Ask Partnerships

[Ceris Odrosess]

Taanab
TAC HQ
14:00 GST


With her military reputation slowly but surely growing, especially with the help of Senator Vaisra, Ceris sought new horizons. She dabbled in business deals here and there, and held some stocks in companies. This time however, she was seeking a much bigger business opportunity. On Coruscant, Ceris saw an ad for TAC, and researched it out of curiosity. It seemed to be a noble and promising company, and Ceris wanted to take part in it. After many holonet mails and transmissions, Ceris finally worked out a meeting with the directors of TAC, and soon would be on her first personal business trip.

Arriving at the headquarters of the company, Ceris was kindly greeted by many workers and was first given a tour of the facility. It was clean, organized, and had a modern charm to it. The tour allowed her to see local farms, droid manufacturing stations, terraforming machinery, and some small, but neat, facets of the facility. Her favorite was the automatic cola slushy maker. Eventually she was brought into a meeting room, where the three directors were waiting. One of them got up and walked over to her, offering to shake her hand; Ceris took the offer. "It is a pleasure to meet you Captain Odrosses, I am Calvo Speen, the Executive Director. Behind me is the membership director, Jamal RaKeNar, and the operations director, Hisporis Tlath. Please have a seat."

The three men sat at one end of the table, while Ceris sat on the opposite end. "It is a pleasure to meet all of you as well. I apologize if you were expecting documents regarding my proposal today; I wanted everything to come out of my mouth first, as to be as direct as possible." The executive director raised his hand slightly "No worries Captain. We are currently waiting on Senator Hergalor to arrive. As you may know, he is our functionary, and aided us in our proceedings. I'm unsure if you are familiar with the man, but he should be here shortly." Ceris remembered hearing the name when she attended the Galactic Senate meeting just a week prior. "I have not met with him personally, but I am aware of who he is."

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Hergalor]

He was running late to his own meeting. Not the first time, but it was a pattern he hoped he wouldn't continue. He had snuck out in the wee hours of the morning, eschewing his personal staff and security, to get an early morning cast off at one of Taanab's few fishing holes. Without his assistants to constantly badger him about his schedule, though, he lost track of time; he rushed back to TAC's large headquarters still covered in fly-fishing garb. He burst through the pristine floors sloshing water and mud as her hurried towards the conference room. He even missed an opportunity to grab tea from the office kitchen.

He looked into the room - Mr. Speen and Mr. RaKeNar were already meeting with their client. He took a moment to reexamine her portfolio - a Captain in the New Republic's Navy, she had a distinguished career of service for such a young woman. Recently, she had won the approval of Senator Jin Vaisra, a powerbroker and king-maker in the New Republic. A snake in the grass from deep in the Core. Had they set their fangs upon Taanab?

"Captain Odrosess. It's not often we are greeted by members of the New Republic's own Officer Corps." The tone rendered through his translator was friendly, but the narrowing of his eyes confirmed there was some degree of suspicion from him. "You've had the opportunity to meet Mr. Speen and Mr. RaKeNar. I am Senator Hergalor togTherador." He let out a slight chuckle. "It looks like you've assembled the top brass of our fine Cooperative today." He took off his fishing vest, resting it atop the center seat of the conference room and he took a seat.

He crossed his fingers. "I'm not much of a man for small talk. Would you mind kicking us off? TAC's fine leaders have already expressed interest in your application, but perhaps you could present your ideas to us here, in person?"

@Altaria

 

[Ceris Odrosess]

"It is a honor to meet you, Senator." While the Senator's eyes were narrowing, Ceris simply smiled. She was a bit put-off by the fact that he was dirty and wearing what appeared to be a fishing outfit, but she assumed that F.W.A. Senators were just more laid-back than New Republic ones.

Ceris stood from her seat, holding her personal datapad in her other hand. "As it may be clear to you all, I am here for more than just a simple membership. I am looking to pursue a large partnership with your company, but first..." she paused briefly "I believe some of you may have concerns with me being a part of the New Republic military. I would like to set the record straight, and inform you that I am not here as 'Captain Odrosess: officer for the New Republic Navy. Instead, I am simply here as Ceris Odrosess from New Alderaan, which as you may know, is a planet within F.W.A. space. However you may still refer to me as Captain if it is more comfortable to do so."

Giving a warm smile to the group, it was important for Ceris to establish that she was simply here for personal business. "With that out of the way, let me introduce to you the topic of my proposal. I would like to establish TAC partnered business, farms, and facilities on the planet of New Alderaan. In return however, I would like ownership of these farms and facilities on New Alderaan, and a 15% stake in the company." Ceris paused once again to let them take in her proposal, but she would continue before they could question her. "I would like to lay out a few things first for my proposal, starting with some context on New Alderaan itself. Currently the planet's main export is crafted-goods and art. There is some farmland, but usually it's just local people trying to make a living for themselves."

Ceris took a moment to scroll through her datapad "However, New Alderaan makes up for this lack of farmland with abundant resources. We have dense uninhabited forests in which the wood can be taken, used for profit or for construction, and replaced with large farms. We have an abundance of metals that are still being mined; these can be used for profit or to help build facilities, machinery, and more. We have many rivers which can be used as a renewable source of power for facilities and to assist in cultivating land. The location of New Alderaan is also benefical, in that they are close to Ossus and Mon Calamari, which are great trading partners. New Alderaan could act as a middle-man in some way."

Wrapping up her proposal, Ceris placed the datapad down and placed both arms behind her back. "Now, as a honest woman I must confess there are some initial problems. First, a great deal of land will have to be terraformed, however, New Alderaan will never be able to reach the point that Taanab is at. Secondly, the initial setup of supplies, workers, and the construction of facilities will be difficult. Lastly, will the people be fine with TAC products and services on the planet?" Ceris smiled "but I have a solution to those concerns. First, most of the land that will need to be terraformed is already uninhabited. Also, most of those lands, such as the forests, have resources we can gain and use as profit or other means. So what we lose in the cost of terraforming, we can regain. Secondly, I am willing to offer assistance in delivering and setting up the necessary resources on New Alderaan in order for TAC to set foot there. Lastly, I am certain the people of New Alderaan will open up to TAC. Before Alderaan was destroyed, it was a beautiful planet that also had many farmlands such as Taanab. I am certain that the local farmers, and many others, will quickly join TAC upon seeing the creation of large farms."

"There is one last thing I would like to mention." Ceris knew deep-down that New Alderaan wasn't the perfect location, but had good enough qualities to be considered. She had something else up her sleeve to pile on top "I know I said I did not come here as Captain Odrosess, which is true. However, that does not mean that I can not help as a member of the New Republic. If interested, I could help TAC form relationships and partnerships with core planets, especially Coruscant." The nail in the coffin; Coruscant was one of if not the largest planets in the entire Galaxy. Having TAC affiliated businesses there would be beneficial.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Hergalor]

Hergalor and the gathered executives listened with intent. Captain Odrosess was an interesting woman, and her thinking was in line with the direction TAC wished to grow. Taanab was constrained by its own size, but its agricultural interests were ever-expanding. Offworld growth could benefit Taanab's interests - but it was a delicate game to play. How could you remain the Taanab Agroecological Cooperative if business would be coordinated outside Taanab's borders? There was a necessary balance - Taanab would have to remain in control, of course, but growth could only happen off world.

An operation in New Alderaan could be an excellent test into those waters. The political situation with the Sith at the border was...volatile, of course, but solutions were beginning to present themselves. It could be a decent test, an appraisal of TAC's capacity to operate off-world. And in exchange for her cut, Ceris offered inroads into the New Republic's markets. It was a shrewd maneuver, and it could payoff.

But the board had questions. Hisporis spoke first, checking her notes again as she re-appraised the project. "Thank you for the presentation, Miss Odrosess. You've presented an interesting opportunity." It was the truth. "I have a number of questions. First, what do you know of this developable land on New Alderaan? Do you own it by right, or have a seller who has had written intention of selling this land to you?" To the point. It was a nice idea, but it was largely moot if there was no plan to acquire the land to develop in the first place.

Her question inspired Hergalor, who added a followup before Captain Odrosess could respond to the first question. "I'm curious about your relationship with New Alderaan and Coruscant. Obviously, you are a public servant to the New Republic; none here would question your honor." Not out loud, at least. "To me, though, there appears to be a conflict of interest. One cannot serve two masters - and between New Alderaan, Taanab, and the New Republic, that would be three. How would you address this conflict?"

He left it open for her to interpret. At the very least, she had presented an interesting idea. If she answered in a way deemed unsatisfactory, the circling sharks of TAC could always steal the idea and cut her out of it. But, if she showed discernment, she could be a valuable asset for TAC to leverage.

@Altaria

 

[Ceris Odrosess]

Ceris was a bit relieved that these were their only questions. She picked up her datapad from the table to read off of it "To answer director Hisporis first, about 35% of the land on New Alderaan is unowned; the rest is held by citizens or the government. Within that 35%, 25% is made up of forests; the 10% is made up of mountainous and swampy regions." She lowered the datapad to speak directly to the board this time. "I'll further expand on this next part when I get to the Senator's question, but my grandparents own a very large estate with already available farmland. Although the Alderaanian nobility is no longer a thing, my family comes from a long line of nobles on the planet; before Alderaan was destroyed, my grandparents owned large farms."

"It won't be hard for me to find some land to buy either, I have more than enough credits to do so, and I think many of the local farmers would be willing to sell their land if they were convinced they would have stability. Out of everything I mentioned, only one thing would create some extra steps: the rivers. The rivers of New Alderaan are under government ownership, however, we are able to get sanctions to use the river. Since both planets are a part of the F.W.A. I figured it may not be too difficult to get these sanctioned for use."

So far Ceris was feeling pretty good. "Now for the Senator's question; I am primarily here as Ceris Odrosess from New Alderaan. I spent a fair share of my life on New Alderaan and I have emotional and personal connections to the planet. However I am not serving the Alderaanian government with this partnership. I am serving myself, and the people of New Alderaan. For Coruscant, I am merely offering assistance to expand your reach there, simply because I have the ability to do so." Ceris paused "and for Taanab, well, I'm not too worried about what occurs here." a rather slight compliment. Ceris simply smiled and let them interpret what she meant. "In short, there is no conflict of interest. New Alderaan is where my personal business interests are, and I guess Taanab as well. Coruscant, and the New Republic as a whole, is where my occupational interests are."

"I would like to remind all of you that this is a willing partnership. Currently, there is nothing stopping me from buying the land completely for myself and using it for myself." Her tone was a bit stern, and a bit threatening. As if she was daring them to do her wrong. "However, I've taken interest in your company and your cause has grown on me emotionally. I am also your key to the Coruscant market, and I don't mean just the slums. While it may be a slow process for now, take a moment to imagine the future possibilities. I am still young in my career, and have little to no renown; yet I can get you connections to some higher-level brass. For example, my very own parents which live and work at the most upper-levels of Coruscant. Imagine what I could do for you if I'm a Fleet Admiral, or even better, the Grand Admiral of an entire sector." Ceris wouldn't give them the chance to take her lightly. She would these TAC sharks she isn't a mere fish, but an entire Sando aqua monster.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Hergalor]

Two prompt, appropriate responses. The board nodded in response. Speen took the first opportunity to speak.

"Let's not get too far ahead, here. You have developable land on your family's estate and leads on small farms we could expand into." He clapped his hands. "That's a good start. We could send a surveying team out to your familial property, and use the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of New Alderaan's development potential." Having wide tracts of developable land was, of course, a boon; purchasing unused, governmental, or otherwise protected land would necessitate a conversation with New Alderaan's outspoken senator, Nicolas Clement. A notorious boyscout who would, undoubtedly, put his people's intrerests above the profit motive. It wouldn't be impossible, but it wouldn't be simple either; walking in with a solid plan would be necessary.

Jamal RaNeKar was next. "It's interesting - some of our larger members been looking for a foothold for production in the Outer Rim. There's interest in trying some more commercial food forestry design; harvest from an overlayer of fruiting trees and an underlayer of vegetable crops." He looked at his dataphone at a profile of New Alderaan's land uses, confirming the report from Cedris. "It's a unique opportunity you're presenting here."

"As a rule," she narrowed her gaze towards RaNeKar, "we try to avoid terraforming-heavy projects outside of ecological remediation sites. It's a higher-risk investment, and the effect on host world's ecosystems can be too much for governmental approval." The ecological disturbance that terraforming incurred could destroy an entire ecosystem, if improperly done. It was a delicate balance to walk, heavy industrial activity towards a sustainable ecological endpoint.

As the trio of executives began to chatter, Hergalor tsk-tsk'ed at her final points. "You have overplayed your hand, Captain Odrosess. You are still a young captain; your career is not yet determined. Taanab has fed your worlds, the entire Perlimian Trade Route, for thousands of years. We are quite old, here." A dragon on the hoard. He waved a hand before she could protest, continuing to speak with only a miniscule pause. "But such tact is only learned with the experience, the mentorship, that organizations such as our own can offer you." The three directors took a moment to whisper amongst themselves, before Speen gave a purposeful nod towards Hergalor.

Hergalor, in turn, gestured to the door. "Let's leave the directors some time to discuss your application in private. I can give you a tour of the facilities here, in the meantime, and we can circle back here when they're ready." He rose from his seat. "Perhaps you can tell me a little more about this farm."

@Altaria

 

[Ceris Odrosess]

Despite his appearance, the Senator was tactful, and she could tell he definitely believed so. Although, she wouldn't put him on par with Senator Vaisra. Ceris wanted to laugh at his response to her final points, but she managed to hold it in and keep a plain face. "Perhaps I can." Ceris said in response to the Senator before stepping out of the room.

She waited for the Senator to step out and the door to close. Then she began to walk down the large corridor "If it is to ease your mind and soul, I'll let you believe you are chaining me. However, I am curious as to how one can tell when a hand is overplayed, when he has only seen a single card out of the deck. Although I would like to not make this a competition of who can leverage who, rather a friendship between myself and your organization." Ceris still had the large planet of Cyborrea, with extremely large amounts of untapped land and resources, slowly falling into her grasp. Albeit she still had Senator Vaisra fighting for it as well.

"Moving on," she wouldn't let the Senator add anything; Silly qualms were to be kept in the Galactic Senate, not during business meeting. "The farm outside my grandparent's estate hasn't been used in a few decades or so. They've grown old and decided they didn't want to keep up with it and hiring people so they just live off of the money they've earned already. The land that was used to farm was roughly 15-20 acres. I know that isn't a lot, especially compared to what you have here, but it was what they were happy with on New Alderaan. I'm certain I can find local farmers who would want to work on that land once again; many of them have worked for my family for centuries."

Ceris noticed the automatic-cola-slushy maker and quickly walked towards it to get one for herself. "There's probably another problem you're thinking about" she paused to take a sip of her slush "and that's how to handle Nicolas Clement. Fortunately it shouldn't be too much of a problem until it comes to terraforming, but even then it shouldn't be a big deal." she paused again to take another sip. "I can purchase all the land under my name, and set up everything with your organization's help of course. If any questions are asked, I can simply state I am a member of TAC."

Taking a final slurp of her slush, Ceris threw the cup away in a nearby trash bin. "New Alderaan law allows me to cut down any trees on land I purchase, meaning we can clear out some of the forests. The only thing Senator Clement can fully intervene with is the usage of the rivers, and if any actual terraforming of the planet occurs. Other than that, he can't interfere much with business on private property."

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Hergalor]

Hergalor declined to respond to her further barbs. He was not one for witty repartee, especially outside of the floors of the Senate. No, what he valued was not power or connections or the sharp tongue that those with both often had, but discretion.

He decided to employ his own discretion. How would he describe the dealings with the Sith Empire that TAC was processing? Light treason? And when TAC inevitably started to use its new holdings in New Alderaan to ship to the Sith, how would the New Republic's military staff respond? Surely, there would be some punishment for dealing directly with the enemy - whether knowingly or unknowingly.

Hergalor assumed she'd be able to solve this problem on her own. "Yes, I believe a business relationship is appropriate." Hergalor had little need for new friends or the implied trust that surrounded the term. They would work together towards mutual profit, TAC can provide capital, land development, farm management. With your consultation, of course, TAC would be empowered to do what it does best - create high-value farms with enormous harvests. Growing money trees, one could say." Surely, her station in the New Republic's Navy would keep her away from the day-to-day operations of a farm. That is where TAC excelled; she could have as much or as little input as she wanted, and a share of the profits, as long as the farms remained profitable.

"In return, you provide a public face for us to the markets of New Alderaan, Coruscant, and whatever other opportunities emerge." The other cards she held in her hand could benefit

He waved a hand at the topic of ownership. It was not quite as simple as purchasing land under one's name; to legally invest in another world, especially to subtly do so, involved a great deal of showmanship from lawyers. Real estate limited partnerships would have to be formed with local developers, who could be found through proposals at a different level. Parcels would be subdivided and reattached in strange ways for taxes and zoning purposes, each owned by a legally unique company likely known as 'New Alderaan Farms LP' or 'NA Farms LP' or any other number of nondescript names that could pass a smell teste as a legal organization. Tax credits, corporate partnerships, government connections would need to be leveraged. It was a large undertaking, at any level.

"I can sense your eagerness, and I appreciate it. This is a slow process, though; it will take time to get even one farm off the ground, let alone the terraforming of a entire chunk of a world." Hergalor followed slowly as she spoke. "It is not just a matter of law we must settle with Senator Clement. Among our worlds, there is a senatorial prerogative; an unspoken but acknowledged rule that each Senator has absolute jurisdiction over their world. If I were to work in New Alderaan under Senator Clement's nose, and if he did not appreciate it, he could slow down Taanab's trade to the Outer Rim." An undesirable outcome.

"Besides, you may appreciate the opportunity to meet Clement. More friends in high places." He took a moment to pause at one of the glass windows of the office, staring across Taanab's many grassy plains. "You know, Captain Odrosess, ecological restoration is one of TAC's many services. With the levels of violence that fleets can unleash upon the galaxy, this is a quite valuable service." Terraforming after orbital bombardment could help return a world to productive use rapidly; growing conflict between the galaxy made this market all the more profitable. "If there is ever an opportunity for you to share, perhaps, ideas of upcoming zones of naval conflict in the Galaxy, your services would be greatly appreciated and rewarded." Sharing confidential information about the New Republic Navy's movement of troops and upcoming attacks might be illegal. But, much like the dealings with the Sith, it was light treason.

@Altaria

 

[Ceris Odrosess]

The Senator made some sense, Ceris couldn't disagree. Although she never had the need to meet Senator Clement before, it would be beneficial to establish a relationship. Hergalor's concern about maintaining good terms with Clement was understandable as well.

Ecological restoration was also interesting, and Ceris could use the idea to establish a relationship with the chancellor. However, the chancellor has learned his lesson about orbital bombardment after the events that occurred at Denon. The likelihood of repeating the same action, was very low. On the other hand, Ceris could use this service to help planets that faced destruction by the hands of other bodies.

Everything sound well, that is, until the Senator's last comment. Ceris' eyes widened, "Are you suggesting that I commit treason?" a wicked smile began to form on her face.

There would be a moment of silence; Ceris was a bit unsure if this was truly a blunder. "The casual manner in which you asked, I assume you are experienced.." a sinister stare shot out from Ceris' eyes to Hergalor's. She paused for a moment, then continued "but surely you must be joking. I've never heard of a Senator wanting to commit treason." Ceris laughed; it was slightly overexaggerated, but she still found the situation humorous.

Down the hallway, an intern was starting to approach; they came from the same direction as the room they were in previously. "I think the directors have had enough time to discuss, wouldn't you agree?" Ceris was still smiling, as she was truly overjoyed to get a glimpse of the true Senator. She loved uncovering people's secrets, as it bestowed power even greater than the body: the mind. It was not something she could completely leverage yet, but the locked door was now cracked open slightly. Slowly over time, Ceris will push this door open.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Hergalor]

Hergalor nodded slowly as she laughed and tossed her drink aside. Perceptive as she was to read his true intentions, Hergalor at least had enough tact to cover his tracks. "No," he responded flatly. "I asked for your counsel on security matters pursuant to TAC's businesses, based on your expertise as a military professional. It seemed a right fit for your skillset." His gaze remained steady and sure. "Duly noted, though, that you are so eager to make accusations of treason towards a future business partner." He waved a hand to dismiss the conversation; serious reservations were beginning to form in his mind. An active-duty member of a foreign military who wasn't willing to commit treason to their home country had no place in the decisionmaking arms of TAC. He wondered if she was a foreign spy, sent here by any number of Republic entities to infiltrate and corrupt the delicate balance that made TAC operate. He dismissed those thoughts as rapidly as he did the unpleasant conversation; things had merely begun at an awkward place. That wasn't a reason to throw away a good deal.

And Hergalor wasn't averse to risk-taking, either way. Perhaps this would be a new adventure. He walked in line behind Ceris and the intern to return to the executive boardroom. Once all parties returned to their seats, Hergalor took another opportunity to speak.

"I have some concerns regarding your relationship to the New Republic and your conduct thus far today." In truth, he had considered exercising his veto powers in this vote. The Ithorian was skeptical of the young woman's ambitious plans. Too many unknowns for him, and precious little connection to Taanab itself. "But, I support your application, Captain Odrosess. I believe that you are correct - your connections to the New Republic can strengthen diplomatic ties between our world and the Core Worlds of the Republic. I speak for the board when I say that we would appreciate an audience with Coruscant forthwith."

Executive Director Speen took the first opportunity to speak, pulling out her application file on his data pad once more."Regarding the parcel on New Alderaan, we imagine a profit-sharing and ownership structure relative to risk. Our investors and creditors lend to us because we have an extensive track record identifying, developing, and managing successful farms across the galaxy. By providing our equipment, labor, financial, and technical skillset to this, we also take the most risk in new ventures. With these two facts being true, we will need a majority stake in a future business arrangement. Imagine a 60/40 split - you would still stand to gain considerably from continental development, but this more conservative structure enables us to do what we do best." His stern look softened as he glanced towards the young Captain. A smile formed on his face. "If that sounds agreeable to you, then welcome to the Taanab Agroecological Cooperative!"

@Altaria

 

[Ceris Odrosess]

Ceris couldn't stop herself from bursting out with laughter as the Senator tried to back-track and explain what he truly meant. It was a futile effort, and he would have been better off just simply saying it was a joke. He was suppose to be one of the more refined Senators amongst the bizarre group in the Galactic Senate, but this was clearly the poorest way in shaking off trouble.

The moment the Senator waved his hand, Ceris began to laugh even harder. It was a genuine laugh, tears even began to roll down her cheek. She was learning his tendencies. At first, she simply thought he waved his hand to be an ass. However, she started to understand it was his defense mechanism: he would always attempt to end the conversation when he was worried of the consequences. That fear of his, Ceris could smell it. She knew he tried to cover up, but it was inevitable. His mannerisms screamed fear. At this point she didn't care if she no longer became a member of TAC, because her presence had already infiltrated his mind.

At some point in the future, the Ithorian would surely fall under Ceris' grasp; her hands wrapped tightly around his wide throat. Just as she was planning to do with Senator Vaisra. "If this man is this easy, Senator Clement's stands no chance against me" she thought to herself. No one could ever suspect her, after all she was just a Captain.

Her laughter started to fade as they went back to the room of directors, and before they entered Ceris wiped her eyes. She couldn't help but stare into the Ithorian Senator's dark big eyes and smile. All she provided as a response to him was a nod.

The young Captain's smile wiped off her face as she faced the Executive Director. The deal he was offering was too simple; the vagueness was surely going to be used against her some day. "I would like to add three more things" she stated. "First, I'm fine with the 60/40 split between us with the businesses on New Alderran, however, I also want a 15% split in the entirety of TAC. Secondly, if the venture of New Alderran goes well, lets say after a Galactic Standard Year or so, then I went the split to flip: I get 60, you get 40."

"Lastly," Ceris looked over at the Senator and smiled again "I want to be completely in charge of where all the products from New Alderran are sent to." She looked back at the directors, "Any questions or concerns?"

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Hergalor]

Hergalor listened. He listened as she laughed, he listened as she demanded, he listened as she ever-so-proudly lay her claim for a 15% stake for all of TAC, and thus Taanab. He had misjudged this situation entirely. Yet, in all of this, there would be a learning moment. He checked his data pad - messages from the New Alderaanian and Onderonian embassies confirmed both worlds' interest in TAC's investment. No need to sacrifice equity, after all.

What did Hergalor learn? Trust your gut. "No, I believe we've heard all we need to. Have a nice day, Captain Odrosess. Your application is, now, denied. I'll signal security to escort you out."

Hergalor made his way out of the room without further words. This had been a strange meeting. Next time, he would just holocall in.

/end thread

@Altaria