Rebel Connections

[Ice]

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]

You wanted to work out a deal?





Ice

"Welcome! Welcome!" He said happily, and with a wide smile. "Yes, I did indeed. As STI is officially neutral in the struggle between your rebellion and the Imperial Remnant. We would like to offer you both the chance to secure our products exclusive production to either side. Naturally, we would prefer to sell to all. But we lack mass production capabilities at the present.

With that in mind, we are awarding the largest contract exclusive rights to our entire line of products for the duration of your conflict. As I'm assuming you are here to put in your offer, did you have any questions first?"

Geneviève Lasedri

I don't know if we'd be able to compete with an Imperial bid, but we'll try. Mostly, I'm interested in your Sheer Silence and No-SHow tech and would gladly formulate a contract with you for that, specifically.


Ice

Ice tapped his chin in thought. "Hmm an intriguing offer. Lets us change the rules then to make this a little more fair. We are willing to offer up to 75% of our production of each item to the highest bidder. So for any particular item you have an interest in, simply say what percentage you wish to contract for up to 75%. The faction with the highest percent contract, will mean we will supply them with what was requested, and none at all to the other faction. The process will continue for each item we produce."

He gestured to the items around his shop. "So, Miss Viola. You expressed a desire in our Sheer Silence and No-Show products. How much of our manufacturing percentage available would you like to contract for?"

It was then, a message had patched through to his comm unit. Giving it a quick glance, his smile had diminished, and a frown began to appear for a moment. Forcing the expression off his face, he returned to his normally pleasant expression. "Well it would appear, luck is on your side. The Empire has decided it seems, to ignore our invitation completely. Not even bothering to answer us with a regretful not interested type remark. With these recent developments. I am going to offer your side of the conflict rights to all our items. Even if the Empire comes back later, we shall refuse them. Contract rates will stay the same, but for items you don't necessarily wish to contract for, but may still want a few here and there. We will offer you a 10% discount to further your cause."

He gave a shrug of his shoulders. "I simply can't abide rudeness. Especially when it isn't warranted. Good luck for you though." He finished while waiting to hear what she would like to contract for.

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

These terms did not sound half bad the the Rebellion's Benefactor, and she allowed the tiniest hint of a satisfied smile as her figure was beamed over the Holonet to Shadow Tech's headquarters. Her eyes were blindfolded with a black band, her eyes still in a state of repair following her surgery and too sensitive to light.

"What's to guarantee you won't rescind such a promise, though?" she asked, removing one of her hands from a pocket in her dark trenchcoat, using it to gesture as she spoke. "Desperate people do desperate things, I'm sure you've heard."

[member="Ice"]

 

[Ice]

Ice noticed her smile, but raised an eyebrow at the question. "Now that would not be good business if we went back on our contracted word, now would it?" He gave a sigh and sat down in his chair as he regarded her holo image once more. "Look. I'm sure you are asking that, due to our relationship with the Shadow Empire. However, I assure you. Your concerns are unfounded. STI is neither desperate, nor concerned about much of anything where wars are concerned. We have taken a few rather radical steps to make sure we cannot be pressured by anyone to move into a direction we ourselves do not wish to go. Besides, the Shadow Empire hasn't exactly had any warm relationships with the Remnant. This, combined with their earlier mentioned rudeness, has firmly put us behind supporting your cause. In your case, I believe "The enemy of my enemy is my friend" saying really says it best. And STI, nor the Shadow Empire, has ever had an issue with the Republic either."

"Political reasons aside, we look at this also, as a chance to really show off our company. The Remnant is already established. The Rebellion is very much the underdog. If we can supply the underdog with equipment and weapons, and they come out the victor, it will only be a boom for our business." At this point he stopped, to give her both time to process what he had said as well as respond to it.

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

The business talk was nothing new to her. Someone was trying to make a quick, fat credit windfall on a war somewhere, no matter what allegiances dictated. STI would have been just as happy--or even more so--if they were holding these discussions with the leaders of the Imperial Child. Gen knew better.

"I never made it a point that you would be on good terms with the Republic--you or your Shadow Empire," she replied, calmly but with a little bit of laceration in her tone. "And while they may be the lesser of the evils, I can't guarantee any safety for that nation. Is that a risk you're willing to account for?" Lasedri had no intent on being hostile with this company head. He just needed to know the facts of the matter before someone went off and blamed her people for breaking good faith agreements.

[member="Ice"]

 

[Ice]

He didn't answer right away. Instead decided to spend a moment in thought. A quick answer usually denoted someone who was either completely innocent, or a complete liar ironically enough. And considering her rightful suspicion, Ice doubted he would be granted the benefit over the doubt on that choice. Besides, Ice knew the condition of the Shadow Empire. He knew full well the empire wouldn't last for very much longer. With the ever shifting changing of power, coordination of anything within that territory was becoming almost impossible. It was the very reason why Ice had preemptively thrown all of his assets into a huge ship instead of building headquarters on a planet. In fact, he himself, was beginning to plan his own withdrawl from the Empire and it's power base completely. But that was a story for another time. And not one that she needed any information on.

Finally he gave a nod along with a small but genuine smile. "It is." He said resolutely. "STI is a now neutral entity. Although we supplied the Shadow Empire with arms and equipment, some of which exclusively. The company has shifted to a more neutral stance so as not to alienate itself from other customers such as yourselves. I assure you, your actions will have no bearing on our contract with you. Unless of course you decide to turn us into a target for whatever reason." There was a warning in his tone that indicated that as much as she wanted assurances, he was also going to expect the same from her. And any form of backstabbing from the Rebellion would result in some serious consequences from the increasingly powerful person that stand before her.

Ice had begun to take the stance that staunch loyalty to anything or anyone was an increasingly unwise thing to have. Considering the frailty of empires, leaders, companies, or even friendships. He was taking up the cold opinion that it was better to just always be neutral. Never actually grow to care to much for anything or anyone that you don't have direct control over yourself. That way, when they stab you in the back, if you survive, you'll have no qualms about using anything and everything within your arsenal to show them the errors of their ways.

He however, was a complicated person at times. Although he took this view, personally he was fiercely loyal to whatever contract he bound himself with right up until the other party gave him a reason to not be. Then his previously mentioned icy view would reassert itself. Even while loyal, he tended to plan backup plans for "what if" scenarios. Ice was honest and loyal, but not trusting...or very forgiving.

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

"I don't back off my deals unless I smell treachery," Gen replied, nodding to indicate her understanding of his terms. "We don't target business unless they directly supply our adversaries.

"Speaking of that..." she added, narrowing her eyes warily--though he would not be able to see that since her blindfold was on. It was strange how emotion was still expressed through facial movements despite complete absence of sight. Perhaps her Surgeon General would be able to look into taking advantage of such instinctual emotional expression. But that was off the subject at hand. "You wouldn't happen to be affiliated with the Tion Hegemony in any way, would you? You may be aware of the hefty bounty that has been placed on our leader."

Lasedri twisted her wrist and glanced at it as if she were checking the time on a watch. "You can expect our leader to withdraw from the contract immediately if you ever do ally with them. You may, perhaps, even expect a bounty issued for your own head." She wanted to make this point, loud and clear.

[member="Ice"]

 

[Ice]

Ice frowned at the point blank unprovoked threat. "Miss Viola. I would respectfully request you not to threaten me, nor presume to think you can tell me how to run my business. Especially since I have made no threats to you in any way shape or form, and have only wished to help you and your cause."

He let out an audible sigh as he contemplated his helping her and her people. "I hold no ties with the Tion Hegemony, nor do I plan to pursue any. And the contract I am attempting to work out with you is in regards your war with the Imperial Remnant. Which I have already offered to refuse sales to even if they come back later wishing to purchase gear. Any sales STI makes to parties outside of the Imperial Remnant though, are of no concern to the Rebellion. Nor am I bound by our current contract as it is laid out, to deny any such sales."

Again he paused, trying to think fast. "Now I am not an unreasonable man. And this is business. If you wish to ensure we cannot supply any other parties, we would be willing to alter your contract. This will cost you though. We are a neutral company. And by suddenly making a couple of our items only available to you, we will most likely lose business with other nations who may not be at war with you and your rebellion. But they might not agree with what you stand for either. So! Here is what I propose."

"STI will agree to give you exclusive rights to purchase our line of "No-Show's" and "Sheer Silence" units. Due to the loss of income we are sure to experience in our other lines from this move. We will require you to guarantee orders of 100,000 credits worth of other gear. So for instance. You can choose to purchase rights to our "Mirage" line of body armor. Or you can lock in our "Holoshroud" and "FM-9" production lines. Either option will satisfy STI as this will cover our expected losses in other areas. And either option will grant your people great advantages in whichever direction you choose. Either distraction and medical help. Or an unrivaled ability for your operatives to move around unseen and undetected."

"Or." He said gesturing for effect. She may not be able to see him, but gestures and things like smiles and frowns still somehow managed to transcend through not being able to actually see. "We can go back to our original contract. In which you will guarantee purchase of 75% of the two lines of products, but we are free to sell to whomever we wish outside of the Imperial Remnant. If you do not like either of those options..." He added his tone becoming firm and unyielding. "Then I believe our business here is concluded."

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

It seemed, perhaps, as if Mr. Shadow Tech had taken her warnings a little heavier than she had intended. Gen waited until he had concluded his proposals, however, before speaking up once again. "Note that I never demanded exclusive rights to your products. We simply would not want them falling into the hands of someone who wants to destroy us. Call it a protective instinct." A few strands of her hair had somehow fallen beneath her mask and were bothering her eyes, and Lasedri briefly interrupted herself to sweep them out. Having done this, she resumed her neutral pose and negotiating. "Naturally, I'd expect the same from you. I'm not interested in controlling your market. Just barring the ones who might try to destroy us through you."

'Viola' widened her stance, contemplating his deal offers. "It is in this interest that I would like to offer you our protection. As--potentially--a main supplier of our 'organization', it would be imprudent to let anything befall you.

"Your new option is rather attractive, though I'm not entirely certain if we can afford such an investment. That is why I would like to agree to that deal, but with a slight amendment." Her hands moved behind her back, complacently. "Say we buy exclusive rights to these products, as you have defined, but at a reduced rate in exchange for our pledged protection?" If that did not work, it was still a fine deal. But the more they could barter, the better.

[member="Ice"]

 

[Ice]

Ice tapped his chin in thought at the counter proposal. It was an interesting offer. And to be far, he was attempting to sell that at full retail presently. But the point of the new contract was to cover losses he would surely sustain by working so closely with the Rebellion alone. Course then again, he continued to ponder to himself. This exchange of credits and equipment was going to be handled through anonymous channels so other organizations couldn't implicate him or his company. Still, extra protection never hurt anyone.

"Ok, I'll meet you in the middle here. I can't offer you much of a discount. But in addition to 5% off everything ordered in this contract. STI will also offer unique projects to you and your rebellion at cost. So long as these projects are not too extensive. After all, I can't tie up my engineers for too long on projects that won't be generating income. So 5% discount, and unique projects at cost in exchange for extra protection from the rebellion should our arrangement garner unwanted attention to myself and/or STI. As well as the previously mentioned new contract terms."

"I will also add into the contract that the rebellion can pay for items via captured ships they have no need for, per the rules as outlined by Libertalia Shipyard. As well as hard currency in the form of precious metals or gems. This will allow much more flexibility for you to be able to afford this contract, as you can now used captured resources to pay for things instead of your much harder to obtain, and easier to trace credits. Who knows, it may even allow you to justify a larger contract. Hmm?" Ice was very pleased with how this was turning out. The shift away from hostilities and back to business was exactly what he wanted. After all hostilities usually got nobody anything, while cooperation benefited all.

All he could do now though was wait for her response.

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

Geneviève could barely help but to smile. It seemed as if both parties might be getting their way in this situation. While she doubted her faction could afford to turn in ships, it was always good to leave open such possibilities, and achieving goodwill with an innovative company like this was exactly what they needed. She loved innovation. "I see nothing that I would consider 'unfair' in these terms. Your stipulations do seem reasonable."

Inwardly, she sighed. This was the part where she had to add a little bit extra on her part for 'generosity'. One needed to gain as much favor as possible in the galaxy these days, especially when there were others with larger pocketbooks to open up and let rain without blinking an eye. The 'little guys' needed to utilize as much as they could in the strategy department to keep friends. "We... might have happened to negotiate a sort of contract with another company or two. Depending on what resources you need, it could be possible that we divert a few of our shipments from them to you." She paused, wishing she could read the other man's expression. The fact was, the Force exclusively only allowed her to see things within a general physical proximity, which did not include holographic projections. With the band wrapped around her eyes, she truly was blind to whatever this '[member="Ice"]' was doing in the picture (though her communications staff were monitoring that off to the side. The Force indeed has its limitations. "I'd assume you might be interested in this kind of distribution method--under the radar. No one will know. Not even the companies providing the supplies." The last bit was not completely true, considering the fact that Geneviève secretly owned one of the companies that would be distributing the material. But that was unnecessary to fret over.

 

[Ice]

"As long as nothing illegal can be traced back to STI, I am fine with however you wish to make your payments and deliveries. I will also be equally discreet with my deliveries to your people. I simply need drop off locations acceptable to you." He paused for a moment as a smile obviously played across his face. It looked like the deal would soon be successfully concluded. And it looked to be one that would propel his company forward very well indeed.

"Also to confirm, which items were you going to be wanting. The Sheer Silence Deluxe and No-Show obviously. But for the other part of the contract. Which way were you wanting to go? The Mirage Armor for complete circle of stealth components for your operatives? Or the Holoshroud and FM-9's to give your boys the ability to distract and better care for wounded? Or alternatively, would you like all three now that you have been granted the much more flexible path for payment? Once you have made your choice, I will add that to the contract for signing and a successful conclusion to these negotiations." He simply sat back in his chair waiting for the relevant details to fill in.

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

"Oh, the Holoshroud, naturally," she responded, as if it were obvious. The Mirage suits did sound quite useful, but she had other practical purposes for a another form of disguise.

Pointing at her staff out of view of the holocam, Geneviève directed them to begin final processing of documentation and comparison of terms that [member="Ice"] would soon transmit. If everything read through cleanly, then there was nothing between the Alliance and this contract with ShadowTech. "I do hope for a mutually beneficial future," she commented with a hint of finality as she turned her face towards the cam once more. All seemed well.

 

[Ice]

Ice gave a quick look over the documents transmitted to make sure everything had been filled out properly. "Alright, everything looks to be in order. It's been a pleasure doing business with you. You can expect your first shipments soon. Have a great day, and good luck."

With the business deal concluded, he gave her a respectful bow before cutting the channel. As the feed went dead, a wide smile flashed across his face. His business would do very well with this deal. Now it was time to start making new things!


[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]