Ask Coruscant A Private Word in the Busiest place in the Galaxy: Negotiations

[Cuvran Kitras]

Coruscant
Little Green Coruscanti
Faraway Lounge
Muse
Reservations for Mr Alaven and Mr Talain. @Nommie

Coruscant was a busy place, it's not where most people might think of first when wanting quiet or not to be seen. The truth was nobody saw any individual on Coruscant. All they saw were thousands and thousands of people a day, a mass of bodies, noise, lights. The mid-levels were naturally darker unless someone paid out for good lighting. Like in one place, on Level 1892, Block 731, Subsection 245, also known as Little Green Coruscanti to the locals, for the attempt at putting in small pockets of short bushes by the central walkways. The entrances to this area were not locked but also not easy to find, they were branched off other sidestreets, into what seemed like deadends with a door. Along Little Green Coruscanti’s many sidewalkways, were an array of small eateries, with many private rooms that could be booked. Once you made it here, the architecture wasn’t too hard to navigate. These small restaurants and locations were not advertising themselves to the world, if you knew where they were you knew, and if you didn’t you weren’t supposed to anyway. It gave it the feel of somewhere the locals would come to get away from crowds, or by invitation, but not just anyone would find it or get a table without a booking.

Cuvran’s father's corporation had an office on Coruscant, and when Cuvran asked where he could come when on Coruscant to feel like he was alone, someone told him about this place, ever since then he’s been hooked. It's been his silent retreat here.

A bright door led inside the Faraway Lounge. “Please hold the handrails. Please hold the handrails.” The message repeated a few times. The doorway seemed to slowly rotate and point in a particular direction on entry. Inside, clean cream-white furniture and an almost warm ambiance greeted the guests, with a smartly dressed lady at the door. She had subdued attire, only briefly indulging the coreward fashion trends in its highlights or eccentricities. Nobody else but a single droid was present. “Good Afternoon Mr Talain, room seven is ready, and Mr Alaven is waiting for you.” She said to Kenjack upon his arrival, “can I get you any refreshments for your meeting?” She offered him a small drinks menu, with a stocked bar behind her for the meeting guests, seemingly her duties were just to this one room.

The halls were much like the building, more reminiscent of a clean sandstone beach resort rather than a crowded city. The air was fresh, with no noise, all meetings were private, and all halls led to only one room, so no catching sight of anyone you were not supposed to. The front door seemingly had rotated to an entirely private area, a clever trick! It was a short distance to Room 7, one more white door but no railings this time, and it opened when touched.

Inside was a cream-colored table, warm lighting, and a holoscreen of a calming synthetic sky view. Mr Alaven was thankfully who Kenjack was hopefully expecting, a young eager Cuvran Kitras, who stood as soon as Kenjack arrived. Cuvran's attire was somewhere between smart and corporate or aristocratic. The clothing looked like expensive material and the dark blue jacket had a touch of Kiffar personalization, along with some prominent cultural necklaces he wore. Eye contacts today gave him steely blue eyes and a friendly smile as he extended his hand. “Pleasure to meet you Senator Finnall, I am Senator Kitras,” keeping things formal to start with, to see what the man preferred being called. “Glad you could make it, I hope it wasn’t too hard to find.” That last comment broke into a small subtle smile, it had been difficult for him to find the first time too.

Along with the table, and comfortable silver chairs, there was a small port behind them with a screen to order freshments or food, and receive it without interference. A sofa, menus, a temperature controller, holonet connection, a hologenerator for meetings, a device to breathe in non-native gasses for species that needed it, though possibly there were rooms here just for that. It had what you needed and it cost what a senator or CEO might afford to spend. There was no sound leakage at all, it was as private as you could make it, without it being at home.

 

[Kenjack Finnall]

Navigating the streets of Coruscant was always a bit of a headache, it is always crowded and noisy. It's different than the streets of Bestine. Yes there is a crowd but it's nothing like Coruscant. Yes he knows his way around Coruscant but the noise can get to a person if allowed to. The noise will not get to him that easily though, he had learned from living with a rambunctious brother how to tune out the noise. he had memorized the directions of where to go that message that this Senator Kitras had sent him some time ago detailed. It was very well detailed to say the least. Complete with aliases the two of them will use. It took some time to get there as he had to turn around a couple times to find the right side street followed by finding the right door. At least there is hardly anyone standing along the path of this particular side street. The senator eventually found the right door to the Faraway Lounge. Holding onto the handrails as the message repeated the same message a couple times. Looking in the direction the doorway rotated he walked in the direction. He did welcome the warm atmosphere the establishment had to offer.

Removing the leather gloves he wore on the way over the Senator pocketed them as a lady greeted him, " [color=B0E0E6]Good afternoon. Excellent, thank you.[/color]" He pondered some at the mention of a drink. Perhaps later would be best. He has no idea what sort of person Senator Kitras is. It would possibly be best to hold off on a drink until he knows. Looking to the woman he shook his head, "[color=B0E0E6] Perhaps later I'll have a drink. Thank you, though.[/color]" He replied after giving the idea of a drink some thought.

Well at least finding the right door was easy. Much easier than finding this fine establishment. With a touch the door opened, watching as the other stood up to greet him. Well at least finding the right door was easy. Much easier than finding this fine establishment. With a touch the door opened, watching as the other stood up to greet him.

He is indeed much younger than he had expected. Not a problem at all. He can see that the young man's chosen attire certainly are of the more expensive touch. Yes, his own chosen attire would be deemed expensive but are more plain than what the other Senator wore. Extending his own hand out to greet the other with a friendly smile of his own, "[color=B0E0E6]As it is a pleasure to meet you Senator Kitras. Personally I think we can leave out the formalities. You can call me Kenjack. If you wish to do so.[/color]" He told the other. He preferred to leave out such formalities if it can be done. Of course if Kitras would prefer to keep their meeting formal he will do so. Though he couldn't help but chuckle some, "[color=B0E0E6] Thanks to your detailed directions, finding the general area wasn't too difficult. Though I still managed to get lost a couple times when it came to looking for the right side street. I was worried that I was going to miss our meeting entirely.[/color]" Well at least now he knows how to find this establishment if the two of them happen to meet here again. If this particular meeting goes well.

The atmosphere of this particular room certainly is relaxing. It is definitely something that very few can afford. Boy would his family be spazzing out knowing what Kenjack can afford now. Well of course they already know. Between his own hard work and that of his brother, their family standing in society has certainly been raised. The quick glance around he had done when the door opened also told him that there will be no noise leakage as well. Good to know since he doesn't want any eavesdropping from the outside world putting their conversation out there for the general population to know.

As the door opened Kenjack noted that the other senator had stood to greet him, indeed he is much younger than he had expected. Not a problem at all. He can see that the young man's chosen attire certainly are of the more expensive touch. Yes, his own chosen attire would be deemed expensive but are more plain than what the other Senator wore. Extending his own hand out to greet the other with a friendly smile of his own, "[color=B0E0E6]As it is a pleasure to meet you Senator Kitras. Personally I think we can leave out the formalities. You can call me Kenjack. If you wish to do so.[/color]" He told the other. He preferred to leave out such formalities if it can be done. Of course if Kitras would prefer to keep their meeting formal he will do so. Though he couldn't help but chuckle some, "[color=B0E0E6] Thanks to your detailed directions, finding the general area wasn't too difficult. Though I still managed to get lost a couple times when it came to looking for the right side street. I was worried that I was going to miss our meeting entirely.[/color]" Well at least now he knows how to find this establishment if the two of them happen to meet here again. If this particular meeting goes well.

@Blue Oakwood

 

[Cuvran Kitras]

Nodding with a smile, “Kenjack, please call me Cuvran. Yes, some days I can’t wrap my head around how many places on Coruscant exist, on the thousands of levels across the entire planet.” It was genuinely difficult to picture just how much they did not know about this world.

Clasping his hands together and sitting down, Kitras had a crystal water container and two glasses ready on the table, offering a glass of water if Kenjack wanted. The Kiffar raised a traditional green briefcase, which he opened up to his side, and plugged into the suite's system to use the holoscreen and holoprojector.

“I know how busy we Senators are. So I appreciate you taking the time.” Representing a planet was no small task, even with an array of bureaucrats and assistants that you might find yourself working with. “My initial approaches to your staff led me to believe we might have interests in common. It might help if I introduce myself.”

He shifted in his chair to better face the senator and the screen at the same time.

”I am young and its been said I am idealistic,” owning that upfront, “I have many interests in connecting the galaxy together. Both personally and professionally, with education in key related fields.” Again honesty up front, the other senator might well know his background or file anyway, so there was no point hiding his personal and professional motives. “I believe as senators we can have common goals, despite where we live or behind what border on a map.” He turned on the holoprojector of the known galaxy to show how disconnected the various groups were.

The map flickered to life on the screen ahead of them, showing hyperlane networks, common trading routes, and known pirate activity highlighted. It was interactable for Kenjack or Cuvran using touch on the projection in front of them, to then display on the screen more clearly. It could show where trade was being blocked, where infrastructure was lacking, where the supply chains were weaker, and where holonet communications were scant. “To find those aligned goals and potential cooperation, I should let you tell me what you want to achieve in the senate, for your planet and beyond.” This would help Cuvran get to know Kenjack beyond just a file in the system, though diplomatic language was almost its own dialect at times and navigating was not always straightforward.

@Nommie

 

[Kenjack Finnall]

Kenjack nodded when told he can call the other senator by his first name. It seems that the both of them are willing to drop the formalities when able to do so. There certainly is some relief knowing this meeting will not be so draining, he may not need a drink at all entirely. Formalities always make meetings draining enough that all he has to have a drink when he returns home or at least one during the trip home, "It always seems at though Coruscant reveals more and more of itself the longer you stay here." Of course during his first trip to Coruscant, embarrassingly being after his election, the new senator found surprises left and right. Now there is still much he is learning about the endless city but there certainly aren't surprises left and right anymore.

The human made the short walk to the seat across from Cuvran. Taking a seat Kenjack nodded when offered a glass of water thanking the other for the refreshing beverage. Placing his Smartpad on the table in front of him. Of course he had his own materials to bring to the table during this meeting. At the same time he can take notes as needed, though nothing ever escapes his memory.

"Oh it is nothing at all Cuvran. When my staff approached me about you I would have figured out a way to meet you. They made it sound as though many of our interest align so why not take the time to meet with you?" He certainly hoped that if what his staff said is in fact true. It will prove that tending to the needs of Bestine will be achievable. Kenjack listened to the other, yes he has read up on his datafile as well as read up on his background. But as he found it is always best to talk to the other person to find out what he or she is really like. It was this same way that he beat the previous representative during the election. While Bestine IV doesn't have much as far as resources to trade he has been working with his own government to fix that by looking into gaining resources from the other planets of the system. Though his planet does have some of the best shipyards in the galazy. Of course anyone from his home planet will say the same thing.

Of course his concern isn't just for the citizens of the planet he represents. It's the galaxy as a whole.

Listening to the younger Senator of Farana; Kenjack briefly turned his attention from Cuvran to the holoprojector as map of the known galaxy was put in display. Showing just how disconnected different groups are. It is a shame really. Just so shameful that many are so isolated. It is clear that the young man sitting across from him stares at the very same map as he himself does when approached about the situation of trade back at home. Kenjack allowed his gaze to wonder on the map to the location of his own home, "I can tell you first off, Cuvran. We most likely stare at this very same map. Wondering what we can possibly do on your own to repair and better the lives of those on our respective planets. Who can we partner with to acheive them so both sides win. Then wonder how to acheive those same things again for others living in other systems. Knowing that if it is done right there will be a bit more happiness out there." Yes there is what is known as far as datafiles to why he ran, he like many at home were fed up with their representative being an embarrassment. There was so much that could have been achieved that went to waste. As well as his own political standings. But there are far deeper reasons that Kenjack had yet to express, "I ran for the senate because I wanted to do what I can to fix my home to better it for everyone after that clown made an absolute mockery of everything making it all for himself while regular civilians suffered. But by running I learned that there was a much bigger problem than just what there is in my home system. The problem has also been occurring elsewhere at the same time. So I asked why should I strive only for Bestine when I can use my position to help those in other systems at the same time." Yes the other can take it as another form of diplomatic talk to cover up his own selfish desires but it is the absolute truth. There is so much more that the Senator from Bestine wanted to say but rambling on and on about something may not be desirable. Not when the two of them could simply talk it all out instead of carrying this meeting out like a debate. Besides he pretty much gave the other something that no reporter has gotten from him nor what he as revealed in any debates.

@Blue Oakwood

 

[Cuvran Kitras]

Like Kenjack, in Cuvran there was some consideration on how to proceed. He wasn’t corrupted by politics, or cynical from its experience, so every bit of this was spoken with honesty and passion in the voice. So far Kenjack had been every bit as he'd hoped, a kindred spirit and an honest man in politics.

“You care Senator, and want to improve things, not just enrich yourself, that means a lot to the people we represent. The CSA have a reputation for personal greed, I aim to change that where it is practical and show people corporations can be used for everyone's benefit.” He would never stop greed, and although he was conscious of it, his idealism had yet to be checked with reality. Even so, there was an opportunity here to improve things and build something, a voting block that crossed these disconnected boundaries.

”I can’t do that alone. When I propose an infrastructure vote, a communications bill, a way to secure trade, ensure food or medical supplies get where they need to go, or guarantee hyperspaces routes, people are going to see a single young inexperienced senator at best, or corporate CSA greed at worst. You have neither baggage, and you are an honest man. When you speak on behalf of a proposal or make one, they are going to take it seriously.”

Cuvran looked at the map again and switched to the different datasets highlighted across the map to show each briefly.

“Each time we fix an imbalance or improve a problem, every connected world benefits, there is a compounding effect on their quality of life both in what they provide and receive. This travels outward by their connections. Also, individuals don’t look at the boundaries on the map and think like a general or senator does, they go do business where they want to, and they take their concerns, religions, ideologies, gifts, goods, needs and problems over the lines we see.”

It was all connected, and if some personal benefit was useful to keep Kenjack in office, "Bestine could become a hub that is central to reinforcing our galactic networks." The young senator took a sip of his water, with enough opportunity he might sway corporations to approach Bestine. Cuvran was passionate about this, he realized he didn’t want to overwhelm the senator with too much information, so he resolved to listen intently to Kenjack's thoughts.

@Nommie

 

[Kenjack Finnall]

It had honestly felt odd to bring some of his deeper thoughts, his inner workings, to light. He had never expressed these. If he had it was to his family as well as those in his staff that he trusts the most. Yes, he has to be careful who he expresses his deepest emotions to as well as his political plans. If words are said to the wrong person who knows what will happen. He is of the CSA but he doesn't completely align with others in the party. The senator nodded in agreement, knowing full well that the majority of those in the faction are in it for their own greedy reasons. The representative he defeated was one of those.

The representative of Bestine took a small sip of the cool, crisp fluid. He liked what he is hearing from Cuvran. Truly their goals align. To see what they want done push through the Senate will be a massive obstacle. The CSA will be the hardest to sway. At least that is what Kenjack thinks as he has no idea how many others share the two's goals nor how many of them will be swayed to support anything these two men propose or bring forward, "It is impossible to see anything done on your own. However, I will tell you Senator Kitras. I will do everything in my power to support everything that you put forward and bring proposals of my own to light. I am sure that many or not the majority of those in the other parties will support what is brought forward. But swaying those in the CSA will be difficult. I will find a way to bring in CSA support. I am sure that a way will be found. " Granted this can be taken three ways. Another form of CSA greed, nothing to take seriously, or as a new upcoming senator looking out for everyone. There may be some in his own faction that may push for him to step down for partnering with someone from a different party. Who knows what will happen. How others react will not be known until it happens.

He took another sip of the water, looking at the map, no better time than now to start telling the other about what he had been thinking of each time he stared at this very same map, through their talk they'll develop a better idea of what proposals to bring forwards in the Senate as well as individual systems, including what order to bring these ideas forward, "With better infrastructure we will need communications. With those new hyperspace routes to be established those three things will help traders get from one system to another with as little threat from pirates as possible. Many systems are starting to suffer because of pirates stealing supplies. Many systems in the outer rim has hardly any resources so they depend on shipping to get their supplies." Touching the hollow projector he highlighted a small handful of systems that partially or completely depend on trade to get supplies the populations need in order to survive. Then another to show which are almost entirely cut off from trade. The human nodded silently, solemnly as the other Senator showed him the different datasets of how the population was affected with each positive and negative impact. Wondering if there are any others in the Senate who look at this and feel shame that nothing has been done to help the general population of the galaxy. Yeah those who are wealthy can withstand the negative changes but those who aren't wealthy.. they suffer the worst.

Then his own planet was brought into focus. Well he knew that it was bound to happen sooner or later. Well lucky for Cuvran, Kenjack had been thinking through plans for Bestine. To make it into a trading hub of sorts. Certainly not central but if it is the other's goal to keep Kenjack in office he'll roll with it to keep himself in as long as possible to get as much work done as possible. In a way that can be regarded as his selfish desire. Even if it is for a short while he can show that there are people in the CSA who aren't in powerful positions to satisfy their greed.

There are resources on the other planets in the system that can be put forward for trade as well as others to create materials to build or repair ships. The Senator switched on his pad, "Yes, it is true that Bestine could become a hub. I have spent considerable time thinking about this very same thing. In fact I have already got it in the works. Bestine used to have space ports and shipyards that were among the best in the galaxy. Bringing these back will help boost the moral of the population." With a tap on on his pad some datafiles appeared on the holoprojector. Kenjack opened the one he had labeled as salvageable structures, "There are many old military bases and other similar structures all over Bestine that are still in good shape. Work to bring these structures into working order has already begun. Those that are unsalvageable will be torn down and the space used for something else. Establishing routes to Bestine will be the tricky part as those in other systems in the area will naturally think that I am depriving them of their goods by drawing traders to Bestine.. that will be something I can deal with when the time comes." He then tapped the file so it closed so the two men can see the map once more, "Though if the route to and through the Bestine system is established it will provide a short cut to the main trade route that heads into the inner rim and core." Kenjack noted highlighting his proposed trade route on the map as well as highlighting where there has been pirate activity nearby. This may be enough to sway corporations to consider this route but it may still take some convincing. With that Kenjack disconnected his datapad from the holoprojector but kept the device on in case the need to show him other date came up. Just easily the senator could think of routes and what not that Cuvran's own planet will benefit from as well, if the other Senator wanted to hear such a thing of course. He also has many files of proposals to help other systems as well, Cuvran may have spotted that file when Kenjack linked his datapad to the holoprojector.

@Blue Oakwood

 

[Cuvran Kitras]

Kenjack’s assurance of aid for the first time in his young political career gave Cuvran hope. “Thank you, Senator.” Was the humbled and sincere response, he relaxed and sipped his water. Listening to Kenjack define the problem and thinking through solutions. Every time he heard someone speak on it, he learned something more.

“My father's money.” He admitted with some pain, “If I convince him, the CSA will at least listen.” It was a hard shadow to come out from, and the reason he was a senator at a young age, his father owned a significant portion of Cantonica in CSA space. His family liked to brag at social events about how their children were all either naval officers, CEO’s, politicians, or doctors, anything with a title that could be influenced by money to add to the family status.

Watching the highlighted routes and how they were cut off. ”Pirates are a growing concern, where there is no governance protecting the routes there is anarchy. The Empire might be tricky to convince. They might go for this security angle if we appeal to their delegates. It is the richest planets where our stumbling blocks may also come from, as they would be responsible for helping fund these collective projects or their parts within them, so we’d have to appeal to their self-interest in some form each time.”

When Kenjack mentioned the problems his planet was facing, there were two conflicting strategies in his mind so he laid them both out.

”Longterm. If we were to encourage localized supply chains more, there would be less interception of goods and more redundancy for critical key industries. The downside is standardizing things like a power cell or medical drug with so many providers, and also it raises the level of competition galactically among providers.”

The other option was the opposite.

”If we specialize more, our supply chains are longer and harder to defend, each planet is more critical to be kept operational, but things are standardized by default, and competition is less problematic. Like you say there are teething problems to this approach, I think the key is showing the surrounding planets what they can provide you as exports, to strengthen their economies.”

There were pros and cons, and they were not mutually exclusive strategies to encourage the development of these more stable networks and supply chains. Cuvran had noticed the file in the senator's datapad and he did want to ask him about it to benefit Cantonica, but he would hold that urge in check for this second to see what the senator thought of the analysis.

@Nommie