Two Senators, Two Neimoidians

[Alton Hawkes]

The pilot for Alton's Nubian shuttle made touch-down on the landing pad for the Neimoidian High Council building not too long ago. Getting out, Alton could feel the humility and they weren't kidding when they said Cato Neimodia is a foggy planet.

Alton and his very re-occurring friend Senator Valiance Waszylla are here to meet with two aids belonging to one of the High Councilors, this one named Zas Srekku. During the briefing for this, they were advised to see if they could bribe the hi aids to get them access to Srekku. But if Alton had to be honest he really wasn't feeling bribery. It feels... wrong. Although he does acknowledge that in the end this is for the Republic and Neimoidian's tend to value wealth above most things. Still, that doesn't sit well with Alton who has a bit more integrity.

Senator Hawkes could see a protocol droid attendant coming from the front door coming towards them. Senator would look towards his good friend and then ask "Well here we are. We ready?" an aside. "Lets try doing this without any bribery?" he suggested to his partner, he just isn't feeling it. Although if his partner objects with what he's proposing he supposes he can go along with it, although it won't sit well with him.

With enough time for the other senator to exchange words, the protocol droid would greet them "Hello there Senator Hawkes and Senator Waszylla" the droid said in a female secretary-like voice "Welcome to Cato Neimoidia!" the droid would turn around and begin to usher them to their destination. "Right this way"

They have awhile with the protocol droid's walking pace.

@Wit @Insalius

 

[Valiance Waszylla]

If it was one thing that Valiance admired about his friend and recent superior Alton, it was the man's integrity. It was easy for a Senator or any politician to fall into vices in order to get what they want, even if they had the best of intentions. Vice Chancellor Hawkes would only do such things if forced. "There's got to be a way we can do this without bribery. We're both smart, talented, incredibly handsome Senators. I know we'll come up with something. Bribery is only a last resort for me, if it is for you." Smiling, he pat his friend on the shoulder and walked with him to the meeting. The walk with the droid would take time, though with his increasing age the pace was more comfortable for him. Perhaps he should start trying to work out, get in shape. He was finding himself more and more potato-shaped with every year.

@Faster Than Light

 

[Alton Hawkes]

Alton Hawkes chuckled and smiled at Waszylla's words. 'Handsome.' especially. Now the protocal droid then shows them to the door where the two Republic officials would be meeting with the Neimodian aides. "This way" the droid opened the door for them, and once he two would go into the meeting room, the droid would shut the door and leave as the four would get down to business. And then they would be greeted by the two aids, Neimodians wearing fancy robes and high hats, typical for the higher up of their species he knows.

"Hello there, nice to meet you two." Alton said, nodding his head towards the two, not sure if he was to offer a handshake so he didn't, but the Neimoidians didn't seem to care if they did or not, so all is good. "Greetings" the one of the left (wearing red) opened up "I'm Vahad" and "And I'm Tarvoc" the one on the right wearing dark green said. "Senator Waszylla, Vice Chancellor Hawkes, pleasure to make your acquaintances . Have a seat if you would." There would be four comfortable space leather seats in the middle of the room in a square formation. The aids would take their seats, Alton would take a seat as well.

"Now, speak quickly. What is your business here today?" Vahad asked of the two Republic officials, the Neimoidians are straight to the point, although blunt even to the new Vice Chancellor. Time is money after all. Alton would then answer "Well, I come to you with an offer from the Republic, I'd to talk to Zas Srekku, my government has a proposition for him. In the end for the betterment of Cato Neimoidia" he nodded his head, it really is, as it is the Republic. "Cato Neimoidia has it's riches plundered by the Sith time and time again by the Sith, and but Cato Neimoidia could prosper in peace perhaps." the aids looked at each other, intrigued. They think that might be something Zas Srekku should be interested in. Looking back at the two Republic politicians. "Hmmm, that sounds interesting, interesting indeed. Can you tell us more about this proposition?" Taryoc nodded his head as the looked at the two interested, they aren't being as blunt. Looks like things are off to a good start. Can they seal the deal?

@Insalius

dice

 

[Valiance Waszylla]

Valiance was quiet as Alton spoke, pleased to listen to the younger man start off the negotiations so deftly. The Senator from Chandrila was incredibly skilled, perhaps that being one of the reasons he had become the Vice Chancellor so soon after the formation of the Republic. The way he had set these two aides at ease with just his introduction was a skill that couldn't be learned, instead people were born with it. Had Val been born with it? He liked to think so, just that he'd ignored it for most of his life. Oh well, that was his loss, but would be the next generation's gain. Soon he knew that it was his turn to speak, backing up his younger friend and colleague. At the very least he had to prove he could still keep up with the youngsters.

"The Vice Chancellor is right, the Republic truly does want what is best for Cato Neimoidia. The damage your planet has taken from oppression and attacks from the Sith has been appalling, so the reconstruction of your world would be a beacon of hope to not only the people here but across the galaxy. That is what we're here today to do, offer your High Councilor. We want to work to join hands with him and the rest of the Council, make a deal to ally ourselves together. As a gesture of goodwill, my friend here has an opportunity he would like to present to Mr. Srekku. I guarantee it is something that he would quite enjoy, and it would help start bringing ourselves together in friendship." Yes, he knew that they were supposed to bribe their way to speaking to the Councilor, yet their earnest words so far had been effective in appealing to their good nature. It was heartening to see that they weren't the only ones with integrity in politics.

@Faster Than Light

 

[Alton Hawkes]

The two aids were content with what the humans were saying, nodding as they listened in here and there. They could go ahead and set up the meeting with the High Councilor, but Srekku is a very busy man. So if they try to set up something with Srekku it needs to be worth his while. Vahad would then speak up. "Intriguing..." he complimented what was said as he stroked his chin, contemplating. Usually higher class Neimoidians wouldn't go for sentimental stuff, although the the promises of prosperity could be something Srekku could go for. "Ah yes. we would be interested in having Cato Neimodia joining the Republic. All we need is your bosses ear, and we would work out the details." Alton said with a smile, thinking that was all he had to say. They would go for it right? The Republic is destined to prosper.

The Neimodians would look at each other, they serve the same boss and know his stance on things, after siliently confiding in agreement, they would turn towards the humans. "With all due respect Vice Chancellor, I am not sure that Srekku... would go for that. Being with the Republic would mean that we abide by their laws..." Tarvoc said. Wealth and power is a big part of Neimodian culture, especially on Cato Neimodia. The Neimodians here also allow slavery, which would never be allowed if with the Republic. "We expect more generous terms for us to consider give you our bosses' ear." the other Neimoidian affirmed his partner's words. Well, negotiations are going to be difficult as the Vice Chancellor expectd.

@Insalius

 

[Valiance Waszylla]

Valiance didn't blame the two aides for their request, he knew it was a part of their very society and culture. It DID make things more difficult for Alton and himself, though, especially since they were trying to not give up their integrity trying to secure the ear of the High Councillor. Only one thing came to the Senator's mind, keeping with his ideals and still appealing to their need for some kind of deal or bribe. It was the only card he had to play, though, so if they needed more he would be screwed. "Well, that's completely understandable for a request. I had an idea about that when I was learning more about all the strife your planet has had over the years. Obroa-skai is known for her libraries, for sure, but we also have some of the best med centers and, thus, doctors in the Republic. I can talk to some old friends of mine who run most of them and see if I can secure some medical supplies and personnel for at cost. WAY cheaper than most deals you could even negotiate down to. And it would be all because of you guys. How's that sound?" Val knew that his friends were humanitarians and would agree, if it meant helping those who needed it, and it would be good publicity for them. A win for all of them, hopefully.

@Faster Than Light

 

[Alton Hawkes]

Well, the two aids are now forcing them to the point where they the Republic negotiators are beginning to show their playing cards. The Neimodians barely nodded their heads, acknowledging Valiance's proposal was at least a decent and interesting one. Still not enough to win them over. Alton would probably offer something, maybe seeing about offering up food for trade from his homeworld as well, but he would prefer that he didn't show any cards. Alton didn't like playing a game to negotiate to get to a guy before they could negotiate with him, so they could get negotiate with more people. Yuck.

"Look" Alton would say "We could be here all day long or we could cut the middle man and talk to the guy we need to and be on our way. We can have Republic representatives have a nice talk with him over a nice, friendly game of pazaak or sabaac or something. Whatever he feels like." Alton had a stern expression on his face as he's trying to push through to the Neimodians one more time. Alton put emphasis on the word 'friendly', to hint the opposite. The Neimodian aids know that Srekku has a weakness for games such as those, especially competitive and understood what Alton meant. Srekku is also pretty good at them. Maybe if the talks aren't worth it, maybe the gambling will. The Neimodians looked at each other again as they begin to process this. They are being won over. Perhaps one last push will do be enough.

@Insalius

 

[Valiance Waszylla]

Senator Waszylla could see that the aides were about to finally fall to their side of the reasoning. Sure he had tipped his hand with what he could offer, but it had been needed to keep their goal alive in the first place. With a smirk masquerading as a grin, Val leaned forward as if he had a dominant or fierce bone in his body. Which he didn't, he couldn't even HOLD a blaster without worrying about passing out. If someone swung a punch at him he'd hit the floor before the aggressor's arm even reached all the way back. But he could PRETEND when he wanted to. To be honest, he more came off like an upset or disappointed grandfather when he tried to be angry. It was more pitiable than anything, but it got the job done.

"My colleague here is right. I know time is money, especially when a good game is played for a LOT of money. And just think, he might bring you guys along for bringing this opportunity to his attention. I know some GREAT casinos and they treat guests VERY well. You two look like you work hard, I'm sure you could use the bit of vacation, right?" He winked at them, though his voice held the tone of opportunity and forcefulness. It was a tone meant to make them realize that time was not on their side with this offer as well as to entice them with a personal stake in making sure the High Councillor got wind of this as soon as possible. He glanced over at Alton, idly buffing his nails on his jacket. "If I remember right, you've got a fundraiser that starts tonight on Chandrila, right? I hope the pilot didn't spin down the engine, I don't think it would do to be late."

@Faster Than Light

 

[Alton Hawkes]

Well, the Neimodians will learn their heads over towards each other and whisper to each other as they process all that was said. Alton hoped that this would work. After some time, they would turn their attention back to the humans. "Alright, we've heard enough", they said with stoic demeanor, making it easy to seem like they still weren't going to go for it. Next, Tarvoc would speak next "We will humor your proposal Senator and Vice Chancellor. We will arrange this meeting with with your representative." the two Neimodians would then stand up from their seats signalling that this meeting is over, but not before Tarvoc hits a button on his chair arm. "You will be escorted back to your ship. Pleasure doing business with you two," the Neimodians ended the meeting with this note. Not really caring for the post-meeting formalities. Shortly, the protocol droid from before will open the door "Right this way please" the droid said with it's female robotic voice before Alton could thank them for their time.

As the two would be escorted out of the room, Alton would look towards his partner "Well, that went well, didn't it?" he cracked towards his senator friend and smiling. That meeting almost gave the Chandrila native a headache, but they did it. "Thank you for coming along" he thanked his friend. Now they can head on back to Republic space job well done once they get back on the ship.


@Insalius

 

[Valiance Waszylla]

Holy hell, they had DONE it. Valiance was quiet as Alton finished up their meeting, still with that smile on his face and that fierce glint in his eye. He nodded and said his goodbyes as the droid showed them out of the room, going back towards their ship having achieved not only a political victory but a moral one. There had been no bribes, nothing more than an offer of a good deal that would benefit everyone and a little leaning on the desire for a vacation that the two aides had obviously harbored inside themselves. He clapped his friend on the back, as always impressed by the younger man's skill at politics. Some only had a silver tongue but would buckle under pressure, but not Alton. He had the will and drive to follow through on his honeyed words. That would make him quite dangerous to many people, yet another reason Val was glad to call him a colleague. "I think that went as well as we could hope, which is better than what everyone else is expecting, I think. And I'm glad to come along to these little visits. Gets me out of the library, air out these old bones. I think I'll always have that old book smell, though. Anyway, I really did forget. DO you have a fundraiser, tonight?"

/Endthread