Private Searching For My Last Shaker of Salt

[User]

Location: Corellia - GDI Headquarters
Objective: Get a quote for the business section

Holly hated puff piece interviews. She was an investigative journalist, not a public relations consultant. But when the editor and chief told you to go somewhere you did it. Well if you were Holly you threw a fit first and then went and did it.

So here she was waiting in the lobby of GDI for an appointment with Martin Draigo . Well more likely she’d get his Secretary or press representative. Usually CEOs were too busy for the press.

 

[Martin Draigo]

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Spoiler: Building

Tags: Holly Starstorm

"Mr. Draigo, you have a member of the press here to see you for a comment on some news items. I believe she said she was from 'Holo News'?" The voice of Martin's secretary bled through the intercom of his communicator on the desk, with her notification being timed at just the wrong moment as he attempted to strike a golf ball within a cup on the floor. His shot went wide, missing the opening of the cup by a few inches as it rolled blissfully by and under a small table on the other side of the office. A very slight flare of annoyance passed over his features at the minor interruption, and as he rounded the corner of the desk to respond to his secretary. "Janet..." He paused, as if restraining himself from speaking rashly. Under normal circumstances, he would blow off this reported without thinking twice. But, there were a few factors weighing on his mind which made him think twice before doing so. GDI had been relatively quiet as of late, save for rumors of... things happening in the unexplored region under their moniker. Perhaps that's what this reporter wished to obtain a comment about. To duck an interview would appear as if he had something to hide. Some might think Martin was overthinking such a typical happening in the life of a CEO, but he had seen far too many situations grow from a simple 'refusal to comment'. "Send her in."

A pause rested over the intercom channel, likely out of surprise on the part of his secretary. After a few moments, however, she replied with a simple: "...alright". With a simple twitch of his head, perhaps out of acknowledgement over the uncharacteristic request he had made, Martin set his putter in the corner of his office by the chair behind his desk, and took his seat, awaiting for this reported to be escorted up to his office. It sat atop a massive skyscraper within the heart of Coronet City, with the top level being a massive penthouse that he called an 'office'. His desk sat near the edge of the penthouse, which was ringed in passive single-pane transparisteel window panels slanted at a 45-degree angle downwards, affording someone standing at the edge a view of the skyline that was nearly unmatched anywhere else. The reporter would be led into special elevator behind the security desk, which stopped only at this penthouse. The shaft was completely made from glass, which allowed the person within to view the decor of each level it passed up to the top level - some 100+ levels between it and the ground floor. When the doors of the elevator would open, she would again be assailed with the plethora of luxury near the front of his penthouse, which was a 'receiving area' separated from the rest of his office by a thin transparisteel wall and double door set, with a Worshyr-wood desk set atop a burgundy hued carpet, with golden trim lining baseboards. A very attractive human female sat behind the desk, and greeted the reporter with a warm smile. "Welcome to Guardian Tower! Mr. Draigo will see you now. Can I get you a cup of caff or something?"

 

[User]

Holly was irritated all through the elevator ride but when the guard showed her into the room and the secretary greeted her the reporters irritation vanished on the spot. The CEO was going to meet with her? Well then.. this wasn’t going to be such a puff piece after all.

All thought of her original assignment gone, Holly smiled and shook her head.

“No I am fine. Thank you.”

Beside her PIMA floated, ready to take audio and video of the interview.

Pima looks like this

Martin Draigo

 

[Martin Draigo]

​

Tags: Holly Starstorm

As soon as the elevator doors opened, Martin set about making sure he was ready for the reporter's arrival. He double checked his hair in his holo-terminal screen, and straightened his tie. It wasn't so much due to his perception of the reporter's importance (for he didn't even know precisely who it was coming), but rather due to his mildly obsessive vanity. As he did so, the female secretary led Holly through the double doors, which opened into the walls after sensing their approach. "Janet" extended a hand into the 'office' proper, with Martin rising from his seat and extending a hand to Holly as she approached as a gesture of greeting.

Assuming she accepted the offer, his handshake would be both firm but friendly, his easy smile extending to his eyes as he said: "It's a pleasure to receive you here at GDI. Martin Draigo, CEO. And you are?" While he awaited for Holly to introduce herself, he sized her up mentally - attempting to prepare himself for their interaction that was mere moments away. After introductions were made, Martin offered her the chair opposite his own as he returned to his seat. A pitcher of water was set between them, with two half-filled glasses on either side. Once they had settled in, Martin thought he would break the ice: "How has your day been going?"

 

[User]

Holly exchanged pleasantries with the CEO and took the seat provided. Unfortunately she wasn’t much of a shoot the breeze type of person. She never took a day off. She never went out with friends. All she did was work in the hopes that someday she would find herself being one of the best investigative journalists in the galaxy. She had nerves of steel and unfortunately a mouth that came with it.

“Mr. Draigo I was sent here to get a statement about your companies upcoming ventures. However I think our viewers would be more interested in some of your past. Perhaps we could talk about some of your past research ventures?”

Martin Draigo

 

[Martin Draigo]

Spoiler: OOC

Sorry for delay

Tags: Holly Starstorm

At the mention of 'research ventures', Martin felt his pulse quickening ever so slightly. His apprehension did not show overtly on his face, which was fortuitous given Holly was filming this interview. Rather than spending time mulling over the unknowns associated with venturing down this topic, Martin merely smiled at Holly before saying: "What do you want to know?" As he awaited for the reporter to express in detail what she was refering to, Martin's mind began racing through the potential topics she could choose. So far, he had done much to suppress the rumors that were leaking out regarding sentient experimentation, destructive weapon tests on isolated worlds in the unexplored region... hybrid testing.

It could be anything, or it could be something. He had been in the game for quite a long time though, so he knew better than to tip his hand.

 

[User]

“I am referring to the allegations that your company is involved with illegal experimentation on sentient beings, as well as destructive weapons testing.”

She watched him for any sign of guilt but unfortunately these types of CEOS were practically sociopaths, meaning lying came easy and naturally. Still it would be foolish not to at least bring this up. How often did the press get a one on one interview with the actual CEO?

“I wonder if in there interest of quelling these rumors once and for all, you might let HNN into your research facilities? We could interview the scientists… shoot some footage of the dealings … you know … show the people what is really going on.”

Martin Draigo

Not at all! Take your time.

 

[Martin Draigo]

​

Tags: Holly Starstorm

'You little bit--'

"Those petty rumors are laughably false." Martin said, interrupting his initial thought to her question while his voice took on a jovial tone, as if he were trying (unsuccessfully) to contain a laugh as he spoke. Just because he was well practiced in putting on a solid sabaac-face did not mean he was comfortable with the question. Either she was a conspiracy theorist herself, listening to those who delved too far into the holonet, or she was on to something. It was likely the former. He decided to play his hand: "GDI has nothing illicit to hide. That said, we aren't in the habit of granting access to those not under our employ. We develop highly proprietary technology which helps us maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace. Even the most unassuming clip recorded by your cameras may well seem as much toyou. But to the right eyes, it could reveal far too much information to compromise years of valuable and legal research."

Martin Draigo appeared as cool and calm as if he were sitting on a beach enjoying the sun. In fact, that sounded nice - perhaps he would treat himself to such a thing after this meeting. Speaking of - he was pretty certain that this Holly woman wouldn't let go of the topic so easily. And the whole point of him allowing her into his office for this interview was to put those rumors to bed. He let out a slight sigh before he continued: "But... perhaps we can work something out." He poured himself some water, taking the moment's pause to piece together the right words. "I won't allow you to disrupt our research, and accidentally leak information. But, if you already know what facilities you are interested in visiting, I can grant you access provided we establish a few ground rules."

He finished pouring his glass, after which he brought it up to his lips to take a nice sip of the refreshing liquid within. He set the glass down gently, then met her eyes again: "We vet all of the cameras and recording equipment you bring with you. We get to see every picture, every shred of video you capture, and you will remain accompanied by the escort we give you for the duration of your visit." His voice was even, as if indicating he would not accept anything other than the terms he just laid out. "There will be a few orientations we will need to get you to take, as well as a few waivers to sign. That's standard for any of our research facilities."

He paused, clearly awaiting for her response to his proposition.

 

[User]

Martin Draigo

Holly's reporter instincts were buzzing despite the CEO doing a wonderful job of hiding his true thoughts. He did seem to want to squash the rumors that his company was facing, but that did not mean the company was innocent. She smiled and listened to his offer with a nod.

"Well I'd have to run that by my editor and my station manager. They might want to send a more seasoned hand in as well, not some lowly news reporter such as myself. Should I have someone from HNN contact you?"

She waited for him to give her a business card or whatever means of information he had and then stood up with a smile.

"Well Mr. Draigo I must thank you for your time. It's not often that I get to talk with an actual CEO. I must say it was enlightening."

After they exchanged goodbyes Holly was escorted through the private elevator and out of the lobby to the busy street outside. PIMA was floating along behind her with what looked like a worried face.

"You aren't thinking about doing anything stupid are you?" The robotic voice of PIMA asked.

"Of course not! Although if he really is going to allow cameras into his research facility he's going to be scrambling to get all the evidence out. If someone were to sneak in... well... they might see something interesting."

With a smile she put her hand out for a taxi, leaving PIMA to groan and follow.

I will send you a pm so we can discuss where you would like to go with this story