I've Been Working on the MagLev

[Dunbar Snackbar]

Nervousness crept through Dr. Zimlon Nahr's very being. This was his first assignment with Czerka after having his short stint teaching economics at the University of Mygeeto. He did find comfort in the presence of his companions Jason Fleming and the droid Sangga. Additionally, Nahr understood the importance of this mission and truly believed a MagLev system would benefit the people of Corella as well as Czerka Corporation.

The first part of the project was to work with the government of Corellia specifically with Senator Krass regarding the project. Dr. Zimlon Nahr was genuinely excited to meet the man who was once Chancellor and a secretary of commerce. Dr. Nahr, envisioned talking economics with the Senator Krass but figured a man of his status and while on a short vacation at the expense of Czerka would probably not want to have the same discussion as Krass has been a part of thousands of times before.

As expected, the 7 star hotel that Baron Voren Makr's office had reserved for the senator was luxurious beyond description. Dr. Nahr recognized this gesture as a sign of how important it was that he help make this deal happen. Nahr had done his due dilligence up to this point ensuring everything had gone smoothly. A conference room in the hotel's convention area was reserved and Dr. Nahr had arrived an hour earlier than the scheduled start of their meeting to make sure the room was in order. Nahr had asked Flemming and Sangga to arrive early as well, if anyone were to be late, it wouldn't be anyone from Czerka.

Fine foods and drinks were placed on the conference room table, Nahr poured himself a drink to calm his nerves when the door to the conference room opened.

 

[Andrewza]

Fleming walked around the hotel. It was 7 star hotel and had 7 star security but the security needed here was different. A sweep of the floors above and bellow the conference room found no bugs, droids or people that could threaten the meeting or eves drop in. The floor the conference room was in was empty. Nothing would threaten this meeting.

Opening the door to the actual conference room Fleming stepped in closing it behind him again. "the area is clear Doctor, don't look so worried. I am sure this is a formality. If he did not want to support u he would not meet us. A senators time is valuable and they don't waist it."

 

[Sangga]

"Mr Fleming is correct. Senator Krass is a very busy man, but Czerka Corporation is providing such and oppurtunity to Correllia that even his valuable time can be bought." The droid had just brought in the paperwork and materials for the negotiations and began setting them out over the table. "The Senator is a man of high position and is used to the idea of getting his own way. Calm and calculatve, he is the perfect ally for this venture... and the perfect opponent. I advise caution. Judging by his medical records, the Senator is in his waining years... perhaps using the deal that we are trying to broker today as a means for keeping him in office for that much longer... I'm sure the Senator will be more inclined to the offer if he sees it as a means of keeping him in the life he is accustomed to."

The droid's stock polyphonic voice was unnerving to some. But it's voice was set to Basic with a slight Eriaduan dialect, a benefit of t's protocol sotware. It stood up from it's work at the table, it's hands returning to it's back. "Would you like me to acquire some refreshments for the meeting?"

 

[Aren Krass]

Aren Krass had had a very enjoyable night on the dime of Czerka. Enjoying all that Coruscant had to offer, he had been to the Opera, eaten at the finest of restaurants, and partook of the finest wines. He was independently wealthy, and could afford for the previous night's activities to be his usual, and quite often they were. No, he was testing Czerka. Seeing how willing they were to court his votes, and his support in their endeavors on Corellia. As of yet, he wasn't disappointed.

He strode through the plush halls of the 7-Star Hotel towards the conference room they had booked for him. He was flanked by two blue robed CorSec Royal Guards. Better trained than average Royal Guards, they carried assault rifles under their layered robes, as well as force pikes. He reached the room and brushed through the doorway, the guards following him and taking up a position at the door way. He smiled at the three waiting for him,

"Gentlemen, it's a pleasure to meet you. I must extend my greatest thanks for Czerka's generous accommodations last night."

 

[Sangga]

"Czerka Corporation is happy to extend such an offer to a friend and associate. Senator Krass, may I introduce Dr. Zimlon Nahr, Director of Czerka Corporation's Capital interests..." the droid gestured to the Muun with a reverent bow and a wave of it's hand. "... and Mr Jason Fleming, a security consultant from Czerka Corporation, he is here to offer his knowledge and experience in several fields beyond his title..." With a simple fluidity the droids articulately addressed the human, and the plaed one hand to it's chest plate and let the other hang by it's side. "I am Sangga, a Class -1 Savant droid, my Master extends his condolences toward his absence and his assurance in Czerka Corporation's resolve in working with the Correlian government in this venture."

It returned to it's rest position, a swift blink from the shutters of it's optical sensors and then it continued. "Would you care for refreshment Senator? We have a Shuura tart or a Meiloorun Sorbet, to drink we have a full complimentary bar... I happen to have several steward-protocols and am, as always, happy to be of service."

@Dunbar Snackbar, @SoB and @Aren Krass

 

[Aren Krass]

"It is a pleasure to meet you all, refreshments would be nice, yes. Could you mix something exotic for me?"

He smiled and took a seat at the sprawling table. "So gentlemen, to what do I owe the pleasure of being called to Coruscant to speak with two high ranking members of the Czerka Corporation?"

 

[Dunbar Snackbar]

"The pleasure is ours Senator Krass, I assure you. I'm Dr. Zimlon Nahr, Director of Czerka Capitol" Nahr began. "Before joining Czerka, I taught Economics at the University of
Mygeeto. One of my students did a presentation on your economic policies from your time as Secretary of Commerce to Prime Minister. You've done some amazing work on Corellia." Nahr knew a man like Krass came by brown nosers all the time and didn't want to appear as another one. He did however want to express his genuine admiration of Krass' work. Nahr hoped that was obvious.

"From the discussions that I have had with Baron Voren Makr he informed my that he was able to briefly introduce to you our idea to help you and ensure that Corellia continues to remain one of the brightest gems in the galaxy. As I am sure you are aware, MagLevs are starting to be a prominent mode of transportation in the core worlds. Their ability to boost an economic is well documented. We at Czerka want to see MagLevs brought to Corellia and we want to include in you in their implementation. You and our company have been on the same side on a number of issues in the past, we wanted to make sure we include you in this effort. As you can imagine, the more we work together on such a project, the more" Nahr paused looking for the right word. "Rewarding this will be for all of us involved."

Nahr realized he had done enough talking for now. Some habits die hard and lecturing was one that Dr. Zimlon Nahr was trying to break. If everything went well, everyone in the room would be partners and Nahr wanted to ensure they would be treated as such. "I think I speak for everyone when I say, we would love to hear what you think about a MagLev. What are your thoughts Senator?"

 

[Andrewza]

Waiting for Aren to take his seat first. He listened to DR Nahr to explain why we where here before adding why he was here. It was no secret Krass was worried about safty and secuirt. Of the republic as a whole but Corellia was his home.

"Not to mention the possibilities in using this project to increase the safety of Corellia. The MagLev will need to be protected by security, security that will aid Corellia and off course the MagLev will boost production and lower cost, both are needed to squeeze the most out of a tight budget."

 

[Sangga]

Glass, ornate, wide brimmed and angled to a thin stem with a base smaller than the brim. One and one half an ounce of Correlian Brandy into an iced mixing glass. One ounce of Sweet-fortified Blossom wine, a couple of dashes of Onderon Bitters and half a small spoon of sweet syrup, repeat per cocktail required.

The droid gave the shaker to it's rear arms and then set to work finding the strainer and setting up five glasses, nobody had said that the guards were not to be served. The shaking then done, the drinks were poured and a petal of the small yellow flower on the bar was then placed in the glass.

Aligned on the tray, Sangga set out to dispense the drinks. First to the Senator, the the Doctor, then Mr Fleming and finally he began to approach the guards. "A Coronet City, enjoy." With that done Sangga began to clean up and then set about slicing the Shuura tart.

 

[Aren Krass]

Aren nodded, took the drink and sipped before speaking.

"I think I speak for the entire planet of Corellia when I say that such infrastructure as a MagLev would be welcomed with open arms on our great planet. I would love to hear more about your proposed route for it? I assume the opening project would begin in Coronet? Do you have a rough estimate of how long you want the MagLev to be?"

 

[Dunbar Snackbar]

"I am glad we agree senator." Nahr said with a smile. "We would of course like to reach out as far as possible throughout the planet. Coronet would of course be the central point for all of the lines. But, I do envision a route going from the mines of Kolene, through Coronet to Capital Spaceport. This would be an industrial line so the material this is mined could easily be transported easily off world after it is sold and so imports could come directly to Coronet. Another line could transport people to Crescent City and yet another line would go to Bela Vistal. However, to make this vision a reality, Czerka would need some assistance from the government but such assistance would would end up being immensely beneficial for all parties involved."

 

[Andrewza]

For now Jason sat back and let the money people talk there money talk while he enjoyed his drink.

 

[Sangga]

Busying himself with cleaning the droid moved around the room picking up and replacing empty glaces with fresh ones. At one point he turned the rooms temperature down by a few degrees, the room had heated up with the five people in here. Slowly the droid returned to it's position beside the highest ranking Czerka Corporation member in the room, Dr Nahr. "The profits to Czerka Corporation are, of course, satisfactory for us. But the income for the Correllian government from taxation of the increased trade is almost a third again of your current revenue, at your current taxation rate."

 

[Aren Krass]

"I am glad we agree senator." Nahr said with a smile. "We would of course like to reach out as far as possible throughout the planet. Coronet would of course be the central point for all of the lines. But, I do envision a route going from the mines of Kolene, through Coronet to Capital Spaceport. This would be an industrial line so the material this is mined could easily be transported easily off world after it is sold and so imports could come directly to Coronet. Another line could transport people to Crescent City and yet another line would go to Bela Vistal. However, to make this vision a reality, Czerka would need some assistance from the government but such assistance would would end up being immensely beneficial for all parties involved."

Aren placed a small disk on the table, which displayed a detailed holographic globe of Corellia. He pinched the hologram and zoomed it in on the Coronet area.

"These sound quite acceptable. I would also like to propose an inner and outer 'beltline' around Coronet. Of course, governmental assistance will be available."

as the droid spoke up he turned "I'm well aware the benefits that Corellia reap from this project, which is precisely why I am here."

 

[Dunbar Snackbar]

Of course, governmental assistance will be available.

This peaked Dr. Nahr's interest. The government assistance was why he was here to see what types of things that the government to do to help Czerka. "I was curious what kind of assistance you could ensure was provided to Czerka senator. I hope you have some time to answer a few questions Senator. First, what kind of subsidies, tax breaks or grants could you help us secure for the the project? We are of course concerned about cost as I am sure you can image. One of things we wish to do to help lower costs, Czerka would like to bring in some off world help to bring the costs of labor down and reduce the amount of government money needed for the project. With some of these larger projects that Czerka takes part in, our ways to ensure that tax payer money is being used efficiently is sometimes seen as 'unorthodox'. We are good at ensuring tax payer money is used efficiently but that unorthodox approach may cause some unnecessary misunderstandings. Would you be able to ensure that some Czerka employees are granted full judicial protection while this project is in progress? Finally, Czerka has experienced some issues in the past with lax security in other worlds. Not that we don't trust the boys in blue on corolla but we have experienced materials being stolen, trespassers, corporate espionage, protestors and so many other things during other Czerka projects on other worlds. Because of this we prefer our company's security to be the primary security providers during our project. We may of course may need local police in some situations and we would ask for their quick response should Czerka need assistance. Is that something you could offer us as well? I do want to let you know that all of these things would not be public knowledge"

Dr. Nahr knew he was asking a lot of the Senator but it was important to Nahr that the Senator would benefit from this as well. Czerka was not the kind of organization that would make a demand of someone who could be as good of a partner as the senator. "If you can guarantee these things Senator Krass, Czerka would be very grateful. Beyond a very generous contribution for your reelections, Czerka would be so grateful that we would ensure that the beltway around Coronet that your propose would in fact be named the 'Aren Krass Beltway'. Imagine with me Senator, how your name would be spoken by so many people everyday. The beltway would ensure your name is spoken long after you and I return to the stars and will remind everyone of the work that you have done in your time as a public servant. I can think of no better symbol of your success than this beltway which will bring untold economic growth to Corellia. In addition, the beltway's progress and what you have done to make this a reality could be used to help increase your political status beyond the high level it already is. Senator, if you can honor us with this assistance, we will do all that we can to honor you."

It was a lot to ask Dr. Nahr knew but he had hoped that in the eyes of the senator, he was giving a lot in return. Dr. Nahr sat silent so the senator could think it over, because Dr. Nahr was sure that the senator knew that it wasn't everyday such a project was undertaken that would be seen across the galaxy. He just hoped that he viewed this as an opportunity that would likely not come around again.

 

[Andrewza]

"And on security we wont be using lethal force unless in self defence. Some people may dislike us but we have yet to loose a civil case for breaking up a protest." Of course some times that was because Czerka removed witness but that was only done when needed normally a bribed judge did the trick "This security would of course need to remain after construction, though that is nothing new. Many Mag lev and even inter system shuttles employ private security. It is just we happen to be a big company that has it's own in house private security and don't get us wrong the cops are more than welcome inspect us and after words any cop in uniform can use the lev for free."

 

[Aren Krass]

This peaked Dr. Nahr's interest. The government assistance was why he was here to see what types of things that the government to do to help Czerka. "I was curious what kind of assistance you could ensure was provided to Czerka senator. I hope you have some time to answer a few questions Senator. First, what kind of subsidies, tax breaks or grants could you help us secure for the the project? We are of course concerned about cost as I am sure you can image. One of things we wish to do to help lower costs, Czerka would like to bring in some off world help to bring the costs of labor down and reduce the amount of government money needed for the project. With some of these larger projects that Czerka takes part in, our ways to ensure that tax payer money is being used efficiently is sometimes seen as 'unorthodox'. We are good at ensuring tax payer money is used efficiently but that unorthodox approach may cause some unnecessary misunderstandings. Would you be able to ensure that some Czerka employees are granted full judicial protection while this project is in progress? Finally, Czerka has experienced some issues in the past with lax security in other worlds. Not that we don't trust the boys in blue on corolla but we have experienced materials being stolen, trespassers, corporate espionage, protestors and so many other things during other Czerka projects on other worlds. Because of this we prefer our company's security to be the primary security providers during our project. We may of course may need local police in some situations and we would ask for their quick response should Czerka need assistance. Is that something you could offer us as well? I do want to let you know that all of these things would not be public knowledge"

Dr. Nahr knew he was asking a lot of the Senator but it was important to Nahr that the Senator would benefit from this as well. Czerka was not the kind of organization that would make a demand of someone who could be as good of a partner as the senator. "If you can guarantee these things Senator Krass, Czerka would be very grateful. Beyond a very generous contribution for your reelections, Czerka would be so grateful that we would ensure that the beltway around Coronet that your propose would in fact be named the 'Aren Krass Beltway'. Imagine with me Senator, how your name would be spoken by so many people everyday. The beltway would ensure your name is spoken long after you and I return to the stars and will remind everyone of the work that you have done in your time as a public servant. I can think of no better symbol of your success than this beltway which will bring untold economic growth to Corellia. In addition, the beltway's progress and what you have done to make this a reality could be used to help increase your political status beyond the high level it already is. Senator, if you can honor us with this assistance, we will do all that we can to honor you."

It was a lot to ask Dr. Nahr knew but he had hoped that in the eyes of the senator, he was giving a lot in return. Dr. Nahr sat silent so the senator could think it over, because Dr. Nahr was sure that the senator knew that it wasn't everyday such a project was undertaken that would be seen across the galaxy. He just hoped that he viewed this as an opportunity that would likely not come around again.

Aren listened intently to the man's proposals. Ultimately, Aren has control over the planet and could arrange for whatever kind of deal he wanted for the Czerka corporation. On the other hand though, he wasn't about to let them walk all over him and have whatever they wanted. Additionally, if he pulled something too outlandish, the Directorate, and the general public, would be quite displeased with him.

He listened and smiled, politely waiting for them to finish talking.

"I believe most of this can be arranged. As far as initial costs, Corellia can go in with you, and via grants support at least half the cost of the project's initial costs. Additionally, for every hundred Corellians you hire for this project, you will get a ten percent tax break. You see, you hire a thousand Corellians, you pay no taxes. You hire two thousand Corellians, and you're compensated what you would have paid in taxes. Though should you still choose to bring in off world labor they will be granted work visas, and considered seriously for citizenship should they like it. Corellia will go in with you on additional costs beyond the start up costs, covering a minimum of twenty-five percent of your expenses. Should you find yourself ahead of schedule you will find more compensations.

Finally, so long as your security abides by all Corellian laws, they will be more than welcome. If any Corellians are to suffer fatalities at the hands of CzerkaSec, we will request you turn the guard over for a full investigation as to the legitimacy. "

 

[Sangga]

The old droid nodded along with the Senator's proposal. It's servos whining as it did, and then it walked over to the communications console. Soon it set about messaging the legal heads of Czerka, as well as Baron Vaskr (@Nor'baal ). It noted that the initial proposition had been agreed, but the Corellian government was looking to set some rather amenable conditions, even some that would make the entire proposition more profitable.

It would wait for the response from it's master, before addressing the delegation.