If You Want to Play with the Big Boys, You Have to Have the Big Toys [Moross]

[Siara Vorru]

As more pirates exploded around the Regent the Starfighters started driving their ranks outwards building a path for the dropships to follow through to the pirate base and the Vigil-class Corvette that was now trying desperately to exchange blows with the much larger Pellaeon-class Star Destroyer. Siara watched the whole battle unfold before her, it was almost getting boring there wasn’t much challenge here. She almost longed for them to try something stupid just so this battle would be a little more interesting. It was almost as if she willed it into being because the Vigil-class Corvette started a long desperate charge towards the larger ship on a trajectory that would have it ramming the larger ship. As she watched the Kiffar woman’s lips spread into a small smile.

“Deimos shall we take evasive action?”

“No, let her come concentrate all fire on her engines, the Starfighters will have to work alone for the time being. Ready the tractor beams, as soon as her engines are down I want her brought up close to our hull so we don’t expose our landing teams to excessive risk.” Siara ordered as she reached to the comm unit built into her command chair. “Landing teams get to your shuttles, our enemy has been kind enough to gift wrap our prize for us. Be prepared for treachery I would expect they have that Corvette rigged to explode, that would be my play anyway.”

As the corvette closed it came to a stop just below the Regent as its engines gave out and the larger vessel arrested all forward movement with its tractor beams. “Time to keep them back, destroy any escape pods that launch from that vessel and focus all the rest of our fire on keeping the rest of the pirate forces at bay. Bring our fighter screen closer to us just in case the enemy has bombers in reserve at their base.”

 

[Cameron Centurion]

Cameron's face was a mask of neutrality as both [member="Lorelei Darke"] and Di'Vanca expanded on the hyperspace route plans. In truth, he had only heard brief snippets about this plan from Amorella prior to her...whatever had happened to her. The mention of a name of a navigator pulled his attention but only because...he had never in his life heard the name. Wait. No, he recalled it vaguely from some report or another. Either way, that would be a decision for a later time. However, those without complete loyalty to the Crusade or, at least, an established interest in keeping quiet on their affairs were not exactly high on Cameron's list of trustworthy individuals. That, of course, was predicated on Cameron having complete trust in...anyone.

When all comments had concluded, Cameron gave a subtle nod. "Your assistance in that matter is greatly appreciated. Obviously, the enacting of final plans on this matter will require more discussion when all three of us are present. Specifically whether or not we chart one through Protectorate space. While it might grant us easier reach to potential allies, I'm almost of the mind to keep it consolidated in Moross-controlled territory for...the time being." As the Queen had said, going through Protectorate space was dependent on future conversations anyways.

He was wary of binding themselves to the Protectorate just yet. The Sith Lord had heard more than a few recent mumblings about that particular organization's direction, and he wasn't sure how much he wanted to hitch himself to that train just yet.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Cameron Centurion"] [member="Lorelei Darke"]

Exiting Hyperspace - Ceto Space
Arceneau Trade Convoy Fleet


They would register as a small beep in their sensors. A small fleet, if that is what they would call it. Granted, by the immense size of the two Connestoga-class Heavy Freighters would be a sight to see. At 2000 metres, these bad boys could carry one billion cubic metres of cargo, roughly 50 million tons. With it came an escort security of gunships and corvettes to deliver the goods to the Moross Crusade.

Freshly minted Durasteel, crafted from carvanium, lommite, carbon, meleenium, neutronium, and zersium. She also brought the raw ores required of the alloy, for any special crafting requests that could be filled in Salacia's refineries.

It wouldn't be long before the small fleet would call in their greetings, transponders revealing them to be Arceneau Trade Ships.

[ This is the Acerenda Dawn, of Arceneau Trade Company, requesting permission for access into Moross space. ]

 

[Quietus]

Your HALCYON systems are set up to receive and enable a trade route most effectively. I am certain no matter what route you choose to include where the Protectorate is concerned, any efforts made within Moross space will quadruple economical assets once in place.

There was no down side to fully connecting the spine of the Crusade.

"To return to the Drive Yard expasion plans for Ceto, we also recommend reinforcing and upgrading defensive structures," DiVanca's began, bringing up a new image display for the blueprints, "considering the extreme isolation of Ceto, separate mobile orbital defense systems are a good choice. It allows them to be proactive, rather than reactive, and engage potential enemies before they're allowed to get too far in-system."

[member="Cameron Centurion"]
[member="Soliael Devin Talith"]
[member="Danger Arceneau"]

 

[Soliath Devin Talith]

[member="Lorelei Darke"] [member="Danger Arceneau"] [member="Cameron Centurion"]

He frowned at the mention of the Protectorate. He was loathe to connect the two factions with a major hyperlane. There was of course an advantage to it, and Soliael had more than once fought on the side of the Protectorate during their wars with the Conederacy, now going by some other delusional name, yet he didn't enjoy the thought of giving them and “in” so to speak. Part of what made Moross territory so defensible was the inaccessibility most of their member worlds had.

Connecting them to the Protectorate, was to connect them to the core.

The same issue could not be said for the Fringe. They like the Crusade lay within the far reaches of the galaxy, and they unlike the Protectorate were strong and long lasting allies of the Crusade, not to mention economically they were perhaps one of the most stable factions in the entire galaxy, their worlds nearly untouched by wars and battles.

As they had both stated however, that was a conversation for later. His eyes flickered over to his grandmother for a second, then back to the holographic display.

“Most systems have jump points.” Soliael began to speak, stating facts that most everyone in the room would know. “Due to the way hyperspace paths here in the outer rim work there are only a set few places where major fleets can drop out of hyperspace.”

That was true for most places actually, due to how hyperlanes actually worked, though of course those set few places were in expands of several thousand kilometers each, given the size of space, yet it formed a natural chokepoint.

“Along with the mobile defenses you suggested, We build standard stations near these points as an added measure.” If Ceto was to become their shipyards, then they would ensure that the world was more than adequately defended.

Soliael wasn't aware of the arrival of the Arceneau trade fleet, only having brought one transport craft with no staff.

 

[Cameron Centurion]

Cameron offered a subtle nod of agreement to the two other individuals present and the holographic image of [member="Lorelei Darke"]. He didn't really have much to add to the points already made and sensed that, perhaps, they were reaching the ends of useful conversations on the matter. Cameron was, of course, of the same mind as Soliael when it came to fortifying this system which would soon be of extreme strategic importance to the Crusade. That being said, he trusted Silencia and her subordinates about as much as she, undoubtedly, trusted him. He'd never met a woman so like him in his life. That was enough of a reason to keep a cautious eye on her. The other...well..it could and so often did act as it pleased.

The soft beeping of Cameron's communicator momentarily pulled his attention. Retrieving the device, he listened to the brief report before mumbling a "Very well," to the individual on the other end. Stowing the device, he lifted his silver-green eyes to those assembled. "The Arceneau Trade Company has arrived at the edge of the system." By way of brief explanation or perhaps reminder to Di'Vanca, Cameron focused all of his attention on the alluring blonde, gazing down at her with intensity. "We managed to arrange...an agreement for them to supply a large amount of durasteel...in its raw form, of course, for a considerable price. It would behoove us to loop their representative into any further conversations about the shipyard or defense construction materials. Specifics of...well...any kind not directly related to construction will have to be kept to an absolute minimum."

Slowly, a thin smile touched the Sith Lord's lips. "You know how things are in this galaxy..."

[member="Soliael Devin Talith"] | [member="Danger Arceneau"]

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Cameron Centurion"] [member="Lorelei Darke"] [member="Soliael Devin Talith"]

Exiting Hyperspace - Ceto Space
Arceneau Trade Convoy Fleet

The access was soon granted and crackling through the comm came the following to the Ceto Shipyard tower.

[ Confirmed. ]

Orders were quickly relayed throughout the small merchant fleet to move forward towards the planet in it of itself. Soon, the Ceto Shipyards came into view. Following protocol, the Captain of the leading Connestoga sent in the following transmission.

[ This is the Acerenda Dawn, requesting access to dock at the Ceto Shipyards for merchant good delivery. ] Unless they had another specific area for the Arceneau Merchang convoy to deliver the goods.

 

[Quietus]

With the arrival of Arceneau, the holographic image of Queen Darke did flicker. Seems you have things well in-hand. Miss Leonardi I would like a full report in twelve hours. Aesirs, a pleasure to do business, as always. If you require anything else, please do not hesitate to let me know.

A short nod of her head and the feed cut.

"Director Leonardi, KDY ships are five minutes out."

"Thank you," DiVanca returned the table display to that of Ceto in the infantile stages of the new construction project. Judging by the vast differences between the two images, it was clear they had their work cut out for them.

"Understood, Aesir," she replied shortly to [member="Cameron Centurion"], "we'll bring the ship in and extend an invitation to Arceneau to join the talks, as you like."

[member="Danger Arceneau"]
[member="Soliael Devin Talith"]

 

[Soliath Devin Talith]

[member="Lorelei Darke"] [member="Danger Arceneau"] [member="Cameron Centurion"]

“She didn't even say goodbye.” Soliael said the words only loud enough fr himself to hear, though he said them with a smirk.

He had not seen his Oma in quite some time, not having the opportunity to return to the Galactic core for quite some time, especially with the War Currently occurring there. He shrugged lightly to himself, making a note to contact her in the future and speak to her, family was important after all. Then he turned towards Cameron, his fellow Aesir.

“Have you met the Arceneau woman before?” Soliael never had, but he'd heard rumors about how expansive the company was. Impressive really. “Though I suppose she'll be sending a representative.”

He cast a glance towards DiVanca for a moment, then turned back to Cameron and shrugged.

 

[Cameron Centurion]

Cameron offered the Queen a shallow nod of the head before shifting his gaze back to Di'Vanca. "Thank you, Ms. Leonardi." It was his fellow Aesir that spoke next. Cameron shook his head slightly. "I have not. We'll see what happens." Though...if Arceneau herself was not present, Cameron would undoubtedly judge her and her entire organziation for it.

Yes. He expected the head of a sprawling, massive corporation to make herself available to him and his fellow Aesirs to initiate business with the Crusade. After all, they were here...were they not? Cameron also had a fairly sizeable ego.

That and redheads just weren't super high on his list of people-not-to-be-angry-with these days.

[member="Lorelei Darke"] | [member="Soliael Devin Talith"] | [member="Danger Arceneau"]

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Cameron Centurion"] [member="Soliael Devin Talith"] [member="Lorelei Darke"]

The merchant fleet would dock, having been given access. All manner of normal what have you in the process of security and checkpoints would ensure. The review of the manifest, the inspection of the goods, and the proper documentation of course.

All the while those under the employee would do their jobs with a sense of urgency and purpose. After all, it wasn't everyday that the Trade Queen herself came along for the ride....

Ain't one getting into Moross territory without the fiery redhead making a persona appearance. And boy was she decked out to the nines for the occasion. Her seemingly modest crimson dress would hide skin, but where flesh lay hidden it was instead hugged against her voluptuous curves like a second skin.

The woman looked good, and she damn well knew it.

Critical green eyes would pan across the docking bay as she began to descend the ramp, followed in suit by Alisha'ven, a Rutian Twi'lek in smuggler attire that suited her own exotic beauty. Second in command and the voice of Danger in her absence, the Twi'lek was more than curious how this bit of business would go.

Moross was known to be a bit fanatical over their would be Gods after all.

"If there be something my momma done told me," began Danger low enough for only Alisha'ven to hear, "Is that there ain't no viper in the galaxy more troubling than a true believer."

Her cherry red lips would purse.

"Ain't no haggling with that sort of crazy. They stuck in their views like a bantha in quicksand."

 

[Crystal]

[member="Pyrrha Nikkita"] [member="Ashra'syle'nuruodo"] [member="Siara Vorru"]

Having dismissed her apprentices, the Priestess of Hali was free to do what she did best and enjoy the show, and fire works and refreshment. It was always refreshing to feel ripples in the Force when lives were ended, especially when they ended with a bang. She smiled and continue to observe the battle that was only just beginning.

Fortunately for Siara, Crystal rarely bothered with the minds of others for her own amusement. When there was a purpose, or information that she required, she certainly didn’t restrain herself, but it wasn’t one of her pastimes. So unfortunately, Siara’s thoughts were her own, and unnoticed to the Sith that was enjoying the show and did not even turn to see Siara glance, though she could feel eyes on her.

Not surprisingly, Asylen had followed her instructions. The Chiss was the most dedicated and hungry of her students. And much to Crystal’s delight, she was eager to please the Priestess and the Gods. And, her talents seemed to fall along the same lines as her own.

The show was getting a little more interesting as well, with the Corvette went on an intercept course with the Star Destroyer that they currently occupied. It would never reach them of it’s own power, of that she was sure. Plus, Siara would get the ship without having to damage it too much. Oh Happy Day!

With a smirk, she spoke to Siara. “The Gods are smiling on you today, Diemos.”

 

[Alisha'ven]

"Reckon we just need to play 'long," Alisha'ven would say in turn, coming to a stop next to Danger Arceneau. Her cerulean head would swivel left to right as she would take in the view. A small datapad would appear in her hand, having been unclipped from her hip.

"Got all the raw ore to make durasteel -- along with the excess scrap from the Deathstar. With proper refinement, shouldn't be too much trouble." her lekku would quiver slightly.

"Salacia be round these parts if 'n I'm not mistaken--- they'd do well in refining this here ore for Moross." a moment later she'd lean in and whisper.

"They really think them gods walk round?" low enough for only Danger to hear.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

"Guess we'll just have to find out, won't we?" came Danger's throaty coo, a smile rising over her lips as the Moross welcoming party would head on over their way.

"Time to shine, Alisha m'dear." back straight and winning smile at hand, the buxom trade queen gave a wink at the Rutian. "Time to make daddy proud." Granted, 'daddy' was six feet under the Tatooine desert -- but it counted still the same. It was time to do what she did best -- network and find the best method to expand, make profit, and have the customer smiling all the better at the end of it.

Her torso would turn towards the approaching party, who at the helm of it all was...

 

[Quietus]

The Eralis smoothly moved in to the Ceto driveyards, docking adjacent to Arceneau. Without need to go over specifics with the Trader, there was little need to continue to conduct the meeting on-board. DiVanca curtly directed the Aesirs from the command deck and off the ship, moving promptly to take a side-seat of the Crusade leaders as they disembarked into their realm. Certainly KDY would be heading the operations of construction here, but she was not want to step on any divine toes. She was merely here to oversee the production and offer the guidance and expertise of the galaxy's largest and longest running drive yards to this up and coming empire.

"KDY ships have arrived, Director," the news chirped over her ear-bud comm to which she quietly replied to have them move in to construction formation and begin prepping.

As they reached the Arceneau party, DiVanca waited for the formal leadership introductions to pass before stepping forward herself, offering her hand to Danger, "DiVanca Leonardi, Director of Operations of the Kuat Drive Yards, a pleasure to meet you finally Miss Arceneau."

 

[Cameron Centurion]

The party that arrived to greet [member="Danger Arceneau"] and [member="Alisha'ven"] were the Moross Supervisors for the construction efforts on the Ceto Shipyards. Given the stage of the construction, all three individuals wore jumpsuits designed to withstand the wear and tear of their current working environment. The shoulders of the jumpsuits were colored to indicate the deity they worshipped. The lead supervisor had dark orange shoulders with a black accent, indicating he followed Neth the Keeper. The one to his right had silver-accented bronze shoulders indicating faith in Salee the Shield and the other had bronze-accented silver shoulders indicating faith in Kalee the Sword.

"Ms. Arceneau, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Please forgive our somewhat casual appearance. The Aesirs have just arrived and should be here to meet you shortly. The Archivist and the Deceiver will be accompanied by a KDY representative, I'm sure."

As if on cue, the entourage of [member="Soliael Devin Talith"], Cameron, and Di'Vanca appeared in view. For his part, Cameron's silver-green gaze surveyed their guests from beneath the hood of his dark blue and gray cloak. Inhaling slowly to steel himself for the inevitable need to engage in pleasantries, the Sith Lord's exposed chest heaved as his left hand rested lightly on the leather hilt of his sword.

The supervisor that had spoken to Danger earlier handled the introductions after all three had kneeled before the Aesirs. When they'd been acknowledged, they stood and the senior supervisor motioned to Soliael. "Ms. Arceneau, Neth the Keeper." Once their exchange had been completed, he shifted to Cameron. "And Aatrox the Deceiver."

Cameron offered a polite, gentle nod of his head and spoke briefly in a deep, velvety tone. "A pleasure, Ms. Arceneau." Silver-green eyes remained fixed on Danger's own emerald gaze...though it wasn't hard to see the exact...flow of her figure. With Di'Vanca added to the mix of the other two females, it seemed himself in Soliael were in quite alluring company.

They were used to it.

[member="Lorelei Darke"]

((OOC: Just so...it's not too confusing. Neth was introduced, then Aatrox, then Di'Vanca introduced herself. It almost confused me writing it...)

 

[Soliath Devin Talith]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Soliael inclined his head in greeting to the red headed woman. “Greetings.”

The words came out in an almost amused tone, though if Soliael even glanced at the womans plentiful bosom was difficult to ascertain. Unlike Cameron, Soliael didn't mind the pleasantries of the world. Killing and destruction were all fun and good, but sometimes one needed to talk to get their way. In fact talking more often than not got Soliael much farther than complete obliteration ever had, save perhaps for that time on Druckenwell.

“A pleasure indeed.” Soliael echoed Cameron, giving him a wry look beneath his mask. “Now if you don't mind Madam, I’d rather we cut through the pleasantries and get straight down to business.”

There was a religion to run after all.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

"The pleasure is all mine," came Danger's throaty coo, extending her hand to shake that of DiVanca Leonardi in the series of introductions. Firm shake aside, Danger would gesture towards the Rutian Twi'lek beside her, "This is Alisha'ven, she oversees the Southern Systems Business Bazaar for Arceneau Trade Company."

Alisha'ven would incline a nod in greeting, and extend her hand to DiVanca should she take it -- since the would be gods couldn't be arsed to shake hands. Men.

"I see there are already big plans in the making," Danger would comment, motioning for Alisha to provide the manifest. "Just as ordered, raw materials to produce Durasteel alloy in bulk."

 

[Cameron Centurion]

Cameron didn't particularly care what specific courtesies were extended to whom. The Sith Lord was, definitely, not here to make friends. [member="Danger Arceneau"] and her people were providing a service and in return, the Crusade would pay them. Whether or not this turned into a fruitful relationship with follow-on contracts, remained to be seen. "We appreciate you making this trip in person, Ms. Arceneau." It was a brief nod to the reality of her presence given the presumed weight of her duties across the spectrum of her sprawling organization. Cameron's appreciation, however, ceased to manifest there.

"With regards to your materials, I presume the at-bulk pricing remains unchanged? Naturally, construction projections and plans do have a tendency to change as new methods or systems are identified as being critical need. I do not believe we are of a mind to lock ourselves into something that may be detrimental to both of our priorities. With that said, we are more than happy to honor an initial contract with the potential for follow-on contracts should we need to acquire additional materials. Would this be agreeable to you?"

Simply put, Cameron would prefer to effect the execution of one contract in full because the size of the order would keep the price down to a very reasonable level. If they required more or wanted to explore a more official relationship with Arceneau, there was room for that as well. "This all hinges on the initial supply being deemed suitable by our engineers and architects." At that comment, Cameron motioned slightly to the Crusaders that had introduced them. They, after all, were the subject matter experts.

[member="Soliael Devin Talith"] | [member="Lorelei Darke"]

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Cameron Centurion"]

"Why yes Aesir Aatrox. That sounds lovely." Danger would say in turn, smiling wide as she would be the first step of many of potentially bringing more of Arceneau Trade Company into Moross territory.