Fancy Business (closed)

[Genkaku]

Finally she had arrived. Looking out one of the windows of the shuttle Xakra watched the planet Zeltros getting nearer. Sitting back as she surveyed the expensive shuttle, plush interior with several midsized cargo containers, some of them refrigerated, others holding frozen goods, some not. She was dressed in colors fitting for nobility, rich purples offset with black and gold lining with the occasional green gem or other rich emerald hued facet to go with her skin. If one did not know this was a more direct meeting one might think she was attending a royal function. Then there were the others aboard the shuttle. Seven men, five women, all dressed in fine whites that seemed too clean to be headed toward a planet known more for hedonism then for its proper attitudes. Technically also in attendance were five droids, but those were more ment to move the cargo once they were leaving, she had made it clear in her message that she wanted the chefs with the cargo during unloading and until it was in the kitchen being prepared, she wasn't taking chances with games being played.

Turning her attention to a data pad she went over some of the details of her plans, nodding a bit before glancing out the window once more, they were entering the atmosphere now, it was a smooth enough ride which was good, she wanted this whole trip to go smoothly, a half smirk showing on her face as she went over it in her mind, a nod given in agreement with plans and ideas. Sadly, as she was reviewing it she was snapped out of her thoughts by the small group becoming louder, looking toward them and focusing more on their discussion.

"No no no! It will be at least an hour to prepare and then another to finish the sauce!" one of the women said, looking quite annoyed at another. "We cannot simply throw the whole thing together! Do you realize how delicate that meat is?!" bickering and nods of agreement from others in the group. This actually got a smile from Xakra however as she was glad they were so concerned with preparation, she had specifically hired each of these chefs for their skills and wanted them to pick each other apart to ensure the finest cuisine possible for this little meeting.

Having returned to her mental preparations and checklist she nearly lost track of time before the pilot's voice was heard in the passenger area of the shuttle "Arriving at the Jade Empress. You will be able to disembark shortly." a sigh given as she moved and stretched some, a hand waved to catch the attention of the chefs aboard with her. "You can put on the breathing masks and gloves now, I don't want you to be distracted by anything in the air, you touch, or see understand? And we can only regulate two of those easily." she was direct and her gaze said there wasn't room to argue it, even though they had each argued about it before. "Once you're preparing the food you can take them off when there is adequate ventilation, until then you can take them off." she knew they all wanted paid as they were out for their own profit in doing this, and prestige, which made it easier to handle. As the chefs got ready she felt the dull thump of the shuttle landing and got up and faced the soon to be opening doors, it was time to begin the pre-meeting antics.

 

[Empress]

The Sun had just began to set on the " party planet" and far below the crowds began to mass, individuals peeking their heads out of the establishments that lined the strip, finding it now safe to leave and seek their sustenance in the neighboring buildings. It was humorously like watching small prey animals in reality. Though these were creatures who craved much more than simple food. These creatures craved the thrills or risky bets, exotic foods, the over stimulating lights, and pyrotechnics, the pulse of the night clubs, the flesh of another. Zeltros offered all these. And though the planet was in a near constant state of this fevered drive for fantasy, night was when the city centers came to life.

The Jade Empress was no different. Though it dominated the west district in size, and the variety of unique venues it offered within, it was still no different than the business that surrounded it. It was a place of escape. Many were shocked to see that, so far, at least the Empress was surviving well despite it's connection to Jade Galactic. Some sited that it was because the CEO of JE, Aife Xan'Coz, a native, had made deep connections with the Royal houses, others site her attempts to separate the dealings of Jade on this world. Others more accurately guessed that the vast amounts of fancy distractions, and attractive members of various genders, and species clad in very little drove guests to simply not care.

Aife herself did not try to think too much about it, things that were done were done, and it was the future of her company, and her world that mattered. These were the thoughts running through her mind as she stood atop the resort watching the skies for her VIP. A subtle breeze had picked up, of course being over 80 stories from the planets floor made the breeze seem like a staggering blast, redolent with the scents of foods, and mixed drinks, or pheromone infused incense used to lure visitors to certain parts of the city for more carnal activities.

Her violet hair was worn up tightly, save for her bangs which danced wildly upon the wind, as if itself performing. The rest was held in place by ivory, jade, and corsica gem hair pins, at each end hung crystal spider silk tassels lined with beads of the same gems. As per usual for Zeltron Style Aife was clad in very little, and quite revealing kimono's of vibrant silks, and precious metals woven as fibers into the nearly sheer material. Though the amount of cloth to the average person would not have seemed enough to cover her voluptuous mature frame, it was still highly formal, and spoke volumes as her her rather expensive tastes.

Just above the setting sun the Zeltron Matron noted the glint of a descending craft, the vector it used was one reserved strictly for the resort. Her heart began to pound and her mind fumbled over the various facts and traditions of her guests species, it was simply rude to do other wise. Catching herself Aife forced her mind into a calm state. Should her guest notice the emphatically projected feeling, it may have caused many issues with negotiations.

The shuttle was upon them now, and the Matron could only fold her arms behind her back, and call her own mastery of body language to create as much of an air of regal formality as she could master.After all, her guest was a Noble.

 

[Genkaku]

The shuttle doors finally opened and the ramp was down, finally it was time to begin. Xakra made her way down the ramp calmly, her gaze was neutral and her stride just as ungiving in any hint at her emotions. A hand was raised once she had neared the bottom of the ramp, waving as her small entourage was soon enough seen and coming down as well.

She finally surveyed the surroundings, her posture and expression like one who was assessing a site for a purpose, not enjoyment. Nodding to herself in the thought before her group stopped behind her and she directed her gaze to really the main prominant person waiting, a polite nod was given toward the Matron whether she spoke or not and she kept a downright business air to her tone as she started to speak "Good evening, I am Xakra, it is quite the pleasure to meet you on such, short notice. As I said, I bring some things to make our meeting a success. These are some of Coruscant's finest culinary artists." gesturing back at the chefs "I trust you don't mind their masks or gloves for the moment, I did not want to risk our taste buds by thinking of any of your planet's many attractions. With your permission they will be directly delivering all of their needed things to the kitchen directly." a smile was given "That is of course assuming that you would be inclined to let our meeting take place still, I would not wish to barge in and take over or anything of that sort." said so politely she almost sounded reassuring. After that however she simply watched the woman and waited for the answer.

 

[Empress]

The Zeltron watched her guest come down the ramp with much the same expression, her emerald eyes drinking in as much of the woman as she could, searching for any clues as to a demeanor. Aife already knew from past run in's with this species, that her empathic abilities would do little good, the Falleen were masters of directing all their focus onto a task at hand, making intent, or any other emotion hard to read.

It would not take any mastery in the force, or even advanced social skills to detect Aife's interest at the word " culinary" and " artists. " she shook her head lightly as she swept her arm to the side. " By All means" she stated, her tones soft and inviting. she awaited for the individuals to move past her before turning her attention to her guest. She was not worried of poisoning or any such things, the Royal security that followed her everywhere would be watching them.

" I apologize for being so rude, I am Aife Xan 'coz, I Welcome you to Zeltros, and the Empress." Her hands came to rest on her thighs as she bowed lightly at the hips. A formal gesture shared by many cultures, but still of pride on this world. More so those who could manage to retain the older customs were seen as more focused, and of a higher cast.

 

[Genkaku]

Xakra held the smile now as she waved to the chefs again "Get your things and make sure everything is ready." she said to them, the group heading back up the ramp to begin directing down the various containers with droid help. Moving past cautiously to not interrupt the dealing. Although one set of cargo was left behind after they had finished. Non-descript as the rest although this one did not bear any marking of food or drink, or even initials for the chefs.

She had directed her attention back to Aife during this however once she had given the word. "Shall we take this inside then? I'm sure neither of us enjoys doing our business standing on rooftops. Besides, it is such a poor place for anyone of import to linger unnecessarily. Before we begin with reasons for this meeting and the like I'm sure you have your own curiosities and thoughts, do air any concerns you have before we get too deep into other thoughts that we forget." she opened the floor with that, although she seemed intent enough to walk and talk, despite this she was looking pleasent, she had the appearance and body language of someone at ease and open. Whether this was actually the case or not remained to be seen.

 

[Empress]

The Zeltrons lips quirked ever so slightly hearing this. Pleasantries, airing out their terms, and establishing a desired notion of what they wanted the other to see. This of course was always done with the utmost respect. The art would have been lost to many not of a high brow social level. Had this been military she was sure the version of the exchange would have been more focused on who would bomb who first. These were two well educated, and well raised woman of influence. they had no need for such petty, and barbaric tactics. A bladed tongue was often more deadly in the long run anyway. Though Aife did have to wonder to herself how her guest perceived her. Nobility on these two worlds were borne of utterly different traits. Here it was not a matter of blood. It was a mater of media attention, and fame. Her family were well known, giving her the easy spotlight. Other worlds would have just considered them Celebrity. On Zeltros, she was near royalty.

" Yes, I have a secure room already prepared" Aife stated, stepping to her side and gesturing with her hands. She allowed herself to keep mostly in step with her guest, having fallen behind a few hairs. " If m'Lady would prefer however, I could offer a VIP tour of the resort, or we could simply get right to business? " Again Aife's words came out calm, and pleasing. She was projecting emotions of pleasure.

" I am quite surprised however" she admitted. " the interest in some of our newer endeavors so soon after...less than pleasing situations, I'm honoured."

 

[Genkaku]

Xakra listened for the moment as she moved to take up a position to begin walking "The secure room will do well enough, as for the tour however perhaps just the generalities while the chefs prepare and unpack their things. Oh, and I should ask you have a few with a keen eye take that down to the room and begin decorating some while we have this slight tour. So you can admire the other aspect of my generosity with new business associates when we adjourn to the room." she seemed quite accepting of the offer of a simple tour, although she gave off enough of a hint in her voice to make the notion of a full prolonged tour seem...unwanted, not enough of a hint to seem ungrateful however.

She did glance back after the last words and were it not for the overall coolness of her demeanor you might think she were genuinely sympathetic. "Poor things happen when doing business, it is a reality and should not simply make the world stop after all."

 

[Empress]

Aife simply nodded as things began being tended too. The upper levels of the resort differed greatly from the floors below. While the lower levels carried the imagery of long lost civilizations, painstakingly replicated in every detail, blended with the highest in technological distractions, the upper levels were quite different. The floors themselves seemed to be done in panels of some form of straw, wrapped around rare rich toned wood in clusters of three, the pattern repeating in altered, but appealing ways. The walls too carried a unique style, Again exotic, rare wood in gird patterns, backed by frosted poly carbon sheeting. doors slid open, revealing hidden rooms. Overall decorations were few, however it was easily noted that this was done as a matter of style directly.

" these are the upper levels, typically the penthouses, and apartments of executive members, and VIP guests. The style is an ancient one from here, the true craftsman are nearly all gone now" She stated almost sounding wistful. "When we are ready the room I have reserved for us is in this portion."

 

[Genkaku]

Xakra was a polite enough guest on the little tour, she did not say much but it was obvious she was examining and observing most anything around her. Gaze flicking to one thing or another with the cool assessing look. She even nodded to the words as Afie spoke. "I see, interesting enough styling, and only will become more impressive as more of the craftsmen disappear." she seemed to carry a higher curiousity with that for the moment as if mulling the thought over before a nod was given and she looked ready to continue on the tour.

Another thought came to her and while they were on the informal enough tour for the moment she just voiced it "Themed for each guest in advance I take it?" straightforward enough, and she half knew the answer but she was probing with the question anyway even if her tone did not betray that.

 

[Empress]

Aife simply nodded as she led her guest to the next stop. " When they request it" she stated finally. " Many guests tend to like the traditional styling, they find the elegance, and tranquility of perfectly placed angles, and lines, and materials becoming harder to find a fascinating contrast to what you find else where on the planet"
Her voice carried a hint of pride in those words. Typically a Zeltron would still focus on the overly elaborate and colourful. However Aife's taste for the classics, the discipline and countless generations of perfection stood out among her people.

" here" she continued as they rounded a corner, and over a slightly arched bridge, to which under appeared to be running water. " is the VIP entrance to one of our biospheres. The Empress features three at the moment. They are designed to be flawless reproductions of a given location. As of now we feature a semi arid desert, a tropical rain forest, and the room I'm about to show you, currently off limits to the average guests. " She paused outside the door and turned to face the Emerald hued female. " These rooms all feature artificial holo display skies, able to replicate any mapped planetary view of the stars, or time of day and lighting conditions. Many of the animals and insects you will see are also holographic. We are one of the leaders in holo technology, and make sure to put it to good use." And with That Aife slid the wooden door open, reaching the end with a wooden 'Clack" beyond lay a soft stone path, on any given side grew a verity of flowering plants, trees producing pink flowers that seemed to " snow" as the artificial spring like breeze picked up. many water features dotted the path, from fountains, to ponds full of native fish.
" this dome reproduces the private gardens of the first recorded monarchs of Zeltros, and unknown to many, many of these stone lanterns and other items are the originals, dating back eons. The reproduction itself took almost a year to put together, and three to plan"

It was here that Aife had just hinted at her true passion, the history, and art, the seeking of utter perfection in all things, even in places where there was nothing.This was a place of pride to her.

 

[Genkaku]

While she listened and continued to follow the woman she was making mental notes of each detail, some were minor others more important, particularly the last bit. She kept a smile from forming right away, not wanting to give any thoughts she might've had or plans away, but she let the smile show after the woman had finished "My my, quite impressive, I dare say it is almost a waste for you to be delving into other business ventures with such a intricate one here. I would almost say that something like that is fit for a king, or queen of course. A nice meeting hall built into it and you would rule in quite the luxury, or is that the end goal?" she was idly probing again.

The whole time she was betraying little of herself however, her words and actions all seemed to encourage Aife to speak more or elaborate more on details and ideas, although another idea came to her though and she decided to add on to her questions "You might consider providing names or some other way to track down pieces for your...collection, I might be inclined to assist in retrieving some if all goes well tonight." hook baited, now to see the response.

 

[Empress]

Aife smiled as she closed the door, and swept her hand, her lower lip pinched lightly between her teeth as she grinned. It was unlike her under most settings to feel this giddy. Perhaps it was because she felt her guest was on a intellectual level that could better appreciate her collections, and elegance through simplicity? perhaps Aife had so rarely been able to show them off? For a moment She even wondered if the Woman's Pheromones were getting to the Zeltron. She had never spent much time around others of this species, and had very little idea over how resistant a Zeltron would be. The truth was that both species were heavy Pheromone producers, the debate over whom produced more powerful chemicals was any ones guess.

Aife's magenta cheeks became flushed slightly at the woman's words, noting she was aware of Aife's political venturing. " It's true, that I have decided to run in the popular election that comes to a head in a few months...With the Hutts on one side, the Republic on the other, and all forms in between I wanted to make it a point to help my planet continue to thrive on it's own, to remain independent from any entanglements. " She paused in her words as she began her slow pace to the next location. " Truth is I don't dislike the Republic. Though I admit I find them a little too regulating over a great many matters. They do it to establish a cultural norm, to avoid too many situations of misunderstanding, or offensive situations...But that seems to contradict what Zeltros is. "
Turning yet another corner the Zeltron came to a stop before a large double door, intricately carved in various animals of lore, the platinum handles just as detailed. She stood in place for a moment as a sapphire hued laser came streaming from the eyes of several of the draconic carvings, sweeping over the Matron before fading. The sound of gears, and servo motors hummed softly in the air as the door open.

What lay beyond was something seen by few, and for good reason. The room itself was large, spanning a good 10 meters in width, and 60 in depth. and featured a stair case that spiraled down to the lower floor. It was obvious that this room was of great importance in the structures of these top floors. What lined the walls, and stood on podiums, all obviously under heavy security from pressure plates, to shielding gave a hint of their value. Artifacts, statues, paintings, weapons, armours...if it was considered art, the Zeltron had it. They came from all over the known galaxy, some dating back to the dawn of a species rise to cultured civilization. Some pieces were in fact detailed carved walls, painstakingly reassembled and displayed with as much care as possible. Aife, naturally did not mention how she acquired these pieces. Most she had been collecting for decades, others were from the large collection that she, and a group of associates managed to swindle off a massive gallery show on coruscant last year in an overly elaborate heist. She stood wordless, her posture, and expression, encouraging her guest to browse, and drink in the private museum. All the time listening to the radio chatter of her crews busily preparing for the eventual meeting

 

[Genkaku]

Xakra was perusing the various things in the collections, hands clasped neatly behind her as she seemed to be reviewing each thing as one might expect a critic to. Occasionally a nod, or tilt of the head came as she leaned nearer or further from a particular thing that caught her attention, but none of it distracted her from the ongoing talk.

"I am always one to support the desire for a person or party to wish to remain...untroubled by the maneuvering and concerns of other groups. I can appreciate your position as such." said almost idly as she continued her critique in her mind of everything she saw, and heard.

As they came to the doors a smile touched her lips as she watched the security more then the surroundings for the moment, a mental note made before she looked in and she took note of the encouragement, walking within to begin her assessment in silence overall, it might almost give the impression she wasn't paying attention to Aife or anything else as she browsed but that was more for her own curiosity at any actions that might be in her periphery while she examined.

 

[Empress]

Aife smiled to herself as her guest looked over the artifacts.There was a slight matter of pride in being able to show this off, and that is exactly how it would seem to most; showing off. Though it seemed as nothing more than flaunting, there was actually a very strict social code hidden in this gesture. Xakra was a noble, one born into social grace, and Class. Aife was in many was similar; by Zeltron standards admittedly. The flaunting of treasures, more so those that required one to be highly educated, and of a defined aesthetic preference was a way to give voice to an individuals value, a way for Aife to demonstrate to the emerald hued woman that Aife was of a class worthy of being dealt with.

Her attention was not so much on the woman's expressions however. Aife was focusing on her feelings, and mental states. It was however quite difficult to read this individual. She was focused, and in a very controlled state, making any impressions of her intents, or mental state come across as one, all encompassing drive for business. There was very little beyond this. Her attention instead focused to the voices in her earpiece relaying status reports to and from each other as the meeting room neared completion.

 

[Genkaku]

Xakra took her time, looking over each thing that was on display. She held that air of a high society critic which fit her well enough but she did let it show her enjoyment at the finer sampling of things, if only with a faint smile upon her lips. She also knew how much preparation there was for the meeting so she was giving ample time, she wasn't much interested in wandering about the whole building afterall so best to just use up some of it here.

After she had taken a suitable amount of time, in her opinion, looking over each item and display piece she made her way back to Aife. "Quite the impressive collection you have, one of the better ones I've seen in my traveling." it was said prperly but was a fairly pleasent compliment despite the cool demeanor. "Although much as I'd like to linger I think we should be heading up for our actual meeting no?" she had a feeling they should be about due to begin anyway.

 

[Empress]

The Zeltron nodded her agreement. The fine rogue strands of her violet hair framing her face as she offered a contented smile. Aife was not personally in a hurry herself, she had done this enough times to know each guest expected differently and it was her choice to please them as they saw fit. As she led her guest back to the tea room the duo passed a hall, Aifes emerald eyes shifted tot he side to peer down, taking note of the attendants moving in and out of her own personal chambers preparing her luggage for the trip she would be undertaking the next day.

" They are ready" she stated, finally coming to stop outside yet another sliding door. This one however did not require manual control to open it, as it slid away on Aifes touch to reveal a comfortable room. The tatami floor was layed out in an interesting interlocking pattern, upon it sat several finely stitched and hand spun silk Zafu, in hues of deep crimsons, and sapphires. Along their edges were intricate key-lock designs. In the center sat a low, elongated table, hand carved, and lacquered black. Upon it sat several small earthware cups, and slightly larger versions, a elegant metal kettle of some nature, and another set of small jugs containing a steaming clear alcohol, a variant of Zeltros spiced wine made of grain rather than fruits. Other elements of the room included small potted trees, fans, and other items of Zeltros ancient traditions, and naturally the items their guest had requested to be set up.

 

[Genkaku]

Xakra was more then happy to be near the the beginning of the 'meat' of the reason she was here. As they walked she was noticeably uncaring of any others that came into view, while she might've taken a look she was detached, the best feeling would be what a person views ants as, and Aife might even pick up on that.

Once they were to the room she looked over everything as if to make sure nothing too amiss was there, in addition to Aife's preparations she had brought various artistic pieces along with her, seems she had done research beforehand. While not the grandest of the grand or a gallery on par with what her host had shown her they were painting and sculptures that were worth some minor note for their creators or age. Granted most were replicas but it was more for atmosphere and appreciation then hauling expensive art around for a meeting.

She moved over to have a seat as being the guest she did not expect the host to sit first. "I'm sure the staff I brought will have something to sample shortly too." she nodded as she was wanting to ensure perfection in this entire endeavor.

 

[Empress]

Aife smiled, watching her guest take her seat. Many seemed thrown off by the old tradition of sitting at ground level, though comfortable and lavish, it was something not many were accustomed to. Xakra, however seemed not to notice, or comment. She was a woman of the galaxy after all, Aife reminded herself. Aife took her place across from her guest, and began to instantly pour the tea, it's goldish green colour standing out in bold contrast with the white glossed cup. Placing one cup infront of her guest, and herself, the Zeltron rotated the cups three times clockwise, and 5 counter befor leaning back into place, her back straight, and hands folded neatly in her lap. Aife's eyes darted periodically to the items her guest had brought, quite impressed. She could tell several were reproductions, but that did nothing to take away from the artistic eye the Falleen displayed.

 

[Genkaku]

Making herself more comfortable Xakra waiting for the other woman to get settled, the tea poured and she kept quite while watching. Her nature making her wait on the tea and speaking first "Well, shall we get down to business then before h'orderves arrive?" she said calmly before adding "I would think it fairly reasonable to assume that you don't expect any sort of small thing from this either from the effort we are both putting forth in just this talk." a hint at the nature of business but not a clear one.

 

[Empress]

Aife offered a slight smile, in the same motion zeroing her attention in on the conversations in her ear. " There is no need to wait" she stated, slightly picking up of very subtle hints that her guest was looking to get things underway. " besides, I'm sure at this point, the universe can forgive us for making things, slightly more casual." It was not that Aife grew tired of the formalities. It was a simple matter of " this is Zeltros-the world one turns to to escape formalities and relax." an impression she still made sure to honour.