Log:Wooing, Clients
Wooing, Clients
OOC Date: August 12, 2017
Location: Ithor
Participants: Rhani Aeternum, Ax, Adhar Gann, Orto Needah (NPC)
Location: Ten Gazebo Cafe - Cloud-Mother Herdship, Ithor
The pinnacle of elegance on Cloud-Mother, this simple, nine-lobed structure exists seemingly to not only educate visitors in the magnificent palette of flavors presented by Ithorian cuisine, but its flexibility in flavoring the dishes of other worlds as well. Arrayed like dumplings about a larger, grander meal, the gleaming latticed onions of each gazebo presents itself with a flavor all its own: Rodian, Sullustan, Coruscanti, Corellian, Classical Durosi, Arkanian, Bith, Rylothi, and Squib cuisine are all equally represented in one of the nine satellite gazebos, each containing a live grill and microkitchen along with an attending chef - the Durosi, by far, is the most interesting draw for many now that Duro lies in toxic ruins and only here can you sample the remainder of its ancient crops.
The tenth gazebo, the hub around which all the others are arrayed, represents the cuisine that unites all these flavors in their treatment: here the wonders of Ithor can be tasted in a festive barrage, the flavors of the wondrous forests as well as those hybrids lovingly created by native hands presented to the diner in a variety of styles. Indeed, it's a glorious experience well paid for, no matter what shade one samples here.
Outside, the sunshine is glimmering warmly on leaf and flower, hints of a recent rain in every breath of air. Faint scents of exotic flowers blooming spread over the area like a strange and faintly scented perfume. Sometimes sweet, others spicey, the air is fresher than in many places. Rhani, dressed a bit more formally than is her usual style, sits at a small table nestled in one of the lobs off the center gazebo. She is looking out a nearby window rather than at the offered foods.
Ax rarely came to Ithor, unless it was when there was one of the rare sales of exotic hardwoods that were gathered from deadfalls on the planet. Such woods were expensive yet if worked properly by a professional, they were quite beautiful. It was these woods that outlined his private cabine and the conference room on his larger ship.
Today however, there was no sale, yet the Echani had flown to the Ottega system and had ventured through the city-ship, finding his way to the gazebo cafe.
"...so you can see why it's important that the local ecology is preserved." Adhar arrives with a towering Ithorian in tow, a fellow dressed in rich, fringed fabrics whose dual mouths buzz with the strange stereo accent of his kind as he replies to the smuggler-apparently-turned-developer.
"I do, yes," the Ithorian says as the two of them approach the center gazebo. "I am impressed that you have done so much work to secure the health of the environment, when it is not legally required."
"Well, the New Republic doesn't -require- it," says Adhar, "But as you know, Kalarba is largely undeveloped for a reason; the mineral wealth in its asteroid belt far outweighs its planetary resources, and they like to keep most of the mining out that way. Fuel production, however, is something we feel can be done on the planet, at least in some limited fashion. The key is just being able to use technology that will not damage the environment - which is, of course, why I am here."
"Indeed," replies the Ithorian, and the two progress to the central gazebo where a waiter - and a table - await them.
Ax looks over as Adhar and his Ithorian partner arrive. He doesn't say anything, just approaches as the two move towards the awaiting table. His presence was requested, and Ax wasn't generally known to just go at anyone's whim, yet here he was.
"Ah, Master Bi'jinax." Adhar gestures to Ax as he approaches, careful /not/ to mangle the man's last name. "It's good to see you so soon. May I introduce Orto Needah, an expert in ecologically-minded industrial concepts?" Adhar smiles over - and up - at the massive being, who inclines its head (and upper torso) slightly to you in greeting. "I've hired him to assist us in minimizing the ecological impact of the deuterium operation."
"It's Ax," the Echani replies. At least he didn't cringe when his surname was used. "There are more than ecological concerns, there is the humanitarian concerns as well," Ax responds. "Both are to be concerns in such endeavors, especially if I am backing them." He looks towards the Hammerhead, offering the strange alien a slight bow. "It is an honor," Ax says to the being.
"Of course." Adhar smiles, inclining his head - whether the ceremony is for your benefit or the Ithorian's is yet to be determined.
The Ithorian keeps bowed for a moment longer. "I am pleased to meet you, Master Ax," replies the alien. "Of course we have heard of you - however, I was not aware that you were chosen as a financial backer." He looks to Adhar, who nods.
"I did not mention him because he is not -yet- a backer," says Adhar to Orto Needah. "But I thought that, since we are discussing strategy, you might inform him of just what we're doing here." He gestures to the table, which is being waited upon by another Ithorian...patiently. "Shall we sit?"
"I am not yet, I am not someone who goes into anything of this magnitude without a little research," Ax says. When the gesture is made towards the table, Ax takes a seat. "Anyway, there's a great deal of money on the table, and the potential for helping a great many people or harm them. So, I wish to be careful with this."
"Of course," replies Orto Needah as he and Adhar sit. "I too was surprised when I received Master Gann's - Adhar's - initial specifications for this facility that he wishes to construct," he says. "Of course, so much of this is tethered to the question of sufficient deuterium reserves in the Kalarban seawater, but I've received sufficeint intelligence to suggest that the fuel /is/ there. The question is how to safely and responsibly extract resources --"
"Which I have made clear is the goal," interjects Adhar.
"Yes," agrees Orto Needah. "The key here, of course, is the method. Are you familiar with common techniques of extracting deuterium from native seawater, Mas--ah, excuse me. Ax?"
"No, my wife is the scientist, I am simply a pilot. Such things, I assure you are over my comprehension," Ax says. "But, I am well aware of the Ithorian ecological expertise. I fund a few projects with my purchases of your auctions of the hardwoods picked up from the planet below." He smiles, "I am a bit of a sucker when it comes to certain luxuries. If you and your colleagues tell me that this project idea of Adhar's is legitimate, then it will go a long way towards swaying my opinion." He pauses a moment. "While I am here, I would very much like to purchase a few tons of the local mineral water. I would like to see how well it does with the blossom wine I produce on Naboo."
Adhar, Ax, and a well-dressed Ithorian are sitting at a table in the central gazebo, talking about...well, who knows. Business, sounds like.
"It is legitimate," the Ithorian, Orto Needah, says. "What it is -not-, I am afraid, is extremely profitable. Master Adhar has chosen the Harpani's Ladder system of repulsor-assisted electrolysis, which was engineered by the Bith some two hundred years ago. It is very safe, and very clean...but by comparison to other industrial methods, it is very slow."
"That's very true," agrees Adhar. "However, we have sidelines associated with the process in plan. The method of expelling electrolyzed seawater is not only clean, but peaceful to the local environment, allowing us to seed it with nutrients to increase fishing levels and general aquaculture, and there's always a significant amount of water that can be redirected for desalinization for local and exported use."
"To say nothing of the general chemical purity of the salt," adds Orto Needa. "However...I do have a concern that I would be remiss not to share, especially with a potential investor present." Ithorians, honest to a fault.
"You do?" This seems to catch Adhar by surprise, as well. "What is it?"
Abandoning the table she had sat in the lessor area, Rhani stands and smooths the skirts of her dress. Shaking her head to the Ithorian who approaches, she smiles, "I am sorry. They do not seem to..." Her gaze ranges over the central area and she frowns just a little, "Ah, excuse me. THere they are." Nodding politely to the Ithorian, she adds, "Thank you for your attention." Stepping out of that lobe and into the central area, she glides on her heels, her stride confident, her manner relaxed. Closing in on the table, she smiles, "Good day."
Ax listens quietly. "Profitability is less of a concern for me than is self-sustainability. And, while I am no expert, is not introducing something into an ecosystem potentially bad? I mean, adding nutrients that aren't naturally there at those levels can disrupt the ecosystem, can't it?" He just shakes his head. "I think that's more of Mandl or Kadi's area of expertise than mine. Regardless, I'd like to hear your concerns," he says to the Ithorian, giving an occassionaly glance towards Adhar. As Rhani approaches, Ax uses a foot to slide a chair out for her, but keeps his attention towards the people talking business.
"That is part of the question," says Orto Needah with a nod. "However, Master Gann's 'sideline' is really only enough to feed the necessary requirements of the facility and its attached settlement, with a sufficient volume for visitors. I think he is referring to the money saved by not having to spend on too much imported food."
Adhar coughs faintly. "Well, I had thought we might be able to raise pearls or some other luxury aquacultural crop." Oh, and there's Rhani. "Hello, Rhani. Please, join us."
Orto Needah gives the woman a nod, then looks back to Ax. "My concerns are primarily with the staff," he says. "Kalarba may have Hosk Station in orbit, but the planet itself is..." The Ithorian pauses, looking for the right word. "...boring to most sentients. My people would find it lovely, but I find that many sentients consider us boring as well." He laughs, a coughing sound made all the more off-putting by the twin mouths that utter it. "Who would want such an isolated life, I wonder?"
"The question I have isn't that, but what kind of education would be required for employees? Is it a job that an unskilled laborer could do?" Considering the goal is to use escaped slaves, it was a good question he thought. "As far as isolated lives, I know some people who would actually prefer that. Of course, they only want that for so long before they are ready to move on."
Rhani Aeternum smiles at Ax for the near galentry of providing her with a chair. Claiming it, she adjusts where it sits and curls down to sit on it. Her hands fold in her lap rather than reach for anything. When asked, she quietly orders a water sans ice. Turning to the others, she returns nods as they are offered, then settles in to listen. Tilting her head a bit, she offers, "As to that, are you setting up an educational branch? You could have your employees go through an orientation process that includes a certain amount of education. Then again for advancement."
"We'll be bringing in a number of representatives from the company that manufactures the extraction technology to train people," says Adhar. "Unlike other technology, it's relatively easy to maintain and operate - you're not having to monitor a blast cycler or heat farm to boil off the water, for example. It's really just maintaining power levels and operation of repulsor fields, for the most part."
He looks to Rhani, who takes her seat. "That's the plan. I..." Adhar smiles as Ax suddenly has to excuse himself, and as the man leaves, clears his throat. "Well, okay, where was I. Right, education. Uh...given the nature of people coming in, I'd thought to have an education program set up that extends beyond industrial systems."
Orto Needah blinks slowly and makes his horrible laugh again. "Master Adhar," he says, "It sounds almost as though you're intending to build a whole colony, not just a facility with attached living blocks!"
At this, Adhar looks to the Ithorian and nods. "That's exactly what I am to do, yes."
Rhani Aeternum waves slightly as Ax leaves to deal with... something or other. Her attention returns to Adhar and the Ithorian. Lifting her hands, she places them together and bows her head over them, "I am Rhani Aeternum. I am an officer with the Waywards." That way, the Ithorian will know who she is. Looking between them, she focuses on Adhar, "I see. Well, then you must consider the ecological impacts of future development. Unless you plan to build your colony on a barren moon. But that has other challenges."
"We have been discussing that very matter," says Orto Needah. "I assure you that Master Adhar has done just that. It is, after all, my specialty to insure these things. And now, I am afraid that I must take my leave of you. My schedule is very filled." The Ithorian bows slightly in his seat before rising, as does Adhar - who sees the being off to the exit of the gazebo before returning to the table.
"Here we are," he says, smiling as he settles in. "Shall we get a drink?"
Rhani Aeternum blinks at the Ithorian, one hand lifting, "Ah, well then. Forgive the interruption." She almost looks to be getting ready to leave so as to give them peace enough to continue their discussion when the fellow announces that he will take his leave. Subsiding a little, she waves slightly to him. As Adhar also seems to be leaving, she seems to be a bit at a loss. If ever there was a time for a 'what did I say' or 'but I showered' comment, it is now. She swallows that as Adhar returns to the table with his suggestion. Looking a bit lost, still, she nods, "Sure. We can do that." Lifting a hand, she reaches for a drink menu to peruse.
"He doesn't know you," Adhar says, smiling. "And Ax already left. He's under specific contract not to share details with people not specifically mentioned as part - or potentially part - of the project. You didn't do anything wrong." That said, he gestures for the waiter to come by. "How are you today? I appreciate your coming all the way out here, of course, but I thought it might be a good idea since we were both to be out in space. I see you're still shaming the stones, as per usual."
Adhar Gann pauses. "Or is that the flowers, out here?"
Rhani Aeternum shrugs, her eyes sort of shuttering to keep her expression fairly neutral. "I see. That is okay." She glances up as he gestures for a waiter, then looks back. The blush that began at his compliment fades as she looks to the window and then back. Her hand flutters up from the table to gesture toward the proliferation of foliage and blooming plants, "I expect that it is the flowers who shame the stones rather than me." Inhaling, she steadies her tone and adds, "But thank you for the thought, regardless. Are you suggesting that I should attempt to compete?" There is a faint hint of mirth in her tone though her look suggests that she might see that as a challenge...
"Empty threat, that," Adhar says as the waiter comes and he places an order for a Corellian sunrise. "You'd win every time."
Rhani Aeternum's blush deepens to crimson and she lowers her gaze, "Thank you. You are far too kind." The waiter is given a glance and a faint smile, "The same, please." Folding her hands on the table, then letting them slide to her lap, she refocuses on her companion, "It was no trouble to meet you. I was sort of in the neighborhood."
"Sorry," he says after a moment, seeing your blush. "I don't mean to make you uncomfortable. I'm...I speak as I find, perhaps a bit too much." He picks up a glass of water, and takes a sip. "I apologize. Shall we talk about business, instead?"
Rhani Aeternum's smile is warm enought, her laugh soft and self-depricating, "It is not your fault, really. I am not used to compliments. Or being noticed in that way." she shadows a glance that meets his eyes for a heartbeat before lowering once more. "We can talk about business, if you wish. Or, I would be pleased to hear about you a bit. What is it that drives you so?"
"Well, that's a shame," he says with a grunt, and returns her smile slightly before he continues. "I'm a crazy person, or so I'm told. I believe in freedom. Which makes me a smuggler, apparently, but I hate slavery of all kinds, and restruction of personal freedom - you can probably find contradiction in that, because most people think the law is meant to keep people safe and free, but I don't find that to be the case in many cases. More to say that people will allow themselves to be governed if they want it, but too many systems force it upon them. I won't have that for people if I can help it."
Rhani Aeternum shrugs, "It is what it is." For a moment, her gaze softens a bit but as he moves on, she listens intently. When he finishes, she considers what has been said before she nods once, "I think that many of the Waywards would agree with that. I know that I do. Choices legislated away are freedoms lost. But, it is also true that the laws by which a society functions should represent the moral and ethical beliefs of the members. Most don't, I do realize but in an ideal society that would be so. How do you plan to deal with that in your society?" As she talks, her gaze lifts again, centering on his face.
"It's not going to be /my/ society," Adhar says with a grunt - the waiter arrives, delivering drinks, and he takes his own with a grateful nod offered to the fellow. "I'm not going to be the bloody mayor, Rhani. I'm no good at that. My intent was to put in some competent, free-minded administrators who would teach those willing to learn about governance so that they can dictate their own society. Obviously that's going to be hard, considering, but we'll have counselors and psych techs on hand as well to help heal those who cannot easily adapt. This is going to be a hard job. That's why I'm asking your boss for so much money."
Rhani Aeternum looks up to meet the waitor's approach. Accepting her drink she murmers a quiet 'Thank you' to the fellow. Drawing the glass closer, she turns it between her fingers as she listens, "Ah, I see. Are you going to ask the Administrators to come up with their own parameters on which to build or leave it to them to decide how best to move forward?" She tilts her head slightly, now studying you rather than paying the vanished waitor any mind. "Ax and Kadi handle the money. Or maybe Ax himself. I, at least, have nothing to do with those decisions. Though I do hope that he agrees to help fund this. I think that it is important. But, I also think that you will need to be careful whom you mention it to. From all that I hear, the Empire does not like freedom much." There is a hint of a wry smile behind that murmer and a faint sparkle in her eyes.
"That's why we're building on Kalarba, in the Mid Rim - and far from the First Order. Those bastards." He shakes his head. "May it rot and die like a spoiled fish, head first. Bazh-hamin." The last is a curious, ancient Corellian religious affectation, a bit like 'hallelujah'. Ancient, as in pre-Basic. He tilts his drink back and takes a deep swallow.
Rhani Aeternum lifts her own drink on hearing that final semi-phrase. She takes a swallow as well in silent agreement with that. Setting the glass down again, she purses her lips slightly, the tip of her tongue drawing the last taste of the drink from them. "Alright. So, let's say that you do manage to get your place started and running. What then?" Said with a nod to the years that it will take to manage.
"I'm already quite along," Adhar says. "These sorts of things are modular. I can get the facility together in six months. Whichis why we're here today, by the by." A beat. "And what then? People get to live in freedom. That's enough for me."
Rhani Aeternum smiles, "That is impressive. But not what I meant. I mean it is, but it isn't." Pausing, she shakes her head, "Sorry. I meant what is next for you? But, perhaps that is also why we are here today? Why, is that, then?" One hand lifts to push a lock of hair from her shoulder so it can fall back to rejoin the rest of the curls that cascade down her back.
"Well, I'll probably smuggle until I die," he says, "Or retire old, like my uncle. But I'm sure I'll do many things in between." Adhar smiles. "I'd like you to explore some sites I have staked out on the planet, places that seem suitable for a facility. Mandl and I will be seeking out concentrations of deuterium to confirm, but if you could survey these sites, make sure we're not getting into anything..." He shrugs. "I just don't want to build this operation on top of a giant vynock nest, you know?"
Rhani Aeternum chuckles at that, the sound warm and brief, "I hope so. Retiring old sounds like a good option." Leaning back slightly, she takes the drink with her, sipping as she listens, Rhani's eyes sparkle anew, "Sure. I can do that. It would be fun to get outfor a while. Somewhere... new and unknown. Rather than somewhere new and fully colonized. Even a place as lovely as this one is not really wild enough." Another sip is claimed, though this one is a bit longer than the last. Lowering the glass, she studies you for a moment more, "Can you forward me any information on the place? And when do you want me to head there?"
"Soon as we have confirmation of the mineral resources," Adhar says. "It'll be important to make sure that we aren't going to cause any problems with the ecology. How much do you want for such a task?"
Rhani Aeternum chuckles, "Why don't I take you and Mandl over in my ship? That way, we don't waste time if the minerals are there." She pauses, "Though... that would mean that either you take my ship back and someone has to get me or you have to wait around while I scout." Drumming fingernails on the table top, she frowns over that for a moment or two. The question of remuneration has her pausing, "I... really don't know. I will have to look up the going rate and then adjust accordingly." Taking another sip, she turns her attention back to you. When the liquid is swallowed, she inclines her head slightly, "Unless you have an amount in mind?"
"Because my ship can go underwater," he says, "And I imagine it's going to take you a while to scout. I'll give you...ten thousand when the job is done. How's that?"
Rhani Aeternum blinks several times, "Under water? I... I am impressed. Very well." Tilting her head slightly, she nods, "That sounds fair. What about 3,000 up front so I can buy supplies, though?" Beneath the table, she crosses her legs, the russle of silk giving the movement away. "That would make it easier. I can probably leave as early as tomorrow if that suits you. I am not currently tied up with anything else."
"All Mon Cal ships are designed to double as submarines," Adhar says with a nod. "Thus their shields and hulls are heavier than the average. If you'll meet me on Nar Shaddaa, I can give you the necessary funds. There's some kind of hyperspace weirndess going on that's keeping banking signals from getting in right now." He grunts. "Right, then. I look forward to seeing the results once we get the data to you! Thank you very much for helping me on this. I hope you'll find it to be good for everyone."
Rhani Aeternum says, "Really? I wonder if that has anything to do with the droid signal." But she nods, "Of course I can meet you there. I do expect that this will be a positive adventure for everyone. I hope that it ends as you wish it to... With a new society based in freedom and education rather than paranoia and fear." Her gaze drops to the glass still cradled in one hand, drink only about half finished. Lifting it in a toast, she pauses before drinking. Her gaze turns quietly qurious, faintly softer as she adds, "How soon do you mean to leave Ithor?"
Adhar Gann lifts his glass in return. "No, I doubt it," he says. "This happens every now and again - same as how the jumps take longer than they did in certain directions. Hyperspace is a realm all its own, with its own physical laws." That said, he finishes his drink. "I intend to leave once we're done here, in fact. My business with Orto is done, and Ax is gone - so, ending my trip of this very lovely note, it's back to Nar Shaddaa."
Rhani Aeternum finishes her drink as well, a faintly sheepish smile beginning and dying away. When she sets the glass down again, she takes a credit chit out and sets it on the table. As it is enough to pay for both drinks and leave a good tip, she rises. "Very well. I will see you back on Nar." Turning, she heads for the door, the grace of her movements speaking more surely of her comfort in her own skin than any words.
"I'm gonna make that girl blush 'till she sticks that way," Adhar mutters to himself once Rhani's far enough away, shaking his head as he calls over the waiter to settle the bill. "Gonna make her look like a Zeltron. Ah, well." Business calls.
