Private Private Arrangements | Onrai

[Nute Griimda]

Cademimu V, previously referred to as the 'War Chest of the Outer Rim', was now under the control of the Galactic Trade Federation due to a clandestine agreement with the Dark Empire.

This strategic ecumenopolis had been seized by the Federation to serve as a key trading hub and stronghold in anticipation of the impending conflict between the Galactic Alliance and the Dark Empire.

Positioned in orbit around the planet were ten recently constructed Tambor Pattern Lucrehulk Class II Battleship, with their flagship, the Sodomakk, overseeing defensive operations to deter any potential challenges from the Ruling Council's other factions.

Nute Griimda, a prominent member of the aforementioned Ruling Council and a highly influential Neimoidian in the entire galaxy, had orchestrated a confidential rendezvous with Onrai , a renowned and esteemed figure who had garnered a legendary reputation over numerous decades, steadily amassing significant power and influence.

She had served within the Brotherhood of the Maw, a vast barbarian empire that once threaten the Galactic Alliance but had fallen to the heros of the New Jedi Order.

However, her previous actions would have no impact on their transactions, as there was one particular thing that the Federation coveted above all else: pure and uncomplicated credits.

Waiting within one of the numerous conference rooms on board the flagship, the Neimoidian waited for her arrival.

 

[Onrai]

A grotesque cube entered the system, a construct whose scaled flesh shimmered with the faintest tones of corrupted platinum, scored gold, and smoldered electrum. This composite effigy would most likely be an enigma to the Trade Federation, its symbology non-existent to beings whose sole inquiry would probably be how to strip the scales off of it and sell them for credits - or worse, melt them down.

The construct was easily the size of one of the battleships in question, a massive creation whose perception sometimes varied depending on the circumstances. But its presence in-system around Cademimu V was all that was necessary right now. It would make what happened next somewhat easier, especially as Onrai had taken the time to determine her appropriate course of action on how to involve herself with the new representative that had replaced the Gossam who had represented them previously.

Stepping into the room, quite suddenly and surprisingly, was the typical blonde and plainly robed form of Vanessa Vantai, the more mortal manifestation that Onrai typically took when engaging in day-to-day business. Vanessa was the "face" of the new rulership of Ord Mantell, while the Onrai followers and worshippers were placated by her more ethereal appearance. Of course, no one had seen her on board the ship, and there had been no reception, but she was very much mortal as she entered the room, giving a calm smile. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Councilor Griimda." She said. "I suppose you'd like to get right into it, then?"

A direct approach had been apropos back with Meii-Nu. There was no reason for her to change such a negotiating strategy now.

Nute Griimda

 

[Nute Griimda]

"Regional Commander Sir, an unidentified object has entered into the system." The monotonous tone of the tactical droid resonated from the command bridge to the conference room.

The sensors of the Sodomakk diligently scanned the starship, to see if it was considered a threat to the blockade around the planet.

Although it found no trace of technological components, suggesting either the presence of advanced stealth technology or bio-engineering like the Vong Empire decades ago.

"Keep a close eye on the starship, prepare for combat if neccessary." He said into the comlink, as the doors to the conference room opened up and Onrai appeared before him.

Nute had failed to allocate a small amount of time to review the informative documents presented by the Commanding Viceroy regarding the members of the Ruling Council.

However, despite this lack of direct knowledge, he possessed sufficient understanding to acknowledge the formidable power they held.

The Neimoidian, clad in his customary garments, trembled slightly as he offered a brief nod in response to their simple greeting message. Inquiring if they were ready to proceed directly to negotiations rather than engaging in the customary pre-conversation.

"Yes of cour..course, what can the Trade Fede..Federation provide for a powerful individual such as yourself.." He said, uttering the words.

 

[Onrai]

"I should make an introduction, I suppose. I am Vanessa Vantai, onetime Sith Triumvir and current ruler of Ord Mantell." She said, motioning for him to take a seat at the conference table as she herself took a seat. From within her robes, she removed a small single-piece leather bag, tied tight with a drawstring, a large power cell, and a metallic container holding a glass vial about a span in length. With a careful motion, she slid both the bag and the vial across the table for Nute to personally examine as she inserted her datapad into the conference room's slot, allowing her to use the table's holographic technology to bring up an image of Ord Mantell.

"I'm sure you were previously aware of the Bright Jewel system's reputation as a home for crime and the trash heap of the galaxy." She began. "Suffice to say, the world has been more than beautified and turned into a productive planet that requires no imports to continue functioning." Of course, 'requires' only meant that they didn't need imports to survive. Luxuries and premium goods were of course available from abroad that outclassed that which was available domestically. "Listed here are the various metals, alloys, and minerals we've been able to extract courtesy of a particularly aggressive recycling campaign." Not mentioned was the significant use of molecular furnaces that had made the rapid reclamation of the world such an easy task. The fact the furnaces were to a degree self-replicating had been a significant benefit. The list itself went over most common materials in question.

Within the bag itself were the rainbow-hued colors of small Corusca Gems. None of them were of a particularly large size, though all of them were undoubtedly not dust. "Some of the more premium exports we have available." She said, motioning to the vial. "TibannaX. Spun-sealed and processed in-system. Regular and non-spun-sealed are also available as well." Lastly the motioned to the power cell - perfectly sized to provide energy to a humanoid combat droid. "The first planet in the Bright Jewel system has been turned into a generator world. We're manufacturing countless power cells capable of fitting everything from datapads to lightsabers to droids or vehicles. The cost in bulk for them is substantially below market averages." She said.

Looking at Nute, having already hit him with a copious number of exports, she lastly motioned to the holography of the datapad in question, showcasing information regarding the shipyards DCMM, her company, now controlled on the world's surface. "Lastly, I have shipyards whose services are available for production contracts should you desire to augment your current manufacturing capabilities. Serviceability ranges from small craft to dreadnought in scale. Full repair, overhaul, or from-scratch construction is an option as well."

She finished, giving a soft sigh now that she had gone over the fruits of the Bright Jewel system. "Any thoughts or questions about what my world has available?"

Nute Griimda

 

[Nute Griimda]

Nute elegantly settled into a chair positioned at the opposite side of the table, while Onrai presented herself as Vanessa Vantai, the esteemed Ruler of Ord Mantell within the Dark Empire.

She proceeded to discuss various matters concerning the once insignificant region, highlighting its remarkable evolution into a thriving industrial center, housing factories and shipyards that would play a pivotal role in the development of the Galactic Emperor's grand designs.

The Neimoidian was presented with the chance to observe the holographic representations of Ord Mantell, taking note of the impressive advancements achieved within a relatively brief period.

Additionally, he had the privilege of inspecting the bag that housed the Corusca Gems, a collection of exceedingly rare and immensely valuable resources coveted by the Trade Federation of Planets as a commodity for their vaults in case of economic hardship.

"We have not..noted the immense forward progress of your rei.reign over the Ord Mantell system. Lady Vantai. We would like to kn..know, how much Tibanna you can produce on what scale and at what cost?"

Nute explained, wanting to know more information about the Tibanna Production. Running a fleet of battleships around a planet, took an immense amount of fuel and if they could solve that issue then it would secure himself in the good graces of the Viceroy.

 

[Onrai]

"A substantial one, and at somewhat average market costs." She said. "To get tibanna production started in the nebulae of Bright Jewel was no easy task, but the cultivation and transport of the necessary things to the nebulae were directly responsible for higher initial yields than we would have expected to otherwise receive. Two nebulae meant double the effort but double the reward." She clarified. "I can of course offer you lower prices for larger purchases of the stuff."

It was simple and concise - offer resources, see what one tended to look towards, and come to a deal on them. Everything exported from Ord Mantell was pure profit for a reason.

Nute Griimda

 

[Nute Griimda]

"Most excellent," Nute experienced immense joy upon receiving a prompt and precise response from either Onrai or Vanessa Vantai.

If they possessed the capability to generate a substantial amount of Tibanna at a cost lower than the average market price, then the Federation would have the opportunity to procure a significant quantity at a relatively similar price compared to alternative suppliers who might be hard to come by when full-scale war broke out between the Alliance and the Dark Empire.

" If you are prepared to provide significant reductions in price, we will initiate the procurement of one container of Tibanna for every 1.5 units of the Trade Federation Standardized Credit. This will compensate for any potential losses that may arise from other business agreements you intend to establish concerning this particular product."

The Neimoidian said, figuring that was a solid deal for the Trade Federation overall given the current market price of Tibanna and the souring costs of military-grade equipment due to embargos and border-closures.

 

[Onrai]

"For a container of this size? Certainly." She said. "I am surprised, Councilor, that this appears to be the only thing you have interest in. Ord Mantell's new plethora of exports has proven to be a particularly valuable assortment of resources in these trying times. I run the world identically to how I did others in the past - which is why it will survive against all odds." She of course knew that if the Dark Empire somehow failed to gain victory over the Alliance, this would potentially give them a valuable and otherwise useful core world.

At least, if the Empire didn't finish exploiting them first.

Nute Griimda

 

[Nute Griimda]

"Fuel is a valuable asset, Lady Vantai. During these challenging times, it surpasses exports or scarce materials like the Corusca Gems. As the Galactic Alliance takes steps to deploy their reserves into complete regiments, an increasing number of tibanna shipments will be directed towards replenishment vessels, thus removing them entirely from the civilian market."

Nute provided a rationale for the Trade Federation's exclusive emphasis on Tibanna gas over other resources found on Ord Mantell. Despite the potential value of these other materials, the Federation's operations heavily relied on fuel for their ships and defense systems, making it their primary concern.

In an effort to meet the requirements of the Imperial Navy and the Ruling Council's ambitious plan to conquer Coruscant, the crown jewel of the galaxy, the Dark Empire would implment measures to control said market. With the Galactic Alliance likely planning to do the same, with the main goal of regulating fuel consumption for every starship entering their systems and sectors, as there seemed to be no other viable option on the table.

"Although this partnership shouldn't be one of singular interest, is there anything you aquire from the Federation.?" He asked Onrai

 

[Onrai]

"I have droids, starships, and whatever resources I require." She said in response. "There is admittedly precious little in the way of conventional assets and information that the Trade Federation has to offer me. After all, I've been around for quite a while, and anything I would've wanted, I got in the past courtesy of my former association with the Confederacy - well before your time or that of your predecessor." She said, thinking back to the way the galaxy had once been many years ago before things had collapsed so catastrophically. While she doubted that there was much in the way of resources she could neither acquire nor already had possession of, perhaps there were some things that the Trade Federation had to offer.

"Loyalty to the Empire would be one. I'm not unaware that your entity seeks to inveigle itself with all aspects of the galaxy, and as one who attempted to do such once upon a time, let me give you a word of advice - the outcome will not be good by attempting to play all sides. So far as more tangible things go - I am looking for certain manuscripts. Forgettable books and tomes, I assure you, of little value to most people. That would be a start as to more valuable compensation." Vanessa had plans - and such tomes would be a key step in her attempt to accomplish the creation of her next big endeavor.

Nute Griimda

 

[Nute Griimda]

"The Trade Federation, as established in the Ancient Commerce Treaty of 1647, Lady Vantai, remains a neutral organization. We are impartial in all interstellar disputes, focusing solely on facilitating equitable and unrestricted commerce with yourself and other relevant parties across the galactic frontier." Nute refuted the allegation that the Trade Federation aimed to involve itself with every faction across the galaxy.

Instead, they asserted that their primary objective was only to operate as a business entity, motivated by the principles of unrestricted trade and commerce, regardless of the origin of such fair and open economic transactions.

She provided the advice based on her own past failure to achieve the goal, shifting the blame onto the Federation, a relatively new organization led by then Director Gat Tambor during the Imperial Rebellion against the Sith Empire.

The Federation was now succeeding where she had fallen short, making progress towards their own agenda for galactic dominion.

"That is the one material, we don't ship nor can provide. The market for mystical items is simply not there to make a profit." The Neimoidian stated to Onrai , knowing full well that selling in mystical items was an unprofitable market.

 

[Onrai]

"Yes, yes, I've heard the corporate buzzwords so much over the decades they've been practically standardized." She sighed. "Just be careful with how you play." So it was as well that the Federation councilor could not provide her with access to the arcane knowledge in question. Perhaps another angle would be needed. "I suppose an alternate option would be a supply of marionium. I am in need of its properties for reasons I cannot yet publicly disclose." There was a project she was working on that would require use of the material, and there were few places she could think of where it could be effectively recovered - not to mention she knew Sunspot would be a pain to start mining operations on due to its immense tectonic and volcanic activity.

Perhaps there was another source the Trade Federation had access to.

Nute Griimda

 

[Nute Griimda]

"A significantly more...let's say...easily handled inquiry. Lady Vantai, your provision of marionium shall be granted. However, I must urge caution when there are rumors of potential lethal outcomes associated with the utilization of such a substance. Though you are power indeed, I do not think the Empire would like to see you vaporized."

Despite the unreliability of rumors in the Corporate World of the Galaxy, the Trade Federation had knowledge of an individual from ancient times who was trying to utilize the same substance.

If they were successful, such action could have resulted in the destruction of the entire tython system. Should Lady Vantai choose to replicate this error, it would lead to a significant financial burden for the Dark Empire.

However, if she were to perish, the loss would not be as substantial. After all, one less chaotic force user within the galaxy would benefit everyone.

 

[Onrai]

"I am aware of the potential negative benefits of its use." She said. "And at least personally, I am at no risk. There is a world within the Bright Jewel system where experimentation with the marionium supply will occur far from any populated settlements." There were two possible options, both equally dangerous, for resolving this: either attempting to replicate the device that originally powered the Tython hypergate, or trying to retrofit the gate with something like a small-scale hypermatter annihilation reactor. Experiments would determine exactly whether the outcome went well or not, but the collection of dark matter would, from what she could tell, be a minimal issue, especially as she had an actual understanding of how such technology worked.

Perhaps better futures would be in order.

Nute Griimda

 

[Nute Griimda]

"Well..If you are certain then there is nothing more to be said. We will be sending you the shipments of marionium in exchange for your Tibanna Gases within the next quarterly rotation."

The Neimoidian expressed a lack of confidence in Onrai 's ability to survive the experimentations, despite acknowledging and even admiring their self-assurance. It would be a shame to potentailly have to renegotiate the agreement with the new rulers of Ord Mantell.

However, there was a glimmer of hope that any new regime might prove to be more open-minded and receptive to considering the unconventional viewpoints that they brought to the table, which could lead to further mutually beneficial and productive collaboration in the future. Nute took a brief moment to go over the agreement and had drawn up a contract on the datapad.

"With your signature on the contract, our agreement should be finalized."

He explained, handing over the contract.

 

[Onrai]

Vanessa looked over the agreement in question. The credits, plus the marionium supply, in exchange for the tibanna gas. Yes, this would certainly be an equitable trade that would benefit both Ord Mantell itself as well as her own longer-term goals. Yes, this would do nicely. She signed the agreement and smiled at the Neimoidian, a satisfied look in response to his back-and-forth with her. Yes, he would be a better representative of the Trade Federation to the Empire than his predecessor.

"A pleasure doing business with you. I would certainly hope that perhaps we can engage in future transactions on top of this."

Nute Griimda