Firing for Maximum Effect

[Marion Kestrel]

To be back on the planet he now considered his home was unexpected. The office of Borstal Defense Limited that they were visiting to win the Turbolaser contract had been a building Marion had seen many times but had never had cause to enter. Now, though, he was taking in every little detail like his life depended on it. In a way, it did. He'd contracted to work for BiT to win this deal since he felt he could have an advantage on his home, and he wanted to work for the company in general. All he had to do was win over the executive they'd been scheduled to meet with. Seemed easy enough, but if it was one thing that Marion believed was that even the best case scenario could screw you over at a moment's notice.

The Amaran was wearing his finest suit, a gift from his adoptive father before the man had passed. It was in the style of the old Serenno nobility, making him look like he fit right in. He'd even have some nervous interns offer to get him coffee a few times while waiting. He politely turned them down, not wanting to bother the people that actually made the company work. He looked at his partner for this mission, giving them a small reassuring smile as the time of their meeting approached. "Nervous? I know I am, to be sure. Still I'll give it my best. Any insight before we jump off the deep end?" He was trying to be reassuring, wanting to keep them in his good graces. After all, he never knew when someone he needed to impress was watching.

@Killa Ree

 

[Eva 'Skuld' Stark]

She was all too familiar with the Outer Rim, having spent extensive time first as a smuggler, then as a hired fighter... now as a chief member of staff of a powerful up-and-coming business. Funny how things changed so swiftly over the years.

She eyed her companion with eyes of ice blue, giving him a small, assured smile. They had exchanged small pleasantries at first; a first for her, she was certain if anyone who truly knew the Deucalian would drop in shock at seeing her being so... well. She still itched to claw at the walls and get the kriff out of this fancy starch-collar world, but perhaps an exercise in being a BiT representative would revive her appreciation for the workdesk waiting for her on Kuat.

That being said, it was more suppressed irritation at being gussied up like one of those infernal socialites that was driving her mad. However, when one intern shyly offered her coffee, she managed to clamp down the scowl she could feel rising on her lips and turn it into a small smile, shaking her head.

A company was built on the back of those that made things run smoothly. That being said, there seemed something in the air.

She shook her head briefly, but chuckled once. "Nei. But you vill do fine." However... this was already a learning curve for her as well. Her husband was perhaps the better alternative to this, but this was also important to her own people as well. After all, who best to know what they needed but their chief engineer?

She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, a woman stepped in. Tall Pantoran dressed in a strict professional business sense, she eyed the two with a cool disdain before waving a hand at the door.

"Mr. Evrett will see you now."

She gave her companion a nod, and rose, striding tall towards the door.

"Showtime."

@Insalius

 

[Marion Kestrel]

Mr. Evrett was perhaps the personification of disgruntled executive working for a job he didn't actually want. To be sure, his midnight-blue suit and checker-pattern tie were impeccably pressed and straight, his hair short and gelled to near perfect symmetry, and he had not a single trace of a tan or any sign he did anything actually physically straining. The look in those piercing black eyes was one of smoldering hatred, something Marion had picked up as a read early in his pirating career. Something about the two of them had already set the man off on hating them, which meant there might be something at play that the Amaran couldn't account for. That meant they were at a disadvantage. The standard meeting just changed to a perilous game, one their opponent had already taken a few turns. Time to catch up, which meant that he had to turn on his charm straight from the get go.

Once they were inside, Marion gave a deep bow, ears flattened in a show of submission. The man expected a fight, which with the air of the conversation already different than expected he was thrown off from his preparation to butt heads with the BiT representatives. "Good afternoon, Mr. Evrett. Thank you for agreeing to this meeting, I am humbled by your acquiescence on such short notice. I know you are a busy man, after all this is Serenno, the planet FOR important men like yourself." Evrett blinked at the praise, caught off guard. It looked like the first move in this game from Marion's side had hit a point the executive hadn't expected. A bit flustered, the human adjusted his tie as he cleared his throat while thinking of something to reply with.

"Yes, well...I appreciate you arriving promptly. I am indeed a busy man and, even though this deal could be quite lucrative, it is by far not the only such one I am working on today. Please, sit down. I...know the company you are coming here on behalf of." The last part had a bit of venom in the tone. Was this a clue as to why he was so antagonistic? "Let's do this right from the beginning. My name is Viktor Evrett, Executive of Sales for Borstal Defense Limited." He nodded at Marion and his companion, the Amaran knowing that it was time for him to introduce himself in the age-old beginning of any Serenno negotiation.

"My name is Marion Kestrel, representative of Blackwell Independent Technologies, and I am please to make your acquaintance." Marion looked to his companion, as did Viktor. He wasn't sure if she knew the protocol, but considering how he had spoken deliberately, he hoped that if she didn't she would pick up on how he had spoken and follow suit. It may be a small thing, yet protocol was important in the realm of business deals. If they could get past this, one of the largest hurdles to their goal would be overcome. They already had Mr. Evrett on the back foot, now was the time to keep him there and get what they wanted.

@Killa Ree

 

[Eva 'Skuld' Stark]

Something about the man's name rang a very distant bell. She wasn't too good with names, more so with faces, but the snootiness of the receptionist was already wearing what thin patience the woman already had. As they passed, she made sure to meet eyes with the woman, letting the full brunt of her true feelings bleed through. In that scant moment, the icy disdain seemed to vanish, and the woman went a shade paler, gaze dropping.

She wasn't going to take anything from a prissy miss that knew nothing about her.

But entering the surprisingly sumptuous office, Skuld allowed herself an appreciative swift glance about the place, seeming in admiration for the office... but it was really more a cursory glance for weapons, defensive position possibilities, and all other ways in which some bad kriff could go down and such info be readily handy.

The thinly veiled hostility that permeated the room wasn't really mistaken from her view, either.

The Amaran's immediate deference seemed to take the man off guard... but what really seemed to take him off guard was Skuld's appearance. And her immediate recognition.

The hair was different, but the face was unmistakable. A man her husband, perhaps, had released. Something about it rang a few bells... but if he was whom she suspected he was, she was abruptly realizing this deal was going to be far more difficult than she had bargained for. Appearance was everything, but then again so was advantage.

They had the upper hand for now, and she preferred to keep it that way.

As her companion showed his submission, she too would offer a slight bow and incline of the head; but anything beyond that was a stretch, especially on her own limited patience. This almost seemed like a ritual; and as both looked expectantly at her, she supposed she should follow suit.

Her eyes met squarely with Evrett's, her tone measured and calm. "My name is Eva Stark, Chief of Engineering of Blackwell Independent Technologies. I, too, an pleased to make your acquaintance, and honored to meet you, Representative Executive Evrett." She even allowed the smallest hint of a smile, head inclined slightly. The man seemed mildly surprised at this last added bit, and she could almost see him mentally scramble to try and keep up.

Even a warrior could be diplomatic if need be.

"Now, we shall not waste much of your time. So."

She stood tall, the crisp lines of her outfit cutting an impressive figure, along with her heels she fairly towered over the representative, hands clasped together.

"We are here on behalf of Blackwell Technologies to discuss products of yours, and a mutually beneficial arrangement that should appease you, your successful investment in your company, your board and investing clients," she paused briefly, "and the business of our own company."

She didn't have time to waste. There was ceremony, true, but she knew all too well the man did have other clients; not lingering too long on pomp and circumstance was wise in a galaxy where money was time. And if the stingy appearance of the front reception versus the lavishness of the private office were any indication, this man and his company were strict on both.

@Insalius

Roll Link

 

[Marion Kestrel]

At the mention of their business, and with the opening ceremony concluded, Marion reached into the pocket of his suit to take out some documents he had prepared. When taking this job originally he had made sure to list down exactly what his employer wanted from the deal. Then he made some other ones, the terms sliding even more in BiT's favor, to use as starts for negotiations. It was a common tactic to start at a point that some would call ridiculous then haggle your way down to what you truly want. It makes the other person think they've won while you still get what you want as well. Both parties leave happy, the preferred outcome. So, Marion would start off with a very lucrative contract for BiT that only the worst negotiators would take right out of the gate. He placed the document on Viktor's desk, the man starting to read it quickly yet carefully. He WAS still an executive, so he had an eye for such things.

A thought came to Marion, pieces of a puzzle coming together. He wasn't sure, but he had a feeling...He'd give it a shot. If it worked, better for them. If not, retreat and regroup. At this stage, now was the time to take a risk if one was to be taken at all. "I took the liberty of drawing up this contract, as I know you are a busy man. It is a good deal for us both, as you can see fro the trade of products and services listed in paragraphs four and six. Blackwell would be in your debt for agreeing to such a contract, you know. Whatever may have happened in the past between you and us, YOU now have the power to determine our fate in this matter. If things had gone differently, you'd never be here now, able to savor this moment. We are at your mercy, Mr. Evrett." He bowed deep, though kept his gaze on the ornery executive. He could tell the man was lost in thought, not even reading the contract fully. Had his gambit paid off?

@Killa Ree

 

[Eva 'Skuld' Stark]

Evrett stared at the piece of paper, his eyes sliding over the contract as she could see a visible scowl cross his lips. Now that the ceremony was over, he didn't bother to hide his disgust. He stared at the print, then glanced between Eva and her companion, then scowled.

"First of all."

He placed the paper down, not softening the glare at Eva more so than her companion. "This contract is ludicrous. The surcharge just for a delivery fee is negligible; I propose instead a fifteen per cent surcharge per armaments shipment, in partial concern for pirates, privateers, and anything that may happen during shipping and handling."

He leaned back, his mind working rapidly. She could see it... and that's when it clicked, really clicked why this man was so antagonistic.

She had to suppress a smile. If he was in fact once one of theirs...

"And, this commission level for my company is downright charitable." His tone was wryly sarcastic, then glancing to Marion with the full brunt of a withering glare. "As in a charity for me to take this on. How will this deal be mutually beneficial for both my company and yours, if your contracts are so cheap they're practically laughable? Borstal Defenses holds itself to a higher standard than this."

She gave a slight raised brow to the male, crossing her arms. "And what, to you, Mr. Evrett, would be a mutually beneficial trades agreement?"

He leaned back, matching the woman's stare with an equally unimpressed expression. "A steeper handling surcharge, and guaranteed set percentage of commission per profit per unit sold."

@Insalius

Dice Roll

 

[Marion Kestrel]

Marion inwardly sighed at the development, noting that something had clicked for his companion during the last few seconds. This made him think there was something he didn't know going against him that was worse than what he had thought. This put him off his game a bit, something Viktor had caught on to. The man sneered, deciding to press his advantage as he cleared his throat to keep speaking. "In fact, that's not quite enough. I know the kind of money and resources Blackwell has available, and for the items we're talking about, it's not like we're going to be providing simple arms and armor. Turbolasers won't come cheap. I think...25% handling surcharge, and an equal percentage for commission guaranteed. You NEED us, need ME, and I think it's time to prove my real worth to your company."

Marion winced at this, looking over at Skuld to see what she thought and to try to gain any other insight as to what was going on. The venom in his voice was obvious, and beyond just a professional hatred. Had BiT done something to him at some point? That was what he had been guessing, but this was more than just a snubbed client. This was visceral, this was personal. He had to take a second to think up his thoughts for his next argument. He just hoped Sulva would come up with something to keep them alive for a few moments. The negotiations had reached the limit he had been hoping to keep at, still below his actual limit, but if he wanted to impress he needed to do the best he could.

@Killa Ree

 

[Eva 'Skuld' Stark]

Not many earned the disgust of her husband enough to be briefly discussed at dinner, post-firing. But all she needed to know was there up-front, including his less-than courteous reactions. And now her patience snapped.

She suddenly lunged forward, slamming her hands to either side of his desk and leaning in. To his credit, he didn't outwardly seem too startled, but she could see the pulse in his neck jump, his slight shift back as she stared directly into his eyes, her own features a frosty glare.

"20% handling charge. Guaranteed commission per unit sold. You vant to prove your worth, Evrett? Prove your honor is good as your word..." she leaned forward, her voice a low whisper. "Or would your employers care to know why you were fired from your previous position?"

The glare he gave back would have turned others to ash, but she was unfazed. "Done. Now get the hell out of my office and send the drafted contract back to me within a week," he sneered at her, fists clenching into the wood, "before I report the lot of you for professional harrassment and personal grievance."

She slid the paper his way and he signed it aggressively, face flushing a dull brick red, before touching a button. "Rayena, call security to escort Stark and her associate out. Now," he snarled at the two of them, looking as though he was prepared to punch the two of them right there within his office, "get the hell out of my business now."

@Insalius

Dice Roll

 

[Marion Kestrel]

"Of course, Mr. Evrett. Thank you for your time and agreement." The man glared at Marion as he spoke, though since there was nothing for him to snap at he instead waved them away with a furious motion. The pirate knew when to pick his battles and by all accounts they had already won this one. Security wasn't exactly gentle with their escort, though with Skuld staring daggers at them the whole way they managed to get out of the building without any further hassle. The Amaran only finally let out the breath he had kept in worry when they were in their speeder, returning to the ship that would take them back to the BiT headquarters. Now that the deal was struck, the paper he had, which he would put onto a datapad and send ahead of them, was the most important thing on his person. Something he would guard with his life.

"My apologies if I froze in there for a moment. I was unaware of the previous working relationship, though I must say, your style of negotiation is incredibly effective." Marion spoke as he transcribed the deal and signature to the datapad, not wanting to let Evrett have a chance to go back on his word. The man seemed fickle, so if they weren't quick he might find a way to try to screw them over at the last second. Men like him were predictable in their methods, though, and he would gloat to himself for a while before trying anything, expecting them to take a while to try to upload the file. With a bit more work he was done, their deal secured despite anything Evrett could do. "There, it should be official, now. I fully expect that man to try something, but prudence wins the day. I'm just glad we were able to get under the limit I was given. Ah, but I am being rude. How are you doing? Thank you again for your help."

 

[Eva 'Skuld' Stark]

The urge to murder the guards that tried to roughhouse them out of there was nothing short of a miracle in patience. The dull roar of that anger that always simmered just beneath the surface called for blood, for something for her to hit... something that she could pound into nothingness. And yet she remained silent until they made it back to their ride, giving a very long, slow exhale.

"...I lied."

She suddenly let out a long, hard laugh, wrapping her arms around her midsection as though to contain it. She had no doubt her reaction would startle Marion, but by this point she hardly cared, it was the only healthy way to relieve the profound amount of rage she had restrained at the numerous minor inconveniences that led up to this karking field day.

"I just guessed, but men like him are a dime a dozen unfortunately." She chuckled, shaking her head. "The décor gave that man away... and ve are a good company. It was personal, I thought. But he vas getting on my nerves." She exhaled again, leaning back against her seat, smirking.

"Ja. Being scary is a specialty. But you know, he vas asking for a good and proper punching, I should be rewarded for not doing so..."

/End Thread