Friends? in High Places [Komad Industries]

[Darkwasp]

High on the 901st floor of one of the most prominent buildings in Coruscant's premiere corporate sector, sat Komad Industries' front offices. It was the location were most of Komad Industries clients visited in order to negotiate contracts, orders, and alliances.

Sarianna rubbed her aching eyes. She had been staring at her computer screen the whole day. Looking over toward the digital picture frame on her desk, the Echani pressed her hand to her lips and then tapped her hand on the image of the display. The picture was of a round little face with snow white hair with red streaks.

It was a picture that made the business woman smile; even on the toughest of days. And this was going to be one of those days. Aden Komad had contacted Sari about using the Coruscant Office for a meeting with one Yuri Sharp. She had her people work on the dossier of Mr. Sharp, as she always did. She always wanted to make sure her clients had their favorite foods and drinks available in the conference room. There was quite a bit of information that was conspicuously unavailable on the man, which instantly threw up a red flag in her mind. She sighed at the screen once again. Well at least she had the man’s drinks and snacks. The rest would have to be up to Mr. Komad to ascertain.

Sarianna jumped as her alarm buzzed loudly through her office. She slammed her hand on the noisy device, almost knocking it from the table. Rubbing her bleary eyes once more, she rose from her chair to begin the office inspection, before her VIP guests arrived. She travelled first to the bright white lobby, making sure the receptionists and weapon sensors were all doing their jobs. She still marveled at the video panels that she installed to make it look as though the Office were on the ground floor on some far away planet; not hundreds of stories above Coruscant zero level.

KOMAD INDUSTRIES LOBBY

She then moved to the refresher rooms to make sure they were immaculate and functioning. After that she went to the small conference room to make sure all of her guests favorite beverages and snacks were in place.

Sarianna had specifically picked the smallest conference room in the office. It was elegant yet intimate. She wanted to make sure that the massive egos that were likely to show up were kept in check. She had studied that the large and more open the room was, the more cocky and overconfident that powerful people became. Confident in her setup, the lovely (and now slender) Echani moved back to the lobby to greet her guests. She sighed with relief, as she checked her Crono; 15 minutes before her earliest would arrive.

CONFERENCE ROOM

 

[Gaja]

It was time for another meeting. When he said he'd be coming to Coruscant for business he wasn't lying. After a very exciting meeting with the head of Alda Industries and a personal friend of his, Delun Alda, the next meeting on the agenda was with Komad Industries Owner as well as the Ambasador at their office. The previous meeting had gone beyond well and Yuri could only hope that this meeting would go just as well. But in all truth the reason that Yuri left A.I. in such a jolly mood was the fact that he made a very special purchase, a brand new top of the line ship. Just a little treat for his recent promotion to Prime Executive. Certainly he could afford one new toy!

Standing in the elevator the muscular human listened to a soft tune being played as he rocketed upward towards one of the last floors of the building. His company owned offices on Coruscant as well, though Yuri's logic wasn't that the higher your offices were, the more you were worth. Still though it was an impressive building to behold, though it wasn't quite Pinnacle Tower, one of Yuri's favorite buildings on the entire planet, hence why he has SHI set up shop there. The man was not alone however. Accompanied by a custom made, totally harmless, protocol droid and a Trandoshan gentleman the man sang a song quietly.

"And who are you the proud lord said..." It was one of his favorites and as the elevator doors opened after the ride was over the all in dark clad individual stepped out of the elevator, accompanied by his entourage. Black pants, black shoes, black shirt, black tie and over it a black winter coat. The only thing that wasn't black was his silver metalic chrono, that showed the time on his left hand. They were welcomed by a weapons scanner and a single security guard, who was surprised when he received two DC-17 blasters, after which he left the trio through.

The man was a well known figure in the business world, especially on Corellia. Owner of 'Sharp Heavy Industries', Yuri Sharp was regarded as the savior of the planet as one of the few people who actually employed people in this difficult time. Along with that he was also the host of the recent Grand Tournament held in Coronet, and also the President of a small, again harmless, swoop bike club. Of course there was more to him than just a regular old businesman.= but he wouldn't reveal all his secrets just yet. Seeing the beautiful woman awaiting him Yuri liked this place already.

As etiquette demanded she would have to greet him first. But screw etiquette, stopping in front of the exquisite looking Echani one of the most capable fighters in the galaxy looked in to her eyes and spoke. "My my, if I knew someone like yourself was working here I would have pushed for this meeting to happen much sooner. Yuri Sharp." Offering to shake her hand Yuri's first impression of this company couldn't be a better one. Turning towards the Trandoshan gentleman Yuri said something in Dosh, the native tongue of Trandoshans and the 6'7'' giant turned around and walked over to a bench. He'd wait in the lobby until the meeting was over. Looking back at Terris, or Sarianna rather, Yuri added. "I hope you don't mind if I have my protocol droid come along?"

 

[Darkwasp]

Small lights above the entrance way flashed red, denoting the presence of illicit firearms. The screens of the two receptionists flashed a warning and they both looked up in the direction of the door. Almost simultaneously the security guard received a signal in his earpiece and the alert on Sari’s CIS wristband went off. The guard did his job admirably; moving quickly to intercept the men and politely asking for their weapons. Once security was adequately satisfied that the men were suitable disarmed, he allowed the men to pass; placing their equipment in a strongbox off to the side.

Sarianna smiled brightly at the two men and the protocol droid, as they entered the pristine, white lobby. Though the Trandoshan stood taller, it was still clear that Yuri Sharp was a large man. The pictures that she had seen of the Sharp Heavy Industries exec had not been out of date. It was another red flag in Sarianna’s mind. She had known very few company executives that had the time and the fortitude to work their bodies into such a good condition. Even if the giant enjoyed getting his hands dirty every now and then, how many Swoop bikes would he have to make a day in order to keep up that physique?

”Well aren’t you quite the charmer.” she responded to the man’s greeting, maintaining her charismatic smile. ”You should do more of your homework, Mr. Sharp. There are a lot of great things about this company… and I’m only one of them.” she continued; her expression turning coy.

Sari gladly reciprocated the offer of a handshake; making sure it was firm but polite. She watched, as the man sent the Trandoshan to the lobby bench, before confirming if he could bring his protocol droid into the meeting. A perplexed look fell across her face, as she looked over toward the large lizard-like man.

”Surely you can bring your protocol droid. I guess that makes me Mr. Komad’s protocol droid, huh?” Sari said in jest. ”You’re associate won’t be joining us, or is he just security? Surely a strong strapping man, such as yourself, doesn’t need a bodyguard?” she chided.

The platinum trussed business woman motioned for the man and his droid to follow her. Mr. Komad hadn’t arrived yet, which was actually perfect. That meant that Yuri had time to enjoy his drinks and snacks, before the eccentric millionaire showed up. Aden presented himself in a much more abrasive attitude than she, and she always strived to make an unmistakably great first impression.

She led them up a spiral staircase, and ushered them into the small, elegant conference room. Along one side of the room was a long thin table, adorned with some of Yuri’s favorite drinks and snacks. Sarianna made a sweeping gesture; presenting the room.

”Please, Mr. Sharp, make yourself comfortable. I’m sure Mr. Komad will arrive shortly.” she announced, waiting for the large man and his droid to enter the room and get comfortable before she followed them in.

 

[Wanderer]

"I hate...I mean I really hate being back here. You have no idea. I hate it and I hate all of you," said Aden to his Quad of Reapers. They had finally arrived at their destination and they were now waiting for the elevator. He took off his strange hat, he was always dressed strangely to most people, and ran a hand through his platinum hair. He was wearing what he always wore, the extremely casual loose clothing one wouldn't expect a CEO to wear. But then you could never expect anything 'normal' from Aden Komad. The elevator finally arrived and he stepped on, his commandos forming up around him very close. He shoved one of the imposing droids saying, "Not so close! Damn, I'm not that small. Let me have some breathing room."

As they reached the nine hundred and first floor, the doors open and Aden bolted. He tried to outrun the Reapers who quickly caught up with him, surrounding him again. He sighed heavily as security guards suddenly appeared around them, hands on their blasters. Aden and his Reapers had ran right through a weapons scanner and set off alarms. They quickly relaxed and apologized when they realized it was the founder of the company they worked for. They of course allowed his droids to carry their weapons. As the others left, one escorted him to the conference room. When they reached the doors the guard opened them, announced that he was here, and left. Aden was pouting. He was annoyed at being here...along with the fact he hadn't given the slip to his commando droids. As he walked forward he saw, of course, Ms. Ro but several others as well; a trandoshan, a droid, and the man whom he had come to meet - Yuri Sharp. He sighed heavily again like a child who had just gotten grounded. He stepped into the room and before his droids did, he spun around saying, "I'm pretty sure there isn't an army hiding under the table. You can guard me from outside or I swear, I'll sell you for scrap."

"I'm serious," said Aden as they attempted to enter anyways. They moved another step closer. "Step forward again, I ****ing dare you."

They stepped forward. Aden stared at them and then laughed. "Well at least I know I can program the hell out of some droids. They were hardwired never to leave my side under any circumstances, even orders from me, when we weren't at our compound. And trust me, I've tried four hundred and thirteen problems and attempts at counterprogramming. Their intelligence matrixes are deffinently ready. The upgrade will be installed in ever droid in the series from now on. Ms. Ro, make a note of that. Good to see you again by the way. Nice work with the Tion Coalition and the Freedom Fighters."

He then turned to the others with a mischievous smile. "Sorry I'm late. Well...not really. I stopped for something to eat, I was hungry. It was worth it. Also I hate Coruscant. Anyways, let's see here; the infamous Yuri Sharp, a trandoshan who is obviously more than a bodyguard or advisor, and a droid that if it is built for protocol I know nothing about technology and I'm a fat Hutt. Anyways down to business."

"What?" Said Aden as he caught a look from Sarianna. "Oh, the tact and manners speech you gave me a while back right? Sorry, I forgot."

He sighed and then suddenly stood up straight. He held out his hand looking much more serious and mature he said, "Greetings Mr. Sharp, I am Aden Komad."

 

[Darkwasp]

Sarianna smiled when the conference room door opened, and Mr. Komad stood on the other side. While she was unhappy that Mr. Sharp had not had time to unwind before the eccentric millionaire arrived, she was glad that Mr. Komad was not as late to the meeting as she had expected him to be. Her bright, charismatic smile faded, as the young exec fussed and fidgeted with his security droids. Her argent eyes darted around the room impatiently then widened when her boss swore and threatened his metallic guards. Quickly looking toward Mr. Sharp, the Echani offered an apologetic smile. Her wavy platinum hair fell over her shoulders, as her head sank in embarrassment.

Sarianna’s eyes widened once more when Aden started discussing his day. Her head quickly cocked to one side and her eyes narrowed, in a stern warning. The sharp businesswoman cleared her throat loudly, as her boss continued to speak. Mr. Komad acknowledged her, and quickly readjusted his approach.

”As you might have guessed, Mr. Sharp, this is Mr. Komad.” she began, refusing to let her job of introducing the CEO be stripped from her - even if he had done so; politely and correctly… the second time.

 

[Gaja]

Wasn't she a charming woman. Yuri rather enjoyed Sarianna's reply, it revealed her character and confidence, for not a lot of women would have had the confidence to reply in that manner to a guest with the kind of profile and potential deals at stake, and Yuri liked that. He liked to talk to, and work with, people who had character and guts, not mindless drones who gave the same generic answers over and over again...

Looking at her a bit surprised for a second the human looked back at his Trandoshan buddy and smirked. "Who? Him? He's just a sparring partner of mine and helps around. I wouldn't call him a bodyguard though." A not so subtle grunt was released by the lizard man though only Yuri knew that that was Krix' way of smirking at their remarks. Unless their Echani hostess was a Jedi who had very fine tuned senses she'd be unable to pick up on this as it seemed that Krix was just another grumpy Trandoshan, yet even he liked the white haired woman... The protocol droid on the other hand made no remarks.

A staircase later a door leading to an office was opened by the attractive echani, and even though he wasn't interested in her, like that, he still wouldn't deny her being an attractive woman. Entering the room however he was a bit surprised after checking out the line of drinks and snacks. Who in the world did she talk to for this? Tarisian black ale, Corellian whiskey, bantha meat and more? Some of those were rather hard to find these days, especially the mandalorian ucha cakes! Looking at the woman as he walked in to the office Yuri asked himself just who in the hell this woman was.

It would be barely a minute after Yuri walked over and took a glass of some Corellian whiskey and taking a seat at the table before he saw the man he came to meet arrive. And truth be told, his impression of Komad still stood. This seemed like a god damn fun place to be at! This guy, Aden Komad, had an interesting profile. Very high IQ but was rumored to be eccentric as eccentric can be. Which wasn't necessarily a bad thing either, at least as far as Yuri was concerned.

But the interesting first impression didn't end there, laying his cards on the table on what he thought of Yuri and his little "crew" the Nar Shaddaa native that was Yuri Sharp smirked. Tion Coalition and the Freedom Fighters. Reports matched up, and Aden was no liar, good to know. The little collision of styles was also quite entertaining to watch to which Yuri just raised his hand and shook his head.

"That's quite alright Miss? "Protocol droid"?" Pointing out a little lapse in Sarianna's introduction, which was that she failed to introduce herself, Yuri carried on with a jovial smile gesturing to a nearby seat. "Either way Mr. Aden Komad. It's actually nice to meet you, please call me Yuri. I hate the titles and ranks..." He hated them because he had to remember all of them... Prime Executive, President, Owner, Founder, Underlord, Commander, The Bellator, The Spectatus... if he asked people to use all of those he'd never get anything done... Just Yuri was so much simple.

But back to business. "Anyhow I like what you did with the droids and the place. Though I assume this place was your work?" Looking over at Sarianna Yuri smirked. He was pretty sure that decorating and preparing everything was one of Sarianna's duties, after all she was the Ambassador of Komad Industries while Aden was the genius inventor. "But I digress. Are those droids in production yet?" There would hopefully be time later to discuss interior design but right now they had a meeting to do, which would set the tone for how the two entities they controlled would co-exist in the future.

 

[Wanderer]

"Good! I hate titles and ranks too, unless they provide me with an edge that is." Aden laughed as he sat down at the table and signaled to his Reapers, who each made their way to a corner of the room. He sat back casually, listening to the words as Yuri spoke. "As for this place, I simply supplied the credits. I pretty much let her do as she wanted in terms of decoration and architecture. As long as she keeps the place stocked with Corellian Wine and the Mandalorian sweetcakes I've come to have a taste for, I'm satisfied. But as for my commandos? Yes, they are in production but only for special order. They are very expensive and the most I'll sell to anyone person or organization is two. It's also worth noting that my personal honor guard has more upgrades and abilities than the normal models. After all I can't very well let all my secrets out now can I?"

"If you are interested in buying a duo, I'm sure we could work that out." He sat back and crossed his arms casually. "But I'm sure you didn't want a meeting just to make a few purchases did you?"

 

[Darkwasp]

Spoiler: OOC

There is no head of the table. It's completely square (see picture above). She did it on purpose, so that everyone is on equal footing.

Sarianna chuckled at what she originally thought was a joke by Mr. Sharp. Her argent eyes immediately widened, as she realized that she had indeed forgotten to introduce her self. Patches of pink formed on her cheeks, announcing her embarrassment to the world.

”Sarianna. Sarianna Ro, but you can call me Miss Protocol Droid if you like.” she joked, trying to cover her humiliation.

The alabaster skinned businesswoman made her way to an open seat at the table. She would have normally chosen to sit next to Mr. Komad, but she didn’t want her guest to feel like he was at an inquisition. When the conversation moved to Aden’s metallic entourage, Sari’s eyes darted to each corner in which they stood. Something about the droids always put her on edge. Even now she found herself instinctively reaching for a lightsaber hilt on her hip that wasn’t there. Of all of the droids that she had work with, these seemed particularly disturbing, and she couldn’t pinpoint why. Sarianna’s eyebrow arched at something Aden said.

”Let me?” she queried with an heir of surprise and defiance. ”This place wouldn’t even exist without my vision.” she huffed, with ferocity in her eyes that quickly vanished, as she turned to address Yuri.

”Before we get too deep into business, is there anything else I can get you Mr. Sharp?” she asked with a bright smile.

 

[Gaja]

Wasn't he an observant one. Leaning back in to his chair Yuri's "protocol" droid also moved backwards some to allow the humans some "breathing room", while the truth behind it was actually far more pessimistic and strategical in nature. He would be keeping an eye out for the droids of Aden and in case it was needed react. The highly advanced HK unit that was MOSAIC was actually built by the most brilliant minds of this generation, a Morellian and his team on board the Daedalus, though this info would remain secret and unknown to everyone at the table, even Yuri who never seemed to bother to ask about the droids origins.

Meanwhile the muscular human leaned back in to his chair and Aden and Sarianna spoke, with the Ambassador correcting her little mistake quite subtly, though clearly she was aware that she made a bit of a mistake there, and offered Yuri a drink before they moved on. A subtle, but genuine, smile could be seen on Yuri's face as his brown eyes moved to look at the white haired Echani. The woman didn't strike him as someone who recently became a mother, but had he known he'd surely have congratulated her!

"Some Corellian whisky if you have any, with ice." Even though it was a vile poison Yuri still enjoyed it every now and then. Once the drink was actually in front of him with a polite smile he nodded. "Thank you Sarianna." So that was her name, would you look at that. And yet here he was thinking Miss Protocol Droid would have to do. Silly him...

Looking back at Aden Yuri still had the polite smile, though it wasn't quite as pronounced as it was when he addressed Sarianna. "Just two?" Clearly the number was too low for the man, since two droids could only serve as his own personal security force, and he already had Krix and MOSAIC by his side. So he didn't really see what two droids, despite being heavily armed, would do for him there. But that wasn't really why he was there, he wasn't here to buy droids really, he was here to speak with this man, and woman, and let them know of a few things that they may not have been aware about.

"You are indeed correct Aden. I'm not here to make purchases, I've come to Coruscant for an entirely different reason. Business. And you are indirectly connected to that business. So I felt this meeting should happen before the Sith swoop in and wreck this planet. Now let me be honest with you. My name is Yuri Sharp, and I'm not just some corporate wise guy who invested in the right stock. I have other connections. And one of them is the reason I am sitting here with you today. I am part of a very distinguished "group", which for now will remain nameless, who among many other planets operates here on Coruscant as well. I am not its leader however, rather what Miss Ro is to you, I am to that person. Though make no mistake about it, I have full authority and this persons confidence."

"Now then with that out of the way, I should probably tell you to not get too excited, this isn't some hostile take over, intimidation or shootout. I've come here to discuss your companies business plans and how they won't interfere with mine, so that we can all conduct our business without problems, and perhaps even a healthy dose of competition to the point where everyone stays happy, most of all my group." Not saying the word, Retrade, Yuri knew that both Aden and Sarianna would catch on and realize that he wasn't some two bit thug trying to extract money from them. Yuri couldn't care less about shaking down someone, this was about setting things up for the future. A future that Komad Industries could live to see happen, or be foolish enough to never see the light of day of, depending on how they decided to play this out...

Yuri however hoped that they would play this smart and after this meeting was over they would go back to their usual ways of doing business, a little smarter and a little wiser about the galaxy around them. It wasn't all Jedi and good guys out there. It was a big galaxy and it had entities like the Retrade and the Hutts in it as well...

 

[Wanderer]

"Yes, just two. But trust me. Just two of my Reapers can level a moderately sized base on their own. Did I mention they turn invisible?" With that all four of the Reapers in the corners vanished from sight for a few seconds until Aden snapped his fingers and they reappeared. "Impressive right? I already know it is. I don't need you to say so."

"What?" Aden sighed as he caught another look from Sarianna. "Fine, fine. Droyk. I had more fun before you and my advisors got all uppity about manners and such. But that's what I hired you for and I'm very happy with how it's all worked out. I only hire the best after all. But we do need to talk seriously about a few things soon. Anyways...I already suspected and knew you were much more than the angelic, kind CEO that appears on the holovids. But it is refreshing to hear you admit it outright. I play entirely too many shadow games."

Once he mentioned the group that had now taken an interest in Komad Industries. Aden sat back and became very, deadly serious. Gone was the childish, eccentric Echani. Sitting in his chair was a mature man with eyes like daggers and radiating confidence as cold as ice. Many people were very unsettled by how quickly his mood could shift...and it could often end badly for someone. He sat forward crossing his hands and said, "Let me make this a clear as possible. I am hardly ever excited and I could give a damn about anything's, or anyone's, happiness. I worry about little in this galaxy. Blackmail, attempted takeovers, shootouts, and intimidation aren't among of those things. I've had to slit many throats but I've also saved many. Am I a good man or a bad man? Neither, I simply am. Now that said, I'm not unreasonable. I'm willing to hear you out but never presume. I have happen to respect you and believe you to be an intelligent man, else you would not be sitting here. The fact that I haven't left the Unknown Regions in years should say how seriously I take you. Don't misunderstand, I'm not threatening you. I just want to set the record straight."

"As for this 'nameless group..." Aden closed his eyes and opened them slowly before continuing. "It's interesting you say it that way. I recently had a man captured as he was sneaking around one of my planned future projects. He was professional in every sense, I doubt he would have been caught by my grunts. My Shadow Hands, however, are a different story. Before we could question him thoroughly he took some poison. Before he succumbed he uttered but one word; Retrade. I had my network and some of the best slicers in the galaxy look for this word. But it doesn't exist. No company, book, vid, nor anything else mentions this word. It has no defined meaning and if you ask any linguist. It doesn't exist as a word. I'm naturally paranoid and suspicious, so of course I kept digging. Yet still nothing. Of course...I knew what I had found. I doubt anyone besides me would have figured it out."

The absence of evidence, is not the evidence of absence. The lack of evidence is evidence in and of itself." Aden smiled but there was no warmth behind it. "I put it to you this way; consider the scenario. A man wants another dead. In scenario one he hires a common thug. The thug breaks in through a window, rushes in, shoots the target, and the rushes out. Investigators would now instantly there had been someone else there. Broken glass, a blaster wound, perhaps dirt tracked through the house, etc. Now in scenario two he hire a professional, the best. He sneaks in with a slicing kit, erases the data of his slice, takes off his shoes at the door, quietly and slowly makes his way to the target, strangles him in his sleep, wraps a rope around his neck, hangs him from a rafter or such, stealthily leaves, gets his shoes, and locks the door. Investigators would most likely rule it a suicide and never know another man had been there. But...if there was a seasoned man with high intelligence, who checked with relentless scrutiny into his personal life. Well, he might see the lack of any evidence as evidence that he had been murder by someone with the skill to leave no trace."

Aden held his hands out and said, "Now I find it interesting that you work for a 'nameless' group. In fact I find it interesting you say you are just a second when the way I read you is one who knows he holds the cards. I find it interesting that I was contacted a few days after the unknown man's death and all my searching by a representative of yours. Perhaps it is all just coincidence and circumstance. Perhaps I'm too paranoid and the word means nothing. Perhaps it means everything. But, perhaps we should just get onto our business yes?"

 

[Darkwasp]

Sarianna shoulders tensed as Aden’s Reapers shimmered out of sight. In an almost instinctive reaction, the porcelain skinned businesswoman dropped her concentration on stifling her connection with the Force. No longer able to trust her senses, the platinum haired Echani reached out with the Force; using its far reaching tendrils to feel for the mass of the four machines. It wasn’t until they reappeared to her physical senses that the sharply dressed woman relaxed. Once again she reached inward, smothering her signature within the Force.

Sari shot Aden a knife-like stare, as the eccentric millionaire boasted about his toys. Her gaze was to both prevent Mr. Komad from alienating a potential client, as well as a warning that she was uncomfortable when his droids performed their cute little trick. She again flashed a warm, apologetic smile towards Mr. Sharp. The softness of her silvery eyes faded however, when Yuri presented something that she perceived as a threat. Though her smile remained, the hardened eyes of a warrior rested on the Sharp Heavy Industries CEO. No matter how much she tried to burry it, her Echani blood mixed with her personal competitiveness did not allow her to react kindly to threats; not matter how veiled they may be.

Images of Force Pushing Mr. Sharp’s “Protocol” droid towards one of Mr. Komad’s Reapers, as she leapt over the table imbedding her stiletto heel into his trachea, flashed through her mind. She immediately shook the images from her head. She had been away from home for too long again. This lifestyle was beginning to intrude on the morals and standards that she usually maintained. She took a deep breath, and her usually soft eyes returned.

”Insinuations and intriguing facts aside,” she began, flashing another stern look at Aden. ”There are just so many dangerous unnamed groups flowing through the galaxy these days. When you are a profitable business, everyone wants a piece of the pie. They try to offer protection against the other big bad faceless entities, they try to buy and bribe, they try to muscle and threaten. I’m sure that Mr. Sharp is well beyond all of that. We should definitely hear out what he has to bring to the table.” she offered, leaning back in her chair and turning her attention back to Yuri.

She clasped her fingers in front her, with a thoroughly intrigued look on her face. Before anyone could continue, she stood from her seat and move to the sidebar that contained Yuri’s favorite drinks and snacks. She gracefully produced a bottle of Corellian whiskey, allowing the dark liquid to flow over the ice within the glass highball. ”I’m sorry Mr. Sharp. I forgot to refresh your drink.” she said, with a pleasant smile.

Her eyes watched the protocol droid, as she delivered the drink to the CEO. Its optic sensors traced her every move. She could even tell that it was analyzing the contents of the drink; to make sure its master wasn’t being poisoned. So far everything Mr. Komad had insinuated had been highly probable. However, Sarianna preferred to hold her cards close to the vest. Unlike the boastful Aden Komad, she didn’t want her guests to know how much she knew. The lovely Echani returned to her chair with her attention focused entirely on the Sharp Industries CEO.

 

[Wanderer]

"I understand that Ms. Ro." Aden still seemed cold and strangely mature. He certainly wasn't the cheerful eccentric that the galaxy knew. His steely eyes focused on his Ambassador. "I intend to hear him out. I intend to consider every option."

"Every option." This last bit was directed to Yuri Sharp. He obviously had power and Aden was running through one of many possible futures that could come from this talk. He ran through a few hundred more and calculated the most likely scenarios. He figured out the most likely and then looked out the corner of his eyes back to Sarianna. He had sensed something when his Reapers had vanished. It seemed he would deffinently have to speak with her at a later date. "And I'm sure you're right Ms. Ro, he may be above such posturing but I would rather err on the side of caution. Mr. Sharp, I'm sure like myself you are a busy man. So why don't we get down to your thoughts and business plans shall we?"

 

[Gaja]

And even though Yuri tried to make it clear that this was a friendly visit he felt subtle changes in the mood. This revelation changed the relaxed ambient inside the room with Aden for the first time becoming serious, as did Sarianna, though she was much more subtle about it than her boss. Leaning forward with his elbow resting on the table Yuri listened to the two, his smirk vanishing so that he wouldn't come across as cocky or disrespectful. He wanted to smirk a few times though, the first time was when Aden brought up the Retrade, and the second was when he said that Yuri looked like the guy in charge. Truth be told Yuri got that a lot, even when he was broke and guarded certain men of influence he was often seen as the one in charge by others. Even when he was surrounded by massive Kushari, people tended to address him as the team leader. Even when he was an Underlord and assisted in certain Hutt dealings the fat slugs rather considered him the one calling the shots than the actual person in charge.

He wasn't sure why that was, what he did know however was that this meeting was turning serious quickly, and he rather liked it. The interesting thing about Yuri however was that despite things getting hotter by the second, and by the word, he didn't appear phased. He didn't get edgy or nervous, he actually seemed to settle in a particular mindset, subtle enjoyment running through his body as he felt comfortable around the two Echani. "Your reputation is well earned. The name of the organization I represent is the Ona'bak Retrade. Don't let that word leave this room however, should you do so and it became known to my employer... You would begin a chain of events that neither one of us here would be able to control or avoid, the most important one to you would surely be the utter destruction of your company and most likely all our lives. So take my word for it. Do not throw the word Retrade around lightly, even though you might not be familiar with it certain high ranking individuals in the galaxy are... But we should move on I've said too much already." Finishing that sentence like it was nothing important the Prime Executive really saw it that way. Welcoming the glass with whiskey Yuri simply held it in front of him for now.

The man didn't miss one beat, his heart rate was the same throughout it all as his eyes settled between Aden and Sarianna. Sitting with the two Echani in a room Yuri actually wondered if perhaps the two were siblings? They certainly shared an interesting bond, though then again, Aden Komad was an interesting man so maybe he was just assuming a tad to much right of the bat. Or maybe he was too casual about these meetings and needed to play the part of the big evil intergalactic gangster more believably. Maybe he should have, but he didn't. Yuri appeared calm, for a lack of better term, he appeared disciplined and composed as he spoke. Truthful and honest as weird as that may seem to any outside observer. "Before I touch down on the main thing I'd like to thank both of you for accepting this meeting. You certainly could have denied it, and for that you have my respect. Though I should note that you're mistaken Aden. I wish I was the big boss and that I didn't have to fly out to these meetings and get my hands dirty with everything that's going on in the galaxy right now. I wish I could just sit by a pool, drink in hand, with my vorn-cat taking a nap beside me and work on my tan. Goes to show what being number 2 in an organization means, doesn't it Sarianna?"

Looking at the woman briefly Yuri once more assumed a more comfortable position as he leaned backwards, drink in front of him as his fingers touched the cold glass. "I'm not here because I want a piece of your pie, I have my own and greed has never been a vice that I favored. You've built up your business and that I have no interest in, as a matter of fact I respect it. However the reason I come here is to establish a gentleman's agreement, if you will, between your company and one that will soon enter the galactic scene and will be connected to my company, that being Sharp Industries. I want our companies to co-exist, not necessarily work together but I was hoping there would be no foul play involved, hence why I came to see you today. That and I came to tell you in person to stop investigating the Retrade. As a friend I believe that you haven't found anything, but there are certain high ranking members inside my organization who have deep ties to the Imperium and wouldn't think twice about pointing a finger at Komad helping these new Rebel factions just to see it burned. I may be a lot of things, but a liar I am not. So before we move on, what are your thoughts about all of this?" Of course Yuri didn't mention any names, but both of them would think about whomever they thought about, Tion, Galactic Alliance and Jedi... these new Rebel cells and organizations that was showing up every now and then drew a lot of heat from the Empire... and getting put together with one wasn't good for any one business, especially with how the war was going...

 

[Darkwasp]

A small burst of air escaped through Sarianna’s nostrils; a suppressed laugh, as a smirk appeared on her face. The reaction was in response to Mr. Sharp claiming that he had said too much. Psychology and games of the mind was her arena. Yuri had divulged exactly what he wanted to. There were no accidental slips from the second in command of an ultra secret group. What the emissary of the Ona’bak Retrade didn’t know, was that Sari could care less about name dropping or displays of power and she was pretty sure that Aden felt the same way.

She let the man continue to speak his piece. He had certainly confirmed why there was some much missing information on him. The factoids were hidden behind the walls of some gigantic secret entity. Sari merely smiled a tight lipped smile at the mention of her name, keen on not interrupting what he had to say. As Yuri concluded his oration, the vibrant Echani leaned back in her seat and let out a hearty laugh.

”I assure you that I have no interest in an ultra-secret, clandestine organization, or their extortions and favors. My primary concerns lay in procuring cliental for Komad Industries and making sure that they remain happy with us and our products. However, your Imperial friends are welcome to point away. Komad Industries is a private company, and we make no secrets that we will sell to anyone who has the credits to pay. If the Imperials want to keep our products out of enemy hands, they are more than welcome to purchase all of our products faster than we can make them. I, and I’m sure Mr. Komad, would be most happy with that arrangement. However, if they were to openly assault us, it would highly damage their already strained relations with their recently conquered constituents. Gaining the galaxy’s trust is the only way I can see the Imperium maintaining their control over the government. They can’t afford any negative press.” Sarianna responded with a coy smile.

Her mouth became parched so the platinum haired businesswoman travelled back to the sidebar. She slowly poured a refreshing glass of water. Taking a small sip from the glass, she forced the two men to wait, before she continued with what she had to say.

”As for our company agreement, which is much more in the realm of my interests… I would like a detailed contract stating what is and is not allowed between the two companies. It’s important to detail these things, because people tend to try to find loopholes in ambiguously stated agreements.” she said, with her eyes darting back and forth between the two men. Less obvious, her argent eyes moved to the protocol droid and the Reapers as well.

”Oh, and Mr. Sharp? I would like for your end of the contract to state ‘any and all entities in which, your real and full name, is involved with. We won’t have to mention the ‘Organization that shall not be named’. What are you thoughts about all of this?” she queried, mimicking Mr. Sharps relaxed state.

 

[Wanderer]

"I do believe you said exactly what you wanted to, yes? After all I doubt such an important, secretive group would allow such 'slip-ups' from their supposed number two. I'm not a genius, I'm the prodigy against which all genius is measured. Let's not play mind games. I hate psychology, no matter how fun or useful it may be. It doesn't suit a man of your station either, but my curiosity is sated. I won't investigate any further...for now." Aden watched Yuri and his body language as they spoke. "As for politics and factions? I could care less who wins. We are far removed from anyone's reach. The Galactic Alliance and Imperium have both tried, and both failed, to locate our headquarters. We are a company that makes products to sell. We will sell to anyone we please and our records are beyond private, they might as well not exist. Also I tempted to tell you to tell this higher-ups to stuff it someplace unpleasant, but that might earn me another look from Ms. Ro here. So I will let her finish up. She has an uncanny ability to know what I want."

Sure enough as he stopped speaking she instantly was on the offensive with her Ambassador duties. Sarianna responded with a coy smile. ”I assure you that I have no interest in an ultra-secret, clandestine organization, or their extortions and favors. My primary concerns lay in procuring cliental for Komad Industries and making sure that they remain happy with us and our products. However, your Imperial friends are welcome to point away. Komad Industries is a private company, and we make no secrets that we will sell to anyone who has the credits to pay. If the Imperials want to keep our products out of enemy hands, they are more than welcome to purchase all of our products faster than we can make them. I, and I’m sure Mr. Komad, would be most happy with that arrangement. However, if they were to openly assault us, it would highly damage their already strained relations with their recently conquered constituents. Gaining the galaxy’s trust is the only way I can see the Imperium maintaining their control over the government. They can’t afford any negative press.”

”As for our company agreement, which is much more in the realm of my interests… I would like a detailed contract stating what is and is not allowed between the two companies. It’s important to detail these things, because people tend to try to find loopholes in ambiguously stated agreements.” Aden's eyes watched with just a small bit of pride as she said all of this. But he also noticed her eyes darting back and forth between the two men. Even more peculiar he noticed her argent eyes move to the protocol droid and the Reapers as well. It was a very well hidden piece of body language, anyone else might have missed it. But Aden wasn't anyone else. People were like holobooks to him and even the most hardened solitary person could be read by his silver eyes. His eyes narrowed a bit. Now why is she so fixated with my droids and his as well? It seemed a talk between him and her was becoming even more prevalent. She was surprising him, but there was also something off about her mannerisms.

”Oh, and Mr. Sharp? I would like for your end of the contract to state ‘any and all entities in which, your real and full name, is involved with. We won’t have to mention the ‘Organization that shall not be named’. What are you thoughts about all of this?” she queried, mimicking Mr. Sharps relaxed state. As suspicious as he was at the moment, he couldn't help but to smile at her jest.

He turned now to face Yuri Sharp, "What are your thoughts indeed? She has once again said exactly what I require."

 

[Gaja]

"I must apologize my friends as it seems I've misled you a bit. I didn't come here to sign any papers or anything of the sort. I came to Coruscant for a very specific purpose and I had a few days to kill..." If either of the two had managed to dig up any info on Yuri they might have found out that he was a decorated hero within the Chiss Ascendancy and has been to numerous places in the galaxy touched by war and conflict. A skilled mercenary comes to Coruscant just days before the Sith and the Mandalorians arrive... What could his reasons possible be? Add to that the fact that he worked for an ultra secret evil organization that did in fact have ties to the Empire and the Mandalorians, as well as the Chiss...

Yuri Sharp was here to do damage and as he leaned forward and wanted to explain something to the two he felt something vibrate inside his jacket. Stopping whatever it was that he was doing the man went for his device and excused himself. A coded message had arrived. As he finished reading it the man lost all joyous emotions on his face, as he looked at the two white haired people. "I apologize Sarianna, Aden but it seems our meetings must be cut short. It seems the war will very soon reach Coruscant and I have other more pressing obligations to attend to. A word of warning, leave Coruscant if you can..." As he said those words his partner in crime Shyra and over 1.000 Retrade operatives under her command were making their way to the shield generators...

The Battle of Coruscant was upon then and with that it was once again time for Yuri to don his armor and rifle...

"Good bye, I wish the next time we meet we'll get to discuss something more productive business wise..." And with that the man stood up and with MOSAIC in tow he started to walk outside, whether or not Sarianna or Aden would walk him outside was of little consequence. His mind was already starting to move to a different place, operation 'Land Grab'. Outside Krix was already standing and ready to leave, he disliked places like these, too clean for his taste. So unless either of the two had anything to add this would be the last time they would see Yuri in person for years to come...