Of Honor and Practicality

[Malicar]

Shadow Hammer in Mandalore Atmosphere

Mandalore

The Shadow Hammer cut through the clouds of Mandalore and approached the spaceport with little difficulty. A pair of Mandalorian fighters escorted the modified light freighter in as soon as it broke Mandalorian space. The Mandalorian Empire was at war, so precautions were understandably necessary. As such, Malicar had to stomach not having a retinue with him and settled for just a small security contingent. But even they would need to stay on the ship during this meeting.

Meeting with a Mandalorian Battlemaster required a cultural understanding. To Malicar, he admired the culture and life they lived, even if a bit skewed in some areas. What Malicar could bring to the table was the little tidbits of rule-breaking that they did not need to know about, but such things were necessary at times to make shipping go smoothly. Malicar was here on business for Interstellar Shipping. The Clans of Mandalore covered a great deal of territory and logistics, especially for Mandalorians, was not something to take lightly in times of war.

The request by Malicar was made and the meeting was accepted. He did what research he could on Adenn Kyramud and knew enough to know his prowess in battle and his love of family. Malicar respected both of those things. Though their philosophies were very different in many ways, there existed common threads, which is why the Chiss believed this business deal with Interstellar Shipping and the Clans of Mandalore could work.

The Shadow Hammer retracted its landing gear and settled on the landing pad. The cargo ramp lowered and the Chiss took a deep breath and walked down the ramp, preparing to meet his potential client…

[member="Adenn Kyramud"]

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

A chiss had contacted him some time before in regards to certain business. Adenn had decided to accept the meeting, for the deal could perhaps help the UCM out in these trying times of war. It all depended on what [member="Malicar"] wanted to do. He stood on the landing pad that was waiting for the chiss to arrive at. Adenn was decked out in his armor(in sig) and had a cloak over the left side of his body, with the Clan Mortui symbol on it. On his leg was his newest blaster, E'care(in sig), and on his back was a jetpack and his sword. He was armed for combat, but then again, he always was.

Adenn was there with a small honor guard, one purely there for aesthetics and not for actual security. He could defend himself well enough on his own. Though he knew somewhat about Malicar, Adenn preferred to make up his own mind on people, and thus hadn't researched the chiss too much beforehand, only getting the basics on him and a few more interesting facts. Standing there, Adenn felt rather bored and simply observed Malicar and the ship that came into land, not commenting and choosing to allow him to speak first. Holding his hands behind him and beneath his cloak, Adenn didn't reveal anything but confidence in the way he stood.

[member="Malicar"]

 

[Malicar]

Malicar strode off the Shadow Hammer and observed his potential client. Watching him, it seemed to the Chiss that pleasantries would not be the order of the day. The Mandalorian waited for him patiently. If he had to, he would do business right here on the landing pad—such formalities meant little to the Chiss. It did not matter if the Mandalorian wanted to conduct business in zero-g--if that is what the client wanted, then that is what Malicar would do. Such was the nature of business.

Dipping his head and torso slightly as he came within less than a dozen feet of Adenn, Malicar began, “Greetings Battlemaster Kyramud. My intent in coming here this eve is not to waste your time, so I will get to the heart of it. I represent Interstellar Shipping. With your present status, I believe I am in a position to assist you. Should we come to a contract agreement, I believe I can make logistics rather painless for the Clans of Mandalore. There is no need to waste assets seeing to logistics when they can be helping on the frontlines. I can do that for you. My company can ensure that supplies are not an issue for the Mandalorians during this time of war. My shipping fleet is easily the fastest in the galaxy, so timeliness will never be an issue. Are you interested?”

​

[member="Adenn Kyramud"]​

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

Adenn watched as Malicar strode off his ship, taking in every note about the chiss crime lord. What he thought of the man was kept carefully hidden though, in part through his trained mind keeping his thoughts to himself, and mainly because his helmet hid his features from view. When Malicar bowed to him, Adenn chuckled to himself, not in a condescending way, but merely in an amused way. Nodding his head to the chiss, Adenn let the man speak. Nodding at the appropriate times, Adenn continued to observe Malicar.

When he spoke, his voice was low, practically a growl, and it was a voice filled with danger, but promise.
"Su cuy Malicar. What you say is good and all, however, let us discuss this elsewhere."

At that, Adenn turned on his heel and marched into the complex behind him. It was a large military base, a hanger was off to the left and to the right resided a massive canon. Fighters patrolled overhead and to either side there were guard patrols in their dozens, each making their rounds. To either side of the walkway Adenn walked down were a dozen Mandalorians wearing Clan Mortui colors(black and red). As Adenn walked past they fell in formation behind him, and if Malicar was behind him then to either side of him. If he walked next to/near Adenn, then they'd be behind him as well. They weren't an honor guard though, not even close, at least not for Malicar.

The entrance to the complex was a dozen steps away from where Adenn had been standing, and he easily and quickly crossed that distance. Upon entering the complex, there were more Mandalorians in every color and clan imaginable, each going about doing their duties. There wouldn't be much to see as 5m in Adenn took a turn to the right and into a conference room. Along one wall was a window that showcased a massive hanger filled with ships of every shape and kind. Within this room was a table meant for more people than there currently were there, along with some refreshments in the center. Adenn sat himself down at the head of the table, in a larger chair that was in the symbol of the Mythosaur of Mandalore. There Adenn continued speaking before Malicar could.
"I am somewhat interested, but you'll have to convince me. You're correct, there is no need for the clans to waste assets for logistics when others can do that for us. However, several things. A: How can we be sure you won't try to short change us. B: How much are you demanding for this business. C: Prove that your fleet is the fastest."

Adenn was straight and to the point, not bothering to beat around the bush. The refreshments at the table were for Malicar to take if he so pleased, but Adenn wouldn't help himself to them, preferring to keep his helmet on. Motioning for Malicar to begin as he pleased, Adenn leaned back and observed the chiss, crossing his arms across his chest.

[member="Malicar"] Again, sorry for the delay in posts, it'll continue on like this for some time. Sorry!

 

[Malicar]

"Su cuy Malicar. What you say is good and all, however, let us discuss this elsewhere."

Nodding to his host, the Chiss filed in and followed the Mand’alor. Malicar’s glowing red eyes took in the busy scene around him. With the present state of the Clans of Mandalore and the Sith Empire, it did not surprise him to see a military base such as this as active as it was. The shipping tycoon couldn’t help but pick apart inefficiencies in their operations: locations of storage, thoroughfares, economy of movement, lean concepts, but this was not thoughts of derision, but an active mind that understood logistics better than most in the galaxy…

Malicar followed the Mandalorian into the conference room and sat down beside Adenn to his left. The Chiss listened to his concerns. All of the concerns were legitimate, especially for a being that had never done business with him.

Smiling, the Chiss leaned onto the conference table and looked at Adenn right in his T-visor where his eyes would be.

He began, “I cannot think of a more foolish business decision than to ‘short change’ Mandalorians. In addition, my shipping company thrives on its reputation, the service we bring getting loads from point A to point B. All our loads are insured. We make our profit by being paid credits for the loads we deliver. If there is no delivery, there are no credits for us. Then you certainly have the freedom to break our contract for not fulfilling our arrangement.”

It was apparent the owner of Interstellar Shipping had no interest in the refreshments, much like his host. If business was to be discussed and directness was the order of the day, then that is what it would be.

The next thought brought a grin the Chiss’ face. He began, "Most shipping companies take pride in how fast their ships are, but they don't build their business on it. We did. The hyperdrives we put on all of our ships were part of our company mission. Even our cruisers turn a typical three day delivery into a load arriving in little over a day and a half. I think you will see this is no empty claim after your first few loads. The delivery times will speak for themselves…”

[member="Adenn Kyramud"]​

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

Adenn noted where Malicar positioned himself and quirked an eyebrow in amusement. It was rare that outsiders placed themselves so close to him. Focusing on the Chiss, Adenn stared back at him, not that Malicar would be able to tell where he was looking. Chuckling at the chiss' first comment, Adenn continued to listen as he spoke. It was good that Malicar spoke plainly with him, because Adenn didn't want to hear anything overbearing.

Though he noticed the chiss' unwillingness to partake in the refreshments, Adenn didn't take any notice. They were optional after all. When Malicar spoke about his ships and how they were so good, Adenn chuckled again.
"A bold claim Malicar. We'll see if you can put your credits where your mouth is, eh. One other question." Turning his chair slightly to the window, Adenn motioned towards the hanger beyond. "How much of that can you supply, or rather, how much can you supply for all of the Mandalorians?"

[member="Malicar"]

 

[Malicar]

Malicar nodded. He researched how this would work in the event the Mand’alor wanted to do business. The chiss answered thoughtfully, “We have enough ships. That is our business after all. I can speed up production on the ships that are almost off the assembly line on Kinoss. If you want me to source your equipment, I can work those contracts as well…whatever you prefer. Otherwise, we will just transport what needs to be transported. We can keep your wartime supplies going: fuel, ammunition, vehicles, ships without hyperdrives, armaments, food, water…whatever else Mando’ade needs. We would set-up shop on Taris, if permissible, and funnel all supplies through there, taking advantage of the Mandalorian Road and the Hydian Way. As long as the contracts are in order and the credits are on the table, we can supply this war to the ‘front’ for as long as you need it supplied…”

Pause.

He allowed the Mand’alor to process his plan and then summarized, “We can provide transport for the supplies you need shipped as one option. As another option, more of a full-service arrangement, you simply tell me what is needed…we will broker the deals from our suppliers and ship them to where you desire them, whether food, fuel…you name it. A third option is a mix of both methodologies in that we supply and ship a portion of the supplies and simply ship the others that you want shipped…”

[member="Adenn Kyramud"]​

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

Listening as the Chiss spoke, Adenn smirked behind his helmet, the man was very confident in his capabilities. Nodding along as he listened, Adenn liked what he heard.
"I'd have to talk to my vod about Taris and you setting up, but I think the other points of interest are acceptable. Fuel and food sources would be the best and most immediate source we'd require."

Glancing over Malicar again, Adenn let the man mull that over for a few moments before continuing.
"A broker deal would be best then. We tell you what we need, you get that to us where we need it. I assume you have some sort of datapad for that set up then, to sign off on?"

Staring at Malicar, Adenn took note of his next moves. It was important that one was always prepared for anything, time to see how prepared Malicar was.

[member="Malicar"]

 

[Malicar]

Malicar nodded and answered, “We can make it work without setting up Taris, but it will be more expensive. Up to you and your vode.”

He listened to Adenn’s requests with an insightful ear.

"A broker deal would be best then. We tell you what we need, you get that to us where we need it. I assume you have some sort of datapad for that set up then, to sign off on?"

“Datapad? Of sorts…”

His right hand swept over his left wrist and a holographic contract sprung to life in the air above his wrist, displaying the relevant facts and figures for the battlemaster to review.

“This is the contract we finalized on:

• Supply and Deliver – on demand Fuel in quantities as requested by the Mandalorian Empire
• Supply and Deliver – on demand Food and Water in quantities as requested by the Mandalorian Empire
• Supply Freight Services - materials of war as requested by the Mandalorian Empire

Malicar nodded to Adenn and added, “We can adjust as needed. My personal contact is on the contract for your convenience."

"Sign in the area indicated with your finger and we will have our first loads in to you in less than 48 hours…”

[member="Adenn Kyramud"]​

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

Adenn returned the nod and then held up a hand for a pause. He was getting some new information from his vode in regards to Taris. Chuckling slightly, Adenn returned his gaze to Malicar.
"It seems we're in luck then, you will be allowed to make a small setup base on Taris. Said base will be under Mandalorian supervision and the only things allowed to go through that base will supply the Mando'ade. It'll be a hub of commerce only for the Mandalorians, no one else. Mark my word, if there's something in there for one of our enemies, we'll confiscate everything and then some."

He said the last part with as much warning in his voice as he could. After all, a Mandalorian didn't make a threat, they made promises. This would be one of them. Motioning for Malicar to continue then, Adenn sat back in his chair to listen to the man. When the hologram appeared, Adenn took note of it all, taking a few pictures just in case. Taking another pic of the contact information, Adenn made sure to read it all over and see if there were any loopholes or similar in the contract that could be used against the UCM. If there were any, then he'd point them out, and if not, then he would sign. Once signed, Adenn would return his gaze to the Chiss.
"Pleasure doing business Malicar."

[member="Malicar"]