Public The Obredaan Peel

[Meii-Nu Suu]

Casteban Mecetti Makai Dashiell Vyllia Santhe Aerarii Tithe Relux Alicia Drey

The Gossam couldn't help but sport a minuscule grin as Alicia Drey delivered a thorough reprimand of her previous remarks and observations made during the Obredaan conference, offering a brief mention that Lodd Grimmin was spotted at the Barahunde event hosted by Darth Carnifex on Geonosis, and the accuracy of such information was well informed to say the least.

It was predicted that the Neimoidian's cowardice wouldn't hold up well under Jedi questioning. Planting evidence to make it seem like the Sith Order orchestrated a kidnapping of the unfortunate minister, forcing him into the arena as a reluctant participant who narrowly escaped with his life wouldn't be too challenging, and such a scenario would hold up.

Every person present believed that the Trade Federation was engaging in a risky game, a mysterious plot to sabotage the conference and possibly share valuable information with certain organizations. However, this belief was only partially accurate. Senator Casteban Mecetti had always been a powerful and outspoken figure in the senate, but now it was time for him to understand that true power demanded finesse. It would be damaging to his political standing if evidence of collusion with the Dark Empire was ever to find its way into the hands of the Chancellor.

"I see," Was all that was said, towards Alicia Drey in response to her comments.

"Senator Mecetti, it would be unwise to underestimate your capabilities. Your Holdings are demonstrating significant growth in various sectors, as evidenced during our recent conference aboard the Meniium. While we may not see eye to eye on every issue, I am convinced that a strong partnership between us would help to instill trust during these challenging times." The Gossam said, with nary a change of expression.

 

[Vyllia Santhe]

Objective: Complete negotiated agreements
Location: Meeting room aboard the Ayrix, Orbit of Obredaan
Escort: Twin Bodyguards
Tag: Alicia Drey | Makai Dashiell | Casteban Mecetti | Aerarii Tithe | Meii-Nu Suu

Vyllia sat quietly during the discussions of the mining operation. Santhe-Sienar would gladly use the products taken out of the mine, but Vyllia had no knowledge and little interest in how that happened and who managed to do it. Her family’s manufacturing prowess was quite enough to keep the family rich for quite some time without having to spread efforts into other endeavors.

Vyllia gave a smile to the playful acknowledgement as Alicia Drey began the meeting. The woman had proposed many things, now was the time to see her in action. Vyllia was pretty certain she would leave the meeting impressed. Especially if she could deliver the Mecetti business she promised without Maldor being involved. As Casteban went over his views on the handling of the mines, Vyllia merely nodded along. Supplying the materials directly to Santhe-Sienar was a boon that showed Ms. Drey had worked through thing quite thoroughly.

There was some back and forth with Mecetti, the young man from Salacia Consolidated, and representatives from the Trade Federation as to who would do and receive what from the mines being reopened. Vyllia listened as closely as she could follow, but mostly she watched Alicia to judge how the woman felt the conversation was going. After all this was her meeting. The outcome would influence how much sway Alicia might be offered in Santhe-Sienar.

Trouble with the Trade Federation was news to Vyllia. At least in as much that they would not consider doing business with Santhe-Sienar. There were eccentric individuals within the Empire that could throw wrenches in relationships. And the Trade Federation was a big fish to alienate this completely. In the end it seemed that Alicia Drey got what she wanted in regards to the mines, even if the parties involved had to be shifted.

Vyllia straightened up as Ms. Drey indicated that they were moving on from the business of the cortosis mines and to the proposed deal between Santhe and Mecetti. ”I have read the proposal for Santhe-Sienar to be the manufacturer and distributor of Mecetti Nationalized Industries designs within the territories of the Empire of the Lost. I will say that you could not have chosen a better partner for entering into this corner of the galaxy. I have gone over things with my Chief of Manufacturing and my Imperial military liaisons are very eager to see new offerings from Santhe-Sienar. The terms offered by Ms. Drey are certainly something that Santhe-Sienar can deal with.”

 

[Casteban Mecetti]

​

Casteban regarded Suu, then widened his gaze. "Where interests align, everyone prospers. Which brings to mind my arrangement with Santhe-Sienar."

He focused now entirely upon the Lady Santhe.

"I confess," Casteban declared, "I was skeptical about outsourcing our designs to another party."

He shrugged, "But you have the capacity to deliver ships locally, in veritably unlimited quantity, and with a reputation for quality manufacture that will ensure our designs are well-represented.

As always, pragmatism must defeat pride.

So, I am content to enter into this arrangement with you, Lady Santhe.

That this liberated Obulette for other projects is a bonus.

Another case where everyone wins."

Casteban eyed the woman. Maldor had spoken well of her, and he recognized that the boy was planning some sort of union between their houses. It was clear what he saw in the woman. Beautiful, Intelligent, Powerful, and with great influence in the Imperial sphere.

A marriage between the exile of Mecetti and the controlling figure of Sienar systems within the Empire would strengthen both Houses.

Though, he could never endorse the marriage publicly.

The price of his son's sloppiness. And yet, every setback presented opportunity.

In this case, House Mecetti was positioned to win, no matter who lost. They had fallen into the means to ensure prosperity even through yhe chaos and uncertainty of war. The only danger to House Mecetti now was the 'Dark' Empire. A force that would need to be dealt with decisively so that the only players in the game were players under which the Mecettis could prosper.

---

Alicia Drey Vyllia Santhe Meii-Nu Suu Makai Dashiell

 

[Alicia Drey]

Tags: Meii-Nu Suu Vyllia Santhe Makai Dashiell Casteban Mecetti

Alicia leaned forward to speak into the microphone again. "I am pleased that House Mecetti and House Santhe have entered this arrangement. Should the Jedi or other members of the Galactic Alliance become aware of Mecetti technology being utilized by the Empire our friends on Lianna will obfuscate this arrangement and it will be leaked that the designs for the Ark, the Obscruer and the Singularity classes were acquired by the New Imperial Security Bureau. They were then sold to Santhe-Sienar to bring these ships into the Empire's naval forces. In this way collusion between Mecetti Nationalized Industries and the Empire will remain known only to a handful of people. Therefore maintaining the status quo and avoiding interference from third parties in the future business we will undoubtedly do together."

There was a pause as Alicia collected her thoughts. At the beginning of this meeting she had been quietly confident of bringing Meii-Nu Suu into the fold through the Cortosis mine arrangement that they had just concluded. But the Federation had declined the offer, and now the only incentive keeping the likes of Suu quiet about the Mecetti-Santhe connection was Alicia's to the Dark Empire. Alicia knew that the Gossam- a cunning individual- would be able to grasp the possibilities of the arrangement and the consequences if it were discovered by the likes of the New Jedi Order (or even those who sat on the Federal Assembly) because even though the Empire of the Lost were not at war with the Galactic Alliance they were still a foreign entity that Obulette were now providing military vessels too.

Through this revelation here at the Obredaan Peel Alicia had finished the negotiation in front of the likes of the Federation as a calculated test of loyalties. In the form of Makai Dashiell Alicia did not expect betrayal with this news. He was now doing business with the likes of herself, Casteban and Vyllia. Combined with the business arrangements that Alicia was set to create with Danger Arceneau and she expected that Dashiell would keep it to himself. It was more advantageous to him, and Alicia sensed that there was not a traitorous bone in the young man neither. But as for Meii-Nu Suu and her cohorts in the Trade Federation of Planets? That was always a possibility. At the expense of Casteban Mecetti and Vyllia Santhe Alicia had expertly finished the negotiation in front of the Gossam to see what would happen next.

Another bait on the hook.

Would Suu bite?

"Let us move onto the fourth item on today's agenda. I know it has been a long meeting already and the major business that we all came here to conduct has been finished. But good business waits for no man or woman. In the Empire of the Lost a new opportunity will be presented to each of the corporations sat here today."

Alicia changed the hologram hovering in the centre of the room to a new logo. As Drey appeared on the holographic projector she got up from her seat and begun her presentation to the meeting. "After coming out of retirement I moved to Lianna and with the help of Santhe-Sienar I was able to recover some assets that had been lost over the years. As this recovery effort was undertaken I noticed a gap in the markets within the Empire of the Lost. The weapon, vehicle, ship and security markets are largely oversaturated and represented by a multitude of conglomerates, such as our friends in the Federation, all across the Galaxy, and within the Empire there is no finer corporation at ship manufacturing than Santhe-Sienar."

"But whereas these markets are oversaturated by competitors and manufacturers vying for contracts or arrangements there is no such phenomena occurring in the agricultural market. Foodstuffs, as a commodity and product, remains a market untapped by our competitors within the Empire or Alliance. This is especially true within the territories now occupied by the Empire of the Lost. Therefore I founded the Drey company to fill this void."

"Drey is an agricultural company that focuses on the manufacture of foodstuffs. Headquartered within Lianna city the company owns assets on Lothal and Ruisto. Farmland on Lothal, combined with infrastructure for distribution and delivery, were recently acquired while several fishing colonies founded across the saline coasts of Ruisto have been brought up by my new company at a considerable personal expense. My sources within the Empire have also explained to me that Kegan is set to join their territories. The animal cultivation that the Keganites are infamous for are there to be acquired following the Empire's inevitable annexation of the planet."

"In the next coming weeks I am set to enter another arrangement with Danger Arceneau of the Arceneau Trade Company to acquire shipping rights and leases to begin trade within the Empire. With the ATC's distribution and shipping lanes available to Drey the company can begin distributing foodstuffs across the Empire of the Lost for profit. Combined with this I have negotiated a grant with the Imperial Moff Council for thirty-five billion Imperial Credits to invest into this project. This investment by the Moffs should be a strong indication of their belief in Drey and the need for such a corporation to be successful at what it is supposed to do within their Empire."

As Alicia reached the end of her presentation of Drey she moved to finished her proposal to Mecetti Nationalized Industries, Santhe-Sienar, the Trade Federation of Planets and Salacia Consolidated with this:

"I am seeking to bring new business partners into the Drey project. With your added investment and expertise we can facilitate unprecedented growth of this fledging company across the Empire. With over forty star systems to deliver product too; the backing of the Imperial Moff Council; and an untapped market for us to enter into we can work together to make the agricultural markets ours. I have calculated that the involvement of the Trade Federation, Santhe-Sienar, Mecetti Nationalized Industries and Arceneau Trade Company we can create a monopoly over this market within the Empire of the Lost within five years."

"Is there any interest in joining the Drey project? The invitation is there. I am ready to answer any questions or concerns."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Eyebrow raised slightly at the mention of Danger Arceneau working with Alicia Drey to acquire shipping rights and use of the hyperlanes. He hadn't heard this news ; although to be fair, much of their home life didn't revolve around the latest business dealings. No one at dinner was running down the list of accomplishments or contracts each company gained or had potentially on the horizon. Despite the merging of the two families soon, businesses would remain separate and Makai would have no claim to Arceneau Trade, nor interfere with daily operations. As such, he was only really up to date with MaraTibX. Movements in the shipping and warehousing portion of Arceneau was always brand-new information to him.

"I cannot speak for my father or Salacia Consolidated on this project. However, I would like to join under my own company, Aina Holdings. We're in early days but there is a push and focus towards agriculture, so I feel the fit could be excellent in comparison to my father's own company. I would love to discuss further details with you, either now or when you meet with Danger Arceneau. I believe we could enter a beneficial arrangement and I am extremely interested in seeing your fishing colonies in action."

He wasn't entirely concerned about joining and his prospects in potentially alienating other governments. Much like his father and Danger's corporations, Makai operated with neutrality. Those too in line with governmental entities could be easily swayed in his opinion. Cultivating relationships was one thing, but having a business solely rely on say the Galactic Alliance or Trade Federation? Unsustainable long-term. Especially when governments were volatile and back-stabbing.

Not to say others couldn't back-stab, such was business. There was always such a risk. Governments just had more overreach to make running a corporation miserable.

Meii-Nu Suu | Vyllia Santhe

 

[Meii-Nu Suu]

Casteban Mecetti Makai Dashiell Vyllia Santhe Aerarii Tithe Relux Alicia Drey

The Gossam's attention was diverted from the conference, but she kept an open ear in case any significant information emerged that could benefit their representative in the Federal Assembly.

Upon receiving the latest update from the Directory, she glanced at the compact datapad resting on her lap. The news revealed a significant milestone - Byblos Star Drives had gained full access to the Mandalorian Economy. This was made possible by their effective acquisition and completion of the Protector's starship commissions. As a result, they were now poised to expand their influence within this highly profitable market with minimal competition.

The Federation's progress up the corporate hierarchy seemed unstoppable, positioning it as the dominant force in the entire galaxy, much to the obliviousness of the various galactic factions.

The schemes of Casteban Mecetti and Vyllia Santhe , aimed at striking a deal between themselves, held little significance for her. The actual details of their arrangement were inconsequential compared to the valuable information she could relay to the Galactic Alliance through alternative means. The collaboration between a Senator of the Alliance and an Imperial Corporation was undoubtedly scandalous, enough to provoke a motion for removal from office.

It seemed Alicia Drey wanted to bring them together for an agricultural project, in an attempt to monopolize the food industry of the Empire of the Lost. Such a bargain was profitable to an extent, but she understood that the Federation was not exactly flushed with capital at the moment as they spent a considerable portion on supporting the Dark Empire through Imperial Treasuerer Aerarii Tithe.

"There is no question that the proposal is advantageous; however, the Federation will decline any involvement." The Gossam, once again, rejected a lucrative arrangement for undisclosed reasons, providing a straightforward response to a straightforward proposal.

 

[Vyllia Santhe]

Objective: Complete negotiated agreements
Location: Meeting room aboard the Ayrix, Orbit of Obredaan
Escort: Twin Bodyguards
Tag: Alicia Drey | Makai Dashiell | Casteban Mecetti | Aerarii Tithe | Meii-Nu Suu

Vyllia listened to Casteban’s equally amicable acceptance of the terms of the deal between Mecetti Nationalized Industries and Santhe-Sienar. Since it was Vyllia’s understanding that he had submitted the terms, that seemed like a foregone conclusion, but hearing his initial hesitancy and justifications to moving forward were comforting. The path to the agreement was quite smooth, which made Vyllia worry. The fact that House Mecetti struggled to the realization that what they were providing was in their best interest somehow made Vyllia more secure that this was not just a way into her company to facilitate a hostile takeover.

As Casteban stated that all sides were victors in the arrangement Vyllia smiled and gave a nod. She would like to meet further with the patriarch of House Mecetti. It would be good to somehow covertly gauge the feeling of a potential joining of Mecetti and Santhe through her budding relationship with Maldor. However she did not wish to have that conversation in front of the entire assembly of potential business partners.

Thankfully, Alicia took the chance to close talks of the agreement and moved the meeting on to other business. Vyllia leaned back, crossed her legs and put her chin in her hand as she observed Alicia’s presentation of a newly formed company cornering the Imperial market on interImperial agriculture trade. It was an interesting concept. One that would be quite profitable if it was properly pulled off. Alicia was looking for buy-in. The young Dashiell seemed quite eager to jump in. The Trade Federation was not as convinced and declined.

Vyllia wondered what Alicia and/or the Empire of the Lost had done to the Trade Federation that it seemed that they were completely disinterested in becoming involved with business involving one or the other. It made little difference however as what the Trade Federation left behind the Santhe Family would be more than happy to scoop up.

”Agriculture is quite outside of our corporate wheelhouse,” Vyllia started her response to the invitation to join with Drey, both the company and the woman. ”I am hesitant, that being the case, to invest Santhe-Sienar capital into this venture. And bring new entities into a smooth running corporation.”

Vyllia’s eyes drifted around the room for a moment and then she smiled at Alicia. ”My cousins and even more so myself have considerable personal wealth however. For an official title within the company and some sort of influence on decision making,” she paused and smiled a bit wider, ”Not on par with your own influence of course. And the Santhe Family would be quite happy to become a part of this endeavor.”

 

[Casteban Mecetti]

​

Only long practice as a politician and member of the nobility allowed Casteban to conceal his shock at the figure mentioned.

Thirty-Five Billion Credits?

He did the mental calculation quickly.

A person could purchase two-hundred and thirty-three Imperial Class Star Destroyers for that kind of money. It was more than a King's ransom. It was a King's fleet.

With such a sum, could she truly want for investors?

No. No, that wouldn't make sense. She didn't want investors. She wanted relationships. She had schemes that would require cooperation. Cooperation that money alone was insufficient to acquire. Investment in the venture would be primarily an additional thread of connection between investing parties. It was a web of influence, as much as a web of commerce.

But he wanted to plumb the depths of it, and hear what she would reveal about the truth beneath the facade.

"I recently attended a Trade Conference where I witnessed an interesting piece of technology. Spaceborne agricultural facilities, able to be assembled like building blocks in orbit of a world. Any attempt to corner the food-production market would see a boom in the sale of these facilities."

He studied Suu for a moment.

"I would not be surprised to hear that our colleague has stock in the product's manufacturer. Any attempt by you to corner the food market will see their pocketbook swell. And they need make no investment or personal risk to see it done. This is the likely foundational reason for their lack of interest in the scheme."

He regarded Drey, now.

"Various treaties by good-hearted nations forbid the embargo of foodstuffs, even in a time of war.

It may be possible to create a regional monopoly on food production. However, when food prices consequently rise, there will be innumerable opportunists free to cross any border in order to trade in so humanitarian a product as food.

Unless you intend that the Empire should embargo itself from food imports, how do you intend to prevent the market from stabilizing itself outside of your control?"

---

Casteban Mecetti Makai Dashiell Vyllia Santhe Aerarii Tithe Relux Alicia Drey Meii-Nu Suu

 

[Alicia Drey]

Tags: Casteban Mecetti Makai Dashiell Vyllia Santhe Meii-Nu Suu

Alicia turned her gaze to Makai Dashiell as he responded to her proposal. She found herself pleased with what she had heard. "I am aware of your company and it's location on the trade world of Tirahnn. It's proximity to the Perlemian Trade Route is of interest to me in this project, and of course, all future collaborators in this endeavour. If you are willing to join in on this venture I would hire you. Together we will form another Board of Directors of the company and collaborate in growing this project. By adding Drey to Aina Holding's portfolio we can bring added legitimacy to your companies dealings in agriculture. Of course, when I meet with Ms. Arceneau later, I am confident your involvement in this will provide some incentive and security as I look to bring ATC into the project as well."

Turning her gaze to Vyllia, Alicia smiled and replied: "Santhe-Sienar is without doubt the most known corporation in the Empire of the Lost. By having a member of the Santhe family involved in the Drey project this will provide legitimacy to our aims to monopolize the agricultural market within Imperial territory. I am unfamiliar with the rest of your family, and in this case, I would only feel comfortable working alongside yourself and Mr. Dashiell when it comes to the Drey project. By having you as a member of the company it will make negotiations with regions to begin importing our product as we look to corner the agricultural market within Imperial space. Your support and backing is very important for Drey."

As Casteban finished speaking Alicia pouted her lips before rationalizing her pitch to him. "Almost every system in the Empire is currently importing foodstuffs. Some, such as Kegan, for example, already have their own animal cultivation and food manufacturing systems in place to feed their own people. But the same is not true planets such as Lianna. The ecumenopolis of Lianna City, and other cities located on the Capital, such as Northwest, are reliant for imports from other systems. Much of this importation comes from systems unaligned to the Empire. According to my research much of the foodstuffs being imported all across the Galaxy occurs within the Galactic Alliance."

"Before the turn of this century the Alliance were invaded by a faction known as the Mandalorian Enclave. This war brought great strain to the Alliance economy as our friend in the Federation can attest. At the same time a band of Sith cultists known as the Kainites, and Eternalists, have engaged the Alliance in several skirmishes, and full out battles. Now, in this new era, the Dark Empire has revealed themselves and struck immediately into the heart of Alliance space. This has resulted in the fall of several Core worlds."

"With the Alliance under attack by Mandalorians, Sith and Dark Imperials this has strained the Alliance's ability to maintain a stable economy, and it's ability to defend it's borders. As Alliance forces are moved to protect systems from attack by their enemies this has left shipping lanes and corridors open for piracy. This will undoubtedly have a negative effect on the imports business which among them are foodstuffs."

"The Imperial Moff Council has granted me a considerable amount of credits to invest into Drey and grow the company within the Empire of the Lost. As my associate from Santhe-Sienar can attest there are no entities within Imperial territory that are currently operating a foodstuffs business. Importation of this product has been entirely reliant on regional administrators creating their own arrangements for imports of foodstuffs to their respective systems for a number of years. We will change this with Drey."

"If an agricultural business, like Drey, becomes a known commodity within Imperial space then the demand for foodstuffs will turn away from regions occupied by the likes of Alliance- besieged as they are- and will look inwards to a company whose imports of foodstuffs to Imperial aligned star systems will be far more safe, and secure, as well as at a lower cost. By being the first to form such a company, whose sole business is the manufacture, and distribution of foodstuffs, we will be the ones to stabilize this market within Imperial space, and therefore work to monopolize it before a competitor comes into place."

"We have the backing of the Imperial Moff Council and Emperor Kilran's approval for this project. A lump sum of thirty-five billion credits to invest and use in to grow the project. Territories eager- pleading- for this void to be filled by people competent enough to bring Drey into fruition at a time where importation of this product is at risk from our competitors in Alliance space, whose shipments are open to rampant piracy. The opportunity is there to be taken and I am taking the first steps to making it mine. The expertise, and contacts of the individuals present at this meeting will bolster the project allowing it to come to fruition on the agreed time table I have with the Moffs."