Faction On the Eve of Destruction

[Vianca Mecetti]

Location: MHGN Banshee, amidst an endless fleet assembled near Coruscant

Open to House Mecetti with special attention to Lady Pawla Arsec of Grindera and Salacia Consolidated and Arceneau Trade with special attention to Makai Dashiell
​

---

The space around Coruscant was littered with ships. Many were military, flitting about while making the final preparations for an expected Dark Empire invasion. But while less prominent in the sightline, countless civilian ships flitted in and out of the system. The price of a ticket on even the rustiest bucket had never been at a higher premium. Everyone who owned a ship that could make even Class 12 lightspeed was making a killing as billions of people competed for millions of seats. The poorest of Coruscant's people had no hope for escape, unless they were chosen by whatever method or lottery the GA had devised to evacuate the lucky few.

Meanwhile, in a conference room aboard her flagship, the MHGN Banshee, the Lady of House Mecetti sat with Lady Pawla Arsec of Grindera. The elder woman stared at the younger for a long while before speaking. When she finally spoke, her words and tone were as unkind as her eyes.

"I would trade a thousand of you away to get him back," she said at last, "but that is not a choice available to me. He sacrificed himself to save you, in some misguided sense of familial obligation. You should not expect that mistake to be repeated. I am not as sentimental as Casteban was."

She was perhaps alone in the wide world in considering her late husband 'sentimental.'

"But since you are here, and he is not, I am obligated to find some use for you."

Vianca paused to be sure her words landed with the correct amount of weight.

"Whether or not I think you should be, you are the future of this House. You, and the other young nobles of House Mecetti.

In a handful of decades, I will be dust. But you will be entering the prime of your wisdom... if you prove able to learn from your mistakes. Your mistakes have thus far proven to be titanic in size, so you should hopefully become very wise by surviving them."

The elder Lady leaned forward, "You already control a system. You have a voice in the Senate. But someday, you may have a dozen systems under your belt. Perhaps more. As such, it is imperative that I begin to make you known to our colleagues and business contacts. The people at the periphery of our power, who help us reach beyond the envelope of our expertise. I have asked you here today so that you can meet one such individual whom our House has had dealings with. You will need to be familiar with them, should I unexpectedly cease to exist."

Salacia Consolidated's representative was expected to arrive any minute. With or without any colleagues from their own connected web of businesses. Vianca wanted to assure their chief executive that all the deals with House Mecetti remained intact. A necessary step after the death of the House's High Lord.

 

[Lady Pawla Arsec of Grindera]

Lady Arsec took note of the scolding without even flinching.
She stood upright in her spotless grey Mecetti guard uniform with the half cape of a ranking officers, her lightfoil at her side. The young noble wore the mantle of failure with the noblesse oblige of her station.

She had made a mistake, true, but the late Lord Casteban had escalated it.
She was too intelligent not to suspect some hidden long term strategy of the old fox she had missed in the heat of the moment.
This was all his planning, but so genius, the young noble could not comprehend the plan.
Circles within circles.

She would not debate this with dowager lady Vianca. Nor would she emphasize that she spoke already for many systems under her belt, even if most were only inhabited or exploited by mining corporations. Everybody thought only settled systems with billions of inhabitants counted.
But every lifeless collection of rocks around a sun was an endless fountain of valuable resources. Her Calipsa connection, forged in centuries of politics and marriages, was a great boon too in the senate of Procopia.
Also, her network of young nobles from all others house, built at the university of Reena was not to be underestimated. Among these brash saber rakes her tragic failure and survival against all odds was like a prosthetic limb from a duel a batch of honour.

Besides, now she was the talk of the town in the media. Every publicity was good publicity. Even or especially bad publicity.
The commoners loved her heroics even in defeat to safe commoner life, and the young nobles envied the glory.
These facts the dowager lady knew by her Secret Service, of course, or Lady Arsec would be already governor of a mining asteroid or even would have be victim of an accident.

"Understood! I am looking forward to this opportunity to meet such a valuable asset to the house."

 

[Vianca Mecetti]

Location: MHGN Banshee, amidst an endless fleet assembled near Coruscant

Open to House Mecetti with special attention to Lady Pawla Arsec of Grindera and Salacia Consolidated and Arceneau Trade with special attention to Makai Dashiell ​

---

Vianca's face betrayed nothing of her true inner thoughts. She appeared sour-faced, angry, judgmental.

But now she knew she could work with Lady Arsec. No impetuous denials. No insistences. No pointing at one thing or another. She just sat and accepted what she'd been given, even if some of it might be construed as unfair.

There was more to this young Lady than an over-eager Corvette Captain. She was capable of discipline, and the only control which mattered more than control over others: Self control.

Good.

Finally, the elder Lady of House Mecetti nodded once.

Then a chime broke the silence.

Shifting her gaze to the table display, Vianca noted the text that told her what she already suspected.

"Our guest arrives."

Vianca restored her gaze to Lady Arsec and noted one more thing. A thing that could turn granite to diamonds, and enemies into friends.

Lady Arsec was a pretty young thing.

Power. Wealth. Beauty. Upon such things, alliances could be made.

Vianca simply had to find the right candidate.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

NEARISH CORUSCANT

Makai didn't expect to be going anywhere near the Core.

House Mecetti had a large presence on Obulette and he expected to be travelling that distance to meet the widowed Mecetti. While the Tapani sector had a lot of problems thanks to the Sith, so did the Core region.

He had asked for a meeting for two reasons ; one, to provide condolences in person and two, to ensure business would continue to run smoothly. It might be a little harsh, but cortosis and credits were on the line, Mecetti was the major player in that contract. Makai wanted to see the state ofW idow Mecetti, if he was to continue the work or if she was going to pass it off to a distant relative or advisor.

His Santhe Challenger was able to easily dock with the MGHN Banshee, his arrival already expected. Through the viewport he could see an aide waiting for him.

Slipping on his suit jacket, he motioned for his protocol droid, Thirty-Seven, to follow. While Makai didn't expect any problems, it didn't mean he wasn't a little concerned either. He still found it odd an old widow would be here with a battle fleet of all things.

Quickly making his way down the ramp, hand was shook with the aide and they exchanged pleasantries, moving down the corridor to where Widow Mecetti waited.

Vianca Mecetti | Lady Pawla Arsec of Grindera

 

[Vianca Mecetti]

​

As the handsome young Makai Dashiell was ushered into the room, a smile came to Vianca's features.

Those who knew her well might note this occasion on their calendars.

But she was no longer the Director of the Ministry of Inquiry. Now she was a politician and CEO. This job required- in moments of extremity- being pleasant.

"Chief Executive Dashiell. Thank you for joining us under such unusual circumstances. I would have preferred to meet elsewhere, but it seems the churning of the galaxy has other demands.

Also, please forgive me for not getting up. My hip is not all it's meant to be, lately. I'm assured the rheumatism will subside, soon."

She gestured to the other occupant of the room.

"Allow me to introduce my trusted associate and grand-niece, the Lady Pawla Arsec of Grindera. She recently cut her teeth commanding a warship against the Dark Empire, but I think you will find that you have other interests in common. She has much more in the way of mining in her territory than I do in mine.

Lady Arsec, Chief Executive Dashiell operates a company which is a marvel at extracting the most challenging minerals under the most difficult of circumstances. He also has contacts in distribution and sales. He has been a good partner for House Mecetti's mining interests.

Please, do have a seat, Chief Executive. Would you like anything to eat or drink? I can have virtually anything brought."

---

Makai Dashiell Lady Pawla Arsec of Grindera

 

[Lady Pawla Arsec of Grindera]

Lady Pawla Arsec bowed with the perfect etiquette of the Tapani nobility and smiled captivating at the CEO.

"I am pleased to meet you, Ser Chief Executive! Dashiell I would later like to hear more about your company, having so much ore in need of distribution and sales."
She played the part of the charming young noble girl and tried to make a good first impression on the CEO.

Makai Dashiell Vianca Mecetti

 

[Makai Dashiell]

"No, please stay seated. There's no reason to rise, Mrs. Mecetti."

Makai first greeted Mrs. Vianca Mecetti , clasping her hand warmly and kissing one of her cheeks in greeting, just as he would any elder woman of such standing in his business realm. It was his first meeting of the woman, only having heard of her in passing from the late Casteban Mecetti. He had only met Mr. Mecetti on business a few times, yet still it was prudent to meet with the widow, wanting to cement a business relationship with the woman now.

Next he went to greet Lady Pawla Arsec of Grindera , clasping her hand as well.

"Pleasure to meet you, Lady Arsec. "

Makai found it odd a woman of lower nobility would be commanding such a vessel. Perhaps it was one of those royal houses where military service was expected and required. He wasn't quite sure of the culture or customs of the Mecetti House, so he just was assuming for now.

"Maybe a water? However it is not pressing. Please call me Makai, there's no reason for such formality on your end towards myself. I came as a casual visit, wanting to introduce myself and give my condolences in person. A terrible loss, however, a small comfort that he died in service to your House and your name."

He paused slightly, debating on where to go from here. Eager as he was to keep this brief and to the point, there was also a delicate balance to strike. He was also trying to build a rapport with Widow Mecetti.

"How have you been getting along Mrs. Mecetti? And you Lady Arsec?"

 

[Vianca Mecetti]

​

Vianca momentarily brightened further as the handsome young man delivered a kiss to her cheek and a clasp of her hand. It seemed that good breeding was to be had outside the scope of the nobility.

But at mention of her husband, her face fell again. Her gaze was downcast briefly, before rising again to meet Makai's. There was no joy in her features, now.

"I am consoled only in the turning of events, which have denied me time to dwell on the loss. His funeral will be held on Obulette after the matter of Coruscant is settled.

I have no... "

Her composure faltered momentarily.

"I have nothing of his person. Only tokens of memory to bury in the family crypt. But I have my duty, as he had his. And mine is not yet discharged in full."

As if by magic, a servant appeared with a glass and pitcher of cold water. If he had been summoned, the mechanism by which this had been accomplished was not apparent.

Once the drink was deposited, the man disappeared back out of the room, the door closing behind him.

"I have been looking over the business papers and contracts my late husband signed with your company. It seems a fair deal was struck, and Cortosis is much in demand of late. Substantial profits from its sale are on the horizon. Never mind the byproduct minerals which the mine seems to produce in abundance.

I am pleased with the arrangement, and see no need to revisit it."

She paused, then added, "However..."

Then she turned to Pawla, "Lady Arsec, I know that the Trade Federation and its affiliates are the means by which much of the ore in the Tapani sector is distributed for sale. At least, that portion which we do not use ourselves at Fondor, Obulette, Javis, or your worlds."

It was almost impossible to do widespread trade in the civilized portions of the Galaxy without relying on the Trade Federation or its partners for the distribution of product. Their reach was far and wide, worming into a plethora of seemingly independent operators who actually worked on contract for shell companies that worked for subsidiaries that were ultimately owned by the Trade Federation's ludicrously wealthy leadership. It was a web which was difficult to escape.

"What percentage of sales do they keep in exchange for this service, may I ask?"

---

Lady Pawla Arsec of Grindera Makai Dashiell

 

[Lady Pawla Arsec of Grindera]

She smiled at Makai Dashiell friendly. "Thank you for your kind word, Makai. We are Mecetti. The Hammer strikes the iron hard and make it to steel."

Lady Arsec knew the numbers well. "The relocation of government to Fondor is a heavy blow to their monopoly at the trading routes, milady. Still, the deathblow for all their shipping enterprises at the Colonies and Rimworlds would be a free trade zone for all greater companies at the Rimma Route.
The ambassador was already not pleased by our support of the refugee act. It would certainly hinder their profit in this category of space travel.

The share for their service is simply at Neimondian level. The normal productive 21 % is doubled for the Trade Federation at least, and we counter that with penalty tolls. It is simply not profitable for both parties.
If we could redistribute the shipping service to the companies of the Free Worlds, Yag'dul, the Herglic Space, the Elrood Sector and other independent trade fleets we could lower that number drastically. Winning senators and corporations of such worlds to this endeavor would easily double our profit and hinder the Feds in bully our partners out of it."

The young noble woman was as cold as the dowager lady when it comes to corporate warfare.
She smiled again at Makai. "My affiliation with the Calipsa juggernaut of mining corporations could use shipping companies who are bold enough to undermine the Trade Federation monopoly. You do not happen to know such enterprises, do you?"

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Pouring himself a glass of water, he listened intently to Mrs. Vianca Mecetti and Lady Pawla Arsec of Grindera as they spoke of issues with the Trade Federation. Not many were immune to their reach. Paying taxes and levies was an unfortunate side effect of doing business in their influence, however, as Lady Arsec mentioned, more neutral businesses often had to pay a smaller share of these levies.

Of course, he had naturally thought of Danger Arceneau to fill this role for the Tapani Sector businesses. However, he knew Danger was on slightly friendly terms with the Trade Federation. Granted, the Trade Queen was friendly to many, yet Makai knew 'undermining the Trade Federation' was more than likely off the table.

"I am unsure. If you're alluding to Arceneau Trade, you would have to contact Miss Arceneau herself. If you like I can inform her a meeting would be desired, she would be willing to entertain your offers. I cannot speak on her behalf."

A sip of his water as he paused, thinking.

"Why not set up a shell corporation or another corporation under a trusted individual not related to House Mecetti say...in the Tingel Arm? It is independent space and is typically neutral. This would allow you to continue your business without a middle man, so to speak. It may also open up other avenues of business to yourself in an entirely different sector of the galaxy."

"Such a move may be wise in these trying times."

 

[Vianca Mecetti]

​

A pleased look returned to Vianca's features as Pawla picked up what she was implying.

Then the Lady of House Mecetti turned her gaze to Makai as he suggested shell companies.

"Such a clever young man," she said, her restored pleasant look now unwavering. "In fact, I can neither confirm nor deny that such shell companies may exist. But setting up a husk does not follow with a trustworthy distribution network. Any mask worth its maker would conceal whoever is behind it, and so the resulting disguise would leave one without a business reputation suitable to the task."

Then she pointed at Makai, "But these records show that when the Trade Federation faltered in the deal to distribute the ore of this mine, you suggested a partner to handle their part. Is that this Miss Arceneau? If so, you are correct in anticipating my needs.

I do greatly desire that you help us to set up a meeting with her once this unpleasantness on Coruscant is concluded.

And I would be willing to pay you a suitable fee if you help to mediate the discussion, as a friend to both parties.

I want to do away with the Trade Federation in House Mecetti dealings. I want trading partners who can accomplish that. And I don't want to have to spend the time to meticulously build my shells into crabs in order to do it.

Time is money, in this case. I need someone who can replace the Trade Federation network sooner, rather than later."

She turned to Pawla, "And I would like the initial contract for distribution to be for the product from your operations, if you have no objection. A less carnivorous distributer than the Trade Federation should widen profit margins, wouldn't you say? I am perfectly content to let you retain full benefit from these increased profits yourself, if they can be negotiated.

I desire a strong House. One strong enough for what lies ahead."

---

Lady Pawla Arsec of Grindera Makai Dashiell

 

[Makai Dashiell]

"Yes, Mrs. Mecetti, I suggested Danger Arceneau and her company to handle the distribution of the ores when the Trade Federation drug their feet on the matter. I could set up a meeting if she is so interested ; no payment needed. I cannot guarantee she will agree to your terms but I do know she will listen and counter-propose, so any meeting may be worth your while, if only for the perspective she can provide to your plight."

The situation House Mecetti found themselves was all the more proof that he not align himself one way or another. It was amusing to see how quickly these governments turned on the businesses in their sectors. Due to war, taxes and tolls had certainly increased, but if one wanted to keep commerce going, squeezing out every credit would cause them to flee to friendlier sectors.

Or friendlier distributors, as was the case here.

"I'm sure your House is fine, Mrs.Mecetti. Although make no mistake, I do anticipate those around you to try to usurp your power. It is part of the reason I came today, I wanted to see how your convictions were. I am pleasantly surprised to find you are a strong woman, but I should have expected Mr.Mecetti would marry a woman just as powerful."

Makai partly expected to find one of those trophy wife, hands off types. That would have worried him, it would be an open door for others to run amuck. Considering they had business together, the half-Galan didn't want things to get messy.

Lady Pawla Arsec of Grindera

 

[Vianca Mecetti]

​

Vianca seemed on the fence for a moment, deciding whether to be disturbed at being underestimated, or pleased at having been re-evaluated.

In fact, there was no fence to perch upon. She had carefully kept out of the public limelight, and cultivated the image of a distinguished but unexceptional spouse to the Lord of the Mecetti province. Some few knew that she had headed the Ministry of Inquiry, but often it was assumed she was being given a political appointment due to noble nepotism, and didn't actually do any work in the area. A justified assumption, given how many nobles took 'positions on paper' to spruce up their resumes for public perception reasons.

And so, she smiled.

"Well, it is kind of you to say so. Rest assured, our eyes are wide open to the dangers of our times. House Mecetti shall prove a valuable and constant partner, no matter the tides of war or tumult of loss.

Now, I realize you shall not wish to stay here overlong, given the impending conflict. But I hope we will be meeting again soon in regards to Miss Arceneau. And of course, you are invited to the funeral on Obulette when we are finally able to hold it.

If we are fortunate, we will be celebrating the defeat of the Dark Empire even as we lay my husband to rest.

Such an outcome would prove that his sacrifice has not been made in vain."

---

Lady Pawla Arsec of Grindera Makai Dashiell

 

[Lady Pawla Arsec of Grindera]

Lady Pawla Arsec remained silent and kept smiling to the blunt and shockingly undiplomatic affronts Makai Dashiell worded, but nodded politely to her Liege Lady, as she approved her suggestions.

This commoner! He dared to call the ruling Lady of a noble Tapani house "Mrs." as if she was an upstart trader of the Freeworlds buying a title! No, even these upstarts would deserve a formal address as a Lady!

And then he even lectured the experienced elder stateswomen about politics and dared to test her! Impertinence fitting for a Squip scavenger, but not for a man of his position.

This was indeed a hard lesson, the Dowager Lady had in store for her.
To remain friendly was hard work, but something a Tapani noble had learned early on.

She could bet he could not even realize how the Dowager Lady "kicked his butt out", as he would perhaps formulate it. But people like him would not realize the underlying irony. It had to come in the form of power mauls, not lightfoils to be recognized.

So she took her Liege as an example and smiled and endured the unendurable.

Makai Dashiell Vianca Mecetti

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Makai rised, moving to bid farefully to Vianca Mecetti by clasping her hand in farewell. It seems they would meet again both at the funeral services and through a potential meeting with Danger Arceneau .He would have to run that one by his mother-in-law, fill in her in on what he saw, weigh the pros and cons of taking business away from the Trade Federation. She valued their input more than he did.

"Thank you for having me, Mrs.Mecetti. Your hospitality has been beyond reproach and I wish you all the best in these upcoming dark days."

He merely nodded to Lady Pawla Arsec of Grindera , keeping his distance.

"Lady Arsec, I wish you well."

Thirty-Seven followed behind him, silently leaving without a word. The droid didn't have any sarcastic quips for his owner quite yet, that would be rude. He'd wait until they were back on their vessel.

 

[Lady Pawla Arsec of Grindera]

"It was a pleasure to meet such a fine example of the modern executive class", Lady Arsec replied with the most sunny of smiles.

He called her "Lady" and the Dowager Lady still "Mrs. Mecetti" to add to the insult of her Liege. Clasping her hand instead of suggesting a hand kiss was then the icing on the cake! It was almost comical, like a "Hauum and Tsi"-show at the Holos. Almost.

She would send him a present. A standard book about etiquette.
Perhaps it would help.