Private Price of a Planet

[Brachtor the Vindicated]

Zhuan Cao ​

In the opulent reception hall of the Archduke's palace on Geonosis, a muted ambiance enveloped the space, contrasting sharply with the distant sound of factories producing vast numbers of battle droids for the Trade Federation of Planets and various other clients throughout the galaxy.

The imposing stone columns, reminiscent of natural formations, were intricately carved to evoke images of bone and blood, a reflection of the Geonosians' customs under the current Archduke's royal rule.

Interwoven with this brutality were decorative elements that chronicled the rich history of the Geonosian civilization, culminating in the downfall of the Second Confederacy of Independent Systems, which had once stood as the preeminent power in the galaxy. Situated by the large window that offered a view of the vast factory below, Brachtor observed the captivating scene of sunlight reflecting off the honeycomb-like formations that characterized the planet's terrain, which had remained untouched by any recognized hostile forces.

The faint sounds of Geonosian workers engaged in their daily activities resonated from outside, serving as a testament to the industrious spirit of the planet's residents and their commitment to refining droid manufacturing. In the wake of the Alliance's defeat by the Sith Order, the redistribution of assets aimed at stabilizing the Core Region rendered the planet Geonosis less critical to the Trade Federation.

The newly formed Confederacy emerged as the most viable option for liquidating the planet's resources in exchange for additional lines of credit. Therefore, the Archduke extended a formal invitation to the Viceroy of Commerce to convene at the palace for a discussion regarding the particulars of this arrangement.

Stationed at either side of the entranceway into the Throne Room, were a several Geonosian Elites to provide protection and security for the ruling monarch. <<< Viceroy Cao. We have been expecting you for quite some time now >>> Brachtor uttered through the flapping of delicate wings, clutching the boney cane in a firm grip.

 

[Zhuan Cao]

​

Location: Geonosis
Objective: Trade deal
Tags: Brachtor the Vindicated
Gear: Ship - Rì chū | Protocol droid

NB - All of Zhuan's dialogue is in atrisian and is translated in real time by her protocol droid

Geonosis was starkly different to Rothana, hot and arid compared to the icy plains of the capital. Zhuan's shuttle had flown in low, having taken a circular route around one of the larger hives before arriving at the Archduke's palace as instructed. She doubted very much that she would ever come to a planet like this if it wasn't for the very obvious economic power of this place and it's reputation of its industrial complex. The planet had served several factions including previous confederacies. Now, she hoped it might serve hers, although she was reluctant to use the word serve as this confederacy hoped to have willing participants.

She walked in, flanked by her ever present protocol droid who would translate both her and her business partner's words in real time. The archduke was waiting for her and she bowed low out of respect to her host.

She did not understand the interesting clicks and grumbles that the geonosian language was made of but it was good to hear another talking their own language. "Thank you, Archduke, for your generous invitation. Your world does too proud and your hives look abuzz with activity." She would follow any instruction to be seated with him or to follow him before she began to talk. "You expectation is borne from the newly forming confederacy, yes?" she asked with a smile. "This pleases me to hear. I am a business woman myself as you well know, so reputation and word of mouth is as valuable as anything money can buy." the Atrisian woman nodded and gave a little laugh.

"And what do your ears tell you is the purpose of my visit?" her eyebrows raised in query, giving a slight oddness of the conversation as the geonosian language came from the droid. It would probably be obvious why anyone with a title Viceroy of Commerce might turn up, but how he phrased it would tell a lot about his preconceptions.

 

[Brachtor the Vindicated]

Zhuan Cao ​

The Archduke's attention remained fixed on the Viceroy of Commerce as they entered the throne room, exuding an air of grace and dignity. Each utterance directed towards the protocol droid accompanying them was meticulously crafted, with every statement reflecting significant deliberation and insight aimed at eliciting the most favorable reaction from him. The tone was amicable yet restrained, a strategic approach suitable for engaging an adversary in an economic confrontation of this nature.

The atmosphere lacked any indication of malevolence or blatant deceit; however, it was prudent to exercise caution while Brachtor awaited the translation from the protocol droid. The most significant information conveyed by the droid was her speculative inquiry regarding the purpose of her visit to the world when there was much to be done within the new government.

The Geonosian could speculate that the Confederacy wanted some form of legitimacy by claiming the former capital of the Confederacy of Independent Systems, or that they were interested solely in the planet's industrial capabilities. Speculations would be unproductive during the discussion, as they only created opportunities for unnecessary confusion or potentially granted the opposing party an advantage in the negotiations—an advantage that the Trade Federation was reluctant to concede unless it presented a possibility for increased profits.

<<< There are no expectations or personal interest in the affairs of the Confederacy. Merely an opportunity for an agreement between two interested parties >>> The Archduke rejected the idea that he had any personal interest in the Confederacy at that moment, perceiving the meeting instead as a conference between two parties seeking to fulfill their respective interests on the world. Fingers tapped gently on the rocky throne in thought for a moment before proceeding to respond to her third and most important inquiry.

<<< I am aware of many events happening throughout the galaxy, not all of them beneficial to my patrons. Regarding the purpose of your visit, one can only conjecture that the Confederacy seeks a crucial connection concerning the fate of two hyperspace routes: the Mara Trade Corridor and the Corellian Run. If you can accomplish this task without fighting tooth and nail for it against a rival power, then you would take that chance which lead you to accept my invitation. >>> Brachtor continued with an explanation as to the reason of her visitation without making it seem like it was his idea as to not allow himself to be trapped.