Meeting of Minds

[Myra]

Kamino​

Galactic Empire Space​

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Brae's fighter plowed through the heavy rains of the water-world known as Kamino, and the capital of the Galactic Empire. She had given up entirely on using eye-sight to guide her to the meeting place where she would meet [member="Adron Malvern"] , instead relying entirely on her navigational computers and other NAV systems scattered across the cockpit. The rain and lightning from above certainly weren't helping things, and she had to keep a constant watch on her height to make sure she would not crash into the storming seas below.

She had previously made deals with the High Moff, and thus it was he who she demanded to negotiate with. She had been planning the concept of Guardian Inc. ever since the conception of APEX, a corporation to bring order to the galaxy using APEX arms, vehicles, and ships. She, of course, had not told the Galactic Empire of these ambitions, simply saying how she was looking to use Kamino cloning facilities and was willing to negotiate terms with the High Moff, and thus the meeting was set.

She did not arrive when she had planned, instead, arriving an hour earlier than expected. Her ship flew over the meeting place at a set of labs she had asked for, a small complex of domes held up by stilts above the crashing waters. These waters, however, were slowly calming as the storm moved to the other side of the planet, beams of light crashing through the evaporating clouds to bathe the facility in a nearly heavenly glow. Brae was lucky she would not be as drenched as she had thought.

Her fighter lands on the platform, and she steps out, testing the wet metal to see how slippery it is before being escorted by a group of troopers to a small meeting hall, where she would hang her coat on one of the pristine white chairs in the pristine white room surrounding an equally pristine white table. One of the troopers would retreat from the room to relay her arrival to Adron, and she hoped that her early arrival had not upset the plans nearly as much as she suspected it had.

 

[Adron Malvern]

[SIZE=11pt]It was the late evening on Kamino, of course you could not tell due to the never ending storm that covered the planet. Within his office, Adron stared out to the crashing waves, taking a moment to admire the destructive beauty behind those waves. It was nearly mesmerizing, the way the water rolled and tumbled over itself, some waves growing several stories high. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]His hands were clasped on the head of an ornate walking cane. The long black staff reached down to the ground, white designs spiraling back up to the silver handle that was firmly held in Adron’s hand. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]A soft knock caused Adron to turn his attention from the view of the window. “Yes?” He called out, arching a brow as he considered who it could be. The door would open, revealing a man clad in an Imperial Officer’s uniform, his arms clasped behind his back. “Sir. Your guest from the Chiss Ascendancy has arrived… Rather early.” An amused smile came to Adron’s face as he took in the information. “Well then. Have some tea prepared Lieutenant. I expect this to be a very productive meeting.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Yes, sir.” The Lieutenant replied, bowing his head as he turned away, towards the kitchen. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Adron would take his cane into his hands, making his way out of his office, and down the hall. His uniform, as always, had not a mark on it and was perfectly pressed. The black material a stark contrast from the pristine white halls he traveled down. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]As he made his way to the conference room, he took notice of the Stormtroopers keeping guard in front of the door. Her early arrival had been noticed by security, if no one else. As the doors to the meeting hall were opened for him, the High Moff made his way in, bowing his head in greeting as he looked to the Chiss Officer. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Commander. A pleasure to see you again.” He said, recovering from the bow and making his way to the table. As he made his way to the table, he leaned his cane on the side of the table. “I'm having some tea brought out. Sapir. Not a bad cut.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Clasping his hands together, he offered the Chiss a small smile before gesturing to her. “Well, how may I help you, Commander?”[/SIZE]

[member="Brae"]

 

[Myra]

Brae's attention was abruptly torn away from the cleanliness of the room upon his entry, her eyes widening and her shoulders squaring a bit more in an attempt to appear more official than one who inspects the cleanliness of walls. Her hands are folded behind her back, both out of habit and the fact that it is more comfortable than to let one's hands dangle purposelessly. She raises her eyebrow at the guards outside, before dismissing it, after all, she was on their capital and she knew she'd want equally strict treatment for any visitor coming to Csilla.

"Greetings High Moff-" she starts, using his title for once "-It is an honor to see you again." She gives a stiff half bow before approaching him and taking her seat. "The Tea will be very much appreciated," she admits, giving a dry chuckle at the state of her drenched coat that occupies the neighboring chair away from him. "But yes. Business. I'm sure you may have guessed why I may be coming to Kamino, especially since I mentioned the use of these cloning facilities that continue to amaze the galaxy with their efficiency-" she paused, as if for dramatic effect or just to remember the next line of the rehearsed speech

"Order. Mr. Malvern, something I believe both you, I, and our respective nations hold to a high regard. Order is what has brought me here Mr. Malvern and how the Kamino Cloning Facilities can assist me in establishing such Order as the galaxy has never known under any regime. APEX, as you may know, specializes in weapons and armor, and although these weapons can be put to use for making war, I prefer to see them as a key to peace and to keep anarchy and lawlessness away. It is with this in mind that APEX is seeking to expand into the private military field, as well as biological manipulation and cloning." She lets this statement sink with a pause lasting only a few seconds

"Soon, APEX will be founding a subsidiary company, one which will act as a professional police force for any and all nations, planets, and stations that are able and willing to pay. The goal of this company will be to root out pirates, crime syndicates, and underground organizations bent on disrupting the natural order of things, as well as stopping petty crime and improving the lives of all sapient beings across the galaxy. This will not be cheap, and having a large force of free-willed individuals who's skills are too unpredictable will cost far too much, and so this is why I approach you, here, in this facility." She gestures to the white walls absently as she speaks

"Clones, Mr. Malvern, would make up a large portion of the forces deployed by this company, and only the best, brightest, and easiest to control will do. Kamino, and its native species are well known for their abilities, especially since the Clone Wars hundreds of years ago when they produced a fighting force so formidable that it allowed the Republic to hold onto countless planets as it transitioned into The Empire. It is this skill that I wish to employ, with the Empire's permission of course." and with that her speech was finished, now it was for negotiations.

[member="Adron Malvern"]

 

[Adron Malvern]

[SIZE=11pt]Of course Adron had taken notice of how Brae now addressed him as his title. He had taken note of how the Chiss had failed to do such in their first meeting, yet it was not something he felt a need to make a fuss over. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Just as Brae began to speak, the doors to the hall were opened. A duo of servants bringing in a tea set as well as two cups. As they set up the sapir tea set, pouring the beverage into the cups, Adron eyed Brae closely. The cups were set in front of each of the officers before the servants exited the room, with as little notice in exit as they were granted in their entrance. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The speech Brae offered caused Adron to draw his lips into a thin smile. It seemed terribly rehearsed, which he respected. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]As she spoke of APEX’s hopes of moving into other fields, Adron arched a brow. Intrigue came to him when she finally revealed the intention behind this meeting. Clones. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]As her speech came to close, Adron cleared his throat, taking a sip from his cup of tea before speaking out once again. “Cloning. Specifically Kaminoan Cloning, is a prime commodity held by the Galactic Empire.” He explained, setting the tea cup down in front of him. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“APEX holds a considerable contract with my own company and in the past the Ascendency has been an ally of the Galactic Empire… But, I am not eager to loan out the resources of the Empire. Especially one of our prime resources. So my question is Commander, what can you offer me?”[/SIZE]

[member="Brae"]

 

[Myra]

Brae was forcing herself not to break under the embarrassment of that speech. She knew how it sounded and it was a relief to her when she realized that the High Moff didn't call her out on it. Brae was a strategist and a soldier, but certainly not one for speeches that sounded organic and that flowed with little to no assistance beforehand.

She reflected on his words, taking the tea and tasting it before looking back up at him "Franky, High Moff, APEX and it's soon to be subsidiary can give The Empire an advantage in the form of a relatively free police force that would work with the efficiency as highly trained soldiers for no pay, which leaves millions of your citizenry already in these positions free and able to either contribute more deliberately to the Empire's economy, the Empire's military industrial complex, or be more soldiers for your ever expanding army. With every world that the Empire gains control of, you must spend.. millions if not billions of credits maintaining control of them and establishing yourselves within their local government. Just think how much easier such annexations would be if you could hand the reigns of keeping order in the streets and stopping potential rebellions before they even started, to APEX." She would think a moment before continuing "Of course this would not be free, but I can guarantee that it would be far cheaper and less taxing on your manpower than what I understand is your current system. And of course, this would not be handled completely autonomously, I would work very closely with you, and other Imperial officials to coordinate APEX's movements and to make sure that we did not get in the way of any plans that the Empire may have ahead of time, without the need of you to inform me of what these plans may be."

Convincing him was going to be difficult, she understood this. Yet she believed that he could see reason and how much this could benefit The Empire and perhaps the galaxy as a whole. So she sat straight-backed and attentive, ready for what ever rebukes or questions [member="Adron Malvern"] may have.

 

[Adron Malvern]

​As Brae spoke, Adron was coming to realize that she was offering the Empire little they could not do themselves. "Commander. We can clone our own army, we can train them, and we can arm them with no middle man." He said, taking a sip of his tea, before exhaling softly. "If we wanted cloned police forces, we could do it ourselves."

​Adron could nearly sense that Brae was eager to gain control of the cloning operations. Yet, there were few things she could offer, in his mind, that he could not take himself.

​"The Empire has weapons, we have starships, we have soldiers, we have clones, we have spies. So I will ask again, Commander. What can you offer me?"

[member="Brae"]

 

[Myra]

Brae takes a moment to collect herself after the initial realization that she had been extraordinarily foolish, appealing to his lack of manpower to a faction with infinite manpower. It was clear to her now that she did indeed have very little he wanted, and even littler still that he needed. So she sat in relative silence for a few moments, contemplating this.

"Knowledge. The Chiss have been spending a large portion of their existance collecting data, artifacts, samples, from all over the Outer-Rim. You may have spies but not hundreds of years of Chiss ingenuity and scientific research on dozens if not hundreds of planets, asteroids, technology, and species. I can see about selling you some of this information from the great Chiss libraries. Not all of it mind you, but some of it."

[member="Adron Malvern"]

 

[Adron Malvern]

​Brae's silence caused Adron's smile to grow, however it was so slight that it would likely not be noticed.

​The Chiss Commander's next proposal was rather better than the first. As a man who prided himself on remaining well informed, knowledge was certainly something he found himself in need of. Yet the offer still fell short of it's mark. The Empire's studied abroad were a priority, yet not to the High Moff that stood before her. For Adron, the knowledge gained from some far off rock was even more removed than the policing force the Chiss had promised.

​A moment of pause was given as the man considered her newer offer. "No." Firm and certain, the answer was offered with no apparent explanation, before finally the High Moff had chosen his words. "Had you been meeting with another, I do not doubt you would have been able to make such a deal. Yet, I care little for the planets the Chiss study. Also, I care little for wasting my time and that of the Empire. I will be....frank Commander. The Chiss Ascendency has nothing the Empire needs, and only one thing we want."

​Taking his cup into his hands, the High Moff would sip the tea before exhaling softly. "We need allies in the coming days. Men and women who can fight with us against our enemies. If you can supply this, we can come to terms, if you cannot, I fear you have wasted your trip."

[member="Brae"]

 

[Myra]

She takes a second as if to think about this before giving a nod "The Ascendancy certainly is looking for allies, and I have put in a considerably good word for The Empire to my superiors, so I can say with some authority that yes, the Ascendancy and Empire can certainly have a prosperous relationship. I'm sure our superiors can work out the specifics."

She shifts in her seat a little, crossing her legs "However, I cannot approve of this alliance if The Empire supports the Fel Empire growing on the Ascendancy's borders, they are ultimately a rival to us, and we will have no alliances with those who support them."

​

She's stern on this. Her military commander side showing through and dwarfing whatever diplomatic side she was using beforehand.

[member="Adron Malvern"]

 

[Adron Malvern]

​"The Fel's will be dealt with in due time. Their errant Empire has taken the notice of the Empire himself, thus they will not survive for much longer. Very well. Speak to your superiors and I shall address the Emperor and the Moff Council. Succeed in helping me create this alliance and I will allow you to utilize Kamino's cloning systems, for a cost." He added, smiling softly as he raised his cup to the woman. "Agreed?"

​Adron flashed the Commander an almost appreciative smile as he nodded to her, hoping she would find the deal acceptable.

[member="Brae"]

 

[Myra]

She raises her own cup to salute him "Agreed-" she takes a sip of the tea before settling the cup on the table and then going to stand, pushing the chair back into its place at the table afterward. "Together I believe that our two great nations will be able to make the galaxy their playground, so to speak." Attempting to use Alien phrases wasn't something new to her, but it was awkward and she visibly seems disappointed in her portrayal of it as she shakes her head "The alliance will be incredibly beneficial, and I hope to see you on Kamino in the future, perhaps this new company's headquarters can be located in a civilian sector of the planet?." She suggests as she leans across the table slightly, offering her hand for a shake.

[member="Adron Malvern"]

 

[Adron Malvern]

​As Brae stood, so too would Adron. He chuckled at her use of words, but nodded never the less. "I am sure neither of us will come to regret this." He assured her, knowing at least he would not. Making his way around the table, Adron would take her hand, eyeing her curiously as she spoke.

​"My, you are an ambitious one Commander. We shall see." Was all that was offered before he gestured to the door. "Come, let me walk you to your ship." He said, before clasping his hands behind his back. His tone was sincere as he spoke, yet his expression would not tell of such. "You do your government credit. I do not doubt they will reward your service."

[member="Brae"]

 

[Myra]

"To serve for reward would make me no better than a mercenary." She states as he escorts her back to the landing platform "You serve the force, obeying its will and asking nothing in return, I do the same for the Ascendancy.. although what they tell me to do is much clearer." She lets a small smile form on her lips at her own dry humor.

When they arrive at the door, she stares out at the pouring rain hesitantly, before pulling her arms through her coat and tightening it to her frame "It was a pleasure High Moff. Hopefully, we can negotiate equally beneficial deals in the future."

[member="Adron Malvern"]

 

[Adron Malvern]

​For perhaps the first time, Adron looked to Brae, showing a sign of discontent. "I do not serve the Force. I may act within it's actions, but it will never define who I am."
​As they made it to the entrance to Brae's ship, the High Moff would bow his head in respect to the young Chiss woman. "Until we meet again, Commander Brae'owiawo'theyiri." The way Adron's lips formed perfectly to the Chiss name may hint that the High Moff had some dealings with her kind in the past.

[member="Brae"]

 

[Myra]

She gives him an appreciative smile at being called by her full name "Until then, High Moff Malvern." She then retreats into her ship, and the hatch closes behind her.. it was going to be a long trip home.

[member="Adron Malvern"]