Politics, Profit and Pirates, Oh My! (CSA Dominion of Balmorra Hex)

[Kay-Larr]

COMMENOR SYSTEMS ALLIANCE DOMINION OF BALMORRA HEX​

Grid Location: W,28.
Objective Worlds: Balmorra, Neimoidia, Humbarine, Tesforam (Custom Planet).
Interested Parties: CSA, Clan Raxis, Clan Australis.

PROLOGUE: In the wake of recent reports coming out of the Holo-net regarding Amber Attacks and the growing tension across the galactic map, numerous major powers in the Galaxy are looking to the core worlds as the Galactic Alliance has fallen silent. With so many worlds still fending to protect themselves from criminality, war and now a growing fear of biological attacks, the Commenor Systems Alliance has turned its attention to the Balmorra Hex in the hope of securing yet another sector and bringing further aid and financial stability to the region should they fall under the banners of the CSA.

OBJECTIVE 1: Bring your own Story.

OBJECTIVE 2: Political Entourage - Meet with the world leaders of Balmorra to discuss terms to be agreed upon for their commitment to the Commenor Systems Alliance.

OBJECTIVE 3: A Buyers Market - Visit Neimoidia, a trade heavy world whom could secure valuable import/export business with Commenor, whom also revels in trade.

OBJECTIVE 4: Hunkering down on Humbarine - Secure the Fortress world of Humbarine which has been overrun by rogue pirates and become a hub for all smuggling and slavery in the sector.

 

[Melvand Zrimmir]

OBJECTIVE THREE​

​

Neimoidia, home of the Neimoidian race. A trade world in its own right, however inferior to the Neimoidian purse worlds, it had value as a member system to a federation like the Commenor Systems Alliance. If you were a Neimoidian, this value meant nothing. While others might find its autumn colored plains beautiful or its trade importance profitable, Neimoidians, non-modified ones anyways, avoided Neimoidia like a plague. For Neimoidia had a checkered history. Back millennia ago, the Neimoidians created a sub-class of the Neimoidian race, worker drones, whose minds were not fully developed. They were less intelligent and more aggressive than the average Neimoidian, and they showed a special hatred for their Neimoidian masters who had stunted them. So, most non-affected Neimoidians left the planet for the purse worlds, many to never return.

But Zrimmir was here. Sure, he felt uncomfortable, and did not wish to stay here long, but he couldn't pass up a financial opportunity like this. Zrimmir Universal Banking Union was closing its planetary branch at Atrisia after complications in the transition from Galactic Alliance to the Atrisian Commonwealth, so Zrimmir decided instead of continuing a branch in the galactic west, he would look to the east. Neimoidia, despite its stigma, was a prime planet for a new planetary branch. Zrimmir already the permits to build eighteen locations on two of the continents, some of which were already under construction. He was only here to inspect them, and perhaps make some trade connections with the influx of Commenori officials and merchants. It had only been coincidence that they would arrive the same time he did, but however it happened, it happened all the same.

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

Spoiler

COMMENOR SYSTEMS ALLIANCE DOMINION OF BALMORRA HEX​

Grid Location: W,28.
Objective Worlds: Balmorra, Neimoidia, Humbarine, Tesforam (Custom Planet).
Interested Parties: CSA, Clan Raxis, Clan Australis.

Prologue: In the wake of recent reports coming out of the Holo-net regarding Amber Attacks and the growing tension across the galactic map, numerous major powers in the Galaxy are looking to the core worlds as the Galactic Alliance has fallen silent. With so many worlds still fending to protect themselves from criminality, war and now a growing fear of biological attacks, the Commenor Systems Alliance has turned its attention to the Balmorra Hex in the hope of securing yet another sector and bringing further aid and financial stability to the region should they fall under the banners of the CSA.

Objective 1: Bring your own Story.
Objective 2: Political Entourage - Meet with the world leaders of Balmorra to discuss terms to be agreed upon for their commitment to the Commenor Systems Alliance.
Objective 3: A Buyers Market - Visit Neimoidia, a trade heavy world whom could secure valuable import/export business with Commenor, whom also revels in trade.
Objective 4: Hunkering down on Humbarine - Secure the Fortress world of Humbarine which has been overrun by rogue pirates and become a hub for all smuggling and slavery in the sector.

Objective 4: Hunkering down on Humbarine.
Special Inventory: Training Lightsaber, Bo Staff, CS.38 Tactical Side-Arm.
Apparel: Spacer Attire.

​

Humbarine had once been a revered hub of industry and commerce back in it's glory days, long before Caedyn's lifetime, before the Clone Wars had apparently seen it leveled by the separatists led by some old general by the name of Grievous. The world had been laid to waste and then reclaimed by the Galactic Empire and turned into a fortress of a world during their reign over the core worlds; yet that like all things in this Galaxy had an end date and today those old fortresses had far deteriorated from their once portrayal of imperial strength. Today they were reportedly used as a safe haven for smugglers, thieves and criminals of all kinds coming and going through the sector whose neighboring worlds profited in trade, an industry that requires save transit to and from their destinations (import and export business).

Danger seemed to be a regular theme in Caedyn's life these days, so long as he was comfortable to assist his Mother in the affairs of the Commenor Systems Alliance. From what he'd heard from his Mom, [member="Lady Kay"] was intending on meeting with the neighboring worlds in an attempt to garner alliances, to bring them into the fold and protection that the CSA had to offer. Naturally of course, their protection also meant the safe-keeping of the hyper-lanes and space in between. Such was why Caedyn found himself sitting in the cockpit of his newly inherited X-Wing with the world of Humbarine in front of him. He'd never been to this world before, but apparently his first time wasn't going to be an easy one.

"Well Dee-Four, I'm not seeing anything on the scanners...-Then again, this thing's pretty old. I hope Mom's guys fixed her up okay and stuff" Caedyn spoke to his Astromech who had been designated to the X-Wing as the Fighter was bet handled with the assistance of a droid, especially for someone of Caedyn's age and experience. "Apparently there's a lot going on here...-All she told me was to take a look..." naturally his mother wanted Caedyn to becareful and so aside from her law enforcement unit and the naval patrol that had been sent into the sector, she'd allowed Caedyn to help while trying not to endanger him too greatly. Of course, Caedyn had a knack for finding trouble and a sense of excitement that often came with risks...

Putting the nose of the Fighter to dip, he maneuvered the X-Wing to descend down towards the world's atmosphere, his Astromech whirling in question of his intentions. "Mom said to take a look, so I'm taking a look...-A closer one" he smiled to himself as his right hand pushed forward on the throttle, opening the thrusters so that he could really stretch the ships wings so to speak. It was her first flight in his hands, after-all.

[member="Melvand Zrimmir"] | [member="Lady Kay"]​

 

[Tin'tinag]

OBJECTIVE: 4
Peps: [member="Caedyn Arenais"]
Inventory: Lightsaber Robes

Tin had never visited Humdarine before, not that she ever had a reason, the core worlds where often a no go zone for an old smullger like her, and even more so when in the Knights of Ren. Then again being a fortress world for mainly military use such a planet was never going to be a place Ting would go, unless it was to fight someone or something. Today though things where difference the world fortress had apparently been taken over by pirates and smuggler, her kind of crowd back in the old day, still kind of true now even though she was in the CSA.

Exiting hyperspace the Twi'leks freighter came into the atmosphere of the planet, "well here we are, I wonder what type of crap they have been selling down er"? "It may be cost effective to get some good before ridding the place of scum, that is unless actual military personal get an upper hand in the matter, though I could use the panic to snatch some loot, best see how things go before taking action". If things did go south she could always just say she was undercover, though not like many people really knew who she was, kind of hard when your constantly going off on long training trips.

Coming lower Tin made a final approach to the fortress surface, unaware that another was coming to scope the place out.

 

[Darben Skirae]

Objective: 3

Darben had been sticking to Commenor mostly. Sometimes he went by the world's owned by Stardust's, extend his boundaries a bit. This time, his job called upon him. Plus, an opportunity to further expand his store. He had planned to do so for some time now, and still had plans to. Travelling to Nemoidia was his best chance at that. So when he heard that the CSA were heading out, why not take the opportunity? Aboard a transport that came to landing, out he came with Renla by his side. Where would they decide to go first?

[member="Melvand Zrimmir"]

 

[Klesta]

OOC: <Speech in brackets> is Xi Charrian speech, and bracket-less speech is Basic.

Objective 3: Marketplace
Location: En route to Neimoidia

Klesta knew, from his time in the Senate, that Neimoidians were usually pretty fearful of occupational hazards, so it was natural to attempt peddling ergonomic assessments to them there. So he brought a few of his trusted staffers in tow, especially if he could close a deal with a court-ordered client for ergonomic assessments; typically those were the most urgent. And he knew that Neimoidian courts were, pretty quick in ordering the defendants to make ergonomic assessments in corporate criminal neglect cases, almost as regularly as Xi Charrians, whom typically regarded corporate criminal neglect as a crime where the people convicted of it may as well spend the rest of their lives in prison, especially in the most high-profile cases, not to mention seizing or even outright liquidating the convicted business if the government cannot run the business, in which case the new owners were liable to get ergonomic assessments made. Also he knew that it was difficult to get their hands on ergonomic assessors on that planet. The Jawa knew he could readily play the card of "spend now, save later" but all of his preorders thus far have been clients that ran companies convicted of criminal neglect.

"<Whew... this sounds almost as bad as Xi Charrian commercial litigation>" the Xi Charrian assessor told the two.

"I'll go see that client over there first"

"Please, you have to help us: we don't want to go to jail because we failed to get ergonomic assessments made!" the Neimoidian would-be client begged.

 

[Melvand Zrimmir]

OBJECTIVE THREE​

​

Walking through the spaceport, Zrimmir was unsure of which location to attend to first. He could hit the Neimoidian market exchange, perhaps check out the location of the Zrimmir Universal Banking Union planetary headquarters. All of his plans went out the window when he saw a man who he could not forget, [member="Darben Skirae"], Minister of Trade and Finance in the Commenori Systems Alliance. The very same systems alliance his company was based in. He approached, however not quickly, and introduced himself without warning to the minister, bowing while he did it,

"Minister Skirae, what a pleasure to meet you here. I am Melvand Zrimmir, chief executive officer of Zrimmir Universal Banking Union. What is a man of your high ranking doing on such a backwater* as Neimoidia?"


(Neimoidians don't like Neimoidia, this statement isn't necessarily true)

 

[Alkor Centaris]

Objective 2

Illyns Phaygus stood next to a number of bureacrats and politicians most interested in keeping Balmorra a free world. Their economic prosperity had dwindled during the occupation of the Sith, and while Alliance control had offered breathing room, it did very little to remedy the damage of overtaxation and inflated costs. Balmorran Arms in particular had seen a loss in shareholders due to the prohibitive costs of their droids and weaponry.

The stout man stared at the Commenori representatives with his cybernetic eye, flickering the shutter open and closed as he zoomed in to get a better view. How would this new group of potential controllers woo the twice-bitten world into the umbrella of their influence?

While in most cases the Technarch would leave this sort of thing to the proper actors, Balmorran Arms was their voice in a galactic market. That made him the loudest proponent of Balmorran freedom in the entire bunch. Fortunately, he did not represent the world alone.

Interest from their majority shareholder and his constituents in Commenori control of the planet prompted the otherwise disinterested, enigmatic man to rear his head. Alkor Centaris held his helmet under one arm and rested all of his weight on his left foot as he waited for the ceremonious greetings to end and for talks to start.

Phaygus leaned toward the slightly taller man and whispered, "I take it you know these people?"

Alkor nodded slightly. "Allies of the Mandalorian Empire. If not us, they're the best possible hands for Balmorra to fall into. I'm just here to make sure the terms are good for you."

"Have I ever told you, Master Alkor," the fat-faced businessman chuckled, "you know how to make a man blush?"

"I like you Illyns, don't make me shoot you."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Bradshaw Ku]

Objective: 4 ​

Post Count: 1 ​

“Hey hotshot, be careful over there,-“

Be careful? Sometimes he still surprised himself with some of the things he said, having now gained some sense of responsibility after his nearly two years away training.

“I never trusted that relic you’re flying, even when Veiere had it.” He worried through the com in his helmet to [member="Caedyn Arenais"]. “Ben said he fixed it up good as new, but I think he’s also been sneaking caf again, he was wired tighter than a protocol droid last time I saw him. The crazy fuzzball was practically bouncing off the walls and ceiling.”

Bradshaw’s borrowed astromech droid, Shorty, booped and whistled in defense of his owner, the crazy fuzzball, as the customized Z95XT broke away from the squadron the prince brought with him and emerged from the clouds above Caedyn, descending to soar just above him.

Ben, Commenor’s oddball head engineer knew his stuff, but as a Chadra-fan his metabolism already operated on overdrive making him perpetually hyper and meaning caffeine might as well be a sniff of the hard stuff. Which was why he wasn’t supposed to have any. That didn’t always stop him.

A glance down at his sensors showed no signs, yet, of incoming hostiles, but the former combat pilot knew better. “Don’t get too comfy and keep your head on a swivel, kid. Your sensors might be telling you we’re safe but they’re not going to pick up properly built AA emplacements. I’ve been here before and I know they have at least a few. There’s also no chance our presence has gone unnoticed. They're crooks and scoundrels but they’re not stupid-“

Almost as if timed perfectly, a volley of turbo blaster fire flashed out from AA fortifications hidden behind rocky alcoves and shielded by rubble from the former planet wide city. From his experience as a combat pilot and assistance from the force, Bradshaw was able to bank his fighter just in time to avoid being hit.

“Scrabble...scramble...scramble…” rang through his headset from the squadron leader still flying in formation above him.

“Caedyn!”

After a couple more necessary swerves while he ascended quickly, Bradshaw looked around to try to locate his younger step-brother.

“Caedyn, you still upright? Climb!”

Maybe their Mother shouldn’t have let Caedyn come along. It was much more dangerous than she realized.

| [member="Alkor Centaris"] | [member="Melvand Zrimmir"] | [member="Klesta"] | [member="Darben Skirae"] | [member="Tin'tinag"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | ​

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

Objective 4: Hunkering down on Humbarine.
Special Inventory: Training Lightsaber, Bo Staff, CS.38 Tactical Side-Arm.
Apparel: Spacer Attire.
Starfighter: Luke Skywalker's X-Wing.

​

​

​

Caedyn chuckled to himself as [member="Bradshaw Ku"]'s voice came in over the communications array, the Lad reaching to flip one of the toggles so that he could speak into the mic of his Helmet back to his Brother; "I'm getting pretty good at this now, [member="Asha Hex"] taught me how to fly in her Why-Tee Ship. The Prophet is way bigger than this though so it was pretty tricky. This one's awesome though, it's so fas-.." his words faded out quickly as something immediately felt wrong. It was difficult to put into words but the sudden feeling of alarm and imminent danger reached him before the sound of their Squadron Leader's orders or Brad's panic for his younger brothers safety.

Pulling back on the stick with his left hand, his right kept the throttle in full effect as he brought the X-Wing to ascend higher, turning her into a spin at the same time and veering off to the right in order to keep himself out of the path of the Turbo laser fire that seemed to be lighting up the sky all around him. He didn't have the moment to respond to Bradshaw, his Astromech D4-39 was screaming in one of those high-pitched mechanical yells of fright that astromech's with personality chips did during such times. Caedyn loved the little guy, it was great having another droid around but right now, the screaming wasn't helping either of them.

"I know, I know !" He shouted over his shoulder as he continued to take them both higher above the clouds once more and moving to catch up to the rest of the Squadron. His hands were shaking and his throat was tight by the sudden adrenaline and near death experience, it looked like today was going to be intense after all and sometimes even Caedyn over-estimated his ability for a boy of fifteen years. Still, he did his best not to let it show as he spoke back into the mic to his Brother, letting him know that he was okay.

"I'm coming up behind you guys...-That was really close ! Was that our target ?".

[member="Tin'tinag"] [member="Bradshaw Ku"] [member="Alkor Centaris"] [member="Melvand Zrimmir"] [member="Klesta"] [member="Darben Skirae"] [member="Lady Kay"]​

 

[Kay-Larr]

Objective: 2


Balmorra. Another sector closer to the Core, and a sector that was losing the protection that it once had with the Galactic Alliance. Kay had seen such political turmoil before with the fall of the Galactic Republic. And now other political instability was taking place to the south of her territory as well. She wasn't sure if she should be happy or worried.

Meeting with Illyns Phaygus and his fellow politicians, Kay had come alone. Her Ministers were elsewhere, even her Royal Advisor [member="Adron Malvern"] was away to deal with other affairs with his other employment. Her children were nowhere near ready for such negotiations, yet it wasn't as though she had trained them for it yet anyways. Only [member="Bradshaw Ku"] had some ounce of preperation for such meetings, but he had much on his plate already.

A pair of uniformed guards came with her, one holding a wooden chest that had already been screened for security purposes and was deemed safe. Armed with just her smile and charm, Kay bowed her head to them. "Thank you for allowing me to meet with you. If you hadn't guessed already, I am Lady Kay Arenais, High Queen of the Commenor Systems Alliance. We're looking to help Balmorra and others in this sector where they need it most." And by that of course she meant in their security and economy. From the look of the information that she was given, Balmorra wasn't in the best of situations.

Kay glanced over to [member="Alkor Centaris"] as she spotted him, raising a brow slightly in curiosity as to his involvement in this meeting.

 

[Alkor Centaris]

"Your Majesty," Phaygus stepped forward and bowed when the Queen of Commenor herself entered, flanked by two of her finest. It was only protocol she have an attache, especially with a world like Balmorra. Thus, he did not feel slighted in the least at the sight of them. He did notice the expression she shot to his armored friend, however. "Please, pay him no mind, the young Master is here only to ensure his majority share in my company is properly represented," the Balmorran assured her. Alkor wore no weapons, per their previous agreement, and had also agreed to speak only if spoken to.

This meeting was solely between the people of Balmorra and the Commenor Systems Alliance.

In lieu of a weapon, Alkor held a datapad, which he typed at idly as the negotiations came under way. "I know you are a particularly aware woman and well versed in Galactic affairs, so I will assume that you are already aware of the poor state of our world's economy." He shifted as he moved forward to properly greet her with a firm handshake. "We are most interested in amicable terms with you, and hope you may shed some light upon ways to help us improve and return to the prosperity we once enjoyed."

They had received several encouraging accounts of CSA activities on nearby worlds, and were more than eager to join in and reap the benefits, but one could never be too careful. What you hear and the truth often differed on some level. The politicians were hopeful, of course. "Your Majesty," one of the older, taller men with olive skin spoke, "I am Senator Copelin- former senator, at least. None of us have been properly seated since the overreaching government body dissolved. It is our sincere hope that you will find what you are looking for here on Balmorra, and that if we can, we help you to do so."

A touching sentiment, to be certain.

 

[Darben Skirae]

Objective: 3

Darben Skirae was greeted quickly as soon as he arrived by a Nemoidian who bowed to his presence. He was used to the bowing as he was a representative of government, but he didn't encourage it. [member="Melvand Zrimmir"] asked to him what the Minister could be doing here, and he just smiled back before answering, "I am looking to expand my horizons. I have a store, you see I want to expand. Thought a planet such as Nemoidia would be a good place to start, Melvand."

 

[Klesta]

Objective 3: Marketplace
Location: En route to Neimoidia

The client flashed the judgment that found the company guilty of criminal negligence, and he would be curious about the size of the outfit, knowing that he would not want to incur a constructive liability. So the only extra information he needs from his would-be client would be the number of stations to be assessed; he knew what credit terms to give depending on that. Any assessment that wasn't eligible for a group discount would have to be paid for, cash-on-delivery, group discounts were typically given 2/15, n/60, and bulk discounts, 3/20, n/90. Even if, most of the time when dealing with court-ordered stuff, payment in equity was, in fact, a short-term investment. But before he could ask how the client would pay for it, he had to know whether the deposit paid in equity for preordering the assessments would cover the assessments in full or in part. And, if the latter, how much would he have to pay in the remaining balance, especially since the court order called for blanket assessments, that is, every station had to be assessed by a certain date.

"Utinni! How many stations does that represent?"

 

[Kay-Larr]

Objective: 2


Kay wasn't fond of meetings being recorded. She prefered them to being kept private. However there was nothing wrong if [member="Alkor Centaris"] was just taking notes as he appeared to be.

She took hold of his hand as he approached, giving it a firm, yet gentle shake. Her eyes moved to each official as they spoke. There was no desperation in their manner at all, which was great. But there was a longing there, a desire to share in the growth that her government had the potential to share.

"All that I am looking for is to help our neighbours. The galactic wars have yet to enter our borders and so those within our reach are a part of a sanctuary in the Galaxy. What I can offer you and your people is not only safety, but to help spur your economy. Trade is our largest source. My own home planet of Commenor has large exports in these..." She gestured to her guard that held the wooden chest. On cue he opened up the lid. Inside were bottles of Commenori brandy, an assortment of expensive fabrics of a multitude of colours, and unpolished chrysopaz gemstones. "Of course our other worlds have many other items and they are all of which you will be able to bring here and sell. And what of Balmorra? We could open up your world to trade with not only the other worlds in the CSA, but beyond. We have guaranteed protected trade routes that travel throughout the Galaxy. Tourism can also be brought here. And with the right training and supplies, the destroyed buildings here can be reconstructed, allowing your people to do most of the work so that they can be paid well and spend those credits here. Your companies would gain more customers and revenue and so will your shareholders. It's been a proven strategy that works."

 

[Alkor Centaris]

Several glances were exchanged and heads nodded in approval at her words, and a conversation seemed to form behind Phaygus as he continued to speak with the Commenori delegation. "You are saying all the things they want to hear, but I also need to hear what is expected of us. Tithes for the military, taxes? Insurance policies? What would you expect of us, to give us such a great boon? Surely, you wish for more than a seat at your table for Balmorra?"

He was a man who looked at all angles, which sometimes seemed a bit pessimistic, but his people were glad that he did not simply take things at face value. Balmorra had gotten a raw deal multiple times in the past, so they were wary of wheeling and dealing by politicians. Who better to close a business deal than an entrepreneur?

"All of this is most likely going to end up a formality, of course." He gestured to the group behind him, all writing down a series of questions and concerns for the Queen. An itemized list could be handled at a later date, or gone through meticulously in a single sitting. Whatever they decided, ultimately.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Objective 4

The Mandalorian Empire and the Commenor Systems Alliance were becoming more and more as partners of crime. For some reason or another, it seemed that they kept finding themselves assisting each other. Beth didn't mind - she loved the Commenori and particurarly enjoyed helping them out whenever she could. She found herself in an increasing friendship with [member="Loreena Arenais"], even though she was training to be a Mandalorian. Not to mention, [member="Caedyn Arenais"]. Maybe one day she'd get the courage to actually send him that message that was saved in her drafts... One day! Maybe when it wouldn't be too weird. Or something.

In this situation, the Commenori were in negotiations to annex the system. She was going to help free those who were enslaved on Humbarine. Helping free the slave populations would not only help the slaves find their freedom but would help the spread Commenori influence with the lower (and much more populous) castes. Of course, Beth was one of many people trying to assist them.

In either case, the teenager didn't really have time to focus on that currently. Deep in the ecumenopolis of Humbarine, Beth crept forward with her blaster in her hand. She was hidden behind several abandoned hover crafts and what looked like rubble. If it hadn't been for the fact that she had no idea what she wanted to do with her life, she probably would never have agreed to do this. She loved the idea of rescuing slaved sapients, but on that same note, she had never been on a slave rescuing mission. There were ships nearby that would be ready to help lift the slavers off the planet and to refugee settlements.

Beth wasn't one to naturally go into a dangerous situation, but some agent-like work had sounded interesting & different for her. Wasn't that the purpose in this part of her life, right? To expand her scope and skills? Maybe she would be a jack of all trades - do anything her nation asked of her! She may be good at it, but the girl was a bit terrified to make the final move. Several guards were helping herd the poor sapients into crowded bunkers, at least from what she could see. It wasn't too guarded, at least. Of course, Beth knew that didn't mean the minute she made her move that more wouldn't swarm over her and her position.

She took a deep breath, making sure her comms were working in case she had to send out a distress signal from her location.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Objective: 2


Kay looked to each of them in turn while they conversed quietly amongst themselves. That was all normal. She had been through this type of meeting before. However the last time it was on Umbara and they had failed to secure the planet.

She looked to [member="Alkor Centaris"] as he addressed her. "All we ask is that you follow our Charter, trade and foreign policy. I'm sure that your military will do their part to keep this sector safe and we can help to bolster that. As for taxes...we tend to ask for two percent of income tax, depending on the income. There are different thresholds for that."

Those that make more, pay more. It was only fair. And she was more inclined to lift people from poverty, rather than to keep them within it.

Once again, Kay looked to the governing officials that stood opposite of her, gaging their reactions towards what she had to say.

 

[Klesta]

Objective 3: Marketplace
Location: En route to Neimoidia

"That represents about 350 work stations"

"We offer 3/20, n/90, billed the day the assessments are completed and, on top of that, we offer a bulk discount"

The Jawa could feel the frustration of the Neimoidian client, feeling that past ergonomic assessment firms they shopped at were seemingly unable to assess 350 stations in a timely manner, even with the bulk discounts. Probably because the local ergonomic assessment firms subcontracted others for performing the largest jobs, which defeated the bulk discount and then some: typically subcontracting part of the work cost twice as much as a regular assessment in this industry. He knew this because most of his business in this system up to this point was of a subcontracting nature. If the CSA Senate and, after that, the CSA civil service relied on us to get ergonomic assessments done, so court-ordered Neimoidian clients can trust us, too, he thought, while he finalized the billing details prior to getting to work performing one or two assessments that he was charging the business for. How the Neimoidian business would pay the Jawa he did not mind, hoping that he could hopefully get some of the stuff used if they paid in free merchandise, which was, in fact, rather common these days for companies whose cash flows are limited.

"Now, start the assessments!"

"<Yes, boss>" one of the Xi Charrian assessors acknowledged.

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Objective: 4

Rescue slaves?

That was what her mom used to do. Apparently she was quite good at it. And by jove, Lori was going to be good at it too.

Earlier today she had parked the Grey Sparrow on one of the landing pads. Her designation with her craft didn't mention anything about her titles, just that she was a citizen of the nearby Systems Alliance. That of course would spare her ship and herself from being targeted by anyone wanting to get after her parents, mostly her mom.

A fortress world was something that she hadn't quite come across before, although she had heard of them. Lori picked out her light armour to wear for today, with her trusty jetpack Ol's Sparky secured on her back. Goggles sat on the top of her head, ready to be dropped over her eyes in a second's notice. Now she felt confident with each step that she took. She was Lori the Manda'lori'an! And no one was going to stand in her way!!

Okay, they might.

Two brutes cut her off in the street, guys in their late teens, she guessed. "Well, well, well, what have we here?"

"Looks like a circus is missing their freak."

"Looks like. You lost little girl?"

"That jet pack looks too heavy for you. I can help you with that."

Lori narrowed her eyes at the two. They were trying to bait her, but she wasn't going to fall for it.

Or maybe she would.

"If you don't get out of my way, you're going to regret it! I'll give you to the count of three.

One...

Two..."