Manufacturers Meet

[Ballen-Ist]

High above the volcanic planet of Alabash, a fleet of assorted vessels loomed in orbit, having arrived hours earlier in order to pick up some cargo that was to be delivered to a nearby system. The two small patrol ships had broken off from the rest of the larger crafts, using their subspace scanners to survey the vacuum beyond their location.

On the command bridge of the seven hundred meter long Assault Frigate, Captain Herand turned to address a sensory officer, who had just received long range scans from the patrol ships. "Incoming vessel, transponder codes indicate a CR90 Corvette, identified as 'The Inquisitor," the officer spoke, awaiting further orders from his superior.

Herand lifted a hand, scratching at his chin briefly as he looked out the viewports. "Open a channel and hail them." Captain Herand replied, watching as the communications officer went to work at their station. Once the transmission had been established, the officer relayed their message. "This is the Holowan Security Starship Emissary, welcome to the Alabash system. What is your business here?"

Alabash was the site of their manufacturing facilities, where droids of old and new design were churned out along with specialized weaponry. Herand knew what kind of business Holowan Laboratories was involved with, and quite frankly he did not care. He had once served the One Sith, a ruthless yet promising first officer among the navy. Whoever was arriving was probably looking to do serious business.

[member="Dresden M'koor"]

 

[Myra]

Dresden sat quietly at his captain's chair, watching the ships in front of him with quiet anticipation. He had every intention to just sit there and make them wait, prove that he is in control, a valuable negotiations tactic, but he decided against it, responding "This is Dresden M'koor, Commanding Officer of The Inquisitor and CEO of the New Techno Union, I've come seeking beneficial agreements." What those agreements were, or even if this other company would welcome him to diplomatic relations was yet to be seen.. his B9 battle droids worked tirelessly at their stations on his ship which had very few non-droid members aboard.

[member="Ballen-Ist"]

 

[Ballen-Ist]

Looking over [member="Dresden M'koor"]'s transponder codes, the sensory officer gave a curt nod to Captain Herand, signaling that everything checked out so far. Another transmission received from the planet also notified the Emissary's CO that the CR90 Corvette was just on time, having actually been expected. A single Raider-class Corvette broke from the fleet's formation, advancing to the side of M'koor's vessel as the Emissary relayed another message to it. "You are cleared for landing, Inquisitor. Proceed to these coordinates, you will be escorted there. If Dresden was to comply, the two ships would begin to sail through space towards Alabash's atmosphere, eventually soaring high over the volcanic terrain.

​

A large metallic landing structure was suspended from the side of the facility, which almost looked to be apart of the terrain as well. The Raider-class would slowly approach it before coming to a stop, hovering as the CR90 touched down. The ship then returned to the fleet above, allowing Dresden M'koor to make his appearance, soon to enter the droid factory of Holowan Laboratories. The surrounding area was full of jagged rock and charred earth, molten rivers of lava flowing in the distance. A door at the end of the metallic catwalk slid open, revealing a man who appeared to be heavily altered via cybernetic implants. Metallic plates covered the upper portion of his head, which was absent of eyes that had been replaced with red photoreceptors.

This man was escorted by two IG-RM Surveillance and Protection droids, which followed closely behind as he made his way to greet the CEO of the New Techno Union. A hot and powerful breeze swept over the exterior landing pad, causing the man's lab coat to billow wildly as he came to a halt. "Greetings, Mr. M'koor. I am Doctor Upari of Holowan Laboratories, and I welcome you to our manufacturing facility." Upari had introduced himself, and so he folded his arms behind his back and awaited Dresden's response.

 

[Myra]

Dresden's hands tightened on the arm-rests of his chair as the other ship escorted him down towards the planet's surface. He had a strong dislike for volcanic worlds.. perhaps for the fact that life wasn't really meant to live here.. it was a scar of what a world should be, twisted rock with smoldering lakes of molten lava instead of trees, beasts, and water. His eyes drifted over the landscape out his view-screen before he stood, heading down to the armory and activating 9 B9 battle droids to accompany him, and so they do, escorting him to the docking bay/departure platform. Out of another screen built into this small room he sees the metallic structure, a sign of power and respect within these molten lands, a fortress to be admired for sure.


Upon docking, Dresden and his droids file out of the ship, and the droids make a triangle formation behind him as they march. He had brought the droids as a show of power, and as a security force, and had little need of them other than that other than to display his product. It was then that he spotted the man and he stopped.. the almost metallic figure wasn't something he was used to seeing back home on the high-rises of Coruscant, but it wasn't something new to him. In his line of trade, getting out of your comfort zone was typical, if not desired. The voice of the man caught him a little off guard, half suspecting it to be as metallic as the rest of him, and thus it takes him a second to respond "Greetings Doctor Upari! And thank you for receiving me as your humble guest." He gives a slight bow of the head to show his gratitude and respect before pointing his cane at the nearest droid "I hope you do not mind if I bring an escort?"

[member="Ballen-Ist"]

 

[Ballen-Ist]

"Of course not," Upari replied, smiling briefly as he glanced towards the indicated droid. It was a throwback to the Clone Wars era, when Holowan Laboratories had too supplied the Techno Union with some very intriguing droid models. "Right this way, Mr. M'koor," the cyborg spoke, motioning towards the entrance across the metallic catwalk. The two would stride through the harsh ashen air, eventually reaching the confines of the droid factory's interior. The duo accompanied by their own security forces began to stroll through the dark corridor, which was dimly lit by lights within the ceiling.

"We were made aware of your arrival at the last minute, but I guarantee there is much to discuss. I personally will take you on a tour of the factory, as we talk business," Upari said, getting straight to the point. He had been told that [member="Dresden M'koor"] was to be treated as a honored guest, and so all would be well if negotiations went smoothly. A large turbolift would open up, allowing the group to step inside as they began to ascend to a higher level within the mountainous structure. "What can Holowan Laboratories do for you?"

 

[Myra]

He was relieved that he could bring his droids.. he wasn't one to fight himself, he was a commander, and if for whatever reason he should prove in danger, should pirates attack or an assassin comes for him, he'll need something to defend himself and his own little personal army can do just that.

"Holowan Laboratories and the Techno Union have always been good business partners." He starts off, walking with the man with the steady tapping of his cane against the metal floor "Of course, as of the past few hundred years that relationship has been nothing more than a distant memory. I hope to remedy that." Dresden had been fascinated with the Techno Union's past ever since he was a child, especially it's role in the Clone Wars. He was hoping he could revitalize the power and prestige his company once had, and a key aspect to that was to re-make old friends. And perhaps, this could even be a first step of many towards the founding of a new Trade Federation.

[member="Ballen-Ist"]

 

[Ballen-Ist]

"You know, the Techno Union did undergo revival some time ago. I hope you will make a better name for such a reputable corporation," Upari spoke, just as the turbolift door opened to reveal a long balcony-like corridor. To the right were large transparisteel windows, allowing the two to gaze upon the suspended automatic assembly lines. Complete and incomplete droid bodies alike were carried to and fro, being taken where they needed to be in preparation for delivery or construction.

Large mechanical arms performed the job of attaching the various metallic limbs and pieces together, hundreds of droids being swept along a wide rotational track. "This is where our droid models are mass-produced, we haven't had an employee accident in months," the cybernetic man stated jokingly, before moving along the corridor. "Holowan itself had not been active at the time, but I believe now is when we shall seize the opportunity before us. I am interested in your battle droids, why not explain them to me?" Upari asked, intent on hearing what [member="Dresden M'koor"] had to say.

 

[Myra]

He seems genuinely impressed with the factory, not so much different than his own factories back on Coruscant but the ingenuity of any factory has always impressed him. "The B9? It's simple really, mass produced cheap droids with basic tactical prowess proves for an overwhelming force. It's predecessor, the B1, was nothing but a walk and shoot, while the B9 has some self preservation programming, although it puts the objective above it's own life. The B9 is able to find reasonable cover, use some basic military tactics, and salvage parts from dead B9s to repair itself.. That paired with the famous and victorious model of the B1 as a 'poster-boy', and the fact that the B9 is superior in every way to the B1, makes the B9 a perfect military droid for any buyer." He explains, having thought this out well before the B9 prototypes were even constructed. "The N.T.U. even has a reasonable army of the B9 units to protect it's assets. I wouldn't trust anything to a lesser droid."

He glances over at the man, hoping his sales pitch works. He had been practicing it after all.

[member="Ballen-Ist"]

 

[Ballen-Ist]

An audible mechanical whirring could be heard as Upari stopped, swiveling around on his heel to face the B9 battle droid. His wrinkled and partially metallic face leaned in closer, the large photoreceptors that were his eyes closely examining the model and its components. "Duraplast armor, a very interesting choice. It minimizes the damage to the robotic frame via energy dispersion, which I assume makes repairs a lot less complicated," the doctor remarked, noticing the joints where robotic limbs were locked into place.

"Very impressive, Mr. M'koor." Upari said, as he continued to walk to the end of the observation corridor. Yet another turbolift would take them to another level, revealing a similar hallway to the one they had previous been in. "As you know, Holowan Laboratories had produced some of the most efficient security models in the galaxy, and we aim to take it to the next level. "We have developed a new scatter gun, a popular weapon model with all of the recent force-users on the rise. The barrel is made with an iron refined at an atomic level, which greatly negates the effects friction would usually have on the weapon. This allows the gun to be fired as fast as you can pull the trigger, also giving it greater force than most weapons of the type."

Beyond the observational windows of the hall the group stood within, molten metals poured into large trays, which were shaped to work as a frame for the weapons being produced. The electrostaff was one of their major products, and so it was being churned out faster than all of the scatter gun components that were being assembled. Holowan Laboratories would be able to ship them out in large quantities, but probably not enough for an entire droid army. "Perhaps you would be interested in some weaponry?" Upari asked, looking to [member="Dresden M'koor"].

 

[Myra]

Dresden watches the man in quiet anticipation as he observes the B9 who stands completely still "Again.. I'd say that the B9 is top grade military technology." He then runs a hand over the nearest one as if admiring his own handiwork, and he grins as the man admits he's impressed.. "That's a bit risky to mass produce an anti-force weapon with so many force-user owned empires is it not?" He inquires, he's had some bad run ins with both Sith and Jedi the like.. he and the mystical didn't get along very well. But he listens and nods in approval as the man lists off what makes the scatter-gun so unique and powerful, and he finds himself liking it more and more. "That sounds like a perfect fire-arm.." He admits, but, more to himself than anything else. He then turned his attention towards the assembly line again, taking a deep breath as he calms his nerves.. he always got so nervous in these situations, a problem, but one he has mastered. "I would be.. very interested." He responds calmly as if they're talking about the weather.

[member="Ballen-Ist"]

 

[Ballen-Ist]

"With so many force-user dominated empires, each side is always looking for a new way to put down their enemies," Upari commented, smirking a bit at [member="Dresden M'koor"], "Force-user or not." Perhaps he was new to the business that was war, either way he seemed to be well on his way. "Besides, we do not actually mass-produce the scatter guns, at least not on a grand scale. Our operations are mainly dedicated to droid manufacturing. On that note, I propose a deal. A contract between Holowan Laboratories and the Techno Union, allowing a scheduled tariff-free delivery and exchange of our products, both at a discounted price." Upari concluded his own pitch, eager to hear M'koor's response. "We can even tryout the products here, in the testing grounds."

 

[Myra]

"No need to test your weapon, but if you wish to test my droids than I'd be more than happy to let you test my own guard against anything you may have here." He grins at the man, before giving a nod "But.. a trade deal of that magnitude could indeed prove beneficial.. I like it.. Of course, I'll want something 'on paper' so to speak."

[member="Ballen-Ist"]

 

[Ballen-Ist]

Lifting an arm, Upari revealed a device upon his wrist, one that projected a blue holographic screen. On it was what looked like a contract, that was rapidly being written up on the spot, containing details on their legitimate deal and all of the basic policies that were to be known. No refunds, that sort of thing. The computer was linked with Upari's mind, and so in a matter of moments everything had been put 'on paper.'

With another tap upon his wrist computer device, the information would be transferred over to [member="Dresden M'koor"], for him to review and finalize with a signature. "We can begin shipping immediately. Once trades are underway, we can renegotiate the contract at anytime to figure out the period of time it will last, hopefully suitable for both of us. It is a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. M'koor." Upari extended his arm, aiming to shake Dresden's hand in order to seal the deal.

 

[Myra]

Dresden grins, all had gone perfectly. So he shakes the man's hand, still grinning "Sounds reasonable to me.. Hopefully this business relationship will continue to grow!" He then pulls out a small holopad, running his fingers over the touch screen as he makes sure everything is in order, and then signs it with a fluid motion of his finger. Then he looks back up at the doctor. "So, where should my droids be tested?"

[member="Ballen-Ist"]

 

[Ballen-Ist]

Now that the deal had been set in stone, Upari and [member="Dresden M'koor"] could do as they pleased. The cybernetic doctor had to admit, he was interested in having a little contest between their droids. "My IG-RM droids against your B9 models, then?" He clarified, considering that they already had their security entourage present. Departing to the lower levels of the facility, the two would emerge into what appeared to be a control room, that overlooked a large main chamber with rectangular arena in the center below. "These are our testing grounds. We will simulate a battlefield, and have our droids face off against one another. On either side of the control room were two doors, which opened into turbolifts that shuttled the droid groups down into the chamber.

After a few moments, the IG-RM droids and the B9 droids entered from opposite sides of the battlefield, a barren and desert terrain springing to life within the arena. Torn apart vehicles were scattered here and there, along with large crates and barrels that could also be used as cover for the droids.

Both were fourth-degree, and equipped with many of the same combat protocols. Upari had already analyzed M'koor's droids, and thus calculated the outcome of their little skirmish way before they had arrived. Scanning the area with their sensors, the IG-RM models would locate their opposition's relative position, and prepare to engage. Their shields activated, covering their agrinium plated bodies with a blue shimmering field of energy. These two defenses made the droid a formidable opponent, providing it with a decent amount of protection while still allowing it to move quickly. Their arms would lift, pointing their built in wrist blasters forward as they cautiously advanced on the enemy.

 

[Myra]

Dresden only grinned, but he wasn't too concerned about his droids losing.. small squad combat wasn't their strength, but he hoped they'd prove to be combat effective enough to impress his new found business partner. The 9 droids all look up at the enemy in one movement before dispersing to take cover behind debris and rocks. They glance around, taking in their surroundings before two of them reveal thermal detonators and proceed to activate, and hurl them at their shielded foes.

[member="Ballen-Ist"]

 

[Ballen-Ist]

Two against nine. It wasn't the fairest match, but considering the B9's strategies, it was only to be expected. Once the grenade was spotted, the two IG-series droids broke into an agile sprint, moving along the sand and away from the thermal detonator as it landed. The blast sent a shock wave rippling outwards, causing one of the droids to buckle while the other had been lucky enough to be unaffected. With deadly assassin-like accuracy, the droid released two quick bursts from its arm, aiming to have the red bolts of energy impact with the heads of the B9 droids that had revealed themselves. Upari had expected as much, nodding to himself as he watched the battle continue to play out. "We have yet to release an infantry-type model. Perhaps we could collaborate on a project together." The doctor remarked, knowing how useful it would be to have strength in numbers.

[member="Dresden M'koor"]

 

[Myra]

The two droids heads are blown clean off and the others respond by all quickly standing and unleashing firepower onto the one which buckled before quickly ducking back down after the firestorm of red lights. Dresden grinned.. this business agreement was becoming even more interesting "A cooperation could indeed prove beneficial. We could even sell our droids together in squads, half yours half mine to maximize profit." He found himself nervously gripping the pommel of his cane, a nervous tick he's developed since purchasing it, but it's better than more obvious ones and he can control it, sense when it's happening.. so it's not the worst possible nervous tick.

[member="Ballen-Ist"]

 

[Ballen-Ist]

Even as the sudden barrage of blaster bolts were released towards its direction, the IG-RM adjusted its aim, releasing bolts of its own as many impacted with its shielding. It had been able to get off two shots with its wrist blaster, the shield that outlined the metallic body flickering out of existence as it overheated. A few bolts made it through the first layer of defense, slamming into the agrinium plates that it was armored with. By then, it had managed to target and attempt to blast two of the droids, before sparks began to spew out from its damaged frame and circuitry. The other IG-RM had been quicker to react, having been spared from the explosive aftermath of the thermal detonators. Red light flashed throughout the simulated arena, as the last remaining IG-RM attempted to execute three of the B9 droids as soon as they had fired.

Glancing towards [member="Dresden M'koor"], Upari nodded some more. "I find this acceptable. By the way, congratulations." Upari motioned towards the arena, the last remaining IG-RM having collapsed with smoke rising from its metallic carcass. All things considered, the security droids had done well, but they had not taken cover as the B9s had. "Shall I escort you back to The Inquisitor?"

 

[Myra]

Dresden stood proud as he looks over his droid's accomplishments, but he nodded, turning to him and nodding. "That would be much appreciated. On the way I can talk with you about one final business proposition, if you wish to hear it."

His droids would file out and walk up to join him, the few remaining forming a triangle behind him, leaving their smoldering brothers in the arena. He had no worries about this man stealing the droid's design and making his own, that would be a crime that any government would gladly come to his aid as long as he supplied them with a small army.. which he could do. But no, he trusted the man, as much as one businessman could another.

[member="Ballen-Ist"]