Ask Corporate Diplomacy

[Newton]

Things have changed a lot in the galaxy very recently, changing the whole landscape. Of course, the CEO of Blackwell Technologies will not be idle, he is putting plans into motion to his and Blackwell's benefit. To Newton's chagrin, he has been spending more time thinking and planning not with tech pieces but with corporate politics and intrigue.

In the fancy bar of his personal Star Palace-class ship named the Archimedes, he would be sitting at a stool. A droid bartender would be on the otherside of the bar handling it. He would be joined with Julia Hipori, an esteemed Blackwell board member who has always been a good and reliable ally. The two of them both manage to get into contact with members of Czerka's own board of directions. Newton has plans for Czerka and he needs to try to make some allies of a few of their board members. A couple will work. Although if both don't work, one will. This is only one phase of his plan. Him and Julia have went over details and financed other parts of the plan, as well looking for 'contractors'.

The Archimedes would be docked to a transit space station in the Corporate Sector. The the two-on-two meeting is set to take place in the pristine bar on Newton's huge luxury yacht.

It's almost time, Newton would be dressed wearing a business suit, looking sharp and professional as usual. He would also be wearing black gloves. He would look towards Julia and smile. "Thank you Julia for being here. It's always a pleasure to work with you" he said to her. He meant that, Julia is a very capable woman and gets results. Things Newtons respects about her.

Checking his chrono, Newton's secretary droid L3 should arrive with the Czerka guests soon.

@Nor'baal

 

[Julia Hipori]

It had been quite a long time since last she had met Newton. He hadn't changed much, only grown wealthier and more successful.

Newton was a solid ally to have.

As ever, their interests aligned.

She took her seat, greeting Newton when he did likewise. "The pleasure is mine, Newton." making pleasantries, a luxury she reserved only for those with whom she was close, she poured herself a caf and offered one to Newton.

"I think we have an opportunity again." she began "One we should explore before moving on. You mentioned in your earlier communication that the recent political changes open doors for some, 'commercial restructuring' with our rivals, Czerka?"

 

[Newton]

"Indeed" he said, smirking "With all that's going going on in the galaxy, the end of the FWA and Republic, it's time to strike while the iron is hot. This could be where Czerka is brought into the fold." Although the FWA and Republic were weak and ran ineptly, Blackwell has been gaining lots of power, and any sign that Blackwell is or has taking over Czerka would most likely be met with resistance, as they were anti-monopoly. Plus with the two dissolved, they can start making moves against Czerka, overtly or otherwise without attracting attention of their law enforcements or politicians. Newton doesn't need to say anything about the boons of incorporating Czerka are. Their corporate empire belonging to them, their technology, their resources .etc


Before too long, L3 would arrive with the corporate guests from Czerka in tow. "Mister Arden, your guests have arrive." Newton would look towards them. "Good, thank you L3." Newton would then clap his hands twice, gesturing her to be dismissed, and she would to see to that. The Blackwell CEO would then greet the two Czerka board members. "Welcome, welcome aboard. Newton Arden" he would introduce himself to them, he would let Julia introduce herself, and he would extend his arm to both men for a handshake. Them taking him up on that after a bit of hestitation, and they would introduce themselves. "Nej Pavan" a tall human male said. "Charmed. Teckla Brandall" the other one said in a no-nonsense tone, a woman with visible scarring from cybernetics on her face.

"Do make yourselves comfortable" Newton would sit back down in his seat, and the Czerka board members would do the same after looking at each other. "Before we delve straight into buisness, anyone need a drinks?" and on cue, a bartender droid would show up, looking at Julia and the Czerka people and seeing they need a refreshment, alcoholic beverage or otherwise. "Corellian ale." "What she's having" The Czerka people had stoic and unmoving expressions, but it seems like things had started ok, he guesses, as much as conversing with people from a rival corporation can be.

@Nor'baal

 

[Julia Hipori]

Nej and Teckla went on the defensive from the moment the pair arrived. Was it surprising? Probably not - Blackwell and Czerka had been rivals for centuries, and to be in the room with executives from the 'enemy' was not a fun experience. But, it could be profitable, and it was that fact that Julia was banking on, quite literally, to drive their mission through.

"This is quite a historic moment for our two Corporate families, no?" she began, greeting them both as she attempted to cool the tension. She declined an alcoholic drink, instead asking for a cup of coffee, before continuing "Thank you, both, for meeting us today." she added, politely showing a subtle degree of defence to the two executives.

What was on the table today could change the direction of both of their careers, and she was keen to communicate that point to the two of them - after all, they could be working together for a long time.

"Tell me, how long have you both worked with Czerka?"

 

[Newton]

"Yes indeed" the woman said coldly, this was a historic moment. 'enemy territory so to speak'. They would then answer Julia's question. "13 years" the woman said. And then the male said "26 years" Newton nodded. That was a good question by Julia, and that question showed that they have been longer term employees of Czerka, especially in the case of Nej. They have continue to be wiith Czerka despite Blackwell being leaps and bounds above them ever since Blackwell's acquisition of Cybot Galactica and M4-78. Newton could have swore to his assistant droid who arranged this meeting he wanted board members who's profile would indicate they would be more easily convinced. This would be a challenge.

Now sat down, Newton without further to do, they can begin to get into. "As my good friend said, thank you both for coming here. I know you are busy so won't take up too much of your time than needed" he said. "Now then. As you know, our two companies have been competitors for centuries, and our side has the upper hand. Our companies have started this century on equal footing. But while Czerka has unfortunately been stagnant and showing no signs of growth, strings of losses, Blackwell has been grown, our empire and influence expanded greatly since year 142. Even our boycott against the Empire only proved to be a speed bump."

Newton stated facts. Cold hard facts. On the Czerka side it may not be pleasant to hear, but they are still facts nonetheless. Newton is not known to sugercoat things.

"Here is my preposition. I would like you to to become allies of us in Czerka's board. Do as you normally do as usual, but when the time comes, take my side. In return, you'll both be given more credits than what Czerka can offer when it's said and done" he said. The two Czerka people looked at each other, skeptical about this. The offer is... something. It plausible, but they aren't sure if they are the ones to dump years of loyalty for Czerka for more credits.... although Blackwell does have a lot more of that... plus the reality of the situation as Newton said it. They are considering...

@Nor'baal

 

[Julia Hipori]

There was something of a frosty atmosphere in the room as Newton spoke, Julia could have sworn she saw one of the rival executives sneer when he mentioned their shared 'challenging' history. But she ignored it. Instead, she focused on the offer her counterpart was prepared to make and considered ways to amplify it. In her mind, the two of them could not be trusted if they would merely be paid off, they had to be brought into the fold more completely.

"Arden is quite correct - but we have more to gain as a group if we work together. You know what it is we are after, and it's a significant ask. But we can sweeten the deal, with a 'golden parachute' paid in shares of Blackwell stock, after our main offer to your board is made. That way you directly reap from the outcome of the broader deal, alongside your cash payments as promised."

Her addition was a simple one, if the deal to purchase Czerka went ahead, the two executives would be given a payout in cash ahead of the deal, and then a second in stocks after the deal went through, thereby linking them to Blackwell-Czerkas long-term success, and preventing them from taking the cash and then sabotaging the broader deal. She paused, trying to gauge their reaction.

 

[Newton]

Having Julia here is a great boon, she is very good at what he does. Newton can't say he climbed as far as he did in the Blackwell ladder with his diplomatic tact or negotiation skills. It was his engineering and business savvy that got him this far. Newton nodded and agreed with Julia. And looking at the Czerka board members, they dropped their stoic facial expressions and looked at each other. They didn't say anything yet, but they look like they are considering it and haven't dismissed it out of hand.

The two would then stand up. The lady would then speak. "Give us a few moments" the Newton would then reply "Sure, take your time" he would then smile. After all, they all have plenty of time. The two would then retreat out the door. When the door would shut automatically, all that Newton and Julia would hear at the moment would be whispers.

Newton would then look towards Julia. "Nice one." he gave props "Like I said, always glad to have you." Newton wondered, are they playing a sort of 'corporate good-cop/bad-cop thing? Julia being friendly and helpful to them while Newton was kinda harsh about their situation. Although negotiations have been brief so far, they have still been no less 'harsher' for the Czerka side. A pause will be fine.

Newton is expecting a sort of counter offer from the two Czerka people

@Nor'baal

 

[Julia Hipori]

”Likewise.” she replied curtly.

Having a pair of allies on the Czerka board would no doubt serve their interests in time, and - hers.

Julia was concerned about the stability of Blackwell should the deal go through completely, but she felt no need to state that explicitly at this time. ”A takeover of Czerka places Blackwell at considerable financial risk, Arden.” she addressed him directly, making use of the time in which the Czerka Executives where outside the room.

”I am not entirely sold on the idea.” she admitted ”Czerka is one of the largest Corporations in the Galaxy, the debt we would need to take on to perform a full buy-out, would be titanic. Have you considered a partial investment, to see how relationships shake up, before trying the full deal?”[/size