Faction [RNR/TPEC] It's All About Hypergates, Baby!

[Soren Ee’everwest]

It's All About Hypergates, Baby!

Confidence || Theed, Naboo || 902 ABY

Every day of Soren's scholarship at Theed Royal Academy had led to this moment. All those hours of accelerated courses, advanced labs, and endless studying had seen to it that Soren Ee'everwest was propelled into an apprenticeship with the prestigious Theed Palace Engineering Corps. Now he was here, meeting with three of the galaxy's biggest movers and shakers on behalf of TPEC to help make a decision that would impact his people, the people of the Republic, for generations to come. It was almost too much to take in, but Soren knew he had a job to do today, and he was determined to do it well.

In the conference room that had been reserved for their meeting, Soren sat, early as usual, over his notes. He double- and triple-checked them, scouring for any discrepancies or loopholes that would make him seem foolish. Which was, in itself, rather foolish; none of the three industry giants would belittle Soren for mistakes in his proposal. It was his first project, a fact that was undoubtedly shared with each of their offices. Of course, it had been also proofed and drafted alongside the finest engineers in TPEC as well, another detail that would put their minds at ease.

When they arrived, Soren stood, wearing an air of impressive confidence over his noble tunic and cloak. His finery was embroidered with iconography that identified him as a member of House Ee'everwest and Sal-Soren, a duality that had produced many of Naboo's finest Jedi.

"Greetings!" the boy said with a smile. He offered them a graceful bow. "I'm Soren Ee'everwest. It's a pleasure to meet you." Straight spine, clear voice, eye contact - the holy trinity of business meetings, or so he was told by his mentors at the Academy.

"Welcome to Theed!"

Tags: Danger Arceneau | John Locke | Shuklaar Kyrdol​

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: John Locke Shuklaar Kyrdol Soren Ee’everwest
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

Danger stepped forward with the ease of a woman who had long mastered the art of making an entrance, the dark green of her dress a striking contrast against the marble floors, the fabric hugging her full curves just so. Soft waves of auburn hair cascaded down her shoulders, carefully arranged but never forced, as if to suggest she had all the time in the world to perfect the look but had hardly needed to.

A smile curved her lips, warm and gracious, the kind that invited trust but never revealed more than she intended. She had built her name on the foundation of careful negotiations, and today's discussion -- Hypergates, expansion, the future of trade across the stars -- was precisely the kind of frontier she thrived in. The mere thought of working alongside John Locke and Shuklaar Kyrdol only sweetened the deal, and she had come prepared, her research on Naboo's latest developments tucked neatly into the folds of her mind, ready to be woven into the conversation at just the right moment.

And then, there he was, Soren Ee'everwest.

A bright eyed lad, noble bearing, dressed in the finery of his house with all the poised confidence of one who had spent his years in halls of learning and legacy. Danger's smile brightened, genuine in its welcome as she extended her hand towards him.

There seemed to be an increase of young men who were doing their best to break into the business world. Lysander von Ascania was one of them. Soren Ee'everwest was another. What would this young man be like? She mused.

"Greetings, Mistuh Ee'everwest," she drawled, the velvety timbre of her voice carrying just enough warmth to put a person at ease while still commanding respect. As their hands met in a firm, measured shake, she continued, "The pleasure is all mine."

She let the pause settle just long enough before adding, "Danger Arceneau, of Arceneau Trade Company."

"Thank you kindly for the invitation," she said smoothly, her keen green eyes studying him with the quiet assessment

 

[Shuklaar Kyrdol]

Units in Reserve:

• SB-01 Darasuum Morut-class Super-heavy Battlecarrier Darasuum Morut (in orbit)
• Vornskr Mirshir-Jurkad Rammikade company Kyramud (waiting with the gunship, on stand by)

Tag(s): Soren Ee’everwest | Danger Arceneau | John Locke

Equipment

• Armor:
  
  • Beskar'gam
    
    • Shoulder mounts:
      
      • NML-02VTB Nano missile Launcher
    • Back mounts:
      
      • A-03S Verpine Shatter Autocannon
      • MML-02S Miniaturized Missile Launcher
        
        • 8x Cretanr'ika-lcass Guided Plasma Micro-missile
        • 8x Striilir'ika-class Brilliant Micro-missile
    • Left Vambrace:
      
      • CP-03V CryoBan Projector
      • PC-05V Plasma Caster
      • TBP-01V Tractor-Pressor Beam Projector
    • Right Vambrace:
      
      • METL-02V Micro Energy Torpedo Launcher
      • MML-01V Miniaturized Missile Launcher
        
        • 2x Cretanr'ika-lcass Guided Plasma Micro-missile
        • 2x Striilir'ika-class Brilliant Micro-missile
• Implant:
  
  • 'Rammikad' Enhancement Package
  • 'Gar Tkiriyr' Neural Interface
• Weapons:
  
  • 2x M-06S 'Skirata' Mra'jitr
  • Bes'phatir
  • DP-02 Class-D Heavy Disruptor Pistol w/ 'Kyrayc Sur'haai' 1-4x Short Range Optics System
  • FL-01 Verpine Shatter Flechette Launcher w/ 'Kyrayc Sur'haai' 1-12x Medium Range Optics System and UPC-06 Underbarrel Plasma Caster

Some aruetii once said, if you want peace, you should prepare for war. Only Shuklaar often found that those seeking peace were rarely prepared for the realities that war brought. Fortunately for them, there were those such as him and his. Naboo had come under a fair amount of attack off late; the netherworld incursion which company forces had responded to, and the more recent raid by the Neo-crusaders that the company had not been in a position to assist with.

Company forces were already on Naboo, it would not take much to reallocate some reserves if they wanted to bolster their own forces by signing a contract. Everything he'd heard and seen about this government told him that this was unlikely to be the case. The rapid military build up spoke volumes about their ability to raise and equip what by most indications seemed to be a capable military. Capable, but largely green. That, was likely where Strill fit in.

He'd be remiss if he didn't in the very least try to get them to sign a more lasting contract, especially given two of his best clients were apparently the other two invitees for this particular meeting. The fact that both John Locke and Danger Arceneau were attending the meeting was what had made him attend the meeting personally instead of delegating. After all, if they could make time, so could he. Shuklaar didn't know what this meeting was going to be like, but with John and Mrs. Arcenau it was sure to be entertaining in the very least.

Having left Ragar and the rest of his detail at the gunship with some level of difficulty, Shuklaar walked toward the meeting with the echo of his boots against the polished floors and the soft tapping of his buy'ce against his battered thigh plate as his only companion for a quick few minutes. He recognized Danger easily but took a moment to recognize Soren Ee’everwest as his host.

Were Soren a Mandalorian, his apparent age would go unnoticed by Shuklaar, With aruetii, it was usually nepotism or talent that put people in positions of power at that age. Something about the ad'ika's gaze told Shuklaar that it was the latter. For the sake of the meeting and future dealings, he hoped he wasn't mistaken. He stopped short of the pair and inclined his head politely in greeting, "Mrs. Arcenau, good to see you again. Mr. Everwest, I appreciate the invitation. Last time I was here, there was a lot more shooting."

 

[John Locke]

_________________________________________________

Naboo | Theed​

Wearing: Would you believe, a suit?

Tagging: Soren Ee’everwest | Danger Arceneau | Shuklaar Kyrdol

_________________________________________________​

It was always interesting, what people wore when it came to a negotiation or any kind of formal or business meeting. In war, in a battle you would choose the best armour you could, but in a meeting your looks became a weapon to wield, the impression you gave could charm and disarm, or push away others and leave them unsure and questioning. It could make you look like the king of professional that one would want to business with, or the kind of crazy who people crossed the road to avoid. That wasn’t to say that it was entirely foolproof, John had met countless executives who looked the part, only to fold like a tower of wet paper, or even their opposites, those who might not look special but had minds that could cut durasteel.

It was a lesson that the imperial families of the galaxy had learned centuries ago, a lesson passed down through the generations. You only had to look at the palace to see it, that grand edifice designed to show off the power of its inhabitants, to leave you in awe and off balance. Even the conference room with its real wood furnishings and soft cushions spoke of opulence and the kind of generational wealth that everyone aspired to.

It told you these were people who had money, people you wanted to do business with, to listen to.

It didn’t shout it in your face, but it was understated but insistent, that whisper that proved so much more effective than trying too hard to impress. It was the difference between a room like this and any of the countless corporate boardrooms he’d occupied over the years, a sense of character and history that made it that much more effective...a lesson to learn for the future perhaps.

The mogul drew his attention back to the matter at hand, filing away the decor to be considered later as he settled into a chair, offering Shuklaar and Danger, two old associates, a comfortable nod. There were few people John really trusted in the galaxy, who he felt comfortable around, and two of that number were already in the room.

“Hopefully we can avoid the same fate as your last visit, I would really hate to put out our hosts, or you know ruin my suit.”

A teasing light danced through John’s eyes for a moment before he turned his gaze to the young man.

“I’ll echo the thanks for the invitation, it’s always nice to get upto the palace, but the floor’s yours. Why don’t you start us off?”

 

[Soren Ee’everwest]

It's All About Hypergates, Baby!

Confidence || Theed, Naboo || 902 ABY

With all three magnates present, Soren clasped his hands together and stepped to the head of the table. He began with confidence, speaking in a steady voice that carried more wisdom than what was expected from a youth of his age.

“The Republic is expanding,” he started, widening his eyes for effect, “and that expansion will only continue. Since the Republic’s founding, the Royal Assembly has welcomed dozens of worlds like Enarc and Farstine into the senate. Partnerships with the Confederacy and Foundation have spread our influence throughout the Mid-Rim and Southern Systems.”

A series of holographic maps appeared in the center of the table, projected by a spherical droid who beeped quietly during the presentation. The maps showed the territory surrounding Naboo as it grew and expanded to the galactic east. Enarc and Fastine, two important hubs for trade and manufacturing, appeared as a pair of highlighted blips, along with several smaller -yet still notable- systems.

“All of this growth is wonderful for the Republic’s economy, but due to the wild nature of hyperlanes between our territory and the Core, transportation of goods and services is costly. My humble predictions are that these costs will only increase as the RNR continues to grow.”

Harassment by pirates and slavers has always been a problem for merchants on the edge of the galaxy, but additional threats have come to light recently in the form of the Neo-Crusaders and Sith Ascendants. “The Republic has become a beacon of prosperity and safety for the people of the Southern Systems, who are in most cases isolated from major trade routes.”

“The construction of a Locke & Key hypergate in Republic space would eliminate the risks of trading with the Core and open many new lines of business with the isolated powerhouses of the Outer Rim.”

Tags: Danger Arceneau | John Locke | Shuklaar Kyrdol​

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Soren Ee’everwest John Locke Shuklaar Kyrdol
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

Danshone a smile and offered a pleasent greeting to Shuklaar at his inclind of his head and greeting. "Always a pleasure Mistah Kyrdol." she replied with warmth.

"Mistah Locke," Danger drawled with a smile. Sure enough, it wasn't long before John joined them -- honestly, it seemed as if Shuklaar and John Locke were sewn at the hip but that made sense since the owner of Breshig War Forge was at the forefront of Locke and Key security.

"And I would be pleased as well if we could all avoid a few extra holes off our hides," She joined in the joke, following the men as Soren gave his own greetings and had them sit before detailing his plan.

So the Republic was expanding, and with such news, that meant opportunity in Danger's ears. She settled down and crossed her legs, listining with the sort of quiet intensity that belied the calculations running beneath her polished exterior. She kept her expression poised, lips pressed in a thoughtful curve as Soren spoke.

The boy had presence, she'd give him that. A rare sort of self-assurance in one so young, though in her experience, it was either hard-won or the kind that could be broken under the wrong kind of pressure. She had a mind to see which it was.

Her gaze drifted to the holomap as it flickered to life, casting soft blue light across the polished surface of the table. The Republic's expansion was nothing new -- prosperity had a way of drawing in systems like moths to a flame -- but the logistics of it all? Now that was where the true work began.

At the mention of the hypergate, a delicate brow arched, interest piqued. Oh, that was ambitious. Bold, even. The sort of venture that could change the entire landscape of trade in the Southern Systems if it was done right.

Calling in Locke and Key was the right choice.

A quiet hum of consideration escaped her, fingers lacing together atop the table. "Well Mistuh Ee'everwest," she drawled, her voice smooth as Corellian silk, "You are right. Streamlinin' trade routes through a hypergate...why, that could save millions in transport costs, not to mention the sort of security it would provide against unsavory sorts lurkin' along the lanes."

She paused, letting her words settle, before tilting her head just so. A slow inhale, measured and precise. "So, where are you recommending such a hypergate be placed?... and how will it be funded?"

 

[Shuklaar Kyrdol]

Units in Reserve:

• SB-01 Darasuum Morut-class Super-heavy Battlecarrier Darasuum Morut (in orbit)
• Vornskr Mirshir-Jurkad Rammikade company Kyramud (waiting with the gunship, on stand by)

Tag(s): Soren Ee’everwest | Danger Arceneau | John Locke

Equipment

• Armor:
  
  • Beskar'gam
    
    • Shoulder mounts:
      
      • NML-02VTB Nano missile Launcher
    • Back mounts:
      
      • A-03S Verpine Shatter Autocannon
      • MML-02S Miniaturized Missile Launcher
        
        • 8x Cretanr'ika-lcass Guided Plasma Micro-missile
        • 8x Striilir'ika-class Brilliant Micro-missile
    • Left Vambrace:
      
      • CP-03V CryoBan Projector
      • PC-05V Plasma Caster
      • TBP-01V Tractor-Pressor Beam Projector
    • Right Vambrace:
      
      • METL-02V Micro Energy Torpedo Launcher
      • MML-01V Miniaturized Missile Launcher
        
        • 2x Cretanr'ika-lcass Guided Plasma Micro-missile
        • 2x Striilir'ika-class Brilliant Micro-missile
• Implant:
  
  • 'Rammikad' Enhancement Package
  • 'Gar Tkiriyr' Neural Interface
• Weapons:
  
  • 2x M-06S 'Skirata' Mra'jitr
  • Bes'phatir
  • DP-02 Class-D Heavy Disruptor Pistol w/ 'Kyrayc Sur'haai' 1-4x Short Range Optics System
  • FL-01 Verpine Shatter Flechette Launcher w/ 'Kyrayc Sur'haai' 1-12x Medium Range Optics System and UPC-06 Underbarrel Plasma Caster

Shuklaar let out an amused snort at John's comment and Danger's response to it, responding only with the muted thud of his armored gauntlet knocking on his chest plate. Like the others, he followed Soren and tentatively sat down following a quick consideration whether the chair would support his armored bulk. He hardly expected Soren to start with such confidence, however, belied by both his steady gaze and his body language. His expression stayed neutral for the moment, he'd wait to hear what he had to say before coming a conclusion on whether that confidence came from nepotism or talent.

That was when he laid it out, and all doubt Shuklaar had about where Soren's confidence came from disappeared. Shuklaar wasn't a good liar, and so the surprise showed on his face in the form of slowly raising eyebrows. Soren's understanding of the intricacies of galactic affairs was impressive. However there was one opening for an attack that he had yet to prove that he'd considered enough, that of internal security, the very same reason Shuklaar had chosen to attend this meeting. The last thing Strill or Locke and Key needed was a transport to be coopeted for all manner of nefarious purposes. Not that he didn't have measures in place, but still, it paid to be sure.

His focus was momentarily drawn to the points raised by Danger. External gate security was not their responsibility, but he would hate to see Locke and Key's efforts literally go up in flames should that concern become a real problem. In addition, Shuklaar was curious about whether they would be able to fund the project themselves, and if not, who would be providing said funding. He was very much intrigued to know who else was involved with the RNR, if only to know what sorts they'd be dealing with once any kind of agreement was formalized, or in the worst case, preclude the signing of any such deal because of those involved.

"Aside from Mrs. Arcenau's very valid points, Mr. Ee'everwest, I have a question, and a suggestion," he said, pausing for a moment. "One, how have you considered the issue of internal security. Neither the Sith nor the Crusaders would be above boarding trade vessels coming out of your space. My company takes the security of the hypergate network very seriously. Perhaps it would be best to place the gate at Naboo itself."

What Shuklaar was not saying yet was that Strill was already providing security for Locke and Key's HQ. Watching the space for Naboo would be a simple task extension. Additionally, checking ships prior to them entering a gate at Naboo would reduce the load on the security team at the gate station. In simpler terms, it benefitted virtually everyone involved, but revealing that now would not be smart. He shifted his gaze slowly from Soren, to Danger and then John before glancing back at Soren to gauge their responses.