Private When Ore Mining, You're Signing

[Tertius C. Nargath]

Location: [X]
TAG: Brakkus

The N&Z's expansion had been going strong and with such expansion, the need for more raw materials and a larger area of logistics was necessary. One of the companies which had managed to gain Tertius' attention in his capacity of Chairman of the Board of Directors at the N&Z Umbrella Corporation, was the mining and salvaging company run by Brakkus who had already been seen at least once during the most recent meeting of the Corporate Council of the Confederacy on Rothana, but as this was not something which had to be run by the council, nor the Corporate Interest Guild, the Marquis of Valkan had sent a missive to Brakkus' company offices about a week prior to the present, granting the man an invitation at the Research and Development center on Eriadu, all for the sake of discussing potentially lucrative future contracts and maybe even something wholly unexpected for the guest, but that would all still be looked at when the time was right.

For now though, Tertius would calmly await the arrival of Brakkus on Eriadu, hoping it wouldn't have been to much of a hassle to get to the somewhat difficultly located Seswenna system, which was being encroached upon by the Sith Order. However, since this wasn't much of an issue to Tertius himself, he simply made it clear that should the Aqualish decide to accept the invitation, he'd find the receptionists in the lobby to be most helpful in allowing him entry into the offices, where a guard would guide the man to the top floor of the building, where he'd find himself entering the office of Tertius himself...

The office would be quite large, with a somewhat warm and classical interior contrary to most industrially designed offices that are used elsewhere in the building. The Chairman's office had a thick, soft rug splayed out underneath a large black and dark brown wooden and metallic desk with one large feauteil on one end and two comfortable chairs on the other end. beyond the desk there were two armchairs flanking a small table and on each side of the room where a multitude of large brown wooden cabinets, some with drawers, others with doors, with datapack cabinets in between. It was a show of both professionalism and the assertion of the company's noble heritage that allowed the Chairman to pull of his office like this.

In the corner next to the Desk, there was a large, nearly one meter long and thirty centimeters tall replica of the famus Dictator II class the company sells and maintains, which seemed to double as a cigar humidor.​

 

[Brakkus]

The clear sky above Eriadu was pierced by a lone vessel. From a distance, it could be mistaken for a pearl falling from the heavens, its off-white hull gleaming in the sunlight. As it drew nearer, the sleek form of a luxury starliner became clear, its silent ion engines and smooth lines exemplifying the epitome of lavish space travel. The ship descended gracefully onto the designated landing platform, where its doors slid open, and a ramp extended from the main cabin.

Brakkus Ka'bo emerged, taking a deep breath—the first he'd ever drawn on Eriadu. He made his way down the ramp, his chrome-plated protocol droid hurrying to keep pace behind him.

As Brakkus approached the entrance of the Research and Development Center, he couldn't help but be struck by the grandeur of the Alpha Tower, a proud testament to the might and influence of the N&Z Umbrella Corporation. From his research, he knew the facility had undergone extensive redevelopment, yet the changes only enhanced its imposing presence.

What had drawn the Aqualish so far from his homeworld? N&Z, of course, and particularly the Head of House Nargarth— Tertius C. Nargath . The two had crossed paths at the founding of the Confederacy Corporate Council and again at the now infamous Confederacy gala, though they had yet to explore potential business opportunities. Brakkus had been pleased when he received a letter from Tertius expressing interest in a potential supply agreement. Any businessman worth his salt knew better than to pass up an invitation from a megacorporation like N&Z. However, Brakkus kept his expectations in check. Dealings with megacorps could quickly turn sour if they attempted to exploit their dominant position. He knew better than to celebrate before any contracts were signed.

The lobby of the Research and Development Center was a vast, open space, serving as a communal area for workers on break. Despite the casual interactions among employees, the room maintained an air of professionalism. The natural flow of the space led Brakkus to the reception desk, where his protocol droid promptly introduced him.

"This is Brakkus Ka'bo of the Ando Mining Collective. He is here to meet Tertius C. Nargath."

Once his identity and purpose were confirmed, Brakkus was escorted to the upper levels of the building. Upon entering the Chairman's office, Brakkus immediately noticed the distinct decor. Unlike the rest of the modern facility, the office was primarily furnished with wood, giving it a sense of old-world elegance. It seemed his host had a unique style, one that Brakkus appreciated.

"Brakkus Ka'bo, it's good to see you again, Marquis Nargath," he said in fluent Galactic Basic, extending a large, furry hand to his host.

 

[Tertius C. Nargath]

Location: [X]
TAG: Brakkus

Standing behind his chair and looking out through the large singular window in his office onto the sprawling facilities that were located and built upon the massive plot of land under the N&Z Umbrella Corporation's control, the Chairman of the N&Z, the Marquis of Valkan, Tertius C. Nargath enjoyed a bit of his downtime when someone from the lobby spoke to him on the intercom, mentioning they had just escorted a Mr. Brakkus Ka'Bo up to his office. With a smile, the marquis reached for a glass with a refreshing cold tea on his desk, taking a good gulp of this soothing liquid as the doors to his office opened in order to reveal the arrival of the aforementioned guest.

With a hearty smile on his face, the chairman responded to the reached out hand, by giving the man a firm and solid handshake, before motioning to the two seats on either side of a small, yet expensive looking coffee table. "Before we start these talks, can I get staff to bring you anything to drink, coffee, tea, perhaps some wine?"

Settling himself on the opposite side of the chair to which he had motioned Brakkus to sit in, the Marquis let out a soft chuckle as he looked at the unusual man's attire and demeanor. From his point of view, his guest had to have been somthing of a working man as well, someone who at the very least knew by hand and mind the very work his employers were doing. Tertius could have been wrong in this assumption, but if he wasn't, he did respect that kind of background, after all people like that had a wholly different sentiment compared to those born in wealth.

"Firstly, I do hope you haven't had too much trouble to get here, Eriadu is not exactly in a favorable location at the moment," letting out a chuckle, the chairman of the N&Z leaned a bit back into his chair, seemingly thinking on his next move, his next action in what most likely would turn out to become the usual business negotiations he was used to. Looking straight at the Aqualish, the Eriaduan noble smiled. "As you may or may not know, my company has its own mining and refining division in the form of the USM, but since they are currently running on full operational capacity, it has been brought to my attention that the Ka'Bo Mining Company is hungry for some good deals and contracts to come their way. Because if this assumption is correct, I am willing to offer you two potential options in how we may progress from this point on."

Holding up his hand, the Marquis would at first allow his guest to at the very least confirm the situation of his company. After all, if it appeared they weren't hungry for new contracts, than it would mean one of the options Tertius had in mind was virtually worthless. Allowing Brakkus to explain his company's current situation and future projection could be best for further negotiations. "Now, financially and operationally, where does Ka'bo Mining stand at this very moment?"​

 

[Brakkus]

Tertius C. Nargath reciprocated the handshake firmly, unfazed by the imposing Aqualish frame before him. In the galaxy, there was a certain stigma around Aqualish, who were often regarded as violent brutes—a reputation reinforced by those who found work as mercenaries or bounty hunters. Brakkus was pleased to see that Tertius seemed unaffected by such biases, which only increased Brakkus' respect for the man.

Brakkus took a seat at the coffee table, politely declining the offer of refreshments from his host.

Everything about their encounter so far had conveyed the immense wealth and class of Tertius. The Research and Development Center was nothing short of impressive, his manner impeccable, and even the coffee table between them looked finely crafted and extravagant. Brakkus' time in the Core Worlds had familiarized him with Tertius' type: old money, power, an aristocrat through and through. He knew this type could often sense his own more modest background. Despite the fine suit and top-tier education, Brakkus knew that to the nobleman, they would never quite be equals. But Brakkus didn't mind; instead, he saw it as an advantage. Men like Tertius C. Nargath tended to underestimate him, seeing him as an industrial proletarian. Brakkus had, indeed, worked in the mines, but he was also no stranger to the world of megacorporations.

"Thanks for your concern, but the journey here was smooth," he replied. "Sith Order checkpoints raise no issue for those who have nothing to hide."

With pleasantries exchanged, the conversation shifted to business, and Brakkus switched to his native tongue, Aqualish. This was customary for him during negotiations; while his Galactic Basic was near-perfect, he preferred to avoid any miscommunication. As he spoke, his protocol droid seamlessly translated.

"Well, we go by the Ando Mining Collective these days, though I see you've done your homework," he said, letting out a brief chuckle between bleats. "But you're right; we're always looking for new contracts. Most of our current agreements are in the Lambda Sector, but we're looking to expand beyond the Mid Rim soon."

Securing contracts with N&Z would be a significant step toward this goal, and Brakkus was keen to hear Tertius' proposal.

"Our workforce is skilled, our equipment solid, and we operate a state-of-the-art refinery on Ando Prime. I'm confident we're ready to handle any contract you throw our way."

 

[Tertius C. Nargath]

Location: [X]
TAG: Brakkus

"I don't find them all that hard either, but you know...there are those who feel less comfortable with a proper defense of territory," A wry smile appeared on the Chairman's face for a moment, showing that while he found it somewhat funny, he knew that there were those in certain professions who detested the Sith checkpoints...or just the sith in general, a sentiment the Marquis did not share with them. "Oh...Ando Mining Collective, I should have had my assistants note that down somewhere... My apologies, though it does sound more...grand, it does not have a bad ring at all."

Settling down in the chair opposite to the Aqualish, the Marquis' face betrayed nothing; a sly smile, gentle and strangely warm combined with eyes that showed the opposite; stern and calculating, it in essence showed the man's true nature. While he might have been born a noble of high status, he wasn't exactly the aloof and unknowing sort. It was part of his nature to be curious and calculative, observant and very keen on those with a talent that could be useful. Brakkus was no different, while most of his kind of entrepeneur might think a noble like Tertius to underestimate them, they themselves managed to underestimate the Marquis. He genuinely had an affinity for those who didn't just stand at the top from the moment they entered the galaxy, but had toiled and labored. One's birth did not dictate the strength of character or the skill of a person, it was their perseverance, their own nature that dictated it.

"I do like that hunger, mister Brakkus," The smile seemed to become a bit more open, his eyes showing a bit more shine in them, taking a moment the man leaned back in his chair and looked up for a mere moment, at which point he stood up and walked over towards the large desk, his fingers tapping on the large dark slab of wood at the top of the desk, which suddenly slid open and revealed a solid holographic screen displaying the Seswenna sector in its entirety in great detail. "Currently, the United Seswenna Mining company, a division of the N&Z, operates within the Seswenna Sector and while I could have it expand its territory, it's current...director is somewhat of a schmuck who lacks the knowledge and strength of character to run a division like this. It's a leftover from my father's tenure as chairman and I seek to eradicate the incessant nepotism that has had time to fester within my company."

Turning his attention back towards the Aqualish, the Marquis grinned and moved his hand through the sector. "There are regions where I could easily gain contracts of my own, but as I said...I need those with the knowledge and skill to be in such a position, for I myself have but the basic knowledge on such things when it comes to quality of material and prospective yields."

Sitting back down, the man looked Brakkus straight in the eyes with a serious look in his eyes. "For now I am in the market to offer you a contract for the mining and refining of Carbonite. We have need for a steady supply of this material to be used both in its own right as well as part of our own marketed alloys and materials. Transportation of the material can be arranged by my own transport division."
​

 

[Brakkus]

"No need to apologize, Mr. Nargarth," Brakkus' protocol droid translated on his behalf. The Marquis' slip, calling the Ando Mining Collective by its former name, was an honest mistake, one that didn't bother Brakkus. In fact, he was pleased; it showed his host had taken the time to learn the company's history. A mark of a true professional.

From their conversation, it seemed Tertius C. Nargath harbored discontent with how his father had previously managed N&Z, a sentiment Brakkus himself shared regarding his late father. To Brakkus, his father had been content with a modest operation, bound to the Lambda Sector, even to Ando itself, when larger opportunities lay beyond. But with his father gone, Brakkus was free to pursue ambitious expansion, driven by his appetite for growth. It seemed N&Z, too, was undergoing transformation under Tertius, especially given his apparent dissatisfaction with the director of the United Seswenna Mining Company. Brakkus sensed potential here; if he played his cards right,the Ando Mining Collective could benefit from any shift in N&Z's focus away from their own mining divison.

Brakkus rose from his seat and moved closer to the holographic display for a better view. "I believe the Ando Mining Collective can offer the expertise you're seeking. We've been in this business for centuries," he stated confidently, "though until recently, we've kept operations within the Lambda Sector. Our team is knowledgeable and experienced with a wide range of minerals."

Carbonite. Commonplace, easy to refine, and ideal for a long-term contract. Carbonite-freezing remained widely used in the transportation industry, a process Ando Mining Collective itself employed for some of its more... volatile products. "Carbonite," Brakkus repeated, his protocol droid translating his musings with unnecessary precision. "Our primary facility on Ando Prime is set up for high-yield carbonite refining. Naturally, logistics will need careful planning, but we can address that later."

Brakkus shifted his attention to the mineral's source. "Does N&Z have any planets in mind with satisfactory deposits, or would you prefer we begin surveying systems?"

While he favored refining on Ando Prime, where equipment and infrastructure were already in place, a sufficient deposit found closer to Eriadu might warrant establishing a dedicated refinery at the source.

 

[Tertius C. Nargath]

Location: [X]
TAG: Brakkus

"Expansion is the desire for all with ambition," The Chairman of the N&Z chuckled to his own retort to the Aqualish explaining how his company had so far been more or less focused on the Lambda Sector. yet, this chuckle and his consequent smile quickly faded to a more neutral expression when he listened carefully to the questions now posed by Brakkus . Technically, the chairman could point towards several of the planets already used as bases of operation for the USMC, but that would be corporate suicide and so far he could not just set aside the director of the USM...heck, he'd have quite some time to find a replacement and that in itself was quite the hassle.

"I may have two different proposals," Tertius smiled and tilted his head a bit to the side, trying to make sure he had been correct with his assessment of the aqualish. "On the one hand, I could simply ask you to procure the Carbonite from any surveyed system...considering the relative common nature of carbonite, it shouldn't be much of an issue... or, we take it a step further."

Standing up from his seat, the man walked over the the windows of his office, looking out over the industrial complex below, the shrubbers that cleansed the air and the smokestacks in the distance which basically ruined a lot of the shrubbers' work. "As you are now well aware, I am in need of someone talented at the head of the USMC...but to replace the current director I need to bring in someone spotless, someone with the knowhow to actually manage and expand the division."

Turning back towards Brakkus, the Eriaduan Noble smiled. "While I need no immediate answer, I just want you to know that should our business go well and your company and yourself would prove to be talented enough, I would not be remiss to propose something akin to a soft take over. I have done it before, it is a penchant of mine to use talent and to grant it a place to thrive, to garner ambition."

poiting at something beyond the window of the office, the Marquis let out a sigh. "If you have any systems close by in mind, I am all ears, if not...I could make sure you have some exploitation rights within the Empire of the Lost. I am most keen to see if you are just as good as I expect you to be, sir Brakkus."
​

 

[Brakkus]

The Aqualish moved from the holographic display back to his seat at the coffee table as Tertius C. Nargath outlined his future plans. Brakkus nodded, following along. But the next proposition—a takeover of the United Seswenna Mining Company—caught him by surprise. A subtle shift in his seat and the faintest twitch of his chelicerae betrayed his astonishment.

Once Tertius finished, Brakkus responded, his tone measured. "I must admit, this proposal is unexpected," his protocol droid translated in a flat, vocoded tone. "While I'm confident I could bring the ambition you're seeking for United Seswenna, I have to question your precise intentions with this takeover."

Brakkus paused briefly, then spoke candidly. "Allow me to be frank, Mr. Nargarth—if you're looking for a puppet to replace the current director, you may find yourself disappointed." His words were blunt, but he sensed Tertius was a straightforward man, one who might appreciate such directness. Brakkus hoped the Marquis wouldn't interpret his caution as a lack of interest, especially considering the immense potential this opportunity held for the Ando Mining Collective.

After giving Tertius a moment to respond, Brakkus addressed the location Tertius mentioned. "The Empire of the Lost... That could work," he noted. "Any systems along the Mara Corridor would ease our freight logistics."

 

[Tertius C. Nargath]

Location: [X]
TAG: Brakkus

Tilting his head a bit to the side, yet not losing eye contact, the Marquis calmly listened to what the Aqualish had to answer in reponse to his probably somewhat overwhelming offer. After all, they had meet only once in passing before, with this being their first true meeting. No doubt the Aqualish was a bit surprised by the given offer, but Tertius was adamant that his nose for talent and duty was never wrong.

"Let me put it this way, do you know how I managed to change an entire planet's way of life recently, mr Brakkus ?" Obviously the Marquis was referring to the work he had done in seperating not just the NCBC from the New Cov Goverment, but had managed to convince the then corporate leader of both the planet of New Cov and the NCBC that it was going to be much more in her favor to become part of the N&Z, allowing her to deal less with the bureaucracy of New Cov and focus solely on what she loved doing: create things. "Rather than just providing a place in which an individual can flourish, I provide council, an understanding ear and solutions to the very issues that plague those who wish to expand."

Chuckling ever so slightly, the Marquis sat up straight, giving Brakkus a somewhat gentle, but also slightly devious smile. "The N&Z and myself profit from these mergers and take overs just as much as the individuals themselves. I give them the freedom to do what they want and expand as they see fit, in return their actions will expand the N&Z itself, it's operational power, it's offerings and its contracts. It is all tit for tat. I don't need puppets, I need strongwilled, forward thinking minds to butt heads with when it comes to ideas and prospects, I need those with proper character and principles to be capable enough of running entire divisions without much issues, and lastly I need those who excell in the very field they operate...for if what they can do with their own power is already impressive, imagine what they could do with the full backing and might of the N&Z Umbrella Corporation."

Leaning a bit back into his chair, the Marquis nodded when it seemed that Brakkus was more than interested at the very least in surveying territories along the Mara Corridor when it came to the proposed mining contracts. "Good, that is good to hear. I'll have my assistants send me one of the standard contracts for both the surveying and the actual mining operation itself. At the meantime, should you have any questions in regards to this contract, potential future contracts or the offer I have explained to you... while we are waiting, I have no qualms in answering whatever questions you may have."​

 

[Brakkus]

The Marquis spoke of a recent merger with NCBC. Brakkus already understood the significance of this expansion—not just for N&Z, but for the people of New Cov. N&Z now had the experience of one of the galaxy's leaders in biomolecules, NCBC now had the support of a megacorporation, and the people of New Cov were introduced to democratic governance for the first time. It was an exemplary deal, where each party benefitted substantially. If the Ando Mining Collective could secure a similar agreement, it would undoubtedly boost the company, though Brakkus remained undecided about pursuing such an obligation.

"An impressive pitch," Brakkus began, his four eyes meeting those of his host across the coffee table. "I'm humbled by the proposition and find myself with much to consider. Forgive my caution, Lord Nargath—this wasn't what I anticipated when we arranged this meeting." He paused, giving his protocol droid time to translate.

Shifting in his chair, Brakkus leaned slightly forward. "I do agree with you. With my experience and N&Z's resources, we could indeed transform the mining industry…" He trailed off, his thoughts drifting momentarily to the prospects such a merger would bring. "However, I believe it may be premature to determine if such an arrangement is truly in both our interests. It may be wiser to revisit this discussion once our companies have had a chance to collaborate directly. Surely, a businessman of your stature understands the risks of rushing into any agreement."

Turning to the carbonite contract, Brakkus continued, "Very well. My surveyors will secure a suitable location. All I ask is that you use your connections within the Empire of the Lost to ensure smooth operations for my workers. As you know, the galaxy is in… a delicate state at present."

He paused, then asked a final question. "Only one other matter, Mr. Nargath—if this merger were to move forward, what of the Aqualish and the Ando System? The Ando Mining Collective does a great deal to support Ando, employing many Aqualish and providing charitable aid to those in need. How can I trust that N&Z would continue to uphold these commitments?" Brakkus checked the holodisplay on his wrist as he awaited the Marquis's reply.


Tertius C. Nargath

 

[Tertius C. Nargath]

Location: [X]
TAG: Brakkus

Rather than show disappointment or anger when Brakkus showed hesitancy towards the offer, preferring to have at the least some sort of collaboration under their belt for the sake of further deepening their relationship before such an offer could again be brought to the table, Tertius simply smiled as he completely understood the Aquallish' point of view.

"Very well, it is not an issue to first find a greater commonality through a variety of collaborations," Reaching for his datapad again and connecting it to the larger display console hidden within his desk, the Marquis tapped a few times on the screen of his datapad, allowing a holographic image of the current boundaries of the Empire of the Lost's territory to be displayed. "I could indeed make sure that you have access to the Empire's territory, though I will have to stress upon the fact that you would be acting as a subcontractor to the N&Z. Meaning that I will make sure you have free reign when it comes to your surveys and the establishment of mining facilities, but in return I do wish to have first pick when it comes to the material mined and appropriated."

It wasn't like he was trying to force the Ando Mining company into uch a position, but that it would be a logical and quite valuable position to take, as the N&Z was aiming to move part of its overall production to within the borders of the empire and with such a move, it would mean that normally the USCM would have taken up this allocation of contracts and research. If the N&Z was to hand over the responsibility of mining and appropriating the materials to Brakkus ' company, it shouldn't be too much of a surprise that the N&Z would also require proper conjecture in contractual form to form a proper understanding.

"On the matter of the Aquallish in the Ando system, nothing would change, if only for the better to them," The chairman smiled and nodded slightly towards Brakkus himself as an example. "I care little for race, species or education, I rely on talent and expertise. If the aqualish are good workers, good tradesmen and have the ambition to go beyond the borders of their own native system, the N&Z Umbrella Corporation will not stop them, on the contrary... I believe it is always for the better to have those with expertise in their field within leading positions. So if the aqualish prove themselves to be excellent in their field, they will be rewarded with the positions and prestige their excellence entitles them to."​

 

[Brakkus]

"Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Nargath." Brakkus was nothing but impressed by Tertius C. Nargath . Thus far, he had proven to be a capable business partner—accommodating Brakkus's needs while standing firm in his own vision. Although their business together had yet to begin, a mutual respect was evident. Perhaps this was not the standard aristocrat Brakkus had encountered so often before; it was clear why the N&Z Umbrella Corporation had flourished under his leadership.

The request for N&Z to have priority over any minerals found within Empire of the Lost territory seemed only fair. Without their blessings, the Ando Mining Collective would not be prospecting in that region at all. "Of course. Any substantial mineral deposits we uncover in the territory will be relayed to N&Z first and foremost; I assure you of that personally."

Tertius's remarks regarding work ethic and skill over arbitrary attributes like race and species pleased Brakkus. The Ando Mining Collective prioritized Aqualish recruitment, primarily out of loyalty to the Ando System and the abundance of Aqualish there. Over time, the company's presence had built trust among locals as a reliable employer, granting workers job security while strengthening the Collective's political influence within the system. Despite this focus, Brakkus had never hesitated to release deadweight; all his employees, Aqualish or otherwise, were expected to be committed, honest, and resilient—a rare combination in much of the galaxy these days.

Brakkus locked his four eyes onto his host. "I appreciate that, Mr. Nargath. The Aqualish have a certain… reputation, but once our work is underway, I'm confident you'll find my workforce professional, diligent, and, most importantly, productive."

"When the contract is ready," he added, his chelicerae flexing in a gesture akin to a smile, "perhaps we could seal the deal with a drink?"