[center][h1]A Deal on Paradise[/h1] [sub]A collab between [@Sep] and [@Alias[/sub] [/center] [hr] [i]“You make an offer that I should find very hard to turn down, but I must know your intentions. I will not work under someone so secretive. I understand that you run a business of information, and secrets are the product you trade with, but I’m having trouble understanding why you would provide these resources with no clear profit. In such an efficiently run operation, I’m sure many would consider it a gross misallocation of resources.”[/i] [hr] Koren shrugged. “Everyone in this sector has an agenda, everyone has secrets. Even I don’t know them all, that is something you’re going to have to get used too. Should you not want to be alone forever, and I’m sure even you realize that as a Jedi you’re not invincible. Sooner or later you’re going to need to pass on your knowledge and need someone, or something, to keep you safe enough to do so. In terms of my Agenda-” Koren cleared his throat as a holo-projector was placed in the table by the serving droid, though it didn’t turn on yet. “Unpredictability creates conflict, and conflict creates business. You’re an unpredictable variable, also as much as I seem like an arrogant, self obsessed man, I don’t like this crime ridden sector anymore than you do. Do I believe the New Republic or Galactic Empire can bring peace to the Galaxy? Well, we’ve seen how the latter has done and the former is still working on it. As much as I disliked the Jedi during the Clone Wars, they were pure at heart and good men, women and beings. They just became too tangled up in politics and ended up serving the Galaxy as warriors. So here’s the two rules. You don’t cause any fights on Paradise, and you don’t sign over your soul to the New Republic. In terms of other people considering it a misallocation of resources. Well-” Koren leaned in as if he was spilling a great secret. “-That’s the bonus of being your own boss. I get to decide.” The holoprojector turned on, revealing one of the Imperial Light Cruisers that Koren had just acquired. “I remember reading about Jedi school ships, while it isn’t incredibly unique or attractive it’s fast, armed and requires a small compliment. Which I can either give either in terms of people I trust not to screw you over, or in droids.” The Jedi studied the hologram in detail. It sure seemed like an upgrade but he had become attached to the old CloakShape fighter he literally dredged up from the jungle and repaired himself. However, better armaments and speed seemed like a good trade-off. On the other hand, thinking about being given a crew or droids to handle. That wasn’t really his style. Apart from his master, Tez had always worked alone. For a long time, he almost wanted it to stay that way. [b]“The peace maintained on Paradise was something I never planned to disturbed. However, do not rule out the possibility of self-defence.”[/b] He mentioned, pulling the sleeve of his outfit to highlight his next point. [b]“I wear these robes proudly, and I will not take them off for the sake of laying low. If someone get’s a wild idea to start the fight, that’s on them.”[/b] Koren snorted. “Know how many people wear robes?” Koren chuckled slightly looking down. “Jedi need to get over themselves, farmers wear robes, people on warm worlds wear robes. In terms of self defense, there’s security all over the ship to make sure everyone is safe and fights are unnecessary.” Tez grunted at his comments of the robes. [b]“These robes are different. Jedi were…”[/b] He took a moment. [b]“[i]Are[/i] a symbol for the galaxy. Regardless of who I’m aligned with, I have to maintain that. In terms of preconceptions of us, I will not be able to change that, so I uphold it.”[/b] His next point to address was the New Republic. Tez had not been approached by them yet, but it wouldn’t be like him to not hear them out if they ever did. [b]“I have nothing to do with the New Republic at this time. I never have, so you will not be seeing me contacting them first.”[/b] [b]”Lastly, is there anything smaller you can provide me with? I have… certain difficulties within a group, whether it be a crew or droids to look after. If it cannot be crewed or maintained by one person, I have little interest in it. What I do have is a CloakShape back on Ilos. From what I understand, it’s modular? As a suggestion, perhaps it’s better suited for the job.”[/b] Tez offered these points up politely. He did not want to offend the kind offer but wanted to make his opinion heard at the same time. Koren leaned back in his chair. “At the same time Robes are Robes, if someone attacks you based on Robes… they’re an idiot. In terms of the New Republic, if you choose to work with them, that is your choice. In terms of ships-” The hologram panned out to a list of various ships.” “-There are various other vessels I have available. However I’ll keep the light cruiser on retainer, you may one day decide that you want to train others and it’d be a safer place than many to do so.” Koren clapped his hands together. “The important thing is first, do we have accept my offer of sponsorship? You can walk out whenever you feel that you are being taken advantage off.” Tez sat there in thought for a moment, contemplating in his mind about the whole situation. After a minute or two, the Jedi finally nodded and offered his hand out. [b]”I accept.”[/b] He said, a small smile appearing on his face. That was a rare sight itself. Koren took the mans hand and shook it, smiling as he stood up. “Very well. I’m going to have the Light Cruiser moved to a sector of space, the entire thing can be run and maintained by a couple of Astromechs should it not need to do much. If you want you can buy the Astromechs yourself if you’re worried about me spying on you. This gives you somewhere to base yourself out off. It also gives me somewhere to drop off anything you need. In terms of a smaller ship, hash out the details with the dockmaster. There’s plenty of ships down there that have been ‘sold’ to me to cover debts, or off people who’ve simply left and forgotten about them, or that have stopped paying their rent.” He stood up. “However, I have other business to attend to, the room is yours. Do you need anything else?” Tez nodded at each detail Koren gave. At first, he didn’t think of anything. [b]“Thank you for your time, Koren. I appreciate this generous offer.”[/b] He then remembered something that Koren had said earlier. [b]”Actually…”[/b] He piped up, standing up to follow. [b]”You mentioned training apprentices…”[/b] The Jedi began. [b]”Did you… have someone in mind?”[/b] Koren moved towards the door. “Not yet… Not yet. Though to train you, I have IG-100s. When was the last time you thought against a melee opponent that could handle a lightsaber?” Tez was definitely curious at the prospect of training someone, but more curious about the combat droids. [b]”A VERY long time…”[/b] he admitted. [b]”Sometimes just showing I have a lightsaber is all it takes to win a fight[/b] Koren chuckled and pressed a button on his wrist, the door opened with the commando droid walking through it again. Drawing a sword, corotis weave had it’s upsides. “Let’s start you small then, don’t worry about the decor. I can send someone to fix it. Enjoy, also if you can avoid damaging the droid I’d appreciate it. It’s programmed to desist if you manage to get your blade past its defenses in what would be a killing blow.”