Private A Meeting of Minds.

[Liin Terallo]

I found it to be a little disheartening to hear that N&Z Umbrella Corporation has very few meetings among it's members of the Board outside of perhaps some quarterly reports. It made me wonder how the various divisions all functioned together. When do they get to vote on either this direction or that? I myself come from a Board of Directors where are meetings are quite frequent; sometimes more than twice per month depending on the urgency of the issue.

But rarely? If at all? That just does not sit well with me. At least not at this early stage of my newest position.

I want to learn about the others that I am to work with. I need to see them and converse with them face to face. The Marquis gave me the name and image of one such a man that I can reach out to; the Director of the EnSol Division.

And so it is without delay that I send him a brief message:

~Greetings Director Von Strauss,

I am Director Terallo of NCBC under the direction of N&Z Laboratories. I would be honored if we could have a small meeting between the two of us. I am willing to travel to wherever you'd like to for it. Alternatively, you are welcome to NCBC Headquarters on New Cov.

I look forward to your response.

Director Terallo.~

Tag: Karl Von Strauss

 

[Karl Von Strauss]

​

Karl was sitting at his desk in The Nucleus, buried in piles of datapads and paperwork. Being both a Director and a Sector Moff had its advantages, but was also fraught with the largest disadvantage of them all: clerical work. He had two teams of assistants working for him, a duo from the Empire of the Lost and another duo from N&Z EnSol. There was a knock on the door, and Senior Assistant Milton Flight, one of the two from EnSol, entered the room.

"Director, you've received a missive from a..." he looks down at his datapad, "...a Director Liin Terallo of NCBC. They are a subsidiary of Umbrella, recently brought into the fold." Milton approached the desk and handed the pad over to Karl.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Flight." He looked over the missive with peaked curiosity. He hasn't had a meeting with the board yet, so a meeting with another director would be beneficial. A meeting of the minds, some might say. He looked toward Milton, "Mr. Flight, please ready one of the Quarren Corvettes for travel within the hour."

"Yes of course Director Von Strauss. Should I prepare your usual security?"

"No, one squad of Deathtroopers and C1RC3 should be enough. But also have Banshee Squadron follow us." Karl replied as Milton Flight exited the room.

He would reply to Director Terallo:

~Salutations Director Terallo,

I am most pleased to accept this gracious invitation of yours. I have often wished to view the domed cities of New Cov and meet with other directors under the banner of N&Z. I am preparing a small corvette for travel, as well as a small contingent of security forces, hopefully, that is not a worry. If anything I can make sure that they are out of sight and mind. I look forward to meeting you soon.

Karl Von Strauss
Moff of the Mon Calamari Sector
Director of N&Z EnSol~

Tag: Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

I had half expected for a reply to come much later than it had. But this quick reply was a welcomed one! It made me smile as I read it, and just knowing that other Directors were of a like mind had put me at ease. The added note about his security detail did touch on my nerves a little, but then I am reminded that we are on the same side, so to speak. I had nothing to worry about there.

Immediately I crafted my response:

~Director Van Strauss,

Thank you for your quick response. And I am most pleased that you are accepting my invitation. I shall attach the co-ordinates and once your ship is in orbit, the port authority will give you the passcode to grant you access to the Ilic City dome. Lodgings will be provided should they be required. Our meeting will take place in my office at NCBC Headquarters.

I look forward to our discussions.

Respectfully,

Director Liin Terallo.~

If things go well, then perhaps I will give him a tour of the labs. Otherwise all business shall be conducted in my office. I just hope that the sight of his security does not bring about any feelings from the past attack. I have done my very best to put it all behind me. However I have not yet gotten to test that out just yet.

Tag: Karl Von Strauss

 

[Karl Von Strauss]

Karl looked at his datapad on the shuttle ride to the Corvette. He had also not expected a response this swiftly but was honestly thankful for it. His patience had been tested these last few months going back and forth between the various shipyards under his purview; he'd respond to their messages quickly but it took them ages to write back.

As he walked onto the Corvette's bridge, he felt a sharp pain in his left leg, a reminder of the last time he had been on a bridge. He no longer needed a cane to walk; the weeks of physical therapy had allowed him to regain most of his strength and stability. He stood, leaning on the command podium, and addressed the crew.

"Helmsman, make a heading for New Cov. These coordinates should put us where we need to be," he said, handing over his datapad. "Thank you, and make way as soon as you're ready."

He left the podium and made his way to the very small captain's quarters; a small jaunt down steep stairs from the bridge. Once there he sat down at the desk and began to research what he could on his fellow director, not to dig up dirt, but to learn about her so that way he wouldn't be behind in conversation.

A while later...

There was a knock on the quarter's door, as a fully armored deathtrooper sergeant walked in, helmet under his arm and saluted. "Moff Von Strauss, we will arrive at the specified coordinates in a few minutes. Is there anything you need from me? Any special orders?"

"Ah, yes. There was something I wanted to ask if you could do." Karl said standing up, "Can you go light on the armor and weapons this time around? Wear civvies, chest armor, and pistols. There was a previous attack on New Cov involving imperial troopers, and I'd rather not stir anything up."

"Yes sir, that can be arranged. I'll tell the boys to stop armoring up and armor down instead." The sergeant replied, saluting and leaving.

Karl made his way the the bridge and took in the sight of hyperspace before it ended, a bright planet before him. New Cov, a planet covered in treacherous flora and fauna; it was a sight to behold, he could see the domes that dot its surface.

"Transmit our codes to the port authority and await further instructions. Thank you crew for getting us here." Karl said, always grateful for his crews.

Tags: Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

I knew that it would not be too long for his arrival. The time inbetween from my last message until the time that the port authority let me know of the ship's arrival gave me all that I needed to prepare for this visit.

As always refreshments were prepared at the very end. The weather was beautiful and so the sun shone brightly through my tall windows, reflecting on all of the dark floorboards and furnature. I always appreciated the warmth that it brought. It was as though the day was embracing me in a gentle hug, and I appreciated those very small moments of spare time, however fleeting.

Once his ship came into orbit and the passcodes into the dome's vent pipe was given, their smaller transport vessels were allowed entry. I knew that it would not be long from that point.

In the meantime, I checked on my appearance, being sure that I looked my best and that every strand of hair was in it's place before slipping out of my office. I plan on meeting the Director at the lobby of course, with the staff accompaning me. I'm certain that it was easy to see how eager that I was over getting to converse with a fellow director. Yet I did everything to ground myself and maintain my perfect poise and composure.

Standing in the middle of the lobby floor with my hands gently clasped in front of me, I await his arrival to NCBC's Heaquarter's door.

Tag: Karl Von Strauss

 

[Karl Von Strauss]

The shuttle ride was nice, Karl was up from his seat when allowed to look out of the windows at the domed cities in amazement and awe. Milton Flight, his assistant, was right behind him looking in awe, and to catch the older director if he was to fall. Upon landing he exited the craft flanked by his guard of casualized deathtroopers and was greeted by representatives of NCBC that showed him to a vehicle for transport.

Before leaving he turned to the sergeant and asked for four of his guards to be left at the landing pad. One to reduce the risk of bringing up past events and two to make sure nothing untoward happened to his shuttle. As he left, however, C1RC3 materialized beside him, freaking Milton out for a moment.

"I did not detect any hostility in the area." She said.

"I doubt there would be. We are in, essentially, a safe space far from our war with TAC. We can relax a bit." He replied to her.

After a quick jaunt around the city, Karl appreciating the sights the entire way, they stopped in front of a large building that Karl assumed to be the NCBC's headquarters. Standing before him when he entered was the illustrious Liin Terallo.

"My, my. Director Terallo, like yourself, your city is wonderfully beautiful. Thank you for inviting me here, I am grateful to be able to meet you in person." He said with a smile that showed his crow's feet. He reached out to offer a handshake to her.

Tag: Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

Meeting him in the lobby was in one way very helpful for me. It limited the reaccurance of past trauma. In this way I know that all of the precautions have been met. Yet given that my guest is in a sense, a felliw co-worker, such precautions aren't entirely warranted. Still, my staff look out for me and my well being.

As the doors open, I put on a gracious smile befitting a proper host. His compliments bring about an even brighter smile, and I place my hand into his own. "You flatter me, Director Von Strauss. It is indeed a pleasure to have you here. Shall we head to my office? There are some refreshments waiting for us there and I'm sure that you'll find the view to be stunning."

I gesture for him to follow me to the lift. It is never a long journey to my office, so there is very little need for me to fill up the time with a lot of small talk. Usually just one question and answet is enough to fill the time. And as though it was a routine, I find myself asking it; "I trust that your journey to New Cov was untroubled?"

Tag: Karl Von Strauss

 

[Karl Von Strauss]

Karl smiled as she spoke. He was honestly glad to be far far away from the troubles of the war. Being in the house of another Director of N&Z was relaxing, something he could do before he was promoted to Moff after Teckla's ascension to her position over the Crusaders and her Quasesitorum as Grandmaster.

He followed her to the lift, his guard left behind, and stepped on it as Liin asked her question,

"I trust that your journey to New Cov was untroubled?"

"Yes, it went rather smoothly. The Corvette I took wasn't of my design, but it was comfortable. Maybe one day I can have you aboard one of my ships? Or I could even design a ship for you?" He said smiling. He didn't get many of them, but he loved doing personal projects for people he considered friends. Or people he was beginning friendships with.

Then the elevator dinged and opened up to Director Terallo's office. He gestured for her to exit first.

"After you."

Tags: Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

To be invited on board of one of his ships. I can only imagine how massive they would be. I, myself have not been on many outside of shuttles and small transports. And the suggestion of having one of my own? That was something that had never come to mind before.

I bow my head as he gestures and indicates that I am to proceed first. And I do. I step past him through the door into my lavishly decorated office. The woods were all dark, the windows were tall, allowing in plenty of natural light. Paintings and sculptures adorn the walls, as well as a tall bookshelf. A comfortable sofa sits to one side, accompanied by two chairs and a coffee table. Many of my hours and sometimes my nights have been spent there. A side table holds a variety of refreshments and drinks for our liking.

"I would be delighted to visit one of your ships. It is not often that I would receive such an offer."

I make my way towards the refreshments and pause in front of it. "Please help yourself to whatever you fancy."

As I wait for him to either decline or to make his choice, I comment on his other statement. "I cannot say that I have ever had a ship of my own. The thought had never crossed my mind for I surely have never been near the pilot's chair. I would not know where to start in choosing."

Tag: Karl Von Strauss

 

[Karl Von Strauss]

As he stepped into Liin's office, he was first greeted by the smell of a lovely selection of refreshments and then by the wood furniture. It reminded him of his first destroyer, the Anastasia, and how he ripped out the metal door to his office and replaced it with a heavy dark wooden door. It leaked sound but ultimately reminded him of home.

He was glad to hear her interest in the offer. Not many people toured his ships, of course, people served tours in his military ships. However, not many people other than the engineers he worked with appreciated the craftsmanship. He stepped towards the refreshment table. He picked up a small cup and saucer and filled it with what he assumed to be a local herbal tea. Not wanting to disrupt the flavors, he didn't put anything in it.

"I cannot say that I have ever had a ship of my own. The thought had never crossed my mind for I surely have never been near the pilot's chair. I would not know where to start in choosing."

"I cannot pilot to save my life. I'm just atrocious at, but designing is my bread and butter." He took a small sip of his tea. It felt great, its warmth radiating to all corners of his body. He felt that he could feel it in his left leg, but knew that was just the FAE system. "While I mostly design larger military vessels, I want to branch into civilian ones. I personally own a customized Courier Yacht, it is spacious, but not truly mine. They say that the ship you choose is a reflection of yourself, an extension."

He let that stew in the air a moment before continuing. "But, I think designing your own is much better than purchasing one that is mass-produced. Then it truly is a reflection, because YOU built it." He smiled and took another sip of his tea, his face would show that he thoroughly enjoys the flavor. He was hinting that he'd design her a ship if she asked, but he wouldn't push for it, he is a gentleman after all.

TAG: Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

While the Director poured himself a cup of tea, I pour myself a glass of wine. It is my go-to drink for the most part. There are so many different flavors and each help me to get through the day all the better. I do not consider myself an alchoholic, for I have gone days without any wine. But those days are of when I am working within the labs. There is no drinking in the labs for obvious reasons.

Sipping my wine, I follow that up with a smile as the Director tells me that he has no piloting skills either. It makes me wonder if such a thing is common among engineers and architects of such impressive spacecraft.

"I cannot say that I have ever considered the idea that a ship is reflective of the person that owns it. But now that you have brought it up, I will certainly pay closer attention." With a small gesture, I lead him over to the chairs, taking one for myself to sit. As always my posture is straight and perfect. Gently, I rest my glass on my lap with the stem cradled in the fingers of my left hand.

"I have not travelled off-world very much to have visited any number of vessels. So I could hardly pretend to know of which type that I would prefer or which would be better suited for me. Yet if you do not mind, I could really use your expertise."

Tag: Karl Von Strauss

 

[Karl Von Strauss]

Karl graciously followed Liin to the seating arrangement. He sits in the other chair, setting his saucer and cup on his left leg. He reaches over and rubs his knee; he wasn't accustomed to his prosthetic yet, but anyway, it was just a half-measure while the EnSol team designed a newer, better one.

He listened to Liin talk. He was a little saddened by her mentioning that she hadn't gotten off-world much. Karl believed the stars and the vastness of space were meant to be traveled, and by the force, he'd design a ship so she could. So when she mentioned needing his expertise he couldn't help but smile.

"Of course Director Terallo, you may call upon my expertise whenever you desire." He takes a sip. "Would you want it to be a personal or company vessel? Or would you want something that could function as both? And what amenities can you positively cannot live without?"

He was already beginning to sketch something in his head and her answers would influence and alter the design. He was enjoying himself, something he hadn't been doing recently after the last invasion into TAC territory.

Tag: Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

I bow my head in thanks as the Director agrees to lend me his expertise. I sip my wine as he sips his tea. But no sooner did I do that that he followed up a few questions in regards to what I would like for a vessel of my own.

"Those are great questions. And to answer them in order of difficulty; I would have to say that a vessel well suited to both personal and company use would be best." I do not get much by the way of personal time other than when I go to sleep at night, but now that I am no longer governing New Cov, I might have some personal time. And I would love to use that time for travelling to different worlds and to experience environments that New Cov does not have. Such as beaches, snowy tundra and dry deserts.

"I would need my own quarters and an office. A meeting room would also be required, as well as a small laboratory. There should be enough room for cargo in case I am transporting some of my projects with me, and proper defences as well in the off chance that we are attacked."

I pause for a moment as I have another sip of mine. I lower my voice just a touch as though I was indulging him in on a little secret, which in truth was partially the case. "I am soon to start development on unique hull plating infused with biomolecules in such a way that I hope it would lose the magnetism of the metal. I feel that such plating could be useful around airlocks, cargobay doors and the lower hull where typical maglocks are placed at spaceports. These could help prevent unwanted boarding and capture. What do you think of that idea?"

Tag: Karl Von Strauss

 

[Karl Von Strauss]

Karl listened with eagerness as Liin listed out specifics of what she'd want out of a personal craft. Personal and company use? Absolutely. Personal space, a meeting room, laboratory, and cargo space? Absolutely doable. Top-notch defense? Of course. Karl's mind raced as he began to solidify a design in his head, taking down mental notes as she spoke.

"Something along the lines of a smaller corvette about seventy to one hundred meters would suffice. The J-Type 327 from Nubia is the first comparable thing that comes to mind. Unfortunately, that one is only for the royal family, but something along that floor plan might work." Karl said scratching the side of his head. "And for defenses, we can absolutely go with the best shields that money can buy and a few point-defense laser cannons or perhaps tensor weapons if you want to go the nonlethal route."

Then she mentioned an interesting piece of hardware she was developing. A plating that is infused with biomolecules. Interesting he thought. Karl knew very little of the ability of biomolecules that her company was famous for, only that they were expensive and hard to produce. And geologically locked to New Cov. He was more than excited, he wanted to get his hand on it. Karl loved new tech, it always excited him. Fortunately for him, Liin and he were essentially partners now in a larger corporation, he would probably be one of the first people to see this tech when it is eventually revealed. So he just had to wait, but it would be like a kid waiting to open gifts on Life Day.

"Now that sounds most interesting. I would have to see the metal in action, but the concept sounds most promising." Karl took a sip of his tea and laughed to himself for a moment. "I do have to say though, I have no idea how your biomolecules work I'm afraid. I'm sure you and your company want it that way. Maybe one day you can explain things to me or maybe I'll even have the honor and privilege to work with such a material. But for now that ball is firmly in your court."

Tag: Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

I am certainly not of any royal lineage. There was no monarchy on New Cov. And I had given up my seat as it's ruler to better focus on our industry. So that fully took me out of the running for any royal classed vessel. However if the layout was practical, then something similar will be suitable.

"As much as I have never harmed a soul, myself. That does not mean that others have not tried to harm me or worse. There are times unfortnately when lethal force is warranted."

I sipped my drink as my fellow Director relayed his thoughts on my idea. He seemed very eager to try it out. As was I. Smiling, I shared in his enthusiasm. It nearly equalled my own. "Biomolecules are quite versatile. But one needs to know how to work them properly. When the new dome and labs are completed and some projects are underway, I will be happy to show you some of what we are working on. It will be the least that I could do for your expertise and design work."

Tag: Karl Von Strauss

 

[Karl Von Strauss]

Karl listened as she mentioned that she'd never harmed a soul, that was something that he had that she didn't. He had ordered the trigger pulls that ended many lives, although it was never something that he boasted about, and hopefully something that she'd never have to worry about. "We live in a galaxy where everyone wants an edge. Be that monetary or technological, and they aren't afraid to take someone else's. Only the force knows people have tried to end me for my ideas." He responded.

He took a sip of his tea looking out the window, he had unintentionally gotten a bit dark. Hopefully, he could recover. But before he could say anything she moved on to another topic. He listened with interest as she talked about biomolecules and the promise of a tour. His mouth was slightly agape, sharing in her excitement.

"I don't know what to say, but thank you so much for even offering me that amazing opportunity. I look forward to learning something new." He was excited; new knowledge always excited Karl. From his youth to his now older age, learning was thrilling.

Tag: Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

I find it rather odd that people would want to kill Karl because of an idea. Ideas do not always come to fruition. Some ideas remain forever in that state. I have some of my own that have not been made into real things. And there are some ideas that I have for my life that also will remain only in my thoughts. But it does no good to dwell on them, lest one becomes depressed.

I offer a polite smile and bow of my head as Karl seems very pleased with my offer of a tour. I can hear the delight at the prospect in his voice. "I will be sure to notify you when it is ready. And perhaps, if you are available, you may get a sneak peek before the big opening ceremony." I do not plan to show him everything inside of the laboratories. Yet I will show him more than most.

Yet now onto another matter, one dealing with the ship that he intends to design for me. "For the interior design, such as the aesthetics of the colors, I shall leave that all up to you. I carry no favor in terms of color." And that is the honest truth. Being color-blind, I have no favorite. Some of the colors look the exact same as the others to me. I had encountered that issue during my youth. So I made it a habit to tell people that I never had a preference at all.

Tag: Karl Von Strauss

 

[Karl Von Strauss]

"I will be sure to notify you when it is ready. And perhaps, if you are available, you may get a sneak peek before the big opening ceremony."

"That would be most splendid," Karl replied, "Ilic already has taken my breath away. I can't wait for it to happen again."

Then as the conversation moved back to the design of her private vessel. He was quite surprised when she mentioned that she didn't have a favorite color. Though unusual, not the weirdest request he's ever heard of. "I suppose a neutral color could suffice for the interior. But what about furniture? Would you want something modern, classic, contemporary, or something completely different?"

He pulled out a small disc from his pocket and fiddled with it for a moment, then placed it on the table in front of them. A hologram of Karl's ship Celestia is displayed. "This is my ship, Celestia. She's a classic design with modern features. And if I zoom in," He places two fingers together on the image and then spreads them apart, shooting the view into one of the ship's rooms. It was a long room with multiple tables with scientific equipment and prototypers, and at the end of the room was a smaller secondary room separated by tinted polycarbonite with a large wooden desk, a high-backed chair, and a small offset seating arrangement. "This is my lab and office. Equipped with modern technology it's everything I need. And my quarters can only be reached through my office, no one can just waltz in."

Tag: Liin Terallo

 

[Liin Terallo]

I smile at his comments. At least some do not find New Cov to be drab and boring. It surely is not Coruscant afterall.

With a slight tilt of my head, I quietly ponder on the furniture and interior design of my ship. Something comfortable would be best. Afterall, if I am to be travelling more than normal, it should at least feel a bit like home. "Perhaps something akin to the decor here? If it is at all possible."

My attention turns to the hologram of his ship. I cannot help but smile as I appreciate the design. A fully functioning lab, an adjacent office as well as personal quarters that cannot be accessed easily. How very splendid. "I do like that concept very much. And is the door to your quarters hidden? Perhaps behind a moving shelf or cupboard? Or would that not be ideal on a ship as opposed to a building? I am a very private person and I would hate for any trespasser to find their way into my quarters." I will of course abide by whatever he seems is possible. This is his area of expertise, afterall.

Tag: Karl Von Strauss