Leaders of Genius {Commenor/Corporate Sector}

[Dravis Rosilla]

​

COMMENOR, ABOVE CHASIN CITY​

ABOARD THE DISCOURAGER​

Commenor was not a world Dravis was used to. He had experienced the harsh populous of Coruscant, the irritating sands of Tatooine, the swirling vortexes of Geonosis, and a few others, but such a peaceful, prosperous planet would be a welcome change.

The Sith Diplomat quickly realized his research, and his expectations, were largely incorrect.

The Discourager, Dravis' Solitaat-Class Cruiser rocketed out of hyperspace, into Commenor-controlled space, and Drav immediately felt a shift in the Force. The area felt strangely conflicted, as if the galaxy was at war with itself. The feeling brought a thin smile to his circular mouth.

He sat on a throne of sorts, pushed into the center of the main deck, with Geonosian and B1 Droid pilots keeping the cruiser on course to the planet. They chittered to each other, rattling off clearance codes and orders. Dravis sat up a bit straighter, preparing for his upcoming meeting with the leader of this planet.

The Corporate Sector had interest in Commenor because of the recent political turmoil. Something about a political morphing from one system of governance to another. If there were ever two things that went hand-in-hand, it was a political change, and an economic one.

The Bith Sith had been sent to achieve such a smooth transition, and ensure that the Sector had a part in it. Dravis had quickly earned a reputation as a shrewd and silver-tongued businessman within his circles. He was the natural choice to send in such a battlefield of ideals.

"Notify administration that we have arrived," Dravis said, his eager voice starting his B1's into action. "I'd like to get this show on the road. If I were the ruler of a planet, I wouldn't want to waste much time on small beings such as us, yes?"

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay looked at the message on her datapad. Corporate Sector? Who were they? A few facts were sent to her and she read through them while sipping her tea. She couldn't recall them at all, nor were there any other messages from them on her datapad. So this was all new.

She looked to one of her servants. "Tell the port authorities that they are granted access to land. Have the guards bring their representativesto the Throne Room."

"Yes, my Queen." He bowed and went off to fulfill her request. Kay kept her datapad and tea in hand while she got to her feet and headed out of her office. As she walked through the hallway she wondered when someone would attempt to take over her sector. It was only a matter of time before a thirst for power grew to be too much. Right now she had what she needed. When she was more comfortable in her own skin, she could reach out for more. As it was, her influence was still as strong as ever.

When she reached her Throne Room, Kay headed right to her chair, sipping her tea and tucking her datapad over at her side. Her guards took their respective places and the double doors remained open.

Time to see what the Corporate Sector wanted.

[member="Dravis Rosilla"]

 

[Dravis Rosilla]

Around thirty minutes passed before Dravis arrived at Kay's palace. As much as he wished to speed up the process, he knew it would be a death sentence to walk in without preparation. This made his anticipated entrance all that more sweet.

The Bith arrived with a small squad of Geonosian warriors, nothing threatening, but enough to show he meant business. The guards outside alerted Kay to his presence, and escorted him inside. He took note of the various twists and turns, storing away the information for later. He noted the luxuriousness of the palace, and filed it away as well. He would have to take all the advantages he could.

Finally, the Bith came into view of Lady Kay, through a set of open double-doors. Kay would undoubtedly find the sight of Dravis slightly disquieting.

The diplomat wore a deep black robe, with red trimmings, obviously a very expensive cloak. Underneath, he wore simple black wraps, which also covered much of his mouth and forehead, leaving only his eyes to be seen. They were deep black, like pitch, but with sparks of yellow energy swimming in the endless black. He had no weapons on him, but his Geonosian Guards were armed with various whips and sonic blasters.

He walked in quietly, and bowed in front of the Monarch, bending at the waist, a show of deep respect, but not servitude. A deliberate move. As were the words that followed. "Queen of Commenor, Lady of the New Rule, Monarch of Innovation, the Corporate Sector thanks you for your ear." Dravis straightened again, seemingly far too calm, despite the tension.

"The Corporate Sector also extends its sincerest apologies for the short notice of our arrival. In the future, more warning will be given." Apologies never hurt, after all.

"I am Representative Rosilla, and I am here to create a deal, that I am positive will benefit all parties involved."

The Bith extended his hands diplomatically, as if gesturing at the very grandness of the Lady Herself. He let a twinge of Dark energy flow into his words, enticing and sweet.

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay had already finished her tea, her cup taken away by a servant. She didn't mind waiting. A half hour went by quite quickly as she sat there and meditated. She enjoyed the solitude in such a large room. No sounds, no voices, nothing. It was peaceful.

Her meditation was interupted by one of the servants that quietly whispered to her of their guest's arrival. She sat up straighter, keeping her posture poised, while her feet were crossed at the ankles and tucked to one side. Her hands were placed on the armrests. The black gown that she wore was so dark that it didn't seem to reflect the light. It was laced with silver embroidery that matched the netting surrounding her hair which was done up in a fancy bun. She wore no crown today, only a tiara. @Ravis Rosilla knew thatshe was the Queen, so there was no need for her to rub it in.

Her eyes went to the guards that her guest brought with him. Their weapons let her know that they were quite used to dealing with Force users. Kay then looked to Dravis as he approached, already noting the Darkside that surrounded him, swirling like the yellow in his eyes. She bowed her head in return to his gesture.

The man had a silver tongue, which let her know that he was experienced. Kay smiled, though her eyes hinted at her cautiousness. "Welcome to Commenor. I have heard very little about the Corporate Sector. Please enlighten me."

 

[Dravis Rosilla]

Dravis noted the caution in the eyes of the Queen, alerting him to her experience. Despite her smile, he knew she saw him for what he was, almost immediately.

He needed to tread lightly.

"I must say, I do enjoy the scenery of the planet. Of course, I haven't had the chance to experience it for myself yet, but that will come in time." Dravis chuckled, then inclined his head towards Kay. "I'm surprised you haven't heard of the Corporate Sector. Of course, we are a newer coalition, but we grow."

"The Sector is a conglomerate of businesses and businessmen, joined by commerce for the betterment of the galactic economy." Dravis' eyes shined, though the cause was difficult to discern. "We have many members from across the worlds, including the Techno Union, the Commerce Guild, the... Trade Federation."

Dravis had come prepared, thankfully. "I caught wind that you have already spoken with [member="Herr Vanderhing"], on behalf of the Trade Federation. I hope you found him agreeable. Personally, he rubs me the wrong way, but he is honest, and he is competent. In fact, Mr. Vanderhing was one of the founding members of the Corporate Sector, alongside myself." Dravis had been told the talks between the Neimoidian and the new government had gone well, and figured name-dropping the man wouldn' hurt.

"I realize that Commenor is in a time of transition. With the shifting of powers comes a certain... stress... on the economy. This stress is exactly what the Sector is adept at fixing. With a conglomerate of products and trade, we could help bring Commenor back into a semblance of normalcy." Dravis glanced around the room, looking for a place to sit. He'd rather not ask.

That would be rude.

"With the correct deal that would equally benefit both parties, of course. My only question for you, and for Commenor, is what you believe that deal to be."

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

More than likely there'll be many visits from the Corporate Sector should an alliance be struck. So there would be plenty of time for sight seeing. However as she had been away in captivity for a while, it didn't surprise her that some new corporations had popped up. They always come and go like the tide. Kay jyst tended to roll with it.

Kay raised a brow as [member="Dravis Rosilla"] mentioned her talks with the Trade Federation. But further explanation puther at a bit of ease. Viceroy Vanderhing was a founding member of this Corporation, so it would make sense that Dravis would know. "Viceroy Vanderhing is quite...persistant when it comes to his fears of the Mandalorians. I feel that it clouds his mind at times. But he was pleasant enough to talk with."

There was no chair in the Throne room, but the throne. It was her place of power, so to speak. As she didn't know the man, she didn't have him meet in her office, nor one of the dining halls. So until she was comfortable, the Throne room was where they would stay.

She shifted in her seat a bit when he mentioned the transition that Commenor was going through. Kay was facing a transition within herself too, some of which she liked, some of which she didn't. It was refreshing that she was asked of what she would like the deal with the Corporate Sector to be. All others have given their own versions first.

"Commenor is on the outskirts of the Core. If we were to be used as the gateway for goods passing in and out, then that would do well for us. Since my return as Queen, some businesses have left us. Any help rebuilding our shipbuilding factories would go a long way too. As for what we could provide? Raw materials, food and education." She wasn't prepared to send any Commenori soldiers out just yet, still maintaining her pledge that the Commenori stay home. If people didn't bother to rescue her in her time of need, why should she rescue others?

 

[Dravis Rosilla]

Dravis grinned coldly, hidden by his wraps. The Viceroy seemed the type to fear the Mandalorians: It was only natural for a clever coward to fear an honorable brute. Of course, Herr also had a bit of a thing against Sith, and as that may in part be due to history between the Sith and the Trade Federation.

"The mark of a wise leader is an open mind, your Majesty. That is all I will say on that."

Dravis felt a twinge of something within the woman, something he could not yet identify. His experience in the Force was severely limited, as his only tutelage had been for a few months. Since his master died on Atrisia, he had looked to the Force itself for lessons, for anything he could reach for.

His growth had been crippled without a symbol for what he could become. Thankfully, what he lacked in Force Training, he made up for in wit and economic savvy.

"Ships... Ships... I am confident this can be provided, even if I have to oversee it myself." Dravis let his arms disappear behind his cloak, gripping his wrists behind his back. "Materials and education are appreciated, but I would like to ask slightly more of you, and offer slightly more."

"Of course, we can encourage ship-builders to come to Commenor, but they will need incentive. I would like to propose a fifteen percent cut on all Corporate Sector tariffs." Dravis nodded, as if agreeing with himself. "In return, not only will we send ship-builders, but the Commenori government would receive deals on all Corporate Sector products."

Dravis knew what a deal like this would do, but he wasn't entirely sure if the Lady before him would understand the ramifications. The immediate economic effects on the planet would be like a rolling snowball. If the tariffs were reduced for the Sector, they would quickly run small businesses out of... well... business. The increased business, and deal with the government, would strengthen Kay's regime, while simultaneously making them more dependent on the Corporate Sector. Given time, perhaps Commenor could even be tempted to join.

It was truly a deal that would benefit both sides.

Who it would benefit more was shrouded by flowery language and unnerving eyes.

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Commenor didn't need ships to be provided for them. Just merely a hand in getting the factories running again. Doing so by themselves could take more time than was necessary. She just wanted to be prepared.

Kay raised a brow as [member="Dravis Rosilla"] stated his proposal. It was not quite what she had in mind. Did he think that she could believe that a discount on Corporate Sector tariffs would bring workers to her? No. He was playing a bigger game than that. Dravis was only using her want of shipbuilders to further his own goals and get a strong foothold on her world.

Of course she wouldn't let him know that she was working at reading between the lines. "And what kind of products does the Corporate Sector have that does not already come through our ports?" Commenor was steeped in trade, so there was plenty of various items coming in and out of their ports while they were on route to various places in the Galaxy.

 

[Dravis Rosilla]

"Oh, anything you could ever want, the Corporate Sector can provide. We are a trade empire, after all. While our largest businesses focus on more profitable ventures, such as droid manufacturing, weapons, and trade agreements, we also have businesses that focus on food distribution, clothing, anything you might desire." Dravis actually aspired to begin a food and relief company eventually, once he had a better foothold in the galaxy.

Not that he cared for starving people.

He just knew that starving people were influenced by food. Therefore, whoever brought the food could win the hearts of the people. But those were thoughts for later.

"And whatever deals you have already, I'm sure we could match, or even make better ones. That is what we do, after all." Dravis let his eyes twinkle with an inner fire.

"We make deals. Now, what deals are your looking for. I have laid out my terms for an agreement. What do you think of them?"

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smirked a little. Commenor was a world steeped in trade, so outside of droid manufacturing, everything else moved and was distributed through their ports. They had plenty. Commenor's largest exports that they allowed out was their chrysopaz gemstones and Commenori brandy. Everything else that Commenor grew or mined remained onworld.

[member="Dravis Rosilla"] seemed keen on matching or beating her trade agreements with other worlds and governments. It was almost a financial takeover, making them more dependant on just one, instead of working with many. What was to happen if the Corporate Sector fell? Commenor would have to scramble lest their economy collapses.

"I think that your deals are a little....off balance. I can get shipbuilders at a much cheaper rate through some of my other allies. And they probably work just as hard and just as well."

Kay drummed her fingers lightly on the arm rests of her throne. She tilted her head to the side a little as she pondered on whether or not a deal could be struck today. Sometimes these things take time. "Commenor has trade deals with many other worlds and governments. I don't play favourites. You would get the same discount on tariffs as the others at five percent. I also propose a business fair. If there are restaurants, clothing businesses and the like wanting to set up shop here, then they should come and see whether or not the Commenori are interested." Of course she had no plans of visiting other worlds just yet. Being a newly crowned Queen, it just wasn't safe.

 

[Dravis Rosilla]

So, she isn't just a figurehead.

Figures.

Dravis hid his defeat with a wry smile, making sure his posture was ramrod straight. His upbringing hadn't exactly prepared him for meetings with royalty, but she didn't have to know that.

It wasn't necessarily a defeat, either. A fiver-percent tariff reduction, although small, would give the Corporate Sector the foothold they needed to begin, although it wasn't the complete takeover he had tried to instigate. No fast ones would be pulled today, it seemed. And a fair seemed too... fair.

Everyone knows that both in politics and war, it payed to have the high ground.

The slight slump of shoulders were the only satisfaction he would give the Lady. "I assure you, the deal was most certainly off-balance. Business goes both ways, it is a balancing act we must weigh together." A quick grin caught Drav's mouth. "We can get you ships for cheap. It's what we do. And as for your offer..." Dravis paused, thinking. "We will have to work out zoning and lodging for the workers being sent over."

Dravis was smart enough to know when the jig was up. He wasn't going to be taking over this economy any time soon. It would have to be a more extensive project of his. "Otherwise, that sounds..."

"Fair."

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay took an almost impatient breath as she listened to [member="Dravis Rosilla"] talk about getting her ships for cheap. She wanted to restore the factories and build ships, not buy them outright. The man had a gift for twisting words. She would have to be very mindful of that when it cones to writing contracts.

She tilted her head to the side a bit, raising a brow as Dravis raised the topic of zoning. Just what was it that he had in mind? "Zoning? What kind of lodgings would your workers need that we can't already provide? I can assure you that we can accommodate them."

Dravis also didn't seem very keen on her idea for a business fair. Others jumped at the chance for it, but he did not. So his true motives at this time, were not entirely clear. She would have to be on guard....

 

[Dravis Rosilla]

It would be wise of the woman to be on guard.

Everything about Dravis seemed to scream...

Slippery.

Dravis' arms returned to his sides, his trademark half-smirk ever-present on his face, as if he had just been told a terrible secret, and wanted to hear more. His robes fluttered as he moved, creating creases and waves on the expensive surface. "Zoning. Places for the workers we send over to work. And I would wish all of the Sector's workers be in one place. New jobs in new places can be intimidating, after all, and to be near fellow employees of the Corporate Sector is a comfort in itself."

Whatever momentary weakness he may have revealed had banished itself to the back of his mind. He had regained his composure, reassesed the situation, and began executing a new contingency plan, all in the span of a few seconds. "Besides this, we need no more to get started. I expect to be updated by one of your inferiors if any complications or unexpected fortunes arise."

Dravis had done what he was sent to do. He began a new monetary hose for his allies, however small the spigot was. "Now, is there anything else you need of me, your Excellency?"

- [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay raised a brow slightly. [member="Dravis Rosilla"] was very keen on having new buildings constructed to house the Corporate Sector workers. He wasn't even aware of the housing complex that was already there, for if he was, then he wouldn't be making such a request. There was the possibility that he did know and felt that they weren't good enough. Or, that he had something more devious in mind.

"The Corporate Sector workers will have places to stay where they will be together and comfortable without the need for further construction that can delay the work that needs to be done in the factory. Quality, not quantity is of the utmost importance, and should my standards not be met, there will be others that can do the job."

Commenor was her world and she was not going to allow herself to be walked on by anyone, ally or not. Kay had plans in the works and this was one small part of it.

She leaned back in her throne. "I'll have the contracts written up and sent to you soon. Have a safe journey home..."