Ask Executive Ambition

[Jaikus Thorne]

.

Moreso than ever, Jaikus found that his days were increasingly dominated by his work. The Axxilan had kept himself incredibly busy since withdrawing from the day-to-day Sith Empire - pouring his energies into bringing Atlos up and operational. At least for now, he didn’t have the luxury of delegating tasks to anyone else - and it meant that the Axxilan was constantly on the move to conduct meetings with investors and other parties, interested in what Atlos potentially had to offer.

As a result, Jaikus was rather pleased that this meeting in particular was taking place on Thyferra and didn’t require him to travel half-way across the Galaxy. While significant amounts of work had been devoted to securing the assets of other companies and technology from Kamino, bringing Atlos into the competitive market would require securing the necessary investment from outside sources - and it was for that very reason that he had reached out to Larson Kao. Jaikus had - naturally - done his research on the man, and he was confident there was room for a mutually beneficial arrangement to be reached.

Having cleared a window in his schedule ahead of time, Jaikus patiently sat within an office - opting to inside Kao into his own space for the course of their conversation. The office was neatly decorated, while sea-facing windows allowed for an abundance of natural light to stream in and fill the air with salt-heavy breeze.

The Axxxilan was dressed in his professional style - wearing a pair of

charcoal grey dress pants and suit-vest over the top, coupled with a white button-down underneath. His dark hair was combed and styled perfectly into place, while his outfit was further accessorized with a stylish chrono and golden bracelet on his wrist.

“Mr. Altaris,” Twelves - the Axxilan’s personal protocol droid - spoke after a long moment of silence, “Mr. Kao has just arrived.”

Jaikus gave a nod, setting down his NalPhone and fixing his gaze back ahead. “Excellent, please see him in.”

@Nor'baal

 

[Larson Kao]

Thyferra was not a world he frequented. Yet, it was a planet he had often looked upon with greedy intent. Without a doubt, it was one of the most influential planets in the galaxy, the guilds which dominated its key trade, bacta, boasting of immense wealth and power that spread far beyond the petty confines of one world. Larson could only dream of holding any fraction of the same. Turning away from the viewport as his speeder made quick progress down the landing pad, Larson refocused his attention on the job at hand.

He was dressed smartly, as usual - a charcoal grey suit with a chromium pin marking out the sigil of the Vardos 19th Ace Squadron, in which he had once served. Walking into the meeting room, he paused to take in his surroundings. Cast in the classical designs of Thyferra, the room was built to impress rather than intimidate. Larson shook hands with his would-be business partner and made his introduction.

"Mr. Altaris, I'm Larson Kao. I must admit I was intuiged by your invitation today?"

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

As Larson was brought up the turbolift to the office, Jaikus pressed off the armrests of his chair and rose from his seat. The Axxilan rounded the sleek desk, coming to stand in the middle front of the office to greet the man. First impressions contributed a great deal, and the Axxilan had no intention of greeting this particular guest sitting his ass in a chair.
He instinctively straightened his tie, running a hand across the front of his dress vest in order to smooth it into place. The moment that the durasteel doors slid open and Larson stepped into view, Jaikus flashed the businessman an almost disarmingly charming and polite smile - stepping forward and extending a hand to firmly shake his own. “Mr. Kao,” He began, his voice smooth as silk, “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am pleased I managed to capture your interest with my invitation. I believe there is an opportunity of mutual benefit,”

The Axxilan took a step backwards and gestured to the desk and comfortable seating just ahead. “Please, have a seat,” With that, Jaikus turned and began to return to his original seat - back back into the comfortable cushions. There were already two glasses set out on the desk, alongside a chilled bottle of quality vintage Blossom Wine from Naboo. “Vardos Planetary Navy, yes?” The Axxilan asked, lifting a finger towards the man’s pin. “Fighter pilot and businessman. Quite the remarkable career,” He smiled.
Of course the Axxilan had done his research on the man prior to their meeting, and the fact that Larson openly wore his prior career on his breast, gave the Axxilan the opportunity to compliment.
Jaikus poured himself a glass before offering Larson the same, “Now then, as to our business,” The Axxilan had given a brief summary of his intentions upon inviting Larson to Thyferra, but only now did he go deeper into the details. He leaned backwards in his seat, knitting his fingers together on the table. “I understand you maintain a respectable investment portfolio - and I am offering an opportunity to expand it - to both of our benefits.” He began, voice smooth as silk. The Axxilan slid a small holo-projector across the table - tapping a button to bring up a sleek, corporate logo that rotated slowly. “As I have briefly touched upon in our initial correspondence, since the rise of the Galactic Empire, there has been a distinct void in the market of Cloning - both in its applications for therapeutic and security means. It is a void that Atlos,” He gestured towards the logo, “..Intends to fill.”

Jaikus tapped another button on the holoprojector, bringing up a catalogue of recent business transactions and records. Larson would be able to view the surge of capital that had poured into the company - credits reclaimed from Jaikus’ own family fortunes - as well as the recent acquisition of Vinda’a Labratories and all of its assets.
“Already, Atlos has begun to expand into the market and establish ourselves - while the roll-out of commissionable security near on the horizon.” Significant groundwork has been done to secure assets and the capital to get operations up off the ground. “Additionally, our own technological innovation has produced trial subjects at a far superior rate to our competition.” ‘Technological innovation’, of course, a polished way of passing off Kaminoan tech that had been re-discovered and retrofitted to serve their needs.

“With outside investment, Atlos will be able to bring production into the competitive market - both in supplying independent security forces, and the production of medical cloning therapies.” In a Galaxy in constant strife, there was significant profit to be made in the production of private Clone armies - and equally was true when it came to its medical applications - capable of cloning removed limbs or organs tailored to specific clientele.

“In addition to the benefits of your initial investment,” The Axxilan didn’t need to spell out what Larson had to gain as a shareholder, though such details would naturally be ironed out, “Once established, believe there is an opportunity for a mutually beneficial arrangement to be made between Atlos and the logicistical services that your own organization provides.” The Axxilan said smoothly, waiting to guage the man’s initial reaction before delving deeper.

 

[Larson Kao]

If nothing else Jaikus quickly gave off the commanding air of a man who was at ease in the world of high society, and especially in the cut-throat world of intergalactic commerce. Larson met his gaze and shook his hand as he walked in, pleased that his counter-part was getting straight to business and cutting through the need for small talk. Taking a seat when encouraged to do so, he gently raised his hand to decline to glass of wine when it was offered, and, seeing no need to explain himself, resumed listening to Jaikus.

"I was honoured to serve my homeworld." he replied, as Jaikus commended him for his military service before he moved on to discussing the purpose for which they were both here. Business. He watched with interest as the man went through his intention to establish a cloning facility, something which would have been met with derision a century or so ago. Yet, perhaps we live in more enlightened times. However, even today, cloning had a lot of detractors and many questions about its ethical nature.

Larson didn't particularly care about ethics, but he did care about profits.

"I am sure you have considered this already, but cloning has a lot of issues, public image specifically, and ethical considerations in the longer term. There is a debate around the rights of clones, which we would need to consider, specifically with regard to whether or not they are allowed to retire from service, and whether they will be paid to work for this independent security force?" Larson began, before moving to confirm a few points "My concern is not the ethical issues themselves, but rather the cost of easing those worries in the public domain."[/color]

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Just as he finished speaking, Jaikus reclined ever-so-slightly within his seat - fingers knitted together neatly on the table just opposite to where Larson was sitting. While the Axxilan had put a great deal of effort and thought into his proposal, he wasn’t surprised to learn that his potential business partner harbored some reservations - nor was it anything that he hadn’t considered prior to that point. Even after a century had passed, the Clone Wars had left a lingering taste in some people’s mouths - and it was imperative that Atlos address those concerns if they were ever to move into the competitive market.

“Naturally,” He said smoothly - meeting Larson’s skepticism with nothing short of a diplomatic, confident smile. “You raise valid concerns, Mr. Kao - though I can assure you that these are factors that Atlos has both considered thoroughly and has methods to address.”

“Upon maturity, Altos Troopers will be drafted into a ten-year enlistment contract with the security Force,” He began. “During which time they will be provided with a baseline retainer allowance, in addition to facility-provided medical care and periods of leave.” It was far more than the Galactic Army Troopers of old were provided, but it was a necessary expense in order to secure the type of public support that was necessary to be successful. “After the ten-year period, troopers will be given the option of re-enlistment or to separate from the company entirely.” Perhaps there would be some members of the security force that took that option and left. Or, more likely, a lifetime spent committed to Atlos and their brothers-in-arms would leave few Clones with a desire to abandon the only thing they’d ever known.

“This would be the standard practice for Clone Troopers designated to Atlos’ standing, private security force.” He waved a hand slightly, “Any independently commissioned soldiers - those meant to be integrated into planetary or government militaries - would fall under the purview of those bodies. Treatment and compensation would fall to those clients and be entirely out of our realm of concern.”

“There will be steps taken to polish Atlos’ image within the public eye,” He said, drumming his fingers against the table. “Paid-for, favorable media coverage of military operations on war-torn planets. Reports of Atlos Troopers filling the gaps in tired, exhausted armies. Providing security at a discounted rate to Outer Rim planets rife with crime,” His lips curled up ever-so-slightly as he looked back at Larson. The simple reality was that no one wished to see their own friends and family give their lives in military service - and by filling the gaps in planetary militaries and providing security to needing worlds, Altos had the potential to establish itself as a benevolent - at least on the surface - entity. One with a standing support base to fight back against any ethical concerns or detractors. "There will always be detractors to our operations - but the majority of the public will be more interested in what Atlos can provide and do to better their lives and security. Public concern will dwindle naturally with successful operations."

“Moreover, private security would not be the sole service provided. Medical therapies would constitute a large percent of our operations - cloned limbs provided to those who can afford them, to seamlessly reverse any maiming or disfigurement. Doner-compatible, cloned organs to enable life-saving surgeries - without the necessity for Cybernetics."

@Nor'baal

 

[Larson Kao]

Larson was finding himself more and more impressed with Jaikus, and his well-thought-out, detail-heavy, approach to pitching for business. What was becoming clear is that this new venture wasn't just a flighting fancy of a man with means, but rather a serious proposition, from an individual with a passion to see it through. "Positive media coverage is expensive to acquire, but in this industry, an expense that will reap great benefits further down the line." he replied.

"As for your plans to ensure a continuity in service," he referred to the allowance and medical care being offered to 'new recruits' "- that, combined with broader transparency on your processes, should alleviate the bulk of mainstream concerns. However," he raised his hand as if punctuating his point "- the fringe groups, both politically and otherwise, will always continue to be a concern. I am confident that my organization can assist in all of these respects. As you know, we provide automated services, logistics centers, farming services, and a broad range of security-based services, such as cybersecurity monitoring. I am sure that we can come to an agreement to ensure comprehensive coverage of all of your operations."

"Monitoring communications to assess potential threads, as well as ensuring foodstuff is grown on-site at your cloning facilities will mean you have fewer potential avenues through which your organization could be harmed. Partner this with automated docking and import facilities, and I believe we can give you peace of mind." he added, before returning to the main thrust of their discussions.

"However, we can only do this for you once you are established. So, consider me very interested in exploring this with you. I would be interested in making a considerable investment, done in rounds, with a small sum to start with, scaling up as you hit specific milestones - with this capital being matched with an injection of my own company's services, to enable further growth. Sound good?"

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Jaikus had to bite back a wider smile from gracing his features, listening as Larson spoke once more. Despite his freshness to the Corporate world, the Axxilan had spent a lifetime working in the realms of diplomacy and negotiation - and it bred into him a skillset equally applicable to his current setting. He was detail oriented and passionate in every word he spoke - and it was a trait that clearly resonated with the other man.

“Expensive,” He added, his words flowing smooth as silk, “But easily worth the potential profits gained.” The Axxilan had no doubts about the utility and demand Atlos would provide, and a lack of negative news coverage would only keep their doors wide open to additional business. Atlos had the opportunity to expand into a variety of markets and Jaikus had no artificial limit to where he could potentially take things.

The Axxilan calmly drummed his fingers against the table - feeling the ebony wood beneath the tips of each digit as Larson mentioned the services his own company provided. He had done his own research on the man before their meeting - and Jaikus had considered a similar proposal before it was even offered. With facilities to maintain and armies to feed, it was a service that was undoubtedly needed and ultimately cheaper to outsource, “Fully agreed,” He said with a charming smile. “Admittedly I have looked into the services your organization provides - and I am very interested in what they can offer to Atlos operations.” The Axxilan waved a hand lightly. “I am sure we can come to a very favorable deal - especially given your own stake in the company.” If he could manage a discount to the services provided, Jaikus was certainly going to attempt to score - but it made little different in the long run. It was still more costly to enlist similar services from Blackwell or others, and he simply didn’t have the access capital to be liberal with his decisions.

He nodded along, seeing no real flaw with Larson’s proposal of doing smaller injections of capital. It gave him the necessary funding to get off the ground in the short term, and was a neat-guarantee of funding in the long run. If Larson opted to sell out his shares or discontinue investment, Jaikus was confident he could secure funding elsewhere once operations were stable. In addition to his own profits.

“I believe that is very reasonable,” He said after a momentary pause. The Axxilan was smart enough to keep a large enough percentage of the company shares for himself - whether Larson or anyone else invested made little difference.

“This is the start of a fruitful relationship,” Jaikus hummed, rising from his seat before extending a hand across the table. “Shall we shake on it?” He grinned.

@Nor'baal

 

[Larson Kao]

Taking Jaikus' hand, Larson shook it warmly and smiled at a good deal, well made. "Here's to a fruitful, and profitable, relationship." he added, by way of cementing the pact. Once done, he would walk with Jaikus back to the landing pad - both of them had work to do to make sure their new partnership went from strength to strength.