A Dominion...of Knowledge! [GUIDE Investors]

[Magdalena Lethe]

"A small, personal craft for my Trekkers, Ms. Vanessa. Something fast with modest living quarters and enough storage for necessary supplies and rations. We can safely assume that they'll likely be away for months at a time." Seemed simple enough. Shouldn't take an overly large craft to cover those requirements, as least she didn't think so, "If you like perhaps we can meet in person to hash out the greater details. Follow-up meetings are something I intend to do with all signed investors."

Gabe was hissing at her from the corner. Something about Kuhn two ... and then it happened.

She broke her silence.

Fshhhhhh!

Magda flapped a hand at her babbling brother off-screen.

Don't! Arceneau is talking! She's talking to meeeeee. Of course she knows what she's doing. She's flipping Danger Arceneau!

Ohemgee.

Magda did her absolute best to maintain her attentive face while Danger did her thing. She'd managed not to get distracted by the woman's ...uh, presence on the call and it had been very easy while she remained silent. But there it was. Danger Arceneau. The Danger Arceneau. Right there, in all her perfect holographic buxom glory, talking to me. Oh my gaaaaad, her accent. It's like butter-Magda shut up and pay attention.

Magda gently cleared her throat, brushed some coiled curls from her face and reaffirmed her business-face. Smile, but not too much. She took a breath to begin a response once Danger finished but was abruptly cut off by [member="Ali Hadrix"]. Probably for the better, it would give her some more time to collect her thoughts and her marbles. She peeled her blue eyes away from Danger's image to listen.

A nod.

"Essentially, yes, the basic framework behind The Guide will be just that - a search application. But it will be much more than that, so are my intentions."

Another slow breath.

Don't eff it up, Magda.

"Ms. Arceneau," she began, turning her sights upon the woman without hesitation, "I understand this must seem rather presumptuous coming from one my age - I'd absolutely think just that were I in your position - but my own experience in navigating the lanes, charting locations, and exploring the wilds is fare broader than the average person my age. It is something I have been doing for as long as I can remember alongside my father, who was an avid space explorer in his time."

"The current employees are myself and my brother and the current incarnation of the GUIDE is a pet project I've been working on for several years during my travels with my father, only now have I come to fully realize its potential and the need for such a thing. For the initial stage I will be overseeing the entries to the GUIDE until I have hired more people to take over that portion of the process. It's not viably accessible to anyone a this time, but that will come with the process of gaining the necessary faculties to make it so."

"Why should you invest? Why me? Because I'm already there. Because I'm not the corporate machine - I am the people's machine. Because I know what it's like to travel without flair or full functionality and I know how to put the pieces together to make things work. Because I'm the one taking the initiative, seeking out the needs of the people and not the needs of the industry. Because I want this and I was taught to do what I need to in order to get what I want, even if unconventional."

"Because I'm out of the box."

"But that's the fun part, Red. You haven't. Let someone else have some fun."

Magda raised her brows. Who was this? Well, it didn't matter so much at the moment, she'd look at the channel information after she'd finished making her point.

"Well, that too. People love an underdog, Ms. Arceneau, and that might've been you before but it won't be you now. You stand to gain more from supporting one than putting one out beneath your figurative corporate heel."

As much as she wanted the woman's support, as much as she craved the recognition of what had amounted to her idol for many years ... the point she hoped would be perfectly clear. This project, The GUIDE, was going to happen no matter what.

 

[Jaster Awaud]

[member="Preliat Mantis"] [member="Enigma"] [member="Lily Kirsche Kuhn"] [member="Ali Hadrix"] [member="Danger Arceneau"] [member="Taeli Raaf"] [member="Sarge Potteiger"]

Jaster did believe this would be a major strategic benifit to any industry that would have tried this independently. It was such a large project that no one company would have the influence to build the wide net needed to collect this information. The HoloNet was a fantastic piece of tech and the galaxy relied on it more then could handle. The Hyperspace Arrays were created over 1,000 years ago, and no one nation had the ability or influence to keep them from disrepair. It would require a huge effort to even reprogram the ones that weren't rusted over or lost. The archives were still incomplete about all their locations, and Jaster for sure didn't have the expertise to repair such ancient tech. The best and only option Jaster was able to offer were replacing and building new Hyperspace Arrays, and offering the option to build GUIDE Terminals in the ports and space docks.

Jaster decided to speak up, "Personaly this has nothing to do with age, I find it fantastic that young minds with such ingenuity and creativity, my only concern is that what your creating will be used, and that we as investors will get our money's worth when this turns a profit," Jaster throw the Datapad on one of the sofas in his office and returned to look at the young female before him, "Now saying that, I must agree with you Ms. Lethe, this requires information gathering and collective assistance on a whole new scale, and if you were part of the industry, many of us here probably wouldn't offer up our information so willingly, but sence your not and promise a profitable return to our investments, I personally can't find a reason to invest in such a project, I would however like to hear the opinion of those here before I give my final decision of support."

She had Jasters confidence in this project, but truely he just wished to be the first to support something that the Trade Queen questioned. As his main competitor in the Trade Industry, Jaster knew he needed the opportunity where ever he could get it.

 

[Preliat Mantis]

"If there are any Mandalorians involved in this venture I would..."Preliat's menacing tone, the weight of his words coming down hard in his gravelly voice in a single moment."Strongly advise them to not pursue this venture. It does not seem fruitful, nor beneficial to the Mando'ade."Preliat only seemed to be speaking to one individual in particular.


"Miss Lethe- you do not have my approval, nor my investment, or my support in any way. Have a good day."


His image cut off quickly after he said his piece.

 

[Magdalena Lethe]

Magda lofted a brow at the venting man as he said his piece and abruptly disconnected from the call.

"Rude."

Apparently someone spit in his bean curd this morning. She shrugged it off. Disapproval was to be expected and she wasn't about to roll over and give up due to someone's foul mood.

No, she would do well to focus on the constructive returns and mind the complimentary words.

"Thank you for your vote of confidence, Viceroy," she said with a smile, "does anyone else have any further questions or comments?"

[member="Jaster of Clan Awaud"]
[member="Danger Arceneau"]
[member="Enigma"]
[member="Ali Hadrix"]
[member="Taeli Raaf"]
[member="Lily Kirsche Kuhn"]
[member="Arumi Zy"]
[member="Sarge Potteiger"]

 

[Onrai]

[member="Magdalena Lethe"]

"You mentioned transports, Miss Lethe..." She trailed off for a moment, curious as to where she could involve Emeritus. "Emeritus and RRDI have the necessary production capabilities to provide you with precisely what you require. I will gladly invest ten million and give you the first dozen transports half off - that is how much confidence I have in your venture." She smiled.

This could turn out to be the next big thing.

 

[Arumi Zy]

[member="Magdalena Lethe"] [member="Preliat Mantis"]

Arumi tapped his cheek bone then began to stroke his exposed teeth why he sat there and listened to the other possibles. He had heard enough to make his decision about this venture. There was quite a bit of potential and quite a bit of risk involved but it would further some of his other "Ventures".

" Mrs Lethe, I have only one question remaining. Where do i sign for this venture and is ten million and a elite security team for yourself and what ever ship you manage to scrounge up enough of a down payment. As well, i would like to add one stipulation, any unusual , rare or exotic creatures encountered and catalogued i would like a direct copy of that before it is added to this GUIDE" he eventually put his mask back on over the skeletol section of his face " Do we really know what furthers the Mando'ade? Or what one can do with such.... information?" he sparked towards Preliat in a casual manner.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Well, now, aren’t you the feisty one, Danger would muse, a brow arching up at the young brunette after that particular speech. Oh there was some gumption in her; you could see it in the glint of her eyes, the squaring of her jaw. Mild amusement would color Danger’s gaze, but she kept her expression neutral. Can’t have the girl believing she won Danger over with that.

Business was business, and the Queen of Trade was mighty interested to see just how far Miz Magdalena will take this business venture. Her daddy done gave her the opportunities to prove herself, she’d do the same for this GUIDE.

Danger took a deep drag of her vice, cheeks sinking in while she deliberately ignored that voice. Oh she’d know it anywhere. If it wasn’t the gorram Lord Protector. Figures he’d try to stir the kettle of Giju here. Her lips would purse, but she kept her composure with practiced flare.

“That’s a mighty fine speech you got there Miz. Lethe.” she would start, smoke streaming from her full lips with every word she spoke. “I’ve no doubt to your ambition and your drive.” honeyed words indeed, however what came next would be a testimony towards the business ethic Danger was challenging the younger brunette with.

“However, I reckon I’d like to see just how far you go with your bootstraps.” she would set the cigarillo down on the ashtray. “You’ve a ways to go Miz. Lethe, with a strong itch and a dream.. While the rest of these cats are ready to scratch it, I’d like to see just what you do on your own before the resources of Arceneau Trade are at your disposal.” It wasn’t a rejection.


It was a challenge.

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Magdalena Lethe"]

Well this turned interesting, but she was sure this young woman might be able to meet the challenge placed before her. Still, she wanted to hedge her bets on investing too much into this project before they had progress to show.

"Miss Lethe, I certainly appreciate the gusto and spirit you have for your dream project," Taeli said, looking at a datapad off screen. She had made a note that a certain someone was getting involved, that would need watching. "However, I'm going to attach a stipulation to any investment on my part. You'll receive my investment in increments tied to how much progress you make in assembling this. Right now, I'll add in five million credits and add more once I see some significant progress in this GUIDE."

Five million was a decent sum, but it was still something that could be invested and if the project failed, they wouldn't lose too much on it.

 

[Ellie Mors]

The words she heard [member="Danger Arceneau"] say would have been a sharp dagger to the chest if they had been directed to her - being that they were eerily similar to the words left in explanation after her parent's sudden absence. There was a reason she was giving her support to this teenager, a girl not much younger than herself, and it wasn't because she felt handouts were a given. Entitlement bred laziness, and Lily knew that; rather the Kuhn girl knew how harsh and real life could be when left to your own devices, and being the subject of kidnap attempts and used as bait several times in the short span from the point she was left on her own til now only helped for her to understand how the real world worked. From being with [member="Khaleel Malvern"] to questing through Sith tombs with her sister, Rose, Lily saw how different people coped.

Withdrawal, greed, simply acting out at society in general, and she knew better than anyone what kinds of filth one could become involved with if they let their problems consume them - it was why she reached out. Maybe she saw a little shred of herself in Miss Lethe with her current determination, something that reminded her of how she had acted around her father, but the deed was done. "You can expect your ship soon, Miss Lethe, as well as a wiring of funds once this meeting has been adjourned." Lily said with a smile. It wasn't a mask, or even a genuinely happy one, but rather a distant look to frame her face. From her location she made the arrangements for the ship to be built, transferring her notes taken during the girl's pitch to ensure every detail she had looked for was addressed and included. Perhaps she wasn't as reserved as the Queen of Trade, but she would make her mark, someday, and she wouldn't do it by forcing hard times on people she could benefit for and from. Anything to keep people her age from turning out like she was - a mess of an addict.

[member="Magdalena Lethe"]

 

[Magdalena Lethe]

[member="Enigma"] [member="Lily Kirsche Kuhn"]

"Thank you, Ms. Lily, Ms. Vanessa, for your gracious contributions. I look forward to meeting with you both in person."

[member="Arumi Zy"]

"Mr. Zy your investment offer is more than enough and I can agree to your stipulation. I'm afraid animals and creatures aren't quite my forte, but I will be sure to seek out people who share your love for them in order to cover all planetary aspects for The Guide."

[member="Taeli Raaf"]

"Ms. Raaf I appreciate your interest and confidence in this venture and I look forward to showing you just how much I can accomplish with your contribution."

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Magda paused as she looked her idol in clear, confident finality, smile unwavering, "Ms. Arceneau it has been a pleasure to speak with you even given the circumstances. I intend to prove to you exactly what I'm capable of. You'll be seeing the ripples of my efforts before you know it."

[member="Jaster of Clan Awaud"] [member="Ali Hadrix"] [member="Sarge Potteiger"]
"Viceroy, Miss Hadrix, Mister...-" Magda gave a brief glance to the caller details for Sarge only to find that the info had come in scrambled. Odd, "...well, Sir, if you have any further comments in regards to this project or your decisions on investment please feel free to remain on the call after the others."

 

[Jaster Awaud]

[member="Magdalena Lethe"]

Jaster stood by as the other buisness people offered their theory's to how this how this women was to progress in her product. Jasters grandfather had once stated that no person has achieved greatness by tip-toeing through the ages. He knew this and build it into his buisness plan, one needed to spend money in order to make money. If he believed in this project then he knew that it would be grow. He was still interested in full investment of this project and assist in development of whatever the young women would need.

"I still am interested in your project, though I would like to ask, how would you secure the information needed to complete this project?" Jaster looked at the young women with a concerning eye, "You see if I am to place these terminals within my stations I would like to know if the information would be complete."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Magdalena Lethe"]

Danger would gaze upon the brunette with a wider smile, giving an incline of her head just so. She was looking forward to what Miz. Lethe would do and the mark upon the galaxy she would leave when she was done.

"The 'Verse is your oyster Miz. Lethe. Clear skies." She said warmly.

 

[Magdalena Lethe]

"Thank you, Miss Arceneau," Magda watched the woman's image blip from the conference call.

"Viceroy, are you referring to simply data collection? That will be achieved with GUIDE Scouts. Employees whose time will be dedicated strictly to exploration of assigned sectors of the galaxy. The data they collect on local hyperlanes and trade routes, businesses and locations, people and places - all will be transmitted to HQ where it will be entered into the GUIDE's main database and then broadcast upon completion...with the help of your relays, if you are so inclined. Does that answer your question?"

[member="Jaster of Clan Awaud"]

 

[Jaster Awaud]

[member="Magdalena Lethe"]

Jaster was interested in the Information Scouts, and slightly worried. Many governments such as the Galactic Empire of the Sith would die before letting the truth be spread, some of the scouts may be captured and forced to spread their lies. In some cases the GUIDE could be used to spread the propaganda of other nations to win their conflicts. He couldn't worry about those now, after all, their leader was now in charge of their safety, Jaster was just glad to have a new informational network to spread throught the Unknown Region. He would have to incorporate the GUIDE Terminals into all of his stations now. Even start construction on the Relay Beacons.

"I believe that will be all the answer I will need for now, though I will need to speak with you privately about how you would like us at the Trade Conglomerate to construct your GUIDE Relay Beacons, to assist with your information network."

 

[Magdalena Lethe]

"Wonderful! Thank you very much Viceroy. I'll be seeing to private meetings with each of the GUIDE Investors as a follow up. You can expect to be hearing from me in short order after today."

Truly [member="Jaster of Clan Awaud"]'s contribution was motivating. Certainly ships and transports and money were necessary, but without these relay stations there would be no sense to all of this. The Viceroy's contribution would be one of the key elements to truly getting The Guide off the ground. This in mind, Magda turned to look at [member="Ali Hadrix"].

"Miss Hadrix, did you have any further questions, or any that I've missed thus far?"

 

[Sarge Potteiger]

"I'm a bit busy at the time being, Miss Lethe, so I'll keep it short - I've no specific aide I could give you, save some of the information from my own travels, but otherwise, I'd be happy to provide an initial investment of credits to get the first part of the guide done. The sooner you come out with that, the sooner you can find other investors, after all."

 

[Ali Hadrix]

Ali glanced up from a small datatablet upon which she'd been writing notes, nodding Magdalena's way. "You have a fifteen percent investment from myself, with an expected ten percent return, continuing." Ali left her other requirements unspoken, they would be shared with Magdalena in private, if at all. Ali would ensure each one of the girl's new data hubs was outfitted with the firmware GRIM needed to funnel data on subchannels from all over the Galaxy.

[member=Magdalena Lenthe]

 

[Magdalena Lethe]

"Thank you very much, Sir," Magda replied to [member="Sarge Potteiger"], "but ah, I'm afraid I have no information on you. What name shall I put your investment under and how shall I get in contact with you for future discussions?"

Her attention then turned to [member="Ali Hadrix"], smile widening somewhat, "And thank you Miss Hadrix. Just quickly - you said 15% ... of what, exactly? I never named a set monetary amount, as I'm happy to allow GUIDE Investors to pick what feels right for them."

 

[Ali Hadrix]

Ali acknowledged the girl's confusion with a nod. "We will provide fifteen percent of your need; the initial ask couldn't possibly stretch into the unreasonable."

[member=Magdalena Lethe]

 

[Sarge Potteiger]

"Thank you very much, Sir," Magda replied to Sarge Potteiger, "but ah, I'm afraid I have no information on you. What name shall I put your investment under and how shall I get in contact with you for future discussions?"

"You'll be given a frequency, and don't worry about a name just yet. I'm simply a private individual happy to see someone working on something for the good of travelers everywhere."