif
 
[member="Darth Tacitus"] [member="Fiolette Raaf"]

"Of course you want to buy more property," Taeli replied, rolling her eyes but still wearing a teasing smile. Fiolette just could not stop herself from looking for places to buy, and while Taeli appreciated her drive to want more, she also had to wonder... why? Was it just sheer boredom for her beloved? Unlike her beloved, Taeli was much more reserved when it came to purchasing land or places. Usually, if it wasn't for her company or for a new secret laboratory, she refrained and spent her wealth on other pursuits.

The escort through the citadel to their meeting place was certainly designed to, once again, show them the power and stability of this world. She could appreciate the design of the place, with its arches and sharp angles that evoked a sense of military tradition. The people they passed also spoke and acted in a similar fashion. Efficiency was the name of the game, along with showing proper respect to guests, but there was that underlying rule that duty was paramount. Fiolette must be loving it here.

Their host was waiting in the conference room, and Taeli took a moment to observe him. His greeting was polite enough, and the dark side rose off him, but she also remembered how he had interfered during the fall of Coruscant and... in her pocket, the leather journal could be felt.

The Eternal Empire though? He might want a few more worlds under his dominion before claiming that ancient title in her opinion. Still, she gave him a smile and small bow in return to his greeting.

"A pleasure to finally meet you," she said. "Just water for myself."
 

Fiolette Fortan

Guest
F
Fiolette took the teasing lightly, the two spent their money differently but were keen on putting away money for various other projects. The Galidraani was in fact, often quite bored and thus decided to work on other projects. A publishing company, a mining company, an agricultural research company and speeder company were also in the works. All of which were meant to occupy her time when she wasn't conducting various drills for the Armada. She did take in the sight and sound of their host, Fiolette noted their efficency and thought it could be better but she supposed that came with attempting to civilize a backwater planet. A strong sense of military tradition seemed to be an overstatement here. It felt forced in some regards and in others not so much.

Once they had arrived in the conference room, Fiolette gave him a polite nod. She shared her beloved's sentiment though, such as though were men of this age she thought. "The work here is simply amazing, and thank you so much for your gracious invitation." He then offered refreshments, "I'll have the same if that's quite alright." Normally she would've gone for alcohol but for the time being, soberity was a must. Fiolette could knock one back once they were in the safety of their home.

[member="Taeli Raaf"] | [member="Darth Tacitus"]
 
qE3JYeS.gif
Attn: [member="Fiolette Raaf"] | [member="Taeli Raaf"]
  • Industrial District
    Arcenon, Planet of Nelvaan

Tacitus ordered one of the attending protocol droids to bring three glasses and a pitcher of clear spring water, which was periodically imported from the mineral springs up in the mountains and stored in stasis for important guests. "I thank you for the compliments," he said to them, his tone and posture cordial. He found that he liked the two women, even Taeli, despite their two previous encounters, during which they found themselves on opposite sides.

His people had come a long way since the fall of the Dominion. From a ramshackle fleet of refugees with no place to shelter them against the cruelty of an uncaring galaxy, to this planet, who's brand new cities, factories and roads were a testament to their hardiness and their will to not only survive, but prosper, against all odds. They had paid a terrible price to achieve what they had, population cut down in half by the various wars and catastrophes they had suffered over the years.

Once, early in their history, when they still held onto notions of kindness and hope, tried a gentler hand, during the Ancient Eye's conquest of Nibelungen, a system which was, at the time, under the grip of a totalitarian Lightside cult known as the Jedi Autocracy. They spilled their blood and gave their lives to free one of that world's moons, foolishly believing that the population would welcome them with open arms, as liberators. Instead, what they received as thanks for their sacrifices, were suicide bombings and terrorist attacks. It had gone downhill from there, the small nation finding itself facing one threat or another, forcing them to resort to ever harsher measures, simply to stay alive.

At some point or another, almost every major power in the galaxy, with the exception of the Confederacy, First Order and to a lesser extent, the former Galactic Alliance, had engaged in hostilities against them and they endured because they did what was necessary to survive.

As a result, many in the galaxy considered them ruthless monsters, which was not undeserved, given the number of casualties the Eternal Empire's armies often left in their wake, racking up an impressive bodycount for a nation so small, though they had done so simply because they had no other choice. So the Sith Lord appreciated the two women's willingness to look beyond that and praise what they managed to accomplish.

"We have achieved much, here, but there is still much more to do," he said to them just as the droid arrived with their drinks. "Which brings us to the reason for my invitation." It was time to do business.

"Nelvaan's economy is amongst the fastest growing in the Confederacy and the southern systems at large. Our central position within Confederate territory allows us to not only serve as a trading hub, but also supply our products anywhere, with ease. But to continue this growth, we need investors. So I propose a deal. If you agree to expand the operations of your companies to Nelvaan by opening local offices and production facilities, I am prepared to give you a two year tax waiver."

"We already own a sizeable stake in the Confederate mining industry and our infrastructure is rapidly expanding, which means that not only will it become much easier for your companies to increase production and profits over time, but also that real estate is at an all-time low."

qE3JYeS.gif
 
[member="Darth Tacitus"] [member="Fiolette Raaf"]

Taeli accepted her water as their host began his pitch, speaking about the progress the world had seen under his control and the opportunities that could be had. It was true that in terms of positioning within the Confederacy, Nelvaan was not far off the Corellian Run and being near the capital of the galactic power, it would see a great deal of traffic to and from. Taeli, and she was sure Fiolette did as well, already had facilities on worlds within the Confederacy's sphere of influence though. Shipyards at Rishi and Iskalon, droid facilities on Hypori, cybernetic labs on Geonosis, Tatooine, and Druckenwell, plus research and development facilities to support all of those. Not to mention the Sianium facility on Melida/Daan.

And that was just what Aurora Industries had within the Confederacy's current sphere of influence.

Taeli was not adverse to expanding operations for Aurora and Spaarti Creations to Nelvaan, but the opening pitch was... somewhat lackluster to her. It certainly earned an eyebrow raise as he offered both women two-year tax waivers to set up shop on the planet and invest in its economy.

"I can't very well speak for Fiolette here, but when you get to the size our companies are, tax waivers are just... not that enamoring," she began, choosing her words carefully. It might seem surprising to some, considering some business owners did everything in their power to avoid taxes, but Taeli had never had an issue paying the taxes to the local governments where her facilities were. "If I recall correctly, Nelvaan's major export is still water yes? With Karavin Concern starting to bolster the exporting of military hardware? Perhaps you can expand on that situation a little more for me, maybe tell us about some of the products being made here?"
 

Fiolette Fortan

Guest
F
Fiolette held the glass of water in her hand and listened as Taeli spoke to Tacitus. She had heard the man's pitch and the growth of the world under his tutelage. Nelvaan seemed to have benefited greatly from his guidance but when he went on to describe the world's position within the Confederacy. Fiolette had to wonder if this was grandstanding or what showed for grandstanding, but then she supposed with being so close to the capital one could get a great deal of traffic. The Lord Admiral possessed several facilities within the Confederacy, Gall and Wrea came to mind immediately and that was Primo Victorian. It did not include the many subsidiaries thereof, or the trade stations themselves one of which hung over Druckenwell.

Her security company, which if she had, to be honest, was mostly there to hire out security guards and install home shield systems was based entirely within the Confederacy. Czerka had a facility on Tatooine as well, she shifted in her seat and focused on the conversation at hand. Fiolette was grateful for Taeli having read ahead of time which allowed her to piggyback off of that knowledge. Not that she hadn't read up on Nelvaan or Karavin, the Lord Admiral looked over at her wife a moment. Taeli informed Tacitus that tax waivers were just not that enamoring. "I'll have to agree with my wife when it comes to tax waivers and echoes her sentiment on having some manner of elaboration on the military hardware being exported?"

[member="Darth Tacitus"] | [member="Taeli Raaf"]
 
qE3JYeS.gif
Attn: [member="Fiolette Raaf"] | [member="Taeli Raaf"]
  • Industrial District
    Arcenon, Planet of Nelvaan

One of the Sith Lord's eyebrows twitched slightly. He had not expected that question, or the dismissal of the tax waivers. The information the two women possessed was outdated, however and he would use that to his advantage in the negotiation. "Actually, not since last year. Mining is now our biggest industry by a fairly wide margin, followed by the military-industrial complex. We export our minerals all over Confederate space and we also process these minerals into alloys and metals, which we use domestically, as well as selling them abroad."

"The military-industrial complex is the second largest and most high-tech sector of our economy. We design, develop and produce almost all of the Eternal Empire's military equipment, ourselves. Everything from small arms and infantry equipment, to vehicles, starfighters and a large percentage of the warships you may have seen orbiting the planet when you arrived, with the assistance of the Geonosian Corps of Engineers, who's reputation I am sure you are aware of."

"We have several other notable advantages. Our central position within Confederate space allows us to export our products throughout the entire Confederacy with ease and our proximity to the Corellian Run gives us access to the galactic market beyond. Additionally, we control the single largest naval battlegroup in the Confederacy," he said, referring to Sword Armada, which consisted of almost two hundred warships, amongst them several Battlecruisers, a Superdreadnought and dozens of Star Destroyers.

"This allows us to adequately escort convoys and patrol our system, protecting our economy against piracy, petty crime and corporate espionage. We also have a significant number of research and development facilities, though much of their work is classified, for reasons I am sure you understand."

qE3JYeS.gif
 
[member="Darth Tacitus"] [member="Fiolette Raaf"]

She kept her expression completely neutral as Tacitus explained that her information was out of date, and what the true picture on Nelvaan was. She had to wonder how the natives felt about their way of life being upheaved. It was a good pitch to show how strong this Eternal Empire was and how quickly it was trying to grow here on Nelvaan though. Their flight in and escort to the meeting had been enough to set that tone, but his explanation only served to further highlight it. Although, perhaps in his enthusiasm for his accomplishments, he had revealed some interesting tidbits of information.

She would keep her thoughts to herself, logging away certain things the Emperor might find... interesting.

"Ah, I thank you for the correction in my information," she replied, giving him a small smile. "Perhaps there is some room for investment here. What are some of the more prominent products that you produce, however? Besides minerals, I'm sure there a few pieces of tech or ships you are particularly proud of?"
 

Fiolette Fortan

Guest
F
Fiolette sat quietly and merely gave an inclination of her head she would follow her wife's lead. The Admiral had heard plenty of business pitches in her time and almost preferred the quickfire method of an expo to the dronings of private meetings. Darth Tacitus had gone on about minerals and about Nelvaan's position in the Confederacy all of which she was sure he was proud of. All of which she was sure that she just did not care for having a diversified portfolio herself she had little time to entertain someone's boasting. Still, she would indulge the man if only because she was his guest and that was exactly what she was here to do. Taeli, on the other hand, had her own agenda and that was the other reason for Fiolette minding herself. "I shall follow my beloved's lead on the matter," Fiolette confirmed while adjusting her tunic smoothing out any wrinkle that dared to appear.

[member="Taeli Raaf"] | [member="Darth Tacitus"]
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Top Bottom