An Exchange of Ideas

[Pierce Allemn]

Empress Teta: A thriving world of business and wealth. Although not as in the lime light as, say, Coruscant, or Corellia as of late, Empress Teta was unique in many ways. One such way being it was the home of the one and only Allemn Holdings, a galaxy spanning investment firm that owned stakes in near countless business ventures. Not all of them panned out, but considering the financial stability of the company whose namesake belonged to Pierce Allemn, for the most part their ventures were successful.

Pierce reflected on this as he rode a turbo lift from his penthouse within the skyscraper belonging to his company that lined the skyline of Cinnegar, the city that dominated near half of the planet itself. The private turbolift he rode was encompassed in glass, allowing him a full 180 degree view of the city-scape surrounding him. He puffed on the cigarette between his fingers while admiring the view. However, the majesty of Cinnegar was far from the primary thing on his mind at this point in time. The turbolift in question carried the influential man down until it passed through an access tunnel into the very foundation of the sky scraper, leading down into the depths of an underground office accessible only through the penthouse of Mr. Allemn himself, and an access tunnel, the entrance thereof hidden throughout the building.

With a closed circuit security system, and ancillary power sources with its own generator and backup generator, and a self contained triple encrypted network (courtesy of SOL-Arts), this subterranean bunker served as his throne, if you will, for all things pertaining to his real source of power.

"The Exchange..."

Today, amidst other days, was important because for the first time in recent memory, Pierce Allemn, Director of The Exchange (known only by a handful of people, namely the bosses of his underground organization) was to meet with the bosses who helped him run the criminal underground. Some of them would be invited to attend in person, whereas others would attend via holocall. Whatever the case, the purpose of this meeting was the same. To discuss the recent events transporting throughout the Galaxy, and to determine future courses of action for The Exchange in achieving its overall goal.

Making money, and doing it better than anyone else. Because we don't give a frak how we do it.

Deigning to sit in a large Bantha leather chair at the head of a long table, Pierce lit a fresh cigarette and puffed eagerly while he awaited his guests to join him for the meeting. They had better not keep him waiting...

@Mavis Deacon , @Arclight , @Nor'baal @Benvenu7 @Tisha Elsin

 

[Nor'baal Desajilic]

One of the numerous perks of being a Hutt was that one could often travel anywhere without people asking questions, for they tended to just assume that what you would be doing was probably illegal anyway. Today was not different in the slightest, and as the Ambassador for Nal Huttas ship touched down, it was met with a simple docking overseer, was waved them through, no questions asked.

Nor'baal paid the man no notice as he boarded a small shuttle which would take him to the location of their meeting. Arriving on the top floor of the building, the Hutt noted the presence of several unmarked security personnel from the Exchange, alongside a few from his own personal network of informants and thugs. All in all, the location was sufficiently secure for their needs. Waving his way past the Guards, through Security under his own movement, the Hutt was dressed well, a hat, cape and chromium bracers containing concealed blasters.

Security new better than to search him, and he went into the meeting room, taking his place at the table, the usual Huttish hyperbole and pomposity dropped in the presence of his fellow Bosses alone, and out of sight of their lackeys.

 

[Diva]

The longer he stared, the less conviced he became.

He ran the program three times. Four. The miserable mechanical excuse for a shipwright vehemently insisted on it's accuracy, but Mavis wouldn't hear it. A few moments later he ran the measuring cord himself between the first third of his fighter, and the final third mark on his catamaran. Exactly 14 meters apart. Again. Still 14. Hmm.

Acceptable.

Mavis returned to pacing the hanger of his yacht: with his lanky stride it took precisely 62 steps to make a full cross. Everytime. How horridly...mundane. On the third pass, Mavis substituted one step for a skip. 59 steps. Well done.

Damn.

Where was Pierce? The meeting was to commence in preciesely 7 minutes; and he knew, he KNEW that Visor, a tiny floating sphere Mavis kept at Allemn Holdings was always waiting inside the "boardroom" for these occasions.

Finally, the face of his holo-bracer began to blink soft yellow, and vibrate lightly. Still 3 minutes early. Satisfactory. Mavis eased his slender frame into the chair at his workbench. The circumstances of these meetings were never ideal for him. Not that much was, but when these critical meetings were held he preferred to attend in person. It was a matter of integrity, proper manners, and most importantly, generated much more accurate data on the state of his peers. Visor was programmed and equipped to collect data on fluctuations in body temperature, pitch variation, and motion, but even for Mavis it was challenging to read in the moment while keeping his attention on the projection of Pierce's private chamber that would soon encompass him. While he usually recorded these details from every conversation he ever held, for later review, Mavis Deacon never recorded Exchange business. Never.

He did wish he could attend, but his carefully engineered public image with SOL-Arts was not something he took likely. It was ultimately the better choice that he not even be seen on the same world as Nor'baal in light of current events. A shame. That Hutt was the only other boss he had met, and found the man's pragmatism affable in an associate of such importance. Besides, he did have a meeting on Chandrilla in a few hours, and was currently approaching orbit. Though he stayed out of range of their planetary communication satellites, the notion that they could detect, let alone crack the signal masking and encryption of Mavis Deacon was actually laughable.

The hangar dimmed, and a series of projectors and receptors hummed to life around his desk. What began as messy lines and static took precisely two seconds to crystallize on either end into a full, high definition image of that which was missing for both parties. For him a 3D environment of the private chamber; and for Allemn and Nor'baal, a pale green Duro flickered into place at one end of the table - goggles, grease stained jumpsuit and all. His frustration over the circumstances had spurred the neurotic episode moments before, and indeed the last hour had been spent similarly fussing over another dozen or so projects. Now, with the matter at hand before him, Mavis was finally calm.

Director, most esteemed and glorious Nor'Baal Desajilic... His tone was level and featured very little inflection. This room was perhaps the only sentient room that had the privledge of seeing the calculated thinker behind the social media prince. The only way to discern his high opinion of the men was the use of their respective formal titles, even if he found the Hutt's a bit absurd.

Colleagues, It is indeed fortuitous that we have found this time to meet. I do not approve that circumstance prevents my physical attendance, but I trust you understand why.

He glanced quickly to his side.

We are missing our fourth.

 

[Richie B.]

Durak was slightly drunk, really having now become a member of the exchange was not how he imagine his little group to go, but of course there were power in numbers plus a war between criminals were never good. Durak had learned to respect the Exchange's way with their effective methods and clear cut rules it was good and allowed Durak to feel a little bit safer in his job security besides, he was still getting rich from the merger so that was always nice. Plus being able to go through republic space and not having to worry about getting attack was always fun, seeing the Exchanges connections with the core worlds was always good, with all the credits being held up in the core worlds it was good to be able to get closer to it. For now though Durak was dressed with a business suit that had troubles being buttoned, really how hard was it to find a suit for a muscular Zabrak, the pirate thought the next time he met that dresser he was going to kill him.

For now he needed to had to a meeting with the other leaders of the Exchange, having only recently joined he doubt he was in high standings with the others but he was going to have to at least attempt to make friends with them. Though this was a cut throat business he doubt he would be actually having to kill anyone here but of course that might change if the need arises but that was for later, Durak had with him only his double bladed lightsaber his only protection but that was all he needed. It was the only thing he would need seeing has the thought that he would be attacked laughable, really if the exchange wanted him dead their were better ways at going at it.

Once he was outside the door the guards were about to stop him, but they were sent to the wall with the force not enough to cause actual damage but enough to remind them of their place, being new meant not many knew of him so he might have to introduce himself. Hopefully not though because that would be embarrassing, once the door open he hear that the man in the hologram said missing our fourth, so he decided to play along with it.

"No your not." Durak said with a small smirk, seeing Nor'baal and the other boss made the pirate feel somewhat secure in knowing he wasnt going to be attacked but once he saw the head boss, the smirk grow.

"It is so good to see you again Pierce, same to you Nor'baal and glad to finally meet you Mavis." Taking a seat next to the hologram the pirate looked at the Duros the supposed master of tech Mavis.

Durak knew his entrance was a subtle as a rancor but he did not really care that much, feeling safe with his position, and waiting for Pierce to introduce him if that was necessary.

@Arclight @Nor'baal @fyremage

 

[Pierce Allemn]

Prior to anyone entering the room, they would encounter a security checkpoint wherein a group of muscular, well armed thugs, namely a Houk, Besalisk, and a pair of humans, would confiscate their weapons and place them in a secure safe off to the side and well outside the confines of the meeting room. This was the Director's office after all, and although these sentients that entered were some of the most powerful beings within the organization, the order to disarm came straight from the Director himself. He didn't rise to the position he was now by taking chances. He hardly trusted anyone, save a handful of people. Nor'baal was probably the closest thing to a person the director trusted, but even then he wasn't going to be drinking any tea around the Hutt anytime soon.

Mavis was eager, and quite harmless when it came to a physical altercation. But the Director knew well enough not to piss the Duro off. Otherwise Pierce knew his personal computer would be riddled with images of the most sordid and disgusting of natures. Such a notion made the Hapan question what the Duro had indeed seen in his spare time... yet he hardly had the time or patience to entertain such a diversion.

They were still awaiting the arrival of one of their bosses, namely Drassk. It was not unseemly for the trandoshan to be late, as his business was of a more controversial nature than others. Pierce rested assured he would join when he could. As for the others, the Hapan male looked them all over with his piercing, cybernetically modified eyes whilst holding his lit cigarette in a nonchalant manner in his right hand. "I'm happy to see you all found the place easily enough. And I trust you weren't followed..."

His voice was even, holding a bite to it as if to imply that they had better not have been followed rather than merely wishing for the best. With that being said, he continued: "Nor'baal, Mavis, i'm sure you both have already been introduced before. But allow me to introduce one of our new compatriots from the former Dead Drop Pact. Durak."

Pierce calmly eyed the pirate lord as he took his seat before he said anything further, collecting his thoughts. The intent of this meeting was simple. To address the state of affairs through the galaxy at large, and to plot how they would proceed. One would be surprised how invaluable these types of meetings were, especially to a criminal cartel. But important they were.

"I would like to begin this meeting by asking for our esteemed Hutt compatriot for an update as to what has become of the good senator of Corellia. A lot of news has come out regarding him and you..." Pierce said as his voice trailed off. His tone was by no means mean or derisive, but legitimately intrigued. Pierce could hardly ask for a more loyal and dedicated person to stand at his side other than Nor'baal, and throughout this whole affair it was quite evident where the Hutt's loyalties truely lied. Pierce would not forget that anytime soon.

"Is there any way we can help with the fallout of all of this my friend?"

 

[Arcangel]

Clack. Clack. Clack. Clack.

Drassk’s clawed feet echoed loudly through the corridor as he strode to the meeting.

Clack. Clack. Clack. Clack.

Drassk was late. And pissed. Not because he was behind schedule, but because of the reason why.

Clack. Clack. Clack. Clack.

During the transit to Empress Teta, his own men had made an attempt on his life. The assassination attempt had failed. Drassk had interrogated and executed each and every member of the crew on his ship, unsure of who had been involved and who hadn’t. Only one thing was certain, his organization was compromised, and would require purging. Removing his gunbelt as he approached the guards, he handed it to them without acknowledging their presence, continuing unarmed to the meeting.

Clack. Clack. Clack.

Coming to a stop in front of the door to the meeting room, Drassk took a moment to compose himself. His deep maroon jumpsuit hid the bloodstains well, but the small Silverback-Wookiee fur cape on his shoulder was matted with the drying blood. Closing his eyes, he attempted suppressed the rage that still stormed inside him. After a few moments, Drassk was calm enough to present himself to the Director of the Exchange. Pushing the double doors open, he stepped into the room.

“Greetingsss Director, I apologize for my tardinessss and appearance. Sssome unavoidable bussssinessss came up.” Glancing about the room, Drassk nodded to his fellow bosses in turn. “Glorious Boss Nor’Baal Desajilic, Boss Deacon.” His eyes settled on a fourth figure, and in his seat no less. The rage that Drassk had just quelled returned in a flash. “Who isss thisss newcomer in my ssseat?” Purple eyes narrowing slightly as he stared down the Zabrak.

 

[Nor'baal Desajilic]

The Hutt had little patience for the delays in this meeting

* and so he simple nodded in response to the greetings before getting out his Datapad and ouring over the information that had been given to him in preparation for the discussions ahead. Profits, as was to be expected from the Crime Group, where considerably higher that any legitimate business, with large sums of it no doubt omitted due to accounting errors at this stage. He allowed himself a small smile, with a hint of pride, as he saw the two groups, the Exchange and the DDP coming together, into a callous harmony of discord.

Few thought that Criminals actually worked together on occassion, how wrong this meeting would prove them....


*which actually had been caused by his author

 

[Diva]

Pirates.

Mavis was abreast of the merger, but Pierce had deliberately witheld from him the fact that the Pirate was invited. Worse still, pierce had obviously considerd it appropriate to share Mavis' identity with this wild thug. The very nature of his brood was notoriously self serving, and loyalty was more than a small question for Mavis....but if Pierce felt he had them under thumb....acceptable. For now. Pierce was no fool, and if Mavis trusted a single sentient it was him.

Durak. I trust we will find means to benefit one another. I also trust that our Director had made clear the essential secrecy of my identity regarding our estended membership..

To Nor'Baal and Pierce, this statement was exceedingly polite for Mavis to offer a stranger. Already the Duros was concieving a place for such...direct criminals in his own plan, to be outlined when his turn came around. For now though, he nodded in appreciation of the impressive figures presented by Nor'baal. Hutt's were uncomonly good at undersztanding the bottom line, Nor'baal in particular above his slithering peers. In typical form, the projections of Mavis' hand seemed to lag around their furious typing; his wrists seeming to conduct them independantly of his his stoick figure. Occasionally, his enormous orange eyes flicked to one side. If they were sharing a room (which the were not) it would be clear he was reading some sort monitor that wasn't shown in the fine hologram that faced the other bosses.

As usual most affluent Desajilic, your returns are humbling, but you have not adressed the concern of your current political predicament. While my data indicates that within weeks the ravings of Krass will be forgotten in public opinion, I find it inconvenient that our public relationship suffers, and insist you accept what assitance I can offer.

There was a slightly tense pause, during which Mavis blinked 3 times exactly.

and Boss Draask. It is helpful for us to finally meet. I am eager to learn what progress has been made on your front as well...

 

[Richie B.]

Durak couldn't help having a smug smile on, seeing the chaos his presence brought, if they were all so up tight they were going to just have to learn to deal with Duraks more relaxed (unless provoked) behavior. As the pirate would rather die than have to act proper around fellow criminals, Durak watched as another man, a trandoshan come and asked why was Durak sitting in his sit. So this must be Drassk, he looked like someone that Durak could relate to on a personal level more so than the rest at least, of course that remained to be unseen, as to what happened in the next few moments will decide what happens in the future.

He stood up keeping his hands open and not reaching for anything attempting to show he isn't a threat, getting into a fight would just cause to many issues for Durak and he would like to get rich before starting any sort of fight. He will allow the man to sit down at his chair not as a sign of weakness but rather respect and wanting to keep things peaceful even if he would love to start a fight he didn't like the idea of dying yet.

"Hello there Drassk, name is Durak an to get you up to speed, I was once the boss of the criminal organization of the Dead Drop Pact, but after a merge I am now among the bosses of this fine organizations." Durak didn't want to sound smug but he wanted to make sure the Trandoshan understand that they were now equals.

It seem the star of this meeting was in fact the hutt, seeing how everyone was wondering about the Krass situation, which even Durak was interested in listening to the story, but of course he was willing to help out seeing how they were all allies now. So even while standing he listened to all of them talk among themselves he was a outside and needed to ease into this so he would remain silent unless he was spoken to than he will make sure his opinion was given clearly no matter how it sounds.

@Arclight @Nor'baal @fyremage

 

[Pierce Allemn]

Pierce merely listened as he observed his subordinates speaking amongst themselves. As always, Mavis was moving the discussion along in a calculated, precise manner as always. It seemed Drassk and Durak were.. getting acquainted, whilst Nor'baal sat in his chair brooding as he wished to get the discussion moving more than likely, and not necessarily on the Krass Situation.

Finally the Director cleared his throat, and said: "Now that everyone is here, I think it is about time to get this meeting moving." His tone commanded respect without being disrespectful, as a few specific members here were clearly of the more 'Alpha' mentality. Of course, Pierce would have nothing less than absolute submission from his subordinates, whether they realized that they were giving it to him or not.

That's actually how he preferred working. Turning to Nor'baal, Pierce continued: "I do believe you were about to give us an update on the Krass situation, my dear friend."

@Nor'baal

 

[Nor'baal Desajilic]

Nor'baal was not in the slighest shocked when the Exchange wished to speak to him of the recent issues with Senator Aren Krass, after all it had rather dominated the news recently. The Hutt himself had merely set the spark that had ignited the flame - after the Senator had gone back on their deal. What had followed had come as a shock evern to him, and had required a short break from public life, a break from which he was now returning.

''The Senator has been dealt with, and was killed by unknown assailants a few days ago. His daughter has left the system, to where we do not know.'' he said, offering a more indepth explanation afterwards before he once again fell silent. Recently, troubles on Hutta had led to a slight reshuffle in the top level council, with Nor'baals own leader holding him in high regard for his personal part in the 'accident' that had lead to the recent death of one of his rivals.

It would be fair to say that the Hutts currently would look favorably on the Exchange....

 

[Diva]

My intelligence and the collective data patterns of holonet traffic indicate Nor'baal is right to put this matter behind us. Not only is the senator and his power network neutralized, public interest has sufficiently been diverted. Though not optimal, the outcome is acceptable.

It was hard to determine with the glassy sinlge shaded eyes of a Duro, but the hologogram of Mavis was barely making eye contact. On the other side of the projection he was constantly streaming through reems of data on his own monitor. Something was clearly exciting him.

In fact... the fallout on Corellia has left some... intruiging opportunities. With the director's permission, I would like to have OZ use this advantage to begin phase 2 of my....our New Dawn intitiative.

Mavis appeared completely oblivious to, or utterly unconcerned with the fact that he had only previously discussed his grand scheme with Pierce, and in bits to Nor'baal. The details were far to complicated and unneccesary for the others. He had roles for them that would be revealed when needed. Certianly they could have no reason to complain.