Ask Agressive Negotiations

[Nahri Nalju]

Nahri Nalju observed herself in a mirror in the moments before her meeting with Senator Jin Vaisra of Fondor.

She wore a white dress, with the gold jewelry that had once been her mother’s banding her hair. She smoothed the dress as she checked herself over. It was no different than the hundreds of times she had met dignitaries as the eldest daughter of NalTech’s late CEO. But something about this time was different. She had been Vex for the past few months, so consumed with her Sith duties that ‘Nahri’ had become only the occasional voice haunting her thoughts. She preferred things that way—Vex was the skin she felt most comfortable in.

Still, she had other duties. Nalju Technologies gave her access to places Sith were usually scorned from. To people that usually avoided being seen with Sith Masters in person. From everything that she had read about Jin Vaisra, Nahri suspected he would actually be quite comfortable in the company of a Sith. And yet, she had to meet him as Nahri nonetheless. This deal was important. She had done the legwork sabotaging the current board. Now she needed to prove she could lead it.

Ranami, her assistant, stepped into the room and gave her a quick appraisal. “You look fine,” she said.

“Good enough for a prince?” Nahri asked, not peeling her eyes from the mirror.

“Better,” Ranami replied.

Nahri smirked. “Then, we better get started—by being fashionably late.”

It was a negotiating tactic of hers. She studied all her marks, and she knew Jin Vaisra had a reputation for being… prickly. And that was good. She wanted him prickly. Prickly men were easy to manipulate. That he was a prince was all the better. So, ten minutes after their reservations, she finally appeared at the restaurant, and slid into the seat across from him. “Senator Vaisra,” she intoned, “How wonderful it is to meet you, at long last. I must apologize for my tardiness. You would not believe the skylanes outside.” @Song

 

[Jin Vaisra]

Jin was feeling prickly. Very prickly. He had arrived fashionably late to the dinner with Nahri Nalju, seven minutes to be exact, only to discover she hadn’t even yet arrived. The news had surprised him. When it came to the Senator of Fondor, no one had ever dared to make him wait, let alone some upstart corporate heiress from the Rim. Nahri was the one without leverage here. The one who’d requested this meeting to begin with.

So, for him to be the person to wait, to sit alone at a table for two in one of the most luxurious restaurants on Coruscant, was a bit insulting. And Jin did not take insults lightly.

Dressed in a traditional suit jacket, the back embroidered with twining, glittering dragons, he was the very picture of patience when Nahri finally arrived. He hadn’t bothered to spot her approaching. Instead he swirled a glass of wine, staring out the nearby viewport and at the gorgeous sunset that painted the city skyline in splotches of deep red and purple. He only turned to face her once she’d seated, not acting the least bit surprised by her sudden presence.

At her coy remark about traffic, he nodded. “Oh, I’m sure I wouldn’t,” he said warmly, his smile about as rehearsed as a public speech from the Empress, and set down his blood-red glass. “I should apologize as well—I already took the liberty of ordering dinner.” He knew Nahri couldn’t afford to skip tonight’s plans, and if she wanted to play games, he’d happily take her on. Jin had dealt with enough players to feel comfortable sparring with a glorified commercial lobbyist.

“I hope you don’t mind pork,” he added. “The special for tonight was Kalamata Pork Tenderloin, and you simply must try it.” Jin leaned back into his seat. “I can order us some dessert too, if you’d like. I understand congratulations are in order, now that you are officially NalTech’s newest CEO. Tell me, how are you enjoying it? The corporate life? Is it as riveting as it sounds?”

@Mockingjay

 

[Nahri Nalju]

Ah. This was a game Nahri was very familiar with.

It wasn't the duels to the death she frequently engaged in as Vex. No, this type of sparring was actually enjoyable. She took up her glass, and a long sip from it, before sitting it gingerly down on the table and leveling a molten gaze at him. "No need to apologize, Senator," she said diplomatically. "If your taste in food is anywhere as potent as your taste in potential business partners, I trust the pork will suffice just fine." Her eyes sparkled in the dying sunlight. "Besides, you're paying. You should choose."

Nahri leaned back against the wood backing of her chair, mimicking his own movements. The key to sparring with powerful men was to make sure they never felt that power. Her father had taught her that lesson. When they relaxed, you relaxed too. And when they tensed, you stayed relaxed. Men who felt their power eclipse their prey even once were insufferable. And Nahri usually lost her patience right about then.

But Jin Vaisra was different. She had never heard of him losing his cool. Just that his personality was best described as an echidna's ass spines. "Oh, yes," she replied. "Quite riveting. It's a funny thing how politicians come to your doorstep, hands out and tongues wagging, the moment you have even a morsel of financial stability." She drew up and sipped at her wine again. Vaisra had not been one of those politicians, but she doubted it was because of his strong moral character. "On the subject," she continued. "I heard there was a recent incident with Kuat. Did a Senator really sell Republic military equipment to that ghastly woman with the gnatty hair?" Grace Zann's visage swam momentarily behind her eyes before she pinched it and tossed it out. "The Republic must have fallen on hard times." @Song

 

[Jin Vaisra]

Jin gave a weak laugh at Nahri’s joke. The idea that a crowd of starving bureaucrats would be lining up for a slice of her company painted an interesting picture. Obviously it had nothing to do with him, not when he didn’t give the solitary speck of a care for what the NalTech CEO wanted, but he found it amusing all the same. “You’re quite right,” he replied. “Power feels great, doesn’t it? I would know. But sometimes, in the hands of idiots, power can be both corrupted and corruptive. This whole nonsense with Kuat? It stems from one man. One idiot.”

“It’s all behind us now, though. That woman, whatever her name is—where she lacked fashion sense she made up for by not being a complete fool—and chose to return what was wrongfully given. Justice will come to the man responsible, I’m sure.” He took a sip of his wine and set it back down with a knowing smile. “And as the Senator of Fondor, I, at least, know not to throw equipment or credits at whoever comes knocking at my door.”

Senator Vaz had made a dumb mistake by selling directly to a gang of Rim-born thugs. It wasn’t like Jin was above doing the same, not when he worked part-time as an underground crime lord and opened his business to all sorts of seedy strangers, he just knew to be more discreet about it. Sell it through a neutral third-party, let the payments trickle in, launder it, keep all strings close and tied—it shouldn’t have been that hard. And since Kuat wasn’t careful, he would have to be twice as much from now on.

Not like it mattered. And it wasn’t like Nahri would ever know.

“Speaking of which,” he continued, “I’ve heard NalTech has faced similar issues. Mysterious deaths, shareholders in possession of illegal substances, leaked transport routes and convoy raids. It’s funny, what you said before—‘a morsel of financial stability’—considering the wealth of scandals surrounding your company, it sounds like a morsel is all you have right now.” He lifted his hands in mock surrender. “No offense, of course. I only wanted to bring up my concerns, before you ask for any investments on my end. I don’t typically like to gamble when it comes to stocks, you see.”

Jin leaned forward, fingering the silver cutlery set neatly beside his wine glass. “You are looking for investors, right?” he asked, genuinely curious. “Or is there another reason why you had me wait and hold this table for you? I can’t imagine you traveled all the way to Coruscant just to sample the local cuisine.”

@Mockingjay

 

[Nahri Nalju]

Nahri picked at her thumbnail, thoroughly pleased to hear her own deeds regaled to her by a famous senator and utterly unable to show it. But oh how she wished she could tell him. How she wished she could make him see just how far she would go to get what she wanted. Vex would have. Vex would have knelt over him and given him every sordid detail. Nahri had been created to reign in that baser instinct. So, reign it in she did.

"Yes," she said. "I've heard similar things in the press. The old board was full of fools. Of men too comfortable with their power and wealth to cover up their crimes." Her eyes flashed at him. "Fortunately, I am not them. Not one of them sit on my board of directors any more. Once again, it falls to a woman to clean up the mess of men." Here, a grin split her glower. "It is why I thoroughly enjoy what your family has done with Fondor."

The server returned with their food and a refill on their refreshments, but Nahri did not move to touch a single thing in front of her yet. When the server was gone, she steepled her fingers in front of her. "There are three reasons I scheduled this meeting," Nahri said, refusing to use his framing. "To convince you to invest in NalTech, yes. To propose a potentially profitable business venture with Fondor Shipyards, also, yes." Now, she leaned back, undoing the napkin on the table before her, and setting it regally in her lap. She raised a brow at him over the rim of her glass and then took a short sip. "Depending on how the first two matters play out, I may tell you the third."

Nahri let him stew on the information she had offered as she cut into the the Kalamata pork tenderloin he had ordered. On a purely personal note, he was right about the meat. It was expertly cooked, seasoned, and moist. The tenderloin practically melted on her tongue. She betrayed none of this on her face. Even this meal was a power play and she wanted him guessing about the success or failure of his every move.

She wiped the corners of her mouth with her napkin before returning her molten gaze to the senator. "So then, Senator Vaisra," she said smoothly. "I leave it up to you. Where should we begin?" @Song

 

[Jin Vaisra]

Jin snorted a laugh at Nahri’s compliment toward his family’s rule. A matriarchal rule. She wasn’t wrong about it, either. Men had ruled Fondor for centuries, wrapped up in corporate bribes and a general lack of common sense, and that had brought them nowhere. It was only thanks to his great-grandmother and the women who came after her that Fondor found peace and stability. Still, they weren’t responsible for the wonders that had been accomplished over the last several years. It was because of a young man robbed of his inheritance—Jin, to be exact.

He didn’t let that obvious note slip, though. He wasn’t there to defend his honor with a woman he barely knew and certainly didn’t trust. Neither had he accepted her invitation out of a desire to talk about politics. Both of them had better things to do.

“Let’s begin with your reasoning,” he answered Nahri with a faraway smile. “Why should Fondor—why should I—bother investing in a company like NalTech? A corporation whose public image is currently in tatters, despite your recent appointment? The injuries dealt to NalTech were deep, and scars like that don’t heal overnight. The last thing I would like is for my name to be plastered on every tabloid headline about any connection to a company with a history of bad behavior.”

And that was putting it lightly. If a Senate investigation was made against NalTech in the future, that would put Jin in the kind of harsh spotlight he rarely enjoyed. “Unless, of course, we come to a more discreet deal. Either way, I need to know that I’m not throwing millions of credits into a hot fire by investing in your company. So, convince me. Tell me why you deserve my patronage. Sell me your stock.”

With the food already set before him, Jin began to cut into his own dish, sliding a piece into his mouth and chewing as if he had all the time in the world—which he obviously did not. “And don’t just tell me about what it is you have now or currently have to offer. Tell me about what you have planned. How do you intend to make things right, and then better, for NalTech?”

@Mockingjay

 

[Nahri Nalju]

Oh? Well, that did make it simpler. She always did love when the prey had a bit of spunk in them. There was no fun in hunting if the deed was done too quickly. So, she squared her shoulders to show him she wasn't backing down and, for good measure, added, "Your name already is plastered on every tabloid headline from here to the Rishi Maze," she gestured with her glass still in hand as if the distance were an insurmountable sum. "I should think you would prefer it be in association with using your money for a good thing, for once, instead of bedding any number of vaguely attractive male politicians." And she sipped. "A good thing like helping an orphaned heiress, nearly robbed of her inheritance by criminal scum, to get back on her feet again."

Nahri knew Vaisra didn't care anything about helping orphans. He was probably excited at the prospect of creating more of them than anything else. But, if he wanted directness and answers, then he would get them. "Let's cut the shit, Senator," she started in. "You don't really care about tabloids. And if you do, I know a journalist who would salivate for the opportunity to drum up positive headlines for you in exchange for more access to me." She pulled a small, palm-sized device out of her dress and set it between them on the table. When she tapped it, a dozen logos shot up, rotating and bathing both of their faces in neon stripes of light. "Ever since the Clone Wars ended, the droid companies that manufactured one of the greatest armies this galaxy has ever seen have mostly become defunct. My father wanted to build a company to rival them. But like most men, his vision for the future was painfully short-sighted."

She clapped a hand over the projector, closing it down, and sliding it back off the table. "Fondor's shipyards would allow NalTech to produce ships at the capital level again," she continued. "Your investment would allow for the production of more droids from our existing facilities, as well as build towards a fund I eventually intend to use to buy up many of these defunct companies, putting their factories to work again." Nahri leaned back now, fully in business mode and disinterested in the food going cold on the plate before her. "Since Fondor would be renting us some of its shipyards, the profits we would be making from this lucrative venture would be funneled right into your pockets. There's a war going on, Senator, and with AMS still a problem, organic soldiers are more costly than droids." She leveled a smoldering glare at him. "Once NalTech droids are keeping streets safe and bank vaults safer, do you really imagine the press will be overly concerned about some fat, scummy men I replaced climbing the ladder to power?" @Song

 

[Jin Vaisra]

Jin laughed at Nahri’s first point. He was a popular figure among the tabloids, and always in relation to a steamy romance, a secret affair, or a one-night stand. He knew he was good-looking, but at this point, journalists seemed to be pairing him with about every living, breathing thing he crossed paths with. “And it’s just not male politicians, Miss Nalju,” he corrected, a dry smile on his lips. “Hard to forget about that article claiming the ongoing fling I have with former Prime Minister Belasi. An odd match, wouldn’t you think?” He shrugged. “Whatever sells, I suppose.”

Still, as much as he hated to admit it, Nahri had a point. Charitable donations and investments made for good publicity, and he was always looking for an opportunity not to be known as some lazy, passed-around player—but he didn’t really care what the tabloids thought of him. They weren’t real news. Besides, polishing his reputation was just a side hobby. All that mattered was Fondor’s business and continued success, and if what Nahri was proposing was true, then success was almost guaranteed. Almost.

“I’ll say,” he began, tracing a hand along the base of his wine glass, “Your offer is… tempting. You’ve clearly done your research.” He picked up the glass and took a sip. “But NalTech is not the only corporation that specializes in the construction of ships and droids. Blackwell Technologies, for instance. They’re quite lucrative, and have the reputation to back it. The current CEO, Newton Arden—maybe he’s not as charming as you, but I’ve heard he has a remarkable mind and friends in high places. President Emryc, for one.”

“If I want to rent out my shipyards to a major corporation with the intent of combating the pandemic, why shouldn’t I just approach Blackwell, instead? With their history, at least I can sit cozy knowing a return on my investment is guaranteed. Unlike NalTech, which despite all of your talk and honeyed words, still comes with considerable risk.” Jin leaned back into his seat, sliding his now empty glass to the table’s edge for a refill. “Go on, tell me I’m wrong. Explain to me why you’re worth more.”

@Mockingjay

 

[Nahri Nalju]

Now, it was her turn to laugh—and she did so, heartily. Blackwell was certainly a competitor beyond reckoning with at the moment, but Nahri knew a bluff when she saw one. "You can't be serious, Senator," she said when she'd recovered from her fit of laughter, dabbing the corners of her mouth with her napkin. "Blackwell Technologies is pretty firmly in the hands of the Consortium. The truth is, the Republic is declining. Your new Chancellor is providing some stability, I hear, but not enough to ward off the bad press associated with so many planets bailing for the Consortium. There's also this." She slipped a datapad out of her handbag and brought up an article before sliding it across the table to him. "Blackwell recently acquired an entire planet on its own. A factory world with more shipyards than you could provide—and without the political baggage. Put simply, Newton Arden doesn't need you."

But I do. She just wasn't willing to say it. She couldn't. It was bad business.

Nahri let him chew on the article for a moment while she chewed at more of her food, and emptied the rest of her wine glass. Then, she said, "I cannot deny that Fondor would be taking risks investing in NalTech. We're smaller, and past leadership has made... mistakes." She flicked away a crumb that had wedged into her nail before continuing. "But Fondor needs business. Now, more than ever. With the Republic in decline and Kuat vulnerable, this is your planet's best shot at proving that it can still recognize talent. To prove it is still competitive." And now, she was ready to play her trump card. "If you agree to rent my company a portion of your shipyards, in addition to the rent we will of course pay, I am also prepared to sign an agreement giving Fondor fifteen percent of the sales revenues we get from any ships produced there. That should offset the risks you are taking by doing business with such a small company."

It was a gamble on her part, but Nahri was known for those. And if she succeeded, she could renegotiate this deal at a later time, when she had more leverage to weigh against him. As it was though, she felt the deal was good enough. Fondor's royal family would be paid handsomely, and her company would finally be competitive with Kuat Drive Yards and some of the other major shipbuilding companies in the galaxy. She just needed his pride to lose out to his desire for money and fame for his world. She was willing to bet she had that. @Song

 

[Jin Vaisra]

Jin blinked against her laughter. He knew his response had been a challenge, a bluff, but he was surprised by how quickly she saw through it—and how readily she shut it down. He was impressed, to say the least. Almost convinced, even.

“Blackwell may not need Fondor, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t clamor for the opportunity to work through some of the most valuable shipyards in the galaxy, behind only Corellia and Kuat.” He pursed his lips, the response only made to save face. “But, of course, NalTech does look… promising. I have found, in personal experience, that any worthwhile venture involves risk.” He steepled his fingers and gave her an understanding smile. “And you do seem to have a lot of it.”

The waiter finally returned with a uncorked bottle and poured him a generous amount of wine, the dark, purple liquid sloshing in the glass like a stormy black sea. He took a sip. A small one, because he was known to be a lightweight and the last thing he wanted was to commit to a deal even slightly tipsy. “I’m grateful that you’re so willing to make up for it,” he continued, “Even if investing in NalTech does end in disaster, at least I still get something out of it.”

Fifteen percent of sales revenue. The offer was no insult. That, on top of compensation for use of his shipyards, was more than enough to whet his appetite. For all his bluster and questions, Jin had known the moment he’d received Nahri’s invitation that a deal with her corporation could not be so easily cast aside, no matter what happened in its past. He’d made dealings with the Syndicate, and with insufferable men like Cassian Graves. Even if Nahri had shown up drunk and wanted for murder in five systems, he’d still have considered working with NalTech.

“Just one final question,” he said, draining the last of his patience with his glass. “Like I said, your company is promising. Lots of advancements. Plenty of fancy tech. Your newest phone, too, was a massive hit.” He folded his hands in his lap. “Don’t get me wrong, Nahri. I like you—you’ve got the wit—but I don’t exactly trust you. What’s to stop me from just buying out the rest of NalTech’s shares and managing the company myself?”

“What’s that saying? ‘If you want something done right, do it yourself.’ Seems ironic, don’t you think, considering you did the same thing to get where you are now?”

@Mockingjay

 

[Nahri Nalju]

Nahri appeared ready for this question. The grin that flashed across her face was blinding. Yet another man, trying to tell her how to run her business. Or, rather, threatening to take it from her. She dabbed the corners of her mouth with her napkin, folded her hands beneath her chin, and locked gazes with Senator Vaisra. "You are wise not trust me, Senator," she said. "I can't really say I trust you, either. Fortunately, our businesses are not about trust. They are about results. And here's one for you."

She held up a single finger in demonstration. "You can't buy up any shares in my company. I've already ensured that." She had the majority, and, ironically, Blackwell and the Hutts (through private non-affiliated burner companies) had the smaller remainder of her shares. There was nothing for him to buy; and even if he did manage to wrangle their shares away from him, she would still hold the majority. She had seen to that much. "No man will ever steal my company from me again. What's the saying?" she added, mocking his own use of the phrase. "You may want it, but you can't have it. So, the only choice that remains to you is whether or not you turn a profit off of my labor."

She leaned back in her chair again, throwing one leg over the other, and watching him closely, like a predator. She could feel Vex itching to reveal herself. The sting of her anger after hearing another arrogant man threaten her with the loss of everything she had fought so hard to regain. But she could not give into her Sith impulses here. An international incident would almost certainly earn her a visit from Darth Raze, and she was not going to risk that. But there was one little thing she could add. "Come, Senator. I'm not asking you to vote my way in the Senate. I'm asking you to make free, legal, money. And when I am a success, you will be a very rich man — richer than you already are — have the adoration of the galaxy for making it possible, and all it will cost you is the displeasure of my company. Not a bad bargain, I would say."

Nahri smirked at him. Truly, he was amusing. And while he was no Altair, she had to admit, she hoped this was not the last time the two of them interacted. Even if all they did was trade barbs below the table, and even if he was a self-important politician, he was too entertaining a man to give up entirely. @Song

 

[Jin Vaisra]

Jin pouted at her answer, seeming almost disappointed that he couldn’t absorb her company with a single swipe of his pen, before he broke out into another smile. Like the others, his question had been a test. Sure, he could afford to buyout NalTech’s shares, perhaps through less legal means, but he didn’t want something else to run and manage. He already had an entire planet to deal with. He didn’t need a corporation spread across the Rim to add onto his to-do list for the day, especially when there was a perfectly capable CEO in place.

Nahri had done more than just impress him. He was satisfied.

“You have a point, Miss Nalju,” he replied. “Several points, really. You’re not wrong. NalTech poses some fascinating opportunities, and with someone like you leading it, I would feel comfortable lending both my investments and my shipyards to your corporation. It’s not a bad bargain at all, beyond your offer of fifteen percent.” Another small lie. He was cozy with the number, but his mother had always taught him to haggle when it came to negotiations like these. “But I will settle for twenty-five percent. How does that sound?”

He would have preferred thirty, or even thirty-five, but he was growing more tired by the minute and wanted nothing more than to retire back to his penthouse apartment and rest. Details of their new arrangements could be discussed at a later date. For now, this meeting was about finished.

“Oh, and by the way,” he added, regardless of her reply. “You’re company doesn’t displease me. Not yet, at least.” He traced a finger along the gold trim of his plate. The meaty remains of his dish sat before him, bones sticking out from it like red needles. “You remind me of someone I used to know. Strong, intelligent. Charming, even, if you squinted hard enough. I invested a lot into them, more than you can imagine, but they took risks. Too many, in fact, and it wasn’t long before my investment became a threat, both to me and to Fondor’s continued stability.”

The waiter arrived at the table once more, bill for the dinner in tow. Jin waved the man aside, offering him both the most practiced and politest smile a politician could give. “Put it on my tab.” Once the waiter had nodded and scampered off to the back, his eyes slid back to the young woman, his face like porcelain—easy to shatter, maybe, but with edges that could draw blood.

“Don’t become a threat, Nahri,” he said, using her first name again, before he reached out a hand, intending to seal their pact. “I would hate for our friendship to end when it’s only just beginning.”

@Mockingjay

 

[Nahri Nalju]

Again, Vex stirred, and it took all of Nahri's self-control to keep her eyes from changing from the amber they were when she disguised herself to the crimson red eyes that were her natural color. It satisfied her immensely to see his shock as she pinched his windpipe shut. As she asked him why should should fear him as a threat, rather than the other way around.

But she didn't.

Instead, she shook his hand, and held it firm, so he couldn't pull away. When she spoke, her voice was low, so that it could not be heard by nearby or passing patrons. "The sentiment is shared, Senator," Nahri confessed. "After all, the last group of men who stood in my way — who tried to take what was mine from me — aren't alive to tell you how that went for them." Her smile broadened. Her grip was enough to let him know that she was much stronger than she looked. And then she let him go, as if to confirm that she decided when something began or ended in this relationship.

She stood, folding her napkin over the remains of her meal. "I am not Emil Ro, Senator," Nahri added. Through the Force, she sensed the former Chancellor on his mind. She suspected that meant some of those headlines might have some truth to them. And it was because of those headlines she allowed herself to utter his name. It would be hard for a non-Force user to put the pieces together, given what she knew. "But I can be a most powerful ally, so long as you know your place." Then, she nodded to him, turning to go. "I look forward to a profitable relationship. You will have your twenty-five percent of the profits made from anything my company produces on Fondor. Consider it a good faith gesture." Her back to him, she added, "We'll be in touch."

And then she was strolling away, without giving much thought to his reaction or any words he sought to exchange. Her people and his would draw up the contracts. She had what she wanted, he had what he wanted. Now it was just a matter of if both of them were smart enough to keep it that way. @Song

/End Thread