((Collab Post between Sep and Me))

[b][i]Paradise Conference Room[/i][/b]

Leonard, Raj Vizla (who was presumably double-checked for weapons), and Ken would be escorted to the fancy meeting room on top of Paradise’s spire. The reactions of each person were different; Leonard thought that such luxury was par for the course for rich people like him and Koren, Raj thought that so much fancy decorations were eye-grabbing to the point of disorienting potential attackers, while Ken gaped like a rube before Leonard told him, “Don’t you have business to discuss as well, Ken?”

Ken closed his mouth, face twisting into mistrust of the owner of this place once more. Nevertheless, he would take a seat once Leonard had; Raj would stay standing. Both would then wait for Koren.

Koren entered the room at the top of the stairs, two droids entered the room first. When meeting with an individual with a bodyguard precautions had to be taken. He didn’t go full out with the IG-100s but he was flanked by several BX-Commandos, they were far more nimble than the 100s anyway, less durable but he liked how agile they were. He was taken slightly aback when he noticed the younger man present, he was told he was meeting some form of businessman and his bodyguard. The adolescent seemed out of place, so did he himself in his armour and trenchcoat however he could pretty much look however he wanted because he owned the place. He expected a certain level of class from clients.

He directed his attention straight towards Leonard, he was the money after all, “Can I help you?”

Leonard nodded, and extended his hand. “My name is Leonard L. Scipio, from Scipio Industries and Finance; my parents belonged to the IntergalacticBanking Clan. As for the good people accompanying me, the Mandalorian is Raj Vizla, my bodyguard, and my...date, Ken Neumann. We came here to negotiate a deal.”

A pause for effect, before Leonard would bring up a piece of paper - a holographic projector was too much of a security risk as it contained electronics that can be repurposed for surveillance or weaponry - that contained blueprints and designs for a new version of the Seperatist Droideka; this model contained ion cannons and more powerful shielding as well as regular lasers.

The young man then explained, “I procured this from a rival in the Corporate Sector before the jealous CEOs there drove me out. I already have a number of units manufactured, so there is no harm in giving the designs to you as a gift; do with them what you will.”

Koren picked at the piece of paper. “A bit archaic isn’t it? The paper method that is at least.” He took the piece of paper and clicked his fingers as a droid came and collected the paper. He couldn’t believe the guy brought a [i]date[/i] here, to an important business meeting. A date who looked more out of place than a Wookie on Dac.  “So the part happens where I welcome you, and where you give me a gift? Now, for what you’re wanting?”

Leonard then nodded, trying to look serious. “There are two things I want. One is to find a faction to back with my money, my technology - an example of which I have showed you - and of course, my factory ship and its ‘products’. The second...is to bring down institutions and people who think themselves invincible. Basically, I want to back a faction that is against the Empire.” A faint smile. “Although my words can apply to the Hutts as well.”

Ken looked at Leonard with shock, then unexpectedly grinned at the other guy, a grin that signalled a shared interest and shared enmity.

Leonard then continued, “The New Republic is a candidate for said investment...but it is currently doing nothing.”

Koren sighed, a philanthropist. “Okay, that’s all very well and good. Though why is it that you’ve insisted on meeting [i]me[/i]? My neutrality is well known, my past is reasonably well known. I was a Separatist, so I’m not really all for the Republic or the Empire and to be honest the Hutts are a continuous pain in the butt and the scum of the Galaxy, but they’re the oldest standing institution in said galaxy. Be clear, get to the point. I sell information only, advice is for friends, what is it you want from me?”

Leonard’s voice turned low. “I am looking to buy information on the defenses of Kintan, the Nikto homeworld, as well as the ‘liberation movements’ among the Nikto species. Or alternatively, I’ve already posted a one-hundred thousand credit bounty for information on this ‘Galactic Republic Remnant’, payable immediately.” [i]Best not to tell him I have a Kaminoan on my side as well as use Seperatist droids; I’ve offended him a lot already.[/i]

Then, Leonard remembered something, and turned to Ken. “You have something to see Koren about as well, right? Otherwise you wouldn’t have accepted the date so quickly.”

Ken nodded, then faced Koren, his voice matter-of-fact. “I am actually here about the several hundred Vordans sold to your faction. Let’s just say that there are people who want them free; I am one of them.”

Leonard’s eyes gaped wide in shock, before his palm met his face. He then turned to Koren, and spoke, “all right, damage control; I am willing to pay a few hundred credits for each of those...Vodrans to free them, if you’d overlook what my date said so rashly…”

Koren crossed his arms, matter of factly. “The Vordans aren’t up for discussion-” He turned deadpan to face the boy after he spoke. “-Your knowledge of my procuring them, and desire to free them as well as your age means you have to be a [i]Believer[/i]. Remember not everything isn’t as clear cut black and white, there is not a single slave aboard this ship, that is all you need to know.” He turned back to face Leonard.

“Galactic Republic Remnant is just that, I’ve met with their supreme commander just before this meeting. Hell, you probably passed him when your shuttle docked. There’s not much to say there, they’re a faction upholding the values of the [i]old[/i] Galactic Republic. How much are you offering for the defenses on Kintan and contacts? I can have the information you seek within half a rotation.”

Leonard elbowed Ken as Raj gazed down at the young man, suspicion evident even through his mask. Then, the banker would tell Koren, “One million credits. Up front.”

He then turned back to Ken, who was suddenly fearful. “So, is the date still on?”

A surprised Ken nodded, “Yeah, thanks for everything.”

Koren nodded as he extended his hand. “It’s a deal, feel free to stay onboard [i]Paradise[/i] while you await the information, I’ll make contact with my agents immediately and have a datafile for you within the set timeframe. Should it take any longer I’ll refund half of your investment as per my usual contracts.” He looked at Ken. “A note for future business, don’t bring a date along. I don’t care for being entertainment for some romantic or sexual relations. It’s not what I’m here for, and I don’t particularly care for it either.”

Leonard nodded, “I promise, Ken will be here for legitimate business next time, instead of skullduggery.” A sigh as he took Koren’s hand. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

Koren clicked his fingers and a service droid walked forward with a mobile terminal as Koren turned to walk out. “Input your payment details into this device, once the funds are safely in my account my timeline and work will begin. Now, if you excuse me I have associates who have returned who need to see me.” With that, he turned to leave with a billow of his coat.

And with that, Leonard, Raj, and Ken left.