Making a Miracle

[Vulpesen]

"Are you sure this is a good idea, Valde? By what I heard, when you and your contact last met, it wasn't exactly with the best of first impressions." Of course, the voice of caution would be coming from Vulpesen's diplomatic advisor, Lucas. It was his job to ensure that the Valde of Veradune never went to a political function which was most likely to become a trap, lethal or otherwise.

"Don't worry. First impressions are important, but by the time we parted ways, Ferron managed to impress me. Sure things got off to a rocky start, but he's got strong convictions based in good morals. He may prove to be a valuable ally. Besides, I've had quite a few friends who tried to kill me when we first met. It's not all that strange." Sitting in the common area of the Vixen, Vulpesen turned to peek out the cockpit where the Kuat Drive Yards were starting to fill up the view port. Being royalty came with a few perks, one of which was having someone else fly the ship while you spoke with your advisor.

"No sir, it's actually very strange. You're just strange enough for it to appear normal." The words drew a smile from the Valde. Some kings would have taken offense, but he preferred to hold a more informal atmosphere. It fostered the trust for his advisors to be truthful, as Lucas was right now. "If what you say is true, just try not to annoy this man. Crazy as this plan is, we'll need all the help we can get."

[member="Ferron Troste"]

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Vulpesen"]


Had received a report that the Black Hand individual that was, or is, protection Ra'a'mah, had just entered the Kuat Sector, due to the Kuat Passenger Port, which was still very functional, especially thanks to Ferron gaining employees and better security. Security all over Kuat Drive Yards had also stepped up since Vulpesen last saw. During their last meeting, all the crewmen and soldiers were Kuat Employees. Now, the security were all clones, which he would see when he docked at Kuat Orbital Array, and registered his ship with the port master.

Thankfully for Vulpesen, Ferron had just finished his paperwork for the day. When he was notified, he decided to save some time for the man. Ferron believed in an open door policy, especially with those he has already personally met, and those with higher status than just a general galactic citizen. He hoped there wouldn't be tensions over taking Ra'a'mah into custody, as he then decided to place her into protective custody after the fact. Hopefully, it wouldn't be mentioned at all. He assumed Vulpesen wasn't heading to Kuat, but not every individual properly or truthfully states why they entered the protected system.

The Port Master was notified of Vulpesens potential arrival, and to wave the port fee if they were needing to meet with the President. He also assigned two Security Guards, of the clone style of course, with the Port Master to escort Vulpesen straight to Ferrons office and give him clearance into the business offices should he be heading this way.

 

[Vulpesen]

Once The Vixen landed, Vulpesen was happy to follow the port master to the Troste's office, although there were a few protests from his personal guard who stayed within his ship. Accepting the escort, Vulpesen would arrive at the president's office with only his diplomatic advisor at his side. With every step, there was a jolt of electricity running through the Valde's blood, an excitement that came any time he came across some major advancement in his goals. Usually, it was felt in the heat of battle as he advanced on some powerful foe. But now, though his only weapons would be words and promises, he still couldn't resist the feeling of utter anticipation.

[member="Ferron Troste"]

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Vulpesen"]

Ferron was reading something on his holonet datapad as he sat, waiting. He was informed by the Portmaster that Vulpesen was, indeed, wanting to see him. The clone guard escorts were not for Ferrons protection, actually, but for Vulpesen, whether he thought that or not. Ferrons guests he always protects, and in this case, with a free-to-roam Orbital Array, the Hand had a lot of eyes. Once the visitor arrived to Ferrons office, the guards stayed outside of the room and allowed Vulpesen to enter as soon as Ferron stated permission. Inside, there was a clone guard standing at the wall, who might look intimidating to any ordinary citizen; dressed for war. But it was always a precautionary to have a guard for Ferron. The clone guard was absolutely obedient, and one could argue near mindless, as they rarely took action into their own hands unless the situation called for it. "Ah, greetings Vulpesen," he stood up, putting his datapad down and extending his hand to shake, "what can I do for you? I hope Ra'a'mah is doing well, yes?" He slowly sat back down and got comfortable, offering Vulpesen a seat in one of the two chairs in front of his desk, which were as comfy as Ferrons own seat.

 

[Vulpesen]

Slipping into the room, Vulpesen glanced around, his golden eyes scanning every bit of it. Escape routes, possible weapons, everything his training as a jedi shadow told him to look for in a room. Of course, it wasn't out of intimidation or distrust. For him, it was second nature, and there were possible threats beyond the man he had arranged this meeting with. Striding towards Ferron, Vulpesen extended a hand, his lips turning into a polite smile. "Salutations president Troste. Ra is doing fine." Putting off the man's first question for a moment, he used his non-extended hand to motion towards the tall zorren besides him. "This is my diplomatic advisor, Lucas Gracin." With neat blond hair, a spotless white suit, and a winning smile, Lucas was a paragon of poise, particularly in comparison with the more casual nature of his leader. Following Vulpesen's cue, and the read of the room, he would extend a hand to shake Ferron's only if the president took Vulpesen's.

"A pleasure to meet you, sir. The Valde and I have come for a request of governmental nature."

[member="Ferron Troste"]

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Vulpesen"]


Ferron clasped his hands together and laced his fingers as he got comfortable in his chair, it seems Vulpesen had a proposal for the Company Owner, this should be good. "Well, it's nice to meet you, mister Gracin," he studied this.... advisor for a moment before readying himself. "Well, I'm all ears. You two have the floor, speak your minds. I keep an open door policy here, and hear all proposals." For a company as large as Kuat Drive Yards, it was troublesome to keep such a policy open, as Ferron had work to do, yet he wanted a company for the people, and not just the rich and famous.

 

[Vulpesen]

Clasping his hands in front of himself, Vulpesen started to speak. "During the Gulag plague, the Zorren people were some of the hardest hit species in the galaxy. It weakened us to the point that we were unable to defend our planet, which, due to our habit of making enemies of some of the galaxy's most deplorable people, ended with us losing our planet, as well as most of our people. A group known as the bandit coalition set out to destroy every single Zorren they could while occupying our home so that we could never take it back. Thankfully, I did just that seven years ago. However, while Veradune was retaken, the loss of our numbers has still left me and my people on the brink of extinction."

Even as he recalled the events, he could sense an unease from his advisor. Truth was, not all the zorrens taken had been killed. Some had been kept as trophy slaves. Bu that was an erroneous detail, and Lucas, despite the trauma hed suffered had learned to hide it quite well. "I've come up with a plan to change this, however, I lack the logistical resources to do so. My plan, essentially , is to enter the netherworld and use my connection to tis gates to find my people and return them safely to the land of the living. The only issue, is that this will leave a large number trapped on Csilla or Corellia. I need a way to transport them to Veradune and any other drop sites. Which brings me to you, a ship manufacturer who could probably build something large enough to get mass amounts of people off world."

[member="Ferron Troste"]

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Vulpesen"]


Ferron had heard of the Gulag Plague, it was before his time, but he still knew about it. However, he did not know what the hell a Zorren was. He continued to listen to Vulpesen as he turned to the computer on his desk and started to search up the Zorren people. Well, it was an alien species; humanoid. Very little to no information was available to help him understand. But understanding them didn't matter, what mattered is what Vulpesen wanted, which was transports. An entire worlds-worth of people? Ferron would have laughed at this mans face if he didn't think he could do it, and if he was a rude man. But there was meaning to his question, meaning that Kuat Drive Yards stood on, was supported by, if anything. Ferron couldn't admit he cared, but he would be lying if he said this incident didn't matter to him. "Acclamators," he said, after stopping his search on the computer and turning to Vulpesen. "You want Acclamator transports. At our current rate of production and required finances, I can loan you fifty, barren Acclamators. Which means no weapons, no shields, and a ghost crew. You can pack them like sardines in there and you'll get a lot of people. The ships would need volunteers to ensure the ships operate correctly, I hope they know how to operate a starship."

Before Vulpesen would say anything more, Ferron leaned back and would hush him if he tried, "that is what I would offer you. I'm sorry to say, I can't just give you these ships. Kuat Drive Yards is preparing for a massive expansion, the likes you have never heard of. That requires people, people need jobs, and jobs pay those people. This would be expensive. Something a Major Organization could only afford, and they wouldn't buy ghost crews and no weapons. You're going to have to tell me why I should loan you these ships. As a friend of Ra'a'mahs, I may be convinced. But you wouldn't be able to keep any of the ships." After that, Vulpesen had the floor to speak.

 

[Vulpesen]

He could feel his advisor's eyes on him. It was a balancing act between politics and mercantilism. But while he hated politics, he had lived his early life as a merchant. Negotiating a price and a deal, particularly with barters came second nature to him. "You may have just answered your own question, at least in part. We are rescuing tens of billions of people. I can supply skeleton crews for the ride so you don't have to worry about paying any crew for the trip. These men have lived hundreds of years, helping the galaxy until their dying day. I'm sure a few thousand can probably operate a ship. You'd hardly be losing anything except for what you pay in production, but what you'll gain, i'm not sure I can put a credit value on. The zorren people are a warrior race, hardwired to protect. Nevermind the ones that may line up for a job from the man who helped bring them back to life, you'll have a life debt from an entire race, as well as a place in the history books. Quite the tag to put on your company; So effective you can reverse genocides. As for keeping the ships, once we're done, I see no reason to not give them back. I'm not trying to fund a navy quite yet."

[member="Ferron Troste"]

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Vulpesen"]


Ferron, unfortunately, disagreed. "Saving billions of people.... it's extremely expensive. It would look good for Kuat Drive Yards, but I still have to pay my employees. Corporations don't run on love and hope. What you can supply is volunteers. My people will maintain command and control of these ships and request volunteers as they see fit. I have an absolute obligation to keeping my workers employed and paid, I can't just lay them off because of good will. I have to pay for upkeep, I have to pay for running costs which include keeping the power on for the shipyard, keeping security at the shipyards, on the station and in escorts, I have to pay workers wages, I have to purchase the resources from suppliers, pay the transports. Running a company is a little more complicated than you think, Vulpesen. I'm not a god and can just snap my fingers and order them around. I'm no King, either. I don't pride myself on being popular, nor do I find the idea of people lavishing over me and swearing their life to me very... encourage-able. If they want to apply for an employee position, they are more than welcome to. However, I quite clearly understand the difference between genocide and a relocation project. To be frank, I still don't like the idea of allowing people to come back from the dead simply by entering and leaving a portal. If I had my way, I'd try and destroy these portals. Death is not something you want to play with. But, I'm willing to hear you out. I'm willing to pay for the expenses, I don't care. But I need convincing."

 

[Vulpesen]

Listening to Ferron's words, Vulpesen remained fairly passive, holding a calm demeanor. Although, one single phrase did cause him to narrow his eyes. 'Running a company is a little more complicated than you think, Vulpesen.' Vulpesen had learned his numbers from ledgers, had known business negotiations long before he had ever even seen a lightsaber. "I'm not suggesting you'd lay them off. But they would be open for other operations, such as furthering your production capabilities. When you own a company, people are resources to be allocated. I was offering you a space you needn't allocate them. Needing supplies is something I understand, and I wouldn't ask this for free. Luckily, I am a king, which means I have access to the treasury of Veradune so long as I am doing so for the good of the Zorren people." Lucas shifted a bit uncomfortably and placed a hand on Vulpesen's shoulder. His voice wasn't raising just yet, but it was best to calm the Valde before he get too excited.

After taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Vulpesen spoke again. "You're also either misunderstanding or underestimating this 'debt' that I spoke of. You run a ship manufacturer. Apparently, you also do shipping if you're so adamant to supply your own pilots.This means you will always run the chance of meeting pirates. Helping with this project would mean a population of people around the galaxy who could aid in any pirates, or any other group that might wish to make prey of your ships. Furthermore, you don't need to care what people think about you. But you run a company. For companies to be successful, they need reputation. Popularity. In helping with this project, you're likely to attract those who would like to employ a company with strong morals, as well as those who might be impressed by such a feat as relocating billions of people. It would speak of your company's effectiveness. As for your desire to destroy the portals, that may be something I'll try to help with in the future. They are a liability, and every waking second, they cause this little itch in the back of my head. But right now, I need them. Using a possibly bad thing for a certainly good purpose." Growing up on Amar, he had seen traders every day of his life. He had seen currency of all types, form credits, to animals, to favors. And oftentimes, a single favor from the right person, or group of people would prove more profitable than a thousand credits.

[member="Ferron Troste"]

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Vulpesen"]


Vulpesen screwed up, he shouldn't have said that. Ferron pulled back, becoming reluctant to the entire proposal now. "People are not resources," he said, crossing his arms. "I have Ship Captains, I have Crewmen, Engineers, Designers, Farmers, Managers, Secretaries, Physicists, Biologists, Geneticists, Soldiers, Security, Lawyers, dammit I even have Chefs and Janitors. I can't just make them do another job. Metal is a resource you can bend and mold to your liking. You can make a droid do anything, program it for whatever you want as long as it has access to the tools required. People can not be multi-skilled as much as that. A Tactical Officer on board a ship can't have the same qualifications to be a Judge or a Geneticist or a Medical Doctor! I hire someone for their qualifications, because they want that job. A ship captain will be a ship captain. My chefs will be chefs, and my scientists will be scientists. The Captains I have now I will either transfer to this position or hire more. My engineers will be taken away from the Orbital Array and put on this or I will hire more. I couldn't care less if you were the Emperor of the god damned Sith Empire. If you weren't assigned to Ra'a'mahs protection I'd order you to get the feth out of my office this instance. People are not just numbers you throw around, you have to manage them properly and fit them where they work or nothing will work and you'll lose profit, and your organization if you don't watch out."

Ferron took a mental step back, breathed for a moment to calm down. The raised voice made the clone look down at Vulpesen but not do anything else, probably ascertaining his outward abilities and attempting to compensate for unseen tactics or skills. But there was no order given, so he continued to stay silent and not move. "I know about pirates, and I already deal with them. There's nothing you can do that won't do better than how I already deal with them. I do not want civilians getting involved in private matters or causing disruption in other organizations territories. I don't care, if the scum capture one of my Star Destroyers, and take it into CSA space. Either I would handle it, or CSA would. We're curing the abomination we made in the beginning years of the original company, on Xa Fel. I am rebuilding Kuat Drive Yards Orbital Array with the money I earned and worked for before obtaining the company, I am in the middle of a business contract with the Commenor Systems Alliance that will blow your god damned mind and wake the galaxy up to CSA's power. KDY's image, and what I've done is more than enough to gain popularity. Destroying the portals is not a business venture, and Kuat Drive Yards would have nothing to do it. It's an opinion, it's like... I would prefer my coffee hot but if it's cold I'm not going to put Star Destroyer construction funds into it to make a better heater. You're treading a very thin line, VUlpesen. I don't want money, I don't want assets, not popularity - I don't want to fething barter. I need words - words that don't spell out people are numbers. I could have ten Acclamators done tomorrow and it wouldn't even be a dent in our coffers. I don't need anything physical from you. But I don't know you. I don't know these... Zorren. I don't know what any of you are capable of and I don't know why I care. Convince me to care. Convince me to trust you. Convince me this isn't some back handed deal. If you don't, I might have to end up restricting sales from you and your people for that insult you made. Those resources are people I grew up beside."

 

[Vulpesen]

Listening to Ferron's tirade, Vulpesen's gaze darkened. Not credits. Not popularity. Not to rescue the lives of billions. And now, he was lecturing him on morality. In truth, Vulpesen was half tempted to steal his holoterminal and display the reports of his younger days, when his face was seen freeing conquered planets from galactic end to galactic end. His hands clenched, and he could feel his claws digging into his palms. This man was talking circles around him, suggesting he wanted one thing then turning heel and suggesting something else completely different. This wasn't a trade agreement, it was kriffing politics!

Just before Vulpesen could open his mouth, he felt a firm grip on his shoulder, and the light prick of claws as they dug through his coat. "You want words? A pictures worth a thousand." The whispered voice came from the man in white. Reaching into a pocket, Lucas would pull out a small holoprojector which would light up with an image. His face, next to four others; three women and a young man. "Kira, Arlea, Zerrena, Dolascur. What I wouldn't give to see them again. Vulpesen is a soldier and a merchant. He understands trade and sacrifice. He understands giving his life and the lives of others to further a goal. That's why people are a resource, because even now, he is a resource. He's not a great politician, hell he's not even a great Valde. But he's the Valde we've chosen to serve. Every single Zorren on Veradune pledged ourselves to his cause. It wasn't words that won us over. It was that after only a few months of standing beside us, he risked it all to give us back our home! But my home lies empty!" Every word was kept low and calm, though the underlying passion reverberated through the air, ensuring that not a single word was missed. "I was off world securing a medical treaty with kaminoan scientist when I felt my wife die through the force. I returned home to see Gracin hall burned to the ground. Before I could find Kira's body, I was hauled away and chained up. Every day I was made a fool, and when they found my family, one by one, they let me know how they died. A hundred times I watched the holovids of those sadistic hunters. Vulpesen knows the people are dead. He sees the empty buildings and the problems caused by it. He knows that we run the risk of breeding out our tails, then our fangs, then our claws, and some day, our golden eyes. We will fade into obscurity without this." The holo shut down and was placed back in his pocket. "But the problem he never hears, the problem no one told him about because it hurts too much is the pain of losing our loved ones. The emptiness we feel inside as we wander through our hollow homes. Almost every Zorren on Veradune serves the VSF because in truth, it's all we have left. Perhaps you weren't listening President Troste, but billions died in the purge. Fathers, mothers, wives, and children like my own. We existed to protect the galaxy. There was pride in our blood, a desire to help and protect life and because of it, we were butchered like animals."

The advisor's golden eyes burned while his voice rose to conversational volume and even Vulpesen shifted a bit, moving almost behind the man. Ferron would likely be unable to feel the weight behind his words, but Vulpesen could sense the rise in Lucas' presence through the force. Every word, whether he meant to or not, was infused with the power of the force to ensure each syllable stood out and was heard. "We were capable of war. We freed slaves every damned day of our lives and toppled tyrants where we found them. We were capable of art as our buildings to this day rise in sparkling spires and tattered but beautiful murals line the halls of the lordly houses. We did it all because we were capable of love. We clung to our ideals because helping others was right. To deny that was to become broken and to stop being Zorren. We came here because Vulpesen said you were a just man who wanted to do right. The Zorren people trust him because he's our best chance of holding our loved ones in our arms again. He asks for your trust because he's trusting you with the most important mission in his life."

[member="Ferron Troste"]

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Vulpesen"]


Ferrons eyes slowly opened up in surprise as it seemed this leaders advisor spoke up over him. It perked his interest, and as the man began speaking, Ferron adjusted himself to get comfortable. Crossing his arms and sitting back, he opened his ears and mind to what was being said. Unfortunately, the story was no different from the galaxies. Everyone has lost, and some could argue they have lost more. Ferron wanted to help, that was not in doubt, but he can't help everyone. "I have been listening, mister Gracin. I've been listening to every word. You may think I sit here heartless and unprovoked by your stories and your great escapades to save the ones you have lost, but I'm not. I want to help you, I want to help you get your wife and son back. But not just your family, your friends to. Your neighbors, your people, those you don't even know, I want to help you. But I can't help everyone in the galaxy. We have been hit with atrocities, dozens of them. Have you heard of the Gulag Virus? Perhaps the Omni attacks? Or, maybe you've just heard about the new great galactic war. Or even just the war rippling through our current year. Everyone has suffered, Kuat Drive Yards is no different. Through calamity and sacrifice, KDY has been struggling to get back on its feet ever since the first civil war. Did you know this Orbital Array is new? The one you heard in stories was destroyed. Every soul onboard was lost in a great battle that was part of a larger picture. They are gone. And just because there exists a way to possibly get them back doesn't mean I'm going to play god and decide whose fates get rewritten. But I do agree to this. But you have to agree with me; you will not drop these people off in no-man's land. You have to provide for each and every one of them. You have to make sure you can help them stand on their own two feet. You have to make sure they don't resort to some sort of tribalistic barbarism just to survive. We are in a time in the galaxy that we don't have to survive anymore, we can live, live the lives we want to. I'm proof of that."

 

[Vulpesen]

"Heartless? Certainly not. But you are a confusing man. You've asked for something and refused every offer we made. Only now you tell us what that something is. If what you want is to ensure that these people lost to time will not remain lost as they come back to our galaxy, then I'm certain that can be arranged. After all, what would be the point if we brought them back only for them to die in gutters?" Having spoken his peace, Lucas then turned to the Valde.

"I won't lie to you and promise we have a home for every single one. We can't line up a job everywhere in the galaxy for billions of people. We're already doing the impossible here by even giving them the chance. But Zorrens are a proud people. They can work just as hard as any other. They've hundreds sometimes thousands of years of experience in a single life. We'll do what we can, offer resources and get them acclimated to this galaxy. As Gracin pointed out, bringing them back doesn't matter if we then leave them to starve or ruin the name of our species. I can't offer them all palaces. But the entire point of the miracle initiative is to give each and every single one of them a shot at earning it for themselves." These people deserved their chance to live. His people existed to protect the galaxy and serve its people. It was a job they took great pride in. It brought them glory, honor, and a sense of purpose. Vulpesen would see to it that all of it was restored. The Zorrens were now broken, but he would fix them.

[member="Ferron Troste"]

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Vulpesen"]


Ferron put his hands out as if to surrender; stretching from his chest, he implied giving up. "Let me apologize, Vulpesen. I understand you're a soldier and an up-and-coming business man. I just hoped you realized it isn't always about business with me, I'm not greedy like the intergalactic banking clan or trade federation. My life has come with many moral obstacles before I could come into the limelight or any important positions. My platform of upbringing was more than just business, it was more than just science, crunching numbers, or counting pennies. Like I said, I didn't want to gain any benefitt from helping these people, I only required that after I ship these people out of the Nether', that you care for them and compensate them for the loss of their homes and anything else." Ferron pulled his hands back, crossing his arms, "you'll have the ships I can produce. If you can secure us a freight deal from miners or transports with materials, I can make ships faster, or even make you more. Are you satisfied?"