Ask Corellia Rules of the Game

[Julia Hipori]

Julia Hipori had not stopped reading and re-reading the 'Journalism' that was the talk of the business world these past few days. Every single time she had tried to get some work done, she had heard the 'news' item mentioned, and between every meeting she had been glued to the comments section of the written item, scowling to herself and seething.

Prick.

She slammed her datapad down again and leant back in her chair. Julia had ensconced herself in her private office on Corellia, one of the commercial hubs of the galaxy, to get herself a little privacy. Julia had purchased the office when she had become Governor of Lahsbane, the income she received as a Corporate Vice President of the Blackwell Corporation more than covering the cost. With her position as Secretary for Intergalactic Affairs with the ISC affording her transport, an office and more, she needed somewhere where she could take care of her private business affairs, in...well, private.

From her desk, she could see the cityscape to her left, and a lounge in front of her, a board room beyond that. To the right of the lounge, a front desk with a protocol droid sat at it would be found, a barrier between her and the outside world.

Julia had booked the services of the Attorney General of the ISC, on a personal bit of work separate from his political appointment. The man, who she had yet to meet, came highly recommended, and cost a small fortune to hire.

But this was personal.

"Ma'am," her protocol droid spoke over the intercom linked to her desk "....your twelve o'clock is here."

"Show him in." she responded, turning the intercom off, and waiting for the attorney general to walk in.

 

[Arcturus Hadley]

Ah the sweet smell of justice. Arcturus breathed in the familiar scents of the waiting room. Leather chairs, slightly stale flowers, and the receptions not quiet expensive enough perfume. Delightful. It smelled like a chance to make a change. He almost laughed to himself. People actually believed that shit. Arcturus Percival Hadley wore a perfectly pressed navy three-piece suit, crisp white shirt, brown leather shoes, and lovely deep blue tie. He looked good. When the reception came to get him, Arc stood smoothly. He smiled at droid…not that it mattered. You couldn’t charm the metallic. Usually.

Arcturus walked into office just as he walked into any room. As if he owned the place. He was blessed with extraordinary confidence, matched only by his intergalactic talent. He wouldn’t shoot a blaster or start a fight…no his powers were much greater. He smiled broadly upon seeing Julia Hipori. “Madam Secretary, it is an absolute pleasure to meet you.” His eyes twinkled. “I understand we are having a little bit of a problem. One I can certainly solve.”

Without invitation, he took one of the seats opposite the desk. “Tell me…what happened?” He knew of course but he needed to hear it from her. That was part of the job.

@Nor'baal

 

[Julia Hipori]

Rising from her seat as Acturus walked in, Julia shook his hand and smiled, gesturing for him to take the seat opposite her desk as he made his introductions. He was a well-dressed man, who had clearly walked directly out of the halls of some of the best legal chambers in the Galaxy, and it was well-worth bringing him on board.

As he continued his introductions, Julia picked up her datapad and scrolled through to the offending content. The written article, and then the actual news report.

“Tell me…what happened?”

"This," she placed the datapad on the table in front of him "...journalist has been having a bit of fun at my expense. So, here's how you can help - crush him." she sat back in her chair.

 

[Arcturus Hadley]

Arcturus perfectly arched an eyebrow as he was handed the data pad. His eyes quickly scanned the contents, his fingers lightly flicking through the story. He laughed lightly. “Well…he is funny.” Arcturus had always managed to stay out of the tabloids himself. The exploits of the legal profession put most to sleep. Ah, if only they knew how he spent his days. “I must ask Madam Secretary, although of course it makes no difference to me, is it true?” His voice was light while he spoke. “Truth is an absolute defense to any claims of liable and slander. I just need to know what I’m up against.” He smiled again. “Your secrets are safe with me…Iron clad attorney client privilege.”

He set the data pad on the desk, leaning back in his chair. “I love a good public annihilation but here I think subtly serves us best. The louder you protest, the more likely people are to believe the rumors.” He cracked his knuckles, interlocking his hands. “What do you know of our intrepid little reporter?” Arcturus mind was already spinning through possibilities. It would be very hard to find work if you suddenly found yourself destitute on the street. They needed to discredit the story, not merely dispute it.

@Nor'baal

 

[Julia Hipori]

"Entirely untrue, my diary can prove it as well." she waved her droid over, who provided her travel logs since she had taken office "If only there was some truth though," she sighed and leant back in her chair, looking out of the window ""...would make this job more bearable at least."

"As for the reporter, only this," she reached into the drawer of her desk "...not much but it's a good start." the folder contained only what was available publically. Homeworld, general career background, and educational status. "His career seems mostly focused on smut like this, innuendo and suggestion - but this is the first time he has gone on record against people in business, politics and the like; normally he focuses on holodoc and movie stars."

She sighed, lighting a stim and offering the packet to her compatriot "You know, the ones that don't bite back."