Rekindle | CIS Dominion of Druckenwell

[Malok]

How can we be so close, and yet so different?

The question meandered behind a crimson T-Visor, dancing within eyes of sulfur hue. Darth Skorn moved with hands held behind his back, wandering with minimal direction throughout the bustling crowd. The notions of trade and economics were, for the most part, lost upon the Mandalorian. And yet, here he was - waist deep in one of the largest commercial gatherings of the year. Now, typically speaking Skorn would not have been caught dead in one of these events; not unless he had something direct to gain from it. However, his uncle had willed that he come.

And who was he to argue with his savior?

The only thing that kept the Skorn free from the jaws of boredom was the young woman walking in step beside him. She was a stark contrast to the Mandalorian in every way. Where he was slashed in crimson Beskar, she wore fine silks and jewelry. Where everything about him screamed go away, everything about her seemed approachable. Yet, despite their outward differences, the pair had a single thing in common. Blood. Today was, actually, the first time Skorn had been able to meet his cousin.

And so, with the buzzing of commerce all about, did Skorn attempt to get to know his cousin better.

"So if I heard correctly, you've never been to Mandalore? How do you live?"

The mock exasperation was strong in this one.

 

[Nilia Saavilin]

Druckenwell, Convention Building, Undetermined Time | Your Bones

---

Family is eternal.

At least, that's what Nilia kept telling herself. It was a mantra she told herself inside as she walked alongside the Mandalorian warrior, her cousin, how odd of a concept. If her mother could see her now, she was sure she would be highly amused at the idea of her Senator daughter interacting more often with the culture she had ultimately been born from. As Skorn asked his question she titled her head up to look at him, nodding her head in response to what he'd asked with almost a sheepish grin, "Is it that so necessary for us? Conjugal visitation to Mandalore? I'm sure I'll go one day, for politics..." Her eyes swept over the trade convention briefly, shrugging her shoulders with a breathless exhale.

"I'm afraid I'm direly out of touch with that side of our family, the Mandalorian culture was something my mother kept to herself. You, though--" Briefly lingering on the aforementioned beskar, her grin almost increased as a nervous laugh was elicited from her, "You seem to be steeped in it."

---

Spoiler: Interacting With

[member="Darth Skorn"]

 

[Malok]

What do you think of these?

The young Echani gently tugged at her Master's arm, guiding him closer to a display of speeder bikes. "These seem a bit...flashy." he admitted. And they were, especially when compared to the speeder bikes residing within the Ferocity. But they had managed to draw Srina's eye, so they had earned a second glance by Darth Metus. "I'm fine with updating the speeders, they just have to function as well as they look."

He was going to say more, perhaps touching on the specifications that would see the bikes purchased. However, the cinnamon-haired woman stepped by, addressing the both of them. Finally, [member="Tytos Ardik"] 's discussion had come to a close, prompting Darth Metus to gingerly guide his Apprentice away from the dazzling display of vehicles. "Thank you miss. We certainly will." came his response to [member="Cady Arwyn"]. He meant it, especially when it came to the Galactic Shockball League.

As she stepped past, Darth Metus and the Echani walked over to the Helix Syndicate booth. Their approach was such that the Sith caught the tail end of the budding exchange between [member="Chikako Liona"] and [member="Tytos Ardik"]. It sounded like a standard business transaction, one that the representatives behind the Ardik could easily facilitate. However, the Sith was nothing if not patient. It would be rude at this point to interrupt a conversation, but he did regard the man with a nod - simply to let him know that he was there - before eyeing the Syndicate's "merchandise."

Enforcers were just what Darth Metus was looking for - although he had a special order in mind. Motioning to the assembled warriors, he voiced his thoughts for Srina to hear. Though, Ardik would certainly hear due to sheer proximity. "We have droids a plenty, as well as the Acolytes, but I'm in the market for a personal guard. A unit that isn't affected by EMPs...or rampant ambition for that matter. Helix specializes in what I'm looking for."

[member="Srina Talon"], [member="Chikako Liona"], [member="Tytos Ardik"]

 

[Malok]

Is that so necessary for us?

"It's apart of who we are - apart of who you are. So I'd say you should go, at least once, and experience it for yourself. Though, we don't do well with politics - might want to make it a pleasure trip." he began, matching her sheepish grin with one that was hidden behind his T-Visor. In true, gentlemanly fashion, the Mandalorian offered his arm to his cousin as they wandered about the Convention. His eyes briefly caught sight of a weapons manufacturer of some sort while he moved, spawning a mental note to orbit a little closer in the next few moments.

"I'm surprised you were raised so different. To be a Mandalorian is to immerse yourself in the Resol'nare at all times - to wear armor, speak the language, and so on." He chuckled, mostly due to the laugh which flew from her lips. "Though...I can see why you weren't. We've got problems and...well...even Uncle is hanging up his armor lately. We're in bad shape nowadays."

What with the whole "Force User Exile" and all.

[member="Nilia Saavilin"]

 

[Klesta]

Sure, to many of the attendees, ergonomic assessments weren't exactly the most glamorous items in town, and hence they passed straight through his stall without so much as a glance. But hard sales, in the context of ergonomic assessments, are typically successful only if the client is court-ordered to do so, or other clients in equivalent situations, so he couldn't even try hard-selling those. Now, another Jawa came to his stall, not suspecting that, in fact, he was one of the few Jawas that actually wanted anything to do with ergonomic assessments; after hearing Utinni, ergonomic assessments as you never got them before, that Jawa didn't hesitate one second to come to his stall in an attempt to actually buy some ergonomic assessments, with more details being made known later. Such as the nature of the items to be assessed, as well as the number of assessments the Jawa client required. So, someone that understood Jawaese beyond Utinni, which make it so that he could much more easily hide negotiations from the others by conducting them in Jawaese.

"Utto nye sufi kurruzza?" (Want to buy an ergonomic assessment?)

"Ibana" (Yes)

 

[Nilia Saavilin]

Druckenwell, Convention Building, Undetermined Time | Your Bones

---

"I suppose I'll make a note of it as a vacation spot as opposed to a political hub." Nilia teased, gladly taking the offered arm as her own bare limb slid through his, allowing him to lead their stroll through the convention center. She nodded inquisitively as he spoke then cracked a smile at that final remark. It was a sardonic one, wry at the idea of the prominent issues within their family, "When has our family ever really been in good shape? As for how I was brought up, I suppose it's because Eadu is so far away from everything, so disconnected. That was probably the goal, actually, to keep my specific branch of our family tree safe from the forest fire." In this case, the flames were very much literal, all-consuming, and far too destructive. Sometimes she felt as though the Verds were dangerously fractured... Perfectly imperfect, more like. But in the end, she cracked another genuine smirk and glanced back up to Skorn, as if briefly studying his own get-up. It reminded her of her childhood, catching occasional glimpses of a similar set owned by her mother, but it was always spirited away before she could get too close...

It wasn't hard for her trained politican's eye to spot her companion's own wandering gaze as she leaned in a little conspiratorially, speaking lightly, "If you'd like to go look at some weapons on display I wouldn't mind the detour. May even be interesting, who knows."

---

Spoiler: Interacting With

[member="Darth Skorn"]

 

[Malok]

"Our family was just fine before Mandalore blew." came his admission. Although his tone still carried the lightness of their jests, there was a somber edge to his words. In truth, House Verd had been just fine prior to the Destruction of their home. They were united. They were strong. But all of that came to a sudden end when the volanoes erupted, burning away the old world in its entirety. Now, Mandalore did not even regard them as Vode...now they hated them for simply existing. "There weren't any forest fires, not that I knew of. But maybe your mother wanted different I surmise. Maybe she wanted you to grow up without a spear in your hands, eh?"

At her notice of his glance, the Mandalorian brought their orbit closer to the most adjacent weapon's display. A plethora of small, hold out blasters were arranged upon a plush cloth. "Might have to pick one up for you. Any Verd should at least know how to shoot something basic."

[member="Nilia Saavilin"]

 

[Aedan Miles]

Aedan sighs as he spins a knife around his hand looking around before he slipped it back into its sheathe and walked over slamming his fist on the counter top in front of a man tending to a store with booze. "You I demand that you give me all of your best booze right away and I will pay well as well as tip well. You have 3 minutes to gather it all together." Aedan turned away his eyes glancing out the window as he heard the sound of his drop ships landing nearby to pick up his newest purchase of booze.

 

[Katrine Van-Derveld]

Objective: Shop until you drop with Uncle Isley's card
Post: 1
Tag: [member="Daxton Bane"], [member="Cady Arwyn"], [member="Chikako Liona"], [member=Klesta], [member="Tytos Ardik"], [member="Darth Malus"], [member="Natasha Darkstar"], [member="Alistair Myre"], [member="Srina Talon"], [member="Er'in Tenel"], [member="Darth Metus"], [member="Darth Skorn"], [member="Nilia Saavilin"], [member="Aedan Miles"],

Katrine was taught that shopping was a wonderful invention. Sure, Witches loved making their own things and they sure made a lot of things but Katrine was like her Mother in this regard - shopping was wonderful though not as easy as some had made it out to see. You see, Curupira Hawk was raised by Seth Draclau and you couldn't get more modern and cool than Seth Draclau according to young Ruu. So, when she became a Mother herself, she taught her daughters how many great things they could buy. Obviously, Katrine had taken it to heart but living in the past with an identification which read a date of birth several decades later, she had been a little short on credits.

Given, Katrine never did much care for credits growing up but sometimes she did now. Turned out, Uncle Isley had her back, giving her his credit card. So, obviously, if there was a thing and things could be bought, Katrine was there front and center. She had already made a few purchases but she was still browsing through booths, seeing what she could get. The only thing Katrine actually needed right now was acid slugs, she was close to running out at this point, and was already using Mother's stock on the Crimson Shadow but so far she hadn't found what she was looking for.

Didn't mean other things couldn't spike her interest. There were a lot of things actually.

 

[Klesta]

A long conversation in Jawaese later, Klesta was finally able to get the Jawa to disclose more details about the ergonomic assessments that he was about to sell him. Group discount, and it was about a droid shop. Which meant that the droid shop wasn't that large to begin with. After seeing so many large deals for ergonomic assessments, even a top-secret one, this one was more like what the Xi Charrian assessors had to face out on the field, when prospective clients asked for quotes, or for RFIs. SMBs were often falling under the purview of the Xi Charran staffers, but now he had a better idea of how the Xi Charrians operated when doing the sales part of the job. Small-scale B2B sales was definitely not the same as large-scale B2B sales. Oh, he was printing the contract for both Jawas to sign, so that they could keep to each other and remain honest, as proof of good faith. Once the printed contract, as customary, in two copies, was in the hands of both Jawas, he would realize that, maybe, maybe it wouldn't be so hard to sell them ergonomic assessments, even without the client being court-ordered to have their workplace assessed.

"Utinni!"

 

[Ascendant Muse]

Although the Convention itself was far from concluded, the delegation browsing the event floor were left with a simple truth in their minds. By and large, each was left feeling confident that history would not repeat itself; and that a post-Confederate world would not see them bereft once more. Today, Druckenwell would take its rightful place among the Confederacy of Independent Systems, draped in the security of its newfound contracts. Today, one of the founders of the first, modern Confederacy had come home.

As of now the story has concluded, feel free to continue posting your individual plots!​

 

[Ugoto Chivaro]

Location: Il Avali Industrial Complex, Helix Syndicate Booth
Objective: Schmooze, Part 3

A smile - or maybe even a grimace - tugged at the corners of Tytos Ardik's mouth. Ah, the naivety of youth. "The Helix Syndicate manufactures its fair share of battle droids, but we do not circulate them on the open market very easily. Everything else, weapons, armor, and vehicles, we contract to other companies."

At one point, maybe the Helix Syndicate aspired to that level of self-sufficiency. If it had, then it quickly found it to be a waste of time. Handling the manufacturing of that sort of war material for their own private use could only be done at a loss. A loss they were already enduring with their droids. The losses were more acceptable when just subcontracting out to others. Particularly Corondex Arms.

Not exactly the most ambitious of companies these days, but at least they could be trusted.

"If you don't mind my asking, what exactly do you need access to military equipment for...?"

[member="Chikako Liona"]​

 

[Chikako Liona]

Location: Main Hall, conversing with [member="Tytos Ardik"]
Post: 4

Chikako gave a short nod, a private like suppliers was good to have and ash she had hypothesized the enterprise held manufacturing rights over several small arms companies and ship yards. "That is good to know for future reference, that you will have what ever I may need when the time comes".

"Ahh, my purpose on it, for future events that I may or may not have planned, though I would be interested in the possibility of some sort of ship and escort fighters, with the spark of war and danger I am in need of a bit more protection then before". That was partially true, but her reasoning was not just about the current wars, but family problem on Eshan and enemies that might still be out to get her.

As she replied to the man Chikako felt the presence of Dark Lord, [member="Darth Metus"] standing behind her, sending a slight shiver down her spin, but not really causing any fear, turning around it also seemed his apprentice [member="Srina Talon"] had also approached the Helix Sydicate booth. "Ahh hello my Lord, Lady Vail, how are you this fine day"? she greeted giving the Sith Lord and VicLord a small curtsy after he had finished his inquires about purchase some, 'enforcers' from Helix.

 

[Srina Talon]

Srina’s lips quirked slightly to the side when [member="Darth Metus"] called out the brightly colored speeders. Yes, they were a little flashy. But, that didn’t necessarily mean that their specs weren’t up to par. The units that the Ferocity held were, for lack of a better term, aged. “You would know more about it than I would. However, if they are lacking, it was just a thought.”

The Sith Lord graciously stepped to the side with her to examine the swoops, and they bickered back and forth a little while on style, versus speed, and durability. Srina was interested in the speeders that could go blindingly fast, yet, those were the most dangerous. They were harder to control and ran the risk of the rider becoming a pancake. The main issue she saw was the possibility of it overheating in overly warm climates but there seemed to be advanced cooling systems in place to keep it from happening.

Eventually, they turned their attention back toward the Helix Syndicate. Srina allowed Darth Metus to lead her, though they were stopped by the lovely flame-haired woman, and she passed a few kind words. Interesting. It wasn’t often that she heard of other vendors pushing a particular venue, that they didn’t belong to, so hard. Perhaps she’d simply very much so enjoyed her transaction? Nevertheless, they continued on, with Darth Metus handling the exchange.

Her Master led her to the Helix display and began to fill her in on the details. A personal guard? The concept found her curious. Could Darth Metus not defend himself better than any droid ever could? “What purpose will that serve? Are the Acolytes insufficient?”, she questioned softly, though not at all discouraging. Srina was not in the habit of belittling someone for their choices. She merely inquired as to his frame of mind. Moreover, there was a touch of concern. Was he expecting an imminent attack?

Srina paused, when a young Echani girl spoke to both herself and her Master. Silver eyes flickered. Evaluating. [member="Chikako Liona"]. “We are well. And you?”, she responded, her tone brushed with an innate sense of formality. Being called by some sort of honorific, especially in regards to her House, left her with a sour taste in her mouth. She was an apprentice, a solder, and a daughter. That was all. Not a noble, a politician, or an aristocrat. “You may call me by name, if it suits you. I am no Lady.”

Her eyes turned to [member="Tytos Ardik"] and she inclined her head in a quiet greeting. “Apologies for the interruption. Please, continue with your business. We’ve nothing but time today.”

 

[Ugoto Chivaro]

Location: Il Avali Industrial Complex, Helix Syndicate Booth
Objective: Schmooze, Part 3

"It's no interruption, I assure you," Tytos said, sounding warm. Too warm. Any degree of warmth from an Umbaran could only be a fabrication. "You must be Miss Srina Talon. Tytos Ardik."

Lady Talon had a better ring to it, he had to admit, but who was he to dictate honorifics? Tytos was, in fact, too busy feeling relieved for the respite from the younger Echani. He did not particularly enjoy the vagueness of her response. Tytos didn't sell things to most people without the acquisition of some sort of intelligence dossier. Or blackmail, if he thought he would need it. Lord Metus was, fortunately, not most people.

People who tried to spy on Sith Lords without being some sort of space wizard themselves didn't do too well in terms of life expectancy. Metus was already something of a rarity in that he was a Sith who was not only willing but capable of picking up his own tab. Why spoil it with espionage? Tytos could probably sleep better in ignorance anyway. He extended a hand towards Isley in greeting, as he had previously done with Srina.

"Darth Metus, a pleasure. I have overheard that you are also in the market for some additional protection?"

[member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Chikako Liona"]​

 

[Malok]

***​

Later that Afternoon...

As the day's events drew ever closer to a conclusion, the Vicelord had found himself with a variety of new contacts. One such was [member="Fiolette Yvarro"] - a representative from the notable Primo Victoria. Though she did not attend the Expo personally, a member of her corporation provided Darth Metus with the means to contact her for further negotiations. Thus, as his Echani apprentice wandered a few paces ahead in search of their next meal, the Sith busied himself composing a message on his datapad:

Greetings Ms. Yvarro,

My name is Darth Metus, Vicelord of the Confederacy. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting one of your representatives this afternoon, and she was kind enough to introduce me to a number of your company's projects. In particular, I am most intrigued regarding an advanced shielding unit that was the keynote of her presentation.

Consider me, and by extension the Confederacy, intrigued and eager to buy. Would you be willing to provide us with a number of these devices for the bolstering of our naval forces?

Best regards, Darth Metus

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

Somewhere in the Outer Rim...

Fiolette was busy looking over the new plans for the upcoming Su'arnr-type interceptor, a new addition to the Mandalorian line. Her cabin was quiet, scattered paper and pencils along with a protractor or two. Her nightstand held what had once been a hot cup of coffee that now laid cold. It was there that she received a ping, she looked over her shoulder and grabbed her datapad from atop the pillow. Fiolette pushed loose strands of blond hair back while she scrolled through to her mail.

[member="Darth Metus"],

I most certainly would, I have a component or two that might be of interest to you. Of course, there will be a contract that needs signing but yes, I'm more than happy to do business with your Confederacy. See the attached links with regards to engines, shields and weapon systems. If you find that these items meet your satisfaction then please sign the attached form which is a standard contract, along with a liability clause.

Happy Hunting, Ms. Yvarro

Attachment Link: Destron X, Engine | Howlback XII, Engine | CFE-G2MK7, Engine | Semira Shield System | Longbow Plasma Railgun | Shortbow Plasma Railgun
Attachment Document: Government_Contract.HDX | Liability.HDX | Warranty_Asuriant.HDX