The Boss and the Boss's Boss

[jamessour]

It truly was a majestic city. Rose Tower stood in the financial district, one of the wealthiest areas, which would be expected. Rose Tower may not have been the tallest, but it was beautiful. Chris had brought in true artistic architects to design the building and had it put up in less than a month. It was from here that Chris did his business. He ran his banking syndicate, ran his campaign for Senator, and managed his holdings in the Exchange.

The latter was perhaps his greatest joy. Chris didn't seem like the criminal type - at least stereotypically, but he found joy in the deception. It reminded him the theater. He could play and direct incredible events with the galaxy being his stage. Today, he was going to meet with the Director of the Exchange - his boss. Chris had yet to have a formal meeting with the new Director since the business changes hands.

Chris was waiting in his office. The walls and ceiling all windows revealing the beauty of the city around them. His desk was large and majestic, and clean. Throughout the room were various pieces of art, from sculptures to paintings, all revealing the eccentric taste's of Mr. Rose. Chris sat at his desk with his eyes shut. Mentally singing his favorite opera.

@Breeso

 

[Lars Warren]

Lars looked around while going up in a turbolift. He was on Corsucant again, which brought up memories of his past. This is where he began, after all. This is where they left him, where he first had to learn how to fight and survive, and how to escape almost certain doom. And yet, it didn't feel like home. Nothing felt like home anymore. Ever since he took the responsibility of the Exchange in his own hands, he was feeling more and more distanced, even though he met a lot of new people. He sighed and scratched his beard, even though he knew it was futile as the itch would return in a few seconds anyways. He was almost up.

He was supposed to meet one of the bosses, the only few privileged few who actually had any idea what Lars' standing in the Exchange was. And yet, while Lars' rank was above theirs, his power would be nonexistent if it wasn't for them. That is why meeting with them was important. Replacing a problematic Director wouldn't be a problem for them, after all, but the Exchange was too profitable to let it fall apart. And one person always has to arrange the cooperation. Lars often wondered why, or even how did he take up this position, but he always concluded that the best thing to do was to let the past be past and just go with the flow. With that thought in mind, he stepped out of the turbolift and into the office of Christopher Rose, without even knocking. Lars was, as always, not letting his "street guy" look go, surprising many bosses before for not being more... sophisticated. With a nod and a look at the sitting man, Lars cleared his throat. "Ya must be Chris. The name's Lars." he said, extending his hand. "Nice to meetcha, lad."

 

[jamessour]

The abrasive entrance only served as an annoying appetizer to Lars' introduction. Chris enjoyed formality; he also enjoyed respect. It appeared that this new Director did not... No matter Chris thought to himself as he stood and made his way around the desk. A part of him missed Pierce.

His low voice rang out almost to boisterously, "The pleasure is mine, Director Warren." Chris extended his hand to shake, cursing himself mentally for his odd speaking voice.

"Can I offer you something to drink before we get down to business?" Chris gestured to a well stocked wet bar.

 

[The Captain]

(( @jamessour @Lars Warren ))

 

[Lars Warren]

"Only if ya got some ale," Lars stated as he shook Chris' hand and then proceeded to sit down. Lars actually never liked alcohol that much, and he knew that drinking during meetings like this does not clear the head, but quite the opposite. And he knew that people like boss Rose usually have drinks of the highest quality only, not some cheap ale from the street. Lars shuffled himself in the seat, as he was used to harsher material. "I must say that ya have it nice, classy and comfy in here, Chris. Nice job, indeed." Lars nodded as he looked around, examining the office a bit more. This was going to be an interesting meeting, as all of them are, but Lars couldn't wait for it to end already. He has been feeling conflicted a lot, lately. Maybe this all-high position he had was beyond him after all, and he did a mistake. But he had no choice anymore. He had to go on.

 

[jamessour]

Chris smiled politely as he walked to the bar, "Of course, ale is my poison of choice." Slowly pouring two glasses of the intoxicating liquid Chris examined the man in the chair.

"I assure you that all class and luxury has its cost. While it is relaxing, I would not call it comfortable." He carried over both glasses to Lars and offered him a cup. "To the Exchange." Chris lifted up his cup in a toast like fashion.

He then maneuvered back to sit behind the desk. Sipping his ale, he would shift his weight forward. "So tell me, where is the Exchange headed, and how can I support the efforts?"

 

[Lars Warren]

A bit surprise, Lars took the ale, listening to Chris. Well, at least they agreed on the idea of luxury and class. Lars preferred simpler things in life, yet the big ones just went and threw themselves at him. Lars raised his cup as well to toast, then proceeded to take a sip. His men back at his bar also toasted, but in a different fashion, in which most of the liquid ended up on the floor or their clothes instead of their stomach. It may have been more fun, but more work for Lars afterwards - that is, if he didn't hire someone to clean up the mess for him. Putting the cup on the table after a few sips, Lars scratched his beard.

"Well, lad, while the last Director was gone, everything has gone... stale. What is worse, this war is hurting our income. That is not the worst thing, though, as that'll sort itself out eventually. Thing is, the Republic has attempted to do a little dirty trick on us... I am sure you know what happens to those trying to do that to us." Lars looked at Chris briefly with a cold look that was all to common to those making the same decisions as Lars. "They want our help against the Sith... well, we will help them. But I want you to look into the Republic's bank accounts... economy, anything that can hurt them. Ya got it?"

 

[jamessour]

Chris visibly shuddered at the mention of the Republic... "You mean the Republic is aware of operations? How? When?" Even though Chris served in the Galactic Senate, this was the first he had heard about it. If his identity as a Boss in the Exchange were revealed..... He couldn't even comprehend everything that would happen.

"Why would we openly help a side in this war?" If the Sith won, it would be suicide to be against them. Neutrality and anonymity were of paramount importance. To him, it seemed the war would be perfect for the Exchange's profit. It was the perfect cover. Let the war wage and sweep in the void. Chris's eyes focused and narrowed on Lars... if this man screwed him over...

He was visibly pissed and upset.

 

[Lars Warren]

Lars grinned at Chris' irritation. This is the problem with the Bosses which Lars always forgot about, they needed more information. And Lars intended to give it. "Calm yourself down sonny," he said and yawned. "Ya don't know everything. And neither does the Republic. They think that we are some backwater thug organization, which may be called 'the Exchange'. And as I said, we'll help Republic on one front while hindering it on the other. That is why I want you to concentrate on the task I mentioned. Besides, when dealing with us, nothing is open - we get paid, we do the job, but we do not take a side, as our side is always only ours - got it? We'll strengthen ourselves again while the folly of the Republic and the Sith wages across the Galaxy, weakening each other." With that, Lars grabbed his cup again and leaned back on his chair, satisfyingly sipping.

 

[jamessour]

Chris set his glass down, folding his hands together and listening to all Lars' words and actions had to say. Chris had learned a lot from being a successful business man and senator, and one of those things was who he could trust. Often the answer was no one. Chris didn't trust Lars... he seemed green.

"Do not mistake my frustration as being not calm." Picking up his glass he took a large gulp of ale, it burning down his throat and esophagus. "Do not underestimate the power of the Republic, Lars ol' boy," Chris said his name with a blatant mock of Lar's voice. "The Exchange isn't doing well. You need to lead. If you have needs financially, ask. Obviously, I am at work in the Republic - I'm sure you heard of my recent election to the Senate. However, if you don't rally our forces towards a specific vision and purpose, all the Exchange will ever surmount to is a band of thugs trying to make money while their 'director' takes a cut of their profit." Chris leaned forward, "Those directors don't last long."

Changing his mood suddenly, he smiled. He had pretty much just threatened his Director, but perhaps that was important.

 

[Lars Warren]

Scratching his neck from behind, Lars listened closely to Chris' words, occasionally sipping from his cup. Keeping his head clear was important, and one wrong word could change his whole life... and not for the better. Chris was right, and Lars wasn't going to deny that. This is just another test, and the more Lars got through, the more he stopped caring if he actually manages to do it on the next one as well.

"Well, I ain't that old, but other than that... yer right. So I want to thank ye for the... warning? Threat? Advice? Whatever it is, it's what keeps us goin' forward. And with several blades at my throat, I've gotta do all I can instead of stuff that I want. I'll make sure we go the right direction.. . that's why I'm the Director, after all. All it needs is patience, and the right gears doing the right job... in your case, using your influence in the Republic accordingly." After saying that, Lars scratched his beard again. "It's not 'bout money for me. Check my bank account. Just enough to scrap by."

 

[jamessour]

"So what is it about." Chris barely let him finish his sentence before jumping in. "You say it's not about money. Fine. What's your goal, ambition? Power? Influence? Women? Or do you simply enjoy playing the game?"

Chris sipped his ale with his left hand, and had his right hand clenched to the chair's arm rest. He was uncomfortable. Chris was usually able to pinpoint people... but Lars was elusive. It frustrated him; confused him.

Everyone had something they desired - if they didn't they were insane and needed to be dealt with. Wouldn't be the first time Chris would deal with someone inside the Exchange.

 

[Lars Warren]

Lars almost sighed, instead taking a bigger gulp from his drink. Someone finally asked him this question, a question he had been asking himself for the past few months. What is it he truly wants? What is his goal for doing all of this? How far is he willing to go? Why? He was still not sure. He felt as if he lost everything, and the Exchange was the only thing he had left. So he sacrificed his life for it back then, and he is sacrificing his life for it now, even though through different methods. He was hoping that he would save what once saved him, and continue its legacy.

"I..." with a concentrated look at Chris, he kept scratching his beard. "I do it for the family, sonny. Call me crazy, but I actually care for the Exchange, besides all the money I could be makin'. I could've just waved ya off with a 'I have my reasons' excuse, but ya seem like a nice enough guy. What I want is the Exchange to succeed... and succeed it will. But if the gears won't work, they'll have to be replaced... as I do not tolerate failure."

 

[jamessour]

Chris nodded and a grave tone found it's way into his voice, "Neither do I, Lars. My family has been in the Exchange for generations - and if someone needs to be taken out, I will dutifully remove them - even if they are a defunct boss or.... director." Chris sipped his drink, feeling like he had properly warned Lars.

Nodding, "So, what initiatives can I push in the senate to help us? Is there anything you need from me other than continued support and my banks?"

 

[Lars Warren]

Lars smiled at Chris. It appeared that he felt like he needed to have the last word, to be the one holding more power, judging by his constant threats and warnings. However, that did not trouble Lars, even though it was something was wasn't tolerated in the lesser ranks of the Exchange. Still, he understood it. They are there to do the muscle work without thinking or asking questions, bosses are there to provide that thinking.

"Just make sure the war is bloody. I'd like some information, but that will take a long time and will require many boring numbers., and it concerns state-owned industry of the Republic. I want to know about our and their general situation, where to fish and where to strike."

 

[jamessour]

Chris nodded. "Consider it done." He let a pregnant pause hang in the room while he traced the rim of his glass with his finger.

After a minute of silence he spoke. "In the spirit of trust, I must reveal something to you. As we have been talking, the anonymity of the Exchange as well as it's success is of absolute importance. Because of this, I had an enforcer of ours silenced. We can't have members blabbing to Jedi and authorities - it goes against our code. I suggest that we start a training program - taking the thugs we generally employ and crafting them into legitimate operates we can trust."

 

[Lars Warren]

Lars' face scowled, finishing his drink in a go, then placing it on the table. He knew this Enforcer from the days when Lars was just an Underboss, which made search for him that much harder for Lars. While they may have been something that an optimist could call "friends", anonymity of the Exchange was of utmost importance. "Thanks for taking care of him," he said. "However, his babbling had already done enough damage. Along with one... former secretary, which will have to be taken care of. Nonetheless, I agree with you, a training program is in order... I have already spoken about this with a few other bosses. However, times have been hard and we don't have enough veteran Enforcers to train the greens in each of our bases. So, when ya hire new thugs or wish to put some of yours through training, sent them to Nar'shadaa... where Ambassador Nor'baal used to have a palace. We'll send them back after proper training takes place."