Ask A Taste of Things to Come.

[Covax]

Covax had chosen the time a place. Early evening local time at an exclusive little bistro over looking the lake in Zygerria's eastern province. It was chosen not only for it's location and cuisine, but also to tell his guest that he was aware of some of her other deals in the galaxy. She was the only one who could make friends in low places.

The head of Tenloss Interstellar was dressed as usual in all black. This time in a tailored shirt and casual slacks. Hidden in an appendix carry concealed holster was his holdout weapon. After the party with Crimson Dawn, he would never be without a weapon again.

True to Zygerria's culture. A green skin slave stood off the corner of the table waiting for her next order. Instead of a server droid. Behind her, a custom P1 bodyguard droid. This particular one, a gift from his sister from another mister, Aska. With everyone in place, a tasting menu carefully being prepared, and wine chilling table side.

Now, he waited.

@Nor'baal

 

[Julia Hipori]

Julia had been intrigued by this offer from the moment it had arrived on her desk. Tenloss Interstellar was what she liked to call an 'upstart company' - a small firm making waves in an established field. But, from her experience, doing business with them was always an adventure. It was a paramilitary security firm, and, if the holonet analysts were to be believed, it engaged in 'war profiteering'.

These are two of Julias' favourite words.

Therefore, she made her what to Zygerria with optimism about what the meeting could bring—then, she stepped into the restaurant with her usual self-assuredness. Dressed in a black suit, and skirt, she wore a red shirt, a holdout blaster stashed in a discrete side-holster - after all, one didn't come to Zygerria without insurance.

Her yacht waited a short distance away, on the landing pad out the front of the restaurant, two Corporate Sector Security staff keeping watch, hands on the butts of their pistols. Then, finally, two prominent men in suits of the same design as her came and sat down on the table next to theirs, her security - the two men had been with her since she had first started in Blackwell, all those years ago.

"Quite the place you've chosen." she began approvingly as she sat down and glanced over at the man with whom she was meeting. "I must confess, I've been to Zygerria once before our meeting - an attempt to bring the planet into CSA space," she abbreviated 'Corporate Sector Alliance', assuming the man would know of what she referred.

"It's a world with a unique set of commercial conditions, for sure. Tell me, why did Tenloss suggest a meeting here?" she asked, opening the conversation as the waiter approached to pour their wine.

 

[Covax]

Covax rose from his chair as the senator made her way into the restaurant. The career mercenary spotted the security before they even made it in the door. He smiled in amusement. The security was adequate, for corporate security. The former soldier kind of expected more from a woman of such reputation.

The crime lord respectfully pulled the the chair out for the senator. "Thank you, but I can't take all the credit. The Empress recommended it." He said, before pushing the chair in. "Oh, I'm aware. I'm also aware you've met some......resistance." He then confessed. Perfectly aware of the abbreviation.

Covax then sat down across from the woman. Their server, or rather slave, then came to the table as Julia keenly pointed out the planet's unique industry. Taking a pull from the glass of wine after the woman poured it. The crime lord then answered. "We're going through a restructuring, and I've decided to move our headquarters to CSA space."

@Nor'baal

 

[Julia Hipori]

Taking her seat at Covax's invitation, Julia listened as he made his introduction. He was a formidable-looking operator, evidently a man of military background or similar. Julia, as ever, tried to ensure her formidable capabilities were only sometimes on full display - it was better to be underestimated in her considerable experience.

Indeed, her capacity to do harm was seen not in her build but in what she could achieve behind the scenes.

"A wise move." she began, picking up her own glass shortly after the slave moved away. The CSA had long enjoyed a reputation as a safe space to conduct one's business in - safe in the sense that business could be performed far from prying eyes. Nevertheless, she was interested to know a little more about what Tenloss intended to do, and why they had asked to see her in the process.

"I won't pretend like you haven't already fully explored the benefits of moving to CSA space, instead -" she toyed with her wine glass "- tell me a little more about your companies plans, future hopes and such?" she added, seeking to invite the man to elaborate on the purpose of their meeting.

 

[Covax]

Covax caught the woman sizing him up. In most cases he would be flattered that such a woman found him appealing. However in then Senator's case, he knew different. She was a shark hungry for power and profits. Plus it was said she was happy enough at least with her wealthy husband.

The crime boss was not surprised at all when the woman got right down to business. But he former merc took a moment to give the slave girl a nod to start the menu. The frail figure would slip away for a moment, only to return a few moments later with two small plates of frush oysters from Mon Cala soaked in a warm butter sauce.

Covax took a fork, plucked one from it's shell and into his mouth. "Mmm.." he muttered. Swallowed, and returned to the conversation. "My partners and I have recently taken over the business of the late Preef Callo." Covax said with a mused smile. Letting the name sink in. It wouldn't take but a moment. "With the hostile takeover, and the restructuring. We plan to liquidate those assets and rebuild here in CSA. Providing a space away from our competitors in Hutt controlled rim worlds. As our focus in on security and military operations, we will require a sizable area for training a retention of our......employees. We also plan to diversify into other sectors of industry. Some legitimate, some not so much." Covax then took a sip of wine before finishing, "I was informed by a mutual friend you were the Senator I needed to talk to."

@Nor'baal

 

[Julia Hipori]

Preef Callo. Now that was a name she had not expected to hear again. After his run-in with the Imperial Family, he'd thankfully vanished, presumed dead (or at least announced as such by the Empire). Someone connected within his organisation was looking to keep the business going. Given the authority with which the man spoke about decisions being taken, Julia assumed she was speaking to Callos's successor.

That certainly makes this more attractive. Julia nodded appreciatively as the first course was delivered and gently shook her head as Covax finished speaking. "Such terms take a different meaning in the Corporate Sector once the correct undertakings are completed." she gently reminded Covax. 'Illegitimate' was hard to define in the CSA, especially if the Corporation was concerned about the application of such a label owned a planet, or a moon, within the Sector and therefore was responsible for upholding planetary law.

"Our political structure is somewhat more diverse than what you may be used to. If you have sufficient resources, you can establish yourself as a Corporate Authority, with ownership of a moon, for example, maybe even a space station, in CSA space - therefore, activity taking place on that settlement is bound by your laws." she informed him, before adding "Would that be something your organisation is interested in?"

 

[Covax]

Covax watched the expression on the woman Senator's face as she realized who his was. There were few now who had not heard of him or the Legends of Nar Shaddaa, and almost no one who did not know the name of Callo. The Rodian was long gone, but his fuck ups lingered even years after his untimely.....retirement.

Julia then confirmed what he thought to be true of the CSA and the very reason he decided to expand in this part of the galaxy. "I understand, it's why we are looking to move to this sector of the galaxy." He affirmed.

"Space station ?" He asked almost immediately after the woman mentioned it. Covax had witnessed first hand the trouble it brought to control a rock. Be it planet, moon, or by the force, even a damned asteroid. But a space station, no one invaded a mobile platform hunting Jedi or Sith, perhaps Terra had the right idea with Omega. Strange he had not thought of it himself until now. "You have my attention Julia, what is the offer?"

A city sized station with capacity to moved largo cargo and perhaps even refinement. A private casino and brothel for entertaining clients and partners. His criminal mind was suddenly spinning with ideas. Emryc was right. They should have moved the operation here long ago. Well...he was here now.

@Nor'baal

 

[Julia Hipori]

Well, now she certainly had his attention. "Simply put, a registered company in the CSA can establish itself as a 'Corporate Authority', providing it with Governmental powers over the land or area it owns." she began, "Some business entities, perhaps lacking the pan-galactic scope that some have, like Industrial Automation, for example, chose to purchase a Space Station and register their business there. In doing so, they can secure representation on the CSA - through a sponsored partner to represent their commercial interests at CSA and Senate level - whilst their own names remain protected under client confidentiality. Furthermore, as they are registered as a Corporate Authority over that Station, they set the laws for it. So, for example, you could have banking secrecy laws that would not be permitted in the Core worlds." she offered a reasonably boring example to avoid mentioning the other forms of illegality Covax may be interested in directly.

"Of course, other practices could be carried out there, except for slavery." she did not need to remind Covax that 'indentured servitude' was always an option in CSA space "My offer is this: You register as a Corporate Authority in CSA Space, and purchase a Space Station as the asset over which you are the Governing Authority. In turn, your organisation becomes one of my anonymous clients, with me as your political representative for CSA and Senate Affairs."

She paused, took a sip of wine, and continued "In effect your organisation becomes a legitimate business, and member of the CSA, with all the benefits that entail. Your only challenge will be conducting affairs outside of CSA space, shipping," she paused, making it clear she meant 'smuggling' "- for example, would need to be done in line with the law of the regions you shipping in and through, as I am sure is your policy now." Julia said, a deadpan expression on her face.

"How does that sound?" she finished, placing her glass down as she concluded laying out a method for a criminal syndicate to secure a safe haven to conduct some of its business, entirely within the legal framework of the Corporate Sector.

 

[Covax]

Covax would carefully eat the last two of the appetizers on his tiny plate as he listened intently to the Senator's proposal as she explained the finer points of the benefits of setting up shop in the CSA. The Icing on the cake seemed to be that not only would their criminal enterprise be hidden by the corporate face of Tenloss, but Tenloss itself would be covered by corporate red tape. Or something to that effect.

The Twi'lek slave girl would return just then and take their plates, replacing them with a smoked meat platter for Covax and a pasta plate for Julia. Just as Julia was getting into the meaty part of her offer.

"It's exactly as we expected" Covax stated finally, "But to me it sounds a little to good. So, Julia. What's the charge? What do you get out our buisness under your umbrella of influence?" He ask and suspected a healthy kickback, as was custom. But wanted to hear her say it, Other trade was not out of the question either. "To be clear, we already have a meeting set with Blackwell. I was actually looking at their station designs as a matter of fact. As well as some other items to fill in some gaps in the companies assets"

@Nor'baal

 

[Julia Hipori]

Giving Covax an almost withering stare, one she had perfected over the years in the Corporate world, Julia picked up a fork and delicately impaled some pasta.

"Credits. Covax, what else?" she said, a light smirk crossing her face. "Nothing in the CSA is free, especially not representation. My services are not cheap, but they are worth it." she paused "- As I am sure you are aware."

Yes, she was asking for a kickback, but in the more above-board form of 'retainers'. "By acting as your representative, I immediately become bound by client confidentiality, much like I am with my other clients. You get your position in the CSA with me as your representative and legal sponsor, and I get the retainer with it. It's, what do they say?"

She stabbed down on another hapless piece of pasta "A win-win."[/abox3[

 

[Covax]

He smiled at the Senator as she said the words credits, what else. "You did come very highly recommended, worth every credit. I've been told." He said, cutting into his steak.

"We'll take the offer and join the CSA under your...banner. We'll look into purchasing the larger of Blackwells stations models and have it put into orbit near the northern edge of the system, as we have ideas for an old defunct prison complex in that area. We're also require the licensing for troops, ships, and military grade equipment and manufacturing. We are a defense contract company after all." He said with a warm smile and a bit of sarcasm.

Covax then took another bite of his steak, chewed, swallowed, and took another drink of the wine. "Tell me Julia, do you have any friends in the Republic or Alliance space ?"

@Nor'baal

 

[Julia Hipori]

"A few contacts for sure." she replied, interested as to why the professional criminal was looking to break further into political circles. "I find a lot of them are not business-minded, but I have good contacts with the longer-serving Senators, specifically the ones who served back when I did." Julia clarified.

Calling over the 'staff', she requested a refill of their glasses as she waited for Covax to go into more detail. This deal had the smack of serious profits about it, and she was keen to see what else the man had in store.

 

[Covax]

"Wonderful." Covax mused. Pleased that this little business meeting was going so shockingly well for him. He then finished the last few bites of his meal as Julia called over the slave girl to refill their glasses. Covax was even warming up to the idea of see if he could used the Twi'lek's company this evening.

"We plan to expand quickly. Having more understanding political partners like yourself would be very good for business. Both ours, and yours. The spice operations with be in another sector of course, but the profits.....could be shared." He said, letting the last part linger.

Tenloss' benefactor would of course always get his third of any business deal right off the top. But there more than enough spice and credits to go around if things worked out. Julia would perhaps know that better then anyone.

@Nor'baal

 

[Julia Hipori]

"A wise plan." Julia left it open to interpretation whether she was talking about Tenloss' expansion or the offering to cut her in on the profits. Ultimately, Tenloss evidently had powerful commercial backers, be that in the underworld, political sphere, or just from the syndicates. She considered it somewhat above her paygrade to explore that line of thought to far and instead returned to the matter.

"Ensuring your cashflow ends in the Corporate Sector is an important policy to maintain, regardless." she began, keen to explain her thinking "You need to ensure your credits cannot be purloined by the various other groups in the broader galaxy. Especially with the New Republic, and the Alliance, struggling economically - the last thing you want is to put all this work in, expanding your network, only for the proceeds to find their way into the coffers of the Core." she elaborated.

"Now, are there any other parties to this endeavour that you need me to be aware of in advance?" she asked "Or, for that matter, and potential or current commercial rivals you could use additional insight in dealing with?

 

[Covax]

He gave a coy smile and a cocked head nod at her "wise" comment. It was open to interpretation and most of them were accurate. The moment quickly passed, and they continued. Drawing out the last few little details of this meeting.

"Hence my question for your counter parts. To avoid any red tape if possible with meetings such as these." He said with another smirk. "In any case, any incursion into the core will not have a plastercreet and metal foot print. No buildings or business fronts to tax or fine. Everything transactional, processed through the responsible subsidiary and credits filling only our coffers."

"As for rivals, None that matter. We have a wonderful relationship with our current suppliers and contracts. The only thing that comes close to us is any enterprise the Hutts might have. However, I have it on good authority that the slug has his slimy little hands full."

@Nor'baal

 

[Julia Hipori]

The Hutts? Julia raised her eyebrow - she had not anticipated that they would come up in their discussions.

From what she understood of the slugs, they were powerful, dangerous, but intelligent beings. They would most likely do their best to avoid conflict; after all, Hutts said, ' Bloodshed was bad for business". "I believe the Hutts mostly operate in the Southern Hemisphere of the Galaxy, in terms of territory. As for business, I would imagine that in most cases, deals can be reached to avoid conflict." she replied "They're dangerous bastards, but they can be reasoned with in most cases."

"I believe we have a deal, Sir." she concluded "One that will reap rewards for all, I am sure!"[/size][/justify]