Wartime Production (Republic, Senate, Others PM for Invite)

[Popo]

Popo the Hutt, Supreme Chancellor of the Republic, sat behind his podium in the Senate Chambers. With the One Sith baying for blood on one border and the Mandalorians just having declared a state of war on the other side, the situation was bleak enough without considering the poor state of the Republic military.

With that in mind and understanding that the only way to survive the coming firestorm was to up arm, he'd called a meeting of the Senate. Their only path was to unite and begin increasing production. They had no clone army to fall back upon and no secret weapon caches or fleets. Yes, Popo remembered the stories. He was over five hundred years old and survived the plague, albeit narrowly. He remembered the stories they told, now barely remembered legends or myths, distorted and warped by the passage of time and generations of story telling. He knew there was nothing to fall back on in this emergency, which meant the Republic had to make it's own safety net in mid fall.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," he stated politely to the gathering before him and the Senate itself. "Thank you all for coming. I've called everyone here today to address an issue that is most pressing considering the current conflicts.

Our military, while brave and stalwart, lacks the materials, machines, and weapons it needs to fight a war of this scale. Therefore, I ask the Senate to put forward a bill that, for the duration of the conflict at hand, grants government funding and lessened taxes to those companies willing to pledge their wartime production to the cause."

With that, Popo gestured to the knot of corporate figures who he'd contacted beforehand.

"These Corporate Heads lead their own companies in areas we will require very, very soon, if not immediately. Ships, weapons, armor, vehicles, and supplies. If the Senate can sign such a decision into law within this hearing, these individuals can provide for us that which we so desperately need in this dark time: Hope."

[member="Lorelei Darke"] [member="Darron Wraith"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Maelion Liates"] [member="Ayden Cater"] [member="Jared Ovmar"]

 

[Lex-El]

Standing in the contingent of business leaders, Cade could only listen intently. Idly playing with the buttons on his cufflinks, he epitomized every story told on the man. Sharp eyes where hidden behind his glasses, and he simply couldn't stand still. Mr. Lee's mind was always active, and if left with nothing to do he simply adjusted everything to perfection. Company insiders would attest that that was the driving force behind their success, and why they had expanded more in two years than they had in the centuries prior to the man's ascent to lead the galactic spanning juggernaut of blaster weapons. Cade's keen mind was evident as he made sure to stand close to the new Chancellor so all the feeds would catch him standing so close to the new leader of the Republic.

How often was it that a weapon's company got good press?

Cade whispered to where only the new Chancellor could hear him. "With or without this funding Blas-Tech will gladly help the Republic in this dark hour."


Lorelei Darke [member="Popo"] Siobhan Kerrigan Maelion Liates Ayden Cater Jared Ovmar

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Popo"], @Cade Lee

Siobhan did not like big spectacles and speeches. Well, actually it was a bit more complicated than that. The former Exarch of the Protectorate did actually like pomp and circumstance, at least if she was the centre of attention - and was not expected to give a speech. During her term as Exarch she had been required to step into the limelight, but even now holocameras still made her uncomfortable.

Regardless she stood alongside a large contingent of notable business leaders. That in itself was pretty hilarious when she thought about it. She imagined herself as many things, but certainly not as a businesswoman, though she had gotten more used to her role since Tegaea had created Firemane after stepping down as Lady Protector, with Siobhan acting as its vice president. So she stood there tall and proud, perhaps with an element of haughtiness, dressed in an impeccable black women's business suit, the dark brown mane that was usually worn long done up for the occasion.

Sharp eyes watched the crowd of senators as the Supreme Chancellor delivered his speech. Meeting the Shell Hutt again under these circumstances struck her as ironic as well. Their first meeting had consisted of her supervising the exchange of a substantial amount of gold and rare gems from Firemane's stock on Kaeshana to his corporation for a very hefty sum. Back then Siobhan had been expecting a betrayal of some sort due to the, without wanting to sound xenophobic, known way most Hutts performed business. She had been pleasantly surprised at the lack of...dramatics. Now it appeared he had risen to the chancellery. Certainly better than that egotistical puffbag Aurelia Saelari. Besides, a Hutt who went to battle in beskar'gam and took on a Sith lord in battle was sort of cool.

The Republic wanted weapons, Firemane had plenty of those to offer. She had spoken with Tegaea over holocomm. New orders would be made, factories expanded to churn out the machines of war with alacrity. The arsenal they could offer was already substantial, but would have to be expanded both in range and variety. Of course, much of this would be weapons provided for the future. Tanks, gunships and bolters did not appear out of thin air in the blink of an eye. It would be a great opportunity for Firemane to rise up and let it not be said that the power couple who had conquered most of Omega's territory would not an opportunity slide past it.

There was something deeply ironic about the Republic, the largest power in the galaxy, being in such dire straits. Not so long ago it had been all the rage to castigate Jedi as 'evil warmongers' and 'oppressors almost as bad as Sith'. But then empires rose and fell, as bizarre as Sith splinter groups suddenly being able to muster a force sufficient to assault the capital and not get pulverised right away was. That said, she seriously doubted the One Sith had been able to suddenly create a big armada in 'secret shipyards', especially since they supposedly had launched their assault from a few backwater planets.

Removing a stray lock of hair from her face, she listened intently, waiting for the proceedings to begin.

 

[Maelion Liates]

[member="Popo"]
[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

If Maelion Liates, representing Archangel, noticed Siobhan Kerrigan’s presence, she gave no sign. Being an assassin HRD meant that she had little time for ‘catching up’ with old ‘friends’ from her time at the Protectorate. Especially as Maelion was not on very good terms with Siobhan. In basic terms she considered her an unsubtle battering ram whose processing could not come soon enough.

Still, she listened as the Hutt talked. Her mind was filled with no patriotic, hopeful dreams, only with the eventual destination of this war. The more the organics killed each other, the less Archangel would have to do when the time came.
So she would gladly offer combat and infiltration droids to the Republic, in the certain knowledge that an organic slain in battle was one less which needed to be exterminated.

But she kept a smile on her face and clapped loyally at Popo’s words Let the organics hope, she was working to ensure they would all soon die.

 

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Popo"]

((OOC: Moira shall be representing Archangel with permission from [member="Maelion Liates"]' writer, who is on loa)

The thought patterns of Moira Skaldi would not be that dissimilar from those of Maelion. This was not surprising because they achieved logical consensus. Archangel was run by single-minded, machine drive and efficiency. As for Siobhan Kerrigan, the so called 'battering ram' or 'Chaos Goddess' or whatever she called herself these days in her delusions of grandeur that would probably have spawned a Dear Leader Cult if she were in a position of power, Moira was indifferent to her.

Far as Moira was concerned, she was just a crude sledgehammer. Probably also to be purged outright since she was uncertain that she was not worthy of processing. Moira was obviously not attending under her true name, but her cover identity as the human businesswoman Nalia Alderana, co-director of Archangel along with 'Anna Comnena', Maelion's alter ego. Archangel prided itself on providing quality services and HRDs specially tailored to their customers' needs. As an emotionless machine Moira was incapable of feeling joy, yet she perhaps felt a close approximation of it as she listened to the Hutt's words.

Any war was good, a galactic one was ideal. It would mean less organics for them to wipe out when the machines arose to usher in the Age of Steel. Archangel would gladly supply the Republic with machines of war. War truly was good for business.

 

[Popo]

"Thank you for your aid, Mr. Lee," Popo stated with a thankful nod of the head. "Do any other companies wish to pledge their aid?"

He needed them to speak up. Back room deals were great, but for this he needed a public announcement. Popo needed the Republic people to know that help was there for them. The companies and the government would work together with the people to protect and preserve the Republic entirely. They needed to know. They needed to hear it.

[member="Lorelei Darke"] [member="Darron Wraith"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Maelion Liates"] [member="Ayden Cater"] [member="Jared Ovmar"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Popo"]

Siobhan cleared her throat before she stepped forward. At least it did not seem like a big speech was expected of her. Granted she could get rather...dramatic sometimes. "On behalf of CEO Alcori, former Lady Protector, I can promise that Firemane Industries will gladly pledge itself towards aiding the Republic in this time of crisis. Much of our military equipment is what made Omega Pyre famous, we have ample experience in combat against Sith and shall be churning out new designs," she spoke up.

 

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Popo"]

At least Kerrigan had managed to stay brief and not use 'Harbinger quotes'. "Likewise Archangel Research and Design. We can meet the Republic's needs for the provision of droid soldiers and HRDs in this conflict. Our state of the line HRDs have achieved impressive results in combat against force-users, and we shall eagerly expand manufacturing in this dark time," 'Nalia Alderana' said smoothly, not paying the so called battering ram any mind.

In a way she was looking forward to this chance to test the designs of Archangel in action. The war would offer a suitable testing ground.

 

[Quietus]

"The Kuat Drive Yards will fully back this endeavor and is eager to renegotiate our contract with the Republic," CEO Lorelei Darke spoke up next after a few moments of quiet, "as well, Kuat is ready to do it's part in supplying and aiding the Republic with a large portion of its military force. Arranged through your Head of Military Affairs and my good Senator, [member="Alena Beswin"]."

All despite past transgressions, she neglected to add. The Kuati people still stung over the catastrophic event that was Clockwork Rebellion assimilating their planet and numbers after a massive failure on the Republic's part, but it didn't do to hold grudges. Forgiven, but not forgotten.

[member="Popo"]

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Coming from a holoprotector, the soft drawl of Dangeruese Arceneau pipped in thereafter, a voice that would be all too intimately familiar with the new Supreme Chancellor @Popo. And like always, she had a way of simply letting minds wander no matter what she said.
"Arceneau Trade is more than willing to provide any aid in transporting and providing the necessary goods required for the upkeep of the Republic's refugee population."

Food, water, medicine, the logistical support of moving refugees and aiding for their care was a consideration few would remember. Arceneau Trade Company ships were known to be left alone from pirates and have had the luxury of being able to pass unharmed and unhindered throughout the greater known space. Those who would dare attack would be met with ample force to defend her convoys.

Afterall, war wasn't simply about the military --- but about the people that were left homeless and in need of care behind.

 

[Popo]

"Your efforts to support the Republic cause humble me," the Shell Hutt stated somberly. "With this we can rebuild and protect our Republic and our Citizens. This places us one step further on the path to Galactic Peace."

Popo made a mental note to speak to each in turn later about specifics and individual contracts. He also made a note to set up another meeting between him and Miss Arceneau.

"Are there any others among you that wish to aid our cause?"

[member="Danger Arceneau"] [member="Lorelei Darke"] [member="Moira Skaldi"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Maelion Liates"] [member="Cade Lee "][member="Ayden Cater"] [member="Jared Ovmar"]

 

[Ayden Cater]

[member="Popo"]

"Corellian Engineering has already begun retooling its shipyards to begin construction on Republic warships." Ayden said confidently, even amongst the present company. "The threat posed here today is one that extends beyond galactic borders, beyond past transgressions. Corellian Engineering is also offering its services to refit, repair, and rearm any ships at the word of the Supreme Chancellor. Anything we can do to boost the Republic's war efforts."

 

[Noah Corek]

[member="Popo"]
Noah rubbed one of his hands over his face to try and get the crud that had collected around his eyes due to the lack of sleep that current galactic events had caused. "Hekler'Kok Defense Industries is ready to produce any weapons, armor or vehicles that the Republic needs to destroy the Sith and take Coruscant back." Noah informed the Supreme Chancellor, making sure to emphasize Coruscant, being his families home for generations.