Project Praesidium

[Alicia Drey]

| [member="Ajira Cardei"] | [member="Camellia Swift"] |

NABOO, THEED

Since becoming the CEO of Chandrila DataTech once more, Alicia had been planning a project of significant size, enough to increase it in tier on the stock market. But the plans that she had put in motion since reacquiring DataTech from [member="Taeli Raaf"] required two things: a partner, to help bring the project to fruition; and a contact, who had enough sway with the right people to distribute energy for said project.

So Alicia had reached out to two people. Camellia Swift, a technological expert who had a pedigree in bringing projects- such as the one Alicia was planning- into fruition. Ajira Cardei, a royal from Naboo, had recently purchased three properties from Alicia, and so using that as leverage for a meeting, Alicia had reached out for both sides to meet and discuss the possibility of Ajira setting Alicia and Camellia up with the right people.

Arriving via shuttle transport at Theed, Alicia climbed off and stepped into the spaceport, eyes searching for both women that she was set to meet with,

 

[Ashin Varanin]

[member="Alicia Drey"] [member="Camellia Swift"]

Ajira hadn't met either of these women -- at least not as Lady Ajira Cardei. She'd conducted her prior business with Alicia Drey via Lady Shambleau. But on a bright sunny day like this, Shambleau was nowhere to be seen. Instead, Ajira sent limousine speeders to bring the estimable visitors to the palace.

Yes, that palace. Specifically, to a balconied office on the side of the legendary hangar, overlooking a cliff and a green grassy plain. This section of offices had its own entrance, and was accustomed to business visitors, so Swift and Drey wouldn't need to pass through comprehensive palace security. An aide would escort them through the hangar, to the balcony of Ajira's office. They would find her drinking R'alla mineral water in the sun, wearing an ornate Naboo robe of deflex and shell-spider silk. They would, of course, find a woman with a minimal and untrained Force signature (thanks to expert qey'tek meditation and Force dispersers), but a disciplined and opaque mind. Cool but friendly, tall but not imposing, Lady Cardei held an administrative position with Theed Palace Space Vessel Engineering Corps, and often entertained noble guests here.

 

[Alicia Drey]

| [member="Ajira Cardei"] | [member="Camellia Swift"] |

Alicia checked her watch. She had expected Swift to have arrived roughly at the same time, but it appeared that she was running late. Or Alicia was running early. Regardless, she navigated her way through the spaceport and rendezvoused with the limousines that Cardei had waiting for either of them. Taking hers first, Alicia settled herself into the back of the transport and turned to observe the architecture of Theed as she was taken to the palace. It was a pleasant trip, as she enjoyed the buildings and style of the Naboo, having never visited their homeworld before today.

Stepping out of the limousine, Alicia was met by an aide and brought up to where she was supposed to meet Ajira. Entering the balcony, Alicia turned her gaze to observe the view, lost in the tranquility of it all momentarily, so much so, that she forgot why she had come here in the first place.

 

[Ashin Varanin]

[member="Alicia Drey"]

"I never get tired of this view." Ajira unfolded herself from the silver art deco chair in the corner of the balcony. "Alicia Drey, I assume. I'm Lady Cardei -- call me Ajira. So nice to finally meet you in person. It's a rare individual who can call the Muuns her peers."

Through Shambleau, Ajira had purchased three properties from Alicia: a factory on Dubrillion, an office block on Kalee, and an underground facility on Mytus Seven. She'd started to flip them already, because the ultimate plan for one or two of those properties involved the Ke'dem organization, and chains of custody had to be obscured one link at a time.

"Any word from your friend Miss Swift? Her reputation precedes her, of course." Ajira refilled her glass with R'alla. "Would you like a drink? Something more substantial, maybe? It's nearly that time of the afternoon. I could have the palace chef whip something up."

 

[Camellia Swift]

[member="Alicia Drey"] [member="Ajira Cardei"]

More than likely the Rendili woman was indeed running late, a result of the paperwork she was forced into completing time and again as part of the arrangement for Sith occupation. Certainly it had occurred long ago, but securing independent rule for the most part a while ago meant many, many, times more filing to handle tariffs and inspections and ooooh so much more hassle than Camellia would like to deal with. Still, it wasn't like anything bad was happening, unless paperwork eventually fell on her in which case there was evil afoot in the growing piles. Nonetheless, the woman groaned as she set aside the work she had done even while enroute to Naboo and checked herself in her transport's quarters before departing and happily accepting the rather luscious speeder ride to the palace where they had all arranged to meet.

Which actually, speaking of, would be her first time meeting either woman. Usually it was a meeting with military officers or political figures to settle a contract. It was ironic so little of her business was done among other company owners. Nevertheless, Camellia felt excited as she made sure her crisp business suit was uncrumpled as she climbed out of the speeder. She felt a tad anxious having seen the other parked speeder and hoped she was not too far behind as she maintained a rather speedy pace towards the balcony. Not being a force sensitive herself, there was no remark to be made of the Naboo Royal upon seeing her in that regard, however, the Rendili woman did find it enjoyable to meet another woman almost as tall as she was. Along the same lines, a childish part of her had to resist the urge to offer a high five rather than a courteous handshake to the other woman present upon seeing how much shorter she was than herself and their host. "I apologize for the delay, I forgot to account for time differences in our system's cycles and got caught up in transaction report estimates for the next quarter. It's a pleasure to meet both of you, and I have to say it is especially a pleasure to visit Naboo again. Its natural beauty never ceases to awe me."

 

[Alicia Drey]

| [member="Camellia Swift"] | [member="Ajira Cardei"] |

"No thank you," Alicia replied, finally lowered her gaze to her esteemed host. "This view is incredible. We don't get this high up on Chandrila. As for the meal, I've become accustomed to the way the Muuns do business." For those who happened to do business with a Muun, then they knew that it was an extremely bad idea to eat in front of them, particularly during business ceremonies. The meeting never went well for all parties involved, as Alicia found out eighteen years ago during a meeting with a willy Muun called Damos Pal, when she had been learning the ropes under Circe Savan.

"But I'll have a drink. I'll have an iced water, please." Checking her watch, she looked back up. "Miss. Swift should be here..." Alicia trailed off as Camellia entered the balcony. She turned to look at her for the first time. Indeed, your reputation does proceed you, Alicia thought silently.

 

[Ashin Varanin]

[member="Camellia Swift"] [member="Alicia Drey"]

After a moment, Ajira shook the offered hand. "Charmed," she said. "I hope you found your trip uneventful, Admiral Swift." She sipped from her tumbler of mineral water and gestured to the art deco side table of chrome and glass, which held an assortment of bottles and a carafe of ice water. "Please, help yourselves. It's a warm day."

She took her own chair at the end of the balcony. Across a low table, two other chairs had been arranged. None of the three chairs would place the sun in anyone's face, or impede their view of the Naboo plains far below. She nodded her thanks to the faint outline of her aide, Shambleau, who worked on her datapad, in the shadows just inside the gilt glass doors. Shambleau returned the nod and vanished into the palace.

"Now," Ajira said with a bright smile. "I understand you had a proposal for me. My aide mentioned that we might be able to provide you with an introduction to someone in the royal plasma regulatory authority. Why don't you tell me about your project, and what your specific needs might be?"

 

[Camellia Swift]

[member="Ajira Cardei"] [member="Alicia Drey"]

Sadly Camellia wished she knew more about the other women she was meeting with than she did. She simply knew the one as a Naboo noblewoman and the other as the head of several lucrative enterprises, most currently Chandrila DataTech. The meeting between them all promised to be a good one, but all the same the Rendili girl wished she had checked up beforehand on the products most recently produced by Lady Drey's company. She knew she had had the files prepared, but grabbed the wrong datapad on her way out.

So with that, there was a thrill of getting to learn everything in the moment that filled the Rendili woman as she shook Ajira's hand and moved to take the offered seat. Now that she was able to slow down, Camellia had to smile as she took in the view from their perch and made sure she was settled. "This certainly is one of the lovelier worlds." As Ajira began to bring their meeting to a start though, Camellia focused on what had to be said and was eager to see what would be accomplished today by the end of things.

 

[Alicia Drey]

| [member="Camellia Swift"] | [member="Ajira Cardei"] |

Alicia moved to take one of the vacant seats, choosing to select the one that was furthest away from Ajira. It was a complete coincidence, and not done on purpose. She simply wanted that seat, that happened to have the most shade. Lowering herself into the seat, she folded one leg over the other and rested her arms upon the chairs arm rests.

Turning her head back around to Camellia and Ajira, Alicia said: "Myself and Miss. Swift had decided to do a joint venture together, into the development and creation of a new type of shield generator. Swift has a pedigree for bringing new technology into fruition, whilst I have recent reacquired my starting company. Chandrila DataTech will be funding the project and taking the patent for the generator that myself and Swift will be inventing."

With the iced water delivered, Alicia take a gulp before setting it down on the nearby table. After leaning forward to set down her drink, she reclined back into the chair and continued her explanation: "I became aware of the plasma deposits that Naboo holds during a trip to Muunilinst several years ago, and now that I am in a position of some wealth, I am looking to make use of that energy for this project. So I wish to negotiate a deal where your plasma regulation authority will agree to sell us the plasma that we require for the project."

"The generators will be powered by the plasma that Naboo supplies. In return, we have agreed to sell one of the generators to Naboo." Falling silent, Alicia waited for Ajira to question more about the project.

 

[Ashin Varanin]

[member="Camellia Swift"] [member="Alicia Drey"]

Ajira's smile didn't waver as she got the measure of them, more or less. She focused on Alicia as the Chandrilan outlined the basics of the plan.

"Advanced shield technology is currently in high demand," she said. "I think I can speak for Theed Hangar when I say we'd be interested in an improved shield generator." She sipped the last of her R'alla mineral water and set the tumbler aside. "What I can't do, however, is speak for the authorities you'd need to contact. The plasma reserves and their regulatory body are within the royal demesne. Legally, a decision to tap Naboo plasma resources would need permission from officials who operate at a higher level than mine, and in a seperate deparment. That's largely due to the national security implications.

"That said, I'm more than willing to forward your request to the right people, with my own recommendations and introductions attached. Let's talk about the technical perspective. Are we talking about a shield generator with a dedicated, integrated, plasma-based power source? You mention you've decided on this venture, and that you will be inventing the technology in question. What stage of development have you reached? Do you have a firm conceptual outline? Do you have blueprints? From your words, I'm assuming you haven't reached the prototype stage yet. Accurate? Also, how many of these will you be building, that you'd gift the royal house with only one? And, perhaps most importantly, what would make this shield generator better than the competition? Where would this technology stack up against, say, the new generators from Mon Calamari?"

 

[Alicia Drey]

| [member="Ajira Cardei"] | [member="Camellia Swift"] |

"I know," Alicia said in response. Shield generator technology was in such high demand because everyone and their Nexu was on the war path, to get hold of resources, technology and weaponry that they otherwise couldn't afford. Little did Ajira know that the woman sat across from her was aligned to those same type of people, who had recently launched significant raids for Phrik, Beskar and rare, dark side artifacts that had been lost for centuries.

When Ajira finished explaining the legislature that she had to follow, Alicia moved to explain the technical side of the project. "Firstly, I should mention why we are using plasma. It's more of a convenience issue, than a technical one. Sure, I could have the generator powered by an anti-matter reactor, or something akin to the power plants seen on Star Destroyers, but those are expensive. I can build the same technology, with a power resource that can be readily supplied, if the right deal is reached."

"So, yes, the shield will be powered by an integrated plasma source." Alicia gesture to Camellia. "She has experience with this, being behind the designs of frigates, destroyers and so on. So I am confident that Camellia will be able to work out how the shield will be powered by the plasma source. My role is to build the damn thing and the concept behind the shield is based upon a very old Imperial prototype."

Although she would never divulge how she had come across Shield X, for it would reveal other secrets that Alicia had to keep. But little did they know that the Chandrilian had access to information and archives that few enjoyed. Having been apart of the Imperial Remnant for a short time, Alicia had taken what she could when the government had finally collapsed above Crina, and in doing so, discovered records on the Shield X prototype that had been built centuries ago.

"The basic principle is that a ship, say a Star Destroyer, would have the ability to put up a deflector shield that could not be penetrated. Now, the energy reserves for said ship would have to be enormous to maintain such a shield, and that is why we could only supply one to the Naboo in exchange for access to their plasma because the generator in question would be a prototype. So, going back to your comment about the Theed hangar, which I presume to be for starfighters, transports and smaller ships of that ilk, they wouldn't be compatible with this technology. They would just be too small."

"We've yet to reach the prototype stage, but I do have the concept in mind and we are ready to begin developing the design. Suffice to say, however, that if the technology comes into existence- and when I say if, I mean it will- it will be better than any shield the Mon Calamari or any other shipyard has produced in centuries."

 

[Camellia Swift]

[member="Alicia Drey"] [member="Ajira Cardei"]

Camellia felt content to let Alicia supply most of the information off the bat, seeing as how most of the idea belonged to the other woman really. However, she still had her own to say about things and didn't wish to feel like she wasn't contributing either. It seemed like a good time to chime in when the owner of Chandrila DataTech got to the part covering how it couldn't be used in smaller designs. "From what Ms. Drey has said so far is about the extent of what I have heard as well. It's a technology that will more likely be seen on larger vessels and installations than others. While a plasma reactor is new foreground for myself, I believe that Rendili Stardrive certainly has the means to evaluate the requirements for such a reactor and push a blueprint that will meet the expectations and power demand of Chandrila DataTech's shield projector. Reactors are perhaps Rendili's most impressive export feat after all, our Proton-8 reactor is still highly viable even today."

Although the Rendili woman didn't feel the need to elaborate that they hadn't pushed for an even better reactor in a while. It wasn't outdone yet so it was redundant to make a better reactor now, but should competition push a new one out there then she would see to it that her company stayed on top. ​"The shield will be immensely taxing from the looks of it no matter what way we align it, but the plasma reactor should meet the needs and its unique nature allows it to stand out from others as well as mean it won't run along the same lines as the ship's own power source, allowing the ship or installation with this new shield to have some amount of power for other systems. To be frank I believe this design is excellent to operate on important space stations, planetary installations and the like. If it were possible to allow this shield strength on a Planetary Shield Generator that would be best but with just how much energy is required for a simple ship I don't think the capability will exist for a long time for planetary shield."

 

[Ashin Varanin]

[member="Camellia Swift"] [member="Alicia Drey"]

"I see. Thank you both." She took a moment to reformulate her thoughts. "A project that hasn't reached the prototype stage likely won't gain much traction with the people you need to meet, so I'd recommend putting one together between now and then.

"As for the size of ship Theed Hangar produces..." She gestured toward the rest of the building. "This is the historic hangar proper, focusing on the Queen's fighters and transports, but Theed Hangar in general is the colloquial name for Theed Palace Space Vessel Corps of Engineers -- and this is far from Theed Hangar's only facility. We're as large as Rendili, you know, and we make several lines of Star Destroyer-scale cruise liners and corporate flagships. I believe we recently sold one to you, Miss Drey. Indispensable-class, fifteen hundred metres. Our customers demand the highest-quality defensive systems."

She took a long sip and set the tumbler down again. "I'll pass along your proposal documents and my recommendations to the regulatory commission. I think I should tell you, though, that since Naboo's plasma assets are a royal demesne, the decision will probably come down to the office of Her Majesty [member="Andromeda Versai"]. She's young, but she's quite bright, and her office will want to see that you've reached a more advanced stage of investment on this project before a signature is granted. That, and Foreign Affairs will have their day, I'm sure."

She would make a note to have Shambleau pass the materials along as intended.

 

[Camellia Swift]

[member="Alicia Drey"] [member="Ajira Cardei"]

Taking a sip of her own glass, Camellia found herself admitting she ought to look at Naboo's latest endeavors. It had been a while since Rendili Stardrive had worked on new products. Frigates and light destroyers were well developed, but the Rendili woman confessed in heavier warships and cruisers the company had undoubtedly fallen behind in. Not that she actually was too upset by that, a varied market meant so much more than someone trying to ruin the market with one hit wonders in every category causing a scramble. Ships with different merits at different classes and different sizes that made the galaxy possible to traverse and conquer. If a company specialized in specific vessels while another focused in another category, or if both competed by created ships of equal merit with the differences coming down to the preference of system technicals and the arrangement of their arms, it certainly created a more interesting economic environment.

That was neither here nor there though, and the Rendili woman couldn't help but tap her finger for a moment while she considered what Ajira had to say about the situation. While she could understand the Naboo would prefer to see a more refined concept past the prototype stage, Camellia was of the mind the reason Alicia had called for them to meet like this was because they required the plasma from Naboo itself in order to make further progress period. If such were the case it sounded like an impasse though at least Ajira had said she would pass things along so they could see. She hoped the ones in charge of the matter could see they could provide better results if given access to some of the resource they were seeking. "Well perhaps they might see that with enough of the resource to produce the prototype we can actually have the opportunity to let them consider the final product. I greatly appreciate you passing along the request though. Alicia perhaps has some specifics on the transactions we'd actually make regarding the plasma though."

 

[Alicia Drey]

| [member="Ajira Cardei"] | [member="Camellia Swift"] |

"Of course. We look forward to the Naboo's response to our proposal and we thank you for your efforts." Alicia lifted her water to her lips and drained the cup in one sitting. She was quietly disappointed. She had entered the balcony expecting her proposal to be accepted in it's entirety. Waiting for the Naboo to go with it's level, no doubt dealing with silly bureaucrats that would only slow down the process, Alicia wasn't used to dealing with competent people.

The individuals that Alicia normally dealt with have thrown millions at her on the mere concept of the proposal. Of course, she hadn't been asking for money in this particular instance, but the meaning was still there. A shield that was capable of making you impervious to attack- albeit for a certain amount of time- was a God send in the current climate that individuals, such as Ajira Cardei, found themselves in. But Ajira had restrained herself from jumping into the rabbit hole. She would test the water before allowing the waves to claim her. She was careful.

Silent, Alicia turned her gaze to the nearby forests. Perhaps Camellia had more to say on the issue, but Alicia had nothing much to say. The sales pitch had been short and there hadn't been much to negotiate over. For all pretense and purposes, the meeting that Alicia had set up between herself, Ajira and Camellia could only have ended in three days: 'yes', 'no' or 'maybe' and she had received the latter. Whether that maybe went left or right was entirely dependent on the prototype that Alicia would deliver.

Instead of ending the meeting then and there, she allowed Camellia time to speak with Ajira, if she felt it necessary. The difficultly with a genuine partnership was that both sides were equal, and so Alicia couldn't dictate things such as when they left. Well, she could, but then that would raise questions, that she didn't need to be asked or answered.

 

[Ashin Varanin]

[member="Camellia Swift"] [member="Alicia Drey"]

"I respect that you'll have difficulty reaching the functional prototype stage without access to Naboo's plasma." Ajira shrugged. "I leave it to you, of course, to put together a presentation package that will convince my colleagues in plasma regulation. And the farther you've progressed from the concept stage, the more material I'll have in order to make my own recommendations. I can hardly endorse a brand-new technology based on mention of an Imperial prototype -- and your smiling faces, of course. All the goodwill in the universe won't give me the ammunition to enact leverage, if you'll forgive a mixed metaphor."

Ajira stood, inhaling the evening air. "Send me what you have for presentation material -- how you intend to convince the tech experts that your shield technology will be as revolutionary as you hope -- and I'll write up my recommendations tonight once my staff weigh in. If all goes well, I'll pass on the file and the recommendation in the morning. Other officials may ask to meet with you on short notice. I'd be pleased to put you up at my own estate, or at the Royal Amidala; it's Theed's finest hotel."

 

[Alicia Drey]

| [member="Ajira Cardei"] | [member="Camellia Swift"] |

Alicia averted her gaze from the Naboo skyline back to Ajira. Smiling- almost ironically, given the woman's comments- she said: "That's very gracious of you. I'd be happy to stay at your estate. Camellia?" Alicia turned to her partner, asking the question as to whether or not she agreed to stay at Ajira's place or not.

 

[Camellia Swift]

[member="Ajira Cardei"] [member="Alicia Drey"]

Well at least that much Camellia could say was expertly prepared. if there was anything she was rather on top of it was the strength of presentation on a project she could give. Granted normally she had the prototype ready for display in most cases, it was especially fun when presenting the Noblesse class to the Republic Admiralty and Military Committee, but in this case the whole problem was access to the resource required for any part of their work. Still, the theory work was sound and the Rendili woman felt confident in how it was laid out in the documentation they had prepared. Although it was more for formality and filing than a public display. After all, Camellia had assumed since Alicia had brought Ajira specifically into matters that the Naboo woman had had the authority to make things happen. Not that she was mad, it just was a little inefficient to not meet with the proper group right away, though it was quite a nice and relaxing visit they had happening here. "I will stay here as well. I very much am comfortable right now as is, although the Royal Amidala is quite nice for sure. The offer is much appreciated Lady Ajira. As is the trouble you're going to to route us to the proper channels."

 

[Ashin Varanin]

[member="Camellia Swift"] [member="Alicia Drey"]

"My dear, these are the proper channels. One doesn't simply meet with Lord Adegar and Baroness Quenth of the Royal Resources Directorate. It takes a social introduction -- a note of reference from a peer of the Naboo noble houses. That's where I come in. Miss Drey and I have a preexisting business relationship. Quite properly, she asked for me to fill that role for you, and I was more than happy to oblige. It's part of the function I serve for Theed Hangar and the Naboo government in general." A smile. "But I won't bore you with Naboo peerage and legislative affairs. Suffice it to say, by going through me, you saved yourselves months of preliminary pre-application screening and processing times."

She opened the glass door and led her guests inside the hangar offices; Shambleau appeared as from nowhere. "Lady Shambleau, my aide, will escort you to my property here in town. I keep a family estate in the lake country, of course, but I doubt you'd find that convenient. My townhouse estate is just on the other side of Crystal Falls, near the Center -- the Naboo Center of Cultural Arts, Sciences, and History, if you want the full name. Not to be missed. If you'd like, I could have a friend show you the sights this evening. Theed is a unique place to live and work, and if you're only here temporarily, I'd hate for you to miss out."

 

[Alicia Drey]

| [member="Camellia Swift"] | [member="Ajira Cardei"] | [member="Lady Shambleau"] |

Alicia rose to her feet, as their host moved to escort them out of the balcony and back into the building. She had come to Naboo prepared, knowing of their isolationist tendencies with thanks to the small archive of information that she had recovered roughly seven years previously, when she had woven herself deeper into the tapestry of one of her ancestors. Hego Damask had once done business with the Naboo, going into vivid detail about the Humans on the planet and their policies centered around a monarchy, who were described as 'difficult' to work with. Alicia could only hope that the Naboo had whatever it was stuck up their behinds loosened enough to let them capitalize on a good investment when they saw one.