Send in the Negotiators image - Star Wars - Reborn Roleplay Hub

Senator Kuiras, of the Armament Procurement Committee, sits at the round meeting table, awaiting the arrival of the Armara representatives. Next to him some of his advisors and lawmakers, there to help him navigate the complex galactic economic and legislative matters that is always involved in matters like these. With him is also General T'zorl of the Alliance 5th army core, representing the military.

A security guard whispers something to T'zorl and the general nods. A short transmission is sent to the Armara shuttle that they are cleared to land.

The shuttle proceeds promptly to the landing site. The corporate officer, a human female named Sova, disembarks with her security entourage. Two of the security officers remain with the transport, in the unlikely event some riff raff tries to make off with corporate property.

Sova and the third security officer take off, bearing a small silver suitcase. Going inside the Alliance spire they are confronted with a checkpoint, understandable of course. They were meeting with several high-ranking and important officials and Armara is located in Imperial space, not to mention the whole border scuffle was still fresh in mind so things were a little tense.

The security officer hands over his sidearm and stun baton before they and Sova are run through a body scan for hazardous material. The briefcase is opened and checked for its contents, just some advanced computational hardware and an interface for holographic display. Expectedly, everything is in order and the pair are cleared to the conference room for their meeting.

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Sova enters first and performs a curt bow, "Senator Kuiras," she begins, "a pleasure to make your acquaintance." She shifts her attention to the military man in the room, "General Tzorl, thank you for this meeting."

The Senator stands up and indicate the empty seats. "Welcome to Coruscant. Please have a seat." He sits back down again and folds his hands. T'zorl remains seated, gives only a courteous nod to the representatives and remains silent also. He skeptically eyes the briefcase and the security guard, but still says nothing.

"The room is yours Sova. What is it Armara can offer the Galactic Alliance.." Kuiras states.

Sova motions her escort who sets down the suitcase on the table and begins to boot up the software, looking to connect it to nearby hologram emitters. Armara installed an emitter inside the suitcase itself in the unlikely event the conference room was not equipped with such a device. Luckily, this was Coruscant and not some random backwater planet.

The hologram flickers to life displaying an infantrymen covered head-to-toe in body armour complete with a blaster rifle and blaster pistol with labels listing the individual products and boldly proclaiming the entire showcase as the next generation Alliance trooper and the new face of warfare, along with many other catchy slogans.

"We've compiled a few our products and designs together in what we would like to call future soldier package."

She goes on the explain all the benefits of the package. The MA4 Thranta-class heavy armour is a visually similar but legally distinct set of powered body armour not related to the Alliance's current armour aside from the aforementioned visual similarities. Included is the body-glove and free software heads-up display integration with the MR-6 and MR-8 blasters, providing support for aim-assistance and ammunition tracking. In addition, Armara will cover the first year of technical assistance with the software free of charge and send technicians to ensure everything is functional and properly connected to Alliance networks, meeting official standards.

Kuiras leaves the study of the technical details to T'zorl, him being much more qualified to assess the needs of the army than Kuiras is. His domain was cost and logistics. But before he could inquire towards any of that, general T'zorl asks;

"That's all well and good on paper, but how does in perform under combat simulations? Or better yet, have it seen active service elsewhere?"

The senator adds; "While we would undoubtable be glad to hear of it performing well in real combat, we have no interest in sharing this license with others". The general gestures to the senator in a way that would indicate that he concedes to this point of view.

"And.. we would of course want to know the costs involved with this deal." Kuiras quickly adds before the Armara representatives responds.

Sova pushed a few buttons on the suitcase's interface and brought up consumer satisfaction reports and reviews, classic things really and not classified though a discerning eye could tell that nothing was fabricated and even the most critical feedback was included. The only censorship was of the some more unsavoury comments from the odd mercenary or two that tried to use Armara's products in ways they were not intended.

Such as using the Thranta-class' helmet as a makeshift hotplate or overcharging a blaster in lieu of a thermal detonator.

Beyond that, the reports were good. Above average when compared to the ratings offered by other companies. Armara's success can mostly be attributed to a having installed its factories on Bonadan, a true industrial powerhouse. Add to that that the galaxy is still, relatively, recovering from war and many people feel the need for safety. Finally, while Armara takes pride in offering the full package in terms of infantry equipment; the foremost reason Armara has such glowing reviews is the fact it is smaller, an up and coming corporation. As a result, its customer base is smaller meaning there is less chance for large backlash.

"As you can see, our customer base are very satisfied with our current line up of products. If these reviews are anything to go by, our equipment will serve the Alliance well in the line of fire. That said, we have no products which see service in an official capacity outside the private and civilian sectors."

_________

The senator's question caught Sova by surprise, she was prepared to sell the product and readout whatever technical specifications the higher ups made her memorise. Armara intended to sell several units at worst or sign a contract at best, the company was prepared to outfit 20,000 men immediately and one million within the next several galactic months. But to give the Alliance an exclusivity contract? Not to mention the way things are going, it seems the senator is implying that Armara outfit the entirety of Alliance.

"Eh um, I apologise but I'm not sure that I am at liberty to approve of such a contract at this time senator. Protocol for exclusivity contracts dictate approval by the chief executive officer and the board of directors. Additionally, I do not have insight in Armara's accounts so I am unable to offer any comments regarding costs momentarily."

"The moment we adopt your armor design, it will eventually begin to symbolize the Alliance trooper, hence an exclusivity contract. We cannot have people mistaking the actions of mercenaries or criminals as ours. I'm afraid this is a condition of any deal going forward." Senator Kuiras informs the delegation. "Otherwise, I must admit it looks like a fine product. General, what do you think?"

T'zorls expression is that of a man chewing on something sour. "The... Bonadan system. Is that your only manufacturing site?" He asks the representatives.

As he asks, two droids enter the room, offering refreshments to the guests. The senator accepts but the general waves them away.

Sova accepts the refreshment even though she wasn't thirsty, it would have been considered rude to decline the offer. Something about showing weakness as a subset of behavioural studies. The security officer did not partake, merely standing nearby and at attention like a good trooper.

"At the moment, the Armara headquarters and chief manufacturing plant is located on Bonadan, in the industrial sector. However, I can reveal that we are in negotiations to establish the firm on Fondor as well."

"Perhaps it is advisable to reschedule this appointment now that we are aware of your terms?"

"We are very much interested in your design, miss Sova, but my friend here makes a good point, so lets address the problem. The Bonadan system is in Imperial space, which with relations being tense as they are, would be impractical at best. At worst... Well no need to dwell on what may or may not occur.

However, if you could extend your holdings to Alliance space, perhaps partnering with some of the corporations already providing our army and navy with material, we would be open to advancing to the next stage of negotiations". The senator says, looking next towards the general.

"We would like to acquire 200 units for testing. If this can be provided." The general offers.

"I understand. While Armara has no interest in taking sides, we at the corporation are aware of Alliance-Imperial relations and how it might impede our promise to deliver our products to you. We will endeavour to meet your needs and satisfy your criteria."

Sova flashed a well-practiced smile, something she was certain the senator was also well capable of producing when the moment called for it.

"Yes, of course general. One moment please." Sova then started to type something in the interface of the suitcase and decoupled a small, slender datapad and placed her hand on its surface. After a brief blueish glow enveloped her hand it became quickly evident that it was a scanner, not unlike those used to sign legal documents and contracts.

"I have drawn up a contract for 200 units at a severely reduced fee to be shipped to this location. If you accept the order will immediately go out via HoloNet and should arrive within 48 standard hours per express plus shipping.

The terms are acceptable and both the Senator and the General stands up and proceeds to apply their signature to the datapad.

"Well then, until next time Miss Sova". The senator says and bows slightly. The general says nothing, but merely nods as he did last time and moves to the nearest window to watch the traffic and discuss something with one of the aids. The aid leaves the room.

And lastly the senator says; "And give the regards of the Alliance to your Chief Executive Officer."

_____________

As few minutes after the representatives leave, someone else enters the room. A Kel Dor, by the name of Sion Desyk, moves to speak with the senator and general.

"I assume you had a productive meeting." He says, taking a seat at the table where Sova sat. He moves his hands along the underside of the table as if to check for something.

The senator looks at him in bewilderment as to both his presence and his actions. Its only afterwards that he notices the pin on Kel Dors coat, indication that he is from Alliance Intelligence.

"Yes.. We did.." the senator says hesitantly. The general is less confused from the looks of it, turns to face the operative and says; "We have secured 200 units as you suggested. We will begin our own testing immediately." T'zorl says.

"Whats is this really about?" The senator inquires. "Why is intelligence involved in this?"

"Its quite simple Senator. If... others... were to procure this armor in any great quantity and we do not. Then it is best we know all there is to know about it. Its.. Prudence. A good virtue to uphold in times like these." Sion says.

"Or outright paranoia." the senator says chastising.

"In my line of work, prudence and paranoia is two sides of the same coin. Thank you for your diligent work general". Sion says, he gives the senator a deep bow and leaves the room.