Private Opportunities Are Borderless

[Liin Terallo]

The fact that my guest tells me of raiders posing no worry for his transports is a fact that I am sure to remember. Raiders and pirates had invaded New Cov for cenruries. Although for some time now it has been forgotten. That is one negative aspect to my work at bringing NCBC to the spotlight; it brings us back into memory.

I take the datapad that is offered with thanks and scroll through the list with my left forefinger. There is quite a wide variety of pieces being offered. They are not very costly, but even with my limited knowledge in shipbuilding I can see that such items can be put to good use.

"What you offer is acceptable, however I propose a counter for it, if I may. However I require a bit more information. You spoke earlier of raiders and pirates not being of concern to your transports. May I ask if you have fleets available to you?" I am certain that my guest can see where I am going with this. Yet I do not know of his occupation or reputation other than what I see before me.

Tag: Darth Strosius

 

[Darth Strosius]

The question causes the mask man's head to cock to the side ever so slightly, whether out of confusion or in some attempt to examine the question is unclear. He supposed that he should have expected that question at some point or another. Now though Alisteri had to figure out how to word his answer properly enough to not give too much away. "A few, yes. But they are very...limited in both experience and number."

It wasn't a lie of course, the handful of 'fleets' were little more than a few attack groups of corvettes and maybe a frigate or semi-militarized freighter acting as a carrier. Among the crew of the ships in said 'fleets' their experience and training had even less to speak of, yet their most recent raids had proved them determined if nothing else. Determination would see them through where their training could not.

"Enough to safeguard and dissuade any would-be pirates patrolling the Outer Rim at least. Without the Hutt's crime rings united I have little to worry about in the way of organized piracy near my investments." He chose not to mention that his fleets were often the ones hunting the pirates and not the other way around.

Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

I nod my head and return his datapad to him. Afterwards I gesture for him to follow me back to the window I had been at earlier. I look out towards the jungles and up at the dome protecting the city.

"The spotlight is drifting towards New Cov. A business rival had informed me that given New Cov's neutral stance there are some out there that will not approve of all that buy our products. They will seek to put a stop to it by the way of raids and invasions reminiscent of the past. While I hope that such a thing will not come to pass, I cannot be naive enough to imagine that it never will."

I love New Cov and all of it's beauty. That much is clear. The jungles are deadly yet the domed cities offer the Covies a sanctuary.

I turn my gaze to that of my guest. "In addition to ship parts, can we also count on you to come to our aid should we require it?" Our own fleet is small in comparison and our technology sorely outdated outside of our work with biomolecules. I would hate for that to be our downfall. Our only option is to hire additional fleets to fight on our side.

Tag: Darth Strosius

 

[Darth Strosius]

He supposed that he shouldn't have been surprised by the statement of the planet's position in the galaxy, nor by the question that she posed to him. Of course Alisteri was aware that New Cov would become a target sooner or later, he had even said as much himself, but to hear it from a local was somewhat surprising. In his experience many that didn't leave their homeworld often had a tendency to doubt its vulnerability. To not believe that something so close could be threatened in such a way.

All too often they were wrong, and the irony of a Sith being asked to help defend a planet was not lost on him in the slightest. Had it been any other situation he might have even chuckled at the question. Instead he merely stared at the jungles beyond the city's dome for a few moments longer before he responded.

"I suppose that can be arranged. On some conditions." Alisteri turned to regard the hostess once more with a slight nod. "For one, I will never have my fleet work alongside the Galactic Alliance in any capacity. Contact with them is far too risky for my operations. Secondly I cannot guarantee an entire armada to protect your planet even at the best of times. Third, my fleets are rather inexperienced and ill-equipped to deal with anything larger than a raiding fleet or pirates. However, while I shall not commit my forces to a losing battle I won't leave the people of New Cov to suffer if there is still an opportunity to assist you. I hope I'm clear in my conditions?"

Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

I listen to the terms that he lays out. Given New Cov's close proximity to Galactic Alliance space, it makes sense that he would oppose working along side them. The only example that I can think of where that is a possibility would be along the lines of an evacuation. But what could ever be the cause of that? An aateroid? I have high doubt that anyone would want to obliterate New Cov with a giant turbolaser. Or at the very least I hope that that is not the case.

I dip my head in acknowledgement to the conditions that he has given. He knows his fleet far better than I do and he knows exactly what they are capable of, whereas I can only hazard a guess.

"Your conditions are acceptable. Any help would be gratefully accepted. Which brings me to a small favor, if I may? Please pass word to me about any rumors or plans that you may hear of anyone coming to endanger New Cov and it's people. Not everything is discussed in the holonews and you have access to certain circles that I do not. I would like to discourage attacks from happening in any way that I can. I can give you my personal channel which is secure, I can assure you." There are not many outside of my family and staff that have access to my personal channel, if at all. Yet as I have said, I will protect the Covie from danger in any way that I can. I just hope that I am not double-crossed by anyone. However that is how the game of politics is played.

Tag: Darth Strosius

 

[Darth Strosius]

Alisteri pondered on the favor asked of him for only a moment before nodding, finding no qualms about keeping New Cov updated in case of a threat. "I had assumed that the sharing of information about such a topic would be included in promising protection. I'll be sure to keep eyes and ears out for potential threats to New Cov, you'll be the first to know if I find something credible or concerning." There was only so much that he would be able watch out for of course, but he could at the very least keep track of Sith or criminal ambitions towards the world if nothing else.

"Thus far you aren't threatened, that I know of, by any significant or noteworthy powers. But of course such things can change at a moment's notice and some hide their plans even from their own forces. I trust that New Cov is competent enough to manage its own defense in the case of a surprise attack. At least until your allies can arrive to assist." He couldn't keep a permanent eye on the planet at all times after all, but a quick response was sometimes just as effective.

"Is there anything else that you would ask of me then, Miss Terallo?"

Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

Even if the sharing of information was assumed, I still had to be sure. Sometimes what is left unsaid is merely forgotten instead of being taken note of. I bow my head in thanks.

As for defending ourselves until help arrives, I nod my head and once again turn to the window. "The jungles will attack any forces on the ground. These biodomes can resist some arial assaults, but not all. And certainly not forever. Anti-aircraft cannons are also available for use, although they are quite old." Those cannons will need to be updated and that is sure to happen soon if I can secure the right contracts. With the attempted kidnapping of myself not long ago; it only shows some of the lengths that people will go to control what we have.

He asks if I have anything further to add and I give my head a firm little shake after returning my focus to him from the window. "No, I do not believe that I do. Thank you for coming all this way to meet with me. Would you like to bring a small shipment with you for the return trip? I can have it arranged before you leave New Cov."

Tag: Darth Strosius

 

[Darth Strosius]

New Cov was indeed very defensible when it came to the planetside portion, with the jungles limiting any potential invaders by forcing them to try and make landings in the domed cities rather than outside of them. Any ground assault would have to have carefully chosen and easily defended landing zones, lest the invaders be split up and lost amongst the city streets. If New Cov could play into their advantages then the planet would almost not be worth sieging at all, almost being the key word. The biomolecules would ensure that it was too valuable to simply be destroyed or even bombarded.

"Rodia may be able to assist you with your defenses, they also face terrible jungles and keep themselves safe with great domes and shields. If you're looking for more suitable advice then they may be your greatest asset." More shielding and better weaponry were always needed, and were something that the hostess herself seemingly acknowledged already. He had more experience taking cities than protecting them after all, so he would not be of much use in this regard.

Alisteri considered the offer for a moment before shaking his head. He had a few preparations to make before he could properly attend to any biomolecule shipments. "Thank you for your generosity but I shall not impose. You and your people have done more than enough for me already, I can wait for the first shipment to come in." The mask man stepped away from the window and offered the hostess a bow of his head. "It has been a pleasure, Miss Terallo. I hope to meet again in the future, and not under dire circumstances such as an invasion."

With that he turned on his heel and began striding back to the entrance, his business on New Cov concluded for the time-being. "Do give my compliments to your researchers if you would, their display was impressive."

Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

Rodia. It was a noteworthy idea to be sure. I bowed my head in thanks at the suggestion.

I am not naive in the respect of not knowing who I am striking a deal with. His armor is enough of a hint of it. He is a warrior and his expertise in combat is valuable. Whether he has more capacity for offence rather than defence, I can see that his knowledge would give us a great insight into the strategies that others may take in attacking New Cov. And as New Cov holds some value in his eyes, there is little doubt that he will strive to protect it when he can.

"New Cov's doors are open should you wish for a retreat from your day-to-day. Perhaps the researchers and yourself could work together in testing some products when you can spare the time?"

Our own military personnel can only do so much. They had not ventured out to fight in outside conflicts. That in itself will not last as I gain New Cov more allies. But for the current time, their knowledge is quite limited. The Galaxy has advanced in both strategy and arsenol. It is about time that New Cov catches up.

"Safe travels. I will contact you when the first shipment is ready. Farewell."

I escort him out of the drawing room before parting ways. I must prepare the report for my Father.

Tag: Darth Strosius