If You Got The Money, I've Got The Time

[Tmoxin Temi]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVphs8eP6c4&ab_channel=17Hax[/youtube]

Location: Rio Vivo, Lianna City

Tmoxin's rented shuttle landing smoothly in a public docking bay on Rio Vivo, an entertainment district along the picturesque waterfront in Lianna City. She had come without her second-in-command and accompanied only by two of her Mirari bodyguard droids. Sgt. Major Ulysses had yet to choose his role at Morpho Pharmaceuticals, but he sorely needed back on Kamino to help set up the drug company's headquarters.

Her beloved yacht, the Sovereign Butterfly II was still sitting in an Imperial Impound Station on Annaxes and Darth Carach, another visible figure in the Tech Union, was stubbornly refusing to have her ship released and back to her on Kamino. And if he did agree to it, she figured it would only be after all manner of unholy and sordid activities went on between the two of them. At least according to the rumors of Carach's healthy sexual appetite.

But hopefully this meeting with Marek Starchaser would begin to turn her luck around. A colleague of Gerion Ardik and someone she had met one time before during a Corellian fundraiser, the wealthy CEO was a Southern Systems magnate and owned a string of profitable entertainment ventures across the galaxy. He was interested in the Morpho research lab, and the Hapan ex-officer was there to see what she could help him create, most likely a product in the health and wellness category she could gather.

Supposedly Mr. Starchaser had funded and built this sprawling, opulent and quite whimsical resort, which she found absolutely charming and such a refreshing change from Tipoca City. While Tmoxin was growing used to the unfavorably rainy climate of Kamino, being on Lianna only showed her how much she was missing. Sunshine most of all.

Tmoxin and Marek had agreed to meet at an upscale sports bar inside the main shopping center of Rio Vivo. As she waited for Mr. Starchaser, she sipped a white wine and watched a holo-televised air show broadcast from the nearby Melford Star Academy.

[member="Marek Starchaser"]

 

[Corey's OOC]

Marek enjoyed himself a good time. Hell, his job was stressful, he had to worry about managing a whole Union of CEOs, advanced technology and profit, it was hard work. Sometimes he needed a break from board room meetings. That was why when [member="Tmoxin Temi"], a relative new comer to the Techno Union had gotten on his radar as a CEO for a Pharmaceutical company, and he checked her profile out on Techno’dIn.com (which is space LinkedIn) and saw that she fit into the http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rho5IaVG6C8]Pharma Girl[/url] look. That was perfect.

He needed someone to get the eyes off Sasha on his board.

Surprisingly, though, Marek’s interest in the former Imperial Officer was not that she was a dime, it was that she had this company called Morpho Pharmaceuticals. He had a few ideas for a new line and focus for Bright Star Entertainment, hell, might create a joint subsidiary, if they would supply certain products. He had a few ideas in his head, but first it was a little bit of meet and greet, wasn’t it always?

Dressed down, which for Marek was still suiting up. As he entered the establishment, it was clear he frequented it enough that they knew the owner, he was directed to where Miss Temi was seated and a Whyren’s, the good one, not the one from Talus, though that was still really decent, but Marek preferred Corellian vintage. He received his drink and sat down. “Miss Temi, thank you for meeting me.” He gave her the cursory once over, Marek had a particular level of hotness he needed to claim before he entered business with someone.
Yes, he judged their mode of transportation. As well as the silicon to flesh ration.

 

[Tmoxin Temi]

"Of course, Mr. Starchaser. I don't easily forget when a handsome CEO buys me a drink on a luxury cruise liner," she smirked, watching him sit down in the booth across from her. Momentarily, she glanced at the air show on the large screen, a fighter swirling up into the puffy clouds and diving back down into the blue sky again. "I remember your charity ball and recalled having a nice time there."

Tmoxin's mood was high and she chalked it up to all of that Vitamin D she was missing on Kamino with it's constant torrential rain. It was a chemical reaction after all... the body's response to vitamin D. The Hapan officer was learning much more than she ever thought about chemical properties, stability and toxicity as she constantly toured the fledgling Morpho's research facilities.

"I'm impressed by what you've done with Rio Vivo here on Lianna City. Lianna has always been a little too stark and clean for my tastes. But I was pleasantly surprised when I made my way here. What you've done... it's unexpected and quite capricious."

She sipped her wine and appraised the entertainment magnate with her large brown eyes.

"So what kind of chemistry would you like to make together?" she asked him.

[member="Marek Starchaser"]

 

[Corey's OOC]

Ah, so she did remember. That was good, he liked when he made impressions for the correct reasons and not because he was some playboy making a foolish (or very successful) come on to a pretty woman. To say his motivations were primal was partially true, but unlike his business-bro-turned-Sith he wasn’t primarily primal in his motivations. He nodded when she spot as he turned towards her. “It was a very successful night. My family is from Corellia so its an important cause. Need to plan the second annual gala for that. The one regret was finishing that drink with you, believe I was called away.” But he wasn’t here to talk about his business, well, not in the form of him doing public service work.

Rio Vivo had always been his little pet project, a bit of revitalization and creating a downtown that was fun for locals and tourists alike. “I put a fair share of work and funds, not strictly by Bright Star, but from my own personal donations to start this revitalization project. Lianna is an important world to Bright Star.” And the Hegemony, say Heil. “And it was a shame there wasn’t a designated area in the capital to unwind in.” He was really hoping to use it as an example with what the Techno Union could do.

“I’m hoping to mimic it back on Hypori as well, if Santhe will allow it.” Help improve state of life of workers and supervisors alike. People the galaxy over needed to learn to unwind. “Yes, chemistry.” With a grin, he looked to the wine that she had and got the attention of the bartender, pulling a bottle over. “That’s the real question. I’ve noticed Morpho, and what you’ve been doing. So tell me, what are the current projects you have in the pipe?” He sipped on his Whyren’s. He’d need that bottle.

And it was just shop talk right now, no need to pull up to a table off to the side, though when that time came, he knew one was ready. Helped when you owned the establishment. For now? Getting to know one another a bit better before stepping into bed with one another, as it were.

[member="Tmoxin Temi"]

 

[Tmoxin Temi]

“It’s interesting to hear about the inception of Rio Vivo. Morpho Pharmaceuticals was started on the same very premise of revitalizing Tipoca City and providing work for Kaminoans. It’s not as if Kamino has much in the way of tourist attractions.”

Tmoxin’s slender fingers toyed with the stem of the wine glass, but she didn’t take a sip. She did notice how Mr. Starchaser called a server over to deliver the entire bottle. Was he hoping she would imbibe a little more than she was? Her lip curled up into a smile at the thought that this trip could be both business and pleasure for her, and she wondered if Marek Starchaser felt the same. Smart, handsome, rich… a dangerously irresistible combination, thought the Hapan CEO.

“Maybe you can help recommend a real estate agent here on Lianna. I am in the market for property, both business and residential. But first, our products…”
She brought out a holo unit, set it on the table between them and pressed a button. Springing to life was a holo of various bio-technology, and drug samples. As Tmoxin spoke she manipulated the 3-D models with her hands.

“I founded the Morpho on the principle of health, wellness and longevity to life. Our current products include a prototype of a treatment chamber which can regress the aging process and extend human and alien life up to three years. I have a team of researchers working on supplementary drugs in a similar age-reversal vein. Sith Lords search for immortality, and while Morpho can’t promise that, we can at least provide the galaxy with an option for longer life.”

Tmoxin had just about memorized the elevator pitch and it rolled off of her tongue more smoothly than when she had first recited it to prospective investors a few weeks ago.

“But I am looking for more research and development opportunities, Mr. Starchaser. Which is where I imagine Bright Star comes in. I would love to hear your innovative ideas next and how the Morpho can bring them to life.”

[member="Marek Starchaser"]

 

[Corey's OOC]

Marek enjoyed keeping things light. He liked a good time, and really, it was what he was around here to do. Sure, he did his work, sure, he dabbled in the Dark Side and using the Force in that way, but mostly? He was just here to drink, get horizontal and change his mental state, typically with a partner. Sometimes two. Or more. Really, it all depended on what he was after. As for the bottle? Marek liked to make sure he always made the attempt. No use in letting a gorgeous CEO out of his sight without a little taste.

But he was digressing. He mixed business and pleasure but that was because he could turn on the cold really fast. “Kamino architecture is something else though. They know how to design. Still, I do prefer the sun. Looking to make another major casino out in Maramere. But…” He shrugged. A few worlds in between his nation and that world. Not to mention communism.

“If you’re looking to stay in Lianna for a bit, sightsee, shop, whichever, can always use my penthouse.” Because of course he had one. Two actually, one he brought women to, it was in the casino, and one that was along the water, his fortress of solitude. As for storefronts, he knew that the Hegemony could help her. Did she know about them? He wasn’t sure, everyone had been so focused on protecting the galaxy from selectivists.

But right, products. He sipped on his drink and nodded, viewing the holo. Morpho had a lot of products he was interested in. He did have a fear of getting old, but he wasn’t about to sell his soul to the dark side to do it. Maybe to control the weather, but not to prevent that. He ran the fething Techno Union, the greatest minds in the galaxy could forestall death. And he was putting his stock there. “A good goal, and tag line. Definitely sparked my interest with your company.”

Another nod, another sip.

“Well, research opportunities are beyond me at the moment, I’ve got aids for that, you see.” He gave her a wink. Was that bragging? Yes. Was it the truth? Also, yes. “With Bright Star, we’re looking to break into galactic athletics. Not just sports of blitzball, but pod racing, Starfighter racing, gladiatorial games, anything to get the pulse pumping. And I’d like to break into that by releasing a product for consumption. Something to give some that… edge?” Give them Wings? Maybe.

[member="Tmoxin Temi"]

 

[Tmoxin Temi]

Like Rio Vivo was to Lianna, Marek Starchaser was a refreshing change from the company of her dour business partner, Gerion Ardik. While Tmoxin, being Hapan never felt the need to charm, please or cater to a man - unless it was during a negotiation for something she really wanted - it filled her with a kind of pride that Starchaser was indeed interested in this business opportunity. She was clawing her way back from fugitive status... from having abandoned, not only her previous suitor but all of the One Sith interests she had built up with her own hands. It would be nice to not have to run anymore.

"Thank you for the offer of your penthouse," she said. "I may take you up on that." Tmoxin did have other business here on Lianna besides Morpho, but she was hoping to weave that into the conversation later. On the road to the deal, you took the most direct path. At first.

"Your product could be immediately rolled out on planets with looser restrictions. For a big market like Coruscant, for example, we would need to conduct strict product testing and possibly some clinical trials, depending upon the ingredients. And how... stimulating the product was," she added with a smile, finally sipping her wine. Tmoxin titled her head at the businessman and brushed her long red bangs from her face.

"Either way, Morpho is a week away from being fully operational and will be able to handle a contract like that. Quick to market. Or slow. I can go at your pace."

The wine put a flush onto her freckled face. Not to mention her obvious flirting now with her choice of words.

Well, that was taught in Pharma Girl 101, wasn't it?

[member="Marek Starchaser"]

 

[Corey's OOC]

See? What he did was he made sure everyone had fun. It was his main export, not to mention steal credits, making people poor, putting them on spice benders and selling all sorts of luxury goods from the retail shops that were allowed storefronts at his resorts and liners. He knew a bit about Tmoxin and her arrival to the Techno Union, came from the One Sith, chose the Union, business woman, good stuff, really. He’d take her. And welcome her to the Union after that, as well.

He nodded when she seemed to conditionally accept the use of his penthouse. “Good. I mean, I’ve got things to be doing that’ll take me off world within the next few days, can always have whatever hotel you’re in send your personals over to it.” Did he own the hotel she was in? Possibly, or at least some shares.

Her diction was one of those things, it was pushing him into the realm from strictly business to ‘lets play this one out.’ “Well, it all depends, performance enhancer, electrolytes, something for the open market, and coming up with a few that are more… specialized. And opening a variety of differing markets to you. Not really needed by Bright Star, the main one is physical enhancements for athletics, but the rest? We’ll help secure the market.” Simple enough, really.

Watching her move, and listening to her words, he nodded and grinned. This was something he could play. Turning on his chair, he placed his right arm, the flesh arm, not cybernetic one, on the back of her chair. “Well, initially I like to take my time, exploring the… market, as it were. And then once you’re secure in your choice, you just need to hit it, lightning fast.”

[member="Tmoxin Temi"]

 

[Tmoxin Temi]

“Whether the products are for athlete comsumption or audience consumption, the rigor and control will be the same around development. While I’m sure you have the best marketers, we can definitely help you uncover some unique positioning opportunities. We could have a product in market research in as little as a month I’m sure, Mr. Starchaser,” she said. Of course, she hadn’t checked with her development team on any of this, but a month would be easy, right?

Noting the placement of his arm, Tmoxin didn’t move away or show any other body language that let him know this was unwarranted. In fact, the CEO had a smoothness and easiness about him. Was he a galaxy playboy? Perhaps. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t or wouldn’t enjoy his company. Especially now that she was less fearful of showing her face in the Mid and Outer Rim. Give it time and she could waltz right back onto Coruscant without being afraid of being arrested or killed by a bounty hunter.

The last time Tmoxin was this heavily involved in business deals was during her time in the Red Ravens. Being around Mr. Starchaser, who was so clearly and unabashedly wealthy, made the Hapan ex-officer realize how much military pay and her rather opulent lifestyle Hapes had clashed. As a daughter of wealthy politicians on Hapes, she was used to a measure of luxury, and since she was estranged from her family, it just meant she had to be more resourceful in order to keep to the standards she was used to.

And speaking of resourcefulness, his words were not lost on her, but there were a couple more pieces of business to discuss.

“If you want to have some additional thoughts sent to my office that would be great. Otherwise, I will respond in kind with a proposal and a contract. Of course my team will have additional questions along the way.”

Tmoxin took another drink from her wine glass and asked, “Mr.Starchaser, do you have any further questions for me?”

[member="Marek Starchaser"]

 

[Corey's OOC]

There was a lot of work ahead of them. A month’s time? Well, the marketing departments for both the Union and Bright Star had their work cut out of them, now didn’t they? Was good, though, kept them on their toes, and Starchaser knew that a lot of this would end up working in his favor. “A month? A fast time table, are you sure you’re as busy as you say, at Morpho?” Not that she said she was busy, but it was always fun to challenge someone a little bit, make sure they’re the right people for the job, and pushing a CEO, especially one without her own ship? He needed to know she was worth it.

Galactic playboy? Yeah, something like that, no genius or philanthropist about it, though… some funds were always funneled out to Corellia, and the refugees, the cause that was the first reason why Marek and Tmoxin had seen one another. A shame he didn’t get to know her more, then, but would it really have mattered? Not really, serendipity had taken over. And body language? Half the time Marek forgot people were put off by remote intimacy. And that really wasn’t what this was about.

What was everything ultimately about? Power. Even if there were a few steps in between.

There was a part of him that wanted to reach across and show her exactly how electric lightning fast really was, but there were a few things before he either A) enticed her or scared her off that needed to be done. Dessert never came first… Well, she might, but that wasn’t really wasn’t a question, now was it? His hand did track along her upper back when she asked for more questions. “Bright Star will send contracts over.” He had his trust datapad on the bar, he’d make sure they got to that right away.

“As for you?” He smiled as he brought his hand away from her shoulders, an almost static tension between his hand, now on her chair back. “Not particularly. Though, I’ve noticed you’re not owning the ship you came in on.” With the Force, he moved his datapad to his left hand, and without moving his right hand, accessed a few strokes and motions before handing the datapad over. There was an image of a ship. Not just any ship. This ship. And if she was as observant as he was hoping, it was clearly in the same berth as the vessel she rented was. Just... replacing the other one.

“She’s called the Innesco-class. If you’re going to be working for the Techno Union, and more importantly, in conjunction with Bright Star, I really must insist you look the part.”

[member="Tmoxin Temi"]

 

[Tmoxin Temi]

“There is some work for other clients, yes,” Tmoxin said, lying when asked about how busy the Morpho was. “But I plan to prioritize your product over all others.”

She noticed again how Mr.Starchaser leaned in to let her know the contracts were on the way and how his hand now made contact with her upper back, sending goosebumps up her arms. When he pulled it away it was almost as she could feel a sudden jolt of electricity. How strange! While she was tempted, she didn’t dare use the Force to seek out the source of the electricity – not with a near-stranger or on a business trip. Besides it was probably just a bit of static from her clothing, she reasoned.

“Oh my ship,” she said with a dulcet laugh. “It’s kind of a funny story really…” she started, but as he passed her holopic of the absolutely gorgeous personal starship, she stopped abruptly. Why the metallic, vaguely sea creature-looking yacht practically took her breath away. Such form, speed and function.

She looked at him with her eyes very wide. “Oh I couldn’t Mr. Starchaser, if that is what you are offering me this ship… or well use of the ship" the Hapan said. But he would notice there was a slight reluctance with which this was said. “But it is a beautiful vessel,” she said, tearing her eyes away from it. She bit her lip and gave him a come-hither look that could be translated as “I really want that yacht but am being too polite and lady-like to accept it.”

“Also do you know anything about keffis?” she asked him. “If you don’t it’s okay, but I have another business proposition for you, if you’ll indulge me.”

[member="Marek Starchaser"]

 

[Coren Starchaser]

OOPS

 

[Corey's OOC]

Well that was definitely a way to gain favor with Marek, the Foreman of the Universeon. “Only in so far as it doesn’t interfere with profit, Miss Temi. We’re here to make money and whats good for the company is definitely good for the Union as a whole. He grinned as he moved his hand around her, sensing, as was noticeable in the Force, her surprise. He wasn’t looking to read her in the Force, that was something Marek reserved for the fields of battle. If he found out Tmoxin was Force sensitive, he’d recommend, but in no way require that she check out the Obsidian Order. Could always be useful.

And keeping his CEOs trained in the Force was of use to him.

Really, he didn’t need the details of the situation regarding her ship. He had an inkling of what was going on. Fleeing the Sith? Was that her? He was fairly certain, word from SpyNet did get around and Alana kept him abreast of the issues that crossed the desk that were ‘of note.’ Still, giving her a ship? It was hardly any problem at all for him. He had what, two personal ones, and a few provided by the Union, but he could always afford more. Hell, he had two penthouses in this part of the city alone. (Granted that was the full number on this planet.)

“Use pf? No, ownership. If you’re going to be associated with Bright Star, and the Union. You need to have your own vessel to get around. And why not one that takes you there in style. I’ve taken the liberty, as they are a made-to-order vessel of taking a little initiative to research your preferences, all legally…” Well, not really, Jenn Blanchard broke into a lot of databases to find where Tmoxin’s ship was and what it was like. “Of course, to hopefully predict your choices. If not, we can always order another.” He did have a share in the company who built them, after all.

Life was hard for Marek, truly.

“Keffis?” He shook his head, taking a drink, and watching her, both physically and in the Force, resisting reaching out to her again. Though, giving her a private tour of her new vessel did cross his mind.

Business or pleasure, Marek, pick one.

[member="Tmoxin Temi"]

 

[Tmoxin Temi]

Tmoxin was suitably impressed that Marek Starchaser had designed a ship to her specifications. It appeared he had been doing some research on her. Clever man, she thought. Obviously, she had done her own fact-finding on his business affairs as well. Gathering intel on a colleague, in any other situation may be intrusive or paranoid, but prior to a business deal? It was of the utmost importance and all part of the game.

How else were you going to impress the person on the other side of the table, if you didn't know a few likes and dislikes beforehand? If you couldn't make perfectly timed conversation like, "Oh you like Rodian stimcaf? Well it just so happens it's my favorite..."

The Hapan had no more room for false modesty. "That is very generous of you, Mr. Starchaser. I would be honored to debut this exciting new ship. Obviously every time I receive a compliment on it, I'll mention Brightstar."

What had she found out about him in her similar investigation? He was a year older than her. He had been in various battles and appeared to be not only a businessman, but a capable warrior on the battlefield, perhaps as more of a renegade Force user versus the Jedi Order or the Sith. His tomcat reputation? This did not concern her in the slightest. That amount of credits would have given him access to all kinds of purchased company, not to mention gold-diggers, sugar babies and other opportunists. Besides Tmoxin was Hapan. She was very secure of her place versus a man's.
So therefore they had much in common and what wasn't there to like out of that, she thought?

"Actually the discussion on keffis can wait," she said and she downed the rest of her wine in one swallow. "I should be more polite than to overwhelm you with whimsical ideas. Maybe we should take a walk and get some fresh air. Rio Vivo is so picturesque. Or even have a look at the new yacht?" Tmoxin asked, tucking a strand of red hair behind her ear. "I'm dying to see the interior, especially if it looks so good from the outside."

[member="Marek Starchaser"]

 

[Corey's OOC]

Really, she was impressed? He was Marek Starchaser, Sausage King of Chicago and he was the leader of a nation. He could pretty much do whatever he damned well pleased. And what was the point of doing anything if you couldn’t do it with a certain style and panache? If you were going to do something, go all out, or it wasn’t worth doing. You had to know what you were going into, it was a battle, no similarities about it. Just the playing field was different.

It was fought with words, with looks, with offers. And you needed to keep it moving, or else you’d be left behind. That was why he had Irani on his payroll, man could charm the pants off a female Gamorrean, and he was willing to be, he had.

“Oh, that won’t be necessary. The ship’s not designed by Bright Star. She’s one of the Techno Union’s newest products. And she’s 100% yours. Can’t have you missing meetings on the account of a rental issue.” And besides, a hot woman needed a hot ship, it was like a rule of the universe. Or a rule of Starchasers, everyone needed their own.

As for Marek’s own resume? He did go to battle, only when he needed to. There was a bit of nervousness in the man when it came to using the Force in such a format. It could get dangerous. He’d learned a lot from a variety of beings in the galaxy, and for him, the Force was most welcome when used in a hedonistic fashion. When he found the right partners. He was and wasn’t picky, all at the same time, but there were just ones that… impressed him more.

Oh? So now she wanted to see the ship. A smile crossed his lips when she downed her wine. “There was nothing impolite about you wanting to continue to discuss business, after all, it’s the primary reason for the meeting.” Who knew what the secondary could be. “And Rio Vivo offers wonderful vistas, especially at this hour.” He grinned, finishing his own drink, looking to the bartender. Did he need to tell her that Bright Star was working on a small subsidiary of luxury goods and design and that the he hired the best that money could buy to design a ship’s interior suitable for ‘a Hapan warrior turned business woman’? No, he’d let the ship speak for itself.

Standing, he held out his arm, crooked at the elbow for her. “Shall we?”

[member="Tmoxin Temi"]

 

[Tmoxin Temi]

Tmoxin gingerly took Marek Starchaser’s arm, and as they walked up the bright, airy streets of Rio Vivo, Tmoxin marveled at the colorful buildings - some sleek and modern and others which harkened back to an earlier Liannan era. Of course, the construction was relatively new, which gave the surrounding area a vibrant, play-land feel. A hovering street-cleaning droid went to and fro around parked speeders on a thru lane. No wonder everything looked so pristine. It appeared this area of Liana was doing quite well with credits funneling in from all directions.

Because of the physical contact with him, she did feel somewhat closer so as they strolled along, she brought up the Keffis again. He did indicate a fondness for discussing business after all.

“Riding keffis are a hobby of mine, Mr. Starchaser,” she explained. “They are prevalent on Annaxes, and there are many reasons they make better riding animals than horses. They are cleaner, faster and more intelligent.” She stopped to inspect a handbag through the window of a shop. Then continued: “While I’m here on Liana I am going to look for real estate. Mostly for myself. A personal home or apartment. Do I really need to explain why I want to move off of Kamino?” she laughed.

“Anyway, I’d love to eventually start a Keffi farm where Liannans could take riding and dressage lessons. Keffis would also be perfect transportation for Rio Vivo. In Annaxes there are entire areas that are kept extremely clean because no speeder traffic is allowed. Only these majestic animals are used to get around."

She turned her head up at him with amused eyes and a playful grin. She was so close now he would be able to smell her distinct perfume, a floral, orange scent. “But I’m sorry, I’m absolutely rambling, Mr. Starchaser. Why don’t you point out some of your favorite places and how they came to be in Rio Vivo? I do love a good history lesson.”

[member="Marek Starchaser"]

 

[Corey's OOC]

Was this now turning into a date? No, no it really wasn’t. Marek didn’t take people on dates. This was a continued business arrangement that might translate into a pleasure trip for [member="Tmoxin Temi"]. Well, he knew it’d be a pleasure trip for her should they do the private tour of her vessel. That was also, for the record, not Marek’s full intention. If he was going to have Morpho’s rep showing up at a Bright Star event? She needed to show up in style. It really was that he needed everyone who worked with him looking their best.

There were always parties here, and most of the bars and restaurants closed for those early hours from just before sun up to brunch time. They’d be open for, and doing business, and hence, clean up was always an issue. Open container laws were void in the district, and an organic police force was dispatched to ensure no lapses in programming.

Keffis, not something he was familiar with. Riding though, that he knew all manner about. Swoops, Eopie, twi’leks, y’know the standards. He licked at his lip listening to her speak. Similar to horses, that was actually. He could probably turn that profit. “Is there a racing circuit for them? Just out of a curiosity.” He’d not create it if it wasn’t there, but he’d definitely capitalize on it. He really wanted to break into sports, and sports that could be bet on. Watching her window shop, though, this made things a bit more date-ish, huh?

Still, he enjoyed her body next to his. “I make sure my trips to Kamino are very, very short. Or send an HRD.” Hell, he’d try his best to not even send Alana there. He didn’t care for the world, though them Kaminos, they were cloners, damned good ones. And this woman was now going for his wallet. In the best ways possible. “We do have open spaces, though, Lianna has its factory and production districts, how much would that pollution that will be inevitable affect the animals?” Simple question, really.

“My favorite places? The whole district is my favorite.” He grinned, switching from his professional, formal Foreman voice to something that was the hybrid of a cajun draw and a surfer lilt, anyone been to South Texas? He stepped close to her, hand on her back. “Well…”

He began to talk about the district, some of the historic buildings, the newer companies and his favorite bar, the one he was leading them to, closer to the star port.

 

[Tmoxin Temi]

“Well I hadn’t thought about the pollution and Keffis, Mr. Starchaser. You have certainly given me much to consider,” Tmoxin said.
This was stated with all sincerity. And although the Hapan's loyalty to her colleagues came and went with her whims, she would always keep close those who proved their keen business acumen. That was at least consistent.

Tmoxin listened to Marek Starchaser provide the voice-over to the Rio Vivo sights as they walked along together. For all intents and purposes they did look much like two lovers strolling along after brunch, wandering around and taking in the sights. But like Mr. Starchaser, Tmoxin always had business on her mind. Both of them seemed to have a predatory sense for it. And business wasn’t all the Brightstar CEO had an instinctual sense for. She noticed how his eye wandered to other attractive women along the street – granted it was subtle but the Hapan was perceptive.

No matter, she thought. She was here to lock in her contract, apparently pick up a new luxury yacht and well… it wouldn’t hurt to have a little fun, would it?

“Is this the starport?” asked Tmoxin, stopping when she noticed a hangar-like building and spied the gleaming ships inside all lined up in rows. Hopefully, her new one was sitting in there somewhere.

[member="Marek Starchaser"]

 

[Corey's OOC]

Marek wasn’t the type to invest poorly. He wasn’t thinking that Tmoxin was try to make him have to reconsider the position. He worked hard for his money and didn’t like to waste his credits. He had Jennifer working with Emerald Sage and spending his and Sasha’s money, but they… well Emerald, knew what she was on about. Fashion was something Marek could recognize and enjoy, even if he couldn’t create it.

To be honest, when dealing with Marek, business wasn’t the only thing he had a predatory sense about. The man lived for the pleasurable side of life, he had his vices, sure, he had many of them, and the most charismatic was the vice of the flesh. Something he wasn’t going to push on people, but he was also never going to turn someone away. Unless they had fur.

Or needle-teeth.

For him, window shopping didn’t mean the stores, it was the thrill of the hunt, and seeing who was around, what was around and what was on the menu. Should [member="Tmoxin Temi"] get offended by it, that was her prerogative, but for all intents and purposes, Marek knew that there would be one right after her, if he was lucky, two.

“Yes’m, it is. The ship we’re looking for is in slip fifteen.” He held out his hand, palm up, making the typical ‘ladies first’ gesture for the fire haired Hapan. Being rich had its perks.

 

[Tmoxin Temi]

Tmoxin was so curious to see this beautiful ship with her own eyes, she could barely contain her excitement. And when they found slip fifteen, she marveled at the Innesco-class, it’s alusteel hull gleaming even in the darkened ship bay. To see this beauty in the full light or even in the glow of the seven moons of Hapes… why she could only imagine how breathtaking it would be. Her new yacht, like Marek Starchaster’s smoldering gaze, made her a little bit weak in the knees. “It looks like some kind of metal sea creature,” she said.

Her high heels clicked along the metal floor of the hangar, as she wandered around the ship looking carefully at its exterior. She recalled the features of the ship, but couldn’t remember if she saw this particular detail or not in the description. “I suppose it’s too small for an escape pod?” she asked. The Morpho CEO thought back to the time she crashed the first Sovereign Butterfly while trying to protect an arms shipment when she was in the Red Ravens. Most likely she would hire a Captain to fly the luxury starship. While she had some pilot training while in the Hapan Royal Navy, her flying skills were admittedly rusty.

“I am thoroughly and utterly impressed, Marek,” she said, finally using his first name. “If that was your intention, you’ve done a great job. Can we take a look inside? If it’s anything like the exterior, I guess it’s no less than stunning on the inside of the yacht.”

[member="Marek Starchaser"]