Ask Flashpoint Cost Containment

[Julia Hipori]

Denon. A world upon which Blackwell had been operated for generations, and now the melting point for a myriad of political, corporate and military interests. Over the past few months, tensions had been rising on the planet, with several invasions either attempted or succeeded, and the board was getting restless. Julia Hipori knew of the board's agitation and did the man who accompanied her - both of them were on the board, after all.

If Denon was to be taken over by yet another galactic power, Blackwell had to move quickly and ensure that its corporate interests were protected. Julia however, had a more ambitious plan. Why just protect one's interests, when they could be expanded?

Her colleague had agreed, and so the plan had been set in motion. Now, above the skies of Denon, Blackwell made its interests known. Dropping out of hyperspace a Blackwell liveried Gozanti Class Bulk Cruiser thumped into null-space, with a flotilla of Itinerant Class Freighters in its wake. For most, this would appear as little more than a standard cargo run, but for the executives on the Gozanti, it was so much more.

"We have exited hyperspace, Director." the smooth voice of a protocol unit intoned, as Julia stood from her desk in the interior of the Gozanti, now repurposed as an 'operational control centre'. She walked into the main room, dominated as it was by a large table, surrounded by all sorts of data displays and communications technology, and took her seat. "Colleagues, our operation over Denon may now proceed. Director Arden, if you please?"

Julia handed the meeting over to her colleague, the technology guru of the intergalactic megacorporation.

@The Good Doctor

 

[Newton]

Denon... has been a mess for the past few years. It's an ecumenopolis decently close to the Core Worlds, on the Corellian trade spine, it's intuitively obvious that the situation on Denon needs to be stabilized in order to maximize profits. As long as there is the chaos there can be no reliable profit, there needs to be order brought from chaos. Blackwell can't and won't step in on the conflict between the Jedi and the Sith, but what they can do is protect their interests on the planet as much as possible.

Newton was seated in the operational control center, flanked by his usual two droids, L3 and M7. Newton is director of this operation. They have came out of hyperspace, the operation will proceed indeed. "Thank you" he said to Julia.

The Blackwell Executive would then look towards his secretary droid, and the droid immediately understood what to do next. Newton would clear his throat as he would send out a message to the offices of government officials across the different city sectors across, being especially sure to go for the ones containing the most vital ports on the planet.

"Attention, mayors and governors. This is Newton Arden, CFO with Blackwell Technologies. In the interests of cooperation and stability, we have proposition for you. We have a flotilla of cargo haulers with Blackwell Security droids, if you are willing, we would have droids deployed to the star-ports and any other landing zones in your respective areas. Our droids would assist and cooperate with security operations. If you accept, then let us me know. If you are hesitant, or are unsure, then perhaps we can go over any concerns with a discussion."

That was his message, he would end on that. Now Newton would sit back and lean in his chair and wait. Slowly. Surely but slowly Newton would then be getting responses. He is already getting acceptance one buy one. Newton would figure as much, with the unstable situation, it would be easy for them to accept the offer. But then there would been four replies back that Julia and Newton would be able to see. Two of them unsure, and two of them nay. There would be more pending, perhaps just not able to respond at this time, it is a big planet after all.

With the ones that accepted, the droids can be deployed there, but the goal is to have as many ports protected by Blackwell as possible. "What to do now..." Newton muttered to himself. He would look at Julia then try and bounce of ideas off. "Hmmmmm. Should we try to arrange a group meeting with the non-acceptees?" That would maybe be faster. "Or talk to them one-on-one...." which would allow them to try underhanded means perhaps, under the table deals - like offering bribes - but it would surely take a long time. Julia is an experienced businesswoman with a long resume, her advice would be appreciated.

@Nor'baal

 

[Julia Hipori]

Newton and Julia had worked together before, back during her time as the Chief Product Officer for the Blackwell Corporation. It had been some time ago, but the two of them had secured the only off-world 'trading zone' on a droid controlled planet. It had been a galactic first - and nobody outside of Blackwell had really cared very much. So, it was a source of some considerable enjoyment for her to hear that this time, Blackwell would be getting itself on the map, in a very tangible way.

She listened to Newton explain the operation, one he had been instrumental in bringing together, and would now have the pleasure of seeing it carried into action. Like Newton, however, Julia saw the responses coming in, some of which - unfavourable.

"We can bring the non-acceptees together, I am sure. Showcase to them the security Blackwell can provide." she replied "If needed, additional pressure can be provided through one-to-one conversations if we hold the meeting on the ship." Julia signalled to the security guard standing by the door, who moved through to the cockpit to relay the instruction that the ship should be brought down into the lower atmosphere.

"I can handle the private meetings in my office onboard, or, do you want to the group first, then we deal with the stragglers?" she asked, keen to ascertain if Newton was comfortable in carrying out some of the 'less moral' aspects of the forthcoming negotiations.

 

[Newton]

Newton would then nod and agree with her suggestions. "I'll try the group meeting first and then if you want to deal with the stragglers, that sounds like a fine plan." Newton would easily be able to show them the objective benefits of taking up this offer. "Alright them, I'll call and see if they want to do this via hologram conference." That way, they way they might be more inclined to take up discussions, as they wouldn't have to leave their offices and make their way all the way to one location physically. With that, Newton would then go set up the holo conference

---

Later...

The holo-conference has been assmebled, Newton would be meeting with the four holdouts. They would be of various species, one human male, one aqualish male, one iridonian female, and one female Utapaun.

Newton would then begin. "Thank you all for meeting me here on such short noticed. I see some of you are hesitant about accepted our offer. Blackwell offers our advanced and robust droids to help secure your starports. I think given the... tenuous state of affairs on Denon, it would be prudent to accept the assistance right? We won't charge for this, we merely want to ensure that the starports are stabilized." He said, he would nod his head in affirming of his own words. "So then, can we go over any concerns we might have?" he would ask.

The 'unsure' ones were hesitant to speak, but one of the 'no' was sure eager to give his two credits in that being the male Aqualish. "I'll be frank here Mr. Arden, we don't need your help or your machines to help us. Despite all that's happened, we are managing just fine. Even though you say there will be no charge, that still won't mean there won't be stringed attached"

The Utapaun would then also respond "I agree with my colleague, Denon is rebuilding just fine on our own despite the skirmishes, I think we will manage fine without Blackwell"

Newton could have done without hearing all that, the Aqualish was pretty aggressive and would probably be the hardest to talk down. The Utapaun was less so but would still need convincing. The unsure ones looked like they were complementing still, they no doubt heard what the other two had to say.

Lets see here, what else can Newton say....

@Nor'baal

 

[Julia Hipori]

"Very good." Julia kept her reply reasonably clipped, as they went about their business. Newton had this entire operation under control, Julia was here mostly to support and provide an additional 'push' to get them over the line should some of the more intransigent elements of the world prove intractable.

As Newton left, Julia returned to her office to make the required preparations.

---

Returning to the meeting room just before Newton started the holo conference, Julai had changed her clothes to present a more 'branded' appearance. Dressed in a black suit and skirt, with a white shirt and a lapel pin showing the logo of the Blackwell Corporation, she took her position next to Newton, but opted to stay quiet.

As Newton started with his introductions, Julia kept a close eye on the people around the meeting table, even virtually. Meanwhile, she kept her hands on her datapad, sending off a message to their data and security teams, to ensure that they had the plans in place should a more direct approach from Blackwell be required.

Whilst her colleague paused to consider his response to the incoming objections, Julia formulated a response as well. "Julia Hipori." she introduced herself "You're concerns are something we can appreciate and understand. Let me make something clear from the off, Blackwell is looking to protect the economic interests of Denon, and by extension, our bottom line. We cannot afford to see Denon spiral into aggression and turmoil, we cannot see the loss of civilian life and infrastructure - and neither can you."

She turned to face the Aqualish "Consider this insurance. Blackwell machines can keep your people safe, and keep economic stability in good order. The cost to you is minimal, but the benefits, are considerable. Securing long-term economic stability is what matters to us both, and we can help that." Julia moved on to the Utapaun.

"I'll leave Newton, who is far more qualified to comment than I am, to run through the technological benefits and advancements we can provide. However, what I will say is that, again, there is a mutual benefit here - Denon rebuilding faster, benefits us all. This is an economic deal, with a direct humanitarian benefit."

 

[Newton]

Newton would then build upon where Julia left off, going in depth about the technological benefits that they would be provided with these deals. "In terms of technology, as we are the galaxy's premier technology corporation, we would give you the best. Our capability is beyond what any police force, private armed group can provide. Our droids are top of the line, best of the best." Newton would hit some buttons on the holoprojector to display the droids he would bring up. "The Vega droids are robust and powerful security droids. Your average thug or opportunist won't be able to take one of them down. The Deneb droids are a reliable, tried and true model, an very good security droid model. Quick and smart With a force of them backing you up, you won't be able to go wrong. The Hawking droids? They are flying repulsorlift droids well adapt at police use, recording, monitoring, and can even supplement your own respective forces. They maneuver well in the air, are fast and provide support from on high" Newton would have both his hands on the table, looking at all in attendance, he could see the expressions on the uncertain be changing thanks to him and Hipori's efforts.

"I'm also willing to throw more in the table. We will also lend some of our personnel as well to supplement our droid teams. Our non-droid security personal are very well trained in tactics, firearms, melee weapons, diffusing situations, and apprehending preparators and are disciplined and vigilant. Our specialists also can lend their expertise, they can help you with upgrading your security systems, close any back doors. .etc"

"With that, the way I see it the practical, technological, and economic benefits is a sure way to go. Remember this is a chaotic time not just for Denon but for the galaxy, all we want to do is make it a bit more safer. The safer the starports are, the better for us all."

He finished his speech. Right now, the ones on the fence have nodded their heads, signaling they are onboard. Even the ones that were dead seat against it are now are rethinking things. They would be talking amongst themselves.

@Nor'baal

 

[Julia Hipori]

She kept her eyes on some of the undecided attendees, keen to ascertain their reactions as the presentation by Newton unfolded. Technologically speaking, Blackwell could bring a sizable degree of force to bear on this world, it could keep the attendees, and their interests, safe. However - the thought passing through each and every attendee's minds was 'at what cost?'.

As she waited for Newton to draw his remarks to a conclusion, she couldn't help but ponder as to how they could assure those around them that they wouldn't be giving up on their freedoms by accepting Blackwell's support. That being said, some of the people around this table wouldn't worry about 'freedom', instead their concerns resided more with their profit margins and personal fortunes.

Julia was willing to guess that the latter was of greater concern to the undecided members of the meeting. "The combined support of our security apparatus, as well as the logistic support to your supply lines we can bring to the table, will sure up your business streams as well. Simply put, apt security comes hand in hand with the advancement of your bottom line and the associated benefits that brings to your shareholders." she added, reasonably sure that most of the people around this table had shares in the companies they represented.

 

[Newton]

The remaining holdouts would then start look at each other, they are becoming more and more convince that they won't really lose anything and have much more to gain taking this offer up. Ultimately it boils down to what Julia said, if they accept, the more secure the starports are the more profit will ultimately flow through to them and Newton convinced them they have the means to do it even with the current state of the world.

"Alright then Mr. Arden and Miss Hipori, we understand. We will accept Blackwell's offers. I believe that's everyone here who is in favor yes?" the aqualish spoke, and the other officials nodded in agreement. "Excellent" Newton spoke.

"Thank you so much, pleasure doing business with you all. Now then, we can get started now yes? We are already ready to get started." the officials would nod and/or give their thumbs up. "Then we won't keep you all here any longer than ya'll have to. We will be in touch. Good day you all" with that, the meeting was adjourned if there was nothing else.

Newton would then turn to Julia, who has been very helpful as always. "Well, thank you Julia. It's a pleasure working with you as always." he would smile. With this move, Blackwell's supply chain here will be protected and therefore the profits will be. Assignment completed.

@Nor'baal

 

[Julia Hipori]

As the assorted officials nodded in agreement with the decisions being made, Julia suppressed a smirk. Once again Blackwell had done it, brought another world to heel. She didn't speak as the assorted officials traipsed out of the meeting room, keeping her thoughts to herself. What a bunch of schmuks she thought, smirking as the final one headed out.

"A good start," Julia said, turning to face Newton as she rose from her chair "- I imagine that the board will be quite impressed with what you have done here today." she emphasised. Job done.