Turncoating a Profit

[Aleksandyr Gaillard]

Aleksandyr Gaillard arrived on Kuat, now in Sith space. One of the most famous names in the core and home to perhaps the greatest shipyard of the ages, Kuat was a world ran by business and always had a strong imperial heritage since the Galactic Empire. Whether or not their ties to the Sith were planned beforehand remained little more than rumor; one which the CEO cared little about.

Lead into the offices of KDY, Aleksandyr was escorted towards the personal space of the company's owner. For whatever reason the CEO didn't take much of the scenery into account and was left with a more vague notion that perhaps would become clearer to him later on.

The small escort stopped just at the entrance of her office, a door opened and he entered. Dressed in somewhat formal business apparel he aimed to make a good first impression.

[member="Lorelei Darke"]

 

[Quietus]

The details of [member="Aleksandyr Gaillard"]'s reception into the CEO's office were thus:

From the main reception area, Aleks was granted passage to a lift, accompanied by a fully-outfitted guard in dark red and black armor, and up-up-up they went. He may have enjoyed the view afforded by the reinforced duraglass panes of the lift: all of visible Kuat and drive yards greeted him, glimmering and buzzing with activity. With a soft ping the lift came to a stop and opened its gates to a long hall of polished black tile, deep red and ebony banners baring the Darke family sigil, pictures of previous Kuatian leaders and CEOs, and images of the KDY in various states of its very long-extended life.

The portraits watched him with impunity, the majority of their gazes scathing and judgmental. At the end a large set of black doors hissed open to reveal the Queen's private office. The guard lead Aleks past a massive council table built around an equally large holoprojector over which a shining image of the Kuat system in blue blinked and slowly spun; past several more vacant standing operations desks, and up a short set of stairs to the Queen's flat. A wall of floor-to-ceiling triple reinforced bay windows offered a spectacular view out upon the drive yards and Kuat's orbital shields. Traffic passed through shield gates like clockwork.

Despite their new overlords of the Sith, everything was as it should be. Good news for any aspiring businessperson seeking favor with the KDY.

At her desk Lorelei poured over a stack of holoflimsies, several projected holoscreens blinking behind her. GNN flashed coverage of the waning Netherworld aftermath, another screen showed listings of local government stocks as well as galactic stocks relevant to the Yards, and still another peered in on news closer to home: the One Sith and its expanding government regulations.

"Mr. Gaillard," a young woman of pale wheaten curls, bright saffron eyes and sharp bureaucratic appeal greeted the man, "I'm Lacey Hardt, personal assistant and Secretary of CEO Darke. Her Majesty is just wrapping up with some business. Can I get you anything to eat or drink?"

 

[Aleksandyr Gaillard]

Aleksandyr was stopped short of his destination. It wasn't surprising that someone of her stature would be busy. He himself knew only too well what it was like to be in the position of running a company; just on a smaller scale. When asked if he wanted food or drink the CEO shook his head.

"No. I was able to enjoy local delicacy before arriving but thank you." He made sure to smile politely. The dance that was rhetoric did not suit the interests of the young entrepreneur whose forte happened to be design. Not only could he engineer starships, he was somewhat of a hobbyist hen it came to setting up logistics and living quarters aboard starships. Finally able to get a proper glance at the scenery he could easily tell that--at least in appearances--the CEO of KDY was not shy to display her wealth and power.

Looking back at Lacey Hardt, he wondered. "Have you been working here for very long?" He asked. Small talk was another aspect of business that he did not enjoy but if there was one sure way of getting to know someone's personality it was through their assistant.

[member="Lorelei Darke"]

 

[Quietus]

"Seven years now," Lacey replied primly, a clipped and confident smile lighting her expression, "just another few decades until retirement. Until then..." her smile drew wane as she looked the man over, gently critiquing his ensemble in silence. He seemed a proper lad, dressed nicely enough. Though his waistcoat could be taken in at the middle and his shoes might do with new laces and a fresh coat of polish, but at a glance he was quite handsome indeed.

Lacey gently cleared her throat, "Admittedly I was concerned what this governmental shift might mean for Kuat and the KDY, but it seems I never had to worry. The transition went ... much more smoothly than I expected. Were you with the Empire from the start?"

[member="Aleksandyr Gaillard"]

 

[Aleksandyr Gaillard]

Was I with the Empire?

Surely during his tenure under The Republic he wasn't loyal to them but that didn't mean he ever dreamt of a day when the Sith would conquer Balmorra. Although the day it did happen he made a statement to the entirety of his company. We've always been Sith Loyalists.

Thinking back to that day wasn't unpleasant. People died, who cares? People always die. "No, not always. My home is on Balmorra but I never considered myself a Republican, I'm more of an independent." He ended his statement half-jokingly. Truly his loyalty was to that which he cared for and right now that was himself and his company. If he could strike a deal that would secure his company's future for the long run then perhaps he could start caring about other things too.

Then the question came. "Has everyone been taking the change well around here?" His eyes wandered subtly from the woman to the wall behind her and then back to her eyes.

[member="Lorelei Darke"]

 

[Quietus]

"Balmorra," Lacey chirped, "Not a Republic world, just a Republic ally." A historical quote with current relevance, apparently. Her smile spread for a second.

"Ah, well, there's a great deal of widespread uncertainty about the Empire, naturally, them having been the Republic's most recent greatest enemy on the battlefield. But there's too much lingering unrest with the Republic for it to remain. Kuat's history with the Galactic Republic is what you might call unsavory, what with everything that happened during the Clockwork Rebellion, and then those dreadful unfounded accusations against the crown. Not to mention the Senate failed to back the Queen's attempts to apprehend Senator Brunswick after his public acts of treason."

Lacey gave the man a glance of consideration, "It'll take some adjustment, but so long as the Sith hold up their end of the treaty, I think everyone will settle in. How has Balmorra fared with the change?"

[member="Aleksandyr Gaillard"]

 

[Aleksandyr Gaillard]

Adjustments, now that's a word.

If there's any truth to be taken from this conversation it's that the galaxy is adjusting faster than the people who live in it are comfortable with. Whether it be sudden disappearances, crazed zealots, or unending wars there'd always be some sort of pain in their collective rears. "Honestly I'm just surprised no one's taken my business... Taxes haven't increased either, that's good." Keeping the conversation along he wondered what kind of discussion is host is having right now; with whom as well.

Aleksandyr had a bad habit of keeping his mind in business that wasn't his.

[member="Lorelei Darke"]

 

[Quietus]

"That's probably because you're simply indispensable in your station, hm?" Lacey smiled brightly, "No one else can do your job as well as you."

"Miss Hardt..."

"Oh, she's ready for you, here we go," leading [member="Aleksandyr Gaillard"] forward and up the short staircase to the main office area, Lacey gave an astute introduction and motioned the man forward to the awaiting chairs set before the Queen's desk.

Lorelei looked up from the stacks of holoflimsies and pads, peering at Aleks over a pair of half-moon spectacles, "Mr. Gaillard, my apologies on the wait. Some adjustments to the new Empire have proven to be quite time consuming. Have a seat. I presume Miss Hardt has already offered you refreshments."

"Yes, your Highness, he declined the offer, though it still stands if he changes his mind," Lacey leaned to take one of the stacks from the Queen's desk, "shall I bring your tea?"

"Please," Lorelei replied then pulled the spectacles from her face and leaned back into her chair.

"I'll get right on that, Your Majesty," and with that Lacey trotted off, heels click-clicking on the tiled floor.

From her seat Lorelei watched Aleks closely, looking over the young man as though she might inspect a commissioned piece of art, "I've reviewed your portfolio, Mr. Gaillard. Your work is impressive. As a matter of fact I believe my daughter travels in one of your designs for her personal use. With after-market modifications, of course. Couldn't have the Princess traipsing about the galaxy without some ability to protect herself."

 

[Aleksandyr Gaillard]

Aleksandyr followed closely as the Queen's assistant lead him up a staircase to her main office. After being presented with an opportunity to sit the CEO walked over respectfully, offering a nodding bow, before taking a seat in front of the--before now--enigmatic woman. "Kind words, Your Majesty," he smiled, "My starships are some of the few granted with personalized interior options... Then again, our only competitor decided to destroy their shipyards. Things are great!" Already his quirky, eccentric side was showing through but by his standards Alek was being rather modest.

His eyes wandered around the office briefly but for the most part he maintained eye contact. "Your company has an impressive reputation -- and I'm not just talking historically. It seems under your leadership that Kuat Drive Yards is a survivor. C.E.C. was destroyed in what's being referred to as 'a war crime' and I've heard rumors that Rendili is also down the toilet. Kuat, though, is without a doubt the most tenacious shipwright coming out of this cataclysm." It was more than just attempted flattery, he was setting himself up for the reason he came here. If KDY could back his company there wouldn't be any worry that the foundation under it would fall through. Financially Gaillard was not well-off, they made profits but most of their interiors are all hand-crafted; everything has poise. That kind of quality is not exactly profitable when you also have to worry about expanding your facilities. Besides, the Gaillard Corporation is more suited as an in-house skunk works than an independent company.

[member="Lorelei Darke"]

 

[Quietus]

Lorelei did not share in the same enthusiasm towards the man's apparent Great Leap Forward upon the back of his crumbling competition. For the briefest of moments her thoughts lingered over a certain man with a certain silly hat. Lip twitching with marked distaste, she gently cleared her throat.

"Indeed. The Kuati people are about as stubborn and persistant as they are prideful and industrious. I am in the business of staying in business, no matter the weather or regime, as it were. Needless to say, Mr. Gaillard," the woman's acidic green gaze narrowed visibly, "I do not make major decisions concerning the KDY or my people lightly. Now, I believe there was something you wished to discuss. A proposal of kinds? Enlighten me, I'm all ears."

[member="Aleksandyr Gaillard"]

 

[Aleksandyr Gaillard]

Aleksandyr smiled, now this was the part he was waiting for.

With pleasure; he situated himself so that his back was straight, refusing to slouch. "As you're likely already aware my company mainly engineers and designs luxury starships. Yachts and transports, mainly. We've also dabbled in paramilitary with a dropship prototype for the most part we remain happily in civil industry." He began.

"My company wishes to expand horizons and focus entirely on developing the most luxurious and elegant starships to ever grace the galaxy. As you might understand, we cannot afford to construct new facilities and getting the legal authority to utilize another company's shipyards through contracts is a lengthy process... Since both our companies are well under the same government now; I'd like to sell KDY 60% of my company. In exchange I'd like a 20% stake in your company and to retain full creative control over my company."

In summary, Aleksandyr would retain 40% stake in the Gaillard Corporation whilst attaining a 20% stake in KDY without sacrificing creative control. Its a pretty fair bargain but of course in the event Alek's freedoms cost more than he's worse the Queen of Kuat would probably prefer there be some formal method of preventing this between the lines of any agreement. 20% may seem like an unequal comparison in a sense that his company is not as highly valued, but the potential value in luxury starships is much higher when compared that way. KDY's primary business was to support the Republic and once upon a time, The Empire, with warships. The Sith have many shipwrights under their control and thus it would be beneficial for KDY to move into an untapped market; which Gaillard can provide.

[member="Lorelei Darke"]

 

[Quietus]

The Queen's expression deadpanned and she fell deathly silent for several long, painful moments where it may have looked like she was more prepared to gut the man than exchange any further business banter. This wasn't far from the truth, but no one was to know.

"I have a counter-proposal," her voice suddenly cut through the quiet, steady and clearly pronounced, "I buy your company outright and install it into the KDY. You retain your leadership role as Head of the Luxury Line Department and you work for me. You enjoy a significant pay increase because you now work for the most prestigious and profitable shipwright of this galaxy, you also enjoy the benefits of a fully-equipped shipyard sector ready to create and construct at once. You will not receive any shares of the KDY because it is a privately owned company and there are no shareholders, but you will be included into the plans for expansion within our luxury department already in the works, which will open the door to a great deal of possibilities for you. Your creative freedoms and liberties will have no restrictions or limitations until the day you prove to me you are not deserving of such, but any new major projects will need to be fielded by me first as I will be the one funding it. Rest assured you'll find I'm quite open to new ideas so long as the foundations are solid."

[member="Aleksandyr Gaillard"]

 

[Aleksandyr Gaillard]

Damn.

That was the only word to flow through his precious head-thoughts. Why was she being so hard? Or maybe Aleksandyr got soft from dealing with the easy ones like [member="Cryax Bane"]. Oh well. He had to respond soon because he was already giving up too much ground in the delay. His emotions were always in the way; how annoying.

"Essentially you want to pick and choose which part of my company you want? Very well. I'll accept the proposal on two conditions: One, I get to maintain well-funded small team for personal projects. Two, the Gaillard name will still be placed on my products... Think of like a brand."

Those were his only demands. Truth-be-told; her offer was actually quite generous -- sooner or later he'd have to come around due to the financial difficulties of running such a company.

[member="Lorelei Darke"]

 

[Quietus]

"Oh I'm not picking and choosing, Mr. Gaillard," Lorelei replied, "I fully intend to take every last piece of your company, down to the last holo-clip."

A firm, clean sweep. Leave nothing behind.

"You may have your team, however as an employee of KDY anything you create within these drive yards remains intellectual property of the drive yards, even if it never makes it to market. As far as the name goes..." easing back into her seat, she gazed at him ponderously for a moment, "I can work with it. There is great potential in dealing with a branding image," larger than he may even realize. Lorelei gave a slow, short nod, "if you can agree to that, I will have Miss Leonardi start mocking-up the legal work at once. Your employ will undergo one full month of paid training before their installation into the KDY. I run a very tight ship here, Mr. Gaillard, and I require everyone to be on the same page. It is of utmost importance that the clockwork of the machine that is KDY not get mucked up due to guesswork or ignorance. What's our in-house motto, Miss Leonardi?"

"Ahead of schedule and under budget, your Grace," answered the Director of Operations.

"Coined by the late D.O. [member="Avadreia Lacroix"]. Brilliant woman ... such a pity."

[member="Aleksandyr Gaillard"]

 

[Aleksandyr Gaillard]

In the end it seemed like a solid deal. Although the motto will be getting used to... Usually Alek had always been late and over budget but it was clear that wouldn't slide here.

"More than a fair compromise, I accept." He left it at that. The semantics would be taken care of during the legal process but for now they've made an agreed upon arrangement.

If anything could be taken away from this, he supposed that it might be that he now has a platform for creativity; no more worry. Whether or not she would attempt to conform him would be up to her, he supposed but hopefully she realized that the mad ones should be kept mad if you want them to be geniuses. His focus on image has been first and foremost. Quality represented the best a company could offer and under KDY the soon-to-be-former CEO would become a driving force for that ideology in the business world.

Luxury was about to become a standard.

[member="Lorelei Darke"]

 

[Quietus]

"Good. Do you drink, Mr. Gaillard? It is tradition here to toast to a providential agreement, and I only toast with the best. Miss Hardt, if you please, the Whyrens."

A bottle of vintage Whyren's Reserve Brandy, to be exact. A grim rarity now, considering the state of things on Corellia, but a large portion of it had been purchased by the Queen years ago after becomming enamored with the flavor by none other than the former Lord Protector himself. Though the thought of such things was enough to sour her mood, she simply wouldn't toast with anything else.

Lacey produced for Aleks and the Queen a small glass each, with which Lorelei held aloft, "To a most profitable future."

[member="Aleksandyr Gaillard"]

 

[Aleksandyr Gaillard]

Do I drink?

Thank goodness she hasn't seen his drunken interview on Antecedent...

"And to forego the crisis of yesteryear and into an era of prosperity!" He toasted before savoring the liquid's taste in a fell sip. She had excellent tastes. This deal was looking better by the minute, of course alcohol isn't why he went to her -- he knew KDY had a reputation but they were also the only company knew who would appreciate the art of luxury.

With those thoughts in mind and negotiations behind him, it was time for the hard work to begin.

[member="Lorelei Darke"]