Ask Through Many Failures, Success

[Terra Lanris]

Per my new OP template, thread is death enabled​

Terra decided that Sneeve was a weird place. Mostly because she thought the Sneevel were a bit odd, but they were exactly what Terra was looking for... still.

Truthfully, she'd tried something like this in the past with Astria, but the job hadn't quite worked out. She was here because she wanted to acquire a mining contract for mining the asteroids around Omega Station, and she would gain control of this company however she could.

In this case, she'd done more research than she had unsuccessfully gone after Sneeve Interstellar Mining. This time, she knew that the owner of Sneeve Mining Incorporated was already in some hot water on the money side of things, and that was what she was here to do: offer some capital. And whatever else she had to do to gain control.

She'd brought along a contact who she hadn't seen in quite some time. Nymeria had reached out with interest in once again working with Terra, and the Tiefling was always looking for new people. Business was dangerous, and knowledge was power. An information broker would be quite useful.

Terra waited for her partner out on a bench outside the company they had their meeting inside, enjoying the semi-fresh air of the city and hoping things would pan out better this time around. But you know what they say: the most successful people fail more than anyone else.

 

[Nymeria]

It had been a hot minute since Nymeria had worked with Terra. They had been relative rookies back then, and now...well at least one of them wasn't a complete rookie. While Nymeria had been dealing with troubles nearer to home, cutting ties with her past, the Tiefling had been expanding her base of power with Crimson Dawn. And now that Nymeria had finally got her shit in order, Terra had seemed like just the right person to reach out to as she tried to get back in the game.

She found Terra just where she had said she would be, waiting at a bench near the mining company's offices. As she waited across the street, waiting for the lights to change and allow her to cross, she couldn't help but think on the importance of this job. Terra had once offered her a place among Crimson Dawn, and at the time she hadn't been able to say yes. Nymeria had stepped back, but she hadn't been living under a rock, and while she might have to pad more pockets than she might have had to a few years ago, she still had a ear on the pulse of things. But it wasn't enough, and if she wanted that offer to be back on the table she had to show Terra that she was still useful.

"From burning down clubs to running a space station," she called out teasingly as she reached Terra, slipping onto the bench besides her, "how times change."

 

[Terra Lanris]

Terra had to shake herself from her thoughts about what had led her here as Nymeria approached. It had been a long time since the two had seen each other, and Terra was still a little wary of the other woman, but she was optimistic, and she could use some new blood and fixers in her organization.

It seemed like Nymeria would fit the bill nicely, and it would help with Omega Holding's expansion into the information and political sector.

But she'd have been lying if she wasn't at least a little trepidatious about the fact that the woman had said "no" and now come around.

That they have. And from saying no to my offer to a returning inquiry, she said, eyebrows raised.

What changed? she asked, surprisingly direct about the topic and even surprising herself a bit with the question.

Also, how are your negotiation skills? she added, a totally unrelated but still relevant question to what they were doing here and now.

@Wit

 

[Nymeria]

Nymeria had expected questions about her change of heart, maybe not so soon but expected them for sure. Well, in a way it was good to get it out of the way before things got too far.

"There were things I had to do," she replied, "debts to cleared, mistakes to fixed. If I had said yes then, I would have made them your mistakes, your debts. That is not how I operate. You wanted my services, not my baggage." She gave Terra a quick sideways glance before she continued. hoping to see how she reacted to that. "And before you ask, it is all dealt with, there are no strings on me. Nothing for you to worry about."

A smile was her response to Terra's follow up question, and she feigned a hurt expression. "Is that something you have to ask? My reputation must be even worse than I thought it was. But, worry not. if sweet talking is what you need then I'm your girl."

She paused, wondering if the pertinence of the question was more immediate than she had thought. "You do already have an appointment with these guys," she nodded her head towards the Sneeve Mining offices, "or is that where you want me to start?"

@Phoenix

 

[Terra Lanris]

Terra nodded at Nymeria's answer. She could respect people who wanted to clear their debts and deal with their own business. Nymeria assured that it was dealt with and Terra didn't pry any further.

She snickered as Nymeria feigned offense at her question, but that was fine with Terra. She certainly could do meetings and be diplomatic, but she also could be happy to push that off on other people, too.

We do have an appointment, she said, pushing herself up to her feet and heading toward the door.

Carrot and the stick. We offer to bail them out of their debts for control of the company. If that doesn't work, we have the stick, she said. Nymeria could probably guess that the "stick" involved beatings, blackmail, or extortion.

 

[Nymeria]

Nymeria hadn't expected anything else, still, it was good to know that she was working with a professional. In that regard nothing seemed to have changed about the Tiefling.

"A classic," she said as she got to her feet as well, "safe and reliable. Should serve us well." Following after Terra, the duo were stopped by guards at the entrance, but a quick inspection of their records confirmed that Terra did indeed have a meeting, and they were quickly lead towards an office that could have served as a large conference room. The man the office belonged to, the would be recipient of their carrot and stick treatment, waited within. A little portly compared to the vast majority she had seen so far, Nymeria's eyes were drawn to the eye patch the man wore over one eye. She got the feeling that it was supposed to make him look roguish, but in her opinion it made him look like a little silly.

"Hmm." He curtly acknowledged from behind his desk as they were let in and introduced by his assistant, not even bothering to look up from some sheets of actual paper in his hand. It was the assistant who gestured towards seats across from him and left after they were seated. Only then did the Sneevel look up, seemingly a little taken aback. "No one said you were a Tiefling." Nymeria immediately fought the urge to glance towards Terra, her mind already forming worst case scenarios regarding where this might be going. But the Sneevel surprised her, as he dropped the papers on his desk and leaned forward with a sudden grin.

"Tell me, is it really true that you can fight with three swords? Arms and tail?" He gestured towards a fencing blade that was hanging on the wall behind him, a proud look on his face. "I was something of an adventurer myself. Of course, had to stop when I lost this in a duel. What I'd give to cross arms against a Tiefling!" Gesturing at the eye-patch as he spoke, he tapped the comlink to call back his assistant and began ordering her to bring in refreshments, and good ones at that. As he was doing so Nymeria leaned in to whisper to Terra.

"I guess you've got something to sweeten that carrot of yours."

@Phoenix

 

[Terra Lanris]

Oh, it was going to be one of these interactions. She wasn't unfamiliar with the racism that her people often suffered, but she hadn't had to deal with it much since rising within Crimson Dawn. People who had those thoughts had the good sense to keep their mouths shut, but she wasn't on her world anymore. She'd stepped outside and right back into the debasement of the rest of the galaxy.

What she didn't expect was for him to then go on to talk about dueling, sword-fighting with a tail, and his adventuring days. She knew Sneevel were inherently risk-taking creatures, but he seemed to really live up to the reputation.

She forced a smile, still not certain whether this was goodwill or not, but she pressed on and kept her sabacc face on.

Better for grappling, I think, she said. Though I've always been more of a blaster girl myself. I confess my skills with a sword or almost nonexistent so I doubt I'd present much of a challenge for you, she said. It wasn't a "no" but it wasn't a "yes' either.

Aye, but still. I've only got one eye, so it might yet be a fair fight, he said. If only their heads were a little bigger, the two women might have even been attractive to him.

I'll convince you yet, he said. But what brings you in to this appointment. I know that it wasn't to discuss my adventuring days, he said.

 

[Nymeria]

Nymeria kept half an eye on Terra as the conversation went on, unsure if she would have to jump in to smooth things out, or save the one-eyed idiot from a quick death. But all things considered, things seemed to be going smoothly. So far.

"Of course," she jumped in at the first opportunity, taking the Sneevel's question about their visit as the opportunity she needed to interject without being rude, "we wouldn't want to take up too much of your time. We have, for some time now, been interested in diversifying our portfolio, be more financially safe. Given the current environment, war, plagues, extra-galactic invasions, I am sure you understand how at risk one can be if all their eggs are in one basket." She didn't want to say it directly, but she hoped to paint a picture where she was describing his situation as much as she was creating a hypothetical for their own interest in his business, trying to establish a common ground while also letting him know that they knew how much trouble he was in.

"We were made aware that you might be interested selling a majority stake in your company." He had of course said nothing of the sort to anyone. "A man of your financial acumen, it only makes sense that you have seen the signs as well. And who would blame you, given how the mining industry is right now."

With what little information she had, she was more or less making this up on the fly, but she hoped that painting any deal as him being proactive and on his terms might make things easier than trying to strong arm him with threats of him going broke if he refused. Not that that particular play was off the table just yet.

@Phoenix

 

[Terra Lanris]

Terra watched the exchange unfold as Nymeria launched into her pitch to the businessman. He seemed to be watching, eyes flicking back and forth between both women as she spoke.

I've said nothing of the sort, he objected, though his tone lacked the conviction that some might expect of a thriving businessman who had no interest in selling.

My company has performed some of the best mining on world in the last half-century, he said, puffing up with pride.

Yes, you have, which is something that made us interested in you, she said. I have mining rights for the entire asteroid field near Omega Station, she said. It came with her controlling interest in Omega Station, and she wasn't making any complaints about it.

As my associate implied, we're interested in procuring an interest in a mining company, she said.

 

[Nymeria]

Nymeria didn't let the man have a moment to gather his thoughts, and followed up right after Terra had said her bit.

"There are others," she added, "maybe not as profitable, maybe not as successful. They were eager to do business with us, but we wanted the best. But of course, as deep as our pockets are, there are limits to how much once can pay." His voice had given away the fact that there was scope for a deal here, and letting him know that they were willing to walk away might just work in their favor. So she was betting on that. Of course, if he called her bluff then there was the possibility that her stint with the Crimson Dawn might be a really short one.

"Who? Winston? The Khuderas? I was mining before they were even born, those rookies know nothing about mining. You know that movie about the miners who save Naboo from the asteroid hurtling towards the planet? I was the inspiration for that, best miner in the world." Having wound himself up, he glared at them, challenging them to question what he considered his standing among the miners on the world. "If you go to them then you're fools, and why should I do business with fools"

Nymeria smiled at that, and gave Terra a look before continuing. "Yes, we would be fools to go to them. That's why we came to you. So, why don't we talk business, one smart miner," she gestured at Terra, before turning back to him, and gesturing to him, "to another."

@Phoenix

 

[Terra Lanris]

Terra was impressed, sitting back and watching the show unfold as Nymeria went to work on the man. She was quite good at this, and the Tiefling made a mental note to send her on all these kinds of jobs in the future. Whether it was learned or she was a natural, the payout was impressive.

We're willing to come in as investors in your company. As I understand it, even a minor of your skill has come under some unfair exploitation by the banks, she said, playing into the fact that he was likely bitter about the Banking Clan squeezing him for his funds. The reality was that he needed them as well or he would lose his entire company.

We'll purchase 51% of your stock at 2x its current asking price, she said. It was a diplomatic way of saying she'd control his company but he'd have the money to pay off his loans and then still have money left over. It was likely the best deal he'd heard in a long time, but... pride was pride. She wasn't sure if he would bite or if Nymeria might have to soothe some more ruffled feathers.

 

[Nymeria]

Nymeria liked the one-two punch they had delivered to the Sneevel, but she kept her eyes on him to see how he reacted to their maneuvering. The offer really was too good to turn down, but there was no telling how he would react.

"You..." They could see his jaws clench and un-clench as he processed their offer. "And where would that leave me? Pushed out of my own company, you think I'm just going to let you do that?"

Nymeria wanted to sigh, wondering why these things never went smoothly. They all knew how this was going to end, so why did he have to waste their time with his posturing? "It would leave you rich, free to do whatever you want. Go on adventures, continue working with us, retire, whatever you want. You will have a long, and prosperous life, and never again have to worry about credits. Beholden to no-one."

He looked up at the last bit, and for a moment it seemed like he was about to snap back at her, but he controlled himself. He was quiet for a few moments, before finally settling back into his chair and moving his head in a resigned nod.

"Very well."

@Phoenix

 

[Terra Lanris]

Terra watched the wheels turning, and she mentally thanked Nymeria once again for her quick wit and smooth tongue. The man had his pride, but ultimately, he would be very wealthy. And people could give up a great deal in order to be very wealthy.

She had no doubt that given time, this investment would pay off many times over, but until then, she would be keeping a very close eye on the company.

I think you may find we're quite profitable business partners, she said with something close to a warm smile. She stood and extended a hand to him, which he begrudgingly took and they shook.

I'll have papers drawn up to send over to you shortly. Who knows, you may even get that Tiefling duel after all. Or maybe you'll teach me a thing or two, she said. After a few more pleasantries, she and Nymeria turned to leave, heading back out to the street.

Very nice work. Do you think he'll work with us willingly? she asked, curious about Nymeria's read on the situation.