Public TARSAI - [ OPEN ]

[Ronhar Tane]

CAPTAIN RONHAR TANE, TK-3301
CORROX, MAHPOREEM
OBJECTIVE I: TARSAI

Ronhar sat in stunned silence at the message that the Warden Primus had delivered to the group assembled.

The Warden Primus...the same person who had caused a diplomatic incident between the late Imperial Confederation and the Mandalorian Empire. The same person who had interrogated Ronhar for hours on end, making all kinds of crazy claims about the nature of the Sith and Karl Von Strauss and the N&Z Umbrella Corporation. The same person who had fled from Imperial Space, and was currently in hiding, undoubtedly aware of the implications of everything that had transpired under their tenure as one of the Confederation's most powerful individuals.

The same person who was now offering a rather lucrative deal to the Imperial Remnant.

Ronhar looked over at Rue and the rest of those assembled. He listened to Amalia Visconti | Mira Rhory warn Rue about any attempts to destabilize the High Republic, he observed R'ayne Asara silently observing the proceedings, and he himself decided to throw his two credits into the ring regarding the current situation.

He turned to fully face Rue , his voice harsh and calculating, as his hand drifted almost lazily to the blaster pistol on his hip holster.

"What I want to know", Ronhar began, "is what your endgame is. I have the pleasure, or perhaps displeasure, of having gotten onto the former Warden Primus's personal radar, and I was "asked" to come and speak with her privately regarding a number of different matters. I became party to a rather substantial amount of confidential information, and was inundated with all manners of crazy rumors straight from the Warden Primus Her -self. Given Her actions with the Mandalorian Empire and Her attempts to flee Imperial space following the collapse of the Confederation, to say that we here on Mahporeem are distrusting of Her would be a gross understatement. In fact, their are calls all throughout Imperial territory for Her arrest of all things. The fact that YOU come here and openly flaunt your association with Her despite knowing Her checkered past tells me one of two things. You're either a complete and utter fool...or you're so confident in the value that Enrac brings that you think we'll be willing to overlook everything that's happened in the past. I'm willing to bet my life that's its the latter. So if that's the case, than what is your end goal? Because I refuse to believe that the former Warden Primus would go through all this trouble for a potential business opportunity. What I want to know is...what is it that you're really after?"

Ronhar could feel himself physically tense up as he awaited Rue 's answer...

TAGS:
Rue
Aldus Kragg
Amalia Visconti | Mira Rhory
R'ayne Asara
Hannah Charles
Captain Charles
Nolle Tron
Illithor Du'thra
OPEN

 

[Captain Charles]

Answers Please​

Charles | Meeting Room | N&Z Tarsai Vigil Building:
He had been listening to Ronhar speak and found himself in agreement with everything the Captain had said. Her did not seem like a very reliable person. He looked at Rue.

“I would like answers too,” he said simply.

Rue now had some explaining to do. He would let the others judge though. It was time for a stretch break.

He squeezed her hand three times. She read it immediately — leaving. She gripped his arm once in question. He squeezed twice more in response — nothing serious, back soon. She gripped his arm four times — be back soon. Then she released him.

He stood and stepped out.

He encountered his personal protection squad on the way to the entrance. They were here on their own initiative. All five of them. The 514th Battalion "Charles" squads rotated every day. It their own system, to ensure everyone got a turn.

Today it was Sergeant Dlaimi’s Squad turn.

“We were looking for you sir.” he said.

“Glad you are here.” Charles replied. “With me, the meeting is getting a little tense.”

“How sir?”

“The hostess’s master has quite the history with Mahporeem.”

Dlaimi and the other four troopers nodded.

He looked back at the door.

They marched back in. Charles leading the formation. He returned to his seat. The troopers arranged themselves around the room.

 

[Hannah Charles]

Answers Please

Hannah | Meeting Room | N&Z Tarsai Vigil Building:
He was gone. The room felt colder without him. She could feel the tension in the room as they waited for Rue’s reply.

She had been watching the door. She always watched the door when he left a room. The moment it opened she relaxed again. He was back. He always came back. The five black armored figures behind him were almost secondary.

She watched the other faces when the troopers entered. That told her more than the troopers themselves. Some people in this room had not expected this. She filed who reacted and how. It would be useful for him and Mahporeem later.

He sat back down. She scooted back against him, retaking his arm. She took out her datapad, they didn’t have hand signals for this. Writing it on the datapad would do.

“Dlaimi’s Squad is here.”

She handed it to him.

“Yeah, they came looking for me. Met them just outside the door.”

He handed it back.

“Glad you didn’t go far.”

“I would never.”

She gripped his arm tighter.

She stuffed the datapad away, returning her attention to the meeting. They would await Rue’s reply.

 

[R'ayne Asara]

tarsai

weapon: draconic scourge
outfit:X™
tag(s): Rue ... Her ... Ronhar Tane ... Captain Charles

I cocked an eyebrow as my gaze turned slowly toward Ronhar Tane , watching the captain's restraint fracture beneath the weight of old grievances.

His rant spilled forth with all the heat of a wound left festering beneath armor, every word carrying the unmistakable bitterness of a man whose history with Rue 's benefactor had not died so much as learned to whisper from the grave.

I allowed him to finish, my expression remaining as still as carved ebony stone.

Before I could answer, however, Captain Charles interjected, his voice demanding answers from Rue as well. The atmosphere tightened at once. Then came the deliberate scrape of boots against the floor as four guards under Charles's command moved into position, sealing the building's sole entrance and exit.

Their presence transformed the chamber from a place of discussion into something far more akin to a crypt whose door had just been barred from within.

I cleared my throat softly, the sound carrying with disproportionate authority through the uneasy silence. My eyes traveled from Rue , to Ronhar Tane , and finally to Captain Charles , studying each of them as though they were specimens beneath the cold light of a laboratory.

“Heated discussions over the conjuring of ancient histories have no place in these proceedings,” I said, my voice quiet, measured, and devoid of invitation for argument.

“Whatever grievances exist between you two, whatever ghosts have followed you both from whatever miserable chapters of your past, they may remain outside this room.”

I paused, allowing the silence to settle like ash.

“Answers, however, are another matter. When those answers concern the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant, they will be addressed.” My gaze settled upon Rue , unwavering. “Would you not agree, Miss Rue?”​

 

[The Lord of Hunger]

LOCATION: Corrox, Mahporeem
OBJECTIVE: Wouldn't you like to know?
IMPORTANT LINKS: Sword #1 | Sword #2 | Armor | Jewel | Ring | Necklace | Gauntlet | DIII Gluttoneria | The guards | KRONOS
TAG: Rue , Ronhar Tane , R'ayne Asara , Captain Charles

​

The discussion, if he'd even call it that was dragging on. After the whole explanation at the hand of a mere holographic recording by the Warden Primus, one he knew more intimately as Her , the Lord of Hunger leaned slightly forward in his seat as his trusted associate took the first shot at the plans brought forward by the one who presided over this meeting not only in the name of His associate, but apparently daring to do so in His own name; for the N in N&Z was his, not Tertius', not Willhuf's but His.

When his subordinate Amalia made her position clear, Credius' infamously sinister eyes slowly shifted from left to right, glancing across the table and the players present at this meeting. Each of them held power within the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant, but that was rather inconsequential for those who had reach and control beyond the borders of mere governments and factions. The corners of his lips slowly seemed to curl into something akin to a subtle, yet devious grin. However, when it seemed someone took a page out of his own playbook, by having soldiers rush into a place where Mahporeem by default had no full governance nor full authority, the man...if indeed that was what one could still call him, calmly leaned forward with his grin twisting into something more terrifying, more insidious.

"Allow me to be straightforward," The abomination within the force mentally overwrote his necklace's function to hide and mitigate the effects of his presence within the force. A wave of bone chilling air, a strange and dreadful pressure unleashed itself at that very moment. It was not meant to break the spirit or the mind of any of those present, but a simple means to draw attention and to grant some insight to those who had yet to understand how the galaxy truly worked. "While I am not against having reservations against any plans brought forward by someone who by some of you is seen as a threat or an unpredictable source of frustration... where I do draw the line is the pathetic attempt to threaten by way of displaying military might."

Turning his eyes towards Captain Charles the Lord of Hunger's gaze lingered a bit on both the military man and his wife Hannah Charles , just a smidgen to long for it to be called accidental.

"Now..." His gaze shifting towards R'ayne Asara , the Lord of Hunger showed a strangely genuine smile towards her. "If we take this whole...connection to the Warden Primus out of the equation and just simply focus on the actual matter at hand... would there be any questions that do not pertain to shared history? I believe R'ayne Asara at the very least made a clear point that I am inclined to agree with... do not let past grievances dictate your future."

 

[Nolle Tron]

Zenith Point Ventures

Nolle remained seated through the exchange. That, more than anything else, was deliberate. She watched Ronhar's frustration surface, watched Charles reinforce it with the presence of armed men, watched R'ayne attempt to drag the discussion back toward purpose, and finally watched the Lord of Hunger turn the atmosphere from tense to genuinely dangerous with little more than a shift in presence.

Too many people in the room were now speaking about history. Too few were speaking about the proposition actually laid before them. Nolle folded one hand over the other atop her knee and let the silence stretch for just a moment longer before she finally spoke. "Captain Tane is asking the correct question."

Her crimson eyes shifted toward Ronhar first, acknowledging the legitimacy of his concern. "He is simply asking it of the wrong person." Then her gaze moved to Rue. There was no accusation in it. "Miss Rue can tell us what she has been instructed to tell us. Perhaps she knows more than that. Perhaps she does not. But I doubt the Warden Primus sent her here with every piece of the board laid neatly in her hands."

Nolle had seen that style of delegation before. More times than she cared to remember. Her attention passed briefly toward Amalia. "And Lady Visconti is equally correct to draw a line before anyone mistakes corporate investment for ideological sponsorship." That distinction mattered. Zenith Point Ventures had not grown by attaching itself blindly to governments, movements, or causes. It grew because Nolle understood the difference between an opportunity and someone else's crusade.

She shifted slightly in her chair, posture still relaxed despite the armed troopers now stationed around the room and the lingering pressure that had rolled outward from the Lord of Hunger only moments before. "I served within COMECI long enough to understand the Warden Primus' methods. She does not construct something this elaborate merely because she believes Imperials deserve better employment opportunities." A faint, knowing smile crossed her lips. "That does not make the opportunity false." Quite the opposite. "Migration into the Mid Systems creates demand for housing. Industry. Freight. Banking. Insurance. Construction. Communications. Ship repair. Transportation. Employment. Entire commercial ecosystems can form around a sufficiently large population shift."

Now Nolle sounded less like a former Imperial functionary and more like the woman who had built Zenith Point Ventures. "Those are things Zenith understands very well." Her gaze moved around the table. "What we do not yet understand is what, precisely, we are being asked to build."

She looked back toward Rue. "Are we discussing financing relocation? Acquiring infrastructure along the Five Veils Route? Capitalizing Imperial-owned enterprises? Establishing industrial parks, freight terminals, repair stations and financial services?" A slight pause followed. "Or are we being asked to underwrite a political project whose commercial elements merely provide convenient cover?"

There it was. The distinction the Warden's presentation had so carefully avoided. Nolle leaned back slightly. "Zenith Point Ventures is willing to discuss the first set of possibilities." Her eyes flicked briefly toward Amalia once more. "I suspect N&Z and Zenith could accomplish quite a bit together there." The mutual investment between the two companies made that more than an idle remark. Their interests were already intertwined. Expanding together into a new commercial corridor was hardly difficult to imagine.

"The latter possibility, however, is another conversation entirely." Her expression cooled by only a fraction. "I will not authorize Zenith capital for an undeclared insurgency, covert coup, or deliberately manufactured confrontation with the High Republic simply because someone has chosen to label it corporate expansion." That was not moral outrage. It was risk management.

"If Imperial expatriates wish to settle legally, form businesses, accumulate wealth, establish communities, and participate in the economy of the Mid Systems, then I see considerable opportunity." She lifted one hand slightly. "If those communities eventually acquire political influence because they have become prosperous, numerous, and indispensable..."

The faint smile returned. "That is simply politics." Her hand lowered again. "But before Zenith commits anything, I want clarity." Her attention settled fully on Rue now. "Who owns the assets?"

One finger rose. "Who controls Tarsai Vigil's authority to stop, search, detain, tax, and patrol?" A second. "What protections exist if the High Republic decides those privileges have become politically inconvenient?" A third. "And most importantly..." Her gaze sharpened. "What does the Warden Primus actually expect from the companies sitting at this table?" There was no hostility in the question. Only precision.

"The recording gave us a vision." Nolle's eyes briefly moved toward the now-dark holographic projector. "It did not give us an investment proposal." She allowed that observation to settle before continuing.

"I do not particularly care whether the Warden hopes an Imperial flag flies over Enarc fifty years from now." A small shrug. "Flags are remarkably poor collateral." That earned the slightest trace of amusement in her expression.

"I care about whether the ports will still operate, whether contracts remain enforceable, whether the companies we finance will still exist, and whether Zenith retains ownership of what it paid to build." She paused once more. "Answer those questions, Miss Rue, and I believe we can finally begin discussing why we are actually here."

With that, Nolle settled back into her chair again. She had no intention of defending the Warden Primus. Nor did she intend to allow old grievances, uniforms, Sith theatrics, or Imperial nostalgia to obscure what she saw increasingly clearly beneath all of it. There was an opportunity here. A very large one. The only question was whether the Warden Primus intended to let anyone else own enough of it to make the risk worthwhile.

Nolle Tron

• Location: Corrox City, Mahporeem
• Objective: Invest in Growth
• Outfit: Black Dress
• Company: Rue | Illithor Du'thra | Aldus Kragg | Captain Charles | Hannah Charles | R'ayne Asara
• Interaction: OPEN

 

[Rue]

---

---

Tags: Illithor Du'thra | Nolle Tron | Aldus Kragg | Captain Charles | Hannah Charles | R'ayne Asara | Amalia Visconti | Mira Rhory | The Lord of Hunger

---

Rue kept her gaze lowered to where the holographic projector had been standing mere moments ago before it had been retracted back into the confines of the table. She found herself listening intently to the responses coming around the other attendees. Her nose twitched at the less than subtle threats from Visconti. But the more than she heard it became increasingly clearer why Umbrella's CEO had made sure to tell both Rue and the others in the room about why N&Z would not tolerate lateral moves or outcomes that would affect their companies reputation.

It appeared to Rue that her master had said something or done things that had affected the people in this room badly. It wasn't a co-incidence that Visconti made sure to clarify that their reputation in the High Republic was not to be damaged by the operations of Tarsai Vigil and the economic plans of Vūm. It exposed a relationship that had been fractured yet not broken enough to sever Umbrella from her master's work. It was the same for the way Tane spoke of his interactions with the enigmatic Her during the heights of the Imperial Confederation. He sounded more like a victim comparatively to Visconti. There were vulnerabilities among these opportunists, capitalists, and military men she had learned.

Yet, although Rue could see some of it, the picture remained obfuscated and prevented her from understanding the full scope of it. Someone better trained in the ways of the dark side, with better cunning, could perhaps see through the fog and convolutedness to take something for themselves. Most of the people in this room did not like Her and yet the former Warden Primus had put substantial efforts to fund the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant's projects that were currently in orbit of the planet itself. Although Tane's grievances sounded personal it seemed that the military junta, who were in control of Mahpoorem, did not fully share whatever the Captain or Visconti felt.

"They will be squashed and snuffed out, including all those who attempt to entertain such actions to begin with."

"What I want to know is... What is it that you're really after?"

"He is simply asking it of the wrong person."

Rue turned to study the room thoughtfully. Her gaze glossed over Captain Charles ' men with an indifference. A thought passed through her mind to play into what these people were saying and their misgivings for Her . But Rue then quickly dismissed that idea. She wasn't ready to challenge that woman and she didn't quite understand how to play the proverbial game like she could. It was better, at least for now, to follow the instructions that had been given and to use what she did know to try and convince the people sitting around the table to invest into Tarsai's business proposal.

"My master still wants to support Imperialism in the Outer Rim," Rue admitted to the room. There was too much said to speak directly to everyone at once so she elected to gloss over much of it to try abd answer them all in a broader sense. "I am here to do this. That is what we want."

It was a small, unsatisfying response. In particular Rue didn't feel like answered what Tane said at all. Upon that realisation, Rue added: "The military do not share your concerns, Captain Tane. If they did then we would not be financing their assets in orbit."

The words felt odd to say. There was a veiled threat in there. It was something that her master would have retorted with, Rue quietly imagined; and so it was something that she had thought to say in order to stop Tane from bringing up whatever past they had with the former Warden Primus. There were installations such as the Romodi-class arrays or orbital shipyard complexes currently orbiting Mahporeem as they speak, Rue knew of. Juxtaposing their existence to Tane's troubles with her master was something she would have done if she were here hosting this summit. It was supposed to make him feel less than important and to also remind Tane that the woman he was talking about already had roots planted in Mahporeem's polluted dirty soil.

It did not take a big leap in logic to then assume that the military, who were in control of Mahporeem Imperial Remnant, would have taken what Her allegedly did to him into account as they deliberated their decisions and weighed up their options. That was if they knew about it before Vūm granted them the finances that they required to open those platforms up; and now that they were open, if this information came to light, Rue quietly betted that it would serve to do nothing but cause a minor headache for the actual power-players on Mahporeem itself. She couldn't see them throwing away Vūm's investment to protect just one man.

Tane was the face of the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant. A popular war hero. But what was one Captain compared to Mahporeem's security and future?

"...Where I do draw the line is the pathetic attempt to threaten by way of displaying military might."

"Answer those questions, Miss Rue, and I believe we can finally begin discussing why we are actually here."

"The organisation that I work for have been conducting an analysis of Mahporeem," Rue said to the room.

She kept glancing at all the men that Captain Charles had flooded into the room. They were a little intimidating. Maybe nothing would happen to her with Umbrella's presence. But maybe they wouldn't stop the military from taking Rue and giving her the same treatment that Her apparently gave to Tane. This was another test layered upon many and Rue was the one sent to be tested to see if there was a trap waiting for the enigmatic woman currently in hiding somewhere in the Mid-systems. Rue was beginning to see it now. How she was being used. In this she felt like she had something in common with Umbrella's delegates and Mahporeem's favoured son.

"According to the results of this initial analysis we think that this world is in crisis," Rue continued to say as she tried to not think about the fact that she was the proverbial bait to Imperial provocation, retaliation or arrests lingering over from the fall of the Imperial Confederation. "Our measurements have been localised to Corrox City. But our models do not give good predictions for the rest of the planet."

"Mahporeem is in the middle of an ecological disaster," Rue said as she continued to elaborate about Vūm's analysis.

"There is a lot of pollution worldwide, it says. We predict shortages for the supply and distribution of foodstuffs. If our models are correct then the Mezoidians will not be able to continue the upkeep and commercial operations that are necessary to maintaining current levels. Rioting, famine and disease will come after the current systems in place fail. Birth rates are another contributing factor. Our predictions have told us that these developments were inevitable. However, the Imperial Confederation coming to it's end has expedited what has been happening to the planet. You had a decade before and now you have a year. Maybe two before things go from bad to worse."

Rue turned to answer Tron's questions about Enarc and Tarsai's authority as she sought to link Vūm's analysis of Mahporeem to the business plans of Umbrella's new subsidiary in the Mid-systems.

"The Umbrella Corporation are in control of technology that can link together two star systems to each other at great distances," Rue explained. "My master has told me that these Khonshu class path stations can connect the Weiss system to a suitable planet located along the Five Veils. Tarsai's proposal includes the construction of two new stations. One would orbit Mahporeem. This would connect to a secondary station that will be located in the Svivren system."

"Who owns the assets?"

"If Tarsai's propsal is accepted then the Svivren station would be under their control," Rue told the room as the question of assets was addressed. "Meanwhile, the station above Mahporeem will need some planning. Perhaps Zenith will finance building it?"

"Who controls Tarsai Vigil's authority to stop, search, detain, tax, and patrol?"

"What protections exist if the High Republic decides those privileges have become politically inconvenient?"

"As for Tarsai's authority it is under the jurisdiction to the Republic Senate in Theed," said Rue as she answered both of Tron's questions. "This responsibility was delegated to the company during the Five Veils project as my master explained in her message. If this were repelled or interfered with then it would be out of their jurisdiction as it matters to this proposal. This is because the Svivren system is not a member of the High Republic."

"What does the Warden Primus actually expect from the companies sitting at this table?"

"My master is expecting Umbrella to agree to the construction of both stations," Rue continued to say as she came to Tron's last question. "She is expecting investment for their construction as well. Tarsai expects the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant to begin backing it's operation in the Five Veils by supplying manpower, weapons and ammunition if their plan is put into action. Vūm have yet to negotiate trade rights with Svivren but we will facilitate this service on behalf of all involved parties if Tarsai's proposal is accepted."

While Rue had answered Tron's questions by repeating what she had been told about Tarsai's plans by Her , she hadn't addressed an obvious flaw in the proposal itself. The construction costs of a Khonshu-class path station, let alone two, was an expensive thing and would require time for it to be built. There was also the fact that Mahporeem had access to other prospective agricultural markets in the Outer Rim Territories that could help elevate Vūm's projections.

Why would they fund such a venture when the alternatives were cheaper and closer than what Tarsai's proposal outlined?

"Significantly this business plan would bypass Sith influence affecting Mahporeem," Rue explained. "There is a new political movement happening in the Tion Hegemony that has been called the 'League of Imperial Rejuvenation'. My master has told me to tell you that this movement is there to swallow remnants of the Imperial Confederation so that they would fall under the control of the Sith Order. We do not want the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant to follow the other survivors who have been coerced or forced into joining them."

"If our models are correct then it is only a matter of time until the L.I.R also find out about what is happening to Mahporeem. We want to provide solutions to the ecological crisis that is happening here before they try to use it against you. The Svivren Pass, as we are calling it, will not fix the problems that are happening. But my master has told me to tell you that it will buy you more time until a permanent solution is found."

---

 

[Illithor Du'thra]

Tags: Rue | Ronhar Tane | R'ayne Asara | Makai Dashiell | Nolle Tron | Orinn Darge | Captain Charles | Alex Stern | Marlon Sularen | Darth Carnifex | Amalia Visconti | Mira Rhory | Aldus Kragg |
Location: Corrox City, N&Z Tarsai Vigil corporate building

"Master Du'thra." She offered the Sephi executive a courteous inclination of her head. "I've been hearing your company's name with increasing frequency. It seems congratulations are in order." The compliment was genuine enough while remaining deliberately noncommittal. Success deserved recognition. Whether it ultimately became partnership, investment, or competition was a determination for another day.

Illithor returned the gesture. "Thank you. One of my aides will be over shortly to at least swap proper comm channels for after this thing.
Its a pleasure to meet you."


Not too long later his aid would relay what she said before the presentation.

"Some of you may know the Warden Primus only by reputation." Her voice remained measured. "I knew her professionally." A brief pause. "Before taking over Zenith Point Ventures, I served within COMECI."

Several eyes shifted in her direction. "The Warden Primus was exceptionally intelligent. Exceptionally patient. And exceptionally adept at ensuring every room contained only the information she intended it to." She regarded the dormant holographic transmitter rather than Rue herself. "If she has arranged this summit, I have little doubt the opportunity being presented is genuine." Another pause. "I am considerably less certain that we are being shown the entire board." The faintest smile returned to her lips. "Which is precisely why I intend to listen very carefully." With that, Nolle settled back into her chair, crimson eyes fixed upon the projector, waiting for the recording to begin.

Illithor watched without knowing what Nolle had said just before hand... at least not until later. It was an interesting presentation one that had many questions to be answered. But before that Ronhar passionately spoke.

"What I want to know", Ronhar began, "is what your endgame is. I have the pleasure, or perhaps displeasure, of having gotten onto the former Warden Primus's personal radar, and I was "asked" to come and speak with her privately regarding a number of different matters. I became party to a rather substantial amount of confidential information, and was inundated with all manners of crazy rumors straight from the Warden Primus Her Her -self. Given Her Her actions with the Mandalorian Empire and Her Her attempts to flee Imperial space following the collapse of the Confederation, to say that we here on Mahporeem are distrusting of Her Her would be a gross understatement. In fact, there are calls all throughout Imperial territory for Her Her arrest of all things. The fact that YOU come here and openly flaunt your association with Her Her despite knowing Her Her checkered past tells me one of two things. You're either a complete and utter fool...or you're so confident in the value that Enrac brings that you think we'll be willing to overlook everything that's happened in the past. I'm willing to bet my life that's its the latter. So if that's the case, than what is your end goal? Because I refuse to believe that the former Warden Primus would go through all this trouble for a potential business opportunity. What I want to know is...what is it that you're really after?"

Now that was a doozy. At least he didn't have the pleasure... or displeasure as it seemed to know her. Now his curiosity was truly piqued. Others spoke, mainly over the same type of questions and angles.

But pert of what Nolle stood out.

She looked back toward Rue. "Are we discussing financing relocation? Acquiring infrastructure along the Five Veils Route? Capitalizing Imperial-owned enterprises? Establishing industrial parks, freight terminals, repair stations and financial services?" A slight pause followed. "Or are we being asked to underwrite a political project whose commercial elements merely provide convenient cover?"

That's what needed answered.

Now something new was what The Lord of Hunger said... and weirdly did.

"Allow me to be straightforward," The abomination within the force mentally overwrote his necklace's function to hide and mitigate the effects of his presence within the force. A wave of bone chilling air, a strange and dreadful pressure unleashed itself at that very moment. It was not meant to break the spirit or the mind of any of those present, but a simple means to draw attention and to grant some insight to those who had yet to understand how the galaxy truly worked. "While I am not against having reservations against any plans brought forward by someone who by some of you is seen as a threat or an unpredictable source of frustration... where I do draw the line is the pathetic attempt to threaten by way of displaying military might."

Ah yes, Illithor had also caught the military men who entered... which was odd.

"Now..." His gaze shifting towards R'ayne Asara R'ayne Asara , the Lord of Hunger showed a strangely genuine smile towards her. "If we take this whole...connection to the Warden Primus out of the equation and just simply focus on the actual matter at hand... would there be any questions that do not pertain to shared history? I believe R'ayne Asara R'ayne Asara at the very least made a clear point that I am inclined to agree with... do not let past grievances dictate your future."

He had much to gain building another set hyperspace route. Hmmm... I need to talk to Aleratha Tel'alith to see if she can create something similar. I know those science forward teams bridged to what seemed impossible centuries ago.

And a second whole heartily agreed point by Nolle

One finger rose. "Who controls Tarsai Vigil's authority to stop, search, detain, tax, and patrol?" A second. "What protections exist if the High Republic decides those privileges have become politically inconvenient?" A third. "And most importantly..." Her gaze sharpened. "What does the Warden Primus actually expect from the companies sitting at this table?" There was no hostility in the question. Only precision.

"According to the results of this initial analysis we think that this world is in crisis," Rue continued to say as she tried to not think about the fact that she was the proverbial bait to Imperial provocation, retaliation or arrests lingering over from the fall of the Imperial Confederation. "Our measurements have been localised to Corrox City. But our models do not give good predictions for the rest of the planet."

"Mahporeem is in the middle of an ecological disaster," Rue said as she continued to elaborate about Vūm's analysis.

"There is a lot of pollution worldwide, it says. We predict shortages for the supply and distribution of foodstuffs. If our models are correct then the Mezoidians will not be able to continue the upkeep and commercial operations that are necessary to maintaining current levels. Rioting, famine and disease will come after the current systems in place fail. Birth rates are another contributing factor. Our predictions have told us that these developments were inevitable. However, the Imperial Confederation coming to it's end has expedited what has been happening to the planet. You had a decade before and now you have a year. Maybe two before things go from bad to worse."

Rue turned to answer Tron's questions about Enarc and Tarsai's authority as she sought to link Vūm's analysis of Mahporeem to the business plans of Umbrella's new subsidiary in the Mid-systems.

"The Umbrella Corporation are in control of technology that can link together two star systems to each other at great distances," Rue explained. "My master has told me that these Khonshu class path stations can connect the Weiss system to a suitable planet located along the Five Veils. Tarsai's proposal includes the construction of two new stations. One would orbit Mahporeem. This would connect to a secondary station that will be located in the Svivren system."

"If Tarsai's propsal is accepted then the Svivren station would be under their control," Rue told the room as the question of assets was addressed. "Meanwhile, the station above Mahporeem will need some planning. Perhaps Zenith will finance building it?"

"As for Tarsai's authority it is under the jurisdiction to the Republic Senate in Theed," said Rue as she answered both of Tron's questions. "This responsibility was delegated to the company during the Five Veils project as my master explained in her message. If this were repelled or interfered with then it would be out of their jurisdiction as it matters to this proposal. This is because the Svivren system is not a member of the High Republic."

"My master is expecting Umbrella to agree to the construction of both stations," Rue continued to say as she came to Tron's last question. "She is expecting investment for their construction as well. Tarsai expects the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant to begin backing it's operation in the Five Veils by supplying manpower, weapons and ammunition if their plan is put into action. Vūm have yet to negotiate trade rights with Svivren but we will facilitate this service on behalf of all involved parties if Tarsai's proposal is accepted."

"Significantly this business plan would bypass Sith influence affecting Mahporeem," Rue explained. "There is a new political movement happening in the Tion Hegemony that has been called the 'League of Imperial Rejuvenation'. My master has told me to tell you that this movement is there to swallow remnants of the Imperial Confederation so that they would fall under the control of the Sith Order. We do not want the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant to follow the other survivors who have been coerced or forced into joining them."

"If our models are correct then it is only a matter of time until the L.I.R also find out about what is happening to Mahporeem. We want to provide solutions to the ecological crisis that is happening here before they try to use it against you. The Svivren Pass, as we are calling it, will not fix the problems that are happening. But my master has told me to tell you that it will buy you more time until a permanent solution is found."

Rue finally spoke to all the points in turn. She seemed quite up to the task, something that Illithor took note of since it reflects on this "Her" person. The points were quite detailed... and actually impressive.

Illithor finally stood and spoke after clearing his nerves with a quick drink.
"So far I am inclined to go along with this. I am not 100% sure what other economic opportunities lay on the other end of this secure route. But that aside you had adequately answered any questions I may have had. As the others asked them already."

He paused and took another drink to clear away the dryness in his mouth.
"I do know the solution for the Biosphere of Mahporeem. Tel'alith Labs who my family has known and worked with for 1,186years so far has the technology and experience. They restored Taris's massive sea from its polluted run down state. They also terraformed three of the moons in orbit."

Looking around he wrapped up his speaking "I just have a question. Is this an official corporate alliance of sorts for this trade route? and what does the Five Veils Trade Route lack? That is all."
With that he gives a slight bow before sitting again.

 

[Amalia Visconti | Mira Rhory]

TAGS: Rue | R'ayne Asara | Ronhar Tane | Nolle Tron | Captain Charles | Illithor Du'thra

She simply wanted to make it clear that considering past misgivings and the misplaced trust, any proposition of the Warden Primus had to be carefully considered and properly scrutinized before it could and yes, even would be taken as a promising idea...at least by her. Amalia had a certain... relationship with the person behind the moniker of Warden Primus. She saw her perhaps a bit as a rival, who after having wormed her way into the inner circle of the N&Z had managed to gain a very favorable position others could work their ass off for over the course of decades. This strange, unpredictable individual had managed to not just weasel her way into the corporation, but also the upper echelons of most societies the company dealt with, making her an even more valuable asset than Amalia herself.

Gritting her teeth, the CEO of the N&Z listen to each of those present, nodding in respect towards Nolle Tron for clearly taking on at the very least a similar position where the content of the proposal mattered more than historic grievances and their lack of impact on what the actual topic was. Even her master had made it clear to leave the grievances behind and to focus on the actual content of Miss Rue's delivered message.

Still, when the League of Imperial Rejuvination came up, Amalia scoffed, to such a point it even seemed to surprise her own superior in the form of the Lord of Hunger. "They're nothing to worry about... they are predictable and focused solely on making a scene."

"The League of Imperial Rejuvination has gotten to our doorstep on Corvus," Again she laughed, tapping the table with her fingers rather aggressively, yet still with a somewhat twisted grin on her face. "You'd need to be an idiot not to understand who's backing them and who's behind their entire activity and expansion. While they claim to hold sway in the region, it is at best limited... several of the planetary systems do not follow their haphazard style of expansion and their dubious presentation of facts."

Holding her hand a bit above the table, as if to contemplate whether or not to continue with her slightly nervous tapping with her fingers, Amalia's twisted grin softened. "Those insignificant ones aside... the N&Z CAN finance the creation of another pair of twin Konshu-stations... however, I wish to understand clearly what the 'exact' financial gain would be in this case. I understand that it may grant Mahporeem a lifeline in terms of produce and necessary means regarding the quality of life for its citizens. However, I do not yet see how this could have any impact on the N&Z's own status, that of Zenith, etcetera."

glancing towards all those present, the CEO of the massive megacorporation suddenly let out a sigh and leaned back a bit. "A ten percent value added tax as a means to finance the protection of the stations, the men and droids who operate it and to have a minimum of an anual profit of around 5% on the total value of goods and services tranferred through the stations... that would be our logical offer in regard to this proposal."

 

[Nolle Tron]

Zenith Point Ventures

Nolle allowed the room to settle after Rue's explanation. This time, she did not immediately speak. There was enough substance in what had finally been placed on the table that haste would have been a mistake.

The ecological projections were troubling, certainly. If Vūm's models were even approximately correct, Mahporeem did not merely have a trade problem. It had a countdown. One year. Perhaps two. That changed the nature of the investment considerably.

Her crimson gaze shifted first toward Illithor Du'thra. The mention of Tel'alith Labs had caught her attention immediately. Anyone could promise environmental remediation. Very few could point toward the restoration of an entire planetary sea and speak of it as completed work.

"Master Du'thra." Nolle inclined her head slightly. "Your mention of Tel'alith Labs may be considerably more important than the route itself."

She folded her hands neatly before her. "If Mahporeem's ecological decline is as advanced as Vūm's projections suggest, then this Svivren Pass is not a solution. It is a pressure valve." Her gaze briefly moved toward Rue, acknowledging that the young hostess had effectively said as much herself. "It buys time."

Then back toward Illithor. "If Tel'alith can provide a viable remediation plan, Zenith would be interested in discussing how such work might be financed. Environmental restoration at this scale would require more than science. Housing, utility modernization, food-production infrastructure, logistics, industrial conversion..." A faint smile touched her lips. "Those are considerably easier problems when everyone involved understands how to divide the work."

That thought naturally carried her attention toward Amalia. The other executive's proposed figures had transformed the meeting more effectively than any political declaration yet made. Ten percent. A target of five percent annualized return against transferred value. At last, numbers. "I think we're finally discussing something that resembles a business proposition." There was quiet amusement in Nolle's voice. "Which is refreshing."

She turned slightly in Amalia's direction. "I have no objection in principle to recovering operating costs through traffic across the stations. Nor do I object to building a margin into that structure." A pause. "I am less convinced that ten percent should be our starting assumption." Her tone remained cordial. This was negotiation between familiar corporate interests, not opposition. "The Svivren Pass will only become valuable if merchants actually use it. If conventional routes remain cheaper by enough of a margin, then we will have built two extremely expensive monuments to our own optimism."

Nolle lifted one hand slightly. "Before Zenith agrees to any tariff structure, I would want comparative models. Transit time through the proposed stations against established routes." A second finger. "Expected insurance savings from bypassing Sith-controlled or contested space." A third. "Freight volume necessary to reach operational break-even." Then another. "And projected demand from Mahporeem itself, particularly foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, industrial inputs, and replacement machinery."

Her hand lowered. "If the route saves enough time, reduces enough risk, or reaches markets that are otherwise inaccessible, then ten percent may prove entirely reasonable." A small smile. "If it does none of those things, five percent may be too high." There was no criticism in the statement. Only arithmetic.

Nolle's attention returned to Rue. The young woman had given substantially better answers than Nolle had expected. Not complete answers, certainly, but enough to expose the shape of the arrangement. "And as for the Mahporeem station..." She paused deliberately. "Zenith would consider financing it." The words were carefully chosen. Consider. Not promise.

"However, I would not structure that financing as a charitable contribution to Tarsai Vigil, Vūm, or the Mahporeem government." Her expression sharpened. "If Zenith provides substantial capital toward construction, Zenith will require a proportional ownership stake in the station itself." There it was. "That ownership would include representation in whatever body governs its commercial operation, transparent accounting of revenues passing through it, and contractual protections preventing unilateral seizure or reassignment of the asset."

Her gaze moved briefly toward the Mahporeem representatives. "That protection would apply regardless of whether the party attempting such a thing carried an Imperial seal, a corporate logo, or a Senate authorization." Nolle had spent too much of her career buying distressed assets to pretend governments were the only entities capable of appropriating property. "The Svivren terminus being controlled by Tarsai creates an imbalance as currently described."

She looked again toward Rue. "If Zenith owns or co-owns the Mahporeem terminus while Tarsai controls Svivren, then neither side possesses the entire corridor." That was not a flaw. Quite the opposite. "I would consider that desirable." A slight arch of one eyebrow. "Mutual dependency tends to encourage excellent manners."

Nolle allowed herself a moment to study the others around the table. N&Z controlled the technology. Tarsai possessed the route authority. Mahporeem could provide military manpower. Du'thra and Tel'alith might hold the expertise necessary to prevent Mahporeem from becoming dependent upon imports indefinitely. And Zenith could provide capital without which much of it would remain an attractive diagram. That was a much healthier structure than anything the Warden Primus had described.

No single hand around the table could close into a fist. "Master Du'thra asked whether this amounts to a corporate alliance." Nolle tilted her head thoughtfully. "I would avoid that word." Alliances carried implications. Political ones especially. "A consortium would be more accurate."

Her eyes passed from Amalia to Illithor and then Rue. "Independent parties investing into specific pieces of a shared commercial system, each retaining ownership of their respective assets and negotiating common standards where necessary." That distinction mattered.

"Zenith does not need N&Z to become Zenith. N&Z does not need Tarsai to become N&Z. Du'thra Engineering does not need to surrender its independence to participate." A faint smile returned. "We simply need each other's assets to make this particular venture work." She leaned forward slightly now. "And that brings us to what I believe should happen next."

Her focus settled upon Rue. "Vūm should complete its negotiations with Svivren before anyone signs construction contracts." First condition. "N&Z should produce preliminary construction estimates for both Khonshu stations." Second. "Zenith can model financing structures for the Mahporeem terminus once we have those numbers." Third. "And if Master Du'thra is willing, I would suggest Tel'alith Labs conduct an independent assessment of Mahporeem's ecological condition." Fourth. "Not simply Corrox City." She emphasized the distinction. "The planet." Because if Zenith was going to pour capital into Mahporeem, Nolle intended to know whether she was investing in a distressed market...

...or financing the continued habitation of a dying world. "If that assessment confirms Vūm's projections, then I think we should treat the route and planetary remediation as two halves of the same project." One kept Mahporeem alive long enough for the other to matter.

Nolle leaned back once more. "Emergency imports through Svivren stabilize the population. Environmental and industrial investment reduces that dependency over time. The route then transitions from lifeline to trade corridor." Now the faint smile became more pronounced. "That is something Zenith Point Ventures could invest in." Not the Warden Primus' Imperial revival. Not an undeclared political project. Something tangible. Ports. Infrastructure. Industry. A functioning planet.

Her gaze shifted once more toward Amalia. "And if N&Z remains interested, I imagine there are worse ways for both of our companies to protect the investments we already have in one another."

Finally, Nolle looked toward Rue. "So." She tapped one finger lightly against the arm of her chair. "Get us the Svivren rights." Another tap. "Get us the construction figures." And one last. "Then we can decide whether the Warden Primus has brought us an ideology..."

Her crimson eyes narrowed with quiet amusement. "...or an opportunity."

Nolle Tron

• Location: Corrox City, Mahporeem
• Objective: Invest in Growth
• Outfit: Black Dress
• Company: Rue | Illithor Du'thra | Aldus Kragg | Captain Charles | Hannah Charles | R'ayne Asara | Amalia Visconti | Mira Rhory
• Interaction: OPEN

 

[Ronhar Tane]

CAPTAIN RONHAR TANE, TK-3301
CORROX, MAHPOREEM
OBJECTIVE I: TARSAI

To say Ronhar was furious was an understatement, especially after a particularly snarky comment from Rue .

"The military do not share your concerns, Captain Tane. If they did then we would not be financing their assets in orbit."

"Let's get one thing straight", Ronhar said condescendingly. "Last I checked, you and the former Warden Primus do NOT speak for this planet nor do you speak for its people. In your master's absence, WE have been the ones left to pick up the pieces of Her poorly thought out actions, and WE have been the ones to suffer the consequences of what she had done. I can assure you that the military does most certainly share my concerns, and how could they not? After everything that's happened, after all we've been through, how could we not be cautious? I can assure you the people of this planet are smarter than you may give them credit for."

Ronhar sat back down, seething in anger. Still, Rue had a point: if the Imperial Remnant had been truly worried about the Warden Primus and Her connections, they would have never allowed Vum to finance their projects in the first place. Or maybe they were worried, but the credits being offered by Vum had overwritten any practical concerns that the Imperial Remnant might have hade? Either way, Rue was right: Vum was here to stay, and there wasn't much Ronhar could really do about it. It was an empty statement that Ronhar had made, and he was sure that Rue knew that. Sure, she might play along to appease Ronhar's annoyance, but at the end of the day Ronhar would almost rather she didn't. He would NOT be patronized in that manner!

So as Rue continued to pitch her company's investment in the planet and its plans for the future, Ronhar could do little more than pout as he considered what his next move would be, if anything!

TAGS:
Rue
Aldus Kragg
Amalia Visconti | Mira Rhory
R'ayne Asara
Hannah Charles
Captain Charles
Nolle Tron
Illithor Du'thra

 

[Rue]

---

---

"As Imperial power was transferred to Mahporeem, as the last survivor of the Thandon Incursions, I sought a path to fulfil my vaunted promises to the King of Naboo. We coined the Svivren Pass as a means to stop-gap the ecological disaster that was happening in the Weiss system, not only assist the last Imperial remnant, but to also create the first passage towards a political alliance that I desired between Mahporeem and Naboo against their shared and mutual enemy..."
-- Excerpts of Her 's thoughts as the former Warden Primus laid seeds for the creation of a hyperlane route between Svivren and Mahporeem.

Tags: Illithor Du'thra | Ronhar Tane | R'ayne Asara | Nolle Tron | Amalia Visconti | Mira Rhory | Aldus Kragg | Aurelian Veruna

---

"Last I checked, you and the former Warden Primus do NOT speak for this planet nor do you speak for its people...

Before Rue could respond to the discussion regarding the creation of the ' Svivren Pass ', Captain Tane interjected himself into the conversation as he attempted to pull Rue up for what she had said before about Vūm and the financial support that the hedge fund had put into Mahporeem's recently acquired defenses. She could sense, through the Force, that Tane was right and yet Rue felt perturbed by the outburst itself. It was not a good look in front of the other delegates sitting at the table as she tried to present Tarsai Vigil's proposal to create the new theoretical hyperlane.

"I think that you are referring to a clandestine project that my Master founded during the second occupation," Rue replied as she inferred the secretive group that had been made up of Imperials from the varying former different states of the Imperial Confederation and the Umbrella Corporation respectively. They had called it Project Tion at the time. "I was not with Vūm at this time although I am a little bit familiar with the details, Captain Tane."

A thoughtful pause ensued as Rue studied her finger nails. It only lasted a few seconds as she collected her thoughts. Thus far, throughout this entire meeting, she had been acting and thinking as a mere representative acting on the behalf of her Master. Yet the enigmatic Warden Primus was a Sith Lord who had taken the young Liann into an apprenticeship revolving around the Rule of Two. She had to start following that path at some point as Rue embarked into the study and traversing of the Dark Side of the Force. Why couldn't it happen right now?

"I do not want to devolve what is happening here into a debate about what happened in the Imperial Confederation," Rue admitted as she begun to think with the sort of cunning that had gotten the Warden Primus into the position to create Project Tion in the first place. "But I will say is this..."

As the others listened on it was important to make a distinction from this point forwards...

...that Rue was not Her .

"...I am not the Warden Primus. I would like to be different. Vūm is genuinely interested in supporting the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant. We have put the money up to prove this." Rue smiled at Tane as she tried to reassure him and the others sat at the table about what the Captain had said about Her. "It's a clean slate. The Outer Rim Territories are different than what they were before. Let's make new waves together as partners."

It remained to be seen if Mahporeem would pursue any legal charges against the woman at the centre of Tarsai's proposal, Vūm and the devastating aftermath of the Brosi incursions. There was an argument there, a case no less, to be made against the elusive former I.C.D leader.

It was through her ideas that the Imperial Confederation twice went to war with the Sith Empire, and after the second incursion, the entire structure of the faction collapsed until only Mahporeem was left as the last survivor. As it came to Imperials the blame and buck had to land somewhere. However, Rue quietly hoped that Tane would leave it there... For now.

If Her ever resurfaced in Imperial space then it was a different matter altogether and one that Rue intended to leave for her secretive Sith Master to deal with accordingly when the time came.

"A ten percent value added tax as a means to finance the protection of the stations, the men and droids who operate it and to have a minimum of an anual profit of around 5% on the total value of goods and services tranferred through the stations... that would be our logical offer in regard to this proposal."

"Back to the Svivren Pass," Rue muttered as she turned face away from Ronhar to look between Visconti and Tron.

"A consortium made up of Umbrella, Zenith Point, Du'thra and Vūm is an excellent suggestion, Ms. Tron. With Tarsai already under Umbrella as a subsidiary then the parent company would be in control of the pass via it's point in the Svivren system if a Khonshu station were to be constructed there. Taxation, tariffs or tolls are already under the Vigil's jurisdiction in the Five Veils as leased to their authority by the Republic Senate. It is then to my understanding that these percentages are down to the discretion of Tarsai's Director."

Rue considered what to say next. If she was going to make herself the face of this arrangement, thereby replacing the Warden Primus in any further negotiations or deals concerning Svivren, then now was the opportunity.

"Tarsai belongs to Umbrella now," Rue reiterated. She wasn't going to betray her Sith Master by outright suggesting or declaring that Visconti should dictate the percentages in play through her position as C.E.O. It didn't mean that she wasn't going to imply it, however. "The question of taxation and other logistics revolves mostly around Mahporeem. This is how I see it. A subsidiary in the Mid-systems isn't in any position to dictate taxation of the pass, tariffs on commercial activities, or tolls on using the lane as it passes through Imperial jurisdiction..."

"I just have a question. Is this an official corporate alliance of sorts for this trade route? and what does the Five Veils Trade Route lack? That is all."

"Then we can decide whether the Warden Primus has brought us an ideology... Or an opportunity."

"The suggestion of forming a consortium to handle these arrangements is really interesting," Rue admitted as she pivoted the conversation back onto the things Tron said. "Umbrella are in control of Tarsai and it is the Vigil who can secure the pass in the Mid-systems. Vūm are in position to negotiate the trade rights in Svivren. Mahporeem are in control of the Weiss system. The inclusion of Zenith Point or Du'thra Engineering into this arrangement requires some convincing on your part, don't you think?"

If there was a primary player in these proceedings then it was ultimately Umbrella. They were the ones in position as the owners of the technology to create the Svivren Pass in the first place; and they were the parent company of the Tarsai Vigil itself. As a megacorporation based in several star sectors all across the Outer Rim Territories, Umbrella was more than capable of financing the construction of both stations so long as Mahporeem approved of a new Khonshu-class joining the vast array of the other Umbrella-designed platforms and stations that were now orbiting the planet.

It was as Tron was beginning to suspect from the moment that the Warden Primus's message was played into the summit. An ulterior motive that remained elusive and yet to be revealed. There would be many commercial opportunities for Zenith Point, Du'thra Engineering and, of course, the N&Z to seize as a potential new lane of trade and commerce opened between a star system in the Mid Rim to another on the furthest reaches of the Outer Rim Territories.

Du'thra's position (through his contacts in Tel'alith Labs) was smart albeit contentious given Umbrella could, in theory, come up with it's own solutions to engineer a solution to Mahporeem's ecological crisis. Nevertheless Du'thra Engineering's place in this would-be consortium was self-explanatory and easy to understand as they worked to solve the crisis while their other partners worked on the commercial side of the venture. But what did Zenith Point's place look like if a consortium were to be created as Nolle suggested?

Tron's finger remained on the pulse of the conversation and that certain ulterior motive which lingered beneath the surface of Tarsai's business plan in the Mid-systems. As it pertained to dealing with Vūm there were political undercurrents to the commercial ventures and opportunities that Tarsai's proposal could potentially open up. Rue's Master always desired and courted influence with others that could prove to be useful in her plans. It was how she created Project Tion in the first place as Tane alluded to in his earlier outburst. Zenith Point's involvement in this new 'Svivren Pass' project was then a desirable outcome so that Vūm could have the basis of a new working relationship with Nolle Tron as it had beforehand in the defunct COMECI.

But this was still business.

The door was open and waiting for Tron to walk through if she wanted to. But was she going to take the risk of getting back into bed with entities (such as the Warden Primus) who had ultimately paved the way to Brosi, and in turn, brought on the retaliatory wrath of both the Sith and Mandalorian Empire's as the Imperial Confederation fell as a superpower?

There was also the N&Z factor in play. Would Visconti allow Umbrella's technology to be financed by a potential rival given that her company had all the capital it needed to fund it's construction by themselves?

Then there were the political implications of the High Republic and the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant in their own right. Rue knew that her master now desired for a political and military alliance to be formed between both factions as a means to contest Sith supremacy throughout the galaxy. Svivren was not a member of the Republic... or at least it wasn't yet. But it is located along the Five Veils Route which leads into the heart of the Mid Rim and the Trailing Sectors that have aligned themselves to Naboo.

There was a plot underlying these negotiations. A conspiracy, if you will.

Tron was certainly reading in-between the lines as Vūm courted a literal physical connection between Mahporeem to a star system located only a mere few parsecs from the High Republic itself.

The so-called 'Svivren Pass' could come into being one day as the people sat around this table continued to discuss Tarsai's proposal. It's excuse for construction laid potentially in the commercial activities of the Umbrella Corporation and it's customers on Mahporeem. However, the cunning Sith apprentice, who was sitting in these proceedings as hostess, and her renegade master, on the loose somewhere in the Mid-systems, foresaw the sight of mighty Imperial grade Star Destroyers running the pass and coming to the aide of the Republic during a time of strife and war against the Sith...

...just as Her had told the wily King Veruna would come to fruition in exchange for the naturalized citizenship he had given to her during the last days of his interim High Chancellorship. It had caused a minor scandal at the time...

---

 

[R'ayne Asara]

tarsai

weapon: draconic scourge
outfit:X™
tag(s): Rue ... Her ... Ronhar Tane ... Nolle Tron

"If Mahporeem's ecological decline is as advanced as Vūm's projections suggest, then this Svivren Pass is not a solution. It is a pressure valve."​

I cocked an eyebrow at the mention of Mahporeem’s supposed ecological decline, the expression lingering upon my face with all the quiet amusement of a predator hearing a prey recite its own death sentence.

An outside projection.

The words tasted of old dust and colder things. I wondered immediately where such a prophecy had been born. Perhaps some half-rotted astronomical model, its calculations preserved after the world that produced them had changed.

Or perhaps the projection was nothing more than a fable dressed in scientific language, deliberately fashioned to cast doubt upon Mahporeem’s wealth and, by extension, everything beneath the influence of the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant.

There were countless ways to manufacture a corpse before the corpse itself had even begun to die. My eyes settled upon Nolle Tron , narrowing ever so slightly. “I would like to see these projections first-hand,” I said, my voice calm, though there was something cold beneath it. “Hearing that Mahporeem is in ecological decline by your mouth, while knowing what I know through first-hand experience, leaves me rather baffled by such a claim.”

I allowed the silence to breathe, glancing toward the others gathered around the table before returning my attention to her. “Either I have witnessed a different planet entirely, or someone has mistaken an old shadow for a living thing.”

“It is true that Mahporeem’s wealth remains modest by comparison to greater worlds,” I continued, folding my hands before me. “But ecologically? Mahporeem and the worlds now sheltered beneath the Imperial Remnant’s sphere of influence are already displaying signs of growth.”

My gaze hardened.

“Even the refuse that litters Mahporeem itself has been addressed. The things others deemed worthless; scrap, waste, discarded machinery, the accumulated detritus of generations are being reclaimed, studied, repurposed. And scientifically speaking, Miss Tron, that is merely the beginning.”

I leaned back slightly, regarding her as though she were an interesting specimen beneath laboratory glass. “Perhaps a visit to the surrounding planets under our Imperial cause is in order. See them with your own eyes. Walk their soil. Breathe their air. Observe what has changed rather than reading the conclusions of someone else, who may or may not have never set foot upon them.”

A faint, humorless smile touched my lips. “First-hand experience has a rather unpleasant habit of refraining from the blunders produced by second-hand knowledge.”​

 

[Amalia Visconti | Mira Rhory]

TAGS: Rue | R'ayne Asara | Ronhar Tane | Nolle Tron | Captain Charles | Illithor Du'thra

Having given those present a lifeline, or rather a rope by which they could pull themselves up, Amalia calmly leaned back after having given a first option through which the intended operations could be enacted. She wasn't foolish enough to think the others would immediately fold. No, she hoped they'd come with their own agendas in the open, bringing forth opinions and plans of their own. yet one thing stood certain; the N&Z no matter the eventual plan, would take home the largest prize, because to them, building the Konshu stations would effectively just be a springboard. As the connection could also be used to create an additional, hyperlane-spanning series of STS stations which could effectively be used as a heavy industrial corridor from Mahporeem to the High Republic.

There were already plans in the making which were going to be presented to the High Republic's senate, but Mahporeem's own plans and actions took precedence. She knew now, with Her behind the proposal of Rue that there was a twofold approach to this plan. That WOMAN was once again attempting to force herself into a position of necessity...though it seemed she was using someone else for this...almost as if she had finally started to utilize some of the gameplans from the Lord of Hunger's playbook.

Still, when Nolle Tron , the former Financial Prefect of the Imperial Confederation and currently one of the more successful people present at this council began to visualize her own opinion and plan, Amalia at the very least deemed it worthwhile to listen to the woman's words. Finding her approach to be perhaps more careful and a bit unbecoming for what should've essentially been an extremely profit-driven type of business.

Eventually when the head of Zenith Point Ventures had gotten her say, the visiting woman seemed to mull over the given proposals, seemingly finding herself in favor of the Consortium proposal, allthough it was clear to Amalia that even Rue had already realized that in the end, it didn't matter at all which structure would be brought forth as the chosen form for this undertaking; the N&Z would effectively be the one calling the shots and raking in the biggest profits.

Yet, when R'ayne Asara spoke up, giving her own unique insight, Amalia tilted her head a bit and looked towards The Lord of Hunger who found this change of pace, this sudden proposal quite amusing, resting his head upon both his hands and quietly observing everything.

"A consortium sounds nice," Spoke up when R'ayne Asara had made her final proposal. "Though I agree with Lady Asara that perhaps a venture to the point of interest would give us the best idea on how to operate, how to handle this undertaking in the most efficient and successful way possible. At the same time, I propose that Mahporeem can benefit from opening up a second corridor towards the mid rim without the Konshu stations, allowing for the stations to be a 'premium' or 'express' route, while we could form and maintain a second route for large trade caravaans and for non-essential trade and products. This would also be a boon for many transporting companies and would allow for greater oversight of the territories beyond our own borders as well."

Amalia thought this to be a smart ploy, throwing this in the open; a second corridor, a secondary route would effectively increase TARSAI vigil's responsibilities, but also their authority and thus it would grant the N&Z the unique opportunity of effectively running a vital pipeline from mahporeem to the High Republic on two fronts.

"Ofcourse, we do expect Zenith Point Ventures to step into this undertaking and to perhaps perform the initial audit in regards to the costs and potential it may hold."

 

[Nolle Tron]

Zenith Point Ventures

Nolle did not answer Rue's challenge immediately. Instead, her attention shifted toward R'ayne. The Sith had raised a fair objection. More importantly, she had identified a mistake Nolle had no intention of making. "I believe there has been a misunderstanding, Lady Asara."

There was no defensiveness in Nolle's voice. If anything, the faint smile touching her lips suggested she welcomed the criticism. "I have not concluded that Mahporeem is in ecological decline. Vūm has." Her crimson gaze briefly moved toward Rue before returning to R'ayne. "And those are two very different things."

Nolle uncrossed her legs and leaned forward slightly. "What Miss Rue presented is an analysis conducted primarily around Corrox City, extrapolated outward through Vūm's models. It is concerning enough to warrant investigation. It is not sufficient for Zenith Point Ventures to commit capital based upon its conclusions." Especially not the amounts that would be required here. "If your observations contradict those projections, then I would very much like to understand why." A slight inclination of her head followed. "So yes. I accept your invitation."

Whether R'ayne had technically intended it as one mattered little. "I would be interested in seeing what Mahporeem has accomplished firsthand. Particularly its reclamation efforts." Scrap had value. Waste had value. Entire industries had been built upon discovering that yesterday's discarded machinery contained tomorrow's raw materials. That was something Zenith understood exceedingly well. "And if the surrounding worlds are showing similar improvements, I would like to see those as well." Nolle's smile sharpened slightly. "I have found that numbers become considerably more cooperative once you know where they came from."

Her attention returned to Rue. "Which means Zenith will require access to Vūm's underlying data." Not merely the conclusions. "Methodology. Sampling locations. Import figures. Agricultural output. Population trends. Industrial consumption. Whatever assumptions produced your one-to-two-year estimate." There was no accusation attached to the demand. Just due diligence. "If the Warden Primus wishes Zenith's capital involved, I am sure she expected nothing less."

Amalia's suggestion drew Nolle's attention next. An express corridor supplemented by conventional trade lanes changed the mathematics substantially. The Khonshu stations no longer needed to compete for every tonne of freight moving between Mahporeem and the Mid Rim. They could instead sell something considerably more valuable. Time. Reliability. Security.

"Now that..." Nolle gave Amalia an approving look. "...I like." She gestured lightly toward the holographic map. "Trying to force all commerce through the Khonshu stations would make us dependent upon volume. Treating them as an express corridor allows us to charge according to value instead."

Perishable food. Pharmaceuticals. Critical replacement components. Passengers. Military logistics, should circumstances ever demand it. Cargo whose owner cared more about arriving quickly and safely than shaving another percentage point from transportation costs. "The conventional corridor carries bulk freight. The Svivren Pass carries cargo for which time or security justifies the premium."

That also made Amalia's proposed ten percent considerably more plausible. "I would still reserve judgment on the precise tariff until we have projections, but under that model your ten-percent figure becomes much easier to defend."

Then came Amalia's expectation that Zenith perform the initial audit. Nolle's smile broadened. "That, Amalia, I am quite willing to do."

She turned toward Rue again. "You asked what Zenith brings to this consortium." There was no offense in her voice. Rue had asked a perfectly reasonable question. "Capital is the obvious answer." A small shrug followed. "But Amalia is correct. Money alone would make us replaceable." Zenith had not become what it was by merely possessing credits. "Before any of us begins spending billions, someone needs to determine what this venture is actually worth."

Nolle raised one finger. "Zenith will conduct an independent assessment of Mahporeem's economic condition and review Vūm's ecological projections." A second. "We will model both proposed corridors: expected traffic, operating costs, tariffs, insurance exposure, projected revenue, and the point at which each becomes profitable." A third. "We will identify the infrastructure required beyond the stations themselves. Warehousing. Freight handling. Repair facilities. Fuel depots. Distribution centers. Financial services. Whatever the route requires to function rather than merely exist." Another finger joined the others. "And then we will produce financing structures."

Her hand lowered. "Debt where debt makes sense. Equity where ownership justifies the risk. Joint ventures where no single participant should control the asset." That last point was deliberate. Nolle glanced between Amalia, Rue and the Mahporeem representatives. "N&Z has the technology. Tarsai has authority along the Five Veils. Vūm has positioned itself to negotiate with Svivren. Mahporeem controls this end of the proposed connection." Then toward Illithor. "And Master Du'thra may have access to expertise capable of addressing problems considerably larger than transportation."

Finally, she touched one hand lightly against her own chest. "Zenith can determine how those pieces become an investable enterprise." There was Rue's answer. Not a claim that Zenith was indispensable. A demonstration of how it could become so.

Nolle glanced toward R'ayne once more. "Your objection also suggests our first step." She looked around the table. "Before construction, before tariffs, and certainly before anyone begins speaking about planetary rescue, we establish what Mahporeem actually needs."

She returned her attention to Rue. "Give Zenith access to Vūm's analysis." Then to the Mahporeem representatives. "Give my people access to the relevant Imperial economic and infrastructure records. Nothing classified unless your government chooses otherwise." Then R'ayne. "And show us the recovery you believe the models have missed."

Nolle leaned back. "Zenith will audit the opportunity." A small smile. "If Vūm is correct and Mahporeem has two years before serious systemic failures begin, we will know what requires immediate investment." Her fingers rested lightly against the chair. "If Lady Asara is correct and Mahporeem is already recovering, then we can stop discussing rescue and start discussing growth." Either result was useful. "And if the truth lies somewhere between the two..."

Nolle's crimson eyes shifted toward the projected route. "...then I suspect that is where the most interesting investments will be found." She paused before looking toward Amalia. "As for the two-corridor proposal, include it in the audit. Zenith can produce preliminary traffic and revenue models once Vūm provides the Svivren assumptions and Umbrella provides construction and operating estimates for the Khonshu stations."

That left one final matter. Nolle looked toward Rue. "You wanted Zenith to convince you that it belongs in this consortium." Her expression carried the quiet confidence of someone far more accustomed to evaluating pitches than delivering them. "I have no intention of doing that." A beat passed. "Give us the data." Her smile returned. "We'll give you the numbers." And numbers, Nolle had learned long ago, were considerably more persuasive than promises.