Ask Dealings

[Newton]

It was quite some time removed from when Blackwell managed to exert control over Aeten II and it's valuable resources. After the previous administration was ousted, there wasn't anyone on the planet that could resist Blackwell taking over. Now that they took over, they took the whole planet and the system for them selves.

Newton, didn't waste any time directing his men to be begin the process of strip-mining this planet as much as possible. Using droid labor from M4-78, the resources would be extracted on the volcanic planet at a faster rate without putting any organics in harms way. Already, the stygium crystals have started flowing in Blackwell's warehouses and through galactic supply chains.

As for today, Newton would be sitting in the luxerious observation deck of his Star Palace, under careful guard of his guard routine in addition to the usual droid guards on the ship. The Star Palace is in mid atmosphere in the volcanic world. The Star Palace's shields were up, mainly to protect the vessel from the harmful environs of the volcanic world. Newton took some time from his office worker to observe the progress on Aeten II. He was here for another reason.

Arla, CEO of Apex Military Contractors was invited to join him for a meeting in the observation level. She can do so in person, or she can join via hologram. In either event, the Blackwell CEO has things to discuss with the Apex CEO.

It is fitting, Aeten II is the planet where Apex did great work preparing for Blackwell's takeover of this valuable world. No one suspect Blackwell of foul play, nor did the galaxy suspect Apex was behind it. They were really expert professionals...

While Newton was waiting for his appointment, he would observe through the viewports of the work in progress planetside, while admiring a chunk of stygium crystal he managed to get his hands on.

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

Arla had accepted the offer to join Newton aboard his ship without much hesitation. Sure, there was always the possibility that it was a trap... but really? This wasn't a meeting with Nor'baal or some other epic criminal. It was a man who ran one of the largest, most profitable companies in the galaxy. Maybe it was a bit shady, but she didn't think he was going to resort to having her killed here.

She'd decided on robes today, a mixture of grey and blue that was custom made for her and of the finest material. Fitting even for a business meeting, which it seemed Arla was doing more and more of these days.

Arla. Pleasure to finally meet in person, she said, extending a hand out to him as she drew closer. This meeting was no small thing, she knew, and she could guess they both had goals to get out of this meeting, though... whether they were successful or not was another question. A question that would remain to be seen and unfold.

It looks like you've capitalized on the situation here well, she said.

@The Good Doctor

 

[Newton]

She arrived onboard. Excellent. Newton would sit the crystal on a table nearby, then the Blackwell CEO would shake his Apex counterpart extended hand with his hand, a glove concealing the cold cybernetics beneath. "Likewise" he said to the elvish lady. "It's a pleasure to met you." he said with a smile.

"You can say that" He said with a light chuckle. And yes, Blackwell has capitalized on the situation quite well, his gaze would turn towards the droids doing hard labor on the planet's surface, looking down upon them from the Star Palace. When Newton is done, Aeten II will be a husk of a planet, as Newton plans to strip it bare of it's resources.

With a gesture, he would invite Arla to sit down close to him as they have their meeting. "Need a refreshment?" he offered. They are on a volcanic world after all, so some ice cold water might be what one needs if they had been through the planet's ambient heat. But if Arla wants, one of the attendant droids will fetch any drink/food that Arla may need need or want.

If nothing further. "I must commend Apex on such a fine job. Very well done. Very professional. Very discrete. No one suspects anything off. I don't think any other group could have done better." he meant what he said. Who even is the closest competition?

"What that being said. So I am aware that Apex is a neutral organization that executes short term contracts, to the highest bidder." But "But, I am interested in employing Apex's services in a more long-term manner." he said. "To put it simply, I am interested in having Apex on retainer for Blackwell with a long term contract. On while retainer, Blackwell will compensate Apex appropriately, and then when I have a contract for a specific mission Apex to fulfill, it would be paid per the contract as well, such as the Aeten contract."

That was the proposal. Newton didn't have just one or two gigs for Apex in mind. He is interested in using Apex's solutions to handle more dirty work in the long term. Newton is also aware that as a neutral mercenary organization that Apex could be employed by competitors against him and his company. Bringing Apex to a long-term contract would solve that problem and could solve many more down the line in an efficient manner.

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

Yes, please, she said in response to his question about refreshment. She passed on anything alcoholic and instead settled on a meiloorun juice.

As always, I'm glad to hear that we lived up to our reputations and that you were satisfied with the outcome, she said.

Arla was silent for a long moment after Newton finished his proposal. There were a million questions in Arla's mind and there was a thousand different thoughts about the implications.

That's a very interesting offer, she said, somewhat guardedly. There were a lot of layers to an offer like this, and many of them would take a great deal of time to consider.

I'll be honest with you, I have hesitations for the reasons you just said. Apex is an organization that prides itself on neutrality rather than long-term contracts, she said. It was all things that he had already demonstrated he was aware of. She was sure that he had done more than a little research into the group before making an offer like this.

I have to ask: wouldn't the Corporate Sector Authority be better suited to offer security services? she asked. It was a delicate balance that Apex played and they were more suited to actual warfare than security jobs.

Arla had considered expansion into the Corporate Sector before. It was the most logical place for Apex to settle in as they could offer services to the megacoporations and also be free from the local governments of ISC, Empire, and the strange Jedi Alliance. Whether that expansion was setting up their own manufacturing or taking over the CSA military for themselves so that Apex provided the security and military force of the Corporate Sector, she wasn't sure. What she did recognize was that this was a potential door that was being opened, and she had no interest in slamming it shut.

 

[Newton]

The Corporate Sector Authority? Newton doesn't care for the CSA. It is but a government, a bit a more well-ran one than the Republic and Free Worlds are, and don't attempt to restrict the way Blackwell does it's business. "The Corporate Authority only keeps to their sector of space, and and not much more beyond that. Blackwell is everywhere." Blackwell Tech is indeed a galaxy-spanning megacorporation. It's as galactic as anything can get, to say nothing of the planets and systems that Blackwell controls that are outside the little corner of space that is the Corporate Sector. To protect Blackwell's interests outside the Corporate Sector, that's what Blackwell's security branch and it's own droids are for.

"Besides, I have much more in mind than just some security." he smiled. "I see in the near future having need of Apex's clandestine solutions. Blackwell is always looking to expand it's physical presence on the galaxy, as done here on Aeten. There are always competitors that will need dealing with, people that need to be... removed from the picture. And more... There would be no shortage of work I assure. Or credits."

Newton does understand their neutrality and lack of commitment to long term things is a core tent of Apex' operations. But sometimes, things change. Things evolve.

Mr. Blackwell would lean back in his seat. "So, what are your long-term goals for Apex?" he would ask to his counterpart. He was eager to hear the answer. Was it amassing as much credits as possible? To become the best organization in it's category? To become as big as possible? A combination of those? Perhaps neither? Either way, if Newton can get what he wants, he would be inclined to help Arla get what she wants. A mutually beneficial relationship.

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

Arla considered what he said about the CSA and the role that he wanted Apex to play. She still felt hesitant about this particular angle, but with it, she saw opportunity.

And then he opened the floor to what she wanted out of Apex long term, and she was once again uncertain of whether it was prudent to be honest. But she also didn't have the patience for tiptoeing around issues.

And idea was blooming within her mind.

Apex will have no problem with taking on individual contracts for Blackwell's expansion, she began, which wouldn't probably come as a big surprise to him. It was the part regarding long term securities that was far more in question. At least in part because Apex also lacked resources for occupying planets long term in addition to taking on offensive contracts.

I wonder if there's a situation where we can both get something out of this. Something of a partnership, if you will, she said. It may have been ambitious for Apex to ask for a partnership with Blackwell, but given Blackwell asking them to break their primary mainstay it might not be unreasonable.

If the CSA can't provide extended protection to companies, then maybe it's time for someone like Apex to take over from them, she said. Of course, taking over or absorbing the CSA - or at least its military and police force - was no small task. The kind of task that required a scalpel... the kind of scalpel that Apex was and the money and power that Blackwell had behind it.

It was radical, and she knew it, but she was her parent's daughter. She wouldn't be stopped by anyone or anything, and if she could get the backing, she knew she could make it happen.

I'm sure with those resources at our disposal, I could arrange for both Blackwell security and more aggressive expansions simultaneously, she said.

 

[Newton]

Take over from the CSA? Does she meant to replace or supplant it's military forces? Absorbing it even? That is... something. If he heard it right, Apex would be taking over the military arm of the Corporate Sector? Of which it has many personnel and ships in it's service? That would be a very big shift. The Corporate Sector Authority has had a stance of 'armed neutrality' since it's inception even before the Clone Wars ended. If Apex does this, would the military power of the CSA be leased to the highest bidder? Or would it be stuck defending the neutral corpocracy, which sounds pretty boring. Either way, Apex would swell in resources and funding, not to mention what Blackwell would be putting on the table.

Lets follow this train of thought for a few. "Taking over the CSA's military wing, or replacing it? That is. a very interesting idea." he said with a smirk. "Blackwell would stand to gain from that arrangement. Apex as well." If Apex can go on the offensive as well as defensive, then Blackwell would be able to do more of the same as well, and be able to free up more assets to be allocated elsewhere.

But as Arla knew, it was radical. It would be a very big paradigm shift in the way things are done in the Corporate Sector. The Corporate Sector has operated more or less the same as it had for over one hundred years. "Now then, what are your ideas about making this reality? I can't say this would be easy to actualize." he would lean back in his seat. "This would be a big change. A freelance mercenary group becoming the CSA's military could have big short-term and long-term implications. I'm not sure what the politicians would make of the idea" he said. It would be a challenge to overcome. But of course, not impossible.

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

She could tell that she had piqued his interest, and she also knew that she was playing a very dangerous game. Although compared to what she normally did for a living, perhaps this wasn't quite as dangerous... just a different type.

She tried to pick the right word to answer his question: something that would describe exactly what she intended.

Absorbing and replacing it, she said.

Apex absorbs the CSA military and provides a long term contract for security to the Corporate Sector, she said.

What is the CSA and its military if not all of the companies within the Sector paying into a single, protective military force? she asked. Really, the CSA is just a military contracting company that's grown fat and lazy, she said. She knew she was twisting it a bit, but she also knew that she wasn't entirely wrong.

Maybe it's time that the CSA gets a wake up call, she said. The proposal was more than a little radical, and some might say it was a pipe dream, but Arla hadn't done all she had accomplished without a little bit of audacity.

As for the practical aspects of it, I have ideas, but I'd like to hear if this is something you feel would be feasible or that you would support, she said. She was proposing a literal partnership in crime, and it was more than possible that such a thing would also require them to conspire with the other largest companies within the sector. Ah yes, conspiring.

As for the politicians, well, that was why she had brought Jayna (@Altaris) into the company in the first place. To smooth over all the craziness that Arla did. And she so appreciated her secret sister for doing it.

@The Good Doctor

 

[Newton]

Newton thought, analyzing the proposal without changing expression while fiddling with the crystal in his hand. After evaluating it, he would make his thoughts clear. "What you are proposing is sound and it is something I would support." The CSA Security is just... just that. It is not something that Newton can pay credits for expansion and to protect his interests. Not only that - although the fleet and security forces although considerable in number and size - is surely complacent and untested.

With that. They seem to be in agreement. "Now then, the fun part. To actualize this." That goes to the next question. "Did you already ideas on how to go about getting this rolling?" he would ask. "I am willing to help move it along." he stated. Blackwell and Newton himself has no shortage of influence, credits, power, and resources.

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

Arla knew that this was the even more delicate part. She knew that Blackwell had plenty of illicit and questionable activities, and the megacorporations were not anything close to saints, but what she was going to very subtly propose was beyond industrial espionage.

Though, let's be honest, Blackwell had already paid Apex to handle questionably legal killings.

It will require a weakening of the CSA to such a point that their leadership is already imploding, she said.

For instance, I imagine you would know who is critical to that structure. People who, if accidents were to befall them, would leave the CSA open to a hostile take over, she said. And then came the question of the actual crux of the question.

Will the CSA still be able to exist without its military? she asked. It was one of those "precarious" questions that would tip the scales between annexation, dissolution, and marginalization. She knew she needed allies for this, and corporate intrigue was just the kind of thing a megacorporation CEO excelled in.

@The Good Doctor

 

[Newton]

Newton nodded as he understood what she needed. Again, Newton didn't have much love for the Corporate Sector. It's a good place to do business with no regulations to hinder profits inside it's space. That it. But aside from that, Blackwell's profits and health isn't tethered to the Corporate Sector. So it's free game as far as he concerned.

"The Corporate Sector Chief Executive Castin Sirus is overall leader of the Corporate Sector." He is the first person to come to mind. He was recently appointed, was taking charge and had big aims. Newton doesn't care for him, he is expendable. "Zaq Balio is the Chief Security Officer. He is the overall commander of the Corporate Sector Security, including the Picket Fleet." Zaq was a Chagrian. If something were to befall the head of all Security Forces, that would be a big impact. "Chaltar Corta is the Auditor-General. His department is the closest thing to Intelligence and he is equivalent to a Defense Minister." Chaltar Corta was an old Neimoidian. "If he is gone, the CSA would be blinded."

"Lastly, if need be, I can get you a datacard with dossiers of the other CorpSec Executive Board members."

If they are gone, then the Corporate Sector Authority's stability would lower drastically and be vulnerable to attacks.

"The CSA would still stand without it, but it would be very vulnerable unless other protection steps in." he said.

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

Arla gave a few moment's thought to what he said. the sheer weight of what they were talking about was almost tempting to crush her, but she had been through worse before. she hadn't built Apex from the ground up out of weakness.

Is there a chance that the CSO could be turned to our side? she asked. if we had him working for us, he could make the transition easier, she said. she assumed they would have to kill castin, and she also knew that that wouldn't be an easy task. nevertheless, she had some of the best assassins in the galaxy working for her and she was among them. if there was a way, they would find it.

i am not interested in apex being a slave to any organization, she said, the CSA included. that may end up being an Apex problem as much as anything when it came to negotiating a new deal.

will you assume control of sirus's position? she asked. Arla had no interest in actually ruling, but she also had no interest in being ruled.

 

[Newton]

Newton would then answer "I don't think there is a huge sense of patriotism or loyalty to the Corporate Sector among the government. Only it's the credits and perks" he said. It was true. "The CSO is most likely corrupt, based on the scant reports I've heard about him." he said. "It's very possible you could sway him. You have a lot to offer one such as him." Corruption and power politics vying for credits while undermining threats or rivals is expected in the Corporate Sector.

Now, as for if Newton will take Sirus' position, he would pause and think about it. Newton never saw himself as a politician. He is an businessman, an engineer who likes inventing and pushing boundaries. Newton thinks he would prefer his post at Blackwell Tech rather than leader of a whole stellar nation. "I can't say I have much interest, but I don't want to rule it out at this stage. But however if not, I can arrange for an intermediary to take charge and make sure we are in perfect alignment" he said.

"Is there anything else we need to discuss?" Newton would then ask after a pause.

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

Arla gave a nod as he mentioned the corruption of the people in the corporate sector. It made sense, and she wasn't too surprised.

I think the other piece is to make sure we are on the same page, she said. She was trying to figure out how exactly to say this. She didn't want to risk herself by being too straight forward, but she had a sense in her mind that he was on the same page.

A takeover like this isn't for the squeamish, she said, letting the implication of that stand for a moment.

Before we get started on this, I need to know if there are lines you won't cross to succeed, she said. Apex was going to kill people, and that was something most people weren't okay with, but Newton had already proven himself... resilient to conventional morals.

Practically, I think you should approach the CSO to get him on our side. I'll see if we can't get Sirus and Corta out of the way, she said.

Are there other corporations on the Corporate Board that will oppose us? she said. As she understood it, there were many large corporations that had a say in the government and its policies.

 

[Newton]

"You can do as you need." Newton didn't hesitate to say with stoicism. He certainly wasn't squeamish. Newton has taken part of and authorized very morally dubious acts, of which include violence and murder. Newton is above morality and abandoned his humanity long ago, he thinks. Suffice it to say, Newton gave the greenlight.

"Very well" he said in regards to trying to approach the CSO. Newton has tons of influence and a lot to offer.

As for the last question. "A lot of the other corporations I would say are content with the status quo and huge change would not be in their interest. Politically there would be resistance but I have a good feeling that once it's all said and done before they know it, there would be little they can do to oppose us and they would have to go with the new status quo."

He would put the crystal he was holding on a table close to him.

@Phoenix

 

[Arla]

Arla didn't sense any lie or hesitation from him. Good, that meant he wasn't worried or squeamish, and that was what she needed.

The fact that he was comfortable approaching the CSO was good news to him. He was probably better at that kind of thing, and Arla had no interest in being the one to do it.

Arla gave a nod as he responded to her concerns about the other businesses. She supposed they'd just have to see how things went.

Fair enough. I'll start removing people from the equation, she said. We need to be ready, she said, taking a moment to pause to see if there was anything else.

We should stay in touch. They need to never see us coming, she said.

@The Good Doctor