First Armorer to the King (Meira)

[Latus]

The interstellar consulate loomed against the mechanical backdrop of Coruscant as one small speeder broke from the soaring multitudes and descended, sliding to a stop upon one of the public docks. For a day on the galactic “capital” world it was much cooler than normal forcing travelers at elevation to come and go with full speeder roofs and jackets to travel comfortably along the skylanes. Despite the chill the star shone brightly, glinting gaily off the towering structures which gave them a radiant aura of brightness against the sky. The bright and apparent “cheer” of the day mirrored the attitudes of the men who rode in the small speeder, movement shifting the stabilizers as the engines powered down in defiance to the light cool wind that blew around it.

From the dull gray speeder the rear passenger door opened and a well dressed human stepped out, a light brown overcoat blowing gently here and there and a tan felt cap adorning his head. He carried an auburn cane with a brilliant silver grip and moved with a stiffness speaking of his age while large thin rim glasses decorated the nose before his bright and inquisitive eyes. Turning toward the speeder in over shined shoes he slowly walked around the front of the speeder looking through the front window expectantly until he finally reached the driver's door. He paused there until the door swung open and a grey furred humanoid climbed out, a shistavanen in a well maintained short-sleeve security outfit. If the being was cold in the wind he made no indication of it as he followed the older man who had turned toward the long approach to the building.

Each man carried himself well, even the older gentleman who despite his obvious limp held his back straight, his shoulders apart, and his stride confident. They, two up and comers in the galactic technology market, embodied the good nature and intellect of Northern Monument Technology; Chief of Security Manfred Orren, and Owner/CEO Roland Ricketts. The two colleagues were silent on the long approach to the consulate, Manfred walking slightly behind and to the right at the slower rate of older Mr. Ricketts. Before them the massive building glimmered blue and gold against the skyline as they passed into its shadow and up the long flight of duracrete steps.

Upon reaching the entry it whooshed open with a ghostly whisper and the two men stepped quickly into the stately lobby. A desk was set up before them with a young woman sitting behind it and looking expectantly at the door. Hesitating not at all the pair approached the desk, Roland's aged face covered in a great smile that could have practically lit the room itself. The young woman smiled back at the pair in turn before speaking.

“Welcome to the Coruscant Interstellar Embassy and Consulate, visitors. May I ask who you are here to see so I may direct you to them?”

Roland Ricketts to see King Rook of Corellia, if you would my dear.

“Thank you, sir. Processing.” The girl flickered slightly as they watched her, Manfred blinking several times and Roland paused himself, his smile flickering as briefly as the woman in front of them. At once he realized, however, grin returning as he turned back to his security officer and mouthed “hologram.”

“Yes, Mr. Ricketts, he is expecting you. Fifty fifth floor is the Corellian Embassy. The turbolift is there on your left, I shall call it for you.”

Very good. Come along Manfred, it would not do to keep a king waiting.

This shistavanen nodded but said nothing as he faithfully followed his employer to the wide turbolift doors that opened a mere moment later. Without saying a word they both stepped aboard, Manfred pressing the “55” button as he stepped in and turned to face the door beside Mr. Ricketts. Though the acceleration was hardly noticed due to the inertial dampers both men could feel as the lift was soon racing upward.

Not to worry, my friend. Roland's voice held a bright tone as he glanced at his chief who tilted his head in confusion. There are plenty of other holo-girls out there. Besides, she was much too short for you.

Chuckling Roland looked up and into the face of the furred wolfen humanoid who practically towered over him. Manfred did little more than laugh, quiet and sincere, at the comment. The silly sense of humor was something they two shared as friends but conveniently omitted when work was at hand. Even as Manfred's hand landed on Roland's shoulder to give it a light friendly shake the lift was already slowing forcing him to return it to his side. As the doors whooshed open again and the pair stepped off into a new even more lavishly furnished greeting lobby they had returned to their masks of seriousness, Roland striding ahead with Manfred towering behind him. A multitude of doors were visible in the background so the pair approached the large wooden desk in the middle of the room, a droid sitting behind its well polished boards. Stepping to the droid receptionist he stopped, transferring his weight onto his cane as he spoke barely containing the excitement of meeting a king from encroaching on his voice.

We received the king's request for an audience.

[Meira]

"No. It's not about the price at all."

"Then is it the design perhaps?"

Rook's gaze leveled on the man. He was short, stout, and greasy. His little black eyes were almost impossible to see behind his plump cheeks. The man seemed to cower under his gaze. Rook did not like the man.

"The design is superb." Rook replied, his voice a flat tone that did little to hide his annoyance. "What I object to is buying a fleet of pleasure barges while my people labor to supply the Republic fleet with the warships it needs. I don't know if you are aware, sir, but we are at war."

The fat man had nothing to say in response to that.

"I'm sure you can find the exit?"

As the fat man fled from his presence, Rook allowed himself to slump in his chair as he swiveled it toward the large wall of windows behind his desk. The endless expanse of buildings and vehicle lanes were spread out before him. The capital of the Republic was both awe inspiring and depressing.

Rook rarely came to the capital planet anymore. Though it had changed little in the short time since he'd last looked out onto the city-planet, Rook felt as if he were seeing the place for the first time now. Before he became king, he lived here as a junior senator. It wasn't his idea, of course; his father had thought the position might sober up his wayward son. Perhaps it had. But sitting here now, he longed for the beauty of Corellia.

The consulate did what it could to remind those that walked through its halls that nature did still exist, of not on Coruscant, then on the planets represented there. But it was not the same, not at all.

"Your Majesty..."

"Is that still me?" Rook swiveled his chair back around. The old man standing next to his desk was old and stooped, but his eyes were still sharp as they looked up from the datapad in his bony hands.

"I'm afraid so, my king." He smiled, well aware of how tedious Rook found his crown.

"What is it then?" Rook asked, straightening himself back up in his chair. "Does someone what to sell me some rare artifacts? Or perhaps a time-share on a vacation moon?"

"No. But I can make a few calls..."

Rook laughed.

"Your Highness, Your last appointment this afternoon is with one Roland Ricketts, owner and CEO of Northern Monument Technology. He awaits without."

"I don't need any monuments." Rook almost shuddered at the thought of having a statue of himself being made. He'd sat for a portrait after his coronation, that was quite enough in his mind.

"Forgive me, Your Grace. Mr. Rickett's work is not in the construction of monuments. If it would please Your Highness, might he come in and make his business more plain?"

"I'm not sure if it will please me, but yes, show him in."

There was a sharp buzz at the desk where the droid attended the guests. After it sounded, the droid turned to the two visitors and asked that they follow to the king's offices. Once at the doors, the droid submitted to a quick scan before the locks retracted and the doors opened, smooth and noiseless. As the two entered, the elderly adviser raised his voice slightly as he announced them.

"Roland Ricketts and Manfred Orren, Northern Monument Technologies."

Rook stood from his chair and walked around his desk to greet the two as they stepped forward. He'd been advised many times to maintain a more appropriate distance from those who came into his presence, but Rook wasn't one for looking down his nose on someone unless they'd done something to deserve it. So he extended his hand, first to the human, then to the shistavanen who walked just behind the man.

"A pleasure." he said, his smile genuine as he gestured toward a pair of chairs. "Please, sit. Anything to drink?"

[Latus]

((In absconding with a computer I wanted to reply as it is unfair to start a thread then vanish. I have yet to say it in person; sorry Meira.))

Almost before the elder man completed speaking a buzzer went off from behind the desk at which the droid was seated. The response to Roland's single sentence comment was instantaneous and suggested that the hologram at the front desk had sent word up as it had intended. Glancing back at Manfred, who was simply standing at attention with eyes here there and everywhere in his typical guarded fashion, gave a brief quirk of a smile. Turning back he was about to speak again before the droid itself stood and spoke, its vocabulizor speaking in the technical and broken voice of a machine.

"If you gentlemen would please follow me."

Wordlessly Roland fell into (stiff) step behind the rather ornate protocol droid who led them behind the desk, down hallways until they found themselves before a very large door that one could only imaging held nothing less than Royalty. The trio stopped before the massive portal, the great door not suggesting in any capacity that it would open for uninvited guests. As if to answer Roland's thoughts the droid stepped up to a small panel which buzzed and whirred, a small line of light flowing over and around the frame of the droid. The engineer recognized the scanner immediately, an older but most effective model.

It made him smile in a way that could only be described as technophyllic, for who else would find aging scanner systems intriguing but Roland Ricketts.

As the scan completed the portal lock popped as the droid stepped aside, motioning them inside while the portal itself swung in ponderously. Roland himself could feel the excitement rising in his stomach but did his all to smother it as the meeting of someone of this kind of prestige had to be done with an aire of professionalism to be taken seriously. Taking a deep breath he glanced back to Manfred who gave a ghost of a nod before following his charge into the sanctum of Rook Solosten, King of Corellia. Their first steps in were accompanied by the loud announciation of what Roland suspected was likely the first man to the king, advisor or something of the sort.

"Roland Ricketts and Manfred Orren, Northern Monument Technologies."

As the pair moved slowly inward a form across the room rose from a seat, moving around the grand desk to approach the pair. Roland had seen images of Rook on the holos, news and so on, but in those cases the man before him always looked much more regal. Though there was no mistaking the man however, the rugged yet simple handsome visage held the undoubted hint of nobility while the stride suggested something more. Roland, always priding himself in his observance, had anidea as to what that something may be.

"A pleasure." The king said, approaching and offering his hand to Roland who took it and returned the gesture with a smile. The pleasure is all mine, your grace. The older man wondered if it may have been more proper to bow... oh well, the opportunity had passed.

As the hand was offered to Manfred the shistavanen had to grasp it much gentler than his employer as the size difference was appreciable. He also noticed something about how the man carried himself but there was no question in his mind. He knew what it was unbdoubtedly from the security dossier he had forced himself to memorize. Entire family. Then forced into the role of king. Sad... Majesty. Releasing the hand he nodded.

The offer of a drink and the King was unexpected but welcome as both of them, more Roland than Manfred, worked to maintain a professional attitude. The gesture to the chairs was welcome as the older man, his age notwithstanding, enjoyed to sit when the opportunity arose. Stepping over he replied to the offer, glancing back toward Manfred.

A water if it would be no trouble, your grace. Manfred?

No thanks, sir. I shall be at your call until you finish business.

Chuckling Roland nodded as Manfred turned from the pair, padding back to find an unoccupied piece of wall next which he would stand. His sharp eyes and ears would constantly be at work, vigilant against threats from within and without. Manfred had to admit, his security chief was good at what he did.

The older man waited until Manfred was out of earshot before lowering himself to a seat in one of the comfortable chairs and returning his attention back to the King of Corellia. He would wait until the King was at a point, either before or after retrieving the drinks before he would talk; he would certainly be polite at least. The thought made him smile, mind rolling over this fortuitous situation once more. He would wait until the King was seated before speaking, not knowing where to begin.

I must say it was no small surprise to recieve your secretary's holo for this meeting, your grace. It is an honor to assist the Crown of Corellia in any way that we can.

He paused, taking the provided water and giving it a small sip. May as well give the standard business rundown, it was as good a place as any to begin.

While we at Northern Monument Technologies deal primarily with the medical field our designers and engineers are also adept at creating a wide array of defense and protection applications to aid the people of the Republic. Was there something you had in mind?

[Meira]

Rook's eyes gazed curiously at the shistavanen as his adviser set his datapad down to approach a bar along the side of the office and pour the requested water. When, Manfred was his name... when Manfred moved off and took up a position along a wall, Rook understood. Security. The adviser returned with the glass of water and Rook took it from him so that he might offer the glass to Roland himself. He then moved back around the desk to take his seat as Roland began.

The moment Roland mentioned protection, Rook knew the reason why the man was here. He hadn't gone a day without being briefed, or more accurately lectured, on the importance of security measures and protocol. With what had happened to his family combined with the escalations of war, it was an all too real issue.

What was more, the security droid he'd called Rah was no longer available. Rah was unique, a prototype for all intents and purposes. And there had been a number of malfunctions. He'd been without the strange droid for some time now. It was a wonder his advisers hadn't set some sort of meeting like this up sooner.

"Was there something you had in mind?"

Rook had to suppress a chuckle at the question. It was hard to have something in mind when one was not aware of who was coming through the door. His advisers certainly were taking advantage of his disinterest in setting his own schedule. He was sure that he hadn't suppressed his smile, so Rook sighed, allowing his shoulders to shrug and his hands to turn open palm up to show his general lack of ideas.

"I have to admit, Roland, I did not set this appointment up. Nor was I aware of it until just before you walked through my door." His smile was apologetic. "But, we're both here, and I keep being told my security and protection needs to be stepped up. So why don't we start with what you recommend to a monarch who doesn't like to listen to his advisers, but could likely be a target to any number of really.... bad guys?"

[Latus]

In his seat Roland was practically beaming with pride. With his shtick out of the way it was just a small matter of assessing what the King wanted done and tasking his engineers to it. It was the way most tech businesses worked in his experience and commissions were ways of using outside suggestions or ideas to approach a particular situation. Aside from that it was all kinds of fun trying to, say, mount a medical lining to a suit of standard republic armor and still leave room for the occupant to move around.

However, as his eyes lingered over the King and the man seemed to recede into his chair, his eyes and smile apologetic as the truth dawned as Rook spoke. As the King explained, Roland blinked slowly as his only response to the fact that it was not the king but the secretaries who had set up the meeting. Suppressing a sigh he mentally browbeat himself for jumping to the conclusion that his company had been picked personally by the king to devise a solution to a very public problem. In the same breath he accepted his mistake, knowing that despite the new information NMT still stood to gain through the employment of royalty. As the King wrapped up the request that Roland wasn't expecting he picked up the water again, pulling his cane to his lap in his 'customary' thinking position.

"So why don't we start with what you recommend to a monarch who doesn't like to listen to his advisers, but could likely be a target to any number of really.... bad guys?"

The older man was silent for several long moments as ideas and possibilities played out behind his eyes. While the lack of a true commission would decrease potential profit the ability to market some of his more successful concepts made up for it almost completely. Aside, money was not the goal here but the protection of his "client;" under Roland, NMT was never about the bottom line and that was the way he liked it. Scratching his chin he glanced over his shoulder to Manfred, hummed a questioning note, and turned back to Rook.

Your majesty, I must inform you first and foremost that NMT is not a weapons developer. Our security solutions are primarily nonlethal or prevention so if you intend to kill these "bad guys" then I suggest one of the other companies, and there are many. Roland paused for another long moment before giving his own apologetic smile and reaching to straighten the back of his hair. Forgive me, sir. Just a disclaimer, you see. A formality. Now, sir, allow me to present some of the products that we at NMT have dedicated our time to producing. Forgive the crudity of this presentation as we were expecting something slightly different. Over in the corner Roland barely heard the dulcet tones of Manfred's chuckle. He knew that the Shista always loved seeing his boss caught off guard. It was no matter, however, as the CEO would still have his fun.

Returning himself to a straight seat he sat his cane against the sofa, reaching into his jacket to withdraw a small holographic projector and sitting it on the table before him. With his other hand he withdrew his datapad and activated it, pulling up the holographic displays for a whole range of items. Punching the first display the floating form of a helmet came into being.

This, your grace, is something we have equipped to soldiers of the Republic Army, Navy, and Republic friendly police forces. We call it the Semi-Neural Assault RifLe sensor suite, SNARL for short. The small computer mounted on the helm connects to a sensor node attached to the rifle barrel and transmits data in real time to either a full or half face HUD either inside a full bodily suit or in simple combat fatigues. The node doubles as sights and includes Infrared, thermal, and pheromonic arrays. Specifically for lightly armed soldiers or body guards this system is invaluable for high efficiency work.

Pressing the button the image was replaced in an instant by what looked to be a full suit of combat ready armor. The lines were smooth but harsh, giving the suit a fairly intimidating look.

This is something we have seen a high desirability for Naval situations, specifically bridge repairs or protection of key personnel. Sir, may I present the Defender-class Zero-G envirosuit. The display here is an older model but the capacities have only been improved. In friendly space these suits would survive long enough in true vacuum for allied ships to reach the site of an attack or man-in-space for rescue. It can also double as combat armor both in vacuum and atmo and comes installed standard with a full SNARL system. We also produce a mining variant. Manfred, would you come here please.

Pressing the power on the holorecorder once more it blinked out, the bulky form of the shistavanen moving toward them as Roland smirked, looking the king in the eye.

A third item, one that is easily concealed by the most simple clothing is something that Manfred is modelling right now. In only a moment the burly security chief was standing over Roland's left shoulder. Your majesty, may I present the Eureka Body Armor. Manfred... Silently Manfred reached to the front of his very nice jacket and undid the front-most buttons. Pulling the flaps of cloth away the vest became apparent, a matte black vest located under a lighter over-vest that camouflaged it on the shista's person. As you can see, it fits Manfred comfortably, is light and concealable, enough so that folk wont even know you are wearing it. Against light blasters the interior mesh renders them all but useless, medium blasters would only knock you over. Also, sir, this is a third generation model, one with a little bit of a secret to it that may very well save your life. Manfred, if you would.

Grunting Roland stood, putting all of his weight onto his cane as he moved out and away from the sofa into an area that was free of anything for a meter or so on either side. Roland and Manfred moved to face each other, the latter about three meters from the former. Taking a deep breath Roland readjusted his grip on his cane as his thumb coming to rest on the base of the silver head. Squaring his stance he nodded at his "assistant."

With a grunt and a speed like gossamer Manfred lunged at his employer, feinting to the left with the skill of a trained fighter. Dropping back one step Roland brought his cane up horizontal and rammed the base into his employers sternum just above the neck split of the Eureka vest was located. With a crack of electricity Manfred froze, muscles suddenly clenching and jerking as if he had been struck by lightning... which in fact he had. It was only by practice that the Shistavanen was able to stay up right. After only a moment Roland withdrew his cane and laid it across his hands, beaming with pride and glee at his audience.

I suspect you wonder what that was, yes? Chuckling he turned the base of his cane to aim in the king;s general direction. On the bottom there were two points that appeared to be shiny, metallic, silver. A tazer, my friend. With a grin he turned back to Manfred who was calmly adjusting his tie and buttoning the front of his jacket and brushing off the ash from the two dark points that were barely visible just below his collar. The newest generation of Eurekas come with four electrical compensators, that contact directly with the skin at key locations over the body acting as energy sinks for the electrical frequencies used in over five hundred brands of tazers used by the Sith Empire, Republic, even Mandalorians. It would take two full tazer batteries to overload the compensators, much more than any assailant would expect. Thank you Manfred.

Finishing brushing him off the Shistavanen nodded at both his employer and the King and returned to his position on the wall. Sighing deeply at the successful demonstration Roland returned to his seat and, without skipping a beat, picked up the glass of water and took a significantly longer drink.

Does your grace have any questions? Comments? Concerns, perhaps? And we are always open for suggestions.

From there Roland smiled, completely focused on the King once more. He was almost excited to see the young man's expression and hear his response.

[Meira]

Rook, upon noticing the shift in his guest's facial features, shot his adviser a quick glance out of the corner of his eye. He'd have to have a talk with him later. It was one thing to spring a meeting on him; he could almost understand their reasoning there, he could be difficult after all. But it was an entirely different thing to leave those that were brought before him in the dark as well. It didn't exactly put out a good image of Corellia's government. But for now, that was past and Roland was already adjusting his presentation plans to suit the new situation. With his disclaimer, Rook nodded his head.

"That won't be a problem. Our forces and security personnel are well armed. I think we are looking more to complement." Rook said as Roland paused.

Then the man went into his new presentation, placing a holo projector on the desk and describing the images that came up. The first seemed to intrigue the young king, but his interest in the second was less enthusiastic. When Manfred was summoned over to display the third item, Rook stood from his chair and circled around the desk to get a closer look. Roland explained the vest and its particulars as Rook leaned his weight against his desk. One arm folded across his middle while the other rested the elbow on the first arm and his hand took a thoughtful place under his chin. This was a promising product.

It seemed that the only true means of armor that could be provided to Rook had a particular.... armor look to them that he disliked. Appearing in public while wearing armor didn't exactly put off the image he would like. It was distrustful, fearful. It might have been practical, but Rook did not want his people thinking him to be afraid, not in a time like this.

Roland took the demonstration a bit further at that time, stepping away with Manfred and... electrocuting him? Rook's face contorted, unsure of if he should laugh or call for a medic. But when the electricity stopped, Manfred appeared as if nothing had happened.

When Roland turned his cane toward the king, Rook's elderly adviser let out an alarmed squeak. Rook, laughing at the man, held his hand up toward the adviser in a gesture calling for him to be still. Roland was finished now and Rook was nodding his head in approval.

"That," he said, pointing at Manfred's vest. "I will most definitely take. I assume the fabric can be other colors? I think I should like a whole set. The helmet thing as well. SNARL... was it?" Rook chuckled at the acronym as he moved back toward his own chair. "But tell me this, Roland, does your company manufacture any sort of... oh what's the word... evasive devices?

"I was speaking with the head of my security the other day and he expressed a certain concern that, though reaction times and calm under pressure were top rate in my security forces, they might do well with means to distract and conceal should the need ever arise again that I need to be quickly removed from a situation.

"I confess that I know very little about these sorts of things, but what comes to my mind are smoke screens and those flash grenade things. But it seems to me that these types of things can be just as much of a hindrance to my men as they might be to any attackers. So, is there some kind of contraption your company has made that might, say, work in tandem with those helmets? Or something similar? I hope I am being clear. Again, I have very little knowledge in this field."

[Latus]

Despite his best attempt to hide his levity the reaction he heard from the King's adviser did draw a chuckle out of him. Only a fool would attack a king when he was surrounded by his cadre of bodyguards and, while he did admit something like that was technically possible here, it would most certainly have been bad for business. As he watched the guards twitch he noticed Manfred give his head a little shake as he returned to a casual stance against the far wall. He waited for a moment for a reply and was not disappointed as Rook spoke.

"That," he said, pointing at Manfred's vest. "I will most definitely take. I assume the fabric can be other colors? I think I should like a whole set. The helmet thing as well. SNARL... was it?" Roland watched as Rook moved back to his chair. "But tell me this, Roland, does your company manufacture any sort of... oh what's the word... evasive devices?"

Now there was the interest he wanted to see. Grinning his kind grin he slowly strode back to his seat, slipping around the side of couch to his position once more across from the king.

Yes, indeed, your majesty. The Eureka comes in all standard dress colors and a full set includes two of each. If you are arming your security force you should see a marked improvement immediately. With the SNARL I will merely need a number required where with the Eureka "one set" is quite enough. He smiled, crossing one leg over the other and placed his cane against the side of the couch. With those two systems you will not be disappointed, sir, I assure you. However, evasive devices are a little more specific and- His smile widened. I think I might have something you may like. Go on.

Indeed his requests were interesting. He gave two singular options that caused the older man's smile to fade, his eyes harden and his hand to wander to his chin. This was not an expression of anger or frustration but intrigue; it was him being thoughtful. Two options to aid the king. The first was interesting indeed, a way to extract the king from rough situations among other things. To “distract and conceal” was an odd way of putting it but the idea came up right away... though use in such a situation might limit the use of the platform.

The second concept was one that he had the perfect solution for. It was his particular take on the stun grenade that the Republic had partially adopted. It was simple, it was elegant. In fact, it sounded just like what Rook wanted.

Highness, you are one of the more articulate customers I have had the pleasure of dealing with. No apology is needed. In fact there was this one Rodian who- Roland paused, chuckled, and gave Rook a lopsided look. Fond memories. Clearing his throat he reached down to the projector and began keying in commands. You will have to be the one to forgive me, sir, as I only have two-dimension stills and my words to offer for these.

Pushing a single key the projector spring to life again. This time the item in question looked to be nothing more than a HD photo of a bare patch of grass.

This is a special order item special to the republic. We make them each individually so every system is a little bit more advanced than the last. The item in question is displayed in this image. It is an enhanced camouflage system, the Chameleon weave, and is based upon a proprietary technology. It emits no thermal signature and is insulated against wearer thermals on the interior. It is not effective in movement but well, as you can see, it is most effective. Punching another button the background faded away until only the being was visible, laying prone covered in an apparently dark gray cloak. Waiting for several long moments he would let Rook take his “magnum opus” in before reaching to switch the image again.

This next item is a different take on the flash grenade. We call it the Immobilizer, a high efficiency flash disc usable in all the situations where a grenade could be used but is designed to be thrown farther and more accurately than a normal grenade. You see the design here- He paused, pointing at the small panel beside the finger holes. This is a security design where only the soldiers who are registered can utilize them preventing use against you. A little clever bit of design if I do say so myself. We have an EMP mine which utilizes a similar security design, the ENVI. Quickly he pulls up a final photo. It can destroy all electronics within a respectable range or scramble them for a significant time.

Smiling he sat back, the images slowly starting to loop between the items he had displayed previously. Taking a deep breath he glanced back to Manfred with a smile before turning his eyes back to Rook.

See anything which catches your fancy, highness? Our designers, myself included, take immense pride in our work. We make everything easy to use but robust in design. Do you have any questions, sir? Perhaps other requests?

[Meira]

Settling down in his chair once again, Rook nodded at Roland's response to his inquiries on the vests and helmets. "I'll have my people send the specifics when we make the order." He said, glancing at his adviser who nodded and jotted the note down on his datapad. Rook certainly was glad that this meeting wasn't turning out to be a waste of everyone's time... unlike the last meeting.

Roland seemed to absorb what Rook was saying and appeared thoughtful for a few moments before responding. The king was glad to hear that he'd been understood. He didn't want to come off as entirely incompetent.

When Roland brought up the first picture and began to explain, Rook looked at the image with confusion in his eyes. Then, when the image changed to reveal the figure wearing the cloak, he almost wanted to call the man a liar. He'd never seen or heard of any such cloaking technology. But then, when Roland mentioned the wearer had to remain still for it to work, Rook's shoulders sank slightly.

"I'm afraid that if I need to be removed from a hostile situation, that won't prove very useful." he said, the regret evident in his voice.

When Roland moved on to the next item, Rook's interest was renewed. This was what he was talking about... a flash grenade type thing, but with security measures. He nodded his head as Roland spoke and looked to his adviser once again. The man quickly made his note.

The last item seemed interesting, but Rook would likely have to speak with his security team on it and the flash disk... and the helmets as well, he supposed.

"The ENVI and the Immobilizer seem very interesting. I'll have to speak to my security team about them, and the helmets. But I definitely want that vest." he said, pointing at Manfred with a smile.

"The only other thing I can think of might be if you have products for vehicles. Or maybe something for my offices, both here and at home on Corellia. It can't hurt to explore all possibilities, am I right?"

[Latus]

Leaning back into the plush seat he continued his earnestly rapt attention to the king as comments were made at each stop of his small presentation. Comments regarding the Royal personal security force and several of Roland's less lethal deployable concepts drew little more than a nod or a very good, sir at each turn. Further, a smile, and a sip of water simply left the older businessman thinking that this personal call appeared to be close to concluding. While NMT was an up and coming tech firm expanding into a number of different markets most of their applications were not what King Rook needed. He could rewire the king's personal speeder to automate everywhere it went but that did not seem specifically relevant. The next question from his majesty was a little more... specific and Roland sat up more alert than ever.

"The only other thing I can think of might be if you have products for vehicles. Or maybe something for my offices, both here and at home on Corellia. It can't hurt to explore all possibilities, am I right?"

Vehicles. Now that was interesting. Northern Monument Technologies had something of a love for vehicles. Roland had recently done something of a co-design with Singu-rarity Systems and his thirst for vehicular designs had been whetted for the time being but hardlyleft him satiated. This deserved a think.

Products for vehicles; I cannot think of anything within our developmental sphere aside from enhanced plating, improved wiring, or cosmetic applications to make your personal transportation more "fly"... at least I think that is what the kids are saying nowadays.

Sighing he sat back and brought his hand to his chin in thought. I just approved into development something you may like highness. As you are not only a Republic friendly planet but Royalty and someone MCanfred is immensely fond of...[/color] He glanced over his shoulder as the Shistavanen shot the old man a look like fire, I would like to offer you a glimpse at a design concept that just went to the boys a few days ago. I am sorry to say its rough but my concept artists are actually quite talented.

Reaching down he would begin to play with the holo-recorder, digging deep into the secondary files looking for the particular image he had in mind. On the wall behind him Manfred smirked and shook his head. The security officer had heard no end to the idea which Roland was about to present but he hoped that such a risky idea would pay off; Rook or no, the idea was a non-com project that may or may not float. The company would survive but any big project that flopped would look bad on them as a whole and Manfred liked his job.

Ah, here it is! Clicking the readout the concept art jumped in 2D to the air above the recorder.

It is a utility support walker... well at least for the time being. We hope it will be more than just that in time. Emergency response, disaster support, riot suppression all capable in a compact platform pilotable by a single being. In short, your Highness, it turns one person into a squad capable of handling all but the most dire situation.

Smiling he sat back and looked up at the concept art with something of a dreamy look on his face, his thoughts wandering slightly. He was excited and his thoughts were distracted only for a moment until Manfred cleared his throat. Blinking several times he chuckled lightly and brought his attention back to the king.

I apologize, highness. I get giddy over exciting projects like this. Pausing he reached over and turned off the holoprojector and sat back, folding his hands. That is all I have to offer today, sir. I am happy that you found so many of our products desirable. Do you have any other questions or, perhaps even an idea for a new product? We are nothing if not accommodating.

Smiling Roland put on his best smile and folded his hands again, surprised that today seemed to be going quite well indeed.