Private Entanglements

[Taeli Raaf]

Coruscant
Two weeks after the Invasions of Korriban and Dantooine

The events on Korriban and Dantooine had been a severe wakeup call for her, not the least of which was the letter she received soon after. That would be dealt with in time, a loose end to tie up, but now it was time to position herself better. One meeting was out of the way while she was here in the center of the galaxy, but another might be all the more important for many reasons. The IGBC, the latest iteration of it anyway, was headquartered on Coruscant and she had requested a meeting with its Director, Dorian Harper, to discuss a mutually beneficial arrangement. The request had been sent under an alias, Raefi Laat, but one that she was sure that Dorian would recognize and know who really was reaching out.

Hair dyed auburn, eyes tinted green, she even carried herself differently than normal as she walked past two members of GA security. It had been so long since she had been on Coruscant, too long she felt, but she had a certain... reputation from the last time she was here. It had been her masterstroke, but she was Sith... inevitably they always wanted more. Dark Councilor she may be, but it was time to assure her own interests and gain some hidden allies.

Darth Empyrean would hopefully be one such ally. Arriving at the headquarters, appearing to the receptionist as a mere representative for Aurora Industries and Spaarti Creations, she would patiently wait for the man and hope her private intelligence apparatus had been right. It would prove to be an interesting meeting regardless, she was quite certain.

 

[Veles Oshu]

IGBC Headquarters, Coruscant...​

864ABY​

​

"Raefi Laat has arrived, Dorian.", Cybele offered him.​

​

Signing his name on the final holo document, he released a sigh of relief. The paperwork Caulder Dune had sent his way for approval was finally settled, and while he could have just had the X-02 forge his signature, Dune had been adimant that he wanted Dorian to sign them himself. If he had wanted to work with an AI, he would have made one himself or something along those lines. Harper, despite his protests, acquiesed and did what was needed of him.​

​

"Send her up, please.", Dorian offered the AI.​

​

And so she would. Raefi would be guided through the building by a protocol droid escort before finally ending at Dorian's office. Wide double doors opened with a motorized hiss, presenting her with a view of a crimson and golden office not disimilar from the once Galactic Emperor Palpatines. Dorian stood and motioned her to find a seat;​

​

"Welcome, Mrs. Laat. Please, make yourself comfortable.", he mused as he returned to his own seat.​

​

"It's a pleasure to have a representative of Aurora Industries here. I apologize, your email was rather vague on what you came to speak about, how can I help you today?"​

​

Taeli Raaf​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

IGBC Headquarters, Coruscant
864 ABY

Veles Oshu

Following the protocol droid through the headquarters, she could see for herself that this IGBC was going to be one that lasted, unlike previous attempts. They bankrolled and backed the credit in both the CIS and the GA, and owned several companies or parts of others. The ones behind this iteration knew the economics, knew the power and influence one could wield by the stroke of a pen... it was a reassuring sight to see to be honest.

The first glimpse of the office reassured her other reasonings for coming here. Deep crimsons and golds, the style of the office itself was reminiscent of the centuries gone Empire.

"Thank you, the flight from Fondor took longer than expected," she remarked, taking the offered seat. Ever since the Centrality had fallen to the Bryn'adul, and Erilnar evacuated, most of the Aurora operations had moved to their regional offices on Fondor while it was determined where to establish a new headquarters. One economic reason to discuss.

"Vagueness is sometimes required, but you understand I'm sure," she continued. She wouldn't drop the act just yet though, just two business beings talking. "Aurora and Spaarti are looking to majorly expand operations and would like to partner with the IGBC for the project."

 

[Veles Oshu]

IGBC Headquarters, Coruscant...​

864ABY​

Dorian narrowed his eyes as a finger tapped idly on his chin. Short, sweet, and too the point - something he had rarely come across from Coruscanti nobility. Planetary governors and corporations alike asking for funds, investments, or utilizing IGBC assets for their own endeavors in as many words as the last 'State of the Republic' address before its loss to the One Sith. Annoying, to be sure, but at least it gave Dorian time to drink.​

​

"Cybele, could you grab me a glass and decanter of - oh, Let's say, a nice Naboo vintage.", Dorian said with a quick motion to a corner of his desk.​

​

A hologram of a young woman's face appeared, a gentle waif like smile and a nod confirming the order. In short order, a robot would emerge from a nearby wall - placing two on the desk and pouring the bottle with label out, a small touch for opulent expression. Dorian smiled as he sipped his own glass and set it down.​

​

"I can appreciate getting straight to business, Mrs. Laat. Since Aurora is one of the largest ship manufacturers in the Galaxy, forging a bond between our two companies has been a long time coming. What did you have in mind?"​

​

Taeli Raaf​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

IGBC Headquarters, Coruscant
864 ABY

Veles Oshu

She politely waited for the drink order to arrive before she would continue her pitch to Director Harper, and it was an impressive vintage for sure from Naboo. However, she would politely decline in partaking herself. Ever since she had joined the Sith, and even before, she had never drank alcohol. She never liked to have her senses dulled, even a little bit. It could be a death sentence in the highly competitive world of the dark side.

"We've certainly done well for ourselves in terms of growth, and we are currently in the middle of designing our next wave of designs for the market. But we can discuss that after I show you the plans for expansion. If I may," she asked, gesturing with a datapad to his office's holographic display. Once permission was granted, she would call up a map of the galaxy. Red and blue images would be gently pulsing on a variety of worlds, mostly in Confederacy space.

"Forgive me if this gets a little long winded," she continued. "Red dots are for areas we would like to expand our Aurora operation, blue are for Spaarti. Aurora is looking to establish new shipyards in the Yag'Dhul, Loronar, Bassadro, and Belgaroth systems, new droid facilities on Rugosa and Beltrix III, new weapon design and production factories on Ghorman, Aridus, Maramere, and Indoumodo. For the Spaarti expansion, we are looking to establish facilities on Vendaxa, Iskalon, Indoumodo, and Rodia for our cloning and bio-engineering and enhancement divisions. The pharmaceuticals division will be looking to work on Thyferra and Iskalon as well."

She would leave the image on the display for now for him to peruse at his leisure. If Dorian wanted, he could zoom in on any specific world and see the layout and scope of what each facility would be.

"Ideally, we would like to expand into Alliance and Concord space as well, but given the... disagreements those governments might have with our CEO, we have refrained from including those regions in the plans. And as you can see, the plans are ambitious."

 

[Veles Oshu]

IGBC Headquarters, Coruscant...​

864ABY​

​

As she explained the plan, expansion into various planets, and even the expansion of operations - Dorian was zooming into various planets that peaked his interest. Belgaroth, Thyferra, Maramere first, then a few of the others - eventually retracting it back to the full view of the galactic map. He did the math in his head, and concluded out loud the ball park estimate;​

​

"Easily a few hundred billion credits.", he exclaimed with a low whistle.​

​

"Quite the expansion indeed, and ambitious as they come - but the IGBC can accommodate. Despite the rough galactic markets, we've turned quite the profit in the past few years. So tell me, what are you hoping to accomplish with all this? The reason for the sudden expansion, that is.", Dorian said as he brought the glass back to his lips - though he never took his attention off her.​

​

Taeli Raaf​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

IGBC Headquarters, Coruscant
864 ABY

Veles Oshu

"Quite easily within your estimate, yes," she replied, leaning back in her seat. "Nor would I expect the IGBC to shoulder all the costs. Aurora Industries has been very profitable in the last few years and we've had some very generous long-term customers."

One of those being the Sith Empire, but Dorian would know that.

"We feel... rather bullish at the moment, especially given the current state in the galaxy. We are hoping, a calculated hope of course, to diversify into other markets than just those we are in. As you pointed out a few moments ago, we are still one of the largest starship producers and, this may be impolitely competitive of us, we want to ensure an increased market dominance."

She tapped her fingers on the armrest of her chair in thought, her gaze meeting his.

"And of course, an increased market share means greater power and influence, outside of our... current positions. It wouldn't do to place all our assets into one basket in case that basket falls apart."

The subtext would be clear.

"In exchange for assisting with this expansion, what can Aurora and Spaarti provide for the IGBC? What would you like to see on your side of the deal, as it were?"

 

[Veles Oshu]

IGBC Headquarters, Coruscant...​

864ABY​

​

Dorian's brow perked at her mention of current positions, causing the corner of his lip twist ever so slightly. Subtle, but carrying and acknowledgement between business folk. He cleared his throat as he leaned back in his chair;​

​

"Yes, well we all find ourselves in tenuous positions at times.", he offered back.​

​

"But worry not, I hold no qualms against greater market shares."​

​

He offered a short and low laugh as he picked up his glance once more -​

​

"Were it up to me, I'd do away with the Trade Federation, Sith Imperial Bank, and more in one fell swoop - but alas, that is not something one simply does."​

​

Finishing his vintage, he set the glass back down and turned to the holographic projector.​

​

"I believe the IGBC can help with your endeavor. As for a price, we tend to buy shares of businesses to ensure our success is codependent instead of parasitic; but I have other options available if you wish. Asking my business partner on holo call may be the best option, if you prefer.", he said, bringing up the contact card and bust of Caulder Dune - the aged alter ego of Caulder Dune .​

​

Taeli Raaf​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

IGBC Headquarters, Coruscant
864 ABY

Veles Oshu

"I can understand that desire," she replied, a small smirk trying to tug at the corners of her mouth. The IGBC would love nothing more than to assume a monopoly on credit and fiscal systems of each major nation in the galaxy, but they were unable to do so yet. Only two had allowed them in, but perhaps that was something where she could start using her influence. Possibly.

"The benefit of Aurora being privately held, even as large as we are, is... our CEO gets to determine who has shares in the company," she continued, almost slipping out of character for a moment. "I'm sure a mutually beneficial arrangement could be determined, but by all means, contact your business partner to join in the discussion or help us determine a proper deal."

It had been a long time since she had dealt with the man herself, back when Aurora had been establishing droid foundries on Hypori and a certain individual had been in control of the system. He had always been shrewd, and she had always had respect for him when it came to his business acumen. Him and a few others.

 

[Veles Oshu]

IGBC Headquarters, Coruscant...​

864ABY​

"Of course.", Dorian mused as he nodded to Cybele.​

​

The AI blurred for a moment as she looked away, only to turn back with a smile. Distantly, a ringing on Dune's holocomm would interrupt his signing of documents, with the contact card of Dorian Harper. When he would answer, Dorian offered a wide smile -​

​

"Mr. Dune. You're on holocomm with Raefi Laat. She's hoping for financial assistance with expansion efforts - I've so far offered shares for shares. Do you think this is fair, and if so - do you have an initial offer for Aurora Industries and Spaarti Creations?"​

​

Taeli Raaf │ Caulder Dune​

 

[Caulder Dune]

Veles Oshu | Taeli Raaf

​

The shuddering hologram of Caulder Dune would appear. Judging from the angle he did appear to, in fact, be seated at his desk and going over some documents. He squinted in the direction of the recording device, and removed his reading glasses.​

​

"Raefi Laat," He droned. Really? Didn't need glasses to see what'd been done there. "A pleasure to hear from you."​

​

But money was money, shares were shares, and good investments were good investments.​

​

"This sounds amenable to me. The Banking Clan will, of course, be happy to offer loans with favorable interest rates to one of our partners."​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

IGBC Headquarters, Coruscant
864 ABY

Veles Oshu Caulder Dune

She suppressed the wry expression that wanted to appear as Caulder repeated her given name with, she had to guess it was barely disguised incredulity. It was a simple thing, but it had passed her right through GA customs along with the bogus ID claiming her world of origin as Ralltiir. Sometimes it just paid to be a little on the obvious side to see what would happen.

"A pleasure as well, Mr. Dune. I suppose I should make an initial shares offer then, fifteen percent for the IGBC perhaps?" she asked.

It wasn't too much that it would risk her position, nor was it too small that it could be dismissed without some thought into the fairness. It was more than Solan had, not that he and his estate ever did anything with it once Kesh fell to the Bryn'adul. She didn't even know if he was still alive, but the lawyers said wait a little longer before oh so reluctantly putting their claim in.

 

[Veles Oshu]

IGBC Headquarters, Coruscant...​

864ABY​

​

"Fifteen percent.", Dorian repeated in thought - though it was more an attempt at thought than an actual one.​

​

He already knew what he intended to offer back, and so quietly bided his time. A moment of silence for all to consider, and then he would speak again;​

​

"Fifteen percent seems reasonable. I believe 1% of the IGBC would be an excellent starting position - and open you up to the various channels and business partners in question. Should you provide additional service to the IGBC, such as endearing our services to the various governments of the Galaxy - I believe a bonus would be in order; leave alone the large dividend payments you'll receive monthly in whichever company you wish to hold it in, if not yourself."​

​

"Does this seem reasonable, Miss Laat?", he said with a cock of his brow.​

​

Caulder Dune │ Taeli Raaf​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

IGBC Headquarters, Coruscant
864 ABY

Veles Oshu Caulder Dune

She leaned back in her seat for a moment as she processed Dorian's offer, fingers drumming a rhythm on the armrest as she mulled it over. 1% in the IGBC may not sound like much, but it could provide substantial dividends in the long term. It would provide access to more credit streams and other services, and of course there was the other part of it.

When the Sith Empire formed, they had created their own banking system, creating a isolated system based on a Sith-Imperial credit. The Sith-Imperial Banking Clan was extremely protectionist, and she knew that any attempts by the IGBC to break into the empire had been soundly rejected. However, the seat on the Eighth Circle, Dark Council, what have you, for the Pyramid of Commerce had yet to be filled. It was ripe to be influenced, and if she was honest with herself, the SIBC had not functioned as it should for some time. Grand Moff Kishar was in the pocket of Kaine and Braxus, and while she was their ally...

Sometimes one had to undercut said allies. They had created a PR nightmare for her by bringing back Vulcanus and accelerating the Graug regrowth, and so she had to respond in an equally roundabout way.

"Two percent," she responded, "and I'll add an assurance that a certain faction's protectionist position softens, along with some key information to accelerate that change."

 

[Caulder Dune]

Veles Oshu | Taeli Raaf

The hologram of Caulder raised an incredulous eyebrow. "There are several protectionist factions these days. You may need to specify. If you are referring to the one currently engaged in a protracted war with the New Imperials, then I am afraid you're out of luck. The Banking Clan has no interest in conducting business with governments controlled by psychotic theocrats."​

​

There was a whole galaxy of wealth out there. The Sith Empire comprised a smaller percentage of it each passing day.​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

IGBC Headquarters, Coruscant
864 ABY

Veles Oshu Caulder Dune

No love lost between Adekos and the Zambranos then, she thought. Outwardly, she allowed the suitable display of surprise at his declaration by slowly blinking for a moment. He would rather the entire Sith Empire collapse than work out anything with them, which suggested a few things to her. She would keep those thoughts to herself though. She glanced over at Dorian before responding.

"My apologies, Deputy Director Dune. I had assumed there was a desire to do so given what Director Harper suggested a few moments ago about endearing the services of the IGBC to the governments of the galaxy," she replied, taking care to use their titles. "We were merely offering a way to give the IGBC some influence in a region of space including the Tion Cluster and Corporate Sector that, as of currently, they have none in."

How to play this correctly, she wondered. Dorian clearly wanted it, or he wouldn't have suggested it in the first place. Caulder wanted nothing to do with Kaine or anything he had built, even if it meant he could be in a position to undermine Kaine and Braxus. The hate was just that strong. Playing them off against each other wouldn't work either. There had to be a reason Dorian was working with Caulder, and she had to guess it was strongly due to the latter's business acumen, but perhaps not completely. The Sith side of the partnership was still an unknown.

 

[Caulder Dune]

Veles Oshu | Taeli Raaf

​

"The Tion Cluster is now partially occupied by both the Silver Concord and the Bryn'adul," Caulder droned, scoffing lightly. "I do not believe I need to remind you how this came to be. I have every reason to suspect the Corporate Sector will find a similar fate."​

​

That was, if it did not find itself completely independent following a projected collapse. Caulder turned his head slightly, scratching behind his ear with an index finger.​

​

"Mr. Harper often speaks before he thinks. The Banking Clan is interested in providing its services to lawful and legitimate governments. The institution we presently discuss cannot pretend to either description. I have little desire to quibble over this, however. You are a wise and prudent woman, Ms. Laat, and I welcome the opportunity to work with you."​

​

"If you believe you deserve a two percent share of the Banking Clan, then I am inclined to give you just that - for twenty-five percent of Aurora Industries."​

​

The Deputy Director smiled grimly, in a manner that somehow implied this was his final offer.​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

IGBC Headquarters, Coruscant
864 ABY

Veles Oshu Caulder Dune

She was silent for a long moment after Caulder's statements, appraising them, mulling over a response. Fingers drummed on her armrest as she considered her options. She could accept, of course, but that would smack of weakness on her part, perhaps an overreach that could prove costly later on. Twenty-five percent was a much riskier number than fifteen. On the other hand, she could outright refuse, counteroffer, and risk offending by being too aggressive or intractable. Dorian was letting Caulder lead on this, which could be by design, or it could be deference of an apprentice to a Master, either in the Force or just in straight business. In the end... she sighed and then offered a small smile.

"One for fifteen is acceptable," she said. "And well-played, Mr. Dune."

He had had all the cards, and he had known that, and... she was not going to sacrifice the progression of her own power base for the sake of defending the Sith Empire to these two men vehemently. She was loyal, but about as loyal as any ambitious Sith could be to something not of their own blood. She decided to drop the charade.

"Always a pleasure to deal with your refreshing directness, Adekos," she continued, running her fingers through her auburn hair. As she did, the color darkened to her normal brunette. Eyes changed from green to their natural purple. "And you've certainly matured, Maliphant."

 

[Veles Oshu]

At the mention of Adekos real name, Dorian frowned as he raised a finger - direct, his words came without question;​

​

"Not here, not now.", he said with a mixture of scorn and dismissal.​

​

"Thank you, Mr. Dune.", Dorian said with a smile - quietly reaching over to press the disconnect button before he would get a mouthful from him - likely blaming him for the would be security breach.​

​

Instead, he glanced to Cybele who quickly nodded and faded from existence as well - quickly, she would begin scrubbing records found across the galaxy, checking discrepancies, finding whatever hole had been created. There would be absolutely no one who would survive to tell this tail, and the AI knew what would be done - a series of assassinations, kidnappings, brainwashing, new plausible deniability created.​

​

Luckily, it wasn't the first time someone tried to claim they were Sith - as a Jedi Master had found only a few years prior when the Senator Adhira had managed to discredit him on their behalf.​

​

He cleared his throat as he stood, not bothering asking the most obvious question - they would no doubt have their answer soon enough, instead finding himself another drink.​

​

"Matured, yes.", he said with an idle fancy as he poured the drink himself in a kyberr shard glass.​

​

"Know that I do not play the game of blackmail. Wherever you've chosen to hear this, abandon it. Forget it. You were not the first to come to the conclusion, and you won't be the last - yet everyone but you now lies dead and forgotten. Remember that.", Dorian said as he own eyes flashed their traditional golden.​

​

Slowly, his features fell back into Maliphants - hair lengthening, face changing, voice falling back to its deep natural tones.​

​

"Now why do you come? Just for money?"​

​

Taeli Raaf │ Caulder Dune​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

IGBC Headquarters, Coruscant
864 ABY

Veles Oshu

Her amusement spiked at his reaction, his sudden snappish as she so casually threw out their names. She could understand that all too well, having been so careful to maintain her Jedi facade for so long among the Republic and the first Alliance. It had been a different form of hiding, the pretense of redemption and trying to atone for her history, as compared to what he was doing.

"I could tell you it's my job to know as the," and her voice took on just the tiniest bit of scorn for the new title, "Pillar of Influence within the Sith Empire," she said in response to his threat, for it was a threat mixed with a warning. "I could you tell it was a months long investigation by own agents, putting together tiny pieces of the puzzle. I could tell you that it is the wake you leave in the currents of the Force as the Fallanassi would call it, hidden as you are. I could tell you that the smallest imprint of your Force bond echoed for someone that knows how to look for it, someone well versed in the dark side and the more exotic Force traditions of the galaxy. Any and all could be true or a lie, but I'm sure you'll be thorough all the same."

Her smile turned just a touch hard.

"As you do not play the game of blackmail, nor do I play the game of threats..." but then her smile changed, "but I'm not here for blackmail, nor did I come simply for money or to undermine what you've built. A comm call would have sufficed for coming to a business arrangement, but then the odds of Braxus knowing would increase. No, I came to see if we could work together in other ways."

She didn't mention, as no doubt it would start circulating in certain circles, that Fiolette had left her. And the woman had been the only check on her ambition for power, for scheming more. No, Arcanix was about done with playing the servile role.