The Prince of Profit (Star Wars x 40k/Rogue Trader)
- Thread starter Kadaeux
- Start date
- Crossover
One of the best star Wars warhammer 40k fiction.
To be honest the main guns of a warship would be mostly useless in atmosphere anyway beyond maybe ultra heavy and very, very long ranged artillery firing at real estate you don't mind being pulverised*. Ship to ship weapons are simply too powerful for anything else really. It's the point defences and missiles that I'd be worried about, anything capable of reliably hitting fighters can certainly hit ground forces (assuming the angle is suitable) and almost certainly mission kill anything lighter than a tank. While depending on their designs missiles are likely to be even nastier in atmosphere**.
*Anything strong enough to punch through capital grade shielding would have... dramatic results on anything not under a theatre shield.
**Despite being nearly the ultimate **** you in RL, nukes potency is massively reduced in vacuum.
Chapter 49; The Cartels of Cures
Kadaeux
Delta Imperator
- Location
- Vortice between realities
Chapter 49;
The Cartels of Cures
The Clone Wars had done much to help the bacta cartels in their growth and development to supply Bacta to both sides in the conflict, and though the Confederacy's third fleet had spent some time in orbit maintaining control over the world from orbit, it had moved on and they had worked to preserve their nominal neutrality. And thus, when a new fleet appeared in orbit the certainty of the future began to flee once more. And yet, the larger vessel so much bigger than its companions glittered like liquid gold, the ostentation of its construction screaming to the entirety of the void that its master was fabulously wealthy beyond any sensible measure.
The five point one kilometre long Free Trade Gambit moved with a deceptively agile grace, the grav-repulsors and gravity sails manipulating a fundamental force of reality like a fine violin to turn it into a direction that would inject it into geosynchronous orbit. Those with a perceptive persuasion would also notice that it lacked the colossal guns familiar to its kin, its flanks studded with flight decks instead. The same however could not be said of the smaller vessels escorting it, one point three kilometres long they had no flight decks.
The beaked prows looked like a bird of preys hawkish and deadly, and none of the four vessels did anything to disguise or hide the massive laser macrobatteries that served them well as long ranged firepower to protect their mother bear. And then its communication arrays barked, first to the four vessels that began to stagger their formation and were moving in for a far faster, lower, orbit.
Thyferra's traffic control was thus thoroughly disconcerted as, short of skimming atmosphere, all four vessels shimmered for a moment before being rendered invisible by the empyrean mantle cloaking devices. The next time its comms array barked however it was in the clear. "People of Thyferra, I am Armand Stirling Wolseley Von Hydraxius in command of the Free Trade Gambit, we have arrived to discuss trade and business opportunities. I welcome replies on this frequency."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Armand stood on the bridge and waited as he studied the world below. "A beautiful world is it not Captain?" He said without looking at Captain Adrianne DuChamp. The void-born woman looked out of the viewport at the world they had come to orbit. Her left hand involuntarily adjusted her uniform at the sight.
"Quite revolting. Planets are such unsanitary things, can't even avoid rocks." Came the answer and Armand turned to face the older woman, her almost unnaturally pale skin did not hide her expression as she looked out of the viewport, he realised quite quickly that the woman was not being facetious or trying to amuse him, but was genuinely horrified by the prospect of setting down on the planet.
He frowned, "And if I asked you to join me on the surface, to be honoured as the Captain of this vessel?"
"Then Prince Hydraxius, I would with the utmost respect and due honours, carefully, remind you that my contract with Lord Hydraxius expressly grants me the right to refuse debarking from the ship onto a planet under any circumstances." She said with a wry smile, "Fortunately for me you are a wise and noble son of House Hydraxius and neither of us would have to be put through such an experience."
He felt a spike of irritation, but suppressed it, because without checking her contract himself it ultimately didn't matter. He smiled politely instead, "Quite fortunate Captain, in the Emperors truth however I would feel much more comfortable in orbit manning the Free Trade Gambit anyway. I will feel safer with an experienced hand at the helm."
Her face softened, marginally. "Very good si..."
"Incoming communiques." Came from the Vox pit. "We have invitations from the Zaltin and Xucphra corporations, as well as a number from smaller corporations. The local government is commanded by the Ashern and has authorised us for access to the planet provided we come with peaceful intentions."
"Thank the Thyferran Government for their permission to approach and signal our desire to meet with a government representative who might be best able to represent our interests on Thyferra and to whom we might be able to best communicate our interests." Armand stood, "I will make my way down in the Aquila Lander, Captain please mobilise a squadron of Fury Interceptors and a Shark with a security detachment."
Captain Duchamp bowed slightly. "Your will."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The verachen watched the skies, though they did not trust their sense of vision. And the approaching craft made them nervous. A beautiful winged craft was followed by a massive brickish vessel five times its length, and escorting them was a squadron of twenty craft longer than a Gozanti cruiser. Human representatives of the Bacta corporations milled around, and personal security studied the incoming fleet nervously. "We never sanctioned an invasion fleet!?" One remarked out loud attracting a frown from the others.
But at fifteen thousand feet the twenty craft began burning in a complex pattern providing a close air patrol, the two that continued the descent until they settled on the landing field. The more perceptive souls noticed that they didn't use their powerful belly jets, instead cushioning on a repulsor field. The main ramp of the larger of the two craft opened and fifty men in powered armour marched out, moving twenty of them into a pathway with guards flanking both sides, the remaining thirty spreading out into a semi-circle facing away from the field towards the city. Watching for threats with massive firearms gripped in unshaking fists. Only then did the belly pod of the winged craft lower, its hatch opening and a menagerie of folks emerging.
... and now the humans in the group grew discomforted, for the group emerging from the ship was headed by a fantastically tall and chiseled young man in a severe black material, it was to their surprise semi-transparent and light cloth, but the coattails were being supported by the very object that discomforted them.
The gargoyle-like countenance of the cherubim floating on their suspensors behind him, chubby hands gripping the cloth tightly like children frightened by loud noises. Which was entirely at odds with the mischivous and almost evil expressions on their faces, childlike only through the lens of poor vision. The Thyferrans could not have known that they were considered repulsive by most, and that Armand was not foolish enough to allow them in his father's presence.
They sang a hymnal as he advanced on the group. Several of the human Thyferrans stepped back, gone green and in a flash of insight he held up a hand and made several gestures, the creatures released their grasp on his coat and flew lazily back into the lander.
The leader of the Verachen stepped forwards and canted its insectoid head. "Welcome to Thyferra Prince Armand von Hydraxius." It lifted a hand to touch the mans face and instantly the twenty men who had provided an avenue were on edge, hands on weapons. Armand held up a hand and they lowered their weapons fractionally. The Verachen, who had frozen at the reaction waited.
"My apologies, my security detail is understandably zealous in my defence. With our history many view it as too much risk to allow an heir to a dynasty to be touched. But it is my understanding that to your people sight and hearing are not to be trusted, artifacts of the past as seen and spoken?" His words weren't delivered with the power his father might have, but his father would have never allowed a physical contact.
The vratix all bowed their heads slightly, "I am Verachen, Lquerl. It is an honour to meet you."
"The honour is mine. I bring you a gift." A large container was brought forth. It hissed with vapours. "My father is bequeathing a hundred Grox calves to start a herd, we also have a dozen gaksmen who have volunteered to take care of the herd for you, including the lobotomisation and implant of aggression suppressors."
"Lobotomisation?" One of the humans asked surprised.
Armand nodded, "In their natural state Grox resist herding and are extremely fast and aggressive creatures, they are not entirely dissimilar to very small Krayt Dragons perhaps. But cared for properly, they make an excellent livestock and produce a quite delicious meat." Armand smiled, "Now, shall we talk business somewhere more convivial to civilised discussion? Your world is beautiful and its humid atmosphere is pleasant, but a landing field is hardly the place for business no?"
The Cartels of Cures
The Clone Wars had done much to help the bacta cartels in their growth and development to supply Bacta to both sides in the conflict, and though the Confederacy's third fleet had spent some time in orbit maintaining control over the world from orbit, it had moved on and they had worked to preserve their nominal neutrality. And thus, when a new fleet appeared in orbit the certainty of the future began to flee once more. And yet, the larger vessel so much bigger than its companions glittered like liquid gold, the ostentation of its construction screaming to the entirety of the void that its master was fabulously wealthy beyond any sensible measure.
The five point one kilometre long Free Trade Gambit moved with a deceptively agile grace, the grav-repulsors and gravity sails manipulating a fundamental force of reality like a fine violin to turn it into a direction that would inject it into geosynchronous orbit. Those with a perceptive persuasion would also notice that it lacked the colossal guns familiar to its kin, its flanks studded with flight decks instead. The same however could not be said of the smaller vessels escorting it, one point three kilometres long they had no flight decks.
The beaked prows looked like a bird of preys hawkish and deadly, and none of the four vessels did anything to disguise or hide the massive laser macrobatteries that served them well as long ranged firepower to protect their mother bear. And then its communication arrays barked, first to the four vessels that began to stagger their formation and were moving in for a far faster, lower, orbit.
Thyferra's traffic control was thus thoroughly disconcerted as, short of skimming atmosphere, all four vessels shimmered for a moment before being rendered invisible by the empyrean mantle cloaking devices. The next time its comms array barked however it was in the clear. "People of Thyferra, I am Armand Stirling Wolseley Von Hydraxius in command of the Free Trade Gambit, we have arrived to discuss trade and business opportunities. I welcome replies on this frequency."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Armand stood on the bridge and waited as he studied the world below. "A beautiful world is it not Captain?" He said without looking at Captain Adrianne DuChamp. The void-born woman looked out of the viewport at the world they had come to orbit. Her left hand involuntarily adjusted her uniform at the sight.
"Quite revolting. Planets are such unsanitary things, can't even avoid rocks." Came the answer and Armand turned to face the older woman, her almost unnaturally pale skin did not hide her expression as she looked out of the viewport, he realised quite quickly that the woman was not being facetious or trying to amuse him, but was genuinely horrified by the prospect of setting down on the planet.
He frowned, "And if I asked you to join me on the surface, to be honoured as the Captain of this vessel?"
"Then Prince Hydraxius, I would with the utmost respect and due honours, carefully, remind you that my contract with Lord Hydraxius expressly grants me the right to refuse debarking from the ship onto a planet under any circumstances." She said with a wry smile, "Fortunately for me you are a wise and noble son of House Hydraxius and neither of us would have to be put through such an experience."
He felt a spike of irritation, but suppressed it, because without checking her contract himself it ultimately didn't matter. He smiled politely instead, "Quite fortunate Captain, in the Emperors truth however I would feel much more comfortable in orbit manning the Free Trade Gambit anyway. I will feel safer with an experienced hand at the helm."
Her face softened, marginally. "Very good si..."
"Incoming communiques." Came from the Vox pit. "We have invitations from the Zaltin and Xucphra corporations, as well as a number from smaller corporations. The local government is commanded by the Ashern and has authorised us for access to the planet provided we come with peaceful intentions."
"Thank the Thyferran Government for their permission to approach and signal our desire to meet with a government representative who might be best able to represent our interests on Thyferra and to whom we might be able to best communicate our interests." Armand stood, "I will make my way down in the Aquila Lander, Captain please mobilise a squadron of Fury Interceptors and a Shark with a security detachment."
Captain Duchamp bowed slightly. "Your will."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The verachen watched the skies, though they did not trust their sense of vision. And the approaching craft made them nervous. A beautiful winged craft was followed by a massive brickish vessel five times its length, and escorting them was a squadron of twenty craft longer than a Gozanti cruiser. Human representatives of the Bacta corporations milled around, and personal security studied the incoming fleet nervously. "We never sanctioned an invasion fleet!?" One remarked out loud attracting a frown from the others.
But at fifteen thousand feet the twenty craft began burning in a complex pattern providing a close air patrol, the two that continued the descent until they settled on the landing field. The more perceptive souls noticed that they didn't use their powerful belly jets, instead cushioning on a repulsor field. The main ramp of the larger of the two craft opened and fifty men in powered armour marched out, moving twenty of them into a pathway with guards flanking both sides, the remaining thirty spreading out into a semi-circle facing away from the field towards the city. Watching for threats with massive firearms gripped in unshaking fists. Only then did the belly pod of the winged craft lower, its hatch opening and a menagerie of folks emerging.
... and now the humans in the group grew discomforted, for the group emerging from the ship was headed by a fantastically tall and chiseled young man in a severe black material, it was to their surprise semi-transparent and light cloth, but the coattails were being supported by the very object that discomforted them.
The gargoyle-like countenance of the cherubim floating on their suspensors behind him, chubby hands gripping the cloth tightly like children frightened by loud noises. Which was entirely at odds with the mischivous and almost evil expressions on their faces, childlike only through the lens of poor vision. The Thyferrans could not have known that they were considered repulsive by most, and that Armand was not foolish enough to allow them in his father's presence.
They sang a hymnal as he advanced on the group. Several of the human Thyferrans stepped back, gone green and in a flash of insight he held up a hand and made several gestures, the creatures released their grasp on his coat and flew lazily back into the lander.
The leader of the Verachen stepped forwards and canted its insectoid head. "Welcome to Thyferra Prince Armand von Hydraxius." It lifted a hand to touch the mans face and instantly the twenty men who had provided an avenue were on edge, hands on weapons. Armand held up a hand and they lowered their weapons fractionally. The Verachen, who had frozen at the reaction waited.
"My apologies, my security detail is understandably zealous in my defence. With our history many view it as too much risk to allow an heir to a dynasty to be touched. But it is my understanding that to your people sight and hearing are not to be trusted, artifacts of the past as seen and spoken?" His words weren't delivered with the power his father might have, but his father would have never allowed a physical contact.
The vratix all bowed their heads slightly, "I am Verachen, Lquerl. It is an honour to meet you."
"The honour is mine. I bring you a gift." A large container was brought forth. It hissed with vapours. "My father is bequeathing a hundred Grox calves to start a herd, we also have a dozen gaksmen who have volunteered to take care of the herd for you, including the lobotomisation and implant of aggression suppressors."
"Lobotomisation?" One of the humans asked surprised.
Armand nodded, "In their natural state Grox resist herding and are extremely fast and aggressive creatures, they are not entirely dissimilar to very small Krayt Dragons perhaps. But cared for properly, they make an excellent livestock and produce a quite delicious meat." Armand smiled, "Now, shall we talk business somewhere more convivial to civilised discussion? Your world is beautiful and its humid atmosphere is pleasant, but a landing field is hardly the place for business no?"
- Location
- London, UK
- Pronouns
- He/Him
"Invading army?!? What are you talking about, this is my personal guard." Not surprising that they continue to practice Big Stick diplomacy and business dealings.
Kadaeux
Delta Imperator
- Location
- Vortice between realities
Being fair Armand wasn't trying to do that. It's not his fault the Imperiums premier starfighter is the size of a Gozanti cruiser
Chapter 50; The Healing Touch
Kadaeux
Delta Imperator
- Location
- Vortice between realities
Chapter 50;
The Healing Touch
Armand observed the people as they moved through the Thyferran capital, the Vratix forming a significant portion of the visible populace, but it was clear that the humans present had profited heavily from the Xenos. And he had to work to suppress the sense of revulsion he experienced at observing the almost tyranid-like monsters that were so vital to this world and its product. Actually letting one touch him had, despite his words, almost driven him into an apoplectic fury and only an absolute expression of willpower had prevented him reaching for the master crafted bolt pistol he wore on his hip. Of the humans however he observed a familiar kind of decadence, and the tropical environment combined with high humidity meant most people wore transluscent clothing, shorts and light summer dresses that the sun shined through appreciably. He also noted the human Thyferrans tended towards being attractive or even beautiful.
"I see a lot more of your people than human?" He asked casually as if it was something that barely occurred to him.
But the verachen was content to answer. "Only approximately twelve percent of Thyferra's population is human, though they manage most of the corporations and companies that ship bacta to the wider galaxy." The procession had not stopped as they entered a municipal building and began to go up the levels. The light and airy construction of the building was clearly intended to aid in the passing of cooler air through the structure. "If this pleases you, this can serve as the quarters for your stay on Thyferra."
Armand mentally threw up. "I am afraid it is unsuitable, due to our own requirements we will simply return to orbit and our vessel, this will enable us to resume communication with our capital and receive updates. If we may move somewhere we might begin negotiation?"
The surprise on the Thyferran party was poorly hidden. "Have we offered some slight?"
Armand smiled, "Not at all, but I have spent the majority of my life upon vessels of the Imperium, and as heir to the dynasty, even quarters such as this threaten to cause a claustrophobic reaction. Additionally, the Astropaths I would use for secure faster than light communication are on board my vessel. Please take it as no slight, I am sure these quarters are fine for any visiting planetary dignitary."
The Verachen nodded slowly, accepting the answer as the humans looked confused at it. "Please, this way." They headed into a positively palatial negotiations room with a large table and a holographic projector at its centre.
One by one the Thyferrans took seats and Armand took one, with several of his people flanking him leaving only four robed figures to stand, hunched, at the back of the chamber.
+++
"How is it that Thyferra can help the House Hydraxius and its Imperial Worlds?" Began a representative from Xucphra. The portly man was atypical of those present in appearance. "As you may be aware, there is a civil war in the galaxy and Bacta is in high demand, not only by the Republic for its clone army, but by many thousands of worlds for victims of the war."
Armand nodded, "It is in high demand, this is true. And for its demand, the limited production capabilities of it seem to be singificantly below what might be expected. As might be expected I am here to secure a cargo of Bacta of various grades and qualities."
"How much might you be desiring to procure?" This from the Zaltin representative.
"Fifty megatonnes." One of the Xucphra representatives was suddenly, and very literally, choking on her glass of water as she tried to take a drink. "It is my understanding that the standard transport vessel used by Thyferra for the transfer of Bacta can move approximately half a megatonne."
There was a moments hesitation as they all looked at one another before a brave soul spoke. "Mr Hydraxius, I apologise if I sound... well rude, but do you have any concept as to what you are asking? Three such transporters can represent up to several billion Republic credits worth of Bacta, and one is enough for most worlds needs. What could you possibly offer in exchange that even comes close to that value?"
This time the answer came from within the Xucphra camp, by one of House Dlarit. "Rejuvenat." He said, almost disbelieving, "You are offering rejuvenat."
Armand cocked his head slightly, "Not its secrets certainly, but yes, we are offering every certified ranking member and the family of same of Bacta Cartels willing to provide for our Bacta rejuvenat treatments for two hundred years. We are willing to extend this if you are willing to enter partnership with House Hydraxius and begin a mass expansion of Bacta production capacity. If I may ask a question?"
"Please, do." An older member of Zaltin asked plainly.
"Right now, the civil war for all its cruelty is manageable and Thyferra is not overly taxed with providing for needs. Or so I suspect, but what would happen if a pandemic were to occur on Coruscant, a fast acting virulent cross-species pandemic. Let us say that even twenty percent of its population became afflicted. Could Thyferra provide sufficient quantities to deal with the situation?" The looks on all of their faces answered the question as quickly as it has risen. "Right now you are content, and have a little price gouging on the side, an admirable squeeze an untouchable monopoly. But what would happen if such a pandemic were to occur."
There was some muttering, and another brave soul spoke, "Are you suggesting that is likely to happen?"
"Yes, eventually. That is the nature of disease and illness. But if you are asking if I am trying to extort? No. Bioweapons are a decidedly unclean weapon, it would be heresy to use something like that. What I am suggesting is a partnership, continental mass-farming techniques." Armand plugged a datastick into the port and a hologram of an Agri-world popped up. "Expansion of production and the development of Agri-worlds whose entire purpose is the development and production of Bacta."
"But that would drive the prices down?" One man whined.
"I could produce a lasgun and sell it for fifteen thousand credits, and get one buyer. Or I could build a factory, produce fifteen thousand lasguns and sell them for a thousand credits each. While high value items are just that, of high value and importance, medicinal products are best produced en-masse and sold for cheap to reach the widest possible customer base, your profit per unit does go down yes, but the number of units sold reaches a volume that exceeds the losses of the single unit." Armand shrugged.
"So why do you want the Bacta?" This one from the Dlarit man again.
"Two reasons, first of all, we have billions of people who could receive better medical care with it than we can provide without it, second, we might be able to study how the Bacta works to improve Rejuvenat and perhaps even make it available to more than just humans." There was a casual shrug.
Armand smiled internally as he baited the trap with the lure of not just marketing rejuvenat to human beings, but to all beings.
The Healing Touch
Armand observed the people as they moved through the Thyferran capital, the Vratix forming a significant portion of the visible populace, but it was clear that the humans present had profited heavily from the Xenos. And he had to work to suppress the sense of revulsion he experienced at observing the almost tyranid-like monsters that were so vital to this world and its product. Actually letting one touch him had, despite his words, almost driven him into an apoplectic fury and only an absolute expression of willpower had prevented him reaching for the master crafted bolt pistol he wore on his hip. Of the humans however he observed a familiar kind of decadence, and the tropical environment combined with high humidity meant most people wore transluscent clothing, shorts and light summer dresses that the sun shined through appreciably. He also noted the human Thyferrans tended towards being attractive or even beautiful.
"I see a lot more of your people than human?" He asked casually as if it was something that barely occurred to him.
But the verachen was content to answer. "Only approximately twelve percent of Thyferra's population is human, though they manage most of the corporations and companies that ship bacta to the wider galaxy." The procession had not stopped as they entered a municipal building and began to go up the levels. The light and airy construction of the building was clearly intended to aid in the passing of cooler air through the structure. "If this pleases you, this can serve as the quarters for your stay on Thyferra."
Armand mentally threw up. "I am afraid it is unsuitable, due to our own requirements we will simply return to orbit and our vessel, this will enable us to resume communication with our capital and receive updates. If we may move somewhere we might begin negotiation?"
The surprise on the Thyferran party was poorly hidden. "Have we offered some slight?"
Armand smiled, "Not at all, but I have spent the majority of my life upon vessels of the Imperium, and as heir to the dynasty, even quarters such as this threaten to cause a claustrophobic reaction. Additionally, the Astropaths I would use for secure faster than light communication are on board my vessel. Please take it as no slight, I am sure these quarters are fine for any visiting planetary dignitary."
The Verachen nodded slowly, accepting the answer as the humans looked confused at it. "Please, this way." They headed into a positively palatial negotiations room with a large table and a holographic projector at its centre.
One by one the Thyferrans took seats and Armand took one, with several of his people flanking him leaving only four robed figures to stand, hunched, at the back of the chamber.
+++
"How is it that Thyferra can help the House Hydraxius and its Imperial Worlds?" Began a representative from Xucphra. The portly man was atypical of those present in appearance. "As you may be aware, there is a civil war in the galaxy and Bacta is in high demand, not only by the Republic for its clone army, but by many thousands of worlds for victims of the war."
Armand nodded, "It is in high demand, this is true. And for its demand, the limited production capabilities of it seem to be singificantly below what might be expected. As might be expected I am here to secure a cargo of Bacta of various grades and qualities."
"How much might you be desiring to procure?" This from the Zaltin representative.
"Fifty megatonnes." One of the Xucphra representatives was suddenly, and very literally, choking on her glass of water as she tried to take a drink. "It is my understanding that the standard transport vessel used by Thyferra for the transfer of Bacta can move approximately half a megatonne."
There was a moments hesitation as they all looked at one another before a brave soul spoke. "Mr Hydraxius, I apologise if I sound... well rude, but do you have any concept as to what you are asking? Three such transporters can represent up to several billion Republic credits worth of Bacta, and one is enough for most worlds needs. What could you possibly offer in exchange that even comes close to that value?"
This time the answer came from within the Xucphra camp, by one of House Dlarit. "Rejuvenat." He said, almost disbelieving, "You are offering rejuvenat."
Armand cocked his head slightly, "Not its secrets certainly, but yes, we are offering every certified ranking member and the family of same of Bacta Cartels willing to provide for our Bacta rejuvenat treatments for two hundred years. We are willing to extend this if you are willing to enter partnership with House Hydraxius and begin a mass expansion of Bacta production capacity. If I may ask a question?"
"Please, do." An older member of Zaltin asked plainly.
"Right now, the civil war for all its cruelty is manageable and Thyferra is not overly taxed with providing for needs. Or so I suspect, but what would happen if a pandemic were to occur on Coruscant, a fast acting virulent cross-species pandemic. Let us say that even twenty percent of its population became afflicted. Could Thyferra provide sufficient quantities to deal with the situation?" The looks on all of their faces answered the question as quickly as it has risen. "Right now you are content, and have a little price gouging on the side, an admirable squeeze an untouchable monopoly. But what would happen if such a pandemic were to occur."
There was some muttering, and another brave soul spoke, "Are you suggesting that is likely to happen?"
"Yes, eventually. That is the nature of disease and illness. But if you are asking if I am trying to extort? No. Bioweapons are a decidedly unclean weapon, it would be heresy to use something like that. What I am suggesting is a partnership, continental mass-farming techniques." Armand plugged a datastick into the port and a hologram of an Agri-world popped up. "Expansion of production and the development of Agri-worlds whose entire purpose is the development and production of Bacta."
"But that would drive the prices down?" One man whined.
"I could produce a lasgun and sell it for fifteen thousand credits, and get one buyer. Or I could build a factory, produce fifteen thousand lasguns and sell them for a thousand credits each. While high value items are just that, of high value and importance, medicinal products are best produced en-masse and sold for cheap to reach the widest possible customer base, your profit per unit does go down yes, but the number of units sold reaches a volume that exceeds the losses of the single unit." Armand shrugged.
"So why do you want the Bacta?" This one from the Dlarit man again.
"Two reasons, first of all, we have billions of people who could receive better medical care with it than we can provide without it, second, we might be able to study how the Bacta works to improve Rejuvenat and perhaps even make it available to more than just humans." There was a casual shrug.
Armand smiled internally as he baited the trap with the lure of not just marketing rejuvenat to human beings, but to all beings.
"You got The Touch! You got The Power! Yeah!" - Armand probably
Wonder how biomancy + bacta + rejuvanant will work!
- Location
- London, UK
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Such a pity that after all the dedicated studies done by the Imperials, it show that Rejuvenat can only work for humans.
"What is a human? A miserable pile of backward savages!" - A.I. of the DAOT ship from Death of Integrity after her beloved captain and crew died to the Imperium for being heretics to them.Such a pity that after all the dedicated studies done by the Imperials, it show that Rejuvenat can only work for humans.
I would probably do it in this case any self respecting God emperor fearing citizen would.Such a pity that after all the dedicated studies done by the Imperials, it show that Rejuvenat can only work for humans.
Make rejuvanant better using bacta maybe increase the limit by 1000 years make humanity stronger. Lie to the xeno and take thier tech profit????
- Location
- Africa
rejuvanant isn't really a big deal though, most core worlds have access to medical tech and services to support life extension treatment and therapy it's just really expensive but rich enough human could extend his life up to 200 years through existing medical options in the Star Wars galaxy assuming you can afford it of course , imperial rejuvanant is valuable not because it's one of a kind but because it adds another 500 to 600 years on a human life span while being apparently being more accessible
Kadaeux
Delta Imperator
- Location
- Vortice between realities
Not quite. SW treatments can help you reach 200, but all they do is prolong and slow aging at best (and I can only find evidence of a single character actually receiving such).
Rejuvenat can not only extend your life considerably, but it reverses aging as well.
Chapter 51; Agreeable... No?
Kadaeux
Delta Imperator
- Location
- Vortice between realities
Chapter 51;
Agreeable... No?
Armand was perched over the table studying the dataslates as the various representatives of Thyferra were equally engrossed in their own holdings. "So, Thyferra as it stands is unable to meet a fifty megatonnes demand for Bacta without tapping into critical reserves. Between all the Cartels, accounting for free product not already promised to other customers, we can secure forty point five megatonnes of Bacta. In exchange, we want a fifty percent stake in any bacta-enhanced rejuvenat profits, as well as securing investment in no less than three new of your 'agri-worlds' whose primary product would be the kavam and alazhi for the production of more." The chose representative of these talks said plainly.
Armand cocked his head slightly. "I may not be my father, but I am not a fool." He said frowning slightly for effect, "While we do fully understand the value of Bacta, what you are asking is quite the gross exaggeration. We accept that Thyferra may not be able to provide the volume requested, but if I wanted to be robbed I would go to Tattoine and negotiate with Jabba instead." There was a murmur of protest, "The setup costs for an agriworld are not insignificant in and of themselves. At a baseline of two million Imperial citizens shipped to form a population base, we're looking at two months use of a Universe class Mass Conveyance..."
He paused. And everyone present began to listen.
Six months, O&M, Universe Class Mass Conveyer; 15.3 million thrones.
Six months, rations and crew of same, 0.8 million thrones,
Rations for two million settlers; 26.67' million thrones,
Twelve months supply for habitation on the surface; 53.45 million thrones.
Six months, O&M, Universe class Mass Conveyer; 15.3 million thrones.
Six months, rations and crew of same, 0.8 million thrones,
Ten million tonnes prefabricated buildings; 60.2 million thrones.
Five thousand mega-harvesters; 100 billion thrones.
One thousand logging landships; 5 billion thrones.
Fifteen thousand miscellaneous vehicles; 20 billion thrones.
Sixty million tonnes fuel-grade promethium; 51.9 billion thrones.
Adeptus Mechanicus Enclave; 20 million thrones.
Erection of surface to orbit defences; 25 billion thrones.
He paused and stood, "This is just a preliminary assessment assuming a standard terracompatible world, and the baseline totals are already in the ballpark of two hundred and two point zero nine two billion credits. And you want us to produce three of these worlds, dedicated entirely to production for you despite being unable to meet our target goals AND a fifty percent stake on profits from the potential of enhanced rejuvenat?" He shook his head again. "We will consider that your upper end offer and a very fine joke."
"And if we insist?" The Dlarit man said.
"Then I would counter that such an offer would only be acceptable if the Von Hydraxius Dynasty, on schedule to become some of the largest producers of the key ingredients of Bacta, received no less than a twenty five percent share of each corporation that agrees to the deal." Armand answered.
"Are you insane!?" The man barked in surprise.
Armand cocked his head, "That is much what I thought at the initial offer presented to me. Which seems to present the House Hydraxius with all the risk, and investment capital." Armand stepped back from the table. "Unless you would agree to such a term, I would prefer to solicit a more serious negotiation."
The woman leading the Thyferrans held up her hands for silence as she conferred with her people. "Mr Hydraxius, 40.5 megatonnes of Bacta, on an average, comes to approximately eight hundred and ten billion credits, seeking only three agri-worlds is in fact a favourable outcome for you, saving you a significant chunk of the costs, so may I ask what is so..."
"Those figures are only the initial outlay of actual colonisation, and omits the construction costs involved in the machinery, the secondary and tertiary transport requirements, as well as the fact that such worlds are ongoing costs. But even so the outlay of the colonies is not where the objections are born from. But the excessive secondary concerns." Armand said plainly, "While we envision that Bacta may be a valuable method to further strengthen rejuvenat, or even make it available to more than just humanity, it is not worth losing fifty percent of the profits from."
The rep for the Zaltin Corporation stood.
"How about this, four Agri-worlds are established," Armand's face darkened but he held his peace, "These four worlds will be shared settlements, as the Vratix are essential for the Bacta refining and production stages, we invest if the Vratix are willing by also providing the Vratix settlers we need. These worlds are set up with subsidiary companies to their Thyferran investors, with House Hydraxius retaining a twenty five percent share of those subsidiaries on those worlds, we receive a fifteen percent share of enhanced rejuvenat treatments, you keep your twenty-five percent of the bacta produced by those worlds for your own use. Thyferra will also produce and supply the Bacta transports needed to ship the product." The Xucphra representative, the Dlarit man, looked ready to decry the woman and call her a traitor. "Including a non-compete clause that would prohibit House Hydraxius from trading Bacta anywhere except the Outer Rim and Mid Rim."
Armand took a seat and studied the Zaltin rep. "Your deal is far more palatable, but involves an even higher outlay of resources. Especially personnel."
"And if we provided fifty percent of the population? We may need to for the Vratix anyway, we will also have to provide the processing plants and factories for producing the Bacta." The Zaltin representative said.
Armand thought about it. Then nodded, "I will take the offer to my father."
Agreeable... No?
Armand was perched over the table studying the dataslates as the various representatives of Thyferra were equally engrossed in their own holdings. "So, Thyferra as it stands is unable to meet a fifty megatonnes demand for Bacta without tapping into critical reserves. Between all the Cartels, accounting for free product not already promised to other customers, we can secure forty point five megatonnes of Bacta. In exchange, we want a fifty percent stake in any bacta-enhanced rejuvenat profits, as well as securing investment in no less than three new of your 'agri-worlds' whose primary product would be the kavam and alazhi for the production of more." The chose representative of these talks said plainly.
Armand cocked his head slightly. "I may not be my father, but I am not a fool." He said frowning slightly for effect, "While we do fully understand the value of Bacta, what you are asking is quite the gross exaggeration. We accept that Thyferra may not be able to provide the volume requested, but if I wanted to be robbed I would go to Tattoine and negotiate with Jabba instead." There was a murmur of protest, "The setup costs for an agriworld are not insignificant in and of themselves. At a baseline of two million Imperial citizens shipped to form a population base, we're looking at two months use of a Universe class Mass Conveyance..."
He paused. And everyone present began to listen.
Six months, O&M, Universe Class Mass Conveyer; 15.3 million thrones.
Six months, rations and crew of same, 0.8 million thrones,
Rations for two million settlers; 26.67' million thrones,
Twelve months supply for habitation on the surface; 53.45 million thrones.
Six months, O&M, Universe class Mass Conveyer; 15.3 million thrones.
Six months, rations and crew of same, 0.8 million thrones,
Ten million tonnes prefabricated buildings; 60.2 million thrones.
Five thousand mega-harvesters; 100 billion thrones.
One thousand logging landships; 5 billion thrones.
Fifteen thousand miscellaneous vehicles; 20 billion thrones.
Sixty million tonnes fuel-grade promethium; 51.9 billion thrones.
Adeptus Mechanicus Enclave; 20 million thrones.
Erection of surface to orbit defences; 25 billion thrones.
He paused and stood, "This is just a preliminary assessment assuming a standard terracompatible world, and the baseline totals are already in the ballpark of two hundred and two point zero nine two billion credits. And you want us to produce three of these worlds, dedicated entirely to production for you despite being unable to meet our target goals AND a fifty percent stake on profits from the potential of enhanced rejuvenat?" He shook his head again. "We will consider that your upper end offer and a very fine joke."
"And if we insist?" The Dlarit man said.
"Then I would counter that such an offer would only be acceptable if the Von Hydraxius Dynasty, on schedule to become some of the largest producers of the key ingredients of Bacta, received no less than a twenty five percent share of each corporation that agrees to the deal." Armand answered.
"Are you insane!?" The man barked in surprise.
Armand cocked his head, "That is much what I thought at the initial offer presented to me. Which seems to present the House Hydraxius with all the risk, and investment capital." Armand stepped back from the table. "Unless you would agree to such a term, I would prefer to solicit a more serious negotiation."
The woman leading the Thyferrans held up her hands for silence as she conferred with her people. "Mr Hydraxius, 40.5 megatonnes of Bacta, on an average, comes to approximately eight hundred and ten billion credits, seeking only three agri-worlds is in fact a favourable outcome for you, saving you a significant chunk of the costs, so may I ask what is so..."
"Those figures are only the initial outlay of actual colonisation, and omits the construction costs involved in the machinery, the secondary and tertiary transport requirements, as well as the fact that such worlds are ongoing costs. But even so the outlay of the colonies is not where the objections are born from. But the excessive secondary concerns." Armand said plainly, "While we envision that Bacta may be a valuable method to further strengthen rejuvenat, or even make it available to more than just humanity, it is not worth losing fifty percent of the profits from."
The rep for the Zaltin Corporation stood.
"How about this, four Agri-worlds are established," Armand's face darkened but he held his peace, "These four worlds will be shared settlements, as the Vratix are essential for the Bacta refining and production stages, we invest if the Vratix are willing by also providing the Vratix settlers we need. These worlds are set up with subsidiary companies to their Thyferran investors, with House Hydraxius retaining a twenty five percent share of those subsidiaries on those worlds, we receive a fifteen percent share of enhanced rejuvenat treatments, you keep your twenty-five percent of the bacta produced by those worlds for your own use. Thyferra will also produce and supply the Bacta transports needed to ship the product." The Xucphra representative, the Dlarit man, looked ready to decry the woman and call her a traitor. "Including a non-compete clause that would prohibit House Hydraxius from trading Bacta anywhere except the Outer Rim and Mid Rim."
Armand took a seat and studied the Zaltin rep. "Your deal is far more palatable, but involves an even higher outlay of resources. Especially personnel."
"And if we provided fifty percent of the population? We may need to for the Vratix anyway, we will also have to provide the processing plants and factories for producing the Bacta." The Zaltin representative said.
Armand thought about it. Then nodded, "I will take the offer to my father."
I am a bit unclear on how common terraforming is in the Star Wars universe, but from the movies at least, habitable, empty planets or planetoids don't seem rare or valuable (Both and the moon of Endor seem to be of virtually no special interest to the wider galaxy and common enough to be so), so I can't actually say if that deal is good.
That said, it seems to be still skewed away from the Imperials to me, especially if we consider a xeno presence on the planets as a downside and not as negotiated an advantage.
Though the 15% of the rejuvenat seem sensible, I again can't evaluate the value (political at that) of being the sole source of it, which is at least weakened in this deal.
Still, funny to see the sheer difference in scale of thinking between republic and imperial representatives.
That said, it seems to be still skewed away from the Imperials to me, especially if we consider a xeno presence on the planets as a downside and not as negotiated an advantage.
Though the 15% of the rejuvenat seem sensible, I again can't evaluate the value (political at that) of being the sole source of it, which is at least weakened in this deal.
Still, funny to see the sheer difference in scale of thinking between republic and imperial representatives.
while there's a lot of habitable planets, a lot of others have been devastated and left abandoned due to all the wars. also, I think there is only one group/species I've seen people wrote about that do any form of teraforming
Kadaeux
Delta Imperator
- Location
- Vortice between realities
Aye, it *is* swayed against the Imperials, Armand's 'recess' is to relay the offer back home while he comes up with a counter-offer.
Like many things in Star Wars (and 40k for that matter) the technology for things like terraforming exists, was common tens of thousands of years before and is laying around being ancient and lost. Star Wars is in a weird state of overall stagnation/degradation tech wise, new and improved stuff pops up but a lot of things are no better and occasionally worse off than the tech of thousands of years in the past and a lot of previously common technology just disappeared.
Chapter 52; The Negotiator
Kadaeux
Delta Imperator
- Location
- Vortice between realities
Chapter 52;
The Negotiator
Arthurius studied the datapad handed to him by the astropaths as they worked tirelessly. The message from his son contained the agreement proposed by the Thyferrans. Gwendolyn meanwhile was running the hard numbers and projections. Careful pacing of the room helped him read it without scoffing out loud. "There is no way I would consent to this. All of this for a lump sum of Bacta, and twenty five percent of what we produce on worlds they want us to colonise for them?"
The fact Gwendolyn didn't immediately answer sparked his interest. Eventually however she spoke. "Armand does say that he is working on an alternate proposal and has no intent to accept. He is surprised that they didn't include the access to rejuvenat in the package." And now she mentioned it, its omission did surprise him. That had been thought to be a primary selling point. "Why wouldn't they?" Her question was a good one.
"Because that's a bargaining chip they're unsure of." Arthurius said as he considered it, "Thyferra is a wealthy world, extremely so, and uncertain of rejuvenat's running value they are hesitant to make it part of their renumeration. They figure they can buy it more easily than be bought with it."
"So are we going to tip our hands in, or trust him to come up with something?" Gwendolyn asked.
This time it was Arthurius who did not answer quickly. "We will see what he comes up with." He declared.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Armand did not hover over the Astropath begging for a response, he had work to do and the fact was that while the deal was more favourable than the original, it was wrong. "Samuel? Your thoughts?" The Seneschal Secundus had been extremely quiet during the work so far and now he was so for a moment as he squared away his thoughts into a presentable order.
"The Thyferrans are basing their bacta values on, predictably, current value. While also trying to avoid examining that once even one of the Agri-worlds came into its full production that the price of Bacta may fall precipitously. The extremely high cost outlay of finding, colonising and developing four worlds with significant tropical zones is quite frankly a waste of resources. Thyferra lacks our continental farming techniques and already produces a 'sufficient' volume for the galaxy under most conditions, I am aware they do have some satellite colonies, however..."
Armand cocked his head with a grin, "However, one properly built Agriworld could output fifty to a hundred times that of Thyferra alone. The price of bacta could fall from an average of twenty credits per litre to less than half a credit per litre." Samuel nodded, agreeing with the boy.
"And four of them would drive the price to almost a tenth of a credit." Samuel Montcroix said pouring himself a measure of Amasec.
Armand frowned and stood, pacing his state rooms quietly, "The Zaltin representative knew this, they wanted to craft an unacceptable narrative. Either they want to avoid a trade with us, or were trying to undercut Xucphra."
"Xucphra, and the other cartels, would almost certainly see past this if that is the case. The only material advantage was putting the offer back in our hands." Samuel declared.
"Very well. Let's see how they like my counter-offer then."
"Do tell?" Samuel asked. Armand smiled, and Samuel knew that expression.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The teams of negotiators were once again assembled and everyone found themselves in the chamber waiting with bated breath to hear what the young man from Von Hydraxius had to offer. "It is our concern that, the deal offered by the honourable member of Zaltin is eminently unworkable, and based on a misunderstanding of just what is being offered, available, and practicable." There was a murmur around the table. "If you will, please explain how much of an increase in product you expect these four imaginary worlds to have?"
They stood, frowning, "I would expect that each would contribute a similar production capacity to Thyferra itself."
Armand nodded. "What is the annual production of Thyferra, not in Bacta, but in total grains and the like, including food grade production?" The question startled them and made them pause, bringing heads together to call the data from the central computers.
"Approximately two and a half gigatonnes annually." Came the answer. "Three quarters of which is for bacta production."
Armand nodded. "Then you have failed to understand the scale of what we in the Imperium call an agri-world." He said plainly. "A terracompatible world of Thyferra's size can be expected to output approximately a hundred and thirty eight point four gigatonnes of grain produce annually. If just one of those worlds put seventy five percent of its power into growing the precusor products for bacta that is still a hundred and three point eight gigatonnes of product for the production of bacta. What would happen if four times that volume of bacta entered the market..."
Lights began to come on in their minds. "The value of bacta would cease to exist... there would be so much of it flooding the market that we would earn... almost nothing. Thyferra would be bankrupt..."
"And so my counter-offer is this. One agri-world, with Thyferra providing half of the population, including the Vratix needed to product the bacta. The ownership and shares of the bacta produced by this world will be divided in half, with the half owned by House Hydraxius being limited to the Outer Rim and Mid Rim leaving the Thyferran monopoly over the remainder, and keeping the scarcity of the material high enough to retain value, if not quite as high. As originally offered, rejuvenat would be offered to the leading members of Thyferra for two hundred years at no extra cost, and any enhancement made to the rejuvenat will result in a one percent share in the cost of rejuvenat per decade of life it extends beyond original specification, up to one hundred and fifty years, or fifteen percent."
There was some anger in the chamber as each part of the deal was said out loud. But he continued, "This world will operate under Imperial Law for human inhabitants, and be expected to provide a tithe of men and women for a PDF to see to its own defence if necessary. The Vratix will be given the freedoms to operate under their own laws among their own kind, the Vratix will also be considered equal partners in this." The words seem to bite in the mans throat for a minute. "To even it up however, I would offer that the Imperium and House Hydraxius sign a mutual defence pact as such that should your vessels come under attack, or Thyferra itself, we will mobilise in its defence provided Thyferra remains a neutral party and takes no sides in the conflict."
Armand stood, turned and headed for the door. "I will give you time to think. Failing that, I believe Ryloth might be able to provide Ryll as an alternative."
The Negotiator
Arthurius studied the datapad handed to him by the astropaths as they worked tirelessly. The message from his son contained the agreement proposed by the Thyferrans. Gwendolyn meanwhile was running the hard numbers and projections. Careful pacing of the room helped him read it without scoffing out loud. "There is no way I would consent to this. All of this for a lump sum of Bacta, and twenty five percent of what we produce on worlds they want us to colonise for them?"
The fact Gwendolyn didn't immediately answer sparked his interest. Eventually however she spoke. "Armand does say that he is working on an alternate proposal and has no intent to accept. He is surprised that they didn't include the access to rejuvenat in the package." And now she mentioned it, its omission did surprise him. That had been thought to be a primary selling point. "Why wouldn't they?" Her question was a good one.
"Because that's a bargaining chip they're unsure of." Arthurius said as he considered it, "Thyferra is a wealthy world, extremely so, and uncertain of rejuvenat's running value they are hesitant to make it part of their renumeration. They figure they can buy it more easily than be bought with it."
"So are we going to tip our hands in, or trust him to come up with something?" Gwendolyn asked.
This time it was Arthurius who did not answer quickly. "We will see what he comes up with." He declared.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Armand did not hover over the Astropath begging for a response, he had work to do and the fact was that while the deal was more favourable than the original, it was wrong. "Samuel? Your thoughts?" The Seneschal Secundus had been extremely quiet during the work so far and now he was so for a moment as he squared away his thoughts into a presentable order.
"The Thyferrans are basing their bacta values on, predictably, current value. While also trying to avoid examining that once even one of the Agri-worlds came into its full production that the price of Bacta may fall precipitously. The extremely high cost outlay of finding, colonising and developing four worlds with significant tropical zones is quite frankly a waste of resources. Thyferra lacks our continental farming techniques and already produces a 'sufficient' volume for the galaxy under most conditions, I am aware they do have some satellite colonies, however..."
Armand cocked his head with a grin, "However, one properly built Agriworld could output fifty to a hundred times that of Thyferra alone. The price of bacta could fall from an average of twenty credits per litre to less than half a credit per litre." Samuel nodded, agreeing with the boy.
"And four of them would drive the price to almost a tenth of a credit." Samuel Montcroix said pouring himself a measure of Amasec.
Armand frowned and stood, pacing his state rooms quietly, "The Zaltin representative knew this, they wanted to craft an unacceptable narrative. Either they want to avoid a trade with us, or were trying to undercut Xucphra."
"Xucphra, and the other cartels, would almost certainly see past this if that is the case. The only material advantage was putting the offer back in our hands." Samuel declared.
"Very well. Let's see how they like my counter-offer then."
"Do tell?" Samuel asked. Armand smiled, and Samuel knew that expression.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The teams of negotiators were once again assembled and everyone found themselves in the chamber waiting with bated breath to hear what the young man from Von Hydraxius had to offer. "It is our concern that, the deal offered by the honourable member of Zaltin is eminently unworkable, and based on a misunderstanding of just what is being offered, available, and practicable." There was a murmur around the table. "If you will, please explain how much of an increase in product you expect these four imaginary worlds to have?"
They stood, frowning, "I would expect that each would contribute a similar production capacity to Thyferra itself."
Armand nodded. "What is the annual production of Thyferra, not in Bacta, but in total grains and the like, including food grade production?" The question startled them and made them pause, bringing heads together to call the data from the central computers.
"Approximately two and a half gigatonnes annually." Came the answer. "Three quarters of which is for bacta production."
Armand nodded. "Then you have failed to understand the scale of what we in the Imperium call an agri-world." He said plainly. "A terracompatible world of Thyferra's size can be expected to output approximately a hundred and thirty eight point four gigatonnes of grain produce annually. If just one of those worlds put seventy five percent of its power into growing the precusor products for bacta that is still a hundred and three point eight gigatonnes of product for the production of bacta. What would happen if four times that volume of bacta entered the market..."
Lights began to come on in their minds. "The value of bacta would cease to exist... there would be so much of it flooding the market that we would earn... almost nothing. Thyferra would be bankrupt..."
"And so my counter-offer is this. One agri-world, with Thyferra providing half of the population, including the Vratix needed to product the bacta. The ownership and shares of the bacta produced by this world will be divided in half, with the half owned by House Hydraxius being limited to the Outer Rim and Mid Rim leaving the Thyferran monopoly over the remainder, and keeping the scarcity of the material high enough to retain value, if not quite as high. As originally offered, rejuvenat would be offered to the leading members of Thyferra for two hundred years at no extra cost, and any enhancement made to the rejuvenat will result in a one percent share in the cost of rejuvenat per decade of life it extends beyond original specification, up to one hundred and fifty years, or fifteen percent."
There was some anger in the chamber as each part of the deal was said out loud. But he continued, "This world will operate under Imperial Law for human inhabitants, and be expected to provide a tithe of men and women for a PDF to see to its own defence if necessary. The Vratix will be given the freedoms to operate under their own laws among their own kind, the Vratix will also be considered equal partners in this." The words seem to bite in the mans throat for a minute. "To even it up however, I would offer that the Imperium and House Hydraxius sign a mutual defence pact as such that should your vessels come under attack, or Thyferra itself, we will mobilise in its defence provided Thyferra remains a neutral party and takes no sides in the conflict."
Armand stood, turned and headed for the door. "I will give you time to think. Failing that, I believe Ryloth might be able to provide Ryll as an alternative."
Ah yes, The Negotiator! General Armand Kenobi, we've been waiting for you.
- Pronouns
- They/Their
The casual threat of making Ryloth a geniune power in the region is *hilarious*.