Log:The Center of Attention
Xizor debriefs Guri, and they plan Black Sun's next moves.
OOC Date: March 19, 2016
Location: Xizor's Luxury Yacht
Participants: Xizor, Guri, Black Sun
When Xizor isn't on a planet but is operating in its region, he is aboard his well-armed luxury yacht. Its interior has been redesigned, and a single large room serves as a combination command center, entertainment center, and sanctum. Few are ever admitted to it.
Guri is welcomed aboard by Vis'jah, the steward, a middle-aged human with bright-white irises clad in Core-style robes.
He smiles, bows silently, and leads the way to the command center, gesturing towards it with both hands, waiting until Guri steps inside.
Within the chamber, Xizor sits at a minimalist L-shaped silver desk with a matching cushioned chair. A vivid representation of Hutt Space, the few known worlds in the Unknown Regions, and their border with the New Republic's territories floats in the center of the the room. Commodity values and stock prices from various exchanges flick past on the right side of the holo. To the left are what appear to be small pictures of the faces of people known to operate in the area. Some have a question mark instead of a face, and data on most is fairly spotty.
"Guri," Xizor's voice cuts in. He tilts his head back slightly, a clear invitation to approach.
The yacht is familiar enough, as is the steward who greets her, giving him a perfunctory nod once Guri is on board. He leads the way, and she turns to follow, wearing the same form fitting clothing that she always wears, the sort that allows her free range of movement should she need it, today it's in muted gray tones. Vis'jah gets one final nod before she steps into the command center and approaches the desk, both hands clasped behind her back. "Good evening, Master."
"It is evening on some parts of Nar Shaddaa." Xizor taps a key on the desk, and two chronometers appear in the air. One for the regions of the Smuggler's Moon they are focused on, the other for shipboard time. They match exactly. "Have you discovered new potentials and explored vectors for expansion? We have some." The pictures of sentients and their known biography to the left expand into the foreground of the holo image, becoming full-fledged dossiers.
Xizor taps a well-groomed claw against the table three times, a staccato ellipsis.
Guri's cool blue eyes lower to the desk, lifting to regard the chronometers for a beat, and then lift so that they rest on Xizor again. "I have uncovered some potential avenues for recruitment, or at the very least, they may prove useful to your goals on Nar Shaddaa. It will require further investigation before I can adequately assess whether or not they will be fruitful."
Prince Xizor's eyes meet Guri's, unblinking. "Good." He points towards a chair next to the desk with one finger of his left hand. "Most importantly, having had time to scout and assess the current situation, do you still believe establishing a foothold to be a profitable endeavor?" Asking for someone else to assess their entire strategy for defects and to provide a frank assessment of success may not be normal among pride-driven crime lords, but Guri is hardly a traditional advisor.
Guri meets and holds his gaze, though she does blink, and only turns away when he directs her to the chair. She moves around the desk and lowers into the seat obediently, sitting up straight with her legs crossed, and both hands resting in her lap. "I do. The degree of unrest is higher than usual, with riots in the Hutt district, and a new name rising to power. That alone should present you with a vareity of opportunities to gain a foothold."
"Good." A ghost of a smile takes hold of Xizor's lips. "Have you met this new Hutt yet? Junda of the Desilijic clan? Far more militant than the prior." He holds out his left hand. "Responding to loss by squeezing tighter." His fingers tighten into a fist. "It is almost Imperial." He discusses this strategy for control like a fine wine; there is no admiration in his tone, but a degree of appreciation.
"I have met with Raim Shah. He speaks only for himself, but from his words, he is part of a network. What sort, I do not yet know," Xizor says. "Also, I believe it to be worth contacting this active ship-seller. Moergog, a Verpine. Businessmen always need a reliable supplier in times of turmoil. Under the right terms, that can be Black Sun."
The Falleen stretches his fingers out again, letting them fall to rest on the silver desk. "Is there more you would share?"
"I have not met him, Master, but I can, and will if you so desire," Guri replies in the forthright way she always does with Xizor. Programmed loyalty and obedience does have it's benefits. She listens to the rest, making particular note of the names. "I have met a number of people who are connected to a large mercenary company, which may prove useful should there be anything that requires force, without any direct ties to you. Two of their members have already attempted to recruit me." A pause follows as she draws breath, whether she actually needs to or not. "Others I've met are of lesser importants. A Zabrak in charge of a shipping company, who may be easily manipulated should that prove of any use. A mandalorian as well."
"The best time to meet may be after we have people in place. If you speak to a Hutt of taking a slice of his world, he will perceive a threat." Xizor rubs his chin between forefinger and thumb. "Speak to him of cooperation where you already operate, and he may see opportunity instead."
"I believe the appropriate front for our move will be Reach Galactic." The Prince of the Falleen refers to a trust many corporations use to invest in Rim territories. "I have made a few purchases. We are now the majority shareholder, through a variety of holding companies. You will review them before you return to Nar Shaddaa. We will discuss whether it is best for you to be an officer in the consortium or if that would hamper your mobility." He presses a few keys with his other hand, asking, "Will you take brandy with me?" It is a genuine question without a right answer.
"I will refrain from doing so for now, unless the situation is unavoidable," Guri replies with a small nod. "If it proves to be, I will do as you say." The subject of the new Hutt in town is left behind as she listens to his plans, his orders, and there again she nods. "Of course, Master. It should not take me long to review. If they all operate reliably well, I should be able to perform in both roles. I will be able to provide you with a better answer once I conclude my reviews."
The offer of a drink is met first with silent consideration, though it's brief, and then she nods. "I would like that."
The door to the chamber opens shortly, and Vis'jah enters with a bottle and two snifters. He opens the bottle, presents the cork to Xizor, and then pours a few inches of the drink into each snifter. The man bows in Xizor's direction and backs up three steps before turning and moving for the door, all without saying a word.
"Corellian brandy has long been traditional," Xizor says, "But this from the Mid-Rim is better, if you like a hint of spice. It is also, at present, much cheaper." The Falleen smiles slightly. "We own the maker, now. They just won a blind taste test. Prices will be going up shortly." He raises his snifter, says, "To our next underground success." He takes a sip.
"I've selected a few sites for the Nar Shaddaa headquarters of Reach. Review them in person and see which is most promising. I would like to start design and construction as soon as possible."
Guri, by design, is attentive to her surroundings, and that is even more true when she's with Xizor. As a result, even though the steward is a familiar, and reliable figure, he's still studied in that way she studies everyone else that's in the presence of the Prince. Vis'jah retreats, leaving behind the snifter of brandy, which she leans forward to pick up, while listening to one aspect of his business ventures. "To our next success." Her raised snifter lowers and she takes a small sip of the brandy, letting it roll over her tongue for a few moments before swallowing. "There are quite a few properties available, from what I have seen. I will inspect those that you've selected, and let you know what I find."
"If there is a better site, funds are available to acquire it." Xizor holds the snifter, taking in its aroma before a small second sip. "Tell me firsthand of this moon. I have never visited." He listens, interrupting only occasionally to pursue further details about a topic. His attention is rapt.
