Adding to the Czerka Family

[Dunbar Snackbar]

Dr. Zimlon Nahr was making his final review of the documents that were laid before him in his Czerka branded leather binder. He had spent most of the day reviewing the numbers and preparing for this one meeting. Nahr wanted to see this deal be completed as he was genuinely excited about the prospects. To help the chances, Nahr ensured that he reserved one of the finest conference rooms in Czerka HQ which looked out upon the other skyscrapers of Coruscant.

Nahr was seated on one side of the conference room table with a Czerka legal team and other advisers on both sides of him ready to add input if needed and also to help with creating an appropriate business environment. The glass door to the conference room opened. 2V-O9, Dr. Nahr's protocol droid stood at the enterance. "Sir, your guests have arrived", the protocol droid stated.

"Everyone ready?" Nahr said looking to the left and the right only to see the nodding heads of his team. "Bring them in 2V" he replied in response to the droid.

Happily, the protocol droid said "Right away sir!" and quickly walked out of the conference room. Dr. Zimlon Nahr closed his binder and stood. Quickly, the others in the Czerka team followed suit and stood in preparation of the arrival of the PriceCorp delegation.

@Vosrik @Shalken

 

[Vosrik]

Davian almost couldn't believe his eyes. Czerka hadn't spared any expense in this meeting as he found himself in one of the most luxuriously furnished buildings on Coruscant. Davian kept having to reposition his grip on his sleek datapad; although he wouldn't admit it, his hands were sweating. He hadn't made a big decision like this is a very long time.

That is, not since he'd met Magnus by chance in a bar and essentially hired him on the spot. His near-7-foot partner walked with him as the duo approached the conference room, passing windows that looked out over the vast expanse of the bright city. Davian let out a chuckle, "You remember when I hired you in that canteen? That was some night." He smiled as he reminisced the bar fight that broke out amongst the patrons shortly after they met. After the ordeal, Davian's jacket needed some serious cleaning.

He wore the same as he always did when on business: a rich burgundy suit with black highlights around the pockets, buttons, and collar. Davian straightened the matching bow tie that contrasted against his white dress shirt underneath for the umpteenth time. He ran a hand through his wavy, dark brown hair and straightened his jacket. The walls were so shiny, Davian was able to get a good look at himself and he struck a pose, smiled and continued following the protocol droid. After all, he was the face of PriceCorp.

The trio stopped at a door and the droid asked (quite politely) that Magnus and Davian wait until they were announced, then it puttered into the room. Turning to Magnus, Davian gave him a friendly knock to his cybernetic arm and commented, "Well, I'm glad I found you in that canteen so long ago. I wouldn't have asked for a better partner. This is a new beginning for PriceCorp. Just think of how great we'll do under Czerka!"

The droid returned and invited them in cordially. Davian straightened and entered with an air of determination and confidence. The room was quite large, and like the rest of the building, sported a view of the vastness and beauty of Coruscant. As he stood in front of the men around the table, it dawned on him that he was in the presence of some of the mightiest business minds of the Galaxy. Despite being somewhat nervous, he didn't show it and smiled warmly.
Davian then bowed to all of them collectively and began, "Greetings gentlemen, it's truly an honour to be here today. As you know, I'm Davian--Davian Price, and I'm the CEO of PriceCorp."

 

[Shalken]

Magnus followed along closely behind Davian, occasionally ducking in order to not hit any lights or low doorways. He could tell Davian was extremely excited; himself, not so much. As long as these Czerka people didn't meddle too much in his personal business. That is, unless they were involved in similar business as well; that would be a different story.
Glancing over at Davian as the merchant recalled the fateful night, he chuckled. "Sure do. Got hired and proved to a Jedi the Force didn't exist. Quite eventful, really."

Despite Davian's extremely classy and fashionable attire, Magnus could not be pursuaded to change from his usual red cloak over medium combat armor and civilian clothes. Perhaps he looked like a thug, but he didn't exactly care all that much. As they paused outside the door to the office, Magnus replied in a low tone to Davian, "Don't be too sure of yourself. They're merchants, after all."

Ducking through the door, he squinted as he peered out the window at the magnificent skyline of Coruscant. It was unsual for Magnus to see the city from this height; he was much more accustomed to seeing it from the bottom-up.
Turning to face the gentlemen seated before them, he nodded, replying after Davian's greeting. "And I am Magnus Valen, Davian's right-hand man of the company." Magnus amusedly considered that "partner-in-crime" was also an effective description, but he knew his employer would fire him for sure if Magnus said anything that hinted at that line of business.

 

[Dunbar Snackbar]

Quickly, Dr. Zimlon Nahr went to the door and ensured he shook the hands of the two PriceCorp executives. "Pleased to meet you both. Welcome to Czerka HQ" he responded. Introductions were in order and Nahr gestured to each person in the room and gave their name from the Czerka side. "I would have them shake your hands but I want to make sure we don't wear out your wrists. I want to make sure they have enough strength to sign some documents." There were some laughs and Nahr wondered how many of them were genuine from the Czerka delegation.

"Please, have a seat" Nahr said gesturing for the PriceCorp to take the seats across from Czerka. A domino effect then took place. When PriceCorp sat, Nahr sat down followed by the rest of Czerka. "Before we begin I do need to let you know that per Czerka policy, we will be creating a holorecording of this meeting for our legal team. That being said, I want to start off by expressing our sincerest thanks for sending the requested documents. That coupled with what were able to get from public documents was quite helpful." Gently, Nahr pushed the documents aside hoping to express that the numbers didn't matter. "Also, thank you for this meeting. I know that numbers and projections don't tell the whole story. I wanted to meet the people behind the organization. I wanted to ask each of you, what sets PriceCorp apart from other fuel companies? Where do you see PriceCorp in 10 years? Finally, how do you see a relationship with Czerka help you reach your goals?"

Nah kept his attention on his guests as he listened to their answers. Surely, they'd set the tone for the meeting.

 

[Vosrik]

With all the initial greetings and formalities taken care of, Davian settled down in his chair and listened to Nahr's questions attentively. With his mention of their discussion being holorecorded, he waved his hand to the side nonchalantly. Such was the manner of business and important discussions.

Thinking for a moment and placing his hands together on the table, Davian cleared his throat before he began. "As you probably know, PriceCorp was founded by my dear father, Logan Price. At the time, prices for fuel had been rising steadily despite our many years of peace, while the quality was dropping exponentially. The purpose behind PriceCorp is the best quality fuel," he paused for added emphasis, "for the best price. This fundamental idea has given it life and caused it to grow, even after I inherited the business when Logan retired. PriceCorp sets the bar high for fuel. You'll be hard pressed to find a knockoff that gives the same fuel efficiency and distance per tank. What sets us apart? We care about people."

The next question was a tad more difficult for Davian to answer, so he leaned back in his chair and thought for a few moments. Looking outside at the skyscrapers, some that even towered higher than the impressive one they were in, helped him conceptualize his answer. "Since Logan and myself have been working on our own to build up business, we have only achieved bringing PriceCorp fuel to some of the major trade hubs of the Galaxy."
He lifted a finger gracefully for each one he counted off. "Coruscant, Corellia, Brentaal, Chandrila. Although we've done well with these few, I want to see PriceCorp grow much bigger, oh yes so much bigger." Davian's eyes clouded over as he dreamed of the trademark burgundy-and-white of PriceCorp was recognized everywhere. "I want to see our fuel as the golden standard for quality that spans the entire Galaxy, from the Core to the Outer Rims. I want to see podrace sponsorships, the name emblazoned on the sides of swoops as they race for victory. That's my vision for PriceCorp."

Fired up with his passion for the company, Davian continued with gusto. "Czerka has proven itself time and time again over the many years that they are true experts in the field of business. The future for PriceCorp won't be a reality if its growth stays at its current rate. Under the guidance and leadership of Czerka, I believe that we," he held out his hands and looked at every member at the table. "We can make a difference and pour new life and energy to benefit everyone involved."

Davian relaxed back in his chair again as he'd slid forward in his eagerness and excitement. Having spent a lot of energy, his heart was pumping much faster than it had before he entered the room. Davian didn't expect Magnus to be quite as eloquent with his answer; although he was Davian's business partner, he had his own agenda to work under the funding of PriceCorp. The cyborg, who even sitting down was a head and shoulders taller than most present, didn't usually have too much to say. Davian found Magnus was also rather apathetic about most things, besides money anyway.

 

[Shalken]

Taking the Muun's hand, Magnus nodded to each of the Czerka representatives as they were introduced. He almost promptly forgot most of their names, deciding that he'd prefer to memorize them later if he did any personal business with them. Chuckling at the witty remark, he glanced down at his cybernetic arm, wondering if his wrist even could get tired.
Magnus was slightly perturbed to hear that the meeting would be recorded. Understanding that some things were simply necessary in the world of trade, however, he didn't express his personal concerns.

As Davian began gushing over PriceCorp, Magnus thought to himself, "Oh. Here we go." As his boss passionately described his plans for his precious company, Magnus formulated what he would answer to Czerka's questions. Despite having worked for PriceCorp for over a year, he'd never really developed a personal attachment to the company as Davian did. He decided to give the representatives a more face-value, factual approach, but from inside the company. Perhaps he'd even surprise his employer; Magnus had definitely done his research.

As Davian finished, Magnus readjusted himself in his seat as he began in his metallic, almost droidlike bass. "Like Davian said, most other fuel conglomerates out there use fuel that isn't properly refined....contaminated, even. This causes a lot of problems for vehicles that use it, specifically lower efficiency per tank and clogging up the engines after extended use. The fuel PriceCorp sells is much more highly refined and filtered. Some of you may be wondering: why offer this better, more efficient fuel for not even the same price, but cheaper?" Magnus scanned the delegates, ensuring he had their attention. "That is because the cost to refine fuel is already incredibly low. Most of the money you put into your everyday fuel is.....scooped up, and dumped into corporate pockets as profit. PriceCorp charges people what fuel should really cost. No, we don't make a lot of profit, but it's enough to get by; we are growing. Slowly, perhaps, but still growing."

Magnus paused for a moment. "Hrm, what was....? Ah, yes. The next ten years. I see PriceCorp's products starting a....revolution, sparking galaxy-wide rejection of the common monopolized competition for fuel we labour under now." He scratched the back of his head; the part that was still skin, that is. "When that happens is up to the whims of the market. Ten years? Five? Twelve? I can't really say.
This leads on to your next question, actually. If Czerka and PriceCorp do begin working together, I see company expansion happening a whole lot sooner than ten years. Why, we could even expand into.....other parts of the market, if circumstances allowed for it." If his eyes could twinkle, they definitely would have at his final statement.

Having finished his little speach, he leaned back in his chair, glancing subtly over at Davian to see his reaction.

 

[Dunbar Snackbar]

"Thank you for that." Nahr responded. "I must say, Czerka is often identified with 'Big Business' practices. While sometimes that is good, in others, not so much and often I don't think that just because we are a large business we lose our core values." He gestured towards Davian. "You Mr. Price for example, mentioned that this was your father's business. Now you run it after he retired. That family business mentality says a lot about not only you but your company. It tells us you are loyal, you have a vested in it's success. Most importantly it means you understand the meaning of family. At Czerka, I view my employees, boss and coworkers as family." Zimlon Nahr looked to his right towards the end of the table. "Hell, Varmir down there is the black sheep cousin no one wants to admit is part of the family!" The Czerka side laughed.

Still smiling, Nahr addressed Magnus, "Now you Mr. Valen talked about having a quality product and trying to start a revolution. That too says a lot. I cannot tell you how many people have pitched me ideas about companies they want to start to make money. Very few tell me they want to start a company with a good product. Most people don't realize that it is the product that they sell which will set them apart from others. Especially in a market where there are already large players vyying for the large contracts."

Nahr grabbed for his binder and took a few notes. "Excuse me while I jot a few things down." After having written a few sentence, Nahr looked back up still with the binder in hand. "I do have a few more questions, I would like to ask some more about your business. "Mr. Varen, again you mentioned your product, I don't recall seeing this in my notes but I am sure it is there. Does PriceCorp refine the fuel itself and where do the various components that make the fuel come from? Does PriceCorp own everything from the mining to delivery?" Nahr then adressed Davian. "And you Mr. Davian, surely you understand that any acquisition on the part of Czerka would mean we would need to know about your customer base. Who are your customers right now and do you have any specific customers whose business you are currently working to get?"

 

[Vosrik]

"Why yes, of course," Davian replied. "As of today, my customers are any of the citizens of the aforementioned trade hubs where my kiosks are located. Aside from those, I have a side contract to ship goods to a colony of the Accord. Although. because of its courier nature and because I make the deliveries in my personal freighter, I don't consider it under PriceCorp per se."
Davian drummed his fingers on the table and scratched his chin astutely. "As for future customers, I of course want to expand PriceCorp's range to many more planets across the Galaxy. However, I do have a goal that seems a bit far-fetched right now. As you gentlemen must know, there is war brewing on the borders of the Republic, and from a business perspective war is money. I want to be the main supplier of fuel for the Border Alliance should an all-out conflict break out. Aside from them, providing the majority of fuel for the ship manufacturers on Corellia would also be a future prospect." He raised his hands defensively with a smirk on his face. "Call it crazy, but every man needs a goal in life, no matter how far-fetched. Heh, the crazier, the better in my book. Achieve the impossible!"

 

[Shalken]

Listening intently, Magnus nodded to the Muun's statements, pleased that someone else other than Davian actually understood the field of trade. Maybe this merge with Czerka wasn't quite so bad after all.
"Does PriceCorp refine the fuel itself and where do the various components that make the fuel come from? Does PriceCorp own everything from the mining to delivery?"
Magnus paused as his boss took the lead, Davian punctuating his reply with the usual business-savvy ambitious remark. Once the eccentric man had sufficiently answered the questions posed to him, Magnus began.

"Sadly, no, PriceCorp doesn't own the entire chain of supply; we'd planned this as a future prospect, but never got enough funds to purchase the refinery and mining company. The fuel is drilled and then shipped to a filtering plant. After purchasing the raw fuel, we'd pay an additional fee to have it filtered and refined more than.....commercial standards. Costly, for sure, but that's what PriceCorp guarantees; the best quality fuel on the market."

 

[Dunbar Snackbar]

"I see" Zimlon Nahr stated sitting back in his chair. Not owning the entire supply chain was actually a good thing at this point. It meant they weren't tied to one location or facility. Theoretically, if there supply was cut, they could move on to somewhere else and Czerka definitely knew of places to get their supply chain running again. However, Czerka would want to see them at some point own the entire supply chain for the increase in profits.

"I must say, I can tell this business means a lot to you. You feel it is special. Frankly, so do I." Nahr reached into a leather briefase that was sitting next to his seat and lifted it onto the table. He opened the lock and took out two large stacks of paper and pushed one to Mangus Valen and the other to Davian Price. "In these documents you will find our proposal. To sum it up for you, Czerka wishes to become the full owner of PriceCorp. Though Czerka would own the company, we want to ensure that the PriceCorp name continues. As such, PriceCorp would be an operating subsidiary of Czerka meaning the the PriceCorp name and logo would continue with you Mr. Price remaining as CEO. Profits, would remain yours with the exception of 20% which would go to Czerka. While we want you to do as you see fit to grow your company, please know there may be occasions where Czerka needs to provide directives to your company to align it with some of our strategies, initiatives, operations and overall mission. As part of this agreement, you agree to comply with such directives."

Nahr continued. "As a subsidiary of Czerka, as is the case with all companies in the Czerka family, all current and future contracts would be transferred to Czerka. This way, the Czerka legal team can review the contracts and ensure that such contracts meet our corporate standards and will serve to help protect protect PriceCorp and Czerka."

Nahr smiled again. "Now that I have gone through the boring parts, I wanted to make sure you know what else you will be getting besides the credits for what the company is worth. Of course you will be getting discounts with other companies within the Czerka family, I want to do what I can to help you two grow the company. Please accept a Czerka freighter at no cost to add to your fleet of ships. As the company grows, I am sure it will come in handy. Also, you mentioned a podracing sponsorship. I can help make that dream come true. If you agree to the purchase, I will see to it that Czerka sponsors a podracer with the PriceCorp name on it and put the two of you in the best seats on the track. I want to do this for one race so the two of you can get a real taste of what you have the potential to achieve."

"One more thing." Dr. Nahr said as he opened his binder and began writing something down. "You menitoned the Border Alliance. This is the contact information to a Senator Krass. When you have expanded your company to the point that you can support the border alliance. Contact him and let him know that I sent you, he may be able to point you in the direction."

Nahr was somewhat exhausted from going over all the details of the agreement but it had to be mentioned. He took a deep breath. "So" he paused. "Do we have a deal? If so, please sign on the highlighted line on the last page of the documents."

 

[Vosrik]

To say Davian was dumbfounded would have been the understatement of the decade. Not only were they going to let him keep the name and logo of PriceCorp, but he would also stay the CEO and keep 80% of profits! He found his voice somehow and said, "Why...I'm speechless Doctor Nahr, I was fully expecting to only keep 20% for myself!"

He listened again as Nahr continued. Aside from being given the company by his father, this was the most wonderful moment Davian had ever experienced. Discounts, his own sponsored podracer with front-row seats, and a freighter to boot. At this point Davian was completely overwhelmed by the generosity of Czerka, and he replied, "I can't believe everything you're doing for PriceCorp. This is a dream come true for me; I can assure you that I will not take this for granted and you will not be disappointed. Really, you've given me the opportunity any small business can only dream of. As a matter of fact, I already know Senator Krass. I will definitely be keeping in touch with him over the next few months. If Magnus is in agreement, we absolutely and positively have a deal!"
With his hands shaking ever so slightly, Davian picked up a pen and signed his name on the document, sealing the deal. After finishing it with a flourish, he handed the pen to Magnus for his business partner to sign with.

PriceCorp was now officially a subsidiary fuel company of Czerka, and Davian's ambitions were fueled all the more to make it the largest fuel provider in the Galaxy.

 

[Shalken]

Flipping through the stack of papers he was handed, he nodded as he mentally confirmed in the proposal the benefits Zimlon Nahr was listing. Damn, they were getting a really good cut, too. 80% profits was a very generous sum, much higher than he anticipated. Not to mention the other benefits - a new, free tanker was always nice, but Czerka would have to provide the pilot, because he sure as hell wouldn't be flying an ugly tanker anywhere soon. Magnus had never been to a podrace before, but from what he had heard, they were incredible events.

After looking to his employer for confirmation, Magnus nodded to the Czerka administrator. "If Davian had said no, I'd have to knock some sense into him. Deal it is." With that, he took the pen and signed his name in the required location.

 

[Dunbar Snackbar]

"Excellent!" Nahr said with a smile on his face. "I am glad we were able to quickly come to a mutually beneficial agreement so quickly. I wish all negotiations were so easy." Nahr stood and shook the hands of the PriceCorp employees. "Welcome to the Czerka family. I hope this is just the beginning of a great corporate relationship and I look forward to what you do with the company. If there is anything that you need, please don't hesitate to reach out to me." Nahr reached into his coat pocket and gave his business card. "This will get you in contact with my office." He paused. "If there is nothing else, I can assure you that Czerka will be in touch soon. Thank you for your time"