Private Directors' Summit: All hail progress

[Tertius C. Nargath]

Location: New Cov - LiiTius Domed Facility
TAG: Liin "Tera" Terallo | Karl Von Strauss

The N&Z Umbrella Corporation had had a whole lot of successes in the past few months, but things seemed to slowly be turning. The almost inevitable war looming on the horizon between the Diarchy and the Empire of the Lost would have some significant ramifications. While in truth, it would enrich the company much more than peacetime had ever done, it would strain internal relations and it could tarnish the company's still resurging and reestablishing image. Still, business was good, if not squarely better than ever, while dominance within the Empire of the Lost had not yet been achieved and progress within the N&Z laboratories was still slow and steady, which given the average time to grow the flagship biomolecules was to be expected, the company had managed to become the true dominant power in terms of financials, materials and production within the Diarchy, allowing for a vast increase in the company's wellfare and overal financial health.

However, with the company headquarters on Eriadu now within Sith Order territory, and Liin "Tera" Terallo 's location still conveniently in neutral space, Tertius had decided to have the meeting occur in the Liitius Domed Facility on New Cov, having already sent a missive to both Lady Terallo and Karl Von Strauss to either be present at the facility in Liin's case or as a holographic projection. This would be their first true assembly since each of them had been brought into the fold. Yet, with the changing directions and fortunes of the company, Tertius' constant desire to improve and expand, and the failure to bring in both UTA and Ando's mining collective, the chairman discovered that perhaps greater freedom was a necessity for the Directors to truly thrive.

So, at the agreed upon time, Lady Terallo would be reminded by her own staff, that Tertius' assistant Amalia had arrived at the facility and was waiting in the main conference room of the facility's central office buildings. Within the Conference room, Amalia could be seen standing behind a chair which held a light refractor within its seat, a basic instrument to form a solid state hologram. On the large, rounded table, there were various beverages, ranging from purified water to coffee, a selection of teas and even liquors and wines. Amalia would only nod to those who'd enter the conference room or who'd appear as a hologram should they choose to do so.

"If we are all present, the Chairman wishes to open up this meeting with a few words..."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I am very pleased to learn that a special meeting was to be held here. Indeed it is the first one that I have hosted at this new facility. I had thought of hosting a gala event forthe new facility's opening, buthad since changed my mind. Perhaps it is best to not paint a target onto it as had been done to the facility in Illic City in the past. These days I think that I would rather be a little antisocial.

I arrive in the Cpnference room, not wanting to keep anyone waiting for me for long. And I pour myself a much needed glass of wine before I take my seat. There was no point in waiting for the others to select a beverage first if they were to appear via holo.

After bowing my head to Amalia, I take a small sip of my wine. Now they only needed to await Director Von Strauss.

Tags: Tertius C. Nargath Karl Von Strauss

 

[Karl Von Strauss]

With tensions rising in the Tingel Arm as a result of the conference with the Empire and the Diarchy, Karl had little choice but to join this meeting as a holo. He despised attending meetings like this, as he always believed that face-to-face was better, but within the refuge of his ship, Celestia, he could attend this meeting with no interruptions. Circe was watching the ramp like a hawk, not allowing anyone aboard.

As his hologram formed in the room, he saw Liin drinking from her wine glass. "It's already one of those days isn't it?" he said holding up his own glass of Liannan brandy, a far cry from the tea he had enjoyed when meeting her for the first time. "Also, I apologize for not being in person, but other incidents have kept me in my sector."

​

Liin "Tera" Terallo | Tertius C. Nargath

 

[Tertius C. Nargath]

Location: New Cov - LiiTius Domed Facility
TAG: Liin "Tera" Terallo | Karl Von Strauss

As soon as Liin "Tera" Terallo appeared within the conference room and had taken her seat, the personal assistant to the Chairman of the N&Z Umbrella Corporation: Amalia, gave her a polite nod, reapeating this process when Director Karl Von Strauss also made his appearance in the form of a holographic image within the room.

"Director Von Strauss, I do hope that this brewing conflict does not impede you or your loved ones in any way," Amalia calmly noted, taking a step back from the chair in which not a moment later, the image of the Marquis of Valkan appeared. Given the high resolution of the solid state holowall projections, it was rather clear that Tertius did not look as sharp and meticulously groomed as normal, with clear dark circles under his eyes and a somewhat gaunt look.

"Lady Terallo, Grand Moff Von Strauss," Tertius raised what looked like a small metal cup in the air to greet those present. "You might be wondering why you two are the only ones present and not the other division chiefs. That, I will explain as we get on with this meeting...Amalia, if you would be so kind."

"Yes, Lord Nargath," The woman reached for her dataslab, tapping the screen a few times as a large, three-dimensional schematic depicting the N&Z organizational chart appeared at the center of the table.

"As you can see, currently you two are the only members of the board that hold the rank of Director, this ofcourse as part of our individual agreements," The Eriaduan noble took a sip from the projected cup and seemed to light up a bit after doing so. "However, you have both been approached because your talents and your positional advantages are numerous. Director Von Strauss, as a high ranking member of the Empire of the Lost, you are a valuable gateway to the market of the empire, someone who is most aware of what that particular market needs and what may help us expand our influence. You also possess a keen insight on engineering and shipbuilding, which makes you a valuable asset to the N&Z.

Taking a moment to once more take a sip from his cup, the Chairman turned his attention to Lady Terallo. "Director Terallo, you are probably the most socially adept of us all, an approachable person for others and someone who has been at the forefront of the N&Z's desire to expand and grow. Your knowledge on biomolecules and your neutral disposition also make you into one of the N&Z's most valuable assets. It is because of these traits, that the both of you stand beyond the reach of other boardmembers and division chiefs."

"However..." Tilting his head a bit, the chairman smiled and waved his hand, to which Amalia tapped on the dataslab again and allowed the image of the organizational chart to focus solely on the position of the directors within it. Where at first they stood on the same level as the boardmembers, with the main difference being they also acted as division chiefs, in the new chart, they seemed to be disconnected from both. "What this shows, is that from now on, you will act more as a CEO and a COO at once. Rather than being stuck as drummed up division chiefs, you are granted the freedom to utilize all assets of the company, to expand it on your own terms as well as to lay foundations for new contracts, facilities and so-forth. While this would mean that you are no longer required to be division chiefs, with the power you are granted, you would stand beyond the division chiefs and would effectively act as the in between, between myself and the division chiefs."

Clapping his hands, the Marquis leaned back a bit and smiled. "Would there be any questions in regards to this proposed change of your positions?"

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I give Director Von Strauss a polite smile after he catches me already partaking in my drink as his hologram flickered into life. I give him a bow of my head as he indicates a hint as to his circumstances. "It is good to see you at any rate. I hope that you are faring well."

My attention then turns to Amelia and the hologram of the Marquis. My eyebrows furrow with concern at his appearance. It seems to me as though something is quite wrong with his health. But now is not the time nor place to ask about it.

Instead I give him the time that he needs to explain the reason behind this meeting. And what he tells us catches me off guard. I give a polite smile as he praises each of our select skills and traits. I know very well that I could use that kind of a boost. I take another sip of my wine, taking note that whatever drink the Marquis was having seemed to help him too. But where mine was just alcohol; his could be some kind of an elixir of sorts.

Still, the promotion given has me rather curious. "Thank you for the trust in us. But might I ask what brought about this change?" I had been approached by Gideon Bast to have a facility built on Kijimi, but other than the proposal of it, no other steps have yet been taken.

Tags: Tertius C. Nargath Karl Von Strauss

 

[Karl Von Strauss]

"Director Von Strauss, I do hope that this brewing conflict does not impede you or your loved ones in any way," Amalia calmly noted

"Thank you very much Amalia. I have taken steps to further defend my boy, but as a naval captain, I can't stand too much in the way of navy command or in the way of his own destiny. But, anyways thank you." Karl said, trying not to take away from the sentiment of the comment.

Then the Marquis materialized, appearing unlike his usual self. What happened or is happening to you, my friend, he thought, maybe I'll send him some medicinal tea. He starts by complimenting them both, mentioning what makes them special among other board members. Finishing off with,

"...you will act more as a CEO and a COO at once. Rather than being stuck as drummed up division chiefs, you are granted the freedom to utilize all assets of the company, to expand it on your own terms as well as to lay foundations for new contracts, facilities and so-forth. While this would mean that you are no longer required to be division chiefs, with the power you are granted, you would stand beyond the division chiefs and would effectively act as the in between, between myself and the division chiefs."

Karl lifted his glass and took a sip of his brandy. The fruitful and spiced complexities tasted good, others would notice it took him a couple of seconds before he swallowed. "I too appreciate and thank you for the trust. I am also interested in what brought on this change. And the complexities of being both the CEO and COO of the division. Would that essentially," he chuckles to himself, "make us mini yous? In the day-to-day operations, of course."

Liin "Tera" Terallo | Tertius C. Nargath​

 

[Tertius C. Nargath]

Waving with his hand for a moment after he had given the two Directors present some time to mull over the proposal, it was a clear motion to signal that it was yet again Amalia's turn to play her part as his assistant in this meeting, which she did with great aplomb.

"Wait a moment," The woman huffed, as she tried to tap a few times on her datapad, flicking through several large files that she kept stored within, before finally reaching a graphic which showed not only the recent expansion of the company, but also the future projects and overall marketshare spread over the course of the last decade. "As you both can see, the most recent expansion came with the N&Z's backing of the Diarchy located in and around the Braxant Run, with the capital situated on Bastion. While this eventually did bring some issues in regards to the most recent political developments, the Diarchy currently is more or less wholly dependant on N&Z supplies and material, having incurred quite a heavy debt which allows for the N&Z's near impunitive stance within their teritory. "

Taking a sip from his cup again, the image of the marquis flickered a bit due to the connection's interference, before he suddenly cleared his throat with a cough. "Quite frankly, I have had the position of CEO and Chairman in combination for quite some time now, which has given me both the authority to reorganize the company in response to its ailing fortunes. By utilizing my own House's wealth as leverage for these reorganizations, ofcourse I could not leave these double positions until the company's solvency would become stable and its seperated operational capital would be sufficient for it to run without my family's wealth being used to constantly inject new liquidity."

With a sly and savvy looking smile, the Marquis took a moment for himself, looking at both the image of Karl Von Strauss and Liin "Tera" Terallo . "You both have proven to have the traits necessary to run the company with a higher degree of responsibility and have shown that without direct interjection from myself you are more than capable of acting as proper representatives of the N&Z. It is with this, that I relinquish my duties and position as CEO. However, rather than having just one of you run the company as CEO, I have decided to reorganize the position of Director, allowing it to be a small group of individuals who could together carry the duties of running the company and see to the future of it. I on the other hand, will retain my position of chairman of the board, which as such will be a seperated organ within the company, consisting solely out of the stakeholders and the individual division chiefs with as main functions to be those of oversight and support to the Directors."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

Director Von Strauss seems to share in my concern for the Marquis, for I can see it written on his face. Yet he too refrained from speaking on it, perhaps following my lead in that regard.

I have another sip of my wine as Amelia brings up some files on N&Z and it's expansion. In a way he was playing it smart, given how he had positioned the Diarchy to be beholden to N&Z. Yet it also could paint a target on the company amongst the Diarchy's enemies.

Still, I listen closely to what was being said in regards to this change within the company. A part of me wonders if it is due to the Marquis' health. Or if it was all just a natural course for the company to take. Either way, I may bring it up with Director Von Strauss at some point in the near future.

I set my glass down and fold my hands delicately upon the table. "Thank you for the promotion. I will do what I can to see to it's success in a continued expansion." I have no ties to any of the super powers of the Galaxy, nor do I really want to. Any expansion would be safer in neutral markets like my own.

Tags: Tertius C. Nargath Karl Von Strauss

 

[Karl Von Strauss]

Karl listened as the Marquis spoke. He was completely unaware that the Marquis had dipped into his own pocket to help the company. A noble undertaking in this instance, in another, it could've been seen as a sign the company was failing. It didn't matter much now, as the company was doing quite well.

"It is with this, that I relinquish my duties and position as CEO. However, rather than having just one of you run the company as CEO, I have decided to reorganize the position of Director, allowing it to be a small group of individuals who could together carry the duties of running the company and see to the future of it. I on the other hand, will retain my position of chairman of the board, which as such will be a seperated organ within the company, consisting solely out of the stakeholders and the individual division chiefs with as main functions to be those of oversight and support to the Directors."

Karl sipped his brandy before setting it down on his desk. He laid his arms horizontally in front of him before speaking. "Thank you for this supreme opportunity. And having the trust in us to run what is essentially your child, Marquis. I will do my best to continue its success well into the future."

He drew in a long breath, "But also. Not to be blunt, but the father in me makes me ask. How are you? You look a bit disheveled my friend? Are you getting enough sleep?" He originally did not want to bring up the topic, until he noticed that Liin had a similar concern on her face.

Liin "Tera" Terallo | Tertius C. Nargath​

 

[Tertius C. Nargath]

TAG: Liin "Tera" Terallo | Karl Von Strauss

"Very well, Lady Terallo" Nodding calmly, the Marquis responded to the woman's vow to see to the success of the company. "It would be a pity if your efforts did not yield any results, luckily it seems you have given quite some inspiration to your subordinates. I believe your continued efforts will not fail to produce results and succes."

Turning his attention towards Director Von Strauss, the Chairman of the N&Z smiled gently, though in the end the smile seemed to look more like a grimace. "Let's just say that the efforts to avoid any repercussions to the N&Z from this unfortunate war and the fact that an internal audit proved that we are having some... rats..."

When hearing the latter, Amalia's eyes widened as she turned towards the hologram of the Chairman, tilting her head a bit as she somewhat nervously smiled. "Milord, why wasn't I told about any possible investigation?"

"It is for the sake of security, Amalia..." Tilting his own head a bit as he took a sip from the drink, Tertius let out a cough as he set the drink down. "There have been some oddities in the company's operations and for some reason none of those operations have been signed off by myself. Director Strauss, Director Terallo... have any of you written off a production order coming from the Sith Order for half a million droids?"

Letting out a sigh, the Marquis cleared his throat and turned to Karl Von Strauss and smiled sourly. "A continuous headache, lack of sleep and overall fatigue do turn people in practically zombies, Director Von Strauss. It isn't helped by these rather bitter and just plain disgusting teas I am ordered to drink by my personal physician..."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I give a faint dip of my head to Karl as he gives voice to our shared concerns. His strength of character is something to admire. I have got to get him to cross paths with my Father some day in the future. The two would get along very well.

My attention then returns to the Marquis as he addresses me. And for a small moment I am taken aback as he appears to hint at the possibility of failure on my part. It is unfortunate that already in such a short time; the Marquis has lost faith in me. Perhaps I am not working enough hours. And just when I have been told that I work too much; it appears that that is not the case at all. I will have to change that.

I bring up my wine for a sip, but then pause at the mention of an audit and a rat within the company. There are very few people that I trust and I am almost certain that my department is clear. Such a remark was followed by a question upon which the subject is entirely unknown by me. So I set my glass down and look squarely at the holo image of the Marquis. "I have not been involved in any contracts or operations consisting of droids. And certainly not with the Sith Empire, I can assure you." The last thing that I need is to be accused of taking part in some scandal when I had been doing everything to avoid them, including keeping any social interaction to a bare minimum.

And in order to refrain from brooding on such a thought, I pick up on the change of topic and respond accordingly. "Perhaps a bit more water is needed for you, rather than tea. Your headaches could be caused by dehydration as well as the stress. Try to stay in a more humid environment, like what we have here on New Cov. That will help to alleviate your cough on top of everything else."

Tag: Tertius C. Nargath Karl Von Strauss

 

[Karl Von Strauss]

Karl watched as Amalia's nervous smile and question were immediately, but delicately quashed by the Marquis. "It seems we have no shortage of rats these days, unfortunate but not unexpected." He said alluding to his troubles with the "Fifth Wing" in the Empire. Rats everywhere and possibly everyone.

He listened as the Marquis continued, mentioning a production order for half a million droids. Karl's eye noticeably twitched, his kind and elderly demeanor switching to a calculating rage. Five hundred thousand droids?! Why was I not aware of such a large purchase order? He thought. Taking a long and uneasy breath before pressing a button on his forearm-mounted datapad, "Circe, please retrieve Mr. Flight from whatever he is doing and bring him to the Celestia. Immediately."

He looked up toward the materialized holograms of the Marquis and Liin, "I apologize that an order of that magnitude did not cross my desk," he said emphasizing the not, his tone growing colder, "If it is not too late, then I suggest we send whatever credits they paid back and recoup our droids. If I did not sign the order, it should be considered null and void. Especially that amount. I also just called my assistant here so he might, hopefully, be able to shed some light on the subject."

This was completely embarrassing on Karl's part, his division would be the one to produce those droids. If he didn't know about the order, then either Karl's memory is failing, which it shouldn't be, or someone is purposefully trying to circumvent his authority. He was tense, mad, and slightly fearful. If someone had the gall to go around him and keep it from the company until an internal audit, then they were smart. People intelligent enough to pull off that level of deception are rare and dangerous.

Liin "Tera" Terallo | Tertius C. Nargath​