Pantoran Blockages pt. II
"Ah, you must be the representatives of the Abyss Watchers. We are honored to have you aboard." said the Neimoidian in charge of the Trade Federation blockade over Pantora.
"Indeed I am." said Silas. "I trust you have a more comfortable area prepared for negotiations than your hanger?"
"But of course." said the Neimoidian with a deep bow. "If you would follow me, we may begin the proceedings in more comfortable accommodations. Would you like some refreshment to be prepared for our arrival?"
Silas decided to accept the offer, though he'd be sure to check it for foul play when their gracious host wasn't looking. "I'll have a Colt 45 if it's not too much trouble. What about you kid?" asked Silas, looking over his shoulder to Galvin.
The Zeltron mercenary ran a hand through his hair. "Let me think." He took his hand off his head and pointed at their host. "Can you guys do Paricha?"
"Of course. The Trade Federation prides itself on the sundry of commodities it offers to the people of the galaxy. I believe we have some paricha roots on board." said the Neimoidian.
Silas had to compliment the Trade Federation's room service if nothing else. His Colt 45 was waiting on the table, as was Galvin's steaming cup of Paricha. He sent his grandson a sidelong glance, berating him for his wussy taste in drinks. Glavin leaned in close and whispered angrily in Silas' ear. "I have to say sober if you want me to keep your ass alive. Besides, good Paricha is hard to come by."
Silas and the Neimoidian sat down at the table, with Galvin leaning up against the wall behind Silas. The mercenary blew gently on his beverage to cool it down as the two began negotiations. "So what can the Trade Federation do for the Abyss Watchers? I can assure you, this blockade is perfectly legal; a result of outstanding debts owed by Pantora."
"Of course, and we would never think of infringing on those rights. It's only thanks to the Trade Federation that life in the galaxy at large can continue unimpeded." agreed Silas. "However, a total blockade is simply cruel to Pantora, as it's not a self-sufficient planet as it stands."
"Ah, your concern is for the survival of the Pantoran people. We have no intention of mass starvation, of course." claimed the Neimoidian. "However, to break the blockade ourselves would defeat the symbolic value, and there is no other trade entity that we can trust to bring only what is needed by the people of Pantora."
Silas took a sip of his drink and got down to the meat of things. "The Abyss Watchers and the Trade Federation have been close business partners for years now, and our foremost concern with regard to trade is providing humanitarian relief. If the Abyss Watchers were allowed passage through your blockade, we could provide the supplies needed by the Pantorans and you could continue your blockade with no moral qualms whatsoever."
Silas wasn't an idiot. That the Viceroy of the Trade Federation had thrown hi slot in with the CIS was common knowledge, and anyone with half the information the Abyss Watchers had knew that despite the claims of the Trade Federation's Senator, the Federation as a whole still answered to Nute Gunray. This blockade was a way to exert pressure on Pantora to join the CIS, and based on reports it had been beginning to work. Still, the Trade Federation was run by Neimoidian's. And a Neimoidian values cold hard cash above any side they may have taken for such a flimsy reason as ideology.
"Such a deal would of course need to be run by my superiors and hammered out in detail." said the Neimoidian. "But I believe they will be happy to hear of such a proposal."
"Thank you for your consideration." said Silas. "I await your response."
XXX
In the end, the deal had gone through, and while on paper the Abyss Watchers were only allowed to bring in humanitarian aid such as food and medicine and take no trade offworld, the reality of the situation was that Ciaran had just gained exclusive trade rights on Pantora until such a time as the blockade ended. Likely along with the war. There was an unspoken agreement that the Trade Federation wouldn't bother to check what exactly the Abyss Watchers brought in or make sure the ships were truly empty as they left.
It was profitable for the Abyss Watchers, immensely so, and the Trade Federation wouldn't look like the cowards they were. It also set a precedent in case the Federation tried anything similar in the future. The adulation of Pantora certainly wouldn't hurt either. The planet was too dedicated to the ideals of democracy to abandon the Republic for the CNS, but having another friendly system was nice.
One such perk of essentially opening up the trade of Pantora was the free meals the Pantoran Assembly treated you to. The official banquet was being held by the entire Assembly as a large political event, and Silas enjoyed blending in, watching the results of a job well done. Galvin stood beside him, still ready to fight, but enjoying a bit of alcohol now that the immediate danger had passed.
One of the diplomats slid through the crowd and approached the two. "You must be the representatives Lady Ciaran sent. Please, accept my most sincere gratitude for your assistance." The Pantoran diplomat bowed low.
Silas was having none of it though, instead sweeping Chora up in a big hug and lifting her up off the floor. "I know I'm old and decrepit, but I figured you'd still be able to recognize your grandpa!"
Chora was still shocked as Silas set her down. "Grandpa Silas?" Recognition dawned on her, and her face lit up, dropping the somewhat detached air she had when they had been strangers she owed much to. "It is you! It's been so long, what have you been doing? Not still smuggling and cheating your way through life I hope." Silas laughed.
Galvin was the one to answer her question, never one to let a chance to mock his grandpa slip past. "Less than you feared, more than you hoped." Chora turned to the Zeltron mercenary and looked him up and down.
"Oh, and who's this hottie?" asked Chora, looking to Galvin seductively.
"Galvin Thorn, your cousin." said Silas, heading off the issue before his grandchildren opened that can of worms.
"Oh god damn it." Cursed Chora, face changing from seduction to irritation. "All the cute ones…"
"I fucking know, right?!" agreed Galvin. "Every time!"
AN: Add one diplomacy cousin, a lot of credits, and the love of Pantora. Soon Silas will have a complete set of stat boosters. I mean grandchildren. Grandchildren. Chora and Galvin still hang out at bars to bitch about their grandpa by the way.
I'm pretty sure we're currently sitting at 33 omake bonuses for next turn, 1 away from the cap.
Time to start working on next turn I guess.
