Beaches of the Light Side

[Dunames Lopez]

After the multiple failures of the Beaches of the Dark Side line on Glee Anselm, Cademimu, Dubrillion and Kothlis with that line of travel packages being restricted to Lanteeb, it was time for Star Tours to refocus on the complimentary Beaches of the Light Side line of vacation packages; to their eyes, there were those who would rather be on a beach to rest and repair the psychological damage they suffered to the hands of the One Sith or on Coruscant when the Alliance took the fight to them. In her ship office, parked on Jiroch-Reslia on the maiden flight of the Moonlight Monument service, she writes a letter to the Alliance, whom she helped in rebuilding Coruscant while using the heavy lifters in the current Star Tours fleet: the Exodus, the Terminus and the Rasta Sub.

------------------------------

ATTN: Zonia Kalranoos

Greetings. We have had difficulties implementing the Beaches of the Dark Side line of travel vacations, so we seek to go the other way and launch a Beaches of the Light Side line instead. It has come to our attention that the Planetary Development Project of the Galactic Alliance is seeking projects to help develop Alliance planets, much like General Poof did on Malastare with his company, IGR Brokerage. Several pilots described Dulvoyinn as being too hot for their own comfort wearing flight suits so it would be suitable for tropical vacations provided a proper location is found on the planet.

Potential clients include refugees displaced from several systems, like Empress Teta, Teyan, Kalist, Zamael and Ghiltomiel, that the Alliance all captured in the Run to Coruscant, who would happily vacation on Dulvoyinn while their homes are being rebuilt.

P.S.: I'm unable to use the Force so that should inform you as to the security precautions required.

Dunames Lopez
CEO, Star Tours

-----------------------------

[member="Zonia Kalranoos"]

 

[Zonia Kalranoos]

Zonia barely peeled her eyes off the budget spreadsheet when the notification system chimed. Her hand idly reached for the datapad and opened the messaging interface. When one's office was underground, with no daylight, one could easily lose track of time. Her eyes were already sore from all the staring, perhaps it was time for sleep. She rubbed them, before opening the message. Quirking a curious brow at the content, she quickly utilized the search engine to familiarize herself with Star Tours company. A half an hour passes as the Prakithan read on, studied the balance sheet and browsed their holosite, before typing up a reply.

ATNN: [member="Dunames Lopez"]

Dear Ms.Lopez,

The Alliance is dedicated to restoring stability in the Core, which would include the return of tourism as one of the sectors most influenced by conflict. I'd like to use this opportunity to invite you to Dulvoyinn to survey locations for resorts and negotiate the terms of a potential joint venture. However, I'd need at least two weeks to prepare the project and have preliminary meetings with authorities. As you might know, the Galactic Alliance is just an overseeing authority and has no influence over the decision whether your project will be accepted by the local community. However, we are more than glad to offer our assistance so that your enterprise benefits all involved parties.

Let me know if we can meet planetside in fifteen solar days
Kindest regards
Zonia Kalranoos
Economist

Once the send button had been pushed, the Prakithan leaned back in her chair and yawned, then looked into her empty mug. She scooped it up from the table, aiming to refill it down the hall.

 

[Dunames Lopez]

-------------------------------

ATTN: [member="Zonia Kalranoos"]

I agree to meet planetside in fifteen standard days on Dulvoyinn. By now Dulvoyinn is of historical significance, despite its sparse population, hence why I feel that the local authorities will be likely to greenlight the project provided a proper survey has been conducted and a proper agreement is in place, especially in the light of the near-total economical neglect of past One Sith administrations. Plus a proper memorial monument with a full-size X-Wing sculpture will be commissioned to be placed at the front of the resort itself.

Dunames Lopez
CEO, Star Tours

-------------------------------

Two weeks later. Last she heard about Dulvoyinn, IGR opened a location on Dulvoyinn and she is just back from a visit on Druckenwell for the release of Dead Fantasy 2: Wookiee Zombies of the Galactic Republic. She might have been considered a darksider, but as far as she knew Star Tours was mostly harmless as a company. Plus Dulvoyinn was a rather sparsely-populated planet; a beach resort on Dulvoyinn would return a large amount of suitable locations. Plus veterans from Dulvoyinn, especially [member="Sieb Tevv"], said that the planet was of almost no strategic or economic interest at the time, and Ugohr claimed that Dulvoyinn was a non-factor in galactic real estate markets. In addition, the One Sith has been utterly incompetent in economic matters (and most dark-sided factions of recent history in general, with the notable exception of the First Order, which she is most commonly associated with) and the only good news from them economically is that they enacted a partial lift of a long-standing embargo on the Republic and, by extension, on all light-sided factions, but which would leave most PC-owned corporations unaffected because they are part of defense industries.

[member="Zonia Kalranoos"]

 

[Zonia Kalranoos]

The reply came back almost instantly, a familiar chime sounding just as Kalranoos returned with a refill of hot stimcaf. She placed the mug on the table and sat down to read Lopez's message. It was almost entertaining, the way businessmen literally donated money to build monuments that celebrated the victories of the Alliance. Personally, Zonia found her idea of a memorial site dedicated to fallen wingmen a noble idea, despite its sole intention was to flatter both the authorities and GA.

ATNN: [member="Dunames Lopez"]

We will discuss all terms and conditions face to face. I'll send you the coordinates in a standard week, once I fully survey candidate locations. I look forward to meeting you.

Best
Zonia Kalranoos

With those last words typed up, Zonia dropped the budgeting she was currently doing and began to prepare the project of turning a backwater planet into a tourist resort. She brought up a map of the planet, before reaching for the comm.
"Command?" she said, upon opening a channel - "I may have another investor. Tourism, this time around. Looks like I will need to catch a flight to Dulvoyinn."

Half a standard month later, Kalranoos sat inside a mobile tent gazebo which was installed on the shores of a beach near the planet's equator. Refreshments were readily served on the table, together with preliminary documentation Zonia already shared with CEO of Star Tours. She wore a light white suit which aimed to shield from the sizzling sun. Upon seeing a ship descend onto the shore some fifty meters away, the Prakithan rose from her seat and made way towards the lowering ramp to greet the newest investor.

"Welcome to Dulvoyinn, Ms.Lopez. Hope you had a pleasant flight." she greeted and extended her palm for a handshake.

 

[Dunames Lopez]

For once that she used the Pullman of Teth (even though it's a Neimoidian Yacht) to carry about a dozen passengers from Druckenwell to Dulvoyinn, with the materials brought in to build the monument, a few duracrete molds alongside about 50-60 tons of duracrete, Dunames lands at the rendezvous point Zonia told her to go to, close to a temporary gazebo near the planet's equator. But the duracrete and its molds are not yet to be unloaded. She wore a light suit that she would normally use at beach parties, and sunscreen (as she normally would on desert planets like Ringo Vinda's surface or Tatooine - the ring station of Ringo Vinda is more temperate, perhaps colder but nothing like that iceberg called Hoth).

"Welcome, Mrs. Kalranoos. I see that this location is a good place to deploy a beach resort capable of catering to the light-sided at a high standard of luxury at an affordable price. Compared to other worlds like Corulag or Glee Anselm, Dulvoyinn has the advantage of providing the product at lower costs, assuming local labor and materials are used"

She has received no response whatsoever from the One Sith regarding Glee Anselm; even with them lifting touristic embargoes, the One Sith is reluctant to do anything more than to ensure compliance of the Freedoms of Space (especially the third and fourth that is, the right to fly to and from a faction's space without interference, with the eighth as a corollary, flying inside a foreign faction, continuing to one's own faction).

[member="Zonia Kalranoos"]

 

[Zonia Kalranoos]

Zonia motioned her to follow her to the gazebo, where they discuss terms and conditions, go over the urbanistic plan and inspect blueprints Lopez promised to comission from an architect. It was nominally agreed that the entire complex should be in harmony with nature, not to disturb the scenic tropical landscape. When Lopez mentioned Glee Anself, Kalranoos lifted a brow.

"I'm afraid One Sith has no interest in tourism.Or any other constructive activity. It's not a part of their philosophy, to build things, for those other than themselves." the dark-haired woman commented briefly once they reached the welcoming shade of the gazebo - "But let's not waste breath on it. Please sit down."

The Prakithan took a seat at the square wooden table and poured two tall glasses filled with ice with a brilliant green fluid.
"May I offer you some iced Sapir tea, ms.Lopez?" she said and slid the glass to where Dunames decided to sit.

"You are lucky, you know. The local villagers were thrilled about the idea of a resort. But they have a few requests of their own. Nothing big." Kalranoos stated, formally opening the meeting.

[member="Dunames Lopez"]

 

[Dunames Lopez]

"Ah yes, the iced sapir tea. I'll take some"

Out of courtesy Dunames drank the iced sapir tea she was offered, and the preliminary blueprints of the urbanistic plan, alongside the resort itself were shown to her. Upon hearing the notion of requests from the local authorities as well as the local population, her eyebrows raised a little bit. She knew that local requests that were incompatible with the business could hurt - and that's precisely what sank Cademimu as one of the Beaches of the Dark Side destination. They nevertheless got the rights to use Flashpoint Spaceport.

"I understand that we want the complex to respect the tropical landscape and that the main entrance would be where the full-sized X-wing sculpture will be placed, but what are the requests the locals make?"

[member="Zonia Kalranoos"]

 

[Zonia Kalranoos]

Lopez shouldn't have been so surprised the local folk had some requests of their own. After all, she would have to devastate the pristine nature of the planet to build a resort that would match architecture standards. Zonia sat back into her chair and took another sip of tea before continuing -

"Firstly, farmers want to sell your resort their organic produce. Vegetables, fruits and grains. Their increased revenue should further their self-sustainability efforts." Kalranoos explained, before moving to her second point.

"Secondly, the fishermen want an exclusive contract of repurchase of fish. No imports."
A slight frown formed on Zonia's brow.
"The Alliance looks down on monopolistic licenses. If you are unable to match their prices, I'd suggest looking for another location."
Sea was rich with fish, enough to feed a small city for most of the year.
"Although, I can't guarantee we won't be met with similar requests elsewhere. The locals just want a piece of the pie."

An aide approached and placed a datapad on the table, containing information Zonia had requested.
"Thank you." she voiced, before reinstalling her attention on Lopez solely - "So, opinions?"

[member="Dunames Lopez"]

 

[Dunames Lopez]

"When I said local materials and labor, it didn't stop at the construction itself: it was also for consumables once the resort operates, and all the requests pertain to consumables on some level. Organic produce, seafood, after all, local food and cuisine is part of what made tourism appealing, so it's a request that could be accommodated"

But an all-inclusive resort would probably be asking for more than just the alcohol produced on Dulvoyinn: tihaar would be part of the game, as well as Jawa juice and other alcohol. Star Tours operated with a minimum of 82% local staff on each and every one of its resorts, both of which are in First Order space: the Seventh Heaven on Lanteeb, Mt. Ison on Hoth, where the predominantly Skel staff ran the resort. And Dulvoyinn would be no exception. What made it derail on Cademimu was the no-stay list requirement that the Mandalorian Empire (at the time) demanded to implement.

"And 50% locally-made alcohol, as well as a minimum of 82% local staff - that's also part of the game when it comes to Star Tours"

[member="Zonia Kalranoos"]

 

[Zonia Kalranoos]

"The farmers will be pleased by your corporate policy. It gives them a clear signal you are not here to simply exploit natural beauty for profit and leave nothing to the local community." the Prakithan stated with a small, satisfied half-smile. Lopez's proposal was more than generous on a number of accounts, but she had to conform, given the background of her company. Zonia was like a mole, thorough and unyielding until she would grasp every single aspect of the investment. Vested interests were her specialty.

Her fair features grew a notch darker as she leaned back into her chair, her gaze acquiring an inquisitive outlook.
"There is something else, ms.Lopez, that greatly interests me as an economist."

She picked up the datapad the aide had left on the table, her eyes scanning the document she had requested.

"You see, ms.Lopez, I am entrusted with this job because I am meticulous. I can trace trail of credits across the galaxy better than a hound sniffs the scent of an escaped convict. There is very little anyone can hide from me, finance-wise." she said sternly, but not in a threatening tone. Her demeanor was that of a professional who was merely doing her job, protecting the interests of the Alliance.

"Your trail ends with the First Order." she stated, before taking another sip of tea - "Care to explain?"

[member="Dunames Lopez"]

 

[Dunames Lopez]

"The First Order? Star Tours' primary business, shipping, is a business that binds all, light and dark. Trade and, by extension shipping and interstellar travel, was one of the few things that is similarly needed regardless of where you are"

Whereas the fortunes of defense industries were dependent on the map game, shipping did not. No more than agricultural industries or hypermatter industries would. Star Tours even served Zenithian territory for a reason: delivery of hypermatter from Bothawui out of Zenithian land, for which they had 50% market share in the export segment. To Dunames the Force-alignment of locations mattered only for regulatory matters such as enforcement of no-fly lists. But for actually building things such as a resort, better play it safe, and try to give the locals significant portions of the pie. Dulvoyinn would soon have the Tevv Bay Resort, for 200 rooms - because Dulvoyinn was still a relative unknown to the galaxy especially to people living outside Alliance territory, better not to overbuild.

"The First Order is by no means the only area of the galaxy in which Star Tours operate: we operate in Mandalorian territory, Sanctum territory, we serve destinations everywhere in the galaxy, even Eriadu in Alliance-land"

[member="Zonia Kalranoos"]

 

[Zonia Kalranoos]

"Of course, of course." Zonia reassured her, knowing all too well that trade was the backbone of the galaxy. Credits were exchanged, regardless of affiliation or allegiance. Perhaps the only binding glue, money, that kept the cosmos from collapsing in on itself. Perhaps the CEO of Star Tours needed a bit of a clarification.

"Your headquarters are stationed on First Order's financial capital. And I'd like to believe it is because of the tax breaks they give you. The favorable treatement by the internal revenue service, that kind of thing."

The Prakithan paused, fingers intertwining before her. She had direct experience with the First Order. They were up to no good, her gut feeling told her.

"Not that you are in any way favouring such a fascist regime." she stated firmly, but with no malicious intent - "You do understand that I am genuinely bothered by the Alliance's resources being used to fund such a political regime."

Her facial expression turned mildly sour. Their exposition reminded her of One Sith, a tyrannical regime that robbed Kalranoos of her entire family.

"I'll have some explaining to do, to my superiors. You should really come up with a solid reason why the center of operations of your company is where it currently is." she said, almost demanding some viable explanations - "Do not get me wrong. I want to see this project completed as much as you do. But, I will be asked questions."

[member="Dunames Lopez"]

 

[Dunames Lopez]

"It's mostly a question of tax breaks awarded by the First Order, and favorable fiscal treatment is given to corporations by First Order fiscal authorities so long as recipient corporations pledge not to actively produce weapons or armor, not to actively produce ships or not to actively produce any other materiel that would be actively used in combat, and so long as said pledges are honored by the recipients"

Said tax breaks allowed Star Tours to make improvements on its ships that enables Star Tours to fly their ships with a standard of luxury that is unparalleled in the galaxy, earning it several accolades, among which is the Most Improved Spaceline award by Hyperspace Traveler. And Star Tours was one of the major recipients of the tax breaks both Zonia and Dunames alluded to. Tax breaks that allowed Star Tours to use the saved money to build the most outlandish projects: podracing tracks on Cademimu and Lanteeb (only partially in these cases), a ski resort on Hoth, none of which involved defense in any shape or form. Star Tours did its best to honor the fiscal pacts they made with the First Order. These were breaks that, unfortunately, caused many ill-intentioned businessmen in First Order-land to start businesses and use shell companies, but their tax evasion schemes are often short-lived.

[member="Zonia Kalranoos"]

 

[Zonia Kalranoos]

"So, you are fine with them pursuing their ideology, no matter how morally questionable and just use the tax breaks?" Zonia asked, intentionally prodding to see if Lopez was indeed just a businesswoman, and not an active financial contributor to the political agenda of the First Order. As an economist, she could understand her neutrality since it was indeed favorable for business. Under ultraliberal capitalism, one could sell blasters to babies. Supply and demand...and nothing else. Besides, if anything was profitable in this conflict-ridden galaxy, it was the weapons industry. Kalranoos sometimes wondered if the galactic economy made anything else apart from guns.

However, there was only one way how Lopez's allegiance would be truly tested; by simply giving her a better offer. As the Alliance's economist, Zonia was at liberty to propose such minor deals.

"What if the Alliance would match the tax breaks and provide tax reductions on income tax on employees, together with a transport contract?" she offered over another sip of tea - "Would you be willing to relocate your headquarters to...let's say - Coruscant?"

[member="Dunames Lopez"]

 

[Dunames Lopez]

"Matching tax breaks would amount to splitting the functionality of headquarters in several zones, each with its own HQ, as far as Star Tours is concerned. You'd understand that Star Tours is too big for just one HQ: Dosuun could remain the southern headquarters, while Coruscant would be the central one, with Ringo Vinda the northern one under that scheme. With that said, perhaps an additional facility on another Alliance world between Dulvoyinn and Eriadu would be on the table, plus that offer would amount to extending what breaks I got for Coruscant's reconstruction"

While defense industries were perceived as profitable by many, even then some segments were somewhat neglected: for example minelaying/minesweeping, both in ground and in space. But from what Dunames knew, competition was very intense in the defense industries and, even in competition on monopolistic levels, the more entrants, the less the margins of profits were. Yet Star Tours simply became too big for just one HQ. In this Cold War environment, Dunames was caught between two fires: having to deal with both sides of the political coin for any business was uncomfortable, but she was able to do so because she didn't operate a defense contractor. If she operated a defense contractor, politics would determine who would buy their products, to a much greater extent than would be the case in shipping or entertainment. But becoming a defense contractor would void the First Order's tax breaks and that meant the financial end of Star Tours as everyone knew it.

"There is stuff I do not agree with, in the First Order case, such as the censorship of cultural works, which caused Star Tours not to be able to release horror holovids in FO space at all: the Alliance affords more artistic freedom"

[member="Zonia Kalranoos"]