Ask Covet Thy Neighbor.

[Covax]

The CSA was perhaps the best sport to be in the galaxy at the moment. While the superpowers of the Sith Empire and the ISC finally collided. Covax was in the far corner of the galaxy visiting and old...friend, well client. Who also happened to be one of the largest producers of tech and weapons in the modern era. Something that Covax found he needed plenty of, perhaps now after then the news then before after his meeting with Em.

The towering human and his sister for another mister had come along way from their first jobs for Newton. Then, he offered them a large payday and some undergrads. Today, it was Covax doing the paying for Newton's services. If they could work out a deal, it would allow Tenloss Interstellar to be competitive not only as a defense contractor, but in the criminal underworld as well.

So here in waited. In the new Blackwell Tech offices just inside CSA space. A custom fitted black on black suit, concealing not only his toned physic, but the holdout pistol he was never without after a particular beach party gone wrong.

@The Good Doctor

 

[Newton]

Another day in the galaxy, another war in the conflict in the galaxy began. Business will be booming again, profits soared after the Killik invasions began not too long ago. Turns out that droids and flamethrowers were very effective against the bug that could 'join' weak minded organics into their hive mind. And flamethrowers burn easily through insects. If Newton had to be a betting man, he would suspect that the Systems Consortium come out on top in the war against the Sith, although it does look to be a bloody war that won't end soon.

"Master, it's almost time for your next appointment" Newton's secretary droid L3 nagged him for the fifth time. Newton was ready however for it. Newton would then straighten his posture. The CEO of Blackwell Tech remembers Covax from the last job, him and Aska were rewarded well for their efforts in securing the stygium crystals for Blackwell. Not to mention, Covax has quite the reputation in the criminal underworld he can tell, which is even more intriguing.

"Send him in" that would dismiss the secretary droid, leaving only his guard retinue and his astromech droid M7 in his office at the moment. The secretary droid would then fetch Covax for his appointment and lead him towards his office. Newton smirked, ready for this appointment to begin.

@Taz

 

[Covax]

The well dressed and towering human stood there in the waited area. Admitted filled with fine overstuffed leather chairs and cold metallic coffee tables. He stood and admired the office. A few pictures of the company's achievements lining the wall. He had to remember kinda idea when he got an office. It had the obvious desired effect of impressing the one time mercenary, and soon to be customer.

Finally the L3 droid came into the room. "Master Arden is ready for you." The droid expressed. So matter of fact. Covax gave the droid a look, but followed. He thought about it a moment as the followed the droid, and realized it wasn't a model he was familiar with. Thus it wasn't on his shopping list. "Hmm." He sighed, mostly to himself.

Covax didn't have much time to ponder however, as the two were quickly in the room with the man Covax wanted to see. "Newton." With a smile, the crime boss walked passed the droid and towards the CEO. Reaching out to shake the man's hand before taking a seat in a near by chair. "Good to see you, looks like things have been good?"

@The Good Doctor

 

[Newton]

Newton would take up Covax on his handshake, shaking firmly. "Very good indeed" Newton replied with a smile before taking a seat in his spaceleather office chair. "Things going well for you too I see". Covax was a mercenary when they last met and nowadays he's evolved into a high ranking member of a criminal syndicate so maybe, and he's also started his own buinsness. Tenloss Interstellar, a security company.

Now leaning back comfortably in his chair after giving enough time for an answer, he would then proceed to start with. "Alright my friend. So you looking to purchase some product to take Tenloss Interstellar to the next level?" he would ask.

@Covax

 

[Covax]

The two men shook hand and Covax took his seat on the other side of Newton's desk. The chair was equally as nice as the Blackwell CEO's, just a bit smaller. It held the crime boss, but not much. "Things, are better than I could expect. Busy is an understatement." He replied warmly.

He gave a sigh. No unfriendly, just a deep breath. "You know the work we did before. Fun, but just a warm up. Next level indeed." Covax adjusted and lean forward in his chair before continuing, "You're aware that Mrs Hipori has offered us a space and permits for a space station. I'd like to start by hearing what Blackwell has to offer. I need one about the size of a city, lots of storage, perhaps some manufacturing. More importantly, some good defenses should the need arise."

@The Good Doctor

 

[Newton]

Newton nodded in affirmative that he is aware of his deal with Mrs. Hipori. And Newton was intrigued with what he said about his upcoming venture. The job on Aeten II was well done, and if there is going to be more of that in the future, well then. The possibilities if it can be lived up too.

"If you came shopping for a space station, Blackwell Orbital has some of the best in the industry. Blackwell made space stations were fine indeed." Newton would then clap his hand twice, signaling for his assistant droid to make it's way back into the office. "L3 kindly show him the K0-10 station""Yes Master" the droid would reply. The droid would then hand the droid a datapad showing pictures and schemetics of the K0-10 defense station.

Newton would then tell Covax about the station. "The K0-10 Station is robust and durable. It has a megaton of storage." Which is a lot. "Almost three dozen capital-ship grade dual laser medium cannons. Heavy deflector shields" which are good defenses. The space station was meant for defense after all. "Can adequately support 450 people" he said, perhaps enough for a growing organization. "Manufacturing capabilities can be added most likely." not for free of course "What sort of manufacturing capabilities are you wanting in particular? Weapons, smaller electronics?" he asked. The K0-10 space station might be a good starting point. Although if it's not along what he's looking for, they can go from here"

@Taz

 

[Covax]

Newton at the look of a speeder salesmen who found a Hutt on his lot. Covax figured the CEO would be well informed of the deal made with the Senator. So he was ready with a very reasonable offer for Covax. Taking the datapad from the droid, the human crime lord to a very intense look at the specs as Newton narrated.

The size was decent. The defenses were adequate for what was expected. However, Covax did not feel it was enough. If he was going to spend this kind of coin, a large chunk of it being belonging to his partners, he was going to make sure he only had to spend it once.

"It's nice Newton, I like it. But a bit small." He said truthfully. "450 is just the troop count I hope to grow to. As for what we plan to do with it. Mostly weapons and maintenance. Droid repair. After all we are a defense contractor." Covax then was honest with his old employer. Then tapped a few more buttons on the datapad. "Ah see now this is more like what I was thinking." He said then handed back the datapad view the schematics for the 8X924 Orbital Platform.

@The Good Doctor

 

[Newton]

Newton recognized the 8X924 Orbital Station, it was as expensive as it is huge, almost four times the size of the previous station and more than four times the capabilities. Newton smiled and giggled. "Taking things to the next level seems like an understatement if i may say so." he jested. Covax has some serious credits behind him. The station he is looking for is expensive, getting Mrs. Hipori's services doesn't come cheap either. Being a mercenary can't account for all those credits, even with being a top dog in the criminal under world...

But then again it's not Newton's place to question where the credits come from. All that matters is the credits changing hands from Covax to Blackwell.

"We do have one of those you can purchase. Maintenance and manufacturing capabilities can be added at extra cost." he stated.

"If you are for sure you want that station, we can add it to your cart. Is there anything else you would be interested in purchasing? Or did you have any other questions about the Orbital Platform? If not, we can begin the process of purchasing." It's going to be a somewhat lengthy process, as there are quite a few procedures and legalities involved in purchasing a space station that has turbolasers on it. There would be more bureaucratic nonsense in Republic or FWA space but thankfully there is a lot less red-tape in the Corporate Sector.

@Taz

 

[Covax]

Covax gave an amused face as Newton giggled. It was perhaps the only time he had seen the man not act all business, and was as strange to the crime boss as if he'd see Emryc smile. Such things just did not happen. At least not when Covax was around to see it.

"It's been a long time coming. Just finally had the right motivation." He said to the CEO's comment. And it was a long time. He had been hesitant to take the rains of Crymorah. He didn't think of himself as a boss, or a Crime Lord. It was his meeting with Crimson Dawn of all things that pushed him over the edge. Now, he was all in.

"That's the one I want then, All the bells and blasters." He confirmed. Money wasn't really an issue. Newton wouldn't realize it,or perhaps even care, but most of the money would be going right back to where it came from. As Emryc was a share holder in the company as well as Covax's benefactor. It was the other reason the Crymorah boss came to Blackwell, besides the obvious top notch tech.

"Oh I'm sure, and there's a lot more." He sighed, smiled and then took a deep breath before adding. "The minimum number support crew, I'll need that in droids. Whatever numbers and models you recommend to get the station up and running. We're also looking to get a couple of Corvette Class capital ships. Something multi role, maybe a pocket carrier? I have a Syndicate class, want support for it. Also looking to get droid crews for those, fighters for the carrier if possible. Your older Cybot selection might do the job? maybe?....Oh and the troopers to go with them."

"Hell Newton, just move the station into place and open Tenloss a line of credit. We'll take your entire catalog. Droids, munitions, speeders. Whatever isn't restricted to exclusive customers. I want to be able to occupy an Outer Rim city if Tenloss gets a contract for it."

Other than the ships he wasn't giving exact numbers. But access to numbers within reason of a faction their size. With Tenloss at it's head Crymorah was expanding at the speed of galactic war. With plans to indeed occupy a Mid-Rim city, as well as holding for three different spice mines on three different worlds. While most of these assets would be at least semi-legal they still required the proper protection. Covax had be power, backing and the funds for such power moves. With Newton and Blackwell's help he would also have the forces.

@The Good Doctor

 

[Newton]

Newton nodded as Covax confirmed he wanted the space station. He listed off his needs but he said one more thing, A whole line of credit for everything in the catalog? Amazing. Sure, it is credits up front. But since Covax is keen on buying all sorts of stuff, it would mean with interest, Blackwell stands to make even more profit. Newton would look over to his assistant droid snap his fingers, his assistant droid would then scurry off clearly to fetch some items. "A line credit you say?" he echoed "We can definitely get you signed up for one. My assistant will get the paperwork for you and then we will get you signed up."

L3 would come around in short order and put a bunch of paperwork on the desk and kindly lay it out for Covax to read or not. There would be 10 pages, a lot of it is fine print. But the most important takeaway is the 30% interest rate and late fees and other things if monthly payments are missed. The rest of it is legal mumbo jumbo that likely wouldn't be of any interest to the crime lord. Well, most people can't be bothered to read them anyways.

The assistant droid would then put a datapad and a stylus on the desk for the Vanguard. It will prompt for Covax to put his signature electronically almost half a dozen times and put in some basic information regarding him, his role, and the company.

"Once this is completed and if you are approved, then we can have at it with the catalogue" he smiled.

@Taz

 

[Covax]

In truth, Covax expected his former employer to hesitate with such an ask. Tenloss wasn't a risk, Covax was good for the credits. Just waiting for the mines to get into full production. But still, he was new to the corporate scene. So he just assumed there would be hesitation. Newton on the other hand just saw credit signs.

Quickly then, the L3 droid brought over a datapad containing the full contract agreement. The L3 unit gave the criminal a brief overview to the contracts more nuanced fine print, and then. "Sign here....and here. Here, and initial here, here, here, and finally here. There, that takes care of the first page." The assistant droid confirmed flatly. The tone of which took all the job out of Covax. Over the next thirty minutes, Covax put his name to more boxes, and dotted lines. The longer he was there the more he was having second thoughts.

"Done." The L3 finally confirmed. "Processing your application now, Mr. Covax." The droid then said before stepping away and returning the datapad to Newton. Covax had little choice but to sit and wait for the moment. "I need a drink." he huffed. Seeing as he was about to spend a cargo load of money. Covax got up from his seat and helped himself to Newton's privet bar not far from the CEO's desk.

@The Good Doctor

 

[Newton]

So the application was done and it's been submitted and processing. Newton wasn't oblivious that this was quite an ordeal for Covax. He didn't strike Newton to be a man of patience before.

By the time Covax got his drink the results from the application are now in. "Good news Covax. You have been approved." Newton would then receive a printout from his terminal and give the information to Covax. Covax will find that he does have enough credit to get everything he wanted. The station, the ships he expressed interest in and enough droids to crew and trooper droids as well and .etc It was reasonable for the size of his faction.

Blackwell Tech has been a great company for security and/or military contractors for thousands of years. People wanting the best tech are willing to pay the money needed for the best. Tenloss isn't the first and it won't be the last either.

"Alrighty then, the fun-part begins" the ordering that is. Newton would smile. The datapad would be back at the catalogue with items still in Covax' cart.

@Taz

 

[Covax]

Covax poured the stiff drink and took a long pull from the glass. Just as the computer apparently confirmed his approval. Not that the Crymorah crime boss, or the Blackwell CEO had any real doubt of which.

Newton gave voice to it however and Covax gave a half smile as the moved to sit back down with the other man. Receiving the paperwork as further testament. The towering human looked at the paper and realized not for the first time that this little venture was likely one of the first completely legal things he'd done in years. Funny how he had to break more than a few laws to be in such a position to afford to do it.

The station the ships it was all there. So with that in mind, Covax graciously took the datapad back from Newton and looked over this catalog of inventory. The stations was already a given. But he would expand on his "pocket fleet" just a bit. Clicking the selection for Cybot refits of the CR-100 Overwatch Carrier, Arquitens Command Frigate, and DP-20 Gunship. Then a couple of classics. A CT series Auto Frigate and two Auto Picket Corvettes, along with enough auto starfighters to equip his mini fleet but defend his new home as well. To finish, he checked off a couple of used and updated Gozanti freighters Newton had in the used category

Tenloss wouldn't match the military might of a Sith or even New Republic fleet with such a force. But he could hold the line with the Hutt families or even blockade a small system if the contract came around. Which in truth is all he wanted to do with it. Next came the droids and munitions categories. Covax simply clicked, ALL. Then checked off numbers, a squad of the elite P1's, couple squads of the D3 commandos, a platoon of the standard D3s as well and a couple squads of V3s to support them. The rest were assorted as needed.

"I think those numbers should do the trick for now." Covax said with a satisfied smile before handing the datapad back to Newton.

 

[Newton]

Newton nodded his head as the security contractor leader concluded his order. "Are you sure?" he posed the question ask one more time, just to be sure. There is always the chance they may remember something they may have overlooked but fair enough if not now.

After he has the datapad in hand, and if Covax has nothing else, he would push buttons, he would put the payment on the line of credit that was just opened. Newton feels that this is going to be a good deal indeed, especially when the interest rate is taken into account.

Newton would put the datapad on his desk now "It is done " he said. "Shipments of droids will be delivered to you within three business days." Delivering droids is pretty easy. "The space station will be put into position in five business days and the ships will arrive to the space station in the day after." larger objects will need more time to get ready and to transport. But unlike other Mega-Corporations that are riddled with inefficiencies, the 'trains run on time' at Blackwell.

"Did you have any more questions or have any other business?" Newton would ask one more time. While Newton asked that, L3 would provide Covax with the paperwork, a copy of his contract that he signed, as well as receipts that the purchase was made with credit. Covax would also receive transponder codes, and other documentation to identify that the ships are legal and the Tenloss Interstellar is the legitimate owner of the ships.

@Taz

 

[Covax]

Covax gave the Blackwell CEO a head nod of acceptance. It felt like Newton was trying to talk him out of it. But deep down he understood the tech mogul was just making absolutely. This was not a decision to be taken lightly. It was a fleet, small yes, but still a fleet.

With a click, the deal was done. Covax was the leader of a reasonably sized fleet and army, and Newton was in the process of being a few million credits richer. Both men seemed more than satisfied with the deal. Covax listened to New confirm the delivery dates and knew without a doubt now that he'd made the right choice. What other syndicates took months if not years to build. Covax was about to do in a week.

"No Mr.Arden, I think you've fleeced me enough for one evening." Covax joked with a half smile. He stood then, taking the documents from the droid and then shook the human's hand. "Let me know as soon as you get some new products though. We'll do this again." With that, Covax turned and headed for the door.

//End

@The Good Doctor