(All Endgame threads [with the exception of Empire Forever] to run concurrent with each other)



Prologue…… taken from Portents of Coming Darkness: Imperial Resurgence..


"What happens to all displaced people Ciscero? They go home. This planet was overrun by The New Alliance and the former caretakers, having their science kept from them what else could they do? Barter for protection against the stronger? What do all weak fools do?"


Kaine sighed. "I didn't know the details of their operation here, but the captured records tell no lies here. The Alliance figured out what the very designers had forgotten and politics being what it was.. the Alliance bartered their knowledge for land."


"Ahh," Cicsero said. "The military bases being set up here and there, some only half finished in construction. It's like something happened.. something major.. I wonder why they were all abandoned so rapidly."


"Diplomats and fools, Ciscero. Something big did happen to them. Something they never thought possible. The fall of the New Alliance was long in the making. With higher level jobs being taken over by their fanatical use of droids in everyday life, the unrest of the common people was becoming evident. How can normal people compare to the efficiency of droids? Tell me Ciscero, what happens when Joe Somebody tries to get a job but finds he's placed under the watchful eye of a supervisor droid. By what standard would the droid measure their workers? It's a very complex psychology that drives us against the tyranny of aliens. People will endure great lengths under the tyrannical rule of their own kind, Ciscero, but put an alien..an android, in charge... and everything begins to fall apart."


"In a mechanized society, unemployment soars, crime climbs even despite the best attempts at quelling it...and what did the Alliance do? They put robots in charge of their policy enforcement organizations. Now their citizens were forced under the watchful eye of bloodless, emotionless machines."


Ciscero cringed at the thought. "They slit their own throats. If not for their dissolution, Revolution would have come."


"Without backing from the military coffers and with expenses of military expeditions growing, the dissolution of the New Alliance High Command left many without access to the public funds."


Ciscero finished the sentence, "..and without money, people leave."


"No more support ships, no resupply convoys, no funding for continued research and developement, what happens?"


"Presence fades."


"And so it has…..”



…"When the pawns are put out, without powerful foundation pieces protecting them, of what use are the stretches of space they aquire?"

Kaine's eyes grinned. "And here, a foundation is laid. This is just the beginning."



…taken from Portents of Coming Darkness: Smoke, Mirrors, Truth and Lies…



….Foundation Laying 101 - Build your base from the failures of others and turn their energy to your advantage.



"I am just a citizen, Senator. But I am one with influence."


"Since our last meeting there have been fifty new oversight committees formed in various departments of the Planetary Civil Government. Committees designed to keep tight control over our already waining resources. It is no secret that Coruscant consumes more than it can bring in economically.

You scored a very big victory for Coruscant when those committees were formed."


The Senator grunted. "I was dubious about the list of names you provided for committee membership but they have all proven extremely capable. But, Sir, so what? So Coruscant can control what comes in and what goes out of it's planetary borders? So we can regulate taxation, export and import fees better and shave off excess waste in energy, money and our dwindling resources? Our resources are STILL small, what little we have saved or improved upon is quickly comsumed. What good are regulation committees if, in a year there is nothing left to regulate?

No new businesses are coming in because Coruscant smells of decay. Our civil engineers are underpaid, overworked and leave the system for higher paying jobs on Asthentia. Older businesses are leaving the system because it's too cost prohibitive for them to resource levels needed to maintain buildings in the private sector or pay out of the way shipping costs to move products into the Republic worlds.

Without the seat of government here, there is no need for private organizations to maintain a presence and so they move to Corelia where their lobbying and money can do the most good.

And the city cannot afford to maintain it's expansive landscape..

Already, some lower levels are being closed off but, soon, our entire world will grow dark."


The figure smiled.

"The Committees Senator were the beginning. Why should prosperity be visited upon Coruscant if there is no existing framework to use it to it's fullest potential? YOU have created that framework, Senator. Now allow me to bring the prosperity.


There is a conglomerate business organization that is interested in relocating to Coruscant. Their revenue alone will not turn Coruscant's slide into a reversal overnight but they will be merely the beginning."


The Senator seated himself, leaning closer, clearly interested.

"While you were working on the reshaping of our civil government, I was working on the business end of it. I would like you to meet a woman named Jenice Arliss, of Arliss Industries.

This sets the groundwork for the bigger fish."


"Who are?" the Senator asked, clearly hooked.


"Cryonics Industries to name just one."



"Cryonics? THE Cryonics Industries?"


"Perhaps a meeting with Tenloss himself, Senator." the figure smiled.


Suddenly a light sparked in the Senator's eyes. A spark that made his hope all the more transparent.


"But what of the New Republic?"


"Sir, with those Committees in place, Coruscant controls everything that goes in and that goes out of it. When prosperity comes, those committees will also keep the decay and anarchy of the New Republic out. With Coruscant prosperous, you had better believe that Corelia will take action. It would be in Corelia's best interests to keep Coruscant hungry.

However with Prosperity will come... "


"Strength.." the Senator concluded.


"With strength comes security. With strength comes power of influence. And so by default, order will rise from the anarchy. In time, the Republic will find that if they wish to prosper, they must ..they must follow Coruscant.”






Now…



Korriban… Office of Offworld and Public Affairs, Cryonics Industries..



“What do you mean he isn’t here!!” Shouted the blonde woman, indignation dripping with scorn as she faced the minor CI employee behind the desk.

“I set this meeting up three weeks ago! Three week!!”

The employee had the sense to look slightly embarrassed as he quickly glanced into the massive lobby area to make sure the emotional woman was not drawing too much undo attention to him.

“Mr. Tenloss is a very busy man, Ms..”

“Arliss. Jenice Arliss..” the woman’s eyes narrowed even more.


“Ms. Arliss. Perhaps if you rescheduled..”


“Young man. Let me inform you of something that you may not know from reading your little weekly corporate newsletters.


Mr. Tenloss has invested interest in the projects that my company is carrying out on Coruscant. Already, three factories are nearing completion and six more are in half done. Cryonics has spent the on the whole enough to equal the gross national product values of small factions.

He needs to see these reports NOW. If I don’t see him.. If cannot see him, his factories may not meet his standards.

They must meet his standards.

Now, how can you help me please Mr. Tenloss?”


The blue in Jenice’s eyes grew hard as she leveled her gaze at the little man who thought himself king and dictator over the “lobby” level.


My father would laugh in my face at the things I am putting up with. she thought sardonically. My father would probably have pulled out a blaster and shot him… and Mr. Conrad would have billed the man’s family for the energy expenditure used to do so.


Still, Cryonics Industries held enough attraction that any move they made would surely be copied by other companies.

For no company held dominion over markets and endeavors found to be lucrative.


As she waited for the Lobby Employee to find Mr. Tenloss or at least someone capable of decision making processes, she went over in her mind her meeting with Senator Balledan, Coruscant’s premier ambassador to the New Republic Senate.


In order for the New Republic to remain strong, Coruscant would need to prosper and being relegated to second class citizenship as Corelia (the formal capital of the current New Republic) had tried to do did not help.

An old, almost traditional rivalry existed between the two planets but it seemed (at least to Corelia) that Coruscant’s time in the limelight was past.

Well let’s see if we can change that…


She noted with surprise the number of charity operations Cryonics Industries had funded and set up for Coruscant, much to the delight of all those representing the planet.

Tenloss must have lost a fortune. Then again… she remembered Mr. Adalric Cronus smile cryptically as the company offered some sort of gems to be used to purchase needed services for the underprivileged (which surprisingly enough did not just extend to those living on the lower levels.


As she noticed the Lobby Employee still working on her request, she sighed and walked over to a waiting area. Upon straightening her business suit she sat down and turned her attention to the holonet news feed on Galactic Affairs.

It was going to be a long morning.

“Sir, there’s a miss Arliss here to see you.” The intercom to Tenloss’ platinum layered desk announced the visitor in. <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Jenice Arliss…<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

“Why does that name sound so damn familiar?”

“I’ll give you two guesses, and the first one doesn’t count.”

“Quit playing games Dace. Figures you Intelligence personnel to play those damned coy mind games.”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Dace’s face shown with amused discord.

“Come on now, Adrian, loosen up,” he turned to Tenloss. “Here’s a hint boss, meeting.”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp A sign emanated across from Archon. Adalric looked passive, even bored, though secretly, he took great amusement in the Adrian’s and Dace’s antics.

“You don’t remember Ten? You booked a meeting with her three weeks in advance. She’s from the corporate subsidiary of the New Order. She heads… oh, what’s the damn the name of that company?”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Dace raised a finger.

“I’ll give you two guesses-”

“Now don’t start that again!”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Tenloss face brightened.

“Ah yes, the representative from Arliss Industries, how could I have forgotten?”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Dace opened his mouth to speak, but quickly stuttered to a silence under Adrian’s fierce scowl. Tenloss sighed.

“Well, I truly dislike dealing with these government subsidiaries, but… a meeting is a meeting. Speaking of which…”, he arose, draping over himself a cloak of sheik leather material. “… this meeting is adjourned. Dace, I’ll expect a full report on investigating this nonsense over at Thyferra concerning those damned droids and their civil rights. Adrian, I want a transition of our Carbonite trade agreements with the Tetan Confederacy, and Cronus?”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Just about out the door, a grim frown of disgust spread over Adalric’s features. <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> I knew it!<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

“Yes sir?”

“Gather yourself my friend, you’re coming with me. I don’t want to deal with these bureaucratic sponsored brouhaha by myself.”

“Of course sir.”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Walking out a large expanse from his personal meeting hall in the Crown Ace, the most luxurious hotel/casino joint built on Korriban, and quite possibly, its side to the Unknown Regions. The resort also served as Cryonics Industries base of operations. Strolling down a large staircase, a comment of passing mention from Tenloss raised an ironic question from Adalric.

“And weren’t we once bureaucratic sponsored brouhaha?”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Tenloss looked at him in confusion, raising an eyebrow.

“Hmm.?”

“Back in the officer, you said how much you disliked dealing with these bureaucratic sponsored brouhaha, wasn’t Cryonics Industries once that? A sprout of growth under the civil senate’s jurisdiction?”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Tenloss stopped in his tracks, peering at Adalric in disdain and disbelief. After a moment of silent mediation, he regained his composure and strolled back along Adalric’s side. The rest of the trip down to the lobby level was silent, all except for one moment before exiting the turbolift onto the lobby level; Tenloss raised a gloved hand against Adalric’s chest.

“Though those were dark times in the Galaxy, I’d prefer to be anonymously referred to as financially challenged cannon fodder.”

“And today?”

“Today…”, the question seemed rhetorical. “… today the tides have turned. Come now, lets go meet our guest.”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Adalric smiled warmly, as Ten continued past him, extending a hand to a decorative young woman who could have only been Jenice Arliss.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> It’s going to be a long morning.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

Adrian Atreides walked out of the office amused at the exchange. Turning to Dace, he said, “When did Tenloss turn self righteous?”

“Huh?” came the quick and witty reply of the protégé of the Archon family.

“’I truly dislike dealing with these government subsidiaries,…??’” said Atreides doing a passable resemblance of the grimacing owner of Cryonics Industries.

He grinned. “Success seems to have gone to our heads, Dace. We’ve become arrogant.”

“Well..” started Dace, “Perhaps the fact that we were once the Tenloss Crime Syndicate is a factor and any entanglements with any government agencies makes Ten nervous.”

“Ahh…” as Adrian’s mind went back to those days. “Remember being forced to register at some dumpy Inn when coming to the Station on Onderon?”

Dace could only stare dumbly.

“Nurosave Inn or something like that.” Adrian was thinking to himself, ignoring the other man.


“Sounds like a medical procedure…”

Adrian grinned. “Ten was never big on names… Were you ever a member of RIC.”

“Rick?”

“Regional Intelligence Committee.”

“I heard Kurgee saying something or other about that a while back… Those were the days eh?”

“Yeah.. before this Optilipawhatever..”

Dace laughed. “So tell me, Adrian. Should Thyferra worker druids be emancipated?”

“I think it was droids..”

“Ahh.. That makes much more sense..”

“For droids to have civil rights, they have to be recognized as sentient. Are machines sentient? That’s the legal question.”


“For Civil Rights, don’t they have to be civilians?”

“Another good question. Have the inhabitants of Thyferra made civilians out of droids?”

“Damned if I know. If they did, they’re idiots.”

“I don’t envy your assignment.”

Dace grinned, “What about ..transitions of our carbonite agreement with the Tetan Confederacy?”

“Ahh.. I think he meant he wanted a transcript of our meeting and a copy of the agreement. You’d hate it. Too many simple words and not enough adjectives.”

“Bah!”

“I couldn’t agree more, comrade. I had the documents sent up to Ten’s office.”

“So where are you off too now?”

“Coruscant. We are investing heavily and at a loss in decaying businesses and sectors all across the planet. There are some strategic planning that must take place if we are going to turn a profit there.”


“It’s fallen on hard times has it?”

“Corelia is sucking the life out of it as the capital of the Republic. Besides, I also need to meet with our employees getting situated there. A new directive has been issued within the Empire and it’s affiliates. It came across my desk this morning and I think it’s going to be a headache.”
Dace turned questioningly to Adrian, “We don’t have to follow it you know..”


“No.. but this one is actually a good idea. Apparently there is a new cult that has sprung up though so far it’s only been seen on Coruscant. Since we are going to be pulling a large part of our workforce from the native population, it may very well have a direct effect on CI’s labor efficiency.”

Adrian turned to Dace, “Ten doesn’t suffer fools.”


“He suffers us..”

“Yeah.. but we are smart fools..”

“Point.”

“Contact me when you get to Thyferra, Dace. I have a strange feeling something is up and I may need ..”

“My expertise?” offered Dace helpfully.

“Let’s say, ‘your take’ on things.”

Dace shrugged and was instantly lost in his own thoughts as the men separated going to their respective offices.

Mr. Atreides sat in his chair and sat back, his mind thinking: <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Jenice Arliss? Where have I heard that name before?<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

“Ms. Arliss, there is a private communications for you.” Came a voice from the Lobby Attendant. “You may take it in the private room to the right if you desire.”

The blonde woman of Arliss Industries stood and walked into the room, her entry activating the communications equipment. After giving her recognition passwords, a link was established.

A man became visible. Her operations manager overseeing the Alpha site of Cryonics Industries factory construction.

There were voices in the background that seemed like … <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> chanting?<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


“Brec, what is happening?”

“Some protests going on nearby. The old Republic Building.”

“Republic Building?” came Jenice’s quick reply. “That building is a hazard. It hasn’t been used since….since.. well the last time Coruscant was the capital of the Republic. What are they doing in there?”

The man shrugged. “Apparently whomever is sponsoring the gathering purchased it’s use for a cheap price.”

“The fools.. That building could collapse on them at any time.”

“Whatever. But there is strong anti government feelings being thrown around here and it’s affecting construction?”

Jenice did not like the sounds of that. <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Leave it to the politicians to muck up the well laid plans of businesses.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

“Anti Government? Anti Republic?”

“From some cult calling themselves the Systems Commonwealth. Did you get a report from Arliss Towers?”

“I have not read it yet, I’ve been attempting to meet with Mr. Tenloss but it would seem that I would have an easier time meeting with Darth Vader.”

“Vader is dead.”

“Exactly.”

“ahh.. Well, this ‘movement’ is rendering the Republic authorities ineffective.”

“In what way, Brec?”

“Corellia is pulling them out and it looks like they are leaving the restoration of order on Coruscant to Coruscant’s senator, Balledan.”

“Without military support, these commonwealth clowns are going to cause tons of damage.”

“You should get in touch with the Senator. We need our company assets protected because if things do get out of hand…” the man turned as if to suddenly surprised..


There was a great noise.. in the distance and shouting..

“Brec!! What happened? What’s wrong?”

The man momentarily left the area of the screen and then came back. “Damn it! The structure’s collapsed! The Republic House has collapsed!”

“The entire building?”

“No.. parts. The floor caved and many fell to their deaths.”

“Idiots!”

“The cult was boasting an attendance of five million..”

“In one bloody spot! Are they run by fools??”

The man named Brec wiped his brow. “The hospital district is going to be hit hard. We need security now!”

“You’ll get it Brec. My next call is to Senator Balledan.”

“I think he’s in session at the Senate on Corellia.”

“He’ll take my call. Have our hospital vessels..wait! Do we have any? Good! Have them coordinate with the Hospital District and see if we can lend a hand.

And Brec? For god’s sake, get those people out of there!”



The screen went dark and Jenice started entering a transmission pathway that would connect her with Senator Balledan’s office on Corellia.


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Senate Sessions be damned. We have a situation here!<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

“Sir, we have a situation.”, came a taunt word from the lobby attendant who sidestepped towards Cronus, grabbing his arm.

Ushering Adalric into the lobby’s main communications array, she motioned him to a monitor, as he adjusted a headset audio device over his ears. Questioningly, he gazed at the image of figure wearing a Cryonics Industries uniform. <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> That’s Alpha site’s insignia on his breast pocket. Coruscant?<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->



A man became visible. Her operations manager overseeing the Alpha site of Cryonics Industries factory construction.


“Brec, what is happening?”

“Some protests going on nearby. The old Republic Building.”

“Republic Building? That building is a hazard. It hasn’t been used since… since… well the last time Coruscant was the capital of the Republic. What are they doing in there?”

“Apparently whomever is sponsoring the gathering purchased its use for a cheap price.”

“The fools… That building could collapse on them at any time.”

“Whatever. But there is strong anti government feelings being thrown around here and it’s affecting construction?”

“Anti Government? Anti Republic?”

“From some cult calling themselves the Systems Commonwealth. Did you get a report from Arliss Towers?”

“I have not read it yet, I’ve been attempting to meet with Mr. Tenloss but it would seem that I would have an easier time meeting with Darth Vader.”

“Vader is dead.”

“Exactly.”

“Ahh… well, this ‘movement’ is rendering the Republic authorities ineffective.”

“In what way, Brec?”

“Corellia is pulling them out and it looks like they are leaving the restoration of order on Coruscant to Coruscant’s senator, Balledan.”

“Without military support, these commonwealth clowns are going to cause tons of damage.”

“You should get in touch with the Senator. We need our company assets protected because if things do get out of hand…”

“Brec! What happened? What’s wrong?”

“Damn it! The structure’s collapsed! The Republic House has collapsed!”

“The entire building?”

“No… parts. The floor caved and many fell to their deaths.”

“Idiots!”

“The cult was boasting an attendance of five million...”

“In one bloody spot! Are they run by fools?”

“The hospital district is going to be hit hard. We need security now!”

“You’ll get it Brec. My next call is to Senator Balledan.”

“I think he’s in session at the Senate on Corellia.”

“He’ll take my call. Have our hospital vessels... wait! Do we have any? Good! Have them coordinate with the Hospital District and see if we can lend a hand. And Brec? For god’s sake, get those people out of there!”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Cronucs looked in disbelief, and turning towards the attendant.

“Chaos. Complete, utter chaos. You picked this transmission up as she was in contact?”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp The attendant nodded in accord.

“Yes sir, scan analysts thought one of you might want to take a look at it.”

“And has Miss Arliss contacted the senator?”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp The attendant shrugged and shook her head.

“Apparently she’s either waiting to explain to Mr. Tenloss the situation, or she hasn’t been able to reach Balledan. Either way, we have people currently in contact and en route to Coruscant to oversee the wreck, we don’t have any way of knowing yet in Alpha site took any collateral damage.”

“Alright, keep me updated, and report the matter to Dace Archon a.s.a.p.”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp The attendant looked to the ground, unsure in thought, drawing Adalric’s attention to prod further.

“Anything else?”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp She looked up, a grim message scrolling through her eyes.

“Sir, our Coruscant Embassy was hit by terrorists not to long ago. OAB estimated at least eleven casualties. Sir… we lost a third of the construct. Over a hundred metric tons of Durelium.”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> @#%$ son of a @#%$!<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

“The Systems Commonwealth?”

“Not directly sir. There have been issues leaking that they provided the craft used to kamikaze our facility to another terrorist organization.”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Cronus stood passive, collecting himself.

“Thank you,” he dismissed her, “you can attend back to your duties.”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Exiting the lobby area, he approached Tenloss and his young and impressive looking protégé, taking Tenloss aside to whisper into his ear. At once, the CEO’s face leaked anger and shock. He turned and stared at Adalric menacingly.

“@#%$.”, he said in a hushed whisper. “Get to a communications link immediately Adalric, contact Davin and relay to him the news, proceed to defcon D immediately. I’ll run business with Mrs. Arliss by myself. Then, I want you to hop onto a transport and get to Coruscant. Our people will need some assurance after these events.”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Adalric nodded and stalked out through the lobby, leaving Tenloss and Arliss to themselves.

“Mrs. Arliss, you have business you wanted to discuss I presume?”

“There’s construction everywhere.”, she said, looking dimly out the skylark of Crown Ace’ Administrative levels. “When we were descending to the docking bays of the Crown Ace, the building seemed to stretch on for kilometers.” Looking at Tenloss inquisitively, she asked, “Why?”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp He flashed a proud, scrupulous grin.

“We’ve recently been able to dump over fifteen billion CSA credits into our public administration business account. They’ve gone quite a long ways into financing construction for our general public.”

“In terms, of industrial and commercial facilities I’d presume.”

“Not at all Miss Arliss.”, he replied. “We’ve been mainly investing in residential and public educational facilities planet wide. If you’d ever take a visit to Charr or Onderon, you’d see such projects rampant through the planets likewise.”

“Interesting, but how were you able to finance such enormous expansion? And wouldn’t the system government be in charge of handling such civilian matters?”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Nodding, he continued as they paced around the enormous level, occasionally take a stop to note the various projects underway shadowed by the towering figure of the Crown Ace.

“Well, the financing was provided by a new merchandising product that our lead diplomatic correspondent, Adalric Cronus introduced to our P&D agency. A rather valuable but extremely non-marketable gemstone.

It was useless to us industrially, but we thought the capita could serve a long way in helping advance the public. In addition, it was an excellent public relations maneuver.

As for the local government agency, the civil senate had no qualms in our taking to care for the public’s industrial needs, so, they gave us all the charter rights and construction contracts we’d need to operate with.

We project that Charr, Onderon, and Korriban shall be rated as three of the top technologically advanced planets in the galaxy. The system being scaled against Obroa-Skai. We’re estimated to complete construction on all three planets in twelve months.”

“Very impressive Mr. Tenloss. You maneuvered the needs of the corporation and the public with exceptional efficiency. Being somewhat as closely related to politics as I am, I’d understand the great difficulties you must have endured to make Cryonics Industries what it is today.”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp He nodded appreciatively, taking a seat at a quaint yet baroque café shop.

“So, how is business?”, she asked in the most conversational manner. His eyes seemed to grow in anticipation, as he settled himself into his seat, gesturing the bar attendant for service.

“Business? Where to begin… well, business has never been quite as excellent for me as it is nowadays. I’m sure that you Miss Arliss, in your extremely fortunate position as commercial representative for the New Order, could testify to that.”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp She nodded in accord, smiling politely.

“Indeed you are correct. Now that the Empire is regaining more and more territory and is starting to draw in more and more numbers of galactic denizens, we have experienced an influx of growth and expansion, business couldn’t be better.

But with all the charity, where do the profits come in?”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp He raised four fingers, whispering instructions to the attendant.

“Four planets. Thyferra, Bespin, Mechis III, and Telti. From those four systems, we draw in all our profits.

We estimate that three quarters of our annual net income is received from Thyferra and Bespin. Tibanna gas and Bacta fluid has become quite the hot commodity lately.

A quarter of our annual net income derives from other corporations, such as Veril Line Systems, Arakyd Industries, and Cybot Galactica who are charged with monthly tariffs for the use of our droid constructing facilities. Quite exuberant tariffs, I might add, it’s a wonder they didn’t try to foreclose on us in the first place.

Recently though, we’ve discovered an extremely valuable iron that will soon be a Cryonics Industries brand name product.

The project is classified, so I can’t disclose any more data other than that.”

“I understand, Arliss Industries our share of secrets too.”

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp He frowned, glaring at her, taking a sip from a steaming beverage.

“Yes, so I’ve heard. Tell me, have you received any recent news from our facilities on Coruscant?

I've expected to see your reports and analysis on our projects through the planet."

Jenice turned to the leader of Cryonics after sipping her beverage. “The reports are not good, Mr. Tenloss. As you are no doubt aware, when we brokered your account as a viable entity to bring economic commerce into Coruscant, our unfamiliarity with the planetary city’s geography posed many problems. And while the Empire has been gracious enough to uncensor some archives during their “tenor”, they did not disclose everything.

We also did not realize the full extent of the decay of the city. Appearances are very deceiving in this case.

Construction of the main factory complexes are nearly half done. The fourth complex is finished with the outer structure but interior refinements have come slowly. Much of this is due to the chaos that seems to shadow over every on planet business entity. The shipping companies are disorganized, the on planet transporters are on strike, and these…riots.”

Jenice took another sip of the drink. “It has been determined that we cannot complete these jobs while relying on planetary authorities and civil police. Even they are on strike, many leaving for Corellia and greater opportunities it brings.

I spoke with Senator Balledan briefly and we both realize that Coruscant has neither the resources nor quality of command with which to combat this situation that is getting worse.

Arliss Industries has offered to help his situation as well as protect our assets by pushing forward the activation date of our own corporate security divisions.

The Senator has given the go ahead to deputize our divisions once active. It’s within his jurisdiction as nominal head of the Civil Government.

In our brokerage deal, Mr. Tenloss, your own security forces were slated to augment Arliss Industries’ own during Cryonics assumption of control of the facilities when completed.

I am asking for these men in advance even though construction doesn’t end for another two months. I have most of our divisions on the planet training but we will require more. Many more.”

Jenice sighed as she set down her drink and looked around at all the building.. all the progress taking place on Korriban. “Truly amazing,” she whispered and then turned the man, “You see, Mr. Tenloss, we are not only protecting our facilites, offices and future projects… we are also protecting the neighborhoods, the levels, frell.. even the districts they are located in.”

“Now, I know that you were not expecting this and if you do not have the personnel to spare right now, I will understand. However, I would like to ask for their equipment and supplies to be transported over now.

Your name commands respect within the business world and people know that you possess a great deal of power. You have too to play on the galactic level. They also know that you will protect what’s yours.

So even if you have no men to spare, I would like you to furnish my men with the necessary equipment to keep up the appearances that you are taking an active interest in what is happening to your assets.”

Her eyes went soft. “Especially given that latest treacherous attack upon your embassy. I am truly sorry about that. We have corporate medical ships in orbit for our workers but I’ve released a few to assist in the care of your people.”

“But, Sir, your uniforms, your logo, your presence must be seen.”

Tenloss’ eyes bored into Jenice’s as if he were trying to read through her intense expression.

“How will you be able to set up if the Senator is fast losing control of his city’s population?”


Jenice smiled slightly. “I already have men there that simply need to be placed. However, what is to prevent further attacks at our sites? I don’t think we can prevent it but we can act to decrease the chances of more.”

Tenloss leaned forward and asked simply, “How?”


The smile broke as her lips parted, “By raising the moral of the people. By …distracting them from their sorry plights. Quite simply, by bringing in the largest, most successful entertainment corporation in the galaxy.”

Tenloss’ lips curled slightly and Jenice couldn’t read if it was amusement or disgust.

He answered his own question with his next word, “Vinda..”

“Jenice Arliss.. born 27 years ago on Muunilist. Only child of Arliss Industries creator Seamus Arliss.. mother..unknown… yadda..yadda..” Adrian was scanning through the corporate archives for anything on their visitor.

“Pretty… in a cold sort of way..” he commented to himself as a picture of her blonde hair and blue eyes came up.

Staring at her eyes a bit longer led him to look a bit harder. Who is this?

He put in an encrypted transmission bounced through Sith knows how many redundant systems Tenloss set up to reach a contact on Muunilist.

“The only smart thing Adalric did during his stint in the Empire..” he muttered.


*

“Jenice Arliss? Why do you want to know about her?”

Atreides, several contacts and a few hours later, snapped out. “I want her to have my babies..”

The contact grinned. “A looker she is, yes indeed..”

“Linx,” Adrian rubbed his eyes a bit as he stared at the hologram, “Who is she?”

“Big boss of Arliss Towers.”

“She runs Arliss Industries?! What the frag happened to her father?”

“No..no.. You misunderstand me. She runs Arliss Towers. Her domain is Muunilist and Muunilist alone. Her father was banished from Muunilist by the Empire a few years back, and controlling shares went to his daughter. Damn did he resent that. But, the old man liked his life, power and money and wanted to keep them so he bargained.
Came damn close to owning Muunilist though.”


“What happened?”


“The Empire.”


“Ahh.. They don’t play on the galactic scale do they?”


“Arliss Industries? Nah… Too expensive to lead the general population and set up fake planetary governments to protect the assets on them. They figure to have someone else’s blood, sweat and tears go into protecting their assets while they focus on lining their pockets.”

“The growing opinion here is that they are the sucker fish on the Empire’s shark.”

The contact laughed. “Perhaps.. but they are not controlled by the Empire. In fact, Seamus figured a way to prosper in spite of the Empire. Make no mistake about Seamus Arliss. He couldn’t give a Jedi Master’s left tit who runs a planet one of his corporations is on.. whether Empire, Republic, or some fly by night warlord.

His company is after profits. Nothing more.”


Adrian grinned, “Tenloss is probably the wealthiest man in the galaxy. This Arliss clown is no threat.”

“You have become arrogant, Atreides.”

Adrian chuckled, “I told Dace that this morning.”

The contact continued, “If the value of Tenloss’ assets were evaluated and compared with others, he would probably be the wealthiest. His net worth would be astronomical. However, Arliss does not have his money tied up so much in capital or assets as Tenloss does. Arliss values the cold, hard, trustworthy credit.”

“If Thyferra or Bespin were taken, Tenloss’ value would go down. If Arliss Towers were destroyed then he’d buy another building and still have more cash on hand to operate with. THAT is what makes Arliss dangerous.

He can funnel large sums of money here and there with no risk to himself.”

“And Arliss doesn’t put money back into the community…doesn’t finance charity functions..” Adrian concluded and the hologram laughed.

“Adrian, Mr. Arliss deals heavily in Weapons & Advanced Ship Design, Navigation and Defense Ops, Planetary Defense Contracts, Command and Control Design…and the list goes on but it all focuses on …”

“War”

“Right. Arliss couldn’t give a damn about what the public thinks.”

“Adrian, the man put his own daughter up in a brothel to service corporate officers when dealing business.”

“He did what??”

“Adrian, the man has no conscience and even less scruples. The only thing that saved Jenice Arliss from an anonymous death in a whorehouse was the Empire.”

“It must grate Seamus that his daughter has control over his old HQ.”

“It must…and Sith knows what the man is planning.”

Adrians about to terminate conversation when the contact spoke up. “One more thing, Adrian. Arliss Towers has been spending money.. Massive amounts of money. Without some kind of return, with the amounts we are talking about, the Towers will be bankrupt in two months.”

“What is she spending the money on?”

“Damned if I know… I just know it’s offworld and that she never…ever.. leaves Muunilist.”

Adrian’s eyes narrowed. “Something is up.”

“I would say that’s the understatement of the century. Press Releases are keeping their stock values as high as they always have….but when the quarterly report is made public, if there has been no return, that report will either be lying or will disclose that the Towers have no more liquid cash.”

“If the report lies…?”

“She will buy herself a week but that’s all. The end result will be the same and her stock will plummet as fast as the CSA credit should have.”


“Thanks, Jinx..”

“Just keep the credits coming..”

Adrian switched off and sat back, thinking. What is Ms. Arliss up to?

Coruscant


The reports from Ms. Arliss did not even begin to give justice to the chaos reigning over the planet.

Already city-wide civil offices were starting to fail as efficiency slipped.


Already hundreds of security personnel from Arliss Towers patrolled the surrounding areas of Cryonics Industries' main construction site.

To build a factory in the center of an enclosed planet provided many an architectural challenge.



Adrian was about to walk throught he guards when they stopped him.

Him!

Guess these Arliss security personnel take their jobs very seriously..


We was finally allowed through and as he came to a break in the duracrete, he looked out over the industrial horizon of Coruscant's rising sun.

In the distance, Cryonic's Industries' Embassy still burned in the distance.

Damn glad they take their jobs seriously...


He walked through the site intent on finding an employee to take him the disaster.

Tenloss is not going to like this..

A pad was handed him and the death count started to scroll.





Thyferra



"Approach Control. This is transport Arbiter on final approach to Pad 2313. Please stand by."


"Arbiter you are cleared for landing... welcome to Thyferra.."

"That's an affirm Approach Control, glad to be he-----"



As the heavy transport settled onto Pad 2313, the support struts gave way and the Pad disconnected.


The captain attempted to power up his stabilizers but his ship was falling too fast. It hit another lower Pad as another ship was refueling and loading.

The resulting explosion took out Delta Site Pads from active rotation and shipping lanes were diverted at great expense.

Cryonics Industries declared Delta Site a Disaster Area allowing it's Accident Fund to bear the brunt of health, life, and safety issues.

The Senior Pad Engineer is being held in question for the use of faulty or substandard materials in maintaining Delta Site.

Section Sites were shut down as a precaution and traffic again moved to the Eastern Hemisphere.



Mechis III




Ten black Imperial Escort Cruisers exited hyperspace.


"Mechis III Facility Beacon, you requested an escort?" came the lead ship as TIE's were exiting..


"Hell yeah! Took you imp boys long enough.."


"Show us the package and prepare to be dazzled.."


"Hey.. wait! Sensors show only Fighter Escorts... where are the Devils...?"


Suddenly a proximity alarm sounded and three Attack Class Spheres exited hyperspace, their rounding hulls shifting as hangers were being opened to drop their broods..


"Beacon.. check your signal. I believe you were going to say something funny.." the lead TIE pilot quipped as he angled his fighter toward spheres that came out of hyperspace ahead of the Escort Carriers.


The advancing two squadron of fighters soon found themselves in the middle of TIE Devil swarms.


"Watch out for a sticky throttle boys. It's a bit crowded."


The fighters spread out, their 256th insignia shining slightly as light glancing off the atmosphere from it's primary dipped and rose slightly behind Mechis III the closer they got.


The Devils formed up behind them like soldiers marching and readied themselves for the show..

Mechis III



"Devil Command Controls offline.." came the voice from a monitoring station aboard one of the Attack Class Spheres.

"They are floating free now.."

"Interceptors monitoring their ranks.." the comm officer turned, "they are getting edgy sir."

And why not?

Interceptor pilots rarely find themselves surrounded by TIE Devils cutoff from their command ship. Without instruction signals from the sphere, the Devils simple programming would have them continue on their course but eventually... eventually, the formation would break as ships would begin to stray.

Finding oneself in the midst of mindless, uncontrolled, tiny fighters with charged weapons was not a good thing. And here, these pilots purposefully did it.


..better be a damned good reason.. a pilot thought as a Devil seemed to stray too close to his port wing.

"Mechis better respond soon.." he muttered.


"Approach, this is Mechis. Signal assimilation coming online, test strength positive.

Uploading pattern programming." there was excitement in the woman's voice from major droid manufacturing planet.


Mechis III had begun attempting to follow through on Research and Development of a "master" droid brain as the Trade Federation had done before and as Vinda Corp had reportedly done as well.

To perfect this science, Mechis thought, would pave the way for a revolution in droid design, function, and manufacture.


"Matrix being reset.... "


A Devil seemed to "twitch" as invisible signals from the planet reached out to take possession of them.

"Mechis, we've got something.." a pilot informed.

The crews of the Attack Spheres watched their screens in heightened anticipation.


"Matrix complete. Signal strength at maximum... boosting command override. We've got signal aquisitions! Now----"


The transmission suddenly was cut off as the space around the Interceptors went mad..