Faction Core Defense | GA

[Alban Roble]

C O N T R A C T

CORUSCANT
FEDERAL DISTRICT

The sun shone brightly through sparse clouds over Coruscant’s federal district, the spires and domed governmental buildings sparkling with a metallic sheen. The capital of the Galactic Alliance was ever busy, and even Senator and corporate magnate Alban Roble couldn’t help but feel slightly insignificant on a world of trillions.

But insignificance didn’t get him to the position he was today. Roble Manufacturing was one of the largest corporations in the Galaxy with a reputation for their starships. Subsidiaries allowed them to branch out into droid manufacturing and biopharmaceuticals, among other products, but their primary industry focus was always starships. Before the collapse of the Confederacy, they had been the CIS’s primary shipbuilder. Now they had been left bereft of that wealthy market. Some of their sales were supplanted by business with the Mandalorians and various Outer Rim systems, but that still has yet to make up for the lucrative defense contracts they’d lost.

But for years now Alban had set himself on a much juicer prize: the Galactic Alliance and the Core. Though REC had dominated that market, their influence was beginning to wane. And the Galactic Alliance in the middle of an expansive war with the Brotherhood of the Maw, and tensions rising with the Empire, was a customer that could bring in credits that would make Roble’s former contracts look like small change. It was time to further propel Roble Manufacturing and Fondor onto the Galactic stage.

To that extent, Alban had arranged for a meeting with the Senate’s defense committee to establish the beginnings of a defense contract, hoping to win them over to Roble’s side.

Dracken Pryce | Donavon Arturo | Mazik Stazi​

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[Valery Noble]

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Location: Coruscant
Appearance: Link
Tag: Alban Roble Dracken Pryce Donavon Arturo Mazik Stazi

After the battles on Empress Teta and Tython, very few things were drawing Valery away from the frontlines. The Maw corridor into the core still existed and for as long as it would persist, no world in Alliance territory could truly be considered safe. With the Batorine incursion, she hoped the first steps to a liberation front were made, but there was still so much more that needed to be done.

However, she did make an exception for one meeting she heard about on Coruscant — defense contracts of this scale influenced the strength of the Alliance greatly, and thus the outcome of the war as well. So while she wasn't expecting to have any real say on the matter, Valery figured representing the Jedi could be beneficial to the relationship between the NJO and Alliance, and it was possible the Jedi would be using whatever new equipment was offered as well.

So after leaving behind her lightsabers on her ship, she stepped up to the meeting room and greeted those inside the room with a respectful bow of her head. "Apologies if I'm late, public transport is awful sometimes." She offered a smile and waited until she was addressed or the meeting would get started.

 

[Saro Nakaioma]

CORUSCANT
FEDERAL DISTRICT

Coruscant, home to Nakaioma's main headquarters and de-facto capital of the galaxy even in a time when it stood so divided. It was as nice a day as it could ever be in the planet-wide city's famous Federal District, beating heart of the Galactic Alliance and before it centuries of Imperial and Republic rule, the sun always happened to compliment the various silver domes and spires that made up Coruscant's galaxy-renowned architecture, and it provided such a good view to the Nakaioma Corporation's CEO as his slick black shuttle descended onto the landing platform just outside where he was due to meet the Senate's defense committee.

Invited by his counterpart over at Roble Manufacturing, Saro had been quick to accept the offer, his conglomerate's military-centric subsidiary; Nakaioma Defense Dynamics still reeling from the sudden loss of their would-be contract with the now extinct Confederate Armed Forces. The Core had always been a difficult market to tap into, there were always too many well-established manufacturers and too few clients willing to depart from the names they knew to make any real progress. Hopefully today there would be an opportunity to change that unfortunate state of affairs, Saro thought as he emerged from his shuttle and made his way towards the meeting room- entourage of assistants and advisors in-tow.

Already his firm had established potential clients in the form of the Chaldean Potentium and Constancia, with certain proponents in the planetary government of Eufornis having displayed interest also. This meeting with the Senate would provide an excellent meeting ground both for the arrangements Nakaioma had already made, as well as any opportunities to make friends with the Galactic Alliance as a whole. Entering the meeting room, Saro laid eyes on the already present guests, including several senators which he had previously spoken with and Ms. Valery Noble, a prominent member of the New Jedi Order, he was admittedly curious as to what her intentions at the meeting would be.

Taking his seat at the table, Saro exchanged pleasantries and considerate glances at the meeting's other present participants, "To begin, I'd like to thank Mr. Roble for setting up this meeting. I hope we can turn it into something productive for both our businesses, the Alliance and it's individual member worlds."

Tag: Alban Roble | Valery Noble | Chaldean Potentium | Xasha Callisto ​

 

[Ganner Threepwood]

Senator Toloth Threepwood was already seated in the meeting area when Nakaioma arrived. As was his custom, he wore sunglasses to protect his sensitive eyes against any bright lights, including the sunshine gleaming off the tops of nearby starscrapers through the window.

Upon noticing the well-known Jedi Master Valery Noble sitting at the table with them, Toloth frowned. He was equally curious as to why she was there, but his curiosity was edged with prejudice and paranoia. Standing behind him was a female Chaldean Mystic clad in a pale yellow habit. Mystics were not normally part of his entourage, but in matters of business, it had become almost standard procedure for Toloth to have at least one accompany him, if only for the extra security they provided against Force Users. He was very glad he had not neglected to summon one for this meeting, that was for sure.

“Good morning, Mr. Nakaioma, Mr. Roble,” Toloth greeted the two CEOs. “I am Senator Toloth Threepwood, here on behalf of the Chaldean Potentium. Given Chaldea’ proximity to the Brotherhood of the Maw, and our lack of a standing military, it should come as no surprise that we have begun to look into contracts in hopes of defending ourselves. What exactly is on offer here?”

Nakaioma, from what he understood, was mainly in the business of medical equipment. Roble was likewise an engineering company. Both dabbled in the production of armaments and other military-grade gear, but it was not their main focus.

Saro Nakaioma Alban Roble Valery Noble Xasha Callisto​

 

[Dracken Pryce]

@Valery Noble | Alban Roble | Saro Nakaioma | Donavon Arturo | Chaldean Potentium


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The war with the Brotherhood had reached new heights. The Alliance was still reeling from its bloody victory at Tython. With some of its most experienced generals and marine units missing in action, the Empire going through its own civil conflict, and the attacks from the Maw Corridor on the rise certain entities had decided to take advantage of the Alliance. The shipyards of Kuat, Corellia, Coruscant, and Billbringi were near to capacity and despite the Fondor Guild's promises of cooperation the yards remained primarily producing privately owned vessels. They knew what the Alliance wanted. But would they give it easily?

The doors hissed opened to a full room. More full than he had initially anticipated. He'd come in on the tail end of a question from the Chaldean Senator. He grimaced.

"Senator Threepwood, I appreciate you wanting to do good by your people, but this is a Defense Committee meeting." And how you found out about it I don't know, but someone is about to lose their job. "We're here to speak of the needs of the Alliance, not individual star clusters." Pryceinclined his head to Valery in a sign of respect.

"Master Noble, thank you for joining us. I know the invitation came a bit late. Do you have any updates on the whereabouts of Master San Tekka or Master Ridor?" There was a glint in his eye, a glimmer of hope for news of any kind in his grey-blue eyes.

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[Ganner Threepwood]

Toloth faced Pryce, his gaze unreadable behind his shades.

“I am aware that this began as a Defense Committee meeting. However, Mr. Nakaioma, with the consent of Mr. Roble, invited myself and Senator Xasha Callisto of Constancia to discuss defense contracts for our systems.” He gestured to Valery Noble. “Much like how you invited Master Noble, who I am certain is a member of no Federal Committee whatsoever.”

He folded his hands.

“But since the topic has come up, perhaps I should join the Defense Committee, if it would benefit Chaldea. Would you happen to have a blank application form available?”

Dracken Pryce Saro Nakaioma Alban Roble Valery Noble Xasha Callisto​

 

[Xasha Callisto]

Constancia​

Location: At arms Expo
Objective: Buy a new Defense Fleet for Constancia
Tags: Saro Nakaioma Alban Roble Dracken Pryce Chaldean Potentium Donavon Arturo Valery Noble

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Today had not been a good day for Senator Callisto, she had just travelled in her Fast Diplomat from a memorial service on Constancia straight to an arms expo to buy more weapons to continue the cycle. Constancia had of course sent soldiers along with the Alliance armed forces and many many fine citizens had lost their lives, but at least the Alliance had been victorious, that was the spin she had to put on it as the link between the planet and the Alliance, and for the most part her people celebrated the noble sacrifices.

But now it was time to shop for more implements of destruction. The edict from the chancellors office had left her world in the core without an alliance defence fleet, and with the casualties at Tython she knew would be at the back of the queue to get protection back, such was the risk of taking a stand in the Senate. But constancia was a proud and wealthy world, they would not cower behind their planetary shield and wait for the new move from the war, they would move to defend themselves.

Her government had somehow managed to pass through the 2% emergency civil defence tax to raise the funds, and now here she was, handing taxpayer money over to one corporation because the actions of a corporatism Chancellor, do the corpos ever lose in the long run. It made her angry, but at least this was money for something tangible that would provide security for their planet in the long term. That is why she was here and she had been open with the Senate about the Constancia desire to purchase its own defensive fleet, encouraging others to do similar.

The Constancian looked at the gathered businessmen, she knew Saro Nakaioma already, his company built a significant portion of the non-native atmospheric processors on Constancia and provided components for a lot of other systems. He was a Corpo to his very core, but she knew she could work with him. Alban Roble was more of a qeuation mark, his company had a good reputation for their products and she knew several organisations using his vessels, but he as a person, no idea at this point.

"Good day, gentleman, Senator Callisto of Constancia, its a pleasure to meet you all, Mr. Nakaioma, I hope everything is going well since out last meeting."

She tool a seat with the other delegates.

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[Liedran Kathause]

Saro Nakaioma , Alban Roble , Dracken Pryce ,Chaldean Potentium , Donavon Arturo , Valery Noble

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There was something about the pristine cityscapes that reminded her of Chandrila, Liedran mused, staring softly out of the corvette's pitifully downscaled viewport. The Imettra's ventral loading bay was spartan, to say the least. Its walls were sheets of pure metal and insulation components. The chairs were cheap, massable and modular units the crew had installed in orbit; and aside from the chairs, there were little to no other living accommodations. And yet... the admiral thought, yawning. Despite the dullness and the discomfort of the loading bay, she at least felt safe, adjusted; it was a sensation the polished and refined conference room, now only kilometers beneath her feet, could not provide.

High Command, much to Liedran's grim amusement at the time, had practically ordered her to attend the Defense Committee's meeting on Coruscant-- seeing as the 74th Flotilla was still recovering in spacedock, and an upbringing in the center of Chandrilan politics had rendered her well-suited toward surviving in a room of diplomats. It seemed pointless to argue with her superiors at the time, so rather uncharacteristically of her, the admiral departed with little more than a notification of her recognition.

Now she was beginning to regret that decision. The thought of being trapped with painfully out-of-touch bureaucrats for upwards of hours, all while the Alliance was still engaged in a melee with the Brotherhood, and fending off the cloaked aggressions of the Empire... it put guilt in her heart, more guilt pressed onto the scars of a long military tour.

The corvette touched down and a complement of landing gear burst from panels in its ventral hull. Seconds later, as Liedran unbuckled her crash belt and gingerly rose from her seat, the ship's first officer and a pair of marines came in through the door. She followed them to the wide loading ramp that had collapsed from the end of the bay, one step at a time absorbing more of Coruscant's busy atmosphere.

The admiral pivoted, saluted to Captain Midine's small detachment, and proceeded for the massive structure extending from the landscape of the Federal District.

"Rear Admiral Liedran Kathause of the Galactic Alliance Defense Fleet's 74th Expeditionary Flotilla," she made the mouthful of an introduction upon entering the conference room, switching from her harsher C.O's voice to that of a more reserved and polished Chandrilan diplomat. Proceeding for the seat that had been hastily reserved for her, the admiral put on an apologetic smile. "I hope I'm not too late."

Liedran appraised the rest of the room, first laying eyes on the subject of the committee's meaning, Alban Roble . Her eyes next found the widely paraded face of Dracken Pryce ; curiosity and relief quickly manifested on her own expression. Apparently she wasn't the only military officer in the room.

Her hands interlaced atop the table, the metal casing of her right hand locking with the gloved surface of her left.

 

[Valery Noble]

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Location: Coruscant
Appearance: Link
Tag: Alban Roble Dracken Pryce Donavon Arturo Mazik Stazi Saro Nakaioma Chaldean Potentium Xasha Callisto Liedran Kathause

While others joined the meeting room, Valery glanced around and greeted them quietly with nods of her head. The way some looked at her made it clear that they weren't quite sure as to why she was present, but it mattered very little to her. She joined on invitation of Dracken Pryce and felt strongly about representing the Jedi in an important meeting like this.

Finally, a question was directed at her, and she'd turn her eyes to Dracken, "Glad I could make it, and thank you for the invitation." She offered him a friendly smile and dipped her head to show equal respect, "As for the Jedi, I'm afraid there isn't much news. But knowing them a little, I remain hopeful that they'll find their way back."

It was likely not the answer he was looking for, and she wished there was more to share but, alas, there was nothing yet. Her gaze then shifted to the room again, and she quietly waited while others were getting seated. From the looks of it, this had grown beyond the original intentions of the meeting, but hopefully, it would still prove to be useful for the Alliance.

 

[Mazik Stazi]

Alban Roble Dracken Pryce Donavon Arturo Chaldean Potentium Xasha Callisto Liedran Kathause Valery Noble​

"Enough."

Mazik affixed both Senators Pryce and Threepwood with an openly hostile glare. Between them sat a political fluke who rarely disguised his emotions. If not for a wave military support and corporate donors an angry old sea dog like Stazi never would have been elected to Senate. His extrajudicial blockade of Byss had propelled the duros' career into infamy.

"This assembly will come to order," Senator Stazi raised his voice loud enough for everyone to hear, "Xa Fel is lost. Copero remains a frontline system. We must look to the Colonies and Inner Rim now for support."

Despite his age Mazik still spoke with the vigor of a much younger man. Vivid hand gestures and even a few table pounds helped to articulate his points.

"What is the status of the shipyards on Fondor?"

 

[Alban Roble]

C O N T R A C T

Tag: Dracken Pryce | Donavon Arturo | Mazik Stazi | Saro Nakaioma | Valery Noble | Chaldean Potentium | Xasha Callisto | Liedran Kathause

Senators. Their dithering and bickering were almost habitual. Efficiency was key to a businessman like Alban, and it had been partly why he'd chosen to remain out of politics when Fondor was a member of the Confederacy. That had brought its drawbacks too, and Fondor had lost too much -- and because of it, Roble Manufacturing -- to consider abstention when Fondor joined the Galactic Alliance. But that meant gritting through pointless arguing with a smile and charm.

It was a good thing that Alban had a lot to go around. As he reached the doors to the chamber, he stopped and composed himself. The intent, almost pathological stare turned into a congenial smile, and the doors opened to let the Senator of Fondor enter.

Walking into the chamber, he made his way around the table to the seat at the head, next to Dracken Pryce who was heading the committee. "Good to see you, Toloth," he said with a smile and clap on the back as he made his way past the Senator from Chaldea. Though the comment had enough plausible deniability to be harmless, it made clear where Alban stood with the uninvited guests; for him, it only meant more customers. He would not complain.

“Senators!” He was all smiles and congeniality as he took his seat. "I understand that times have made us all stressful. I share your concerns, I really do. Fondor has seen its own share of bloodshed. And now systems throughout the core are experiencing their own misfortunes. Its why I took it upon myself to call this meeting with the Defense Committee and other. . . guests of interest." He smiled and slapped the table next to Dracken, giving him a knowing wink although the two men in actuality shared little camaraderie with one another. "You see, I don't mean to be the one who calls out the bantha in the room, but I think that it is quite clear that the Alliance Defense Force is not up to the standard that it needs to be to protect our interests. Mauraders from the Unknown Regions run rampant in the Core, and we have to call on the galaxy's drivel just to temporarily beat them back? I have a vision of the Galactic Alliance's military being the pinnacle of technological might, an unrivaled force in the galaxy."

"That's why," he continued, extending a hand to Saro Nakaioma , "I and Saro have asked you to this meeting. Together we have begun the works of what I would like to call a re-modernization of the GADF. I hate to say it, but Republic Engineering is a company of the past. Their products are derivative and may look flashy, but barely check off the standards. And it does not need to be repeated, but they are not serving the Alliance's needs. Between Roble Manufacturing and Nakaioma Corporation, we will have a comprehensive renewal of GADF assets that will put the Core ahead of the curve. Observe."

From his suit pocket, he procured a miniature holoprojector, slick in design but functionally simple. It began to stream a miniature projection of a ship design, small in scale but clearly meant to be a miniature of a model that would be gargantuan in real life. "This is the current prototype design we have underway at Roble Manufacturing: the Tython-class Planetary Defender. It will be the first of a new generation of star cruisers built to defend the Alliance. And I'm sure Saro has a lot of prototypes and fancy toys to capture your attention as well."

"In addition, this proposal would include the modernizing of a fleet of Roble-made craft originally used by the Confederacy of Independent Systems, that are now decommissioned. I am talking of warships in the thousands that can be repurposed to defend the systems of the Alliance for a reduced cost. Systems like Chaldea and others looking to reinvigorate their planetary defense forces will find that these ships are still at peak performance, and well worth their credits; and if you doubt my word, just ask the Mandalorians, or read the action reports from Tython."

The starshipwright magnate, visionary, and Senator reclined in his chair. "There is a lot of red tape, to be sure, but I believe this is necessary to ensure a brighter future for our constituents, and may I daresay, the galaxy."
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[Saro Nakaioma]

CORUSCANT
FEDERAL DISTRICT

Mr. Roble had finally arrived, strolling into the room with an inherent charm and confidence Saro recognized all too well. Politicians- much like the average customer- were easily swayed by an outwardly friendly disposition, and any businessman worth his salt, from the lowest used speeder salesman to the highest megacorporation executive knew that to make money, one first had to make friends. Saro exchanged a polite, acknowledging nod with his Fondorian counterpart as the latter made his way to the head of the table, all the while preparing what he had to say to the senators that had quickly filled the room, both those whom were part of the Defense Committee and those whom were not.

Everything the namesake of Roble Manufacturing had to say rang true, both to Saro's own admittedly biased perception of galactic geopolitics and the readiness of the Alliance military as well as in reality. He was well aware that the Fondorian's expertise revolved foremost around starships and naval technology, an old and respectable trade if there ever was one, and a field he himself had been involved with more than once over the course of his premiership of the Nakaioma conglomerate. Fortunately for the pair of them, naval affairs were not the focus of Saro's attendance today, as the Coruscanti-born was instead looking to fulfil the new requirements of Alliance- and it's individual member worlds'- land power.

It would have been funny if not for the sad reality that the mere mention of Republic Engineering was enough to frustrate Saro, the centuries old corporation had held a virtual stranglehold over the Core's lucrative military market for as long as he could remember and even long before that. Pushing old grudges aside, however, Saro sent an appreciative smile Mr. Roble's way as the man's opening statement came to an end. The prototype the man had put on display was impressive to say the least, and it inspired confidence in what was perhaps their combined chances to sway the GADF over to their products. Now, it was his turn to impress, Saro standing up from where he previously sat to bring attention to himself amid the growing sea of Alliance officials.

"Thank you, Mr. Roble. I almost wish his words hadn't been so true, it's made making an impactful statement of my own much more difficult." He opened with a small jest. Beside him, one of his assistants placed a commercial holoprojector on the table, one manufactured by his Esashi subsidiary. "It's no doubt to anyone in this room that the Galactic Alliance Defense Force has been well-served by the products that have come to define it over these past years, but, of course this isn't the problem.. The problem is when past years turn to past decades. I'm sure the room's more militarily inclined occupants will agree that no matter how well a piece of equipment performs, it cannot be in service forever. And even now the enemies of democracy, whether they be Imperial or Mawite in nature are innovating and refining their weapons of war."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing, it was true, after all. "Yet, myself and I'm sure Mr. Roble too fear that the Alliance has become complacent with it's own technologies, and I personally believe it was this complacency which allowed the savages of the Maw to penetrate so deeply into Alliance space to begin with."

The holoprojector on the table beside him lit up, transparent images of several different blueprints filling the air above the room's inhabitants. "And so, as Mr. Roble has already stated, what we propose is a re-modernization of the GADF. Nakaioma Defense Dynamics, a subsidiary of my own business has designed and developed a number of prototypes for the Alliance Army and Marine Corps. Everything from tanks to infantry weapons, we aim to give the defenders of the Core the technological and firepower advantage they so rightfully deserve. Our already extensive, state-of-the-art inventory, and the battle-proven results of our pre-existing equipment is proof that we're capable of fulfilling the Alliance's defense requirements in this new, dangerous era of galactic history."

"As a taste of what we have to offer, this is a prototype design for our M86/A Infantry Protection System. Boasting improved electronics, far bulkier armor than it's predecessor and highly modular settings, allowing it to be outfitted with any number of configurations for whichever environment combat operations are taking place in, we hope to make this the standard armor for the GADF Army, with a lighter, space-certified variation to be developed for the Marine Corps upon approval. I concur with Mr. Roble that change is necessary to a brighter future for your constituents, but I would even add that it is necessary to ensure your constituents stay free from the evils of imperialism and the Dark Side." The holoprojector displayed an image of the design for a few more moments after Saro was finished before it disappeared, and the CEO sat back down in his seat, glancing across the table at the members of the Defense Committee, Chaldean and Constancian representatives to get a read on their responses.

Tag: Alban Roble | Valery Noble | Chaldean Potentium | Xasha Callisto | Mazik Stazi | Liedran Kathause | Dracken Pryce ​

 

[Dracken Pryce]

Mazik Stazi | Alban Roble | Valery Noble | Chaldean Potentium | Xasha Callisto | Liedran Kathause | Saro Nakaioma

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It had been a long, long time since Mazik Stazi had been a superior officer to Dracken but his voice still brought him to attention. He shot the Chaldean senator a withering glance before thanking Master Noble and taking his own seat. He offered a plaintive smile to Liedran and motioned for her to sit while the others spoke. Mazik's words rang true while the salesmen...Well, they were salesmen.

"While I appreciate the, uh, enthusiasm, about your weapons and vessels, you aren't here to wow us with new lines of ship or to replace perceived outdated tech. The fact of the matter is, most of the vessels on the frontlines today have been in service for less than a decade." Though he did like the look of the Tython-class he had to be more realistic with his goals. "The Maw field hunks of junk, uglies in reality, and their only real firepower comes in the form of the limited vessels belonging to the Final Dawn like its dreadnoughts. What we need is, as Stazi asked, we need the Fondor Guild. We need the yards." His gaze fell reluctantly on the guest senators but he pushed on anyway. Dracken folded his arms. How much would that cost him, he wondered. Would it be more than Roble would be willing to give? What about the rest of the senate. The Defense Committee would have to bring the offer back and if it didn't fit into their most recent spending bill...Well he didn't want to think of the headache that would cause.

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[Alban Roble]

C O N T R A C T​

Tag: Dracken Pryce | Donavon Arturo | Mazik Stazi | Saro Nakaioma | Valery Noble | Chaldean Potentium | Xasha Callisto | Liedran Kathause

Nakaioma contributed with his own impressive display, and Alban had to check himself to make sure that his gaze wasn't too. . . predatorial. The two megacorporations were allies of convenience, not principle, and they both knew it wouldn't be long before Roble and Nakaioma would be vying for supremacy in the Core. Unfortunately, Pryce did not seem particularly entranced by either, though Alban caught his lingering gaze at the projection of the prototype Star Defender. His tone indicated that he was not here as a customer, but rather as a renter looking to acquire a lease to Fondor's greatest prize: the shipyards.

"Ah, if only they were mine to give," Alban smiled with a mock show of exaggerated exasperation at the tenacity of Fondor Shipyards. The truth of the matter was that they quite were his to give; Roble Manufacturing held a stark majority of Fondor's shipyard infrastructure and the rest of the Fondor Guild of Starshipwrights were little more than yesmen. But even Alban would not need political kowtowing for the starshipwrights of Fondor to fall in line on this particular issue. "The fact of the matter is, Fondor starshipwrights are quite proud. Something that you, as a Corellian, may be well experienced in," he said with a knowing wink meant for Dracken alone.

"Delegating any part of the yards, majority or minority, to offworlders would be seen as the greatest offense imaginable for these corporations, many of which are family-owned and have been for generations. Never mind the upset in production that would ensue, and the riots would unfollow. You would be asking for secession. However," and Alban couldn't resist the notion of what he was about to propose, "there is a potential workaround. Of course, I'm talking about Roble Manufacturing acquiring Republic Engineering. Or at least, the rights to the production of all their ships and related technology. That way the Alliance would not have to undergo total modernization while satisfying the pride of the Guild."

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[Ganner Threepwood]

Toloth didn’t particularly care if Roble acquired the centuries-old Republic Engineering, though the statement no doubt had an impact on some of the people in the room. He was busy gazing longingly at that Tython-class Planetary Defender.

“Chaldea will find great use for one of these,” he said, spinning the hologram around to admire it from all angles. Pausing to glance at Mr. Nakaioma, he asked, “You wouldn’t happen to be in the business of making combat droids, would you?”

Dracken Pryce Saro Nakaioma Alban Roble Valery Noble Xasha Callisto Mazik Stazi Liedran Kathause Donavon Arturo​

 

[Valery Noble]

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Location: Coruscant
Appearance: Link
Tag: Alban Roble Dracken Pryce Donavon Arturo Mazik Stazi Saro Nakaioma Chaldean Potentium Xasha Callisto Liedran Kathause

"Its why I took it upon myself to call this meeting with the Defense Committee and other. . . guests of interest."

Valery raised an eyebrow and looked between Pryce and Mr. Roble for a moment, but she remained quiet and listened. While she had come here to represent the Jedi who helped defend the Alliance, the main topic was something best left to men such as Pryce, who had been in command of defending Alliance Space at a much larger scale, and for far longer.

What followed seemed like the typical presentation from someone in sales — criticism of the way things are, and grand promises about how he can play a role in making it better. Even a new ship was shown off, and while it looked impressive, Valery wasn't entirely sure how she felt about the name. It was likely to honor what happened on Tython, but the wounds of the battles there were still fresh to someone who fought there.

Finally, she glanced at Mr. Nakaioma, whose offer revolved more around protecting the groups on the ground, but Dracken Pryce seemed more interested in something else. The Fondor shipyards. The suggestion that followed from Roble got Valery to blink, and she looked at Dracken to gauge his reaction to such a request.

"It would cause them great offense to assist the Alliance to a greater extent, after they've seen what happened on Xa Fel, Empress Teta, Tython? The Maw have pushed deep into the Core, proving that no world within our borders is safe until we can mount a proper counter-offensive. Something the Fondor Yards could help facilitate." She wasn't stupid, and knew tradition, pride and especially money were large motivators for businesses to side with one group or another, but the issue they were addressing was something else entirely.

But maybe she was being too hopeful.

 

[Alban Roble]

C O N T R A C T

Tag: Dracken Pryce | Donavon Arturo | Mazik Stazi | Saro Nakaioma | Valery Noble | Chaldean Potentium | Xasha Callisto | Liedran Kathause

Alban leaned back in his seat, stroking his fingers together as this time the Jedi Master present — why was there a Jedi? — spoke. He found the warrior monks bothersome at best with their meddling into matters their religion didn’t belong in, and as obstacles ar the worst. This one seemed fairly benign, though, and far from a threat.

“This is true. However, a negotiator as skilled as yourself, Master Jedi, should know of the stubbornness of prideful people. Especially during times of need,” he offered with a smile. Better to prostrate himself before the saviors of the Galactic Alliance than risk ostracizing himself. “The fact of the matter is that Roble Manufacturing and Fondor’s shipyards stand ready to contribute, no, head the Alliance’s production efforts. But as Fondor’s representative in this government it is my duty to equally protect the rights and interests of my constituents as much as it is to contribute to the defense of the Alliance.”
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[Dracken Pryce]

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. But as Fondor’s representative in this government it is my duty to equally protect the rights and interests of my constituents as much as it is to contribute to the defense of the Alliance.”

Dracken grimaced. He hated this kind of politician. Cowards who hid behind their "constituents" in order to strongarm the Alliance to line their pockets. They were fighting for the same side, or at least he thought they were. Did he not understand that the Maw was on Coruscant's doorstep? Or was he really this callous? He would have thought that after Tython the people of the Alliance would have rallied behind the GADF and be bending over backward to aid in the war effort.

Apparently only if it meant profit. He thought to himself.

"The Maw is at your throat and you talk about protecting your people but you want to bicker about opening the yards?" He tightened his hands into fists. "If all you care about is your filthy credits those were never going to be withheld. Your people would be compensated but shifting our entire military infrastructure for the ego and pockets of a handful of board members is asinine at this stage in the war." He stood and leveled a glare at the senator of Fondor.

"Contract writing, training, logistical overhauls. The Alliance will not turn its defense on its head for your ego. You will either help defeat the Brotherhood or you will watch as your constituents burn. We are not the only ones looking for new shipyards. We've taken most of the Brotherhood's ability to produce ships this side of Chiss space." He left the rest unsaid. He obviously couldn't say for sure that the Brotherhood would attack Fondor, but considering the reports he had heard their raiders were becoming increasingly violent in and around the Corridor.

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[Valery Noble]

Outfit | Weapon | Appearance

Location: Meeting Room

"This is true. However, a negotiator as skilled as yourself, Master Jedi, should know of the stubbornness of prideful people. Especially during times of need,"

Valery's gaze narrowed a little, but before she was able to speak, she felt the tension rising in Dracken and allowed him to voice his thoughts instead. They were similar to her own, and she stood behind every word he said, but there was a lot more emotion in his tone and body language. She had remained completely calm thus far, but he wasn't having any of it, and while she wasn't going to say it out loud, she could definitely appreciate his approach.

The corners of her lips tugging up into a faint smirk likely didn't hide that fact.

"The fact of the matter is that Roble Manufacturing and Fondor's shipyards stand ready to contribute, no, head the Alliance's production efforts. But as Fondor's representative in this government it is my duty to equally protect the rights and interests of my constituents as much as it is to contribute to the defense of the Alliance."

Valery nodded, "Oh I certainly agree, and right now, I'd say the interests of your constituents are the survival of the shipyards, and by extension, their pockets." She was being a little annoying and clever now maybe, but she didn't care, "I'm sure they will be paid well for their hard work, but don't be mistaken. If our efforts against the Maw fall, these shipyards of yours will be one of the first targets, and I can assure you they don't pay as well or hold fancy meetings like this to discuss it fairly with you."

She offered an almost innocent smile now, "All I care about is that you carefully consider the future, Mr. Roble."

Dracken Pryce Alban Roble ​

 

[Alban Roble]

C O N T R A C T

Tag: Dracken Pryce | Donavon Arturo | Mazik Stazi | Saro Nakaioma | Valery Noble | Chaldean Potentium | Xasha Callisto | Liedran Kathause

Carefully, Alban removed a Tabac stick from the inner pocket of his suit coat. Placing it in the corner of his mouth, he drew a slender, modern-designed lighter and struck it, bringing the small flame to the other end of the Tabac stick until it caught. Putting the lighter away, he inhaled, the lit end of the Tabac stick glowing momentarily before cooling again. The neurotic drug entered his circulation, soothing Alban's tense nerves and calming him as the Corellian Senator spoke. He breathed out a puff of grey smoke, his heart rate returned to normal. Dealings such as these were the source of his aging, and when dealing with undesirables he found it necessary to have substances soothe what would otherwise be unwise words.

He let the Corellian and Jedi finish their words before he spoke in turn, removing the Tabac stick from his mouth to hold it gently between two fingers so that he could speak clearly. "The difference is the hundreds of ships that could be called to Fondor's aide should the shipyards be attack. Ships that I am trying to put in the Alliance's hands, mind you."

"The fact of the matter is," he continued, trying to keep the strain and frustration he was feeling out of his voice though hints of exasperation still inflected his tone, "The yards are open, Senator. Fondor stands ready. But this is a democracy, not a dictatorship. If you would like nationalization of every company within your grasp, I'm sure the Empire is always looking for more sympathizers. But in the meantime, Fondor is not yours to order around, nor her shipyards. The companies, or should I say company, that owns them will use them to build ships for the Alliance if they are fairly paid for their work."

"But this reminds me of an old saying among Fondor Engineers: 'If it isn't broken, don't fix it.' The fact of the matter is, Senators, the Alliance Defense Force is not winning this war. It took Imperials, Mandalorians and Outer Rim rabble to drive away the Maw from Tython, at the very core of our territory. The Maw have wreaked havoc through the inner systems and the Alliance has been powerless to stop them. But you accuse me of, of. . . you say it is my ego that constrains the Defense Force?" He slammed his fist on the table in anger, the shock of the impact reverberating through the chamber. "Open your eyes, Senator. We are losing this war, and the Maw will not be the only ones on our doorstep before this is over. When they burned their path to Empress Teta, you did nothing. When they ravaged Coruscant, still, no change was made. And now that Roble Manufacturing and Nakaioma Corporation take it upon themselves to do what you should've been doing years ago, you reject it out of hand? Is it my pride that is holding this great nation back, Senator, or yours?"
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