Everything has a price

[Claire Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]Balmorra, the headquarters of Contessa.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She was giving serious considerations to pulling everything out and running. Her parents had been pushed to leave the girls feared that their advanced age would become a hindrance.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=12pt]Victoria and Claire tried to pretend everything was alright, that there wasn’t a concern. Business was business and…they needed credits. There were causes that they supported they needed the flow of credits.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Claire was in the spaceport waiting on a delivery to arrive. The order of dresses will fill her store for the fall, and she needed to get them out. And then there was Life Day in the future to prepare for, all the parties.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Would there be parties?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She hoped the ship would be in soon.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Looking off to her left she could see some kind of commotion. Something she wanted to avoid, commotion. Commotion meant attention. Attention meant someone would see her. She wanted to be invisible.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Course the young blonde standing there in the knee length dress seem to stand out anyhow.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt][member="Viktor Alexander"][/SIZE]

 

[Kenrath]

Viktor shook his head as he head towards the spaceport flanked by a squad of Soldiers. Apparanetly there was an issue that was getting increasely out of hand in one of the docking bays preventing shipments from making final approach to be off loaded. This was not something Viktor was going to stand for.

As the entered Viktor turned to the squad leader.

"Non leathal rounds Sgt." "Nobody needs to die today but if need be a few can spend some time in lock up."

When the Sgt nodded his acknowledgement Viktor turned hitting a button on the wall by the doors activating the bay wide intercom.

"Civil unrest will not be tolerated." "Disperse now or you will be fired upon."

Viktor deactivated the intercom and sent the squad towards the source of the commontion. He started to follow until he noticed a blond haired woman in dress standing off to the side. He turned towards the woman walking up to her with a smile his pressed suit only half as nice as the dress the woman wore. While Viktor had kept a loose eye on all of the companies on Balmorra he had not yet put faces to all the names yet.

"Miss this is probably not the best time or place to be." "Are you waiting on someone in particular?" "I can have the dockmaster notified and have them sent to you."

As he spoke Viktor was half turned to he could check on the progress the Sgt was having with the crowd.

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Viktor Alexander"]

She had hoped to remain invisible but the closer the group came to where she stood the more she knew she would not be invisible for long.
She realized that leader of the group was looking at her, oh no she thought.

When he stood near her asking her what she was doing, the words caught in her throat for a moment.

She had an eerie feeling about this man, she felt like she should know his face, “I’m waiting for a ship called the Innocuous to land they’re bringing in a shipment for my store” She smiled watching him. She thought he would look good with longer hair, even a bit of beard, and…black. Yes he’d look good in black.

She tilted her head slightly she could almost see it.

"You don't happen to need a new suit do you?"

 

[Kenrath]

Viktor motioned over one of the dock workers.

"Status on the "Innocuous."

The man looked at the schedule before looking back up.

"The Innocuous is in a holding pattern refusing to land until order is restored Governor."

Viktor nodded to the man glancing back over to the crowd. It looked like things were starting to calm down but it would be a little bit longer before everything cleared out.

"Cargo?"

The man smiled.

"Manifest lists mostly high end clothing being delivered to a................................. company.................. Contessa."


Viktor turned towards [member="Claire Organa"] giving her a look her question about a new suit making perfect sense.

"So that would make you?"

 

[Claire Organa]

"that makes me the CEO of Contessa, I'm Claire" She didn't give her last name if he could see the company name he most likely already knew her last name, even if she was Victoria it would still be that unmistakeable last name of Organa. Claire wished for the days when her name was Treadway again. It was much easier being Claire Treadway than Claire Organa.

"I can fit you for a new suit, something... in..black?" She smiled again staying with what she knew, staying and pretending everything was just like any other day. That would help her remain calm and keep her from emotions that were not needed right now.

[member="Viktor Alexander"]

 

[Kenrath]

Viktor smiled extending a hand. If she took it Viktor would turn it over and plant a soft kiss on the back of her hand before letting it go.

"Viktor Alexander it is a pleasure to meet you Ms. Organa." "It is good to finally put a face to the name."

He shook his head about the suit.

"No thank you." "All current funds are being earmarked for public projects." "No room in the budget right now for personal expenses."

He turned back to look at the status of the crowd before turning back to her.

"I am glad I ran into." "I have some ideas I would like to run by you if you have time." "I can have your goods delivered to your Headquarters while we discuss business."

Viktor took a step to the side half turning towards the exit.

"I have some plans in the works that may greatly benefit your company." "How would you like to increase your profits 100 fold not only on Balmorra but through out the entire galaxy?"

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Viktor Alexander"]

She did extend her hand and was impressed that he kissed the back of her hand; “Perhaps another time on the suit then” She smiled.

He had things he wanted to discuss with her and he would have her shipment delivered, “My sister Victoria is at the store we just have to let her know that the shipment will be delivered. She would worry if I don’t show up with it”

There were days they all worried about everything, whether it was warranted or not. Claire took the step to walk with him as he turned. She had a feeling that this was not a question of would she go with him but an assumption that she knew she should.

He said something that caught her attention that made her curious. “I’d be considered insane if I didn’t say I would love to see my company increase profits.” She took that single breath for uttering these next words was as difficult as they had been before.

“What is your idea?”

Maybe now would be the time to expand, could she expand? Could she keep the store here, and put one on Val’hala. Was she insane, did she not realize who she was looking to do business with???

 

[Kenrath]

Viktor nodded to [member="Claire Organa"] when she mentioned contacting her sister to update her.

"You can use the terminal in the Dock Masters office to get in touch with her and let her know."

They moved over to an elevator going up two floors before getting off and moving to the second office on the right. When they entered Viktor smiled to the Dock Master.

"There is a ship coming here in a minute the Innocuous.............please make sure the cargo is off loaded and makes it to it's destination." "Personally if you would please I need your office for a few minutes." "Not to worry you will be properly compensated for your time."


As the man left Viktor motioned for Claire to have a seat. Taking the Dock Masters seat.

"Can I get you anything to drink?"

He paused for a moment.

"As I am sure you are aware Balmorra has historically not been the safest place in the galaxy." "After all being basically a planet sized weapons factory it is of strategic military value to just about everyone." "I plan to change that." "First by making Balmorra more secure." "To do so involves the presence of a great deal of people immigrating to Balmorra." "Not only Military but civilian as well."


He paused.

"What that means for you is at least a half million new customers with nothing but credits to burn." "To do so means getting permission from the One Sith leaders to do so." "If I can accomplish it that also means guaranteed customers in close to another dozen planets within the next year or two."

Viktor smiled.

"If you product is as good as your reputation says customers on every One Sith world Galaxy wide in 5 years." "Does that sound like something that would interest you?"


Viktor waited to see what she would say. More importantly to see if she would look past the promise of unimaginable wealth to ask what the catch was. Because there was a catch and a very big one.

 

[Claire Organa]

She sat down where he indicated and listened. She didn’t have the trained ear her cousin Faith had but she envisioned something when he said make Balmorra more secure.
She may regret the next words uttered from her lips but she was a business woman and knowing what he meant specifically was important.

“First, yes I could use a drink, water please” She would have liked something stronger but she had to keep her head clear.

“Second, how would you make Balmorra more secure?” She saw troops everywhere, and while that offered security it created an environment that bred rebellion. Immigrants coming to Balmorra needed a reason, what reason would they have for coming other than the heightened sense of security.

“Third, every business owner wants success, it’s why we go into business.” She accepted a bottle of water that appeared to her right, nodding her thanks. Her gaze still on the Governor.

[member="Viktor Alexander"]

 

[Kenrath]

Viktor smiled.

"By giving the good citizens of Balmorra what they want."

He pulled out a data pad pushing it towards her.

"Shortly after taking office I took a tour of the major cities on Balmorra." "I spoke to soldier and civilian alike." "Two common issues came up." "One being safety and the other better the deplorable state of the economy." "Now the issue of safety is a matter I will be bringing up with the leaders of the One Sith on Corsucant." "Right now Balmorra is lacking in Troops." "Sure there are people on every corner it seems in armor and holding a weapon." "Most are mercenary or citizens acting as a militia force." "I intend to house an Army Garrison here." "Focused not only on being a base for waging war but as a peace keeping force."

Viktor smiled to [member="Claire Organa"] with a nod.

"The economy however is solved by people like you and establishing some trade routes to and from Balmorra." "Right now our major export is weapons of war." "I want to add to that with companies like yours."

He paused letting it sink in.

"Over the next few weeks I will be holding several meetings." "One of which is going to be an economic summit of sorts." "I would like to encourage you to attend."

 

[Claire Organa]

Claire reached for the data pad she studied the information before her what he said was repeated before her. Yes what was said was true everyone wanted a better economy, everyone wanted to feel secure. She also wanted to be able to leave when she wanted, and conduct business as she saw fit.

An Army Garrison, “Do you mean a Garrison of One Sith Troops?” Claire kept her voice even, unchallenging and yet it still held a sharpness that would indicate her own confidence and determination.

A summit, a voice perhaps. “I will be at the summit”

She thought about Zaiden’s offer again to move to Val’hala. Perhaps a second location was not the answer right now, perhaps she needed to know more about these plans.
“How much control will the Sith have our businesses?”

[member="Viktor Alexander"]

 

[Kenrath]

Viktor nodded.

"Correct a garrison of One Sith Troops." "Balmorra is after all a One SIth world." "We all serve the will of the Emperor here in word or deed and some times both."

He smiled at her question of control.

"To be determined to be honest." "The obvious being any business with our enemies would be strictly forbidden." "I have no intention of doing or permitting anything that would see the Emperor turn the might of the Empire on Balmorra." "With any luck as long as that line is not crossed I don't see there really being any interest in direct control."

He chuckled.

"Of course that would be the case no matter what world you set up shop on." "If we don't control it yet then we soon will." "If you have been following the holonet at all you know the Sith has gotten bored with jsut saying they control the entire Galaxy and have actually started to make it true one world at a time."

His expression turned back to business.

"However this is all theory at this point." "I still have to meet with the Sith and get permission not only to remain Governor but to actually do all the things I have planned for Balmorra." "They usually appoint Governors............and the one they appointed is currently sitting in a jail cell." "So of course when they get here I have some explaining to do."

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]Claire felt a shiver run down her spine, she had never heard it said out loud, Balmorra her home was a One Sith World.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Sith.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Dark, powerful and evil. Viktor wanted to keep peace on Balmorra, prevent further damage, or goddess forbid loss of lives. She respected that for certain.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She looked at Viktor. “Who is considered the enemy, I have a lot of customers, and I don’t generally ask them whose side they are on.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]One thing for certain Viktor was a believer. Believers could be very dangerous. How would she handle that? Did she even want to touch that?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Claire felt uneasy, “What if I wanted to leave?” She had to ask. Would they let her? Or was she now a prisoner?[/SIZE]

[member="Viktor Alexander"]

 

[Kenrath]

Viktor smiled at [member="Claire Organa"] when she asked her question about who is consider an enemy.

"You can trade with the One Sith and One Sith allies." "Maybe even a few neutral parties as long as they don't have ties to the Jedi or the Republic I would imagine." "The rest would for obvious reason be hazardous to your health."

His smile would broaden when she asked if she would be allowed to leave if she wanted.

"This room or Balmorra?"

He left it hanging in the air sure she meant the planet but teasing her none the less, or was it tormenting. He couldn't be sure but didn't care enough to try and figure it out.

 

[Claire Organa]

He had that devilish smile that said to her he liked this part of his job. Claire was not so sure she liked this, “It’s not like my clothing lines are going to cause riots, or demolish buildings. They certainly aren’t weapons”

Claire herself had ties to Jedi, least she believed that is what she was told.

“Balmorra” That was her answer to the room or Balmorra. What if she didn’t want to be a citizen of the One Sith or to be told how she could run her business.
Hmm. He seemed to be just enough PIA to get along with the Sith, testing her answers, teasing her with his words.

[member="Viktor Alexander"]

 

[Kenrath]

Viktor laughed.

"Come now Ms. Organa you and I know very well it is not soldiers and weapons that win wars but ideals." "Specifically Ideals built on a foundation of credits and influence." "A well placed bribe to the correct person or a favor there and the battle is won before the first boots ever hit the ground."

Viktor calmly sipped on a glass of water looking at her. It was a fun little game mixing politics and business. Truthfully the two things were not that different and more can be done with the stroke of a pen or a well placed word. What was the saying.............the pen is mightier than the sword.

"Why would you be prohibited from leaving Balmorra?" "It is not leaving Balmorra that is the issue." "It is whether or not you would be permitted to return."

He smiled.

"I am sure a smart business woman like yourself would want to personally oversee expansions to other One Sith worlds." "However defecting to your family in the Republic..........now that would be an issue."

Viktor hit a button pulling up a space google search result for the name Organa to the main projector on the table.

"Organa is a historically significant name in the galaxy Claire." "One with ties to our largest and most hated enemy." "You really didn't think I wouldn't look over my predecessors personal files did you."


[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]“Yes it is historically a name well recognized. But not so much anymore, now it’s just a name” She smiled.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=12pt]She remembered what her cousin had said, the Sith were the ones who destroyed Alderaan and turned it into a vong formed world. Were they intending that for here as well?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]If she wanted to leave, why would she want to come back? He had an angle she knew it, she could feel it in every part of her body.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Ties with your hated enemy, believe me no one in the Republic would notice one less Organa, there are so many now.” She was trying to make it all sound nonchalant, unimportant but the believer before her Claire could see the thoughts churn.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She wished that Zaiden ([member="Razor Shot"]) was here now, offering her some comfort, something that didn’t sound as confining as [member="Viktor Alexander"] made it sound.[/SIZE]

 

[Bolt]

A voice whispered on the wind, wrapping warmth and seductive allure around the woman, "I feel your desire for me to be there..."

Dropping another octave, it continued, "Say the word and i will come!"

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Kenrath]

Viktor chuckled at [member="Claire Organa"] for a moment.

"Yes but Sith is just a name and look what effect it has whether there is one or a hundred of them."

He smiled.

"Yes I realize the Republic is but a stone's throw from this very world Claire." "How long do you think it will be before that particular border is tested?" "A day, a week, a month."

He sipped from a glass of water.

"You want to leave Claire then go." "I won't stop you...........I have much more important things to worry about than a single individual business woman."


"However betray the One Sith, defect, or in anyway compromise the integrity of Balmorra........."

He trailed off for a moment before continuing.

"....and your assets on Balmorra will be seized, any remaining company employees will be arrested and handed over to the Sith for interrogation and sentencing." "Not to mention being labelled a traitor and criminal yourself subject to capture and or execution should we ever catch up with you."

He stopped taking a sip of water.

"Or you can accept that you live, that your company is based on a One SIth world, and we can make a hutt's backside worth of credits."

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Viktor Alexander"]
See here was the conflict, Claire knew that staying on a One Sith World would make her family feel that she was under a constant threat. No matter how many credits she had the potential to earn she didn't think they'd let her share those credits with her Republic Family.

Claire did not know what to do, she needed time to think. This was a situation that she had never prepared for, and the fact that her tormentor, seem to take pleasure in her position, and discomfort.

It was then she felt this warm embracing sensation and the gentle whisper of a voice. Zaiden. Part of her wanted him there right now she held on to the feeling of warmth and comfort however he did it she'd accept it right now.

"I can only imagine that it is part of any plan of expansion that the borders will be tested soon" Which meant any world along the borders of the One Sith Empire were at risk, they had always been at risk . Claire had conveniently wrapped herself in a bubble thinking it would never touch her.

She was wrong.

Viktor just threatened her company, her sister who was her only employee, and then threatened to label her a traitor. Hidden as it was he was saying if you leave, everything you know and love suffers or dies. She felt that shiver of fear, Zaiden, please come [member="Razor Shot"]

Claire felt the harshness of reality pressing down on her she knew nothing about the plans for Balmorra. What could she possibly do to hurt the integrity of Balmorra, tell someone the Sith were they, that they already knew, the galaxy at large knew it.

"So you'll hurt everyone who has anything to do with me?"