You like guns? I have guns. [Sponsorship-edition]

[Arage Bao]

War is my business, and business is good.

I had plans, a lot of them really. But for them to work Santhe Corporation needed to grow even more than it already had. Just the other week I had signed a sponsorship deal with the Fringe, and since then I have been seeking for a new partner.

Honestly, the choice was made pretty easily, the Mandalorians were long standing friends and allies of the Fringe. It stood to reason they would be interested in the action their allies were getting, so I made an appointment with the Mandalore.

Always had respect for the Mandalorians, they knew their way around war. They didn’t try and hide in their homes, like a bunch of little pansies. When something threatened them, they kicked the offender’s teeth in. Simple as that.

I can respect such an attitude.

So here I was, at the starport of Mandalore. Just freshly arrived, and waiting for an escort to arrive.

Let’s see how this would go.

[member="Gilamar Skirata"]

 

[Gilamar Skirata]

Gil was the man who met Jared at the docks, though what was with him he wouldn't exactly call an escort. Alongside the Mand'alor was another Mandalorian clad in black and blue armor. As the two approached they seemed to be talking to each other, at least one could assume so as the Mandalorian in the black and blue armor wore a helmet concealing his face, but Gilamar was obviously talking to him. Something seemed to distress the two.

When the two had finally closed the distance his face was one of confusion and wonder. "Jared?" he asked. Of course it was, who else would be dressed like that? "I'm sorry, you just look so much like my younger brother." he mused. "The skycar is over here, it'll take us to MandalMotors hall."
[member="Jared Ovmar"]

 

[Arage Bao]

I wasn’t really sure how to reply to that.

I looked like his.. younger brother? Interesting way to begin negotiations I guess, still a bit strange. But the Mandalore was the first Mandalorian I actually talked to, so who was I to say what was and wasn’t strange in their culture.

So, I did the safe thing, I gave him a small nod and a smile accompanying it.

“Just a coincidence, I am sure. Mandalore. Thank you for agreeing to meet me today.”

As he mentioned the skycar, I nodded again.

“Of course, lead the way.”

[member="Gilamar Skirata"]

 

[Gilamar Skirata]

Honestly Gil wasn't a huge fan of some of the skycars Daw Motors was coming out with recently. They looked so...Different from what he was used to, and the one gifted to him when the new Keldabe Strong line began was well...Open. The trio arived at a K-Series MSL-67 Alpha Skycar, midnight blue color. He cringed as he sat in the plush leather seats. Shaking his head he started the engine and lifted off, the repulsors responding with a low hum and the engine growing like some strange beast, a deep rumble emanating from within.

The drive was short and the ride up the turbolift to his office was even shorter. Nodding to his brother he dissmissed him and led Jared into his office. He hated the place. Because of his dual position as Mand'alor and CEO of MandalMotors his share holders insisted that he visit the place often and often meant 'Do all of the paper work here'. It was a double edged sword. The wooden desk and leather seat was a nice touch but he hated the giant gaping hole in the wall behind him, or at least that's what it might as well have been. The giant transparisteel window lit up the room with the Keldabe sunset. "So what is it you have for me Mr. Ovmar?" he asked, taking a bottle of black liquid from below his desk and pouring himself and his guest a glass.
[member="Jared Ovmar"]

 

[Arage Bao]

I sat down in the chair offered, and made myself ease into it. Long time since I was truly relaxed anywhere, Andra once told me I looked like a damn panther. Always ready on stand-by, if someone went loose. Not sure how I feel about that description, anyway not important.

The Mandalore offered me a drink, and I accepted it. Allowing myself to smile just for a second, as I took a small taste. The stuff burned, that was for sure. Could have been poison for all I know, but I doubted the Mandalore would treat me like he did with that piece of weed.

For one, I wasn’t known as a Sith Lord, fake light signature would do that to a person’s reputation. Adding to that, was the fact that I was a known member of the Fringe Confederation. Mandos and them were on good terms, as far as I know.

Anyway, I put down the glass and regarded the man for a while. Stories told that this man, the Manda’lore, was a true warrior. Heart of steel, and arms of diamond or whatever. Bit old, but with age comes wisdom I guess. Not that I have much of that, even at thirty.

Finally I spoke.

“A proposition. Santhe Corporation is always looking for opportunities to expand, and Mandalorian space seems like a viable place to set up shop. We grow by the day, but we need funding.”

I really wasn’t the guy who would dance around the matters, trying to prolong a meeting. So I cut straight to the chase, might be the guy would appreciate it. Might be he wouldn’t. We would see.

“Santhe Corporation is interested in sponsorship. Annual subsidy, and space to build factories. Good for the Mandalorian economy, with new jobs and good for the Corporation.”

Then I leaned back, and waited.

[member="Gilamar Skirata"]

 

[Gilamar Skirata]

Subsidy, sponsorship. These words were not new to Gilamar in this context. He had already given several companies the same treatment. Keldabe as compared to it several hundred years ago, was now a booming trade hub, a city with that small town rural feel that the Mandalorians brought to it, their homesteads just outside the what most would call the main city. "Factories...subsidies..." Pulling up Santhe on his datapad he looked down to it and back up to the sharply dressed man.

[member="Jared Ovmar"]

 

[Arage Bao]

[member="Gilamar Skirata"]

While the Mandalore was looking back and forth, I just looked straight at him with an unrelenting gaze. Factories and Subsidies, yes. I wasn’t sure where he was going with those two words, maybe he wanted me to explain something? Perhaps he was just thinking out loud.

I wasn’t sure, so I just didn’t say anything and waited for him to make the first move. You gotta be patient in this game, and the last thing I wanted to do was break the concentration of a Mandalorian. Like Wookies, they are notorious for ripping off arms and the like.

You ain’t want to mess with that stuff.

So I just leaned back into my seat, and waited for the man to finish his trail of thought. Or do anything else for that matter, before I became bored.

 

[Gilamar Skirata]

"What sort of civilian products do you produce Jared?" he asked suddenly, standing from his chair. "We have weapons on weapons on weapons here in Mandalorian Space. Three, three weapon manufacturers have chosen our corner of the galaxy as their home, and many more want to get a foothold here. Two starship powerhouses and the premier speeder coorporation in the Galaxy...We need something other than guns. We need constructin, we need parts, droids...Civilian goods." Walking around the table, he set his datapad down on the wooden desk and sighed. "If you can do that for me, you have your deal."
[member="Jared Ovmar"]

 

[Arage Bao]

“Santhe Corporation can provide a number of civilian services,” Jared said to the Mandalorian. “We have entire lines of civilian vehicles pending. In addition we could contribute greatly to Mandaloran logistics. Our subsidiary, Santhe Passenger and Freight is a full service company and more than capable of providing for Mandalorian Logistics Transportation Infrastructure. We could provide you with a first class interplanetary public transportation network. I have the authority today to discuss terms with you, and hopefully sign an exclusive public transit agreement with you.”

[member="Gilamar Skirata"]