Private The Power of Credit | Kahlil Noble

[Lodd Grimmin]

Kahlil Noble

​

The Neimoidian was fortunate that the Dark Empire had been vanquished by the Galactic Alliance, although numerous strongholds remained that needed to be addressed by the Galactic Alliance Defense Force. There was a degree of confidence in their ability to accomplish this task, even in light of the Sith Order's invasion of Woostri, prior to the occurrence of the galactic singularity.

This significant event resulted in planets, such as Taris, no longer aligning with the Alliance and falling under the control of the Mandalorian Neo-Crusaders. While this was a grim situation, it could potentially foster increased trade between the two factions, an area in which the Trade Federation could find opportunities for profit.

That was one of the factors that led Trade Monarch to arrive at his summer palace on the planet Cato Neimoidia under the oversight of Senator Monaray Dod within the Federal Assembly, a well-known critic of the Chancellor, and fully aligned with the interests of the Federation.

Seated upon a mechno-chair adorned with intricate designs, and perched on his other arm, was a magnificent Neimoidian pylat bird who preened its vibrant feathers but remained still, its sharp beak on alert for potential food.

He was present on the garden terrace for one specific purpose: the New Jedi Order had dispatched a representative to engage him in discussions regarding the relief initiatives in the Core. That representative was none other than Master Kahlil Noble , the consort of the Grandmaster, who was renowned for his exceptional power.

"Ah...Master Jedi. Welcome to Cato Neimoidia, one of the crown purse-worlds of my Kingdom within the Alliance as you are no doubt aware." A sly voice from the chair could be heard as the Jedi approached from the expansive palace, adorned with jewels taken from the backs of hundreds of workers.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Trade Monarch Grimmin." Curt, respectful. Kahlil dipped his head respectfully as he entered the chamber, keeping a calm smile on his face. The kind that betrayed none of his actual emotions, as he had been trained so long in his life. By Jedi, Sith, family and enemies like it was good to keep his emotions from being picked up by those around him.

It didn't stop him from feeling, of course. The greed of this man before him was all too apparent just by the chair he sat in. None the less, the Shield of the Jedi knew the value of money far too well. With the chaos ongoing, it was all the more reason to seek help. Not that he believed for a moment it would be freely given.

"I'm glad to see Cato Neimoidia is well after the galactic event. No doubt your preparations?"

Lodd Grimmin

 

[Lodd Grimmin]

Kahlil Noble

​

The Neimoidian pylat bird shifted ever so slightly on Grimmin's arm, talons curling as it gave a shrill, cautious trill. The Neimoidian gave a slow, dignified nod in response to the Jedi's greeting, though the sly twist of his lip remained fixed, as if carved into his ornate, verdant face. "Indeed, Master Noble," Grimmin replied with a measured tone that danced between pleasantry and condescension.

"My preparations are thorough by necessity. One does not become Trade Monarch of the Neimoidians by hoping for mercy from the void." He gestured lightly with a jeweled digit toward a low table, where a steaming pot of imported Corellian tea had been prepared an affectation, of course. Grimmin preferred Neimoidian starch-liqueur, but few among the Jedi held the stomach for it.

"The singularity has reshuffled much of the galactic plane" he mused aloud, his gaze shifting momentarily toward the distant skyline beyond the open terrace bridges and towers, swollen with wealth and pristine in their detachment from the lower levels. "Planets vanish, new ones emerge from distant sectors. But commerce, ah...commerce is the great constant."

He turned back to Kahlil, the smile never leaving his thin lips. "And that is likely the reason you have come to parlay with the Trade Federation of Planets. The only faction outside the Alliance, with a considerable transport fleet at their disposal."

The pylat bird gave a soft caw of agreement as Grimmin leaned back in his mechno-chair, gears softly humming, red eyes watching the Jedi's every breath with the calculating precision of one who had made fortunes off galactic misfortune.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"The Jedi don't have the capacity to speak on behalf of the Alliance, but you're not wrong that of all the current fleets outside of Alliance space, the Trade Federation is one of few who aren't in outright war." Or vying for as much. The Federation, the Naboo Royalists, the Diarchy. They weren't enemies, but given how they seemed to be targeting the Alliance, that fragile peace wasn't going to last much longer. Especially with how the Galaxy had so drastically changed.

Desperation bred cruelty. It felt ironic that the stability of money was a good counter for it. Danger Arceneau 's choice to make deals with his father had proven to him just how important it was in a crisis to have access to the necessities.

"This level of chaos breeds quite the opportunities for profit. There's no doubt the Alliance will reach out to the Federation for assistance of your fleet. I'm here to ask you give them a fair deal over a highly profitable one."

Lodd Grimmin

 

[Lodd Grimmin]

Kahlil Noble

​

The mechno-chair emitted a gentle hum as Grimmin leaned slightly to one side, his red eyes narrowing with the precision of a seasoned negotiator who had faced countless tables without ever revealing the full extent of his accounts.

"A fair deal," he reiterated. "A commendable goal, Master Jedi. And indeed, a rare one in these times." The Neimoidian pylat bird perched on his arm shifted, emitting a soft coo as the Trade Monarch tilted his head, examining Kahlil with the meticulousness one would apply to a potential investment.

"Certainly, there is current precedent. During the Core War, the Trade Federation provided support to both the Alliance and... those who later came to regret their agreements. Ultimately, what mattered was stability." His tone bore no judgment, only a greedy undertone of a Neimoidian who had profited from the conflict long before the notion of peace was entertained with the collapse of the Dark Empire.

"To maintain such stability, I am willing to consider what your notion of a 'fair deal' entails. Give me exact details such as shipping lanes, volume of cargo, duration of commitment, oversight protocols and we may yet come to a profitable arrangement" A brief pause, Grimmin would let the silence linger just long enough to suggest consideration, though in truth, his mind was already calculating the angles.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"The shipping lanes are all in disarray. Relief supplies, to spread through the scattered worlds of the Alliance. New trade routes to scout out and secure. The chaos of the event will lead to the super powers focusing on both their own stability inwards as well as solidifying their boarders. I won't pretend I know what the Alliance requires, that's the domain of the Senate and certainly not a Jedi."

The last thing he wanted was to make a deal he didn't actually have the capacity or legality to do, but as a Jedi, ensuring that the people who needed the assistance would get it, that was his wheelhouse.

"New routes of course mean new businesses to claim them."

Lodd Grimmin