Contacts and Contracts (Ask)

[Anton Byrax]

*Having recovered fully from his ordeal in orbit over Nar Shaddaa, Anton Byrax made several moves to ensure support for his fledgling company with the hierarchy of the Naboo Nobility. It was through these contacts that he had managed to arrange a conferrence with delegates from several planets on Coruscant, with any luck he would atleast get his foot in the door.*

*The converted Transport vessel that Anton had taken as his personal ship "The Subjugator" broke from one of the many HyperSpace lanes leading to Coruscant, sweeping into the atmosphere of the Republic's capital the droid pilot vectored towards the Landing platforms of their target sector.
Anton had bought droid crewmen for his personal ship in light of the incompatence shown by his men over Nar Shaddaa, perhaps droids might fair better in case of an emergency. The Transport recieved clearence after a momentary pause and so made for platform.*

[Anton Byrax]

*Anton speeder was unloaded and preped, the noble felt it would be wise to let the droid drive - keeping up appearences and the like.
The heavy traffic rushed by, Anton had payed for a the suite in a luxuary hotel used mainly by senate personell. This meeting had better pay off as he spent a fortune setting it up. A further 20 minuates and they had arrived, wearing his best clothes the young man stood looking up at the towering building the delegates would be arriving shortly he had best prepare himself.
Strolling elegantly into the building, Anton Byrax smiled.*

[Anton Byrax]

*The conference room was fitting for one of his standing, the view was magnificent as it always was here on Coruscant no matter where you went. The sprawling spires pierced the sky, whilst below the inhabitants of this place milled around like fire ants.
Anton stood with is arms crossed staring into the metropolis below, all of the delegates had arrived and were waiting in the lobby. They had come from far and wide Bespin, Cyphar, Alderaan, Meta Lorn and Cato Neimodia to hear his propsals. They would not be dissappointed.*

*Without bothering to look Anton ordered his protocal Droid to bring in his guests.*

[Kapar'in Va]

The door to the conference room hissed open and Celrek Neldres was ushered in along with the delegates from several other planets, none of whom he recognized. His presence had been requested by a Lord Byrax, a young noble from Naboo who was looking to secure trading contracts of some sort. The trip from Bespin had been uneventful, but Celrek was glad to be back on Coruscant. It had been too long since his last visit. He made a mental note to contact some of his old business colleagues after the meeting. Perhaps a stop at a cantina for drinks was in order.

His thoughts were cut short as Lord Byrax rose to greet them and the delegates arrainged themselves around the table.

[Anton Byrax]

*Surveying the group as they entered, Anton smiled warmly and opened his arms in a welcoming gesture.*

"Friends, i welcome you with to this humble abode. i regret that i could not entertain you on my home soil, yet this neutral venue will serve well for the important business we have to discuss."

*Indicating to the seats around the table, the noble greeted each delegate by name before sitting himself.*

"I have taken the liberty of organizing a dinner for after our meeting, but first let us tend to business."

[Anton Byrax]

*After several minuates of casual chatting, the group quiet down and wait to hear the details of Antons ideas. Pilus Ark'an the delegate from Alderaan spoke first.*

"So Lord Byrax, what exactly are you proposing in terms of Trade Agreements?"

"Well my Friends, As you have been made aware BTC is looking to cement itself as the Premiere Trading Corporation through which the Planets you represent operate. As an Independant body we can focus solely on ensuring the prosperity of your Planetary trading leauges, we will ensure that you get the maximum for your exports and pay the minimum for your Imports. In short we will treat you fairly and with respect."

*There was a small ripple of applause, which Anton smiled at.*

[Kapar'in Va]

Celrek smiled to himself as Lord Byrax gave his opening speech. It was not uncommon to use a middleman in trading, but using only a single company was. "He must be very confident in his company's abilities to handle all this." he thought to himself. But for the moment he remained silent as Lord Byrax continued his sales pitch...

[Anton Byrax]

*Feeling the enthusiasim of the delegates Anton continued.*

"Some of you will be aware that i have but a small fleet of ships, not nearly enough to take on the task i have set for my company. So it will be with your support alone that i will be able to proceed and now i implore you to back BTC, the fee's for our sevices will beat any other Trading Group in the galaxy of this you can be assured. The mutual benifits of such a partnership will bring untold riches to all involved!"

[Kapar'in Va]

Celrek's ears perked up at the mention of riches. He was not one of the richest people in the Bespin System for nothing. He raised his hand slightly and waited for Lord Byrax to acknowledge him.

Lord Byrax, what you are proposing sounds enticing to be sure. And I think I can speak for my fellow delegates when I say that "untold riches" is something we all look forward to. But, I feel it is my duty to bring up something that has been bothering me. It has come to my attention that you have been investigated by the Jedi Order concerning an attack over Nar Shaddaa. Perhaps you could shed some light on that?"

[Anton Byrax]

*Anton's Face remained warm and smiling but his eyes flashed with deadly intent, "The Jedi" he growled the words in his mind.*

"The Jedi did investigate an incident that took place over Nar Shaddaa, which invovled one of my vessels being destroyed. It was a simple case of thieves and piracy, in truth i welcomed the investigation. Such vigilance on behalf of the Jedi can only be encouraged, they protect people such as us and our interests.
On the other hand they cannot be everywhere, and so i would ask that your investments towards this Agreement might include provisions for enhanced security."

[Kapar'in Va]

"Is piracry something you have to deal with often? What sort of security did you have in mind?" Celrek had caught the look in Byrax's eyes at the mention of the Jedi. "The report the Order filed was inconclusive. They could find no clues as to what your ship was doing there."
Though left unsaid, the implied accusation was still there: Anton Byrax knew more than he had let on....

[Anton Byrax]

*Making a metal note regarding the prefered fate of Celrek Neldres, Anton kept himself in check. The contracts came first.*

"The Galaxy is rife with pirates, i would describe many exsisting trading companies as such, which why i'm so proud of my own employees who rise above the rest.
As for the Security side, i have thought hard on this and firmly believe that mercenaries are too unreliable. average employees dont have the experience and may be suceptable to corruption, and so i think that Droid Support ships will form excellent convoy escorts."

*Looking round the room to judge the reaction of the delegates to Celreks questioning, Anton continued.*

"The Jedi did not find any evidence, yet the general concensus is that Pirates were responsible. I lost my personal aide in the attack and so would like not the discuss it anymore, it was a painful loss."

[Kapar'in Va]

"Of course, Lord Byrax. I did not mean to pry." Celrek replied, a little too quickly. "Your idea of droid support ships sounds like a good idea. Where would we obtain these droids?"

[Anton Byrax]

"We will have to find a reputable Droid Manufacturing company from which to purchase the units, i myself am not particularly well informed of how to go about such a venture.*

*Anton tried to sound innocent of any knowledge pretaining to violence.*

"I shall discuss the options with my aide, he will be more intune with the ins and outs of this type of thing.

Well i have given you my vision for a prosperous future, i believe we can all have a healthy working relationship and so i ask you delegates - What say you to my proposal?"

[Kapar'in Va]

"If I may, Lord Byrax, I have one further question for you." Celrek didn't bother to wait for an answer before asking: "Suppose we sign on with you. As our only source of shipping, what is to prevent you from raising our prices? Can you guarantee that we won't soon find ourselves paying an arm and a leg to ship goods around the galaxy?"

Celrek noticed some of the other delegates looking at him uneasily, but he didn't care. Someone had to question this nobleman as to his motives...