The large trade station hung there in space. From a distance it seemed almost lifeless, but it was very much far from that. Around it was a hive of activity with ships constantly entering its many holding berths, while other ships departed with fresh goods to sell in other places. Since its completion mere weeks ago, the station, as well as the planet it hovered above had become the new end point of the TransGal Trade Route. The was a new trade route established by Stellar Enterprises and created to connect over three other major trade routes across the galaxy. It not only did that, it also connected planets that had never had much trade with the rest of the galaxy, allowing them to greatly increase exports and import products at much lower prices. By creating and managing this Route, Stellar Enterprises received a very sizable profit.

Within the massive ten kilometer long station stood Rob Stellar. He could not help but smile as he gazed through the viewport of his stateroom. He enjoyed greatly the beauty that nature could create on its own and at the moment that beautiful object was the planet of Umbara. The blues and greens that radiated from the planet just below him, letting all that looked upon it know instantly what a lush and pristine place it really was.

He had never wanted to disturb that beauty and for that fact he had the whole station's exterior painted in greens and blues in a pleasing nature pattern. The trade station had become a sort of living moon above Umbara and even had its own slow spin. It was no longer just a hunk of durasteel floating in orbit, but a part of the Umbara.

As Rob studied the slowly rotating world below him, he thought about the its long history. It was a testament to what fear could do to a planet. A once great and thriving world, the planet had been completely abandoned by its populous because of the fear they had for siding with the wrong side during a Galactic Civil War.

Only a few years ago had these people started to return to their home planet and even then in small numbers. They had found their cities in disarray. Nature had slowly retaken their lands and while some of the inner downtown buildings were for the most part intact, they needed much cleaning before being habitable. The whole infrastructure of the planet had to be rebuilt. There was no power, no running water, and no money to fix something of that scale.

It then that Stellar Enterprises had stepped in. While scouting the planet for a position on the TransGal Trade Route, Stellar Enterprises realized that the Umbarans had started their return. Rob quickly made the offer to help them rebuild and they agreed to grant him large trading and mining rights in return. After much, Stellar Enterprises had rebuilt the Capital City and for the moment that was the only city being populated. With a little less than a half a million souls on the planet, the Umbarans did not need much room to live in. More and more of them were arriving every week, however, so there would be more work to be done.

The thoughts were interrupted with the chime from his personal comm link. "Sir, your guests have arrived."

Numbers spoke louder than words in a galaxy filled with dismay and continual fighting. Many industries and businesses that worked diligently behind the scenes hung on the very decisions that warlords and commanders made to commence or initiate more attacks on unassuming targets: the harkening and heralding for battle brought such solace and those conflicts generated numbers, a generous profit, which smelled of purple amidst the confusion. Space seemed so endless when staring out at the stars and imagining the planets orbiting in their own systems, but at the same moment limitations drew around anyone’s hands and neck like shackles; that sense of regret was long and uninviting or so it appeared.

In the aftermath of Sullust’s bold announcement of industrial ties and political maneuvering, the worth and importance of its people severely changed. Now the Free Trade Directorate had complete and utter control over all aspects of their growing economy and political future. Was the future of Sullustans bright? The SoroSuub Corporation would summarily disagree, but in all likelihood, the Sullustans were unsure and that web of doubt felt more like a noose than a gratifying euphoria. There were new initiatives that began in that sector of space, which the Free Trade Directorate did not waste time exploiting. The first goal of action was to make use of their resources and connections to generate a healthy membership of various businesses ranging from shipping convoys to logistics to weapon sales. Technology and commodities were the only language that the greedy Sullustans were interested in for the moment.

The leader of these voracious jowl flapping sapient beings wasted no time making his motives vague and indiscrete to the public. He loathed the very method of communications and the way the media made caused unnecessary panic about his goals for the directorate he devised from its infancy. Sei Maru, the Chairman of the Board of the Directors of the SoroSuub Corporation, President of the Sullustan Council, and the self-proclaimed Director General of the Free Trade Directorate wanted more from the public relations campaign he forged with his close associates. Even the member of his Secretariat were becoming more prideful of their actions because almost any negative press was enough to generate a possible loss in profit or damage the financial climate for the coming month: the last thing Maru needed was another month where over 12-13 billion dataries washed away from legal fees and poor press coverage.

Periodically, Maru left the system on a quest to harness more membership into his Free Trade Directorate. Much of his efforts went without positive feedback because many companies were not ready to undergo several different stipulations with the entity: the fact that they were a subordination under The New Order was a downside, many industries realized and knew that the Imperials would have severe sanctions on what would be possible, permissible, or conscionable in their domain. Protocol and order remained their top priority, but seeing as the SoroSuub Corporation (much like Santhe/Sienar Technologies and Kuat Drive Yards) had prior dealings with the Empire, the attraction of such intergalactic and economic security was not a problem, but sometimes other less fortunate businesses had to secure profit through many other means. The other major problem with the proposal was the structure of control with Maru, or rather the SoroSuub Corporation as the sole administrative body, many major conglomerates would fail to see the point of having another business own their operations and administrative hierarchy.

The idea was not far-fetched and many corporations were pleased with the expectations set forth by the Free Trade Directorate, but the problem of functionality was definitely a debatable issue. Much of Maru’s time was spent explaining and asserting the valued interest that the directorate aimed to maintain: the salvation and development of business economic security through concerted lobbying and political maneuvering. As one large powerful economic hub, decisions would become easier because the Free Trade Directorate would eventually have the market on business and industry, but the projections of those tenets had not appeared polished and clean just yet. The tarnish on those provisions was still visible from the durasteel hull of Maru’s shuttle, much like it had when he last attended the Sullustan Council.

When he left Sulon to attend a string of meetings with various prospective stakeholders, Maru set some parameters and instructions for his Secretary General, Gvrin Nplr. The haphazard press release upon the initiation of the Free Trade Directorate only brought more failed attempts at sustaining strong public relations. The situation was becoming more wanton than Maru had wagered in the beginning. With every step and change he took to assure that the public might not scrutinize his decisions with disdain and acrid displeasure, the more their interpretations haunted him: the feeling was unacceptable and eerie. However, he took time on his travels to consider his argument and justification, hoping that a healthy dialogue with other businesses and industries in the galaxy would provide more useful. There was nothing more gratifying than tangible claims to quell the masses. Because he desired more entities to take considerable decisions in joining the membership, Maru found himself taking more and more trips into the Outer Rim and other far-reaching areas of the galaxy. Membership into the Free Trade Directorate prompted boundless resources for the members and their constituents. Trade disputes would no longer be a detrimental issue especially with skilled analysts licensed to work through the directorate to handle foreign policy initiatives and other legal affairs, control would remain neatly in each member’s grasp.

Thinking again over his strategy to influence Stellar, Sei Maru sat comfortably in what he deemed the receiving room or passenger compartment of the shuttle. His guest would frequent this open area, usually fawning around him for no particular reason but to gain his interest. Maru did his best to overlook some profit margins and senior staff reports while he waited for the journey to end. Every week his personal staff from the Office of the Chairman of the SoroSuub Corporation provided him with the information he needed to make informed decisions. Since he had taken on the burden of meeting and negotiating affiliations with the Free Trade Directorate, he began conducting his business on his shuttle. Most times he would sit in his private office adjacent to the passenger compartment, but when the pilot indicated that the shuttle and his fighter escort would exit hyperspace shortly, he wanted to be prepared for the arrival and not seem too pretentious. Making a prospective member wait on him was exceedingly inappropriate, and he would expect that Rob Stellar of the illustrious Stellar Enterprises to have the same sort of credence.

The shuttle had just exited hyperspace, slowing to a crawling impulse. From the viewports, the pilot and commander vaguely noticed any semblance of life in space. In the shallow wake of a nearby star’s luminous rays, the pilot could barely make out the trade station. The structure was hard to describe but the hull configurations were elongated and almost oval in shape: most characteristically the two oval sliced disks nestled atop and under a cylindrical structure.

“Director General, we are about to establish communications with the Commerce Trade Station,” the pilot informed Maru. In response, Maru slowly pulled his head from the recent paragraph he was reading and nodded sagely.

“Understood Captain. I will join you in the cockpit momentarily,” Maru replied gesturing for one of his personal aides to take his reports and place them in his office. The portly director general jumped from his seat and shook around a bit as he strutted from his plush, crimson velvet seat for his command seat in the cockpit.

The shuttle, with a small screen of four escort fighters in a diamond formation, and before Eranthum’s flight control operations could safely establish their presence and CMD information for the station, their bridge communications officer interrupted their task. The beleaguered captain stared at the intercom and waited for the static to dissipate.

The communications officer’s voice asserted with a sprig of aggression, “Modified Ambassador-Luxury Class Shuttle Eranthum, please provide us with the necessary intergalactic credentials and CMD information. Stand down from raising your shield configurations while we scan your transport.”

Immediately the captain responded, “We are sending you our CMD information and flight credentials, trade station. Waiting for your clearance to comply—we are disengaging shield modulation for ship-wide scan.”

Just as he finished, a beam seared through the hull and disappeared once again. The captain and commander caught discerning glances before focusing on the controls. The discomfort felt like an icy lacquer showering down their back. The commanding officer wiped his jowls waiting for the station to respond. Behind him, Maru entered in his appropriate attire. The portly, wide-eyed director general stood watching the station from the viewport.

“Have they cle—” Maru was immediately interrupted by the communications officer.

“Eranthum, you are clear for landing in hangar bay 23-A-5. A small fighter screen will escort your group,” the officer acknowledged ending transmission.

Upon receiving clearance from the station, they began descending on the station. As they prepared the docking and landing clamps, some of Stellar Enterprises’ fighters appeared and escorted them to the hangar bay. Eranthum hissed as the landing struts finally supported the descended shuttle and the smoke filled underneath when the ramp came down. Several elite guard flanked the shuttle ramp. Since the meeting protocol required that the Free Trade Directorate not have guards with arsenal, the guards, armed, remained positioned on the ramp in the case of an emergency with facial blast-visors for protection. Sei Maru exited the shuttle wearing a flowing over-robe of shimmering maroon and burgundy. An intricate weaving of bright cream fabric trickled around the sleeves and down the sides of the robe. His stale, charcoal black short miter on his head with the Free Trade Directorate emblem signified the presence of the director general.

In Maru’s wake, his several personal aides filed behind in their less inviting robes. The director general steadily kept his pace following up to a waiting figure, a liaison officer, just beyond the clearance path on the hangar floor. Dressed in a solid black, thin fabric robe that trailed the floor, he waited. Lips were straight and unexpressive, stoic to the hilt with unwavering, stark eyes commanding the attention of Maru.

His mouth opened like a synchronized rhythm pattern: “If you would please follow me this way, Director General Maru, Mr. Stellar is ready to see you now.”

Maru nodded and watched cautiously keeping a fair distance from the Umbaran. Over the years, Maru learned to keep the Umbarans at least an arm’s length away. They were untrustworthy and extremely persuasive species. He always received unwanted vibes from them, but judging from the liaison’s presence, Stellar always wanted to add a personal, regional touch by having a sapient being host and command the operations of the commerce station. Maru’s entourage followed in tow to where Stellar was waiting, passing other alien species on the station—piquing his interest. Maru enjoyed many prospects involving strong ties and relations with other species, and it seemed solidifying a deal would prove in the directorate’s interest. Exploiting this potential partnership involved some serious political and economic maneuvering. His mind began to race with the possibilities of sending convoys and transports across different routes: it seemed this trip was not so bad after all.

Rob Stellar stood there in his new black suit. The piece of clothing had been specially designed and weaved for him. Instead of buttoning along the center of his body, the suit coat buttons ran along the right of his torso. The buttons ended at a small accented collar that surrounded his neck.

To those that looked upon him, the suit might seem somewhat thick and uncomfortable, but it was far from that. The suit was in fact one of the most relaxing and lightweight pieces of clothing that he owned. Thanks to a special new material developed by the SynthMat, a joint venture of Stellar Enterprises and BioTech Industries, it weighted next to nothing and felt like air against his skin.

The specialized material was known as SmartCloth and adjusted to the person wearing it. It was able to control the amount of air it allowed inside and the amount of heat it dissipated. In a hot environment the suit would allow the wearer to stay cool with many open pores, while in colder environments it would close almost all the pores and keep heat inside. SmartCloth was very valuable because it could be programed to do a great many things and could be created in different ways for different uses.

One of these uses was defense, for which Rob Stellar's shirt had been created. The shirt, like the suit could open and close pores, but its material was such that could quickly disperse heat and harden to prevent injuries. The fibers that made up the shirt could store the wearer's body heat and use it to power a small magnetic field. A field that could withstand one or two blaster shots. Rob hopped there would be interest for this material around the galaxy and indeed there was.

As the door to his station office slowly opened, Rob turned towards it in time to see the Umbaran liaison lead Sei Maru inside. He smiled warmly towards the Sullustian Male and slowly started his walk over.

"That will be all Lioson, thank you." He spoke and nodded in the Umbaran's direction.

When he turned back towards Maru, the doors were already closing, leaving both of them alone in the room. Rob cordially extended his hand and smiled at Maru.

"Director General Maru, I am Rob Stellar. I wish to welcome you to the Umbara Trade Station. I hope your journey went well." He smiled and slowly turned, motioning towards a small bar area at the side of the office.

The area had a large fully stocked bar against the wall and a lounging area just beside it with four large executive chairs. Each chair was lavish and made from memory foam for the comfort of the individuals sitting in it. It would quickly adjust to any species comfort levels and seating styles. The chairs were arranged in small circle so that all faced each other. Between them existed a small table, which at the moment contained many snacks, most considered delicacies on Sullust.

"Please, come. Would you care for something to drink? Eat?"

Sterile and clean perked in the front of Maru’s mind at the state of the station. Everything was orderly from the officials scurrying about and the other less inviting commerce authorities talking aimlessly about whatever intergalactic and interstellar pursuits they contrived, as if making calculated plans across a competitive game of intergalactic chest. He held his left hand to his chest as the Umbaran continued to walk several feet ahead. The slender physique contoured by a draping black robes signified the resplendence and mere austere that Stellar had with deciding to have the meeting here on this very station. The director general did not protest nor did he feel the location was laborious journey, but he always wondered why prospective business partners chose where they would have their meetings.

The whole process seemed arbitrary. Trading or developing mergers in the galaxy worked in the same fashion over and over again like a raging rhapsody of numbers and logistical statistics. Maru could see those numbers and predictabilities washing over his almond-shaped eyes. When he approached one of the obscure commerce authorities in the Outer Rim, they did not recognized the organized power of The New Order, he had to meet them in one of their isolated, derelict power stations which wreaked of distilled bacta tanks that were too old to be used for treatment. Rather than undergo such political and economic embarrassment again, Maru investigated and provided future entities with stipulations to ensure his security and safety.

Stellar’s commerce station was fairly secure, but the Umbaran still made him uneasy. Then the Umbaran stopped at a juncture point where several other corridors went in two other directions. He paused and waited for Maru’s aides to gather around him and stopped commotion. The Umbaran stared at the director general and uttered directly, “The president wanted only you, sir, to attend the meeting. So your aides will have to wait in the receiving room or I can escort them back to your ship.”

Maru analyzed him carefully for a moment. His aides could not go with him where he wanted? He always had his aides with him as an entourage or a control factor to show how important and political-minded he was. Maru stiffened his face at the suggestion, but he had to comply because Stellar was being so accommodating. He nodded in compliance and responded with a low but calm resonance: “If we must… I will do as Mr. Stellar requests, but please escort them back to the ship when we arrive at the conference area.”

The liaison officer still almost at an awkward pause, looked past Maru to the aides and then back to the powerful Sullustan: “Of course Director General. Please follow me, we are almost to the conference area.”

The aides and Maru fell into the cadence down the corridor to the right. To their right was a thin screen detailing changes in monetary statistics: the display blinked with blue and yellow colors flashing statements like “Acquire” or “Liquidate.” He assumed that this station had a strict transmission system to keep all trade information very current so that alien species visiting the station could see how interstellar trade was proceeding either on nearby planets but also throughout the galaxy. The tool was helpful, but Sullust refrained from having such a mechanism because their corporation focused on maintaining their market as a very strong manufacturing industry.

Soon the Umbaran gestured for Maru to follow him only into the room. The blast doors opened to an opulent room with Stellar in one of those special suits ready to receive him. He was a human, of course. Maru never held it against humans but since the humanocentrism that fell upon the Empire in the early years of Palpatine’s rule, he fell sick and unimpressed with the human perspective granted that he achieved his experience and power through their influence. He had high cheekbones and a pleasant face; Maru fixed a smile with his jowls recessing in slightly to appear as pleasant and warming as possible. Stellar was not a secret: he made a lucrative living on his shrewd business acumen, but this conference only foreshadow and implied the competitive vigor they both had; they were exceptionally good at industry.

He dismissed the liaison officer. Maru stepped forward, purposely avoiding the creature breaking even more space between them. Even from the moment that the doors shut, Stellar was already trying to weaken Maru as they spoke. The Sullustan had a personal policy about taking drinks and food from his prospective members. He never took such chances unless he knew that the deal would surely go in his favor. There was a lot of potential adding Stellar Enterprises to his mix of business, but he doubt the human would allow a Sullustan, much less a Sullustan-ran company have administrative authority of the directorate. However, he had to try and make this meeting work because other possibilities could grow from a solid bout of economic foreign policy.

“Let me begin President Stellar by saying that you are indeed a humble and gracious host. Your commerce station is most impressive and I cannot think of a better venue for our discussion,” Maru cleared the air and asserted his claim with an opening statement. “Not much can be said of prior engagements, but I do want to say thank you for meeting with me because I realize you have such a dense schedule with business meetings and economic reports to read. I had to partake in my work on the journey here. You have no idea how rough a travel can be visiting one prospective member to another. The last location was quite a long distance, but as always, the chief executive officers have to keep up with their most important factor—the business.”

Maru continued to walk more into the room, he gazed out of the viewport and saw the planet surface, Umbara—the planet was a serene sight. A calming feeling washed over him, but he sighed using the breathing to reassert his focus during this discussion. His left hand clasped his robes, guiding to move effortlessly in the room, pointing out how important he was by wearing such elaborate clothes. Wearing these gowns took some time to adapt because he always wore simple uniforms and refrained from the pomp. Since he became the administrative officer at SoroSuub, he had to wear appropriate clothing attire and also wear a miter on his head. Luckily, the miter was smaller than the one he had to wear at the council meeting. That obtuse headdress drew more problems than praise. He appeared so pretentious every time he wore it, and he did not like the image he evoked.

Stellar approached him and shook his hand, Maru felt that calm feeling once more, the sensation had to remain unnatural. Maru was not going to let his guard down and accept comfort so easily. He inwardly forced discomfort to remain alert. The chairs were ready for them to begin discussing the importance of their business, and Maru was ready to start making his points painfully and financially clear. Turning away, Stellar went to his bar to make drinks. Maru never understood the human need to drink such pointless beverages because they dulled the mind too long. In protest, he interrupted Stellar’s recreational preparation to segue into business, “No thank you sir for the drink, I do not partake in that human sport—oh, but if you have some drutash grubs I would most obliged. I did not realize so many species would enter your station. The whole notion is ingenious and equally as impressive. Judging from the traffic, it seems that your stations welcome many alien species to safely conduct all forms of business.”

The director general descended upon the circular onyx table that had a tray. There were drutash grubs. “I must say sir that you surely made a wise decision by providing some of these delicacies because some of these treats are also rare on my home world right now. We have had a bad volcanic year and the lava has made the grub growth very difficult.” Maru sat in one of the chair’s facing Stellar from the bar and began picking several grubs and sticking them in his mouth. His portly shape jutted around him, still concealed by the robes he was wearing. Maru thought to himself with the lingering of their tangy taste on his tongue, Delicious.

He cleared his throat, “Let me just begin with why I am here. The Free Trade Directorate has pushed forward since its announcement some time ago. I want you to know that the directorate has expressed interest in Stellar Enterprises joining our collective. We want the same things that every business wants—strong sound interest pressures to ensure that intergalactic business yields healthy profit…” Maru grabbed some more grubs, watching for Stellar’s attention as the slimy morsels inched down his throat. “Planets like Sullust or even Umbara for example need better understanding and representation to assure cooperative measures occur. I do not think obscure areas, costing this corporation so much profit, deserve to take advantage of businesses trying to supply services and commodities to wonderful paying customers. We offer you membership with numerous benefits that you will find, I am sure, most favorable—just remember that we have much to consider with this arrangement and I know you are like me and cannot pass up a good business opportunity.”

"Thank you Director General. I am very pleased that you like the station, coming from a person such as yourself, that is a great compliment. It really was not problem, I had some business on Umbara that I had been meaning to take care of, so I must thank you in return for giving me a reason to come out here." Rob smiled softly and walked the Sullustian towards the chairs that had been set up. "Please, do call me Rob. I do not know why, but I never got used to being called by a title."

He could tell that the Director General was trying to get on his good side almost instantly. It was nothing new of course, the Sullustian had a proposal to sell him on, and so would do anything he could to make it work. Even though, however, Rob could tell Maru meant much of what he said. This was a person Rob could get to like quickly and might become friends with.

"Yes, long distance travel is part of the job description, I know how tiring it might become and I am sorry for asking you to come all this way to meet. If you allow, I would like to give you and your assistants private quarters at one of our fine Station Hotels and meals at our restaurants. Let them relax and enjoy themselves a little. This station is very safe I promise you." Rob watched Maru sit and decline the drink.

He, himself, walked towards the bar slowly and started to mix a drink of different juices and vitamin liquids. As Rob created his special drink he listened to the Director General speak and smiled when the Sullustian male mentioned the drutash grubs. Rob had been informed on the rareness of them on Sullust and made sure some were available for Director General Maru.

"I heard about that, I am sorry about the increased volcanic activity. Those grubs were actually grown in special habitats on Mustafar. Stellar Enterprises established a sort of farm to grow and raise them on the planet in a contained environment. If you like, we could help Sullust establish similar habitats through the use of special magnetic field generators. These fields help keep lava and magma at bay, while preserving internal environments, allowing the grubs to grow no matter what the volcanic activity is during that time of the year." He turned towards Maru and slowly walked to the sitting area.

Rob slowly sat down in front of the Director General and listened carefully to the speech. He had heard about the Free Trade Directorate and had been meaning to find out more about it. It was great to have the person in charge here to talk to him directly, allowing Rob to ask any questions he might have. He watched Maru carefully and did not even cringe at the Sullustian's eating habit, it did not annoy and surprise Rob in the least. He was glad the foods were being enjoyed.

"I would like to ask, would Stellar Enterprises be allow to act independently within this Directorate? Will Stellar Enterprises have the freedom to make deals on its own and acquire other planets? What are the benefits you talk about?" These were questions on top of Rob's mind, he did not want to commit his company into agreement that would limit its independence.

“You honor me with such open hospitality. I assure you that the pleasure is all mine Mr. Stellar,” Maru managed to utter, taking a moment from his sumptuous delights.

He wondered also why Stellar Enterprises would have such important business in Umbara for which the company’s president had to visit this obscure planet. His flagship was not around, and the headquarters were definitely not here, but for some reason it was only a queer allusion that one of the most suave executives in the galaxy would be doing having business on such an obscure planet. It seemed that Maru did not have such luxury given his status as a major public figure now. According to economics and business news outlets, thankfully excluding the HoloNet News, Maru has been a pressing and dynamic figure in the corporate world.

His motives and questionable tactics warranted scrutiny and skepticism, but rarely would be openly admit that he can see why these interstellar economist and financial theorist would waste their time understanding Maru’s strict business sense. The politico already heard enough of their criticism when he appeared before a regional court and its justice demanded that he pay in full for the charges and damages. The law was on his side, he thought. He always wondered back, thinking about the embarrassment that SoroSuub Corporation would suffer because of it. Panning out of his quick reverie, he assured himself that if this meeting with the human went well, he can look at having a much firmer foundation for his abilities and controls.

He leaned forward, perking his eyebrow at the weak gentleman: “You said that you had business here in Umbara, Stellar. Could you enlighten me as to the kind of prospects that are here in this system, or even in this sector?”

He shook his hands, implying no ill will. “Ah—listen to me.” The Sullustan put off easily, playing up the innocent businessman bit while pushing with words what his body could not at that time. There are no underlying intentions with the question I can attest; my interest in your business is purely out of curiosity because my analysts and financial forecasters have written dozens of feasibility reports and executive summaries indicating that this area of space would not be a wise venture, not because of competition but based on incentives for corporations.”

His interests remained in the same corporate fixture for the past few months. Maru publicly accepted the authority of The New Order, mandating that the Sullustan continue to embrace the positive will exhibited by the Imperial forces. The rotund Maru also enjoyed the wealth of opportunities afforded to him. Almost any stretch of galaxy offered a limitless clientele to poke and prod for further support. Maru presented a healthy economic proposal to some of the lesser influential military officers with the aim of soldering the directorate’s situation and goals: the benefits the directorate would provide ended up becoming a sterling endeavor in the eyes of prospective corporations and the jewelling Empire.

Maru took another bite of the grub, their sweetness tingled along his grossly, obese jaw-line. “These grubs were grown in Mustafar?! I do not believe it. I do not believe it.” His face crushed. “Honestly… The idea of that planet producing anything good is beyond me.” He swallowed the grub that sat in his mouth. “I never liked Mustafar since the ascension of Palpatine and the Galactic Empire. The Seperatists there were so stupid to think they could undermine and control the galaxy. The Empire was the only good thing to happen…” Then he realized what he had purposely said and rebuked himself, “Not excluding you, of course. I am most impressed with your ability to wage such lucrative opportunities out of such a pointless planet.”

The Sullustans and the Mustafarians are rather similar in most regards. Both inhabitants have planets saturated and covered with volatile volcanic eruptions, jetties of lava endanger their homes, but they survive and make the most of their surroundings, constructing impressive buildings and structures that can withstand extreme temperatures and intense pressures. The Sullustans were not so impressed with the Mustafarians because their industry lacked the exposure and clarity of their own. Always looking down on them for not focusing their interests and participating in intergalactic affairs to better suit and prepare their growing populations. While the Mustafarians had major setbacks with most of their kind being wiped out from these nasty eruptions, in Maru’s view, they had no reason to dither.

“I mean I guess you, like the Sullustans, understand the method of taking something and making really profitable.” The hum of the room was just above null. Maru stood, breaking away from the delicious intrigue of his newest favorite delicacy. “My kind would be most appreciative to know someone had your sense of duty and purpose.” He folded his arms behind him when he approached the reflection of himself in the large viewports overlooking the space with a couple of ships making an approach and another departing from that area of space.

The president began swiping all the cards on the deck, only revealing one obtrusive hand—he had one card for this game. He was blunt, decisive, and honest, a rare, refined quality distant from the other associates Maru had spoken to prior to this engagement. Stellar Enterprises continued, without due haste though, to improve their favor in the Sullustan’s eyes. Dead in response, almost comatose he spoke with rote answers, clipped to the hilt with precision: “Sir, you ask about working independently. First let me explain that the directorate will do everything in its power to represent your interests, however, being a part of this directorate requires that the company conjoin as part of this coalition. We are not in the market for delineating and resurfacing your profits, but we are in the business of maximizing corporate interests: if we do not have support and strong affiliated ties based on the prescribed statutes set by the board of directors and approved by our stakeholders, then we cannot accommodate you.”

Maru immediately twisted his head and focused his almond, oculars on Stellar. “Take heed sir. The directorate wants nothing more than your continued support monetarily, militarily, politically, and economically. Now, we do not say that we will saturate your company with horrendous fees and application failsafe, but the directorate works like a guild group where the interests are mutual and the gain shared by all these companies is the same. By joining us, you have the unfettered Imperial presence for mere protection. You will never have to worry about your trade being compromised because of shady business partners. Transactions will be most benign, lacking in the hectic struggle they afford us at times—trust me when I tell you that it is most gratifying.” He kept his composure, almost demonstrating his still bitter upset over the actions of paying such huge indemnity fees for such ludicrous charges. Maru would provide whatever assets at his disposal to bring such a useful company into his group of powerful companies, foreseeing the day that the Free Trade Directorate becomes a feared conglomerate guild in the galaxy.

As Sei inquired about his visit to this portion of the galaxy, Rob was not at all amazed. It was common knowledge that not many planets or systems of worth existed here, so why someone was willing to invest millions upon millions of credits into this place was a curiosity. Many in business could not see into the future and that was the reason why many of their ventured so often stalled or failed altogether. Rob, on the other hand, had always been able to see where money could be made, even if he had to invest a fortune to get it.

He moved slowly towards the clear table and with one hand behind his hand, reached down casually to pluck a few large nuts from a decorative bowl. Once in his hand he brought them to him nose and took a long slowly smell, letting the intoxicating aroma flow through his system. Still he did take a bite, however. Rob brought the hand down, gently and cautiously moving the expensive nuts slowly within his palm. As they rubbed the thin layer of skin that separated the meat cracked and separated, releasing the fragrant smell throughout the office.

While doing so, Rob had moved away and stared out onto the beautiful world below them, rotating lazily.

"Director, your single question seems to have two distinct answers, however joined they might be." Rob Stellar finally stated after a moment of pause.

"I, personally, was here to meet with the Umbarians. A short time ago I visited Umbara in order to receive their blessed for the establishment of this trade station over their planet. Upon that visit I noted how much their industry and economy had suffered over the years of isolation. You see, the Umbarians are very good with politics, but they had never been much good with industry. That and also the fact that they are reluctant to sell their wares on the galactic market.

"I managed to...convince them, if you will, that it would in the best interests of Umbara to once and for all end their isolationist ways. Their planet was falling into ruin and many of their population were on or below the poverty line. Jobs were hard to come by with the lack of constant export.

"During our talks I offered to bring them out of their depression and even have Stellar Enterprises invest vast sums of money to rebuild and improve their manufacturing base and infrastructure. To accomplish this, Stellar Enterprises would hire Umbarians and in turn support the planet's economy by doing so." He paused for a second and turned back towards the Sullustian.

"In return, they would grant Stellar Enterprises the right to manage all the products they produce for export. I sell them through Stellar Enterprises and Umbara gets a percentage of the profits. Since these good are very rare at the moment, they command luxury status and luxury prices of course.

"I was here today because I wish to alter the Umbarian restrict caste system. It is their planet, but I believe their citizens should be treated with respect, no matter who they are. There are many limitations imposed on the lower caste Umbarians that should not exist and should not be tolerated." With that said, Rob smiled and moved to take a seat opposite the Director General.

He sat back and eyed the Sullustian, wondering what the other thought about that. Sei Maru was a wise being and knew about business, that was certain. Rob had read all the intelligence data his people could find on Mr. Maru and could not help by be impressed.

"Now, to answer the other part of your question, this Stellar Enterprises trading station is one of many that are constructed or starting construction for the creation of a completely new trade route that shall span almost half this galaxy." Rob stopped and took a slow drink, letting what he had just started slowly sink in. "The TransGal Trade Route will stretch from Rutan, come through Umbara, and hopefully terminate at Gala. It would connect almost every major trade route throughout the galaxy to one another. The Hydian Way, Rimma, Corellian Spine, and Perlemian Trade Route would all become connected, allowing for goods from one to easier reach goods from the other, all the while passing through my trade stations. Not only that, but every planet along the TransGal will have greater access to the galactic market, meaning they can more easier sell their goods and earn higher profits."

The President of Stellar Enterprises let it stop there for the time being. He did not mention that he had factories and deals with most of those planets that had them shipping their wares mostly through his transport services. It was nothing horrible though, both the company and the planets would make large sums of money through this venture. Money that could already be seen flowing into Stellar Enterprises even before the completion of the route. Many companies were already investing into the trade route as well and paying for portions of the trade stations operating costs. These company included restaurant chains, hotel enterprises, fueling company, as well as tourism corporations.

At the mention of Mustafar Rob Stellar perked up and suppressed the slight twitch of anger inside himself. It was thoughts such as those that caused many people in the galaxy to miss out on opportunities and also to subject whole planets. Mustafarians had never done anything to deserve being resented.

"A wise man once told me that to make a fortune one must be willing to spend a fortune. Mustafar is a changed planet since you last remember it. Since the whole galaxy remembers it in fact. They have become one of my top producers of raw or processed ore. That planet's metal is now being used in construction projects all over the galaxy. This station has a vast amount of Mustafarian ore within it. For how much that planet has suffered over its lifespan, I believe it is about time it got a little recognition." Rob smiled a little at the Director and pulled his hand up, finally having a bite at one of the nuts in his hand, letting it melt inside his mouth.

Rob stood slowly and watched the Sullustian move towards the expansive viewport that covered almost the whole rear of the office. As the being spoke, a medium sized convoy appeared just the left and moved slowly through their field of vision, past the entire viewport. They were all Stellar Enterprises vessels, Automated transports mostly, along with two impressive looking Starstreak Class Frigates for escorts. Three of the freighter veers away and dropped towards the planet while the other five orderly positioned themselves for entry into the massive trade station. As they did, the two frigates quickly repositioned and took up positions on either side of the convoy, protecting the flanks until they docked.

As Stellar listened to what Maru said, he could not help but think his company had out grown what the other was proposing. Stellar Enterprises already enjoyed most of what he was offering and would operate on its own in any way it pleased without interference from others.

"I shall have to think about your offer Director General and present it to my advisory board of course. Unfortunately I can not make any promises to you at the moment." Rob finally said once the other had finished. "If you don't mind me asking, could I possibly see a list of companies that had already signed onto your Free Trade Directorate?"

With it still being a small possibility that Stellar Enterprises might join them, Rob wanted to know who he would be dealing with. He was a moral man in most respects and if he was to do business with companies that practiced their business immorally he wanted to know about it. There were certain company known of exploiting their workers completely and turning the planets they occupied into waste dumps, and Rob Stellar wanted Stellar Enterprises to have nothing to do with those.

Delicately, Maru noticed from the reflection that his host lacked much in the manner of social graces. Many business transactions fell because of these major idiosyncratic conundrums involving some gauche oaf. He usually expected this type of treatment from the unassuming alien species, excluding his current company of Sullustans, as refined creatures. He remembered talking with higher elites during his days as the board of directors’ secretary. The former Chief Information Officer explained that aliens lacked many social graces in the days of the Old Republic, which was why many upper-class Sullustans were not fazed by the humanocentrism exhibited by the Empire. The CIO said that alien species always professed or disseminated their inappropriate customs, just in the way the host decided to push on him. ‘How lucky am I?’ Maru mused slowly turning around, watching the human sit with a drink and beginning some bizarre ritual with a nut from a delightfully etched and colored bowl.

He stared in diluted shock, Maru’s discomfort emanated from his body, but his expression appeared just as steely and mundane. The alien politico was not sure whether Stellar attempted to drive him to discomfort with his disquieted approach of moving and bizarre, suggestive innuendo while he ate his nut dutifully.

“I realize that I ask so much of someone I know so little about, but the record provided by my intelligence and information bureaus was not satisfactory, besides, I want to know from you, what makes you tick as a human. What makes you such a powerful, impressive businessman, besides your unconventional business orthodoxy?” He clipped his words again, finding no need to linger on with his question. Maru wanted to make certain this man knew that he was not about to allow his impractical behavior deter him, making the whole trip a soluble objective. The Sullustan expected to have more support from business because he knew that the means of trade and negotiations have changed in recent years, and this directorate would aid in the whole process of allowing more equitable means and political assailing for those entities looking to generate a healthier profit.

Unfit to take on the consistency of his organization negotiations, Maru had quickly appointed someone to work under his secretariat as a go between for the FTD. In recent weeks, he and his administrative head, Clerrin Serev initiated the office of High Representative of the Free Trade Directorate. The representative maintained relations and trade negotiations with all parties within the directorate, ensuring that the political interests stayed on course. The position was a relief to the secretariat, already busy offering administrative support direction to the directorate. Nplr, Maru’s Secretary General and senior-most-officer in the Secretariat, oversaw the headquarters when Maru took long trips or various other excursions to promote directorate interest. He took these journeys seriously because these events took him away from his close collaboration with other entities.

“So… Umbara was that much of an advantage for you Mr. Stellar? I am surprised. I would have never figured. Never. You obviously have guts to build your enterprise here in such a worthless area of space. I guess you are truly a remarkable individual with many hidden talents,” Maru politely justified watching Stellar with difficulty. The impression he received was so poorly advised. None of Maru’s aides had mentioned that Stellar would have done something so bizarre. While he was cautioned that Stellar was not conventional in his business transactions, the Sullustan never figured that his behavior and mannerisms would be mistakenly questionable.

“I must say, you have a commendable business sense if you promote finding or creating jobs for the Umbarans. I honestly thought they were only good for political maneuvering. We Sullustans do not trust the Umbarans, and we are become quite accustomed to delaying or filtrating our roles and jobs to that of our own or more trustworthy aliens,” Maru politely offered, however, he was most surprised at Stellar open admittance to changing their way of life. “You, human, changed the sanctity of Umbara by eliminating their very way of life-their culture. That seems to be active humanocentrism. For you to offer them such concepts and respect and freedom, I am appalled. Do not misconstrue, while I ardently disagree with your position, you are definitely a savvy businessman wanting nothing more than to increase profit, but I wonder if that is at the cost of another’s culture.”

Maru while a very mean and sterile individual was just as volatile when it came to issues with alien species. He had a very pragmatic but dichotomist view. The Sullustan had very jaded and elitist perceptions of alien species. He felt dirty and superior to every single species including his own brethren because they exhibited such lack in refinement and elite acculturation. Primarily, he only made perceptible concessions to his brethren when it came to humanocentrism. Palpatine slated alien species with the coming of the Empire by mandating such rules. It tarnished Maru’s goals, but he kept to himself the truth and view that he would be able to find some way to gain favor by mastering more human tasks, but then he privately acknowledged that he would never act or work in the method ways they had because they thought so small about the galaxy around them.

The directorate was one of the ways in which he could break down the human-dominated political climate by protruding as a serious political figure with goals of economic conquest through the savvy of working unilaterally with The New Order. While his methods seemed so rigid, complicated, frustrating, and at times overbearing, Maru would be the only that understood his agenda and that was all that mattered to him. Even though Stellar was an interesting businessman, Maru felt sour knowing that Stellar lacked social graces and even spoke of modifying an existing species culture. How unthinkable in his view, he almost wondered if this human was trying to surreptitiously sabotage this whole meeting.

Maru quickly interjected again just after an immediate pause, “The Umbarans are well equipped to accepting their situation and knowing their place. Their place remains in the confines of their caste. Even if we offer more opportunities to these aliens, just like with any planet, changing their culture will only generate major dissonance.” Stifled, jaw intensely rigid, but Stellar could not tell. Only through the face, Maru scrunched up his face if he felt offended or threatened. He focused hard to not make his face cringe in disgust and anger at the bitter rant that drew from Stellar’s lips. The director general only wanted to let Stellar know that he was here to find out what his stake was with the directorate’s most prestigious invitation.

“The TransGal Trade Route, I know it very well. Some shipments from our directorate have to go through that area, but my luck has not been so wonderful when it came to establishing healthy trade routes because certain areas of the galaxy are absurd with their trade statutes, but that is not a major concern.” He began to saunter toward the viewport once more before immediately stopping at hearing his false aphorism. “Ah yes Mr. Stellar. I would also like point out to you that making a fortune does not mean you have to go forfeiting such exorbitant amounts of money to satiate a business proposition when you already possess considerable clout. Don’t forget to cover your basis.” He made an approach to his seat, “I have been at this whole business game in this company for a very long time. Stakeholders do not like their shares and equitable financial projections to falter because of such outrageous spending—planets are not exactly other companies, however, I do understand a person, or thing, cannot generate money or profit without spending money. I have just been a proponent of cautionary spending and strict fiscal responsibility, but that is how I run my company.”

Then the expected occurred with the human: Stellar had wanted Maru to present a document with information about which companies provide support under the trade directorate. What this president had not realized was the strict by-laws of the inner operations of the group. The FTD specifically authorized only signed members would be aware of which companies were part of this esteemed collective. The directorate as a cautionary protection of the directorate itself, and also the company would never divulge any such information out of fear of destruction and litigation purposes. Each chief executive officer and an appointed secondary official were allowed access codes to secure that information. The secondary officials only received the information after the FTD obtained a written and signed affidavit from the CEO of the company, and at the time of the CEO being unable to work in full capacity could the secondary official be able retrieve the code. These precautions and measures were rectified to protect the transactional relationship between the parties.

“Regrettably, I must inform you that I cannot divulge nor will I jeopardize the directorate’s statute of disclosure for prospective members. I can provide all other relevant information, but as a courtesy to signed members of the directorate, I am obligated to decline that offer. My apologies. Once gaining entry and acceptance into the directorate, you will undergo a company transition where our division of transition will assist you with preparing for the extra more confidential information to be made available to you.”

Maru claimed his chair again, and his unwavering black almond eyes clashed with Stellar’s: “We, sir, believe in pragmatism and ethical business practices to the full extent of what would be permissible and legal under intergalactic law.”

"Oh no no, you misunderstand me Director Maru." Rob Stellar let out a soft, gently laugh while smiling and shaking his head a little. "Perhaps I was not clear and you do not know the entirety of what happened between Umbara and myself. You think I wish to simply change their culture for my benefit or because their culture is wrong in someway to me, but I am not that sort of man. I try to respect and work with all cultures in this galaxy. What I can't do, however, is stand by while a people get oppressed by their government if they want a change."

Rob paused and pointed towards the planet before them. "Umbarians have always been repressed by their top caste level. For generations they have lived that way and it has become their culture, which they accepted completely...until only a few years ago. Director Maru, the Umbarians are changing. The majority of them wish for a change. They want a more democratic system because they see now how their whole society has stagnated itself. There are, of course high castes that do not wish for this change to happen, as it would mean they would loose power, and no one ever wants that."

Looking back at the Sullustan, Rob continued. "When I first arrived at Umbara, a group of leaders sought me out and confided in me that they wished for this change to happen. I talked with the lower caste citizens and it is indeed their wish to participate in all aspects of their society. They are tired of being put down and told what they can and can not do. Without the help of Stellar Enterprises, the Umbaraians clearly stated they were ready for a civil war in order to get their rights. I could not let this happen, it would mean the deaths of many many Umbarains. So I helped establish a series of talks between both parties and we have been working things out to prevent a war, but also achieve greater rights for the citizens."

He took a breath and sat back into the seat. "I am not that difficult to figure out. I guess I just see what others cannot. Most planets and begins have a lot of potential we just have to see it and help them achieve that potential.

"As a man, I like to think of myself at honest and good. I try to do what I want for the betterment of the galaxy. At times there are things I do that are regrettable later, but the sum of my actions are always good and with good intentions. As diplomacy goes, you might have already guessed, I'm a forward man. I say what I mean and never try to beat around the bush as they say."

With a gentle smile Rob took a drink from his glass and gazed upon Maru. He wondered what the other was thinking since it was always hard to tell with Sullustan people. Whether the Director General believed what he said did not truly matter to Rob. He knew Maru needed Stellar Enterprises and not the other way around, so really he could say whatever he wanted at the moment. Even so, Rob had no reason to lie or deceive the Sullustan. They were both businessmen who had great ideas for the Galaxy and to see their companies and ventures prosper. This in turn made them sort of colleagues and hopefully after this, friends.

When the Director answered his request, Rob nodded slowly, knowing this was coming. "That is perfectly already. I understand how important security and privacy can be."

At that moment this implanted commlink went off and caused Rob to pause just a little as he listened to his aid's voice inside his head, unbeknown to Maru. "Director General, I am very sorry to cut this meeting short, but it appears the delegates from Umbara are on their way to finish our negotiations. We picked the station in order to have it on neutral soil."

He smile and stood up, moving around to the bar slowly. Rob reached over behind it and pulled out a medium sized box, with a horizontal split down the middle. It was embroided with the logo of the Free Trade Directorate at the top and had its colors running around it. With the box in his hands, Rob Stellar moved to were the Sullustan stood and smiled.

"Director Maru, before you leave I would like to present you with this small gift from Stellar Enterprises, as a token of our new friendship." He smiled and opened up the top while holding the box underneath with one hand.

Inside was what appeared to be a spear, but with a hexagonal top and bottom. The object was crystal clear for a moment before the just the edges on the hexagons turned a soft blue. Without a sound the thing lifted a few centimeters into the air and hung in space, just as a holographic image appeared within it. The image was one of a red planet. A planet covered in volcanoes and rivers of lava flow. A planet that Sei Maru would know well.

In just seconds the image of Sullust expanded out, surrounding the object itself and then the box that contained it, rotating at the same speed as Sullust would from space. "This is a Touchable Holoprojector and recorder, Director Maru. It is the first of its kind from the Umbara factories and will be exported in the coming months. It has the abilities of a holo projector, but can also be used to record what it shows. As well as those functions it is able to project whatever you store within it, such as pictures, art, stock quotes, movies, whatever you like, with the ability to expand the image up to twenty meters in all directions."

Rob paused and reach over with a finger to touch a certain stop on the holo image. As it did, the planet stopped in its spin and zoomed in the image, which resolved into the capital of Sullust. As this finger hovered over it for a second a see through menu appeared, contained a zoom bar, allowing Rob to zoom in and out as much as he pleased.

"Unlike most projectors today, this one is tactile and is able to respond to touch commands as well as vocal instructions. With multiple integrated projectors built into this unit, it allows the user to choose whether why want to see one whole image such as this, or up to four separate ones, showing four distinct images." With that done, Rob smiled and keyed the menu to shut the unit down.

As the planet quickly grew smaller and turned of, he closed the box. With a small bow, Rob expended the box towards the Sullustan. "May your venture prosper greatly Director General and may you find a use for this humble gift."