Private Currents of Conviction

[Mother Askani]

- T H E E D -

​

The meeting was set in one of Theed's quieter districts, away from the hustle of reconstruction efforts. Mother Askani arranged for the venue to be a modest but elegant salon overlooking the Solleu River - This may have been a deliberate choice, to reflect the Foundation's ethos of understated dignity and focusing on action over ostentation.

It was a late afternoon, nearly evening, and this modest salon's arched windows opened to the river's tranquil vista; there was still a gold glow to the Solleu River, its gentle currents sparkling like liquid fire as they meandered through the heart of Theed.

Mother Askani stood near the window, just next to a single table. She had chosen this venue deliberately: it was neither extravagant nor austere but resonated with a quiet dignity that reflected the sincerity of her mission. She had always admired the storied-ness in Naboo architecture, the intricate details in mosaics, the quality and design of the furniture, and even the detail that went into their atmospheres.

It was these things she hoped to protect - the mere autonomy to be so concerned about such things. Her experience on Vixoseph I still haunted her. She could still feel the heat of that flame, not just on the surface of her skin, but deep down...or maybe somewhere beyond; it was empyreal.

One crisis at a time. She had brokered an agreement with Naboo, pledging to find a solution to the reception of large groups of forcibly displaced persons fleeing the Core. With that humanitarian task assigned to them, she hoped to secure some early manufacturing relationship to secure ships and supplies for supporting future campaigns. It'd been tough to find an organization who could spare the resources, as crisis like this had mixed impact on businesses -- and many of the Southern Systems were still in their own rebuilding phases

But she believed in Naboo's democratic ideals, and didn't want to see the system destabilized further after its Netherworld event.

She needed them, and she needed this partnership...if there was any hope for tomorrow.

Anja Doreva


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​

 

[Anja Doreva]

DOREVA
THEED | NABOO
TAG: Mother Askani

EMPIRE OF STEEL​

"Tell Hermes I expect his report on my desk first thing on Primeday, no excuses."

Anja and her assistant Cassey were both seated in the back of the speeder, heading to their destination in a quaint area within the city.
"Yes, ma'am. I assume you require a follow-up report by the end of the week as well?" she asked, her nose buried in her datapad as she furiously typed away as her boss spoke.
"Naturally. If he continues to underperform, I can easily replace him. I don't intend to damage our reputation because he's too busy doing nothing. The Gamma project may be a breakthrough one if he can bother to get his head out of his ass. This is his last chance, Cassey - make sure he knows that. If he gives you trouble, just put Zul on him. I think he's itching for someone to be a proper problem for a change, isn't that right, big man?" Anja asked the Falleen in the front passenger seat.
"Always, ma'am. It's been too long since someone threw a hissy fit. Any trouble and you let me know, Miss Schaeffer." he answered without glancing back.
"Very well. Speaking of the Gamma project, I did receive updated reports. The chamber has been completely reinforced. It cycles on full, prolonged power now without setback. Assembly has greenlit to start on your word, ma'am."
"Lovely. Tell them to hold. I wish to have a look first before we assemble."
Cassey nodded at the order as she typed away.
"Coming up on the destination, Miss Doreva." said the pilot

As the speeder pulled up in front of the salon, Zul was out in a flash and stood larger in life next to it as he scanned the area. After a few minutes, he opened the door.
"All seems quiet, ma'am. Come on out." he said.
"A pin dropping would be deafening. But at least it has class. Let's not keep the lady waiting." Anja said before she swept into the elegant building, Cassey scrambling to keep up with Zul bringing up the rear.

Anja had to admit, though the venue was elegantly muted, it was still picturesque with the golden river drawing most of the focus. But her blue-grey gaze fell on the figure in front of one of the windows. She motioned for Zul to remain next to the door before sweeping forward.
"Madam Askani, my apologies for keeping you waiting. We had to, understandably, jump through some security hoops before making port." She held out her right hand toward the older woman. "Anja Doreva, at your service."

After taking a seat at the table, Anja regarded her potential client. Of course she did at least some homework, but she wished to hear it from the lady's own lips.

"Now, Ma'am, if I may be direct - what brings my company and I here?"

 

[Mother Askani]

- T H E E D -

​

Askani turned, her expression warm but measured. "Ships." She said, taking her seat across from Anja. She could appreciate a straightforward person, but with everything at stake, she only hoped she was one she could trust.

Askani shifted the conversation toward the refugee crisis ravaging the galaxy. "Ms. Doreva, let me be candid. The refugee crisis created by the war in the Core isn't just a humanitarian disaster—it's a destabilizing force for the galaxy. Entire economies are straining under the weight of displaced populations, crime syndicates are exploiting the chaos, and unregulated migration is creating flashpoints for conflict between systems."

She motioned around her, "Naboo for example."

Askani, ever the strategist, knew that business leaders like Anja Doreva often required not just grand visions but also practical, bottom-line reasons to commit to a cause. While the ideals of rebuilding the galaxy and shaping a better future carried weight, addressing the immediate, tangible challenges that aligned with Doreva Industries' interests could push Anja toward a decision.

She paused, letting the gravity of the situation settle before connecting it to Doreva Industries' interests. "But crises like these also present opportunities for those with vision. The Foundation is working to turn the refugee crisis into a moment of transformation—relocating displaced populations to systems that need revitalization, providing infrastructure for their integration, and stabilizing regions that would otherwise fall into disarray. Imagine what that could mean for Doreva Industries."

"We've begun organizing and strategizing, but we need the hardware. We need ships."

Anja Doreva


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​

 

[Anja Doreva]

DOREVA
THEED | NABOO
TAG: Mother Askani

EMPIRE OF STEEL​

This woman knew where to hit to get her way.

Anja was confident enough to admire the angle at which she was playing her humanitarian card. It was no secret that the situation in the Core as well as the Empire holding the Braxant chain had hurt everyone's business, not just hers. More and more corporate wigs flocked to the southern systems to establish new venues for trade in order to stay afloat. It's one of the reasons she had stayed put on Rothana instead of relocating her business to Fondor. She held the monopoly in Wild Space, having control of both shipyards on Rothana as well as holding majority of the economic district in the capital.

Having new business in the form of two planets on the Mara Corridor, she had gotten new wind to drive the business forward, but she did need more to remain sailing. She did, however, need more assurances to take the risk on this cause than the vague vision this woman just gave.
"It's a pretty picture, Madam Askani, but what resources do you have for such a big endeavour to be able to front the transformation? Aside from the need for ships. what else do you already have to aid systems to take on these displaced refugees? All of that costs money. Ships are costly to manufacture as well, what with all the prices for material climbing through the roof because of the same crisis you speak of." she started, though not unkindly. She may be direct, but not curt. "I can front you the ships you need for this endeavour - I can see the vision in it. But how do you plan to compensate me for them? With how unsure the Galactic economy is, I'm sure you see the risk I'll be taking with this endeavour. I might lose clients down the line, which takes away the money I can front at the moment. I need more concrete assurances for me to fully commit to this."

She may be a businesswoman who managed to stay afloat in this turmoil, but she wasn't heartless. She is a visionary, otherwise she wouldn't be where she was now. She would commit to this, given the proper assurances. She at least knew that Scarif and Hefi wouldn't pull their contracts, so funding shouldn't go anywhere. But she needed something to still provide for her staff.

She just hoped there was something more concrete, seeing as they both needed this.

 

[Mother Askani]

- T H E E D -

​

Without intervention, the refugee crisis will worsen, creating a domino effect. Unstable systems will drag others down with them. Trade routes will become unsafe, piracy will rise, and economies across the galaxy will falter. And when that happens, companies all over will bear the brunt—supply chains disrupted, markets shrinking, and reputations tarnished as more systems associate corporate success with apathy.

To make the vision concrete, Askani knew she had to promise Anja more than just moral satisfaction, and rightfully so. Risks in business needed to be worth it.

"The Foundation has already scouted systems in the Southern Regions that are eager to welcome these populations, and are already building alliances with these influential systems and independent coalitions. By joining us, you won't just gain a partner—you'll gain access to new markets, and exclusive contracts that you'll have priority to pick from - which I think could be the type of concrete assurance you might be looking for. And, displaced populations, when given the chance, are incredibly resourceful. This is a labor force full of skilled workers, farmers, artisans, and educators that can work for you or go to systems in need of revitalization."

"We've been working close with members of the Royal Assembly on diplomatic outreach and collaborative agreements with other southern systems to position refugee resettlement as a mutually beneficial opportunity for both them, as potential host planets, and the displaced populations."

"The appeals include emphasizing the refugees' skills in agriculture, industry, and infrastructure development, framing them as assets for revitalizing local economies. Also, promising essential aid packages, including food, medical supplies, and construction resources, to ease the initial integration process. And, working with local leaders to ensure integration aligns with planetary customs and governance structures. And then, demonstrating how resettlement could lead to trade expansion, increased economic stability, and strengthened alliances in the Southern Systems." She said.

She continued, "These systems, include Ryloth, Rodia, Farstine, Secundus Ando, and Mon Gazza. I can ensure you get priority to pick and claim contracts with any of these markets, should we be able to solidify our deal."

Beyond the window, the Solleu River continued its journey, a silent witness to the choices being made within the salon, choices that could ripple across the galaxy.

Anja Doreva

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[Anja Doreva]

DOREVA
THEED | NABOO
TAG: Mother Askani

EMPIRE OF STEEL​

Finally Askani spoke.

Anja cocked her head as she listened, only slightly flicking some fingers in Cassey's direction to indicate that she should take especial notes of what was being said. It was a well organised and thought out plan.

She had to admit that she had already started to scope out possible markets on especially Rodia and Mon Gazza and had even dared to start probing the home turf of Hex Inc. on Christophsis. So when Askani mentioned the rest of the Arkanis Sector's economic cluster, it almost felt like fate. She can actually consider getting behind the endeavour. She could sacrifice Christophsis if she could hold all the facilities around it, constricting Hex Inc.'s movements.

Anja leaned back in her chair, regarding Askani for a minute. Then she made her decision. Then she lifted her hand and flicked her fingers forward.
"Miss Schaeffer, if you please." she said before turning her attention back to Askani, Cassey flitting forward to stand just behind Anja's chair. "I'll have my legal team pull up a contract to reflect what you have said, my agreement to it as well as what we'll discuss further, Madam." Anja told the older woman with a smirk.

"Now, you said you need ships. What kind of ships are we talking about? Military vessels or civilian? And what is the timeframe?"

 

[Mother Askani]

- T H E E D -

​

There was a lot being said in the silence.

But, she subtly exhaled in relief when the energy of the conversation shifted towards Anja being open to the deal; the stakes were high. It got tense when it was your turn to move a piece on the board, it could be met with anything, but those she encountered thus far had vision...they saw the bigger picture even if it meant they'd get whatever they wanted from it.

She nodded, followed by a break in her lips as she sealed it with a grin.

"Indeed-we're looking for frigates, and cruisers and we're hoping they can serve us both as military and civilian vessels if necessary. As far as a timeline..."

A beat.

She shifted in her seat, "Pretty soon miss Doreva, pretty soon..." There was a hint to something more in her voice, but she opted not to do a deep dive; this woman wouldn't care.

"We'll take them as a soon as we can get them. We've got people to move, and more where that came from. Soon the dominoes will, and the Foundation will need to be there to catch them."

She squeezed her lips.

Anja Doreva

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​

 

[Anja Doreva]

DOREVA
THEED | NABOO
TAG: Mother Askani

EMPIRE OF STEEL​

Anja listened as the older woman spoke.

Cassey was typing furiously on her datapad to get everything that was being said, the preference of the ships and the timeline. Anja herself was chewing on what was said, mind racing and trying to remember what the various Admirals have said when she asked them for ship specifications.

She finally nodded and cleared her throat.
"Those ships can easily be arranged, Madam. I assume you want extra cargo space on them to be able to accommodate the refugees? In that regard, we'll have to sacrifice space for support craft on these ships. They'll hardly have the defensive support that they usually have in the form of starfighters and shuttles." she said. "Might I suggest, in order to mitigate this, Doreva Industries provide you with additional escort craft in the form of Assault Corvettes and maybe a Star Destroyer that can protect these vessels during an extraction? Those frigates and cruisers will be sitting ducks while carrying refugees, only able to react mildly defensively as their main role would be to get these refugees out of a conflict. I need not remind you of the piracy that plagues the hyperlanes as well as the Imperial and Mandalorian presences in the conflicted territories. You'll need the larger fighter escorts and the firepower of other ships."

Her brow furrowed for a moment as her mind filtered through material stock and finances while she deliberated with herself if she can do what she wanted to suggest further. But with the new business coming in from Koboh and the assurance of more business she just received from Askani, she believed she could take the chance.

"I can also provide you with a warship capable of taking on some refugees while also standing its ground against an assault. My company is in the process of revolutionising weaponry that can insure this while giving itself and the rest of the escort a chance to get away. A battlecruiser can be a game changer when faced with more resilient foes than pirates." she suggested. It really could be worth the risk.

"Would all that be acceptable to you? I can start production immediately on everything."