The Foundry; Part 1

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Darell Irani"]

The galaxy was changing.

Corporations were gaining more power, governments were beginning to fall, the Jedi and Sith were becoming more and more irrelevant. Anyone who opened their eyes could see that. The Force was slowly being pushed aside in favor of technological understanding. It was something that had always been expected, something that had always been on the table. Technology was the great equalizer. Jedi had their lightsabers, so the people created disruptors. Sith had the force, so the people created force breakers.

It was simple.

Yet as the world continued, as technological advancement began to push it became clear that there would be unrest, that governments would stop it.

The Republic was a prime example of this, a showing of what could happened when the balance of power began to shift towards the creators of new technology. Nel knew this, she had thought something like this would occur for the past decade. Things developed quickly, and now more than ever there would be a need for things to come to a head, for corporations to guard themselves from governments and the powers to be.

It had been six hours since their announcement, six hours since Alric Kuhn Officially retired. The Liran sat behind his desk, her back stiff and her eyes wandering over towards the holo-terminal. She had already made more than a dozen calls, and before the day was done she would make thrice that number again.

Things were moving quickly now, and she had no time to waste. "Nira. Please contact Darell Irani."

He was next on the list.

 

[Hira Mitsae]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Contrary to Alric Kuhn's cozy retirement Darell Irani was working harder than ever. His base of operations were now permanently located at the Roche Asteroids - partially to be closer to the action, partially because it did the moral good that their CEO wasn't abandoning them to the Republic manace. Though it didn't do wonders for his health. Paperwork, holocalls to the early mornings and dozens of attacks throughout the past week: it wasn't boding well for either side.

Ash had finally convinced him to take a much needed break. Fitness. Cardio. It would do him some good, she said. So that was where Irani was; running on the treadmill and pondering how more physical activity would do him any good.

All he wanted was to get some sleep, though some chocolate milk wouldn't hurt either.

"Mister Irani." Ashley's calm voice sounded through the intercom.

"Yeah?" it was already hard enough to focus on the rhythm of his breath. Now he also needed to hold a conversation.

"Madam Nel is on the line."

"Who?"

"Recently made the CEO of Vanir Technologies in Alric Kuhn's stead. You remember? We sent them a fruit basket."

"Right, right." Irani stepped off the treadmill, doing some light stretches - couldn't ever skip the cooling-down phase after a heavy cardio session. Unless you wanted cramps and all that nasty business, at least. But his mind was pondering what this Madam Nel wanted of him - as far as he knew Vanir didn't have any holdings within the Republic, otherwise he would have probably seen her or a representative of VT during Danger's conference.

"Alright, put her through."

Would be a voice only transmission from his part. He wasn't exactly in a presentable state right now.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Darell Irani"]

The call wouldn't be a long one.

Alric Kuhn had taught her one or two things in the decade that she had worked for him, and one of those things was never to negotiate contracts of deal over the holo. There was something impersonal and broken about doing so, something that made the whole thing more...messy. Being face to face during negotiations meant more naunce, more emotion, and more importantly more tact. It was easier to talk to someones face then to a hologram. She shifted for a moment.

"Madam Nel, Mr Irani is on line one for you."

Good.

Truth be told she hadn't expected that so many would take her calls, but it seemed that Vanir's reputation was enough to actually grasp some people enough that they would speak to her. She assumed it also helped that she carried the legacy of Alric Kuhn, a man who had paved his way in the business world for quite some time. She shifted forward in her chair and pressed one of the keys on her holo-communicator, almost instantly the image of the man would appear.

"Mr. Irani." Nel began, a smile on her face. "Thank you for taking my call."

 

[Hira Mitsae]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

The holographic representation of Nel appeared in front of him. Unknown species, data told him she was something called a Liran, the fact that he hadn't ever heard of such a species did not surprise him. The Galaxy was a huge place and filled to the brink with sentients species with their own unique appearances, cultures and customs.

"Madam Nel." Darell replied with a nod. "I hear congratulations are in order."

It was a big step-up. Leading scientist to corporate executive, a difficult transition too. First you just have to deal with your team, with the budget and the scientific work, and then suddenly you find yourself playing politics. Socialising and rubbing elbows with the best and worst that the Galaxy has to offer.

"Is the job everything you expected it to be?"

Innocents questions, weren't they?

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Darell Irani"]

She shifted slightly, though her back remained stiff. "No, perhaps more, I think."

The answer was a truthful one.

Upon her taking of the mantle Nel had learned half a dozen book of facts that had startled and surprised her. She had never thought that Vanir had done half the things they did and had never thought that a third of them were even necessary. Of course as she had dove in more she realized the folly of that, how naive she had been. Eventually the Liran had come to terms, and of course as soon as the announcement had gone through she had gone to work.

"It's something I suppose I'll quickly have to get used to." She already had. "Either way, I have a proposition for you and your company, Mr. Inari."

She quickly lead into business, not wanting to waste time.

 

[Hira Mitsae]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Irani listened patiently.

A nod was provided as acknowledgment. He sensed there was more to what she was saying, but the basic sense of her meaning was quite clear. She had dived into the operations of Vanir, found out things she had issues with, but eventually realized that everything had been done for a particular reason. It might not have been a perfect reason, not a reason that answered every qualm, but it was good enough to provide insight and good enough for her to accept the role.

At least she wasn't a mindless drone nor a ruthless lunatic who didn't consider every angle before acting.

"Oh?" it wasn't that surprising, really. The conversation had acquired a sales pitch tone the moment it started, but Irani was interested nonetheless.

Not out of any sense of need - the way his business was going, he had no need to cooperate with others. His businesses were spread out through most profitable industries and his contacts did the rest. But... there was always a but, and this but was the fact that Darell was a scout in a broad sense.

He saw potential and wished to cultivate it. It was why he had helped out Draco and ArmaTech; and now it was one of the grandest companies in the Galaxy.

"How can the Saiba Group help you today, Madam Nel?"

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Darell Irani"]

"I don't know if you were informed of what i stated in this morning's announcement, I realize that a man such as yourself will be rather busy with concerns regarding the Republic and other government organizations." Nel said, stating the obvious truth. "Vanir Technologies intends to soon move forward with a large project in the expansion regions. The construction of a shipyard equaling the production values of Kuat and Fondor combined."

Those figures would make anyone claim insanity. "An independent Drive Yard inaccessible to governments and larger radical organizations."

The plan really was simple, it was just doing it that would create some difficulty.

Vanir Technologies had the resources, had the capability, but no company would dive into something like this alone. Even for a corporation built around construction and galactic leaps forward it would be practical suicide. Garnering the support of other corporations, and more importantly gaining a bit of security in doing so, Nel would be able to move forward without the need for looking over her shoulder every ten minutes.

 

[Hira Mitsae]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

He hadn't. The fruit basket had been sent by Ash and apparently his personal assistant didn't think it was worth mentioning that Vanir was tackling such an... interesting project. Risky, too. The Republic had already shown that governments could turn around and bite the hand that feeds without much thought.

Immediate concerns came to light. What if a nation pops up next to it and tries to take the yards over? The Republic was a joke, and the combined might of the galactic corporations could handle them, but what about a more serious threat? The Sith came to mind, maybe the Galactic Alliance - though they seemed quite respectful of private property.

"How long has this project been in the pipelines?" the more important question was folded in it. Was this a plan that Kuhn had drafted, but left before he could finish it?

Or was this a project to establish Nel as a prominent figure in the corporate world? A statement that she was a serious opponent.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Darell Irani"]

"Mr. Kuhn approved the initial plans." Nel explained simply. "I spearheaded and introduced said plans however."

She stiffened in her chair slightly. The Liran didn't feel like she was questioning her ability, but rather digging into the questions that lay beneath. There was no blame really. Any involvement in this sort of project would be dangerous for a corporation, either because of public perception or because of financial gain and loss. There were many things that had to be discussed, some that would better be spoken about in person rather than on a holo-terminal. That was a simple matter of fact.

"I would like to arrange a meeting with you in person, perhaps here on Byblos or at a neutral location. If you are interested we can discuss specifics and details there in a more comfortable and less pressured situation." It would be easier, simpler.

The Liran shifted her gaze for half a second, looking at the blinking light on her terminal that listed another call. She pressed the hold button and then turned her attenion back to Mr. Irani.

 

[Hira Mitsae]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Irani was a rich man. No discussion could be had about it. His involvement in the corporate scene spanned decades, and where most executives had their funds tied into assets, shares and the sort, Darell had sold a lot of his business ventures throughout the years. His concern wasn't primarily with the viability of the project... simply because he wasn't in it for the money. Not anymore. He had enough money to live the rest of his life comfortably and then some.

No, what he cared about was rationale. What he cared about were the people involved, the projected goals, the results of their labor and what it would mean for the future.

"Byblos sounds fine." the CEO replied after a moment's thought. "My people will be in touch with yours, to set up a meeting."

His schedule wasn't etched into his memory, sadly. With so much happening across the Galaxy he needed assistants to divide his schedule across the day.

"It was a pleasure speaking with you, Madam Nel. Vanir Technologies has lost a Titan, but perhaps has gained another visionary."

Only time would tell.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Darell Irani"]

The Meeting would eventually be scheduled for a few days later, three to be exact. Byblos had been Mr. Inari's decision though it had been left up to Nel to decide exactly where it was that they were going. The decision was eventually made that something a bit more formal would be better, with Nel having neither the connection, nor the charisma to make something else happen. In the end they would meet in Vanir Tower itself, one of the largest buildings on the massive corporate fortress of a world.

"Please." Nel said to her assistant. "Show him up right when he arrives."

The diminutive woman nodded, then walked directly out the door.

The chosen conference room within the tower was on the forty seventh floor, located directly above the main research center where the structural details of The Foundry had been created. Nel had done this strategically, in case there was need for a tour.

 

[Hira Mitsae]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Darell Irani arrived five minutes early.

Years ago, when he was still getting used to the corporate scene and when his prime example was Jared Ovmar, he would have arrived fifteen minutes too late - fashionable late, his predecessor would have quipped, but to Irani it simply seemed unprofessional. They were all busy individuals with their own schedules, priorities and appointments, to come to late meant that everyone's schedule was basically karked for the rest of the day.

No, that seemed counter-productive if anything.

Ash stepped up towards the secretary behind the desk and indicated their arrival. A few moments were spent exchanging pleasantries and names, before they were ushered towards the designated meeting place.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Darell Irani"]

The office was of course on the top floor, and as of now was filled with half a dozen models of Starships, stations, and a dozen other projects that had been built by Vanir Technologies. At the center of this display was a model of what would eventually become The Foundry. It was a working piece, of course, not yet finished and still undergoing several changes, but the odd plastic components had mostly been placed together in order to come up with a working model.

A model that Nel was quite proud of.

"Mr. Irani." The Liran greeted as the man walked in the door, her form half hunched over the massive model of the driveyard. "Thank you for joining me."

There was a warmth in her tone, not a false platitude but genuine joy at seeing him here.

He would be the first of many after all. "I hope that the trip wasn't too unpleasant for you."

 

[Hira Mitsae]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

"I managed to finish some paperwork on the way here." Darell replied with a smile and a nod. He took another step into the office. There was a plethora of things to study: the center attention being the various models of previous projects made. A further pitch, then, showing the excellence of their work to entice attention.

"So I will call that a win."

The distance was closed, and Irani extended his hand for a shake and inclined his head just slightly.

"A pleasure meeting you in person, madame Nel."

Letting go, he'd face the models and above all the big model of the shipyard. If it was scaled as he thought it was then it would be definitely an immense undertaking, and that was an understatement. This would be several multitudes higher than the foundry project his own company had done a couple of years ago.

Arguably the two projects only shared a basic sketch as a common idea, but were very different in execution anyway.

 

[Rose Kuhn]

[member="Darell Irani"]

Nel was no stranger to paperwork.

It was something she'd done for the last twenty years. Even as a researcher pretty much everything required paperwork. Wanted a new chemical? Paperwork. Wanted something for the lab? Paperwork. Wanted to wear a tie to the office? Paperwork. Now that she was CEO of Vanir Technologies she found that much the same still held true. Everything, and she meant everything, required paperwork. The amount she had to do for The Foundry in it of itself could have filled this entire laboratory twice over and that was if it was double sided. She had thought her wrist would fall off from all the signing, though luckily Nira had managed to walk her through most of it.

"A please indeed, Mr. Irani." Nel said as he lead the man towards the model. "As you have probably guessed, this is a model of The Foundry."

One that she had built.

The Foundry was after all, her pet project. It was her dream to have it constructed and finished, though she was finding that to be far more difficult than she had hope. "Of course, the actual thing will be far more substantial."

A small joke.

 

[Hira Mitsae]

[member="Nel"]

A polite chuckle followed. He followed the angles and lines of the model with his eyes, details were picked out as more time was spent on studying it - a few docking bays here, some construction tethers there, it was all in all a very neat construction. The more he looked the more the little things stood out for him. It was clear that Nel was taking this project quite seriously, and why shouldn't she? If this Foundry project was a success?

If the other corporations went along with it? That could push Vanir into the sphere of the big league. The names of Silk, Arceneau and Iron Crown.

It was impressive, to say the least.

"I might have guessed that, yes." he'd reply in kind with another chuckle, before looking away from the model and to the Madame herself.

"The project has potential and it seems to be in competent hands, what does Vanir need from Saiba?"

A direct question. They had been dancing around it for a while - with the holocall, which wasn't the place to deal with specifics, unless you knew the sentient on the other side of the line well. But now that they had exchanged the pleasantries, Irani thought it was time to get to the matter at hand.

 

[Rose Kuhn]

[member="Darell Irani"]

"A simple contract." Nel said with a smile.

Vanir didn't technically need anything from Saiba, it was Nel that needed their business.

"My board is still not entirely to terms with this project. The amount of resources it takes and the huge credit funnel it has become makes them nervous." That was true with any such project, but Nel didn't have the luxury of simply doing as she pleased like Alric Kuhn had had. She had to answer to the board, and if she messed up she could get fired. The Foundry project shutting down would be a clear sign of her immediate dismissal, and Nel didn't plan on vacating the job only a few days after receiving it. "I need companies to sign on with the Foundry, to lease space once it's completed so that I have something to show to the board."

She smiled. "In short, I need Saiba to contract with me that they will utilize the Foundry for production."

It was that simple really, and a boon to both her and Mr. Irani.

 

[Hira Mitsae]

[member="Nel"]

Irani pondered on that.

In truth Saiba wasn't really clamoring for any more shipbuilding locations. Under the Mon Calamari Hypernautics brand they controlled a big portion of the Calamari sector in terms of sales, hirings and production output - they were helping to rebuild the ruined Mon Cal Shipyards too, but that was a different story.

"How are you planning on ensuring security for the shipyards?" the CEO asked after a moment.

As they often say... better not need it and have it, then to realize you do need it and miss it. Depending on the final location of the shipyards they could probably project better sales across that particular part of the Galaxy, so it would be beneficial for them regardless.

 

[Rose Kuhn]

[member="Darell Irani"]

"The Vanir Technologies corporate fleet will be dedicated to the protection of The Foundry." Of course that wasn't all, there would be defense stations and half a dozen other installations would protect the production yards as well. "The fleet is capable of remaining stationary, Saeva Incorporated, our military arm, protects our other assets around the galaxy."

It helped that Vanir Technologies defense doctrine regarding it's other installations was much more cut and dry than that of other corporations.

Nel had written that Defense doctrine and had made the calculations as to it's effectiveness. Of course, she wouldn't be revealing it to Mr. Irani, that would be foolish, but Nel was more than glad to sift through the conversation by sprinkling other details on Vanir Technologies corporate fleet. "The fleet is headed by The Imperious, and is of substantial size. That, along with defensive installations as well as the Foundries own production capabilities will render the station secure."