The Buy In

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

"I am open to suggestions," Danger would coo back, a devilish twinkle in her eyes. Patting his knee she swung back her attention to the datapad. "However, before you decide to become the new Executive Farmer, we have other interesting bits."

A slide of her finger brought forth the information on the next subsidiary: Fondor Textiles.

"Along the lines of vine silk, Fondor Textiles is the branch that handles the crafting of woven materials textiles and new specialized fabrics." Utilizing the first discovered plantations of Vine-Silk, Fondor Textiles provides was used to make elegant clothing for the distinguishing taste. It was grown on Belsavis and cultivated after the rediscovery of the uninhabited world. It used to be said that the amount of vine-silk suitable for making a single dress could cost up to 30% of a planet's economy, providing an ample amount of influx of credits from the Higher Class and Nobility.

Currently, it is first out of two planets to craft Vine-Silk, with the recent discovery of a Silver Jedi Order planet also capable of producing the rare fibers leveling out prices from it's former high tiered price. The law of supply and demand prevails.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

"Are you?" He mused for a moment, glancing over her shoulder to read the information about Vine-silk.

He remembered that Rose and Lily had bought him a suit made of the stuff once, and by bought him he meant that they had used his money in order to purchase it...but it was the thought that counted. The material had been extremely comfortable, though as he recalled it stained rather easily.

An unfortunate fact when you paid so much money for the stuff.

"This deal is for caf." He reminded her with a light kiss on her cheek. "Not Vine Silk, that stuff is impossible to grow."

Or nearly anyway.

For a moment he considered though, wondering if Vanir could produce a similar material. After a few he shrugged his shoulders and then returned to the more important task at hand; the wager. "How about this. If I grow my Caf and it's successful...I get to pick our next vacation spot. One Week anywhere I want in the galaxy, no work, and I get complete control."

She would know what that meant.

"If I lose." He didn't sound as though that were likely. "You get the week instead."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Now Alric caught her attention. Danger drew up from her seat and gave a swivel of her head over towards the Tetan. A light smirk drew at the corner of her lips. She could accept but it could go either way.

"Are you sure? I just might pick Tatooine you know." As she said it, the light managed to catch the swirling glow of her engagement ring. The two sun crystals might have their natural glow muted, but that did not deter from their beauty in the slightest. Just the way they had been designed perfectly provided a way for the illusion of shifting sands to play over the ring, reminicent of a sandstorm. It was one of the few pieces of jewelry she treasured, along with Makai Dashiell's bracelet he had bought for her.

For the present time, the info blog over StarCo was set aside, the woman mulling over this proposal. StarCo was one of the premier leading providers of liquid fuels within the Galaxy The trade agreements set in place at Malastare provided well paid jobs and a positive work environment for former Bando Gora Reaver slaves and the Dug population after acquiring the sole mining rights from a slaver Hutt during the Malastare Dominion. The slaves were freed and offered job positions to provide a higher quality of life. This intrigued her more for Mara TibX and Fuels. She could potentially merge it or simply add it as another division to the vast subsidiary she already held that oversaw all of her fuel and similar merchandise along with it.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

"Well, as winner of the bet that would be your perogative." Alric said as he gently shifted his grip on her.

The ship had landed, or was coming close to it, and that meant they only had a short amount of time to burn before they would have to meet the Prex. Oddly enough he wondered if his wife was in any way nervous. Danger was used to these sort of meetings, buying companies and doing as she pleased but...well this was no ordinary company. Omega Pyre had a history in this galaxy, and although some people argue that was a bad thing, Alric knew it could be daunting.

If she went through with this the public eye would no doubt be upon her, though again that wasn't something the two of them weren't entirely unused to.

"But." His hands gently slid over the ample curves of her chests as he leaned in and whispered. "I'm not going to lose."

His lips pressed against her neck. "So you're just going to have to brace yourselves for wherever I want to go."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]


"You are always so cocky, Mistah Kuhn," there was a light rushing sensation where Alric was kissing her neck, warm lips and the tickle of his beard sending shivers down her spine. If he kept up with this he was going to distract her. Oh no, none of that, she thought to herself. Although she could feel herself weakening. It always was like this whenever he paid attention to her. She loved it when he paid her attention. It made her feel wanted and loved.

One of her weaknesses.

"Alright. If this is going to be a real wager, we need to determine just how long of a timeframe you lookin' for this to be?" if Alric put his mind to it, she was sure that he could make a quick turn around. If he could increase the companies productivity to the next tier... perhaps then she could consider him to have won his wager.

Off to the side, the final subsidiary would read OmegaTech Industries, This particular subsidiary oversaw all the mining, ore, and advanced tech operations within the fromer Omega Protectorate's influence. Upon the successful eradication of the Bando Gora Reaver threat and the late Baron Administrator murdered, the Protectorate has placed a Baron Administrator to oversee Cloud City as well as the mining production of TibannaX after investing heavily in the repair and maintenance of the TibannaX mines. This also oversees the gold, salt, copper, and diamond mines on Dahomey, electrum on Abregado-Rae, and the Lommite mines on Dorvalla and Vandelhelm.

With the increase in property of the Omega Protectorate, this also includes agriculture, consumer goods, foodstuffs, machine parts, and other respective mining.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

"Hmm." The sound came from Alric's throat, deep thought running through him.

He actually had no idea how long it took for Caf to grow, though he was pretty sure that with the right technology and technique he could cut that time in Half. Of course he would have to make sure to get some help, after all even the greatest of men needed some advice. He considered for a second, his hands idly moving in thought. His fingers kneaded along her tender flesh, not calculated in their movements but idle and soft.

"Three months." He told her. "I'll need to set everything up and I'll need time to grow."

Three months would be enough. "You'll be busy with Omega Pyre in that time...though if I set out on this little wager, I want one other guarantee regardless of bet or no bet."

His voice grew a little firmer, though his hands did not cease their massaging touch. Alric had always ensured that their family stuck together, as patch-work as it was there was nothing more important to him. He loved his daughters, he loved Danger, and there would be no question of that as long as he was alive. Omega Pyre was huge, and Danger would need time to take the reigns completely, plus his Caf growing operation would take lots of attention.

Yet family had to come first.

"Every night we eat dinner together." He told her. "Doesn't matter if it's a sandwich or a three course meal. Six o clock or ten. We do it together."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

It was then that Danger understood that Alric was being serious. While he was prone to jokes and light-hearted quips, it was the sobering expression in his bright blue eyes that gave Danger the indication that this condition would have to hold. The corner of her mouth gave a slight upward tick. Quietly, the woman set her datapad to the side. That same hand came up, reaching to take his hand with her own.

"We will eat dinner together." she assured him, giving his hand a tight squeeze.

"Every night." it was important. This was what it meant to be a family. Alric, Myra, and me. Rose and Lily might have made their own lives amidst the stars, but right here right now, this was their little family.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

"Good." A younger Alric had cared about competition.

He had cared about winning, he had cared about always being on top and making sure that his company was the biggest and most successful. There was no shame in that fact, there was nothing bad about it, but that time had passed now. Alric knew what was most important to him, knew what he wanted and what was dearest to him.

Family.

Rose, Lily, Myra, and Danger. They were the center of his world. No bet, no company, no caf fields would get in the way of that. They were the very center of his world and that wasn't going to change. He smiled and then gently pressed his lips against hers, a gentle nuzzle of her nose as the ship gave a sudden rock and then shake. His grip tightened on Danger instinctively, holding her in place so that she didn't fall off of the acceleration couch.

"Woah." He said with a smile."I think we're there."

The next few minutes were spent quickly readjusting clothes, buttoning his suit, and tucking his tie in.

After that spurt of activity Alric and Danger found themselves walking down the ramp of their ship, hands wound tightly together as they went to meet the Omega Pyre representatives.

 

[Aeron Kreelan]

Fondor
Omega Pyre Towers
Office of the Prex
[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Aeron stood facing the smog-filled view that was Fondor's vast city and the shipyards beyond. Her hands were clasped low at the small of her back, her legs slightly spread apart. It had been a long while coming and right now, it was time to consider what would be best for the company as well as for those under her watch.

Omega Pyre had come far. Further than any other company in the sector. The private military contractor that is. Cira had crafted it based on a dream. A dream that had stagnated in the wake of her disappearance. While Omega Pyre would always have a semblance of Cira's touch, it was a new chapter for the Private Military company.

A small buzz and the voice of Lieutenant Alkedi came through.

"Good afternoon, Prex Kreelan. Mrs. Arceneau and Mr. Kuhn have arrived."

A small nod.

"Show them to my office."

"Yes, ma'am."

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Aeron Kreelan"]

Alric and Danger moved along the platform silently, or rather as silently as one could here on Fondor.

The planet wasn't exactly what Alric would ever describe as home. Most of the world, as he understood it, was composed of factories and manufacturing centers. It was not unlike Mechis III or Hypori, those great factory worlds that churned out droids, ships, and everything else one could imagine. Alric had been to these worlds most of his life, but he'd never really liked them. They were chaos, and even for an industrialist like him there was something...inhuman about them.

Then again perhaps that was just a reflection of his old age.

When he was younger he likely would have enjoyed it here, being surrounded by everything that made Fondor so great. His head shook slightly, and he spared a glance over towards Danger as they continued to walk down the gangway and into the massive omega pyre building.

The inside was just as Alric had expected it. Clean, well guarded, and about as well lit as the space next to a newly born sun. He blinked a few times, his eyes closing as he tried to get used to the bright lightbulbs overhead. The woman who lead them stared for a second, and Alric gave her a smile. After a moment Danger gently nudged his side, urging him along to follow the woman. A short ride in a turbo-lift and then a walk down a hallway later and Alric and Danger found themselves within the Prex's office.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

"Try not to tell that joke." Danger managed to say, giving Alric a slight nudge to his ribs. Not enough to hurt, but a slight reminder. She followed suit with a widening of her eyes and a knowing expression, as if to say, you know exactly what joke I meant!

"Mrs. Arceanu and Mr. Kuhn," another voice drew their attention. The Trade Queen turned, giving a slight incline of her head. With a slow, full-hipped amble, both Danger and Alric were invited into the Prex's Office. There stood Aeron. Danger had met her before. Within an instant, the woman held out her hand.

"Prex Kreelan, a pleasure." Danger began. Aeron drew closer, taking Danger's hand. It was a firm shake.

"Welcome to Fondor."

"My husband, Alric Kuhn."

"Of course," Aeron wasn't very social, but she managed to give a nod to the Tetan and extend her hand towards him as well.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Alric extended his hand and clasped his fingers around that of the Prex, he gave her a nod of his head and a warm smile.

For a brief moment the former titan of Industry nearly dropped a clever joke or quip, but a brief flickering gaze towards Danger and a look at the Prex made him hesitate. He wasn't here to form his own business deal, he wasn't here to buy Omega Pyre or anything of the sort. No he was just here to be Danger's husband.

Best not to ruin that. "A pleasure."

Alric said with a warm smile. There was a time and a place for jokes, and now certainly wasn't it. Perhaps before this meeting was done he would joke, but not now. Better to keep on the serious side of things and just run along smoothly until Danger owned the place. None of this was as of yet sealed in stone, and Alric didn't want to mess things up for his wife. If he did...well it likely meant no deal...or see through dresses...or dozens of other things he quite enjoyed.

"I remember the last time I came to Fondor." Alric said with a gaze around. "Almost fifty years ago. My father took me for a visit to meet some family friends."

He smiled. "Seems like a lifetime."

 

[Aeron Kreelan]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

“Well, that must have been an interesting time.” Aeron added. A gesture was made to two seats. “Please take a seat.”

No sense in delaying what was the inevitable. The blonde Prex took her own seat at the head of the large desk. One that Cira had brought here many years ago. A lifetime.

“I hope you had a chance to review the offer?”

Danger gave a slow nod.

“I have. Although I am curious. Why now?”

A pause cams from the blonde. She gave a slight grimace.

“Omega Pyre is a Company. It is a business. Instructions were relayed by the current owner that it is time to sell it to another. Your name was the one selected.”

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Aeron Kreelan"]

Alright.

This woman was clearly not the kind that enjoyed small-talk. In his youth Alric would probably have liked her for that, mostly because he'd been able to get directly down to business and just run away with everything. Now that he was older however he enjoyed a bit of inane conversation.

It helped you get to know who you were doing business with.

Of course, in the end this wasn't his deal at all, it was Danger's. He would undoubtedly be asked his opinion by the end of the talk, Danger always askedfor his input, but in the end he wasn't here to do anything at all except for look pretty and be a bit of arm candy. So he decided to stay quiet, leaning back in his chair slightly and folding his hands into his lap.

He offered the Prex a smile, then glanced at Danger.

No need to say anything.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

[SIZE=9pt]Having Danger’s name dropped in a proposal for a business venture wasn’t anything new to the Queen of Trade. What was is the fact that this was Omega Pyre. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Might I inquire as to whom is the owner?” she inquired casually, keeping her voice as cordial and neutral as possible. Right leg swung to cross over the left. Aeron didn’t flinch. It would appear that both ladies had their Sabaac faces in tip top shape. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“No, but it will be done by proxy. “ hands came up to point at herself. The expression Aeron said meant that they would not delve any further. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“All legal proceedings can be verified by your legal team of course.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Of course.” Danger replied. However, what her expression hid was the fact that she didn’t like not knowing who she was really doing business with. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Good.” Aeron replied, making a motion over her desk to bring up the holoscreen. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Do you have any questions?”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Just the confirmation on which businesses will be included in the sale and any conditions.” [/SIZE]

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

He couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

This business meeting was about as abrupt and secretive as anything he'd ever encountered, in fact probably more so. Usually when someone sold you their company they were rather hesitant to part with it. The person here didn't even seem to want to show their face.

In some ways Alric could respect that. He was pretty sure that if he ever sold Vanir fully he'd throw it away to some young business man whom he thought capable enough, though the likelihood that he'd ever do that was minimal. His company would be inherited by his children, Myra, Lily, and Rose. They wouldn't need to do anything with it, just reap the rewards. It was perhaps spoiling them a bit, but he Alric didn't much care about that.

All of his kids had been raised well, they knew what to do will wealth.

He watched for a moment as Danger's eyes tightened a bit, his own lips thinning. Alric had always been able to read her like an open book, and it was clear that she did not like the situation anymore than he did. Gently, the Tetan reached out and place his hand over hers, his thumb stroking over her skin in a soothing gesture.

 

[Aeron Kreelan]

[SIZE=9pt][member="Alric Kuhn"][/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]The caress of Danger’s husband’s hand on top of her own would be a balm to the woman’s wariness. At the very least, soothe over any ruffled feathers. However, that didn’t mean that Danger would leave her questions on the table unanswered. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Aeron, at the least, could comprehend that.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]With a deep, exhausted sigh, the umber and ochre maned woman went leaning back on her seat. Her expression was set in a manner that said that even if the Queen of Trade had questions, there were only a few that she would have answers to. Those were Aeron’s orders. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“A few conditions.” the Prex admitted. A swipe and draw of her hand on top of the table withdrew the current holographic image and brought in another. This time, detailed list of qualifying conditions to the sale. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“The entity is to remain neutral. Benefits to employees should be matched and not withdrawn.” Omega Pyre, after all, paid a mercenary 5% more than other companies and increased the COLA based on annual reviews. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“All original inventory will be signed over and allowed for retrofit or redesign,” within that was the indication that [member="Ayden Cater"]’s seal of approval. A bonus indeed. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Omega Pyre itself oversees three distinct worlds; Fondor, Thyferra and Yag’Dhul. If this purchase goes through…” Here came the interesting bit.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“The worlds are to revert to a democratic government instilled by popular vote of the people. Omega Pyre will be renouncing it’s corporacacy over these worlds save for current business interests.”[/SIZE]

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Aeron Kreelan"]

Alric listened carefully.

He had been aware that Omega Pyre effectively controlled Fondor, though he had not really been aware that such a thing extended to both Yag'Duhl as well as thyferra. It was an interesting little tidbit, and of course what came next even more so. Alric expected that Danger wouldn't oppose such a thing, after all she had never been out to be a government, just a business woman. Though it did make him wonder something. He considered for a moment, then spoke.

"Will the Alliance be an issue?" In theory the Galactic Alliance allowed planets to be completely and entirely independent. A few worlds they had a more direct hand in, Sullust before and now Coruscant, but a large change of Government on some of the biggest industrial worlds in their systems?

That would raise a few eyebrows.

No doubt there would be no major issues, but Alric wanted to ask just in case. Galactic governments did tend to be a little bit...heavy handed at times, especially when it came to planets like Fondor. It was one of the reasons why most of Vanir's assets remained outside of the reach of everything. Vanir, the planet, itself sat within the outer rim, far away from even the ORC.

 

[Aeron Kreelan]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Bright blue eyes swung over towards the Tetan. A fair question, but one that Aeron nor Cira was particularly worried about.

"This was a long time coming," the Prex began, slightly rocking her chair from left to right and back again. "The Galactic Alliance is a government that seeks to do what is best for the people. While Fondor, Thyferra, and Yag-Dhul were, in essence, a corporatocracy for the last three decades, it was never the intention to be a permanent fixture in government."

They were in many ways much like the old Corporate Sector Authority, but even then, Omega Pyre wasn't meant to maintain such control over three worlds for so long.

"So we will be providing the means for the transition of power to a more democratic seat. We will still have interests here -- that is, you will if you so decide to go with the purchase, but it isn't something to be of concern."

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Aeron Kreelan"]

The answer was more than satisfying enough for Alric, and he guessed for Danger as well. The three planets were...well planets after all, they held massive populations and those had to be taken into account in a deal like this. Danger would no doubt handle it all smoothly, but Alric had a natural distrust when it came to Galactic governments.

Even ones that he liked.

”Excellent.” Alric said with a smile as he leaned back into his chair. He knew that this meeting still technically didn't involve him. This was Danger’s deal to make after all, and he was really only here and an advisor to her. It was a role that suited him well enough.

Particularly now.

Briefly he wondered if Omega Pyre had any technology that could help him grow caf...though he decided that he would ask that question later. More privately when Danger couldn't over hear.

Need to figure that out. Alric thought to himself with a slight frown.

He was sure that he could use Vanir to come up with something, but he was fairly sure that would be cheating. Though if he sourced things from other companies, like a regular farmer could, that would probably be okay.

Hopefully.