Faction Tricks of the Trade I: Deal or no Deal? [GA Senate]

[Spirit of the Dawn]

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Trade and transport has stalled at an alarming rate in the aftermath of the Galactic Empire's conquest of the Deep Core. Their capture of the Arkanian, Champalan, and Ord Lithonian sectors has nearly split the Galactic Alliance in half. Once safe trade routes and hyperlanes find themselves under threat from Imperial Fleets and Syndicate-funded pirates. With the Alliance's fleet spread thin in an effort to combat further incursion and evacuate citizens under threat, the Senate looks to alternative solutions to overcome the staggering disadvantages created by the divided nation. And what better place to look than the many corporations spread throughout the galaxy?

In a surprising turns of events, Senator Annasari of Jakku and Dominique Vexx of Denon have joined together to present a united front. Their bid would see the Rimward Logistics and Corporate Sector Authority working side-by-side to meet all transport and shipping needs of the Galactic Alliance. Senator Annasari's history with the Alliance is long and storied, while Vexx's connections to the High Republic provide ample opportunity to further ties with the foreign power.

Standing opposite them, Makai Dashiell and Myra Arceneau Dashiell represent the interests of Dashiell Incorporated and Arceneau Trade. Much like their opponents, they've combined their efforts and assets to take on the challenge that is the Alliance's shipping problem. Both Dashiell and Arceneau are respected names across the corporate world. While their opposition has specialized in aiding their respected nations through trying times, Dashiell Incorporated and its many subsidiaries have worked galaxy-wide to establish its brand. No less can be said for the likes of the Arceneau Trade Company.

Both parties promise a means to overcome one of many threats to the Galactic Alliance's war effort. Only the senate can decide who is best fit to bear the torch of progress forward, to light the path and provide much needed respite in an the ever-expanding darkness across their territory...

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DISCLAIMER: We're looking to showcase corporate stories going forward within the Senate. There is a lot of room within this setting to tell incredible stories built around the cost of fighting a war, so have fun with it. This will hopefully be the first of many tales told in our newly introduced 'Tricks of the Trade' storyline.

Have fun!

Corporate Interests: Annasari & Dominique Vexx versus Makai Dashiell & Myra Arceneau Dashiell
Senators: Alexandra Feanor | Ariana du Couteau | Arsenio Tagge | Brun Rostu | Cressida Tolliver | Exum Jern | Feridade Parthi | Helios Ardemark | Mykel Dawson | Salocin Lear | Sycorax Laveaux | Tiber Septimus | William Harris

 

[Mykel Dawson]

Senator-in-Exile Kevari Thalos, Coruscul​

Contracting private firms for logistical support to military and civilian services was nothing new, and urgently required in this case, while the GADF was still occupied with a new wave of mobilization.

Still, Kevari wasn't keen on the notion of granting a monopoly no matter the reputation of conglomerates. He felt it would benefit the contract's winner far more than the Alliance and its citizens in the long run. And, of course, it was his own duty to ensure that businesses interests from his world (as well as all other Senators) received a fair shake for consideration.

He rose to take his mic. "With all due respect, the logistical needs of the Galactic Alliance are immense. To my mind, it is then unwise to limit ourselves to one bloc for partnership. In fact, we should be extending opportunities to all those willing to accept the mantle, including other indigenous and smaller regional firms within our own borders now struggling amid the loss of business and increased transit complications from the current occupation of the Deep Core and intersecting shipping lanes."

"So today I propose the formation of the Alliance Merchant Fleet. This organization would be open to formal membership by all willing firms upon approval, granting them various benefits and privileges, and also empowered to offer ad hoc contracts for various shipping and charter services needed by the Galactic Alliance."

"Until the Merchant Fleet is organized, I further propose that we grant both present blocs short term interm contracts and place them under a temporary Merchant Marine Authority. Direct management of said authority would be provided by a joint council consisting of GADF Transportation Command, the Interior Ministry, and the Federal Postmaster. Relevant Senate committees would provide direct oversight of the MMA."

He paused, allowing questions about the details of his proposal as well as readying himself defend against any pushback.

Spirit of the Dawn Annasari Dominique Vexx Makai Dashiell Myra Arceneau Dashiell Alexandra Feanor Ariana du Couteau Arsenio Tagge Brun Rostu Cressida Tolliver Exum Jern Feridade Parthi Helios Ardemark Salocin Lear Sycorax Laveaux Tiber Septimus William Harris Adriana Fortemps

 

[Dominique Vexx]

The Corporate Sector Authority didn't play favorites in the galaxy. Well, regional managers might, but in general so long as a contract's terms were precise they were fully enforced as written. Dominique in particular was the sort of Director the Alliance needed. Someone that didn't care who you were or what you wanted, so long as the deal benefited the Authority -- and Denon in particular. There were limits, but an enterprising soul could reach agreements and understand where the lines were (and how to avoid being found in violation of them). The price of a fully functional distribution network. No one wanted to pay to hire the countless inspectors needed to examine every ship.

Of course, what was good for less legal-minded factions worked for those that were legal-minded. The Alliance, for instance. Why shouldn't their network be used to ferry goods between the two halves of the Galactic Alliance? The Imperial entanglements required a little extra in terms of processing fees and paperwork, but these were natural parts of doing business; and a service that could provide while obfuscating the true origin or destination of goods. Just ordinary, commonplace activities. Politicians shouted about them in Chamber when it was opportune to do so, but otherwise quietly accepted a good deal when found to keep the galaxy spinning.

Even the Black Sun Syndicate for all their trouble-making could be reasoned with when material had to be transported through their ports.

Why, if the Senate liked, Dominique could even offer the services of the Mandalorian Empire to help ensure deliver. Or, perhaps, even the repossession of goods stolen by pirates and other nefarious entities? The Denonite did try to encourage ties with the Mandalorians. In return she, on occassion, promoted their services and acted as an intermediary to establish the particulars, and the exchange of credits.

Dominique stood in the Senate chamber with a small smile on her lips. Golden eyes slid in Kevari's direction as he declared a desire for a Merchant Fleet. That wasn't technically a bad idea, but she couldn't help but let her chin drop a hair in disappointment. Even after everything they'd suffered they still believed that above-board moral certitude would be their salvation. An official organization just meant all their processes, procedures, and shipping lanes would followly carefully planned and ethical guidelines. In a word: predictable. Predictable to target. Predictable to intercept. Predictable to destroy. But how to explain that to a people when you couldn't simply say what you meant because it wasn't -- strictly speaking -- legal?

"If the Galactic Alliance wishes to pursue a long-term investment in its own capabilities that is, of course, its right. However," Dominique slowly shifted her eyes among those present, "make no mistake that building a galactic distribution and shipping network, navigating the countless local legal nuances, and establishing lasting relations with numerous trade hubs is a lasting commitment."

"The Corporate Sector has been engaged in such activity for nearly a thousand years, and Denon in particular far longer than that. We remain open to discussing how and in what form we can assist this body in facilitating the movement of cargo throughout the Alliance; perhaps even in the form of cross-training personnel. Yet, I would caution the Senate against constraining such merchantile activity too harshly at the start. These are trying times that requires a great deal of negotiating power to ensure prompt, unaccosted delivery."

Always with the oversight. Well, Dominique could hardly fault them. No oversight at all was a recipie for disaster, but given how they'd tried to crack down on Denon when it was still part of the Alliance she wasn't particular eager to see them get as heavy-handed as the CAD had been. The more they thought to control things, the faster they would lose that control. Nontheless, if they wished some reporting that was perfectly reasonable -- Denon had such information already on hand for its own purposes, after all.

Annasari | Makai Dashiell | Myra Arceneau Dashiell | Mykel Dawson | Open​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

GALACTIC SENATE

Wearing : X | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell | Dominique Vexx | Mykel Dawson | Annasari

Makai was trying to remember not to let his thoughts show on his face. Sometimes a difficult task, especially when he was being presented with ideas that seemed untenable. Senator Thalos brought forth the idea of a merchant fleet, an idea that seemed difficult to get off the ground for a government. Sure, they could technically throw some parcels inside a vessel and send them along the hyperlanes, but did they know anything of logistics? Possibly, but those who knew about logistics typically worked in critical war supply efforts and to take those folks away to delivery toothpaste and breakfast cereal was unwise at this time.

Behind himself and his wife, their two droids remained silent but Makai knew they would intervene if needed in terms of fact checking. Their microphone was muted, allowing them to whisper as needed to one another. This had taken weeks of preparation on their front. Between consulting with legal teams, their regional managers in the area, and crunching the numbers of such a feat. It had come down to one conclusion : go into business jointly and combine the best of what they both currently did.

With a look to Ellie, he inclined his head, silently indicating he was about to speak.

Stepping to the microphone in their pod, he turned it on and began.

"Miss Vexx is correct." The Senate most likely wasn't anticipating him to agree with his competition. "If the Galactic Alliance was to begin a merchant fleet it would be a massive commitment and logistical challenge. The sheer manpower. Vessels. Logistics experts. Security. Ports. Warehouses. Fuel. All an expensive undertaking. The Alliance would be quite literally, starting from scratch."

The half-Galan paused for a moment, letting his words settle.

"I would advise the Senate that such an undertaking is not to be done lightly. It should be done methodically. It is advisable that the Galactic Alliance use corporate powers who already have the connections and manpower to rely on deliveries, especially during these times of war. Let us do what we do best in order to serve the citizens of this government."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell Dominique Vexx Mykel Dawson Spirit of the Dawn

"I am in agreement with Director Vexx and with Mister Dashiell," Myra's voice joined that after Makai, giving a brief tilt of her head toward each. "As they both noted, working with established companies gets results faster. The Alliance does not need to build from the ground up when the foundation already exists."

A quick glance swept the chamber, reading the faces of senators and aides as she rested her hands against the console.

"Arceneau Trade has been moving goods and people across hyperlanes for more than four decades. Our fleets didn't just keep running during wars and crises; they rebuilt broken lanes after the convergence. When routes collapsed, it was our ships and that of our counterparts out there patching them, rerouting traffic, and making sure aid reached where it was needed. We have a track record that proves we can deliver."

Her hand tapped lightly against her datapad in a slow thoughtful beat. She let her words sit a moment before continuing.

"We've never worked in isolation. Arceneau Trade and its affiliates have always partnered with governments, independents, and competitors alike to get the job done. We also worked with them by following all inspections and paid the appropriate fees or tariffs requested. That's how we keep shipments moving quickly and prices competitive. The goal has never been about staking the largest claim, but about making sure supply chains work for everyone at the table."

She leaned back slightly, chin tilting up, gaze moving steadily across the chamber as she closed.

"If this Senate truly wants swift, efficient service without draining resources to reinvent an entire network, then lean on the expertise already in place. Let those of us who've built these routes keep them running. We know the costs, the risks, and the solutions. And we're ready to keep delivering."

 

[Cressida Tolliver]

It seemed like common sense. Rely on experts for the fields in which they had expertise. And therefore Cressida Tolliver was not entirely convinced the Senate would go for it. She leaned forward to speak. "I tend to agree with what our corporate friends have said thus far. Frankly, the Galactic Alliance does not have the bandwidth to undertake something like this on its own, not with a war to prosecute." Or not prosecute, as the case may be, she thought bitterly. Still, counting lost ships and conquered citizens did take time, didn't it? "Those who have done it already likely know how to do it best. But before we leap into anything with both feet, I have questions."

She paused and opened her datapad. "Before we begin, I use the term worst case advisedly. Understand that is not meant to reflect negatively on you or anyone. I am merely trying to ascertain what the commitment will be -- in funds, in personnel, in opportunity costs -- at their most expensive. Or rather, I suppose, assume that we will be utilizing your organizations' services at the maximum extent possible. What is it going to cost us? What investment in infrastructure will you require? And how soon can it all be implemented?"

"And lastly -- for now," Cressida went on, "Give us some idea of your organizations' capabilities to get around the gaping hole in safe infrastructure left in the Deep Core. Will it be safe to transport things -- goods, people, materiel --between the two halves of what is left of the Galactic Alliance?"