Private Fast Credits with KDY

[Monaray Dod]

Yuria Braay

The Neimoidian had recently arrived back at home from the Capital of Fondor, having successfully advocated for the passage of the Improved Hyperspace Security Act within the Federal Assembly in spite of uncertainty from many within the chamber on the need to involve the Banking Clan.

One could argue that the Alliance was becoming bloated with the amount of new systems entering into its fold; however the Trade Federation would argue that this perspective was entirely wrong.

The absorption of more systems provided additional regions to conceal activites from the scrunity of the New Jedi Order and the Strategic Intelligence Agency. Such activities might include money laundering and the experimentation with cutting-edge technology intended for sale to both the Sith and the Imperials.

Still no organization was invulnerable to the shifting dynamics of commerce; thus, Senator Dod took the initiative to reach out to a representative of Kuat Drive Yards, Yuria Braay , in an effort to secure a significant ally within one of the galaxy's most powerful corporations beyond the confines of the Corporate Interests Guild.

Monaray remained composed in one of the luxurious bridge-cities of Cato Neimoidia, anticipating the arrival of his guest while two Trade Federation Envoys waited in the wings of the palace to provide economic advice and keep a close eye on the proceedings to ensure that they benefited the most from any arrangement.

 

[Yuria Braay]

Cato Nemoidia

Cato Nemoidia. A planet where even the gold was lined with gold. It was decadence run amok where the Nemoidians showed off to all the profit they made on the backs of other. But perhaps its most grave sin was that it lacked a true ocean, no deep hues of blue and aquamarine. Instead an acid ocean that threatens to swallow any floating city that becomes so overladen with riches that their supports can no longer hold them. It was a disgusting planet.

It's not even in the Core. Yuria grimaced as she walked past two Nemoidian functionaries. Their regal clothing and upper-class attitude annoyed the Kuati. She remembers her father had taught her they were greedy disease carriers, hardly worth all this finery.

Of course their mannerisms were hardly the biggest of Yuria's concerns today, a far bigger monster awaited her. Like an arachnids of Carida, the Trade Federation's long spindly arms stretched across the galaxy with at least a hundred worlds engulfed in their shadow. Kuat was still weak in the wake of the Civil War and that made it an opportune target for predatory financiers of the Federation.

After being led through the palace by a Nemodian royal guard Yuria was directed to a bony looking Nemodian official who sat behind a desk far too grand for someone so frail.

"I'm here to talk to the Trade Federation. I have an appointment."

"Ah... I see... well... I must inform you this is officially the Senatorial Office of Cato Ne-" the Nemoidian stuttered out.

"I don't care about technicalities and titles. Everyone in the Alliance knows this whole planet is where the Federation deals its cards." her voice was filled with irritation.

Before the Nemodian could offer a reply she had already walked past his desk and towards the senator's office. When she reached the automatic doors she closed her eyes and composed herself. Her bosses had given her specific instructions to be as diplomatic as possible, whatever that meant.

As the doors slid open she took a step into the office with her hands clasped behind her back. She made a mental note about the two envoys before bowing her head, her eyes remaining fixed on the Senator the whole time.

"Senator Dod. Glad we could finally meet. Quite the interesting planet you live on." Her words suggested sincerity but her voice lacked it entirely. She strode forward to the centre of the room, quickly taking a seat before she was even offered one and reclining lazy on it.

"So, what is it you have for me then?" she said bluntly and rather straight to the point.

Monaray Dod​

 

[Monaray Dod]

Yuria Braay

Monaray reclined in the mechno-chair, experiencing a degree of comfort as he served himself a glass of costly vintage wine sourced from the former Capital of Coruscant. In the aftermath of the Dark Empire's assault, the planet was in a state of reconstruction, making the acquisition of such rare items exceedingly challenging, if not unattainable, for the average connoisseur.

However, the Trade Federation, being one of the most powerful corporate entities in the galaxy, was not constrained by such limitations. He did not require a glance at the entrance, for the doors were abruptly flung open, and the sound of methodical footsteps grew increasingly distinct. He recognized that only the disciplined personnel of the Kuat Drive Yards would announce their arrival in such a direct manner.

" Cato Neimoidia is certainly more well-off than most of the Galactic Alliance. Likely due to Chancellor Organa's humanitarian focus instead of building up economic strength like the Sith Order who recently opened up their space to industrial development. " Dod replied with a gentle smile, lifting the glass to his lips as the refreshing liquid quenched his thirst.

He felt no particular shame in the knowledge that the Neimoidians were adept at capitalizing on any circumstance, even when it entailed engaging in trade with one of the principal adversaries of the Alliance within the context of the resurgent Sith Empire.

Commerce served as the essential foundation of the galaxy, and it appeared that even the prunes of Kuat recognized this reality, as Yuria Braay preferred to engage in substantive discussions rather than indulge in a superficial facade.

"Ah - The Trade Federation presents an opportunity that is undeniably advantageous for those seeking to elevate their organization's status within the galaxy such as Kuat Drive Yards. " He said as a form of introduction, calling forward the two Trade Federation Envoys, who emerged from the shadows of the room, each holding a datapad.

With a swift gesture of his fingers, he signaled for the envoys to present one of the datapads to him and the other to the representative from KDY. "To summarize our findings, we would be willing to offer a seat on the Trade Federation Directorate and up to 10% share of the organization in exchange for a corporate alliance between our two companies, supporting each other in the face of our collective enemies in Aether System and Si Tech in the military technology industry." Dod explained with full confidence, ready to begin the negotiations properly.

 

[Yuria Braay]

Cato Nemoidia

The two envoys swooped in like vultures circling carrion. One passed a datapad to the Kuati who quickly skimmed over it's contents before gently setting it on the table. She got the gist of it. She raised her hand to the Maw of her face and gently began tracing along the edges of it while the Nemoidian talked. He was a savvy alien and if she had a mouth she would smile.

"You Nemoidians are such interesting beasts. I'm sure you've wined and dined countless politicians in this gilded halls. Worked them for hours until you had them right where you want them. But you're able to drop that all in a second when someone like me walks in." she clasped her hands together.

"I see now how creatures like yourself control the markets." Still, the Kuati wasn't immune to the creature comforts of life and while she didn't need it, the bottle on the Nemoidians desk looked rather fancy. "I want some wine." she demanded.

While her demand was attended to or not she pondered the bug-eyed alien's deal. "Going after Aether Systems and Si Tech is a bold move Senator, they aren't companies run by any ordinary citizen, the powers their owners have in the Alliance are nearly unparalleled. I'm sure you are as aware of this as I am." She sat herself more upright, she was beginning to take this proposal more seriously.

"How do you plan to take them on? And I'm talking specifics, a piece of paper that says we're buddies isn't going to shake the death grip they have on the Alliance's military industrial complex."

Monaray Dod ​

 

[Monaray Dod]

Yuria Braay

Monaray was not inclined to monopolize the vintage from a prospective partner; thus, he generously filled a tall glass for Yuria Braay without hesitation. This act served to illustrate that Neimoidians, regardless of their status senatorial or otherwise did not depend solely on servants and service droids for every need at least while they were on Cato Neimoidia.

With a careful motion, he slid the glass toward them using one of his free hands, ensuring that it did not spill on the expensive desk that the senator had acquired from a furniture company.

"Kuat is known for its non-sensical attitude when it comes to negotiations, and so I would not sully the name of your company by having you indulge in round-about discussions of commerce until you finally had enough and agreed to our terms." Dod responded with a gentle demeanor, understanding that certain clients had different expectations and thus would have to change strategies to achieve a mutually satisfactory agreement, while ideally ensuring that the Federation reaps the greatest benefits.

"I would not concern yourself with the power and influence of Aether and Si Tech's owners, for one can argue to the New Jedi Order and the Alliance High Command that them owning companies is a conflict of interest and susceptible to undue influence on the acquisition of military contracts." The Neimoidian spoke with a tone of dismissal, aiming to prevent their conversation from becoming mired in possible repercussions stemming from two influential figures within the Galactic Alliance.

The Kuati's heightened engagement with the proposal was evident as they restated their concerns regarding how the Trade Federation intended to surpass and compete with both companies in the realm of the military-industrial complex.

"My dear friend, it is rather simple to dislodge them from their hold over the industrial complex if you use proven business strategy. First thing's first we would use my influence in the Commerce and Finance Committee to uncover who their suppliers are, as materials don't spawn out of thin air and once that information is located, then it will easy to bribe them into diverting such ships away from their production facilities and make them miss their deadlines from the Alliance High Command." Dod expressed his conviction, recognizing that the necessary supplies had to originate from a source.

Given that neither party had any supply subsidiaries mentioned on their corporate websites, it indicated their dependence on an external supplier. And if they used a strategy of relying on public records to bribe the external supplier, it would mean that products would not arrive in time for inspection by the Alliance High Command and thus decrease the value and confidence they had in either corporation.

 

[Yuria Braay]

Cato Nemoidia

Yuria's eyed the wine with devilish intent as it slid over and as the Senator slide the glass over she gently picked up the glass. She swirled the wine briefly as the Nemoidian spoke. Then here eyes turned back towards the Senator and his advisors and she stared as she finally decided to begin the mysterious process of drinking the wine. She brought the glass up and into her maw, where the delicate thing seemed to be enveloped by her strange jaw aperture. The briefest buzz sound came from the maw as a small panel at the back of her throat opened up. She then tilted her head back in one go and poured the entire glass of wine down it before jerking her head back forward and removing the glass from the Maw.

"M-zzt-y, wha-zzt-t fine wine." she said, her voice seemed to distort slightly after finishing the drink. She tilted her head and with one hand fiddled with part of the maw. "My ta-zzt-ste sensors haven't been this stimulated in some time."

Yuria placed the glass on the table and as if nothing out of the ordinary happened she returned her full attention to the conversation at hand.

"I would not discount them so easily, the Supreme Commander and Councilwomen have made it this far after all."

Then came the part Yuria had not expected, talk of bribery. "My, my... We're already pulling out the 'b-card'." Yuria's eyes seemed to widen with excitement. "A true time and proven business classic, making them look bad in front of their primary customer." she tilted her head and rested it on her left hand.

Yuria stopped to think over the proposal, sitting silently for several seconds as her leg bounced. While she thought faint sounds seem to come from the Maw, almost reminiscent of someone humming. But before anyone could strain their ears hard enough to try make it out she spoke.

"This little corporate plot seems to revolve heavily around these bribes." she said, seemingly unopposed to the idea of it. "I would be remiss if I didn't consider what would happen if this plot was discovered. Unlike the Federation Kuat's situation is... precarious." she eyesd the two Federation envoys as she spoke, watching for any reaction to her words. "We do not have the same political leverage as you do and we have already been burned by the 'hand of judgement' once before. What guarantees do you give us that we will not suffer the same fate."

Monaray Dod ​

 

[Monaray Dod]

Yuria Braay

Monaray might have found Yuria Braay 's mechanical jaw astonishing, were it not for the prevalence of such modifications and cybernetic enhancements on Denon, where they were as ordinary as boga noga and where criminal organizations thrived despite the enduring influence of the Corporate Authorities.

Nevertheless, the sight was somewhat disconcerting; however, the Neimoidian would refrain from expressing any such sentiments in the presence of his guest, as doing so would be inappropriate for a senator of the Alliance.

"You are certainly right about those two..." Dod said in agreement, not wanting to underestimate their opponents.

A hand was raised to his mouth in contemplation regarding Braay's apprehension that the strategy primarily hinged on the bribery of specific individuals. This posed a significant risk, as those individuals could readily disclose such information to the Strategic Intelligence Agency or even to the Chancellor of the Alliance, who would undoubtedly grant them substantial rewards in return.

The two Trade Federation Envoys swiftly approached Dod and commenced a hushed discussion aimed at identifying a viable resolution to the predicament. They highlighted that the Trade Federation's proposal of a directorship role on the board would afford Kuat Drive Yards equivalent protection in the event that the bribe was uncovered by the authorities.

" Surely you understand that should you accept our offer of a spot on the Trade Federation Directorate, you would be afforded the same amount of political power and influence that we possess and that is all the guarantee you would need to protect you from the reach of the Alliance. " Dod explained with several hand gestures to effectively communicate the solution to them, having already anticipated potential challenges by proposing a safety net, ensuring they had a fallback option in the event that this minor scheme resulted in an unforeseen complication.

 

[Yuria Braay]

Cato Nemoidia

Yuria's eyes narrowed at the senator rehashed the original deal and slowly she raised herself from the back of the seat. What little of her face could be seen showed pure distaste. It was like her attitude changed at the flick of a switch. "Did you know this is not the first time Kuat has dealt with the Trade Federation?" her voice was harsh and condescending.

"On Kuat, decades ago our 'beloved' Lord Regent was given a host of promises and guarantees by Director Tambor. He ended up painting the walls of his bunker with his brains. Of course I care little for that, the egomaniac got what he deserved, but Kuat? Kuat suffered. The civil war ravaged our planet and crippled our standing in the Alliance. Contracts and ship designs that Kuati hands crafted were ripped from us." She was now leaning forward and her hands gripped the edges of the table.

"I came today to entertain the idea of cooperation." She snarled. "And your guarantees? I know the value of a Federation guarantee." she continued, dismissing the value of 10% share of the Federation and a seat on the directorate.

"I don't take stock of potential profits and personal gain when looking for business partners. I serve the people of Kuat first." A sentiment drilled into her and many other heads of Kuati's next generation by the Admiral Queen.

She allowed herself to calm down a bit and recline back into the chair. "If this plot is discovered Kuat must be immune from all consequences and I mean all consequence, I won't even risk the indignity of the name Kuat Drive Yards being brought low again."

She crossed one leg over the other, her tone had calmed as well but still had hints of venom. "I suggest you and your lackeys start figuring out how to do that."

Monaray Dod ​

 

[Monaray Dod]

Yuria Braay

Monaray leaned back in his mechno-chair, his fingers steepling under his chin as he regarded Yuria's fierce demeanor with an almost detached amusement but also on the side of caution knowing that the Queen Admiral could be just as heartless and ruthless as the Neimoidians themselves when it came to getting what they wanted.

The fiery passion she exuded was commendable, was admirable; however, his experience had taught him that such outward expressions frequently concealed more profound insecurities. At this juncture, they could scarcely decline the Federation's benevolence due to the rather dire circumstances that had compelled them to accept the Senator's invitation, but he would allow them to pretend they still held the cards in the room.

"Ah, the ghosts of Kuat's past," he replied smoothly, his voice deliberately calm. "History has a way of haunting us, doesn't it? But perhaps we ought to remember that the Trade Federation is not the same organization it once was. We're not here to repeat the mistakes of Director Gat Tambor. We're here to forge a new path, one that benefits all parties involved."

Monaray let a moment of silence settle between them, gauging the tension in the air. "But I can't possibly read your mind, Representative Braay. Inform me what you will need and I will accommodate you in order to provide the necessary protections you are asking for." He explained with a resolute tone, urging them to disclose the specific resources they required to withstand an investigation from the Galactic Alliance.

 

[Yuria Braay]

Kuat Orbital Array

The Kuati grimaced at the Nemoidians words, whether he intended or not his words stung and the Kuati made little effort to hide this. "Our ghosts are very real Senator and they have done a lot more than haunt us." she gripped the arms of the chair. "Especially for those of us who were there." She took a moment to steady herself.

"And from what I can tell." She said looking around the palace. "The Trade Federation is the same old beast, bent on dominating it's opponents through underhanded tactics and aggressive plays on the market from the comfort of its gilded halls."

At the Senators behest she begun reviewing options to make the deal more amenable, her bosses had called this the gentle tug of war of diplomacy. Of course with Yuria it was hardly gentle.

"Accepting this deal in the first place will put significant risk to Kuat. And I do not care for whatever protection a seat at your directorate can offer, Kuat desires to be viewed as shipbuilders of the Galaxy, not a group that has thrown in with its would-be corporate overlords."

Her right index finger tapped on the arm rest as she mused over suggestions to the Federations deal. "If we were to accept the deal it's as I stated. There must be no way for this to be traced back to Kuat. The Federation will deal with the bribery and take all risk in this manoeuvre. Should it succeed Kuat will back the Federation, should it fail we will turn our backs on you."

The proposal she made was not one of mutual understanding, it was one that put Kuat as the only party to benefit from this arrangement. It was a line of thinking common amongst the newer generation of Kuat Drive Yards Employees.

"This is all assuming of course that Kuat does not approach Si Tech or Aether with a deal." she finished, laying out her final weapon on the table.

Monaray Dod ​

 

[Monaray Dod]

Yuria Braay

Monaray let out a resigned sigh as he filled another glass with vintage from the cabinet beneath his senatorial desk. It appeared that the Queen Admiral had infused her character into all of Kuat's personnel, particularly among the upper echelons, including Representative Braay. This development could complicate matters much more than the Trade Federation had anticipated.

But no matter the Senator of Cato Neimoidia had survived worse on the floor of the Federal Assembly, and could handle this matter in a way that would still allow him to benefit from the arrangement even if it did not look like that on the surface. She was underestimating the underhandedness of the Neimoidians and that would prove to be their undoing.

"There is no need for such open hostility during our little negotiation, as we both stand to benefit from a mutual friendship or at least a temporary understanding with one another in order to survive in the Galactic Alliance who as I remind you is a war with most of the galaxy and will only pressure Kuat into accepting its demands." Dod politely explained his thoughts to Yuria Braay .

Maintaining a composed demeanor that suggested he was unfazed by their their evident disdain for his presence, should one choose to interpret their expressions in that manner. The Galactic Alliance would not hesitate to employ military power to acquire strategic assets, with Kuat remaining a significant site of interest even after the Kuat Coup.

The Kuat Drive Yards can thus only be perceived as a provisional management, only waiting the death's hand of legislation that would bring the corporate governance low.

"I will not stop you from seeking agreements with either Aether Systems or Si Tech, but I would also not be able to stop myself from introducing legislation to enforce the Denon Act on Kuat which increased restriction on corporate stewardship of Alliance worlds by any corporate entity and has prudent antitrust laws in relation to the ownership of planets and property." He countered her threat by presenting one of his own, leveraging the authority of the Federal Assembly to emphasize that the Trade Federation was not an organization that could be easily intimidated within its own territory.

 

[Yuria Braay]

Cato Nemoidia

Yuria's eyes widened as the Nemoidian deployed threats of his own, it was starting to get interesting again. This was the Trade Federation they had talked about in academies, one with connections so high they could levy government action in a corporate dispute. The options were now presented plainly before Yuria, ally with the Federation or suffer.

"The Denon Act." she said dismissively. "The activation Denon Act would require some sort of justification, for KDY to overstep our bounds and directly harm the Kuati people, but you misunderstand. Kuat Drive Yards has been nationalized in all but name, for all intents and purposes KDY is Kuat. It is as I said before, we serve the people so our assets are practically already theirs." Her eyes narrowed on the Nemoidian. How serious were they about what could potentially lead to another occupation of Kuat?

Still, she had no interest in entrenching herself in a protracted legal battle, lawsuits could be incredibly boring and expensive. "Temporary understanding... That is a term that sits with me better." her index finger continued to tap away on the armrest.

"My terms remain unchanged, the Federation will front the whole plot while Kuat will not stand in your way nor will it take any of the associated risks, our support for the Federation will come after you have provided results. As before should it fail we will turn our back on you. If you agree I will present your proposed deal to the Kuati board but this is no guarantee they will accept." She said taking the datapad and downloading its contents to her own.

"Of course I can't promise that I won't be directed to pay Si Tech or Aether a visit next but I pinky promise I won't tell them of our little chat if I find myself in front of them." she finished off, here voice gave off an air of sarcasm. It was a rather pathetic attempt at assuring her would be partners that she had tight lips.

The talks while perhaps not the most productive had been an eye-opening experience on the workings of the Trade Federation. Yuria could tell she would need to take her leave soon for she had begun to sense any further provocation might convince her hosts show her how ruthless they truly where when it came to business.

Monaray Dod ​

 

[Monaray Dod]

Yuria Braay

A subtle smile appeared on the Neimoidian's face as Representative Braay finally grasped the implications of the threat. It became clear to them that the Kuati First policies were inappropriate for fostering a future partnership or even a temporary agreement with the Trade Federation. However, he could perceive the expression in her eyes, that recognized they would have to double down on such conduct to maintain any credibility in in the negotiation.

Monaray had ensnared them within a self-constructed bubble, and they now conceded to a member of the Federal Assembly that the Queen Admiral had effectively nationalized the Kuat Drive Yards, albeit without formally declaring it, to benefit the citizens of Kuat.

However, this action was taken without the knowledge of the Finance and Commerce Committee, which was responsible for overseeing all financial affairs within the Galactic Alliance. "My friend, I would advise you not to be so loose lipped about such information in front of my colleagues. " He said pointing towards the two Trade Federation Envoys standing nearby as they were documenting this exchange for the Federation's own record-keeping.

"I would be sadden if such information was true, and that the Queen Admiral Bao had violated the authority and purview of the Finance and Commerce Committee by conducting a nationalization of a company within its borders without its authorization." He remarked while tilting the glass of vintage.

Fully aware that Chancellor Organa would consider this information highly beneficial in averting a potential scandal that the Trade Federation might capitalize upon, regarding a member world that was blatantly disregarding the Federal Assembly's jurisdiction over commerce and trade matters.

Though Yuria Braay seemed to very strongly suggest that the Federation take the initiative first when it came to bribery, and the fall should it end up badly for them which the Senator could respect even if they didn't have any cards left to negotiate with.

"Your demands are acceptable for our arrangement, please relay my compliments to the Queen Admiral and the Kuati Board." He said after careful consideration of the proposal, concluding that there were no significant objections or areas of contention, aside from the potential for meetings with both Aether Systems and Si Tech.

 

[Yuria Braay]

Cato Nemoidia

Yuria's eyes watched the two trade federation lap up every single one of her words. To be judged and recorded every second. It reminded her of the psychologists from after the war. She despised them. She stood up from the chair with her datapad and elected not to bow or extend a hand. She doubted the Nemoidian would take it anyway, probably perceiving it as some dangerous plot to end his life.

"Do not think too hardly on our nationalization, Kuat Drive Yard's relation with the people and monarchy have hardly been the industry standard." Indeed for much of history it was the Kuat of Kuat who was the director of Kuat Drive Yards. "This is merely a great correction to the folly of Loghain and his types, a return to how Kuat has ran itself for thousands of years." a hint of satisfaction in the last few words, the period of corporate experimentalism had ended on Kuat and it had ended in a colossal failure. With the monarch back in the helm Kuat was seemingly poised to rise once more.

"I would be remiss if I didn't remind you the Alliance sanctioned the Queen's takeover and her actions to rebuild Kuat in the wake of our civil war. If they hadn't well I'm sure we would've had a repeat of the Kuat Crisis, so soon after the first."

A passing thought about how Kuat's own system was not too dissimilar of the Nemoidians where the Trade Federation for all intents and purposes was the Nemoidian state. She supressed the thought, despising the idea that she and these 'grubs' had anything in common.

Yuria turned from her chair and walked out towards the door and as they slid open she turned her head to the Nemoidian.

"Oh and thanks for the wine, I would compliment your vinters but I believe what we had came from the old capital." she said before walking out the door. She would not come back to this planet anytime soon if she could help it, the pull of corporate greed was intoxicating.

Monaray Dod ​