Private Profit and Power

[Marlon Sularen]

P R O F I T_A N D_P O W E R

IMPERIAL CONFEDERATION
BONADAN, OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

​

Economics. They were a fundamental aspect of society, the very core that held entire nations together especially in times of crisis. A fragile economy could result in the collapse of political systems and an ineffective military apparatus, which could render planets and galactic governments vulnerable to their rivals who might try to take advantage of such weaknesses. At the same time a strong economy would enable a state to resist political unrest and foreign challenges ensuring it's survival in the long-term. Of-course there were multiple approaches governments would take regarding their economies, some better then others although in the end what mattered was the results not the means. As long as your economic system worked in creating a strong economy, then any measures taken to support such a system no matter how harsh they could be were necessary to the survival of the state.

The Imperial Confederation was among a group of rising factions that had risen within the galaxy in the past few months to challenge the traditional galactic order that had once been dominated by the Galactic Alliance and the Sith Order, working hard to carve it's place amongst the stars and emerge as a new dominant force of Imperialism in the galaxy. Naturally in order to achieve it the Confederation would need a strong economy to support it's efforts in the long-term. Usually, major governments would have large megacorporations support them in growing their economy while others would take more direct control of their economic affairs. The Imperial Confederation on the other hand had taken an approach that balanced both options inviting megacorporations such as the N&Z Umbrella Corporation to partake in it's growing economy while also using government resources to invest in sectors were in dire need of economic growth and support.

As tensions and conflicts in the galaxy only further escalated especially with the Galactic Empire's reveal of their so-called Death Star III, the Supreme Commander of the Confederation's Armed Forces, Marlon Sularen had sought out new partners for the Confederation outside the N&Z Umbrella Corporation hoping to reduce it's reliance on N&Z, give other corporations new opportunities for growth and further expanding the Confederation's economy. He had already made an attempt to seek out the member corporations of the now defunct Corporate Interest's Guild during a summit at Saleucami and already negotiations were underway to secure a trade deal between the Imperial Confederation and the Mandalorian Empire.

One of the potential partners that Sularen set his eyes on was Tetron Centrex, a recently formed company based in the Corporate Sector which had been slowly building a presence on the galactic market. Having quietly observed Tetron Centrex's growth, the Supreme Commander grew only more interested in the company especially with the products and assets that it had developed which could be of good use to the Imperial Confederation's military and civilian sectors. As such it wasn't long before Sularen had arranged an appointment with the Prex of Tetron Centrex, Oda Dunn in the hopes of negotiating a favorable deal that could bring the company into the orbit of the Confederation and bring further prosperity to both the Confederation and Tetron Centrex.

Thus, the Supreme Commander would soon find himself walking through the halls of the Tetron Centrex Headquarters as he was escorted to the Prex's Office. Soon, he would join the Prex of Tetron Centrex in a meeting that would potentially alter the course of his corporation and further elevate it's status in the galaxy while simultaneously strengthening the Confederation's economy. After Sularen reached the entrance to the Prex's Office he took a deep breathe and stepped forwards the doors leading to the office opening up as the Imperial Supreme Commander stepped into the office, walking up towards the Prex's desk and extending his arm for a friendly handshake. "Prex Dunn. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

Tags | Prex Oda Duun ​

 

[Prex Oda Duun]

​

Prex Oda Duun sat quietly, cold synthetic fingers steepled, his body frozen in unnatural stillness. While many found the synthetic mannerisms unsettling, his personal staff had quickly adapted to it, with some of the analysts and statisticians coming to even appreciate the cold and calculating indifference. Oda was glad for this - there was too much to do to accommodate personal hangups - and those that had failed to adapt were quickly demoted or replaced.

"As I was saying Prex Oda, the shipments from Dashiell Corporation have arrived, and the materials have been inventoried and accounted for." The analyst tapped a few times on his datapad, sending the figures to Oda's desk terminal. "According to our projections, we should have more than enough war materiel for our assault on Likon Corp."

"Excellent." Mused Oda, leaning back in his high-backed chair. The simple positive affirmation had the analyst sagging, and inwardly, Oda sighed. He couldn't blame the man, though. Everyone had been on edge since the Corporate Sector Authority had sent an observer; Tetron's every move was being watched under a microscope, and even slight mistakes - ones that Oda would normally brush off and forgive with nothing but a reprimand - had taken on new urgency and danger. "What are our troop projections?"

"5,000 corporate soldiers, or one regiment." The analyst replied after a brief datapad consult. "Respectable, given this is our first time raising an army, with no help might I add."

Oda snorted in response, reading the subtext in the man's words. The Corporate Sector had no shortage of mercenary corps and war platform manufacturers. Despite Tetron symbolizing a nice and tidy profit of 40% gross, per their demands, the CSA had not deigned fit to help Tetron or educate them in warfare manufacture and logistics. The ensuing research and development had been a massive drain on resources for Tetron, having to engineer from the ground up everything from blasters to hand grenades. "They want to see if we have what it takes to be a big player, sink or swim. They'll only intervene if we start drowning."

"And the rope they toss us will probably be woven out of receipts." Remarked the analyst dryly. The man seemed surprised when Oda genuinely chuckled - Oda not displaying much of true emotion since being enteched. "Sorry, sir, I shouldn't speak so plainly." The analyst replied, with a wry smile.

"No no, it's fine." Replied Oda, waving a hand. "It's the truth. It will be a noose made of receipts to be sure." Oda sighed, bringing up a holographic chart. It showed troop recruitment, weapons allocation, and other logistical data. "5,000: one regiment." The word was unfamiliar. Oda was not a military man, but things were changing, and you either adapted or died in this galaxy. Thankfully his tutoring by his hired mercenary general was going well, and Oda was very quickly acclimating to many of the concepts, foreign though they were. "Five battalions, twenty companies, one hundred platoons, five hundred squads, one thousand hazardteams..."

"What are your orders, Prex Duun?"

Oda trailed off, contemplating. Likon had stepped up their aggression in recent days. Mining the plentiful ore in the CDZ-625 system, they had been selling cheap tritium to the colonists of the Parthovian Cluster; Tetron colony reactors used liquid hydrogen or more expensive deuterium, both being derivatives of hydrogen. Tritium, also a hydrogen derivative, apparently worked just fine when mixed with other hydrogen fuels. The result? Virtually all of Tetron's fuel profits were drying up overnight as the competition cut Tetron at the knees. Perhaps mining the moon had been a genuine mistake; a misread of corporate charters and deed lines. But this? This was deliberate. This was personal.

"Immediately begin mass-scale manufacture. This 'Tritium War' will be Likon's final act." The analyst nodded curtly at Oda in response before spinning on his heel, fingers tapping away at his datapad.

Silently, Oda steepled his hands again, the hologram twirling idly on his desk. It was all or nothing, but if this worked...Tetron would gain a massive boost in its manufacturing capabilities, let alone an increase in its margins and bottom line. With Likon in hand, the Parthovian Cluster would become truly his, with or without the help - or tacit approval - of the Corporate Sector.

There wasn't much of a wait between appointments - the life of a Prex was filled with meetings - and before long there was a soft chime at the door. With a wave of his hand, the hologram displayed a pair of corporate security guards and the uniformed form of Marlon Sularen. The Imperial Confederation; a major player in galactic politics. Oda had been briefed on the faction - autocratic, imperial, with most of their business through N&Z Umbrella Corporation. It seemed that Tetron had been making waves to be noticed by yet another major faction.

As Marlon Sularen walked in, Oda waved the hologram off and offered the courtesy of rising from his desk to shake the man's hand, Oda's cybernetic grip somewhat cold due to the gel-form covering his mechanical frame. "Marlon Sularen the Warlord himself - the pleasure is mine." Oda made a gesture, and a conform lounger rose from the floor. With another gesture, the windows of the office turned opaque, and the air hummed with the sound of a sonic dampening field being activated to protect against eavesdroppers.

Oda took a seat once more, gesturing for the man to feel free to do the same. "I admit, I was anticipating the Mandalorians reaching out before the Imperial Confederation, given their proximity to Bonadan, but I welcome pleasant surprises."

Marlon Sularen

 

[Marlon Sularen]

P R O F I T_A N D_P O W E R

IMPERIAL CONFEDERATION
BONADAN, OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

​

After shaking hands with the Prex of Tetron Centrex, the Imperial Supreme Commander proceeded to take his seat as the Prex spoke about his earlier expectations about the Mandalorians approaching him first given their close proximity. While it was true that the Mandos were closer in proximity to Bonadan, their current interest lied to the north of their borders as from what he had heard they were engaged in border skirmishes with the Diarchy. "Well that's good to hear, Prex Dunn. Because i'm sure you will like to hear the official reason for why i have decided to make this particular visit." Sularen began.

"Currently the Imperial Confederation is in search for additional corporate partners as we are currently in the process of phasing out a lot of the more outdated and unnecessary peices of equipment within our military in favor of more modern and effective tools of war." Sularen continued. "Now, i've heard that your company, Tetron Centrex is currently in the business of arms manufacturing with an impressive catalogue of weaponry and as such i'm willing to negotiate a long-term contract between your company and the Confederation, for the sake of mutual satisfaction and growth between both parties." he explained.

Tags | Prex Oda Duun ​

 

[Prex Oda Duun]

​

That was interesting - very interesting. Tetron was mostly known for its resource extraction and terraforming than for weapons manufacture. Oda had given permission for some of their burgeoning military designs to be sold at market to bolster profit for their upcoming skirmish, but had not thought anything of it. Apparently his engineers had outdone themselves and attracted some attention. Oda smelled opportunity, and perhaps a way out from under the Corporate Sector's thumb. "That's an interesting proposal, and certainly something I'd be interested in. Before we began negotiations, however, there would be an important caveat; we would not be able to serve the Imperial Confederation exclusively. As a member corporation of the corporate sector, we have a neutrality mandate to uphold, and serve a variety of...conflicting...factions. That said...we're certainly interested."

Oda steepled his fingers, thinking about on an opening offer. "Ideally, access to uninhabited Imperial confederation systems for colony development and resource extraction would be ideal - we would provide forty percent of profits to the Confederation, with an extra ten percent as a discount on purchases. They would be administered by Tetron, but beholden to Confederation law. As for manufacture of war materiel, we could offer the Confederation a thirty percent discount, contingent on Tetron receiving technical data on your outdated designs - it would give our research teams a leg-up in producing relevant designs for your faction." Oda paused, then summarized. "In total, a forty percent discount on purchases and forty percent of resource extraction profits; in exchange for the rights to develop your own systems, and access to some old designs you wont even use anymore."

Marlon Sularen

 

[Marlon Sularen]

P R O F I T_A N D_P O W E R

IMPERIAL CONFEDERATION
BONADAN, OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

​

The Supreme Commander listened as the Prex made it clear that Tetron Centrex would not exclusively work with the Imperial Confederation given their status as a member of the politically-neutral Corporate Sector. While this opened the door for Tetron Centrex to work with some of the Confederation's rivals, as long as they kept their end of the bargain in any deal that might be established between Tetron Centrex and the Confederation, then Sularen had little issue with such a fact.

Then, Oda Dunn followed up from the clarification with an opening offer, which included discounts for the Imperial Confederation when purchasing Tetron Centrex products in exchange for granting the company colonization and resource extraction rights to sparsely populated Confederation worlds along with access to retired Imperial military equipment while also adding a clause for the former deal by having worlds governed by Tetron Centrex within Confederation space still adhere by the laws of the Confederation.

It was an interesting deal, although Sularen did find it to be weighted more in favor of Tetron Centrex rather then a more balanced and mutually satisfactory arrangement between both parties. However it was still a good start and the Supreme Commander figured that a better deal could be negotiated from this starting position. "That's totally understandable" Sularen responded, first addressing Oda Dunn's clarification on the relationship between Tetron Centrex and the Confederation. "Limiting a Corporation's ability to interact with the wider galactic market would only harm it in the long-term and i do not wish to put your company in such a situation." he finished.

"As for your offer while it does sound tempting especially with the discounts, the cost that comes with such discounts i believe far outweigh the benefits." the Supreme Commander continued, now addressing the Prex's offer. "That being said, i'd like to introduce a counter-offer." he added. "A twenty-five renewable lease on resource-rich systems which will be co-administrated by Tetron Centrex and the Confederation, fifty percent of resource extraction rights, a fifteen percent stake on all the physical infrastructure established by Tetron and restricting the usage of any technical data acquired from us to the development of new weaponry and technologies designed for the Confederation exclusively."

Tags | Prex Oda Duun ​

 

[Prex Oda Duun]

​

Oda smiled as Marlon countered the initial offer, this one favoring the Confederation more heavily. This was the nature of the game, after all - open with something outrageous, then haggle towards a middle ground. Oda mentally tipped his hat to the man for seeing through the terms, and was about to open his mouth to make his own counter-counter-offer when a tone sounded over the intercom. Before Oda could even acknowledge it, the meeting room doors slid open, revealing a hurried looking aid.

"I wasn't to be disturbed." Oda bit out sourly. "This better be good." The aide said nothing, simply fast-walking to Oda to hand him a slim datapad. Oda read it briefly, his anger evaporating as his face morphed to incredulity. "This is verified?" The aide simply nodded in response, and Oda leaned back, dismissing the aide with a wave of the hand. Just as quickly as the aide had come, they left, leaving the pair in the gentle hum of the privacy field. Oda eyed Marlon across the desk. "The Galactic Alliance just dissolved...their associated planets are now self administered by their respective planetary governments." Oda snorted, the fact that he had just signed a deal with them not lost on him or his stock prices. "I also understand that congratulations are in order; the threat of the Death Star III has been defeated over Atrisia."

Oda leaned back, a finger coming up to massage a temple - a somewhat amusing gesture considering the man was a droid. Perhaps the sensation harkened back to some leftover organic tendency that fulfilled some itch in his programming. "Well...that changes things." Oda opened up his desk, and pulled out a diplomatic datapad - basically a pad that could display information and make edits, before the finalized agreement was locked and encrypted. Oda handed the datapad to Marlon, gesturing at it with a free hand. "Tetron's position was that we were going to take it slow, and begin easing into trade agreements and pacts. If I've learned anything from Dashiell Corporation, it's that sometimes you need to throw caution to the wind."

CONFEDERATION / TETRON CENTREX TRADE AGREEMENT OF 11.11.902 ABY​

X) PARTIES & TERMS

1. Tetron Centrex, hereafter referred to as; Tetron Centrex, Tetron, the Corporation.
2. The Imperial Confederation, hereafter referred to as; the Imperial Confederation, the Confederation, the Imperial.
3. Civilian-grade (any Mass-produced technology), Security-grade (any Minor-produced technology), Military-grade (any Limited-produced technology).

A) TRADE ROUTE PROVISION

1. Tetron Centrex is allowed use of trade corridors and routes through Confederation space for purposes of shipping and delivering of goods.
2. Tetron Centrex shall not be taxed more than 10% gross (Galactic Standard Rate) per shipping container.
3. Shipping freighters will be allowed a security escort not to exceed corvette in size, with starfighter compliment.
4. Tetron Centrex will comply with all required permits and laws (boarding actions, transponder registration, etc)

B) GENERAL TRADE DEVELOPMENT PROVISION

1. Tetron Centrex will be allowed to sell its civilian / commercial grade products to Confederation citizens in bulk via outlet and retail.
2. Tetron Centrex will allow Confederation military personnel access to Security-grade and Militrary-grade listings (Individual Level)
3. Tetron will sell ores and resources mined from its home territories in the Parthovian Cluster at favorable prices (15% off)

C) MILITARY DEVELOPMENT PROVISION

1. Tetron Centrex, not currently a military production company, requires access to base engineering plans to be provided by the Confederation.
2. In return, Tetron Centrex will develop Military-grade hardware for the Confederation.
3. Tetron Centrex will be allowed to sell Civilian-grade and Security-grade hardware developed with such plans, but not Military-grade, on its markets without restriction.
4. Exception will be made for outdated designs that are no longer used, which Tetron Centrex may study freely, for the purposes of teaching its personnel and engineers, of which any designs derived may be sold freely.

D) RESOURCE EXTRACTION

1. The Confederation will allow a 25% renewable lease every 20 years on resource-rich systems within Confederation borders.
2. Tetron Centrex will administer said systems under the official designation as a Corporate Development Zone (CDZ), but will be beholden to a Confederation observer who holds veto power.
3. Tetron Centrex will still be beholden to all applicable laws, military actions, etc.
4. The Confederation will be entitled to fifty percent of resource extraction rights.
5. The Confederation will be entitled to a a 15% stake on all permanent (non-modular, non-movable, non-temporary) physical infrastructure.

E) BANKING PROVISIONS

1. The Confederation will allow the free exchange of banking commerce through its financial systems, and recognize the Tetron Vertex (see, Crystalline Vertex).
2. The Confederation will implement tiered processing and transaction fees on 1 million, 250 million, 500 million, and 1 billion vertex transactions respectively (the more you move, the less is charged).
3. Tetron Centrex Centralized Financial Systems (Tetron Centrex's bank), will apply all Confederation standards and practices for banking transactions and transfers.

"In addition to these terms, would you be open to Tetron Centrex carrying out salvaging operations on Atrisia? The sheer amount of resources and ore in orbit is...extensive. We would of course give the Confederation percentages of the proceeds."

Marlon Sularen

 

[Marlon Sularen]

P R O F I T_A N D_P O W E R

IMPERIAL CONFEDERATION
BONADAN, OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

​

As Oda was about to offer a response, one of his aides burst through the meeting room out of breath. It was clear that this was an emergency especially with the way the aide rushed to Oda's side. The Aide then gave Oda a single datapad and when asked for confirmation on whether the contents inside were legitimate, the aide only offered a nod. Then Oda returned his focus to the Supreme Commander and finally spoke, discussing about the recent collapse of the Galactic Alliance and congratulating Sularen on the destruction of the Third Death Star.

"Destroying the Third Death Star was no easy feat." Sularen responded with a smirk. "But at the very least it has bought the galaxy more time against the rampage of the Galactic Empire who desire nothing else but the total submission of the galaxy to the nonsensical whims of their deranged self-proclaimed Emperor." the Supreme Commander added, doing little to hide his contempt for the Galactic Empire which already posed an obstacle to his own plans and goals for the Imperial Confederation.

Then Oda further spoke, talking about how initially he sought to take things slow and eventually secure beneficial trade agreements and pacts but with recent events, decided to accelerate the nature of the relationship between the Imperial Confederation and Tetron Centrex. Sularen didn't care about such semantics though, securing a mutual beneficial deal was satisfactory enough as long as it balanced the interests of both parties. That being said, Oda offered his final terms to the Supreme Commander while also further inquiring on whether he would be open to allowing Tetron Centrex to carry-out salvaging operations on Atrisia.

After quickly scrolling through the terms and combing through every detail, Sularen found it to be sufficiently-balanced and satisfactory to the needs of the Imperial Confederation. He didn't have to check on whether it was beneficial for Tetron Centrex though, given that it had been Oda who had proposed it in the first place. "I see no problem with this arrangement. You have yourself a deal, Prex Duun." the Supreme Commander responded.

Then there was the matter of the salvaging operations on Atrisia to resolve "As for the salvaging operations on Atrisia, while we do have a member world that specializes in salvaging who might also be interested in salvaging the resources and technologies left behind in Atrisia, I'm sure a beneficial arrangement can be met between Tetron Centrex and them to avoid any potential conflict of interest."

Tags | Prex Oda Duun ​

 

[Prex Oda Duun]

"I see no problem with this arrangement. You have yourself a deal, Prex Duun." the Supreme Commander responded.

"A deal is struck, then. We can work out salvage rights at a later date - I believe we have accomplished much on this visit." Oda swiped on the datapad, locking the terms into place. With a chime, the datapad asked for his bio-signature, and Oda pressed his thumb on the indicated line. Taking his dermatoglyphic pattern, it also took an encrypted biohexacrypt line of code from him in lieu of a genetic signature. Oda passed the pad to Marlon for his own signature, before turning towards box sitting on a nearby stand. "To commemorate this agreement, please accept this gift on behalf of Tetron Centrex." Opening the case, Oda presented a chromium plated TC-30 to Marlon - detailed in polished bronzium with delicate gold filigree and damascene, the rifle was impressive, if somewhat ceremonial. "It is fully functional - though I wouldn't fire it in rapid succession, as it might damage the ornamentation. I always have the factories keep the first ten or so off the line for moments such as these."

Sorry for the delay! I'm back from the holidays and will now be posting regularly.

Marlon Sularen

 

[Marlon Sularen]

P R O F I T_A N D_P O W E R

IMPERIAL CONFEDERATION
BONADAN, OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

​

"A deal is struck, then. We can work out salvage rights at a later date - I believe we have accomplished much on this visit."

"Indeed. I'll notify Mahporeem about your interest regarding salvaging the leftovers above Atrisia and arrange another meeting to address the salvage rights." the Supreme Commander responded, further giving Oda Dunn some reassurances concerning the salvaging rights over Atrisia. It was nice to make more progress on the corporate front as these types of connections would only strengthen the Imperial economy by diversifying it's market, avoiding the weaknesses that plagued the Galactic Alliance when they grew over reliant on a small group of large corporations.

After inserting his thumb on the surface of the datapad provided to him by Dunn to confirm their agreement, the Prex would proceed to stand up and head towards a nearby stand which contained a box. Upon opening the box, Dunn presented an impressive chromium-plated heavy weapon to the Supreme Commander offering it as a gift to him.

After politely taking the weapon, Sularen took a while to inspect it taking note of the mechanisms and toying around with it by playing soldiers a bit and taking aim with the rifle at random spots before eventually lowering it. "Thank you for the Gift." Sularen said, unsure of what really to say considering he hadn't been expecting such a display of generosity. "I'm going to be honest i wasn't expecting this. Although i do appreciate it." he added.

Tags | Prex Oda Duun ​

 

[Prex Oda Duun]

"Thank you for the Gift." Sularen said, unsure of what really to say considering he hadn't been expecting such a display of generosity. "I'm going to be honest i wasn't expecting this. Although i do appreciate it." he added.

"An old Bonadan tradition; you'll find most corporate types have a small horde in most their offices, as much to show off as to showcase the number of deals they have made." Oda took the signed datapad, then took an identical pad from a drawer; with a beep, the datapads synced, locking the contents. While a good slicer would easily be able to slice into it, the datapads contained authentication and notary information that depended on their paired twin to be successfully altered. Standard diplomatic procedure. Oda handed the second pad to Marlon, the pad itself chromium and quite ornamental. "With that, Grand Admiral, I believe our business to be concluded. I would offer drinks and refreshment - as is customary - but I'm afraid you would find it unnerving that I am unable to partake. The perks of being an enteched droid is that, whether you wish to be or not, you are always efficient." A pair of security guards opened the doors to the office on that cue, and saluted smartly. Oda gestured at them idly. "Please allow these two to escort you to your ship." Oda inclined his head, respectfully.

Marlon Sularen

 

[Marlon Sularen]

P R O F I T_A N D_P O W E R

IMPERIAL CONFEDERATION
BONADAN, OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

​

It was nice to experience this little Bonadanian tradition from the part of Prex Dunn. It was still a shame that the Imperial Confederation wouldn't be able to reach Bonadan given it's proximity to the Mandalorian Empire and the logistical challenges of immediately pushing towards the Corporate planet. But still, regardless of this unfortunate situation, Sularen's newfound partnership with Oda Dunn and Tetron Centrex would serve as an adequate bridge between Bonadan and the Confederation itself.

"With that, Grand Admiral, I believe our business to be concluded. I would offer drinks and refreshment - as is customary - but I'm afraid you would find it unnerving that I am unable to partake. The perks of being an enteched droid is that, whether you wish to be or not, you are always efficient."

"It's been a pleasure meeting you, Prex Dunn. This has been a very pleasant experience." The Supreme Commander said as he stood up offering his hand for a final handshake as the pair of security guards entered the room. "I do look forward to more discussions with you in the near-future and further developing this partnership of ours." he added. "Until next time." he stated before finally exiting Prex Dunn's office as he was escorted towards his shuttle where he would soon return to Imperial space to report on today's events.

EXIT

Tags | Prex Oda Duun ​