Ask Etti Return

[Julia Hipori]

Julia paced up and down the top floor of an office block in 'Central City', one of the major ecumenopolis of Etti IV, deep in the heart of the Corporate Sector. Today was a day she had been looking forward to for some time, finally getting an assortment of old contacts, and even some new ones, together around the table to discuss a potential new venture.

And it was going to be huge.

For most of her adult life, Julia had climbed the corporate ladder, from a nobody in the Blackwell Corporation to a board member and shareholder in the company in which she had made her name. Soon after, she had been asked to assume a position in the Consortiums Government, and from there she added Systech to her portfolio, before co-founding a hyper-logistics firm with her close associate, President Thorne. These days, when she wasn't on Blackwell, Systech of CHL business, she was heading her own investment trust, and representing a range of commercial interests, as a Senator for the Corporate Sector.

To say she was driven, was an understatement.

However, with cash in hand and seemingly limitless ambition to match, Julia wanted to try something new. That was why she had called a collection of old contacts, and some of their recommended partners, to the top floor of an office block in Etti IV, outfitted with state-of-the-art security and encrypted beyond belief for those wishing to 'dial in' from off-world. She stopped pacing and turned as a light on her commlink informed her that her first associate had arrived. "Show them in." she replied cooly down an earpiece, before standing behind her seat at the head of the table, and subconsciously smoothing down her white jacket, a nervous tic she would never admit she had.

It was going to be an eventful day.

Security was on alert, as ever, especially given who was coming (not to mention who was already here). On the landing pads outside (upon one of which rested her yacht), dozens of uniformed security guards, armed and armored in black uniforms and flak vests, could be seen - the best that her considerable resources could afford her. Above them, numerous A7 falcons milled around, scanning the area for anything, untoward.

She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the day's events.

OOC - @Sreeya @Altaria @LadyRen@The Good Doctor also this is pre-Killik.

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc was known for being a critical investor in a lot of businesses that almost always thrived. As a result of his investments, he gathered quite the portfolio of assets. He had established a holdings firm in his name to manage all of it - and it had the benefit of allowing him to evade certain tax constraints. It wasn’t easy to get the President’s attention these days and he was choosy about his investments. This had piqued his interest, but he was further convinced by his fiancee who also wanted to invest in this.

The titan of a man arrived with Blackwell droids flanking him. Each of these were worth several million Crowns, a testament to his wealth but also the fact that they could neutralize almost any threat. The half Sephi was adorned in a tailored suit, his hair styled and a chrono on his wrist. Earthy tones with cyprus and musk lingered as his expensive cologne. Piercing silver eyes joined his visage that always held its cool bearing, the stoic etched as if carved permanently from marble. A five o’clock shadow lined his cut jawline, every bit of him measured and put together.

Emryc strode in with his fiancee, checking his chrono. He took shorter steps so Jaikus kept pace next to him, his jaw moving as he chewed on some gum, “This better not take all day,” Emryc remarked quietly so only Jaikus could hear, “I’m mainly here because the clubs and lounges in the corporate sector can’t be beat.”

The half Sephi tilted his head to glance at Jaikus, a half grin cracking through his frosty expression as he winked. The other man was perhaps the only one in the galaxy that drew out these sides of him.

It wasn't long before he was led into the room and he spotted Julia. Emryc's face settled back to its usual stoic and he gave her a curt nod, "Julia," He said, "Been a while. How are the kids?" They both knew he meant her company profit portfolio. People like Julia and himself didn't give a rat's ass about most sentimental things.

@Altaris @Nor'baal

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Stepping out of their shared speeder, Jaikus couldn’t deny that he had been anticipating this conference. Unlike his fiancee, the Axxilan was a relatively new investor to the market. For years, he had operated on a modest budget - living solely off of what was provided through his work as both a Sith Champion and Professor. It was only in recent months - after working with Hatice to reclaim a large sum of funds and getting Atlos off the ground - that the Axxilan had the capital necessary to invest - and he had been relatively choosy where to commit his Crowns.

This particular opportunity was something that had captured Jaikus’ interest - and the simple fact that Emryc was also interested was enough to banish any lingering doubts.

Jaikus strode right alongside Emryc - moving between the contingent of Blackwell Droids as they cut a path through the Etti IV office block. Opting for something a bit more his style, Jaikus was dressed in a pair of tight, charcoal dress-pants and a form-fitting, black button-up - the first few buttons left undone to reveal the upper portion of the Axxilan’s chest. His face was clean shaven and his dark hair was straightened, meticulously combed with not a single hair out of place. His outfit was accessorized with an expensive chrono and bracelet on his left wrist, alongside the gold bracelet that he cherished and wore at almost every occasion. The aroma of his designer cologne lingered along the path he walked with his fiancee.

With both hands folded against the small of his back, Jaikus allowed his emerald gaze to wander and take in the corporate environment. That characteristic, diplomatic smile brushed across his features and was flashed towards any passersby. The Axxilan had no qualms about cutting just a bit closer to his fiancee, wordlessly shifting his left arm to snake and hook around Emryc’s own elbow. He glanced over when the half-Sephi spoke - the smile on his lips at once curling upwards and into something far more genuine than the diplomatic mask he wore for others. “Good,” He said smoothly right back to his fiancee, “Then I know where we can celebrate our work when its all over,” It went without saying that the Axxilan was confident in the merits of this venture.

There was no masking the ridiculous and almost dorky way that Jaikus smiled up at Emryc after that wink, ample affection burning behind his emerald gaze clear as day. It was an entirely different side to the Axxilan - and one that the half-Sephi knew only ever surfaced for him. Jaikus lifted his hands, planting a brief kiss to the top of Emryc’s knuckles as they passed inside the building. “Dashing as ever,” He whispered low, just loud enough to where his fiancee would hear.

It didn’t take long for them to be guided into the office where Julia awaited - and it was only then that the Axxilan focused his attention back ahead. He stepped forward ever-so-slightly, just ahead in his fiancee’s line of sight. “Ms. Hipori,” He said smoothly, flashing the businesswoman a pleasant smile as he extended a hand to shake. “It’s a pleasure,” The Axxilan’s emerald gaze wandered the room for a split moment - making note that they were the first to arrive, in person or otherwise.

@Sreeya @Nor'baal

 

[Newton]

After becoming CEO of Blackwell Tech, Etti IV was a world that Newton has become more closely acquainted with. The capital world of the Corporate Sector. Newton Arden would arrive, sporting a nice suit and looking spiffy as expected of a big-time corporate CEO. Upon arriving, he would notably see his good friends Julia and Emryc too. Newton has a good relationship with them both. The President being flanked by droids that are of Newton's own design. Newton would smile.

Side note, very interesting Newton thought, the galaxy's richest people in one room.

Newton wasn't worried about his own security, he left his guard droids on the ship. His astromech droid companion M7 would be supervising them along with the ship, and playfully entrusting M7 with the important task making sure the smart AI aboard his yacht the Nobel suddenly doesn't grow an mind of it's own and take off.

The Blackwell Executive would then stride on in the room. "Good day everyone" he said. Newton would nod and smile at Julia and Emryc. They are both people that Newton likes seeing. It's been a long time since he's seen both. Of course though, Julia has been doing her own work and Emryc has been busy with his usual Presidential duties. "Nice to see you both again." Newton knew things were going swell for the both of them so there was no point in asking.

Then his eyes came upon someone else who he recalls seeing in the media. Ah yes. Professor Jaikus Altaris of the up and coming Atlos Corporation. And the President's fiancée. Lucky him. The two haven't met yet, so might as well get acquainted. "Professor Jaikus Altaris, right?" he smiled and nodded once again "Nice to meet you" if that indeed is him and offer his hand for a handsake.

@Sreeya @Nor'baal @Altaris

 

[Julia Hipori]

Julia must have been a little out of the loop. She tapped her fingers across the tabletop as she saw Emyrc and Jaikus arrive together, as she tried to remember reading anything about the two of them being more than just associates. She probably had read something, but even if she had, Julia realised she didn’t much care what the two of them got up to in their own time at all. Regardless of how some in the media fawned over the private lives of the powerful, Julia had no intention of probing - she considered Emyrc a close associate, maybe even a friend, and had no interest at all in gossip. ”Governor.” she replied, shaking Jaikus’ hand as he approached and greeted her.

Similarly, she smiled and greeted Emryc, shaking his hand when it was offered and resumed her seat as Newton Arden, the CEO of the Blackwell Corporation, entered and did likewise.

”Thank you all for coming, especially at such short notice.” Julie began ”I think we all, in some way or another, know each other? I’ll get directly to the chase - you know me, I didn’t bring you all halfway across the galaxy to catch up. I brought you all here as I think we have an opportunity, one we can all share in.” she got directly to the business, as was often the case with her.

“With the galaxy in turmoil, and huge changes have taken place with regard to borders and the political establishment across known space, an opportunity has presented itself. Here in the Corporate Sector, we hold the lofty title of being one of the few remaining economically resolute zones, with no past issues with any current government. Our reach is considerable and would enable a consortium of investors to club together and buy up some of the distressed media brands across the galaxy, holo news, media franchises, and even entertainment venues - liners, parks and the like. So, I’ll lay it out -” she instructed a protocol droid to hand a dossier to each of them ”In front of you I have laid out a series of brands we could purchase, as the starting block for a new media consortium, which I can grow, and you can make use of.”

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Briefly stepping forward, Jaikus’ lips tugged a bit wider as he approached Julia - flashing the woman a polite and charming smile as he shook her hand. Still, the Axxilan couldn’t help but arch a brow ever-so-slightly, a hint of amusement dancing across his features when she spoke, “Afraid not,” He corrected breezily, “I can confidently say that only one us,” He glanced back towards his fiancee with a grin, “Is suited for politics.” His hands folded neatly against the small of his back after that, though the smile on his lips lingered.

“But Jaikus is just fine,” He said smoothly, not taking the error too seriously and moving right along.

The Axxilan’s attention promptly turned to Newton - watching as the Blackwell Executive confidently strolled into the room. While not someone Jaikus had met prior to that point, his was a name that most people in the Galaxy had heard of. “Mr. Arden,” He said, reaching across to shake his hand, “It’s a pleasure. Congratulations, by the way. I am sure Blackwell is destined for even greater things with you at the helm.”

Without another word, the Axxilan took his seat alongside the others - hand neatly knitted together on the table. His emerald gaze hung on Julia, listening as the woman summarized her proposal. It was no secret that Jaikus was rather interested in the merits of it before arrival, and his interest only peaked further upon further analysis. It had the potential to greatly benefit his own ventures, in addition to whatever profits were made through media advertisements.

“Recent events have resulted in a significant downturn in the market,” He mused after a long moment, drumming his fingers against the table. “Moreso than ever, we would be in a position to discreetly acquire any number of these brands.” Jaikus said with a small wave of his hand, “On-air advertisements would form the bulk of the profits for the conglomerate itself - our primary usage would come in the form of favorable coverage.”

“Independent promotion of firms we have interest in,” Blackwell, CHD, Altos.. All stood to gain from the favorable coverage. “And additional scrutiny applied to our competition.” Enough to tarnish the public image of rivaling firms - either forcing them out of the market entirely, or causing their shareholders to progressively lose confidence.

“Moreover, scrutiny to those who have the power to damage us most,” He said, tapping his knuckles against the table. “It was not so long ago that Senator Kang spread lies about Blackwell through the Senate,” He glanced over to Newton, giving the man a slight nod, “And effectively walked blemish-free from the ordeal. Aggressively journalism to press the issue and tear Senators for such inaccuracies is, indubitably, in our best interest.”

“I see a great deal of value in the proposition,” His gaze firmly flicked over to Julia, fixing onto her for a long moment, “That said,” He began, leaning back ever-so-slightly, “Entertainment venues bring far less value to the table,” Jaikus said smoothly, offering the slightest shrug of his shoulders. “Operational costs alone - overhead, maintenance fees, proper permitting - in addition to the volume of advertisement we would have to engage in - hardly justifies the investment.”

Jaikus glanced between Emryc and Newton before he continued. “Unless there is a new, more profitable model to be applied to these parks? I recommend we consolidate and focus all of our investment into HoloNet and journalistic franchises. Use our initial investment to acquire smaller, independent entities, with immediate benefit, and grow from there. Larger firms like the Herald and others in the long term.”

@Nor'baal @Sreeya @The Good Doctor

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc quirked a brow at Julia’s proposal. He didn’t know her to be vague like this in the past about assets to chase after. He let Jaikus finish speaking, silently pondering the exchange. After a moment he looked at Julia, “I’m no longer in the practice of investing in things that don’t offer solid returns,” He said, “Why media instead of real estate?”

The half Sephi was wealthy and had taken many risks. Some of them panned out, some of them didn’t, but he had enough wealth to where he didn’t need to chase or ride his hopes on distressed or entirely unknown upstarts. He came in when it was the second round of investments minimum now or when an IPO was guaranteed.

@Nor'baal