A Meeting of Grandiose Importance (Open, Borosk)

[Fusion]

Inside the large, well-defended, yet architecturally aesthetic compound on Borosk's surface, Myra Subach waited at the head of a boardroom table. The time had come to present potential investors and buyers with the latest material Subach-Innes had to offer. Sales of the Angel-Class Scout Fighter were few and far-between, and while improvements to the design were being made, newer products would need to sustain the company until then.

As such, here she sat. With a holoprojector sitting in front of each seat at the table, and a series of datadisks in front of her, she focused in her mind on what she would say and do during this presentation. Many people from various companies and groups had been invited, and truthfully, she did not know who would accept the presentation. Thus, she decided to lay out the basics of starfighter and starship designs, specifications, and weaponry. Whatever she could get people to invest in Subach Industries, she would, and if they bought from them, all the better.

Thus, she sat and began the waiting process, kicking back with a bottle of mineral water in her hand.

I hope people get here soon...

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

Aerith Vand emerged from her yacht, stepping down the ramp and onto solid ground with all the regal poise of her upbringing. While externally she was an attractive woman who seemed well-mannered, polite, and honest, albeit slightly less than brilliant, internally she was much different. Beating under the grey-green silk dress she wore was a calculating heart, and her mind was as cold and keen as the naked blade of a sword. It was a sharp blade hidden in a scabbard.

As the Sith Aristocrat and Criaxan Business Magnate progressed down the ramp, inside her mind she was reviewing all the facts relevant to the business deal. Subach Industries had been the subject of her study on the flight over, and she could recollect all of the data. The company's stock values on all the galactic markets, the projected growth, and the like. Most importantly, she had, with the aid of her droid Tia, plotted out possible growth and the likelihood of success or failure. They'd devised a window of currency to spend, maximizing the results while minimizing the risk. It was that sweet spot in the graph, though Aerith reserved the right to go over it if there was a need.

In the wake of the pale young noble trailed a massive body-guard droid, and a dainty, almost frail construction to behold. The smaller of the two was Tia, an assistant droid. The larger was Aerith's go-to bodyguard, who was definitely the strong and silent type.

"Come along Tia, and don't drop the wine." Aerith said in a rather bright and happy voice, the voice she put on whenever someone else was around.

A few gracious nods, checking in at the desk, making her way along. It took a rather lengthy period of time before Aerith finally made her way up. Her bodyguard was, over her objections, required to remain at the security checkpoint. Tia was allowed to pass with her owner however, and they made their way into the room, where Aerith immediately began analyzing the only other occupant.

Smooth skin, hair the same color as Aerith's, namely a deep black. She was attractive by human standards, which largely meant she was attractive all around the galaxy. Aerith had absolutely zero interest along that frontier however.

The Sith Aristocrat smiled brilliantly and moved Tia forward with her gift of sparkling wine.

"Myra Subach I presume. I am Lady Vand, of Criaxa. May I present you with a gift, the finest sparkling wine from my planet?"

[Fusion]

Almost ready to give up hope that anyone would accept her offer, Myra sighed when she heard noises at the door. Someone had arrived at last... How fortunate. She looked over a list of invited investors and diplomats and waited for the person to come through the door.

The woman looked rather similar to herself. Black hair, smooth face... The only difference seemed to be that her skin was several levels paler then Myra's own. Quickly shifting her gaze to the datapad, she searched through the information as per the woman's name. Evidently, she was a Sith Aristocrat, and someone who was not to be trifled with.

Still, Myra had nothing to worry about. After all, the energy field that was set up here to stop energy weapons from working would surely nullify any hidden blasters, and the metal detectors would've detected a hidden slugthrower... but at the moment, security be damned.

Smiling at Aerith, Myra graciously accepted the bottle of wine from the spindly droid. Thank you for your kind gift, Lady Vand. I greatly appreciate it.

The young CEO paused as she looked over the Sith Aristocrat. Where should she start? It was doubtful that the woman knew a great deal about starfighters and starships, aside from how to operate one. Thus, she would start with the basics.

Miss Rand, I would like to start off with a thank you and a question. Thank you for accepting the invitation I sent out to come to this meeting. As for the question, well... It's quite simple. How much do you know about starfighters and starships?

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

What did Aerith know about starships and starfighters?

"I know much of the basic function, some of the doctrine. I can't say I've ever studied it with much detail, but I understand most of the technology involved."

Aerith's answer was concise and orderly, but her tone was the same pleasurable velvet she used to charm the population of Criaxa. Her public persona was the favorite daughter, the young woman who was looked up at as a role model and a symbol, something she hoped to expand with time.

Of course, very little was known of her investments. Nice girls didn't invest in starfighters. People didn't forgive success in high finance as well as they did in high society. Aerith could wear the most chic dresses and visit the most influential locations in the Empire, but her business life had to remain a secret. No one in the galaxy ever seemed to like successful women, probably due to all the latent sexism.

But the real question was why the workings of starfighters were now a matter of conversation, since this was merely an investment meeting.

Somehow Aerith had the feeling this woman was going to be one of those ridiculous hands on executives who insisted on these active approaches, of explaining the product's minute details to the investor rather than the real business issues at stake.

Aerith resisted the urge to frown or sigh with great skill, and outwardly she remained as bright and cheery as she had been the moment she left the ship.

"I presume you are going to provide me with a presentation on your product line?"

[Fusion]

I see then...

Myra's face neither turned into a smile nor a frown. The woman knew exactly as much about starfighters as Myra expected she did. As such, she decided to get straight to the point.

I suppose I should hasten the pace here... Our operation is quite simple: we sell high-quality fighters, starships, and ship-mountable weapons to varying parties. What matters to us is that the purchaser gets his or her order at a high production speed for high-quality craft. However, sales of our staple products have drastically fallen over the past quarter, and as a result, we require an influx of cash to continue research on newer technology that we can then provide at proper prices to those who do business with us.

As such, I would like to propose two possible avenues that this meeting should go down. The first is a monetary investment into the company though a stock purchase. As an owner of Subach Industries stock, you will be able to give your input on any and all major decisions that the company makes. The second possible avenue is a purchase of Subach starships, starfighters, or weaponry. As a customer, you will not only receive the best Subach Industries has to offer, but you will also receive reduced prices on our newest material, as well as purchase opportunities for craft not yet on the market.

Myra paused before continuing.

As someone who understands your current position as an aristocrat from Criaxa, I believe it would gain you favor from the planet's populace, the other aristocrats, and possibly outside sources as well, if you presented them with an increase in technological quality. Having access to some of the latest technology available to you should give you an edge in any debates with aristocrats foolish enough to oppose you, and I do believe that the Sith Empire would look kindly upon you were you to present them with a craft superior to that of their Republic opponents.

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

So this executive was propositioning a private army then?

Now there was a thought. Aerith analyzed it of course, quite quickly in fact, as she wont to do. It wasn't as if she'd never thought over the concept before, but she would have been foolish not to do a quick secondary analysis.

The benefits? Better security for Criaxa, expanded personal power.


The drawbacks? Attention. Nothing called attention like a private army, and the Sith Order would see it as a potential threat, and possibly decide the Vand family was a thorn in its side. The best chance for the Sith aristocracy to gain influence and power again was not to oppose, or be seen as opposing, the Sith Order, but rather by contributing to the overall governance.

Aerith had every intention of becoming a diplomat for the Sith, once she had a few simple things out of the way first.

With her conclusion reached, Aerith chuckled softly and shook her head from side to side before interlacing her slender fingers.

"No thank you on that second offer, with the Sith Empire to protect me, I do not think we need a private army. I can, of course, relay your designs to the Sith military and we can see if the design suits our purposes, however for the moment I think I will remain merely an investor."

Aerith changed her facial expression to a Mona Lisa smile, one she often wore, as she delved into the heart of matters.

"Now. Tell me about your stock projections. I've seen your recent quarterly statements, but they don't encourage me. Do you have any concrete plans to turn a profit, and pay off my dividends when I invest? I am a woman of business myself, so please, go into detail."

[Fusion]

Myra paused, looking over previous stock records and quarterly earnings.

With the new craft and weaponry we're developing, stock value will definitely increase. The stock itself may end up splitting 2 or even 3 for 1 depending on how high of an increase we get profit-wise. Current projections call for an at least 55% increase by the time the final prototype is developed and reaches full-scale production, with a 33% chance of a stock split.

Pausing, Myra thought of a way to possibly assist the investing push that Lady Vand was making.

Lady Vand, while I'm not sure if you'd be willing to do this or not, I feel it's worth mentioning that prototypes of our newest designs are located in a hangar only a short trip away from here. If you were perhaps willing to see the craft we are currently working on with our limited finances, perhaps you would then be able to determine how much money you would be willing to invest so we could create higher-quality craft, increase our profits, and allow you to earn higher dividends. After all, the best way to judge the products of a company is to see them in action.

Leaning back a bit in her chair, Myra waited to see whether Lady Vand would accept her offer to look at the Subach prototype fighters. The hangar literally was a short walk away.

[Dr. Jake]

Arianna took a final look in the mirror to double check her makeup and hair. As usual, it was flawless, thanks to her personal slave, Zenna. Hopping up from her chair, the fair-skinned Congresswoman thanked her Twi'lek handmaid before leaving the suite.

With pearls, a stunning cerulean dress, and matching heels, the Corvanan looked like royalty strolling down the plush carpeting of the corridor. It wasn't long before she was riding up the lift towards the lobby.

The sliding doors opened to reveal a moderately tall, blonde man in a business suit.

"Jacques! Always a pleasure."

Arianna curtsied briefly, showing synthetic respect for the man. She didn't have a personal problem with Jacques. The Human woman just felt like she was being looked after like a child when her father sent him with her.

"Likewise milady."

Just as he spoke, Arianna's translator droid came through the door. Despite owning it for several years, she had never really gotten around to naming it. The droid was carrying a beautiful crimson coat, woven from the finest cotton grown on Corvana. The synthetic translator said nothing, but handed the gift to Jacques.

The duo of Corvanans exited the set of stairs that extended from The Viscount and on to the landing pad. They proceeded to enter the building, using the instructions they were given a few days prior.

Arianna had to hold back a chuckle when Jacques was asked to give up his concealed sidearm. They were escorted into the appropriate room and introduced to two other ladies.

The pair of women were similar looking, dark-haired, pale, and generally attractive. They didn't look all that different from her, though she was several shades darker than both of them and had hair of a light brown. There was something more though...Arianna could feel it. There was power in the room, an aura of formidably surrounding them.

Such a scenario would be very odd on Corvana, any powerful woman would, much less three gathered in the same building.

Regardless of her feminist pride, Arianna knew that she was on a mission. She was here informally as a representative of the Corvanan Commonwealth, though she would do little more but serve as a liason between the firm and her government.

She was there to represent Valen Enterprise's interests as well. Being a shipping company, they had considerable interest in purchasing both freighters and escorts.

However, most of all, Arianna was there to promote her own business interests. It was rare for her to do something for herself, and even rarer for her to attempt to expand her own personal wealth. But alas, the company caught her attention.

Putting on her warmest of smiles, the beautiful Corvanan aristocrat spoke diplomatically, her accent giving away her origins.

"Miss Subach is it? I'm Miss Arianna Valen of Corvana, but you can address me as Arianna if you like. It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person."

Standing straight, poised as any respectable lady should be, the Congresswoman continued.


"I hope you accept my little gift. It's a crimson cover woven from Corvanan Cotton. You'll find it to be quite lovely I'm sure."


With a nod from his companion, Jacques presented the coat to the dark-haired woman who he identified as Miss Subach.

"How rude of me! Ladies, this is Jacques, he's a... representative from my father's company, Valen Enterprises."

The tall blonde only bowed slightly and issued a curt, yet polite,

"Pleased to make you acquaintances ladies."

Though she easily identified Myra Subach from pictures she had seen, the other woman was a stranger to her. Staying true to the strict Corvanan etiquette that had been drilled into her head for decades, she spoke to the woman.

Judging from her posture, apparel, and body language, she was probably a lot like Arianna. Beautiful, poised, wealthy, young, the list went on and on.

"Pardon me, but I'm afraid we haven't met before. Is it Miss, Madame , or Lady?"

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

Aerith had been half-expecting a hands on sale pitch ever since she'd gotten the first inklings of warning, and she was prepared to spend exorbitant amounts of her time seeing implements of war shown off as if they were runway models at a fashion show.

A pity they couldn't simply discuss business over a fine meal.

Well, it was hard to find true civilization out there in the galaxy. There were so few who appreciated the finer things in life, even among the elite. Wealth alone was no indicator of taste, which was truly sad. The cream didn't always rise to the top. Other substances floated as well.

Aerith opened her mouth to reply that such a tour would be 'most welcome.' Before the words could fully escape, the door opened and Aerith fixed her grey-blue eyes onto the opening and the man and woman who walked in.

With a single glance she could tell the authority rested with the woman, and the man was clearly a guard, probably of a higher caliber than most. He was introduced as a business representative, which could very well have been code for bodyguard.

Aerith remained seated, but swiveled her chair to face the newcomers, placing her fingertips together and observing the customary pleasantries. It was yet another dark-haired woman, albeit one less pale than the other two. Her drawling accent definitely marked her as from a certain world, Aerith tried to remember the name for a few seconds before it clicked.

Corvana. Wealthy agrarian society, slave-based labor. Not overly influential, but influential enough. It was likely this woman's financial pockets were equivalent to Aerith's own.

That would make gaining a controlling interest harder.

Aerith smiled politely.

"Lady Vand, daughter of Count Marel Vand of Criaxa."

[Fusion]

As Aerith began to state that she would gladly come with Myra, the doors opened and another invited personage entered the room with a male escort. She spoke, and Myra responded.

Pleased to make your acquaintance, Arianna, and thank you for the gift. Myself and Lady Vand here were going to examine some of my company's latest starfighter prototypes. Would you and your handsome representative be interested in accompanying us so we may discuss business?

Myra paused for a moment. Two women, each of whom could prove useful in the span of things. She did suppose that a little fight might break out over influence, purchases, and the like, but well, that was just what she wanted.

[Dr. Jake]

The duo of Corvanans seated themselves at the table, across from unknown woman. By the time she had seated herself properly, and Jacques had done the same, the woman spoke, introducing herself.

"Nice to meet you Lady Vand, it's always a pleasure to make the company of nobility."

The Aristocrat had heard of Criaxa a few times before, but didn't know much about the planet's culture beyond the formalities of its Foreign Ministry.

Before she could ponder the thought for much longer, the other woman spoke. She hadn't really expected to be drug around the planet, and Jacques would probably hate the idea, but rejecting such an offer would have been rude.

Jacques's cheeks turned the slightest tinge of red once his name was mentioned. He wasn't really used to being addressed so directly or so fondly. However, he knew there was no sense in recommending otherwise to his companion, as she would most likely do as she pleased.

"Thank you Miss Subach, we would be most honored. I presume you have some sort of presentation prepared for us? Also, if it is not to much trouble, Valen Enterprises would like a list of models manufactured by your esteemed corporation."

The man's face remained rather neutral while he spoke, though he felt a bit annoyed by all of this moving around.

Arianna nodded and concurred.

"That would be most lovely. The Corvanan government would also like a list of current models manufactured by Subach industries."

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

Aerith smiled pleasantly.

"The Sith Empire already has such a list, so I won't bother troubling you for one. However, I do think a tour would be in order. Then perhaps a meal? It is almost midday by your planet's reckoning after all."

That infernal smile was still there, looking out pleasantly and confidently over others, even though inside Aerith was feeling bored, increasingly bored. An independent world was doing arms contracting now at an investment meeting. The only upside to that was that while they inevitably spent money on ships themselves, Lady Vand was free to make larger investments and gain majority control.

And of course she was serious about a meal. Fine food and topics of conversation went well together, and apart from that it had been a while since breakfast on the yacht. Yet another reason was that it tested the hospitality of the hostess, which was useful for sounding her out, feeling out her nuances and her degree of desperation for new money.

It would also give her more to read on the other woman, Arianna. Was she merely a pretty face with a syrupy voice, or was she something more? That wasn't one of the things Aerith could tell instantly, nor could she simply look up Corvana on a computer and skim the information provided.

And there was still the matter of Miss Subach, and what kind of reading she gave off. Right now, Aerith would say the woman was tied to her company, very deeply tied. There wasn't much detachment she could see, or any sense of frugal separation. If the company fell, Myra Subach would fall.

Looking for desperation in the woman was the way to check for stability in the company.

[Fusion]

Myra turned to look at the blonde man accompanying Arianna. I don't do presentations, handsome. I simply show what my company's stuff can do. She turned enough to be looking at both Arianna and Jacques. Both of you will get product lists and lists of current prototypes being developed. Hearing Lady Vand suggest a tour followed by a meal, she turned and nodded. Indeed. It's only fair that we conclude the tour with a meal.

Motioning to the three of them to follow her, Myra began to walk towards the exit of the boardroom, briefly turning back.

The hangar's only a short walk away. While I of course cannot show you any completed capital ship designs, all of our starfighter prototypes are there for your viewing pleasure.

[Dr. Jake]

Growing a bit irritated with the fast pace of the meeting, Arianna smiled pleasantly as if the emotion never crossed her mind. She stood from her chair and walked in the direction of the other woman, followed closely by her blonde companion. Jacques's irritation began to show with his facial expressions.

Though she didn't blame him, Arianna flashed a look that would kill a man to her compatriot, silently telling him to get his act together. Almost immediately, his face returned to one of friendly demeanor. The conditions of the meeting may not have been completely agreeable, but Arianna would not stand for rudeness of any type, silent or not.

The duo of Corvanans waited politely a comfortable distance away from Myra, ready to follow her to the hangar. Jacques was standing with posture that had to be military, his hands clasped behind his back. His female companion was in much the same fashion, though her posture was far more ladylike in manner.

[Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy]

Fortunate that the meeting would conclude with a meal. Aerith had been hoping such a thing would occur, though one bottle split four ways was hardly much. Assuming, of course, that her gift was used. That couldn't be counted on of course.

Aerith finally rose from her chair and moved in a relaxed manner towards the door, chin up and looking regal. It was all in the presentation. If you knew how to walk like nobility, people would recognize you as such more than any other. And recognition was a very good thing indeed.

As Aerith listened to the caveat of not seeing capital ship designs, she was reminded again of how much she didn't really care about the actual designs. Ships were ships, and though she could learn many things from simply looking, she hardly believed in the informative values of a corporate tour.

Indeed, she felt it was rather silly. Why wasn't this executive delegating to her subordinates? Something as menial as a guided tour hardly demanded the CEO's attention. It smacked of desperation. Desperation or one of those incredibly annoying obsessions, where someone was so in love with a subject they couldn't contain themselves.

With a sense of exhaustion, Aerith followed, a quiet smile on her pale face.