[Note: Building Brides thread to be set after Industrial Toils]

Taken From Making Things Work, GDI Takeover of Eriadu

Space. An endless array of stars and planets, stretching forever in the distance. Every young boy, at some point in time, dream of flying through those stars, dancing an intricate number among the heavens. With so many stars, and so many planets untouched by the galaxy, one might wonder why war is ever a necessity. Power, maybe. Or a bloodlust, possibly. It is doubtful that anyone will ever know why the galaxy is so bent on war. Emperor Palpatine created a fleet of warships solely to spread his influence across the galaxy. The New Republic created a fleet of warships to defend against that Imperial threat, and any threat that may arise. The Yuuzhan Vong… the Yuuzhan Vong brought with them an awesome navy of warships to conquer our galaxy, a force enough to destroy the fragile peace. Bloodlust… definitely bloodlust. And with their love of violence, the Yuuzhan Vong had invaded a galaxy that might have welcomed them. A deadly mistake, one that the Yuuzhan Vong learned the hard way.

This time they were ready. As Recon Six once again dropped her starfighter into realspace above Sullust, a Vong fleet came surging forward to greet her. Grimacing and hoping this new plan would work, she heeled her ship around to starboard and hit the thrusters, sending the ship out and around the enemy ships.

At the same moment in time, a massive bulk appeared from hyperspace, a ship like the one that had killed the Domain Hul worldship.

The massive Disruptor-class Super Star Destroyer Sentinel opened fire, her massive lasers slamming into yorik coral hulls before the Vong could react.

And behind it came more ships. Two smaller Vengeance-class Super Cruisers, and behind them a trio of Allegiance Star Destroyers, the cursed 'triangle ships'.

The Vong taskforce, so confident that their plan would work and the infidels would be routed, failed miserably. As they scrambled to gather themselves into a fighting line, more ships emerged from hyperspace, showering the Vong fleet with laser fire. The small task force, all of thirty Vong ships, exploded. And the Galactic Defence Iniative force moved forward swiftly, coming to a halt only as they reached the invisible barrier that reperesented the planet's mass shadow.

The Yuuzhan Vong fleet was in a outrage. Hundreds of starships came screaming towards the now-outnumbered GDI force...

Taken From Event Horizon: Industrial Toils

Space is infinite.

It stretches forever in space and time, unending, unmoving, an unaware. Space has see thousand of battles, trillions of deaths, countless acts of violence and death. Space has seen it all.

Space is the perfect place to hide.

In the vast blackness of space, far away from any kind of civilization, a starship could go for eternity without detection or fear of detection. It could go forever without worrying over such petty concerns as war, life, and death.

Event Horizon: Building Bridges

Present Day...

The offices of LFX Industrial were set in the midst of Eriada City's 'Downtown District', surrounded by high-reaching skyscrapers that, quite literally, touched the clouds. The main office took up the entire block, and rose higher than any other building in the city. It was a monolithic tower of durasteel and glass, with a gentle slop on all sides as it rose steadily upwards. Around the 150th floor, that slop grew more extreme, and so by the time it reached the top floor that area was big enough only for one office. One very large, very luxerious office that, by default, belonged to the company's very well-to-do CEO.

The building was surrounded on all sides by what was known as Industrial Plaza, a park of sorts with flowerbeds and fountains gallore. A small fourtain was spend on landscaping of the property, and it did not go to waste. Unlike most of the city, where efficiency and not looks was the name of the game, Industrial Plaza put its heart into making it the most attractive part of Eriada City. And in a city largely dominated by solid steel-and-glass monstrosities and smoke-belching factories, it was something to be proud of indeed.

Not that most of the corporation's some 5000 employees who found work in the building had time to enjoy it. This was the Head Office of LFX Industrial, and as such was expected to be a seldom-enjoyed wonderland. It was to look at, not play with. Like daddy's favourite model starship when you're a small boy.

The serene atmosphere outside the building was not to be broken by the interior, either. The lobby filled the first twenty levels, with catwalks surrounding each all the way up. Crystal, gold, platinum, all was plentiful. No expense had been spared in this, it seemed. Rising up through the center were six clear turbolift tubes, arranged in a neat circle. The company's emblmam was painted across the floor and hung on the main wall behind the long row of recptionest desks.

Seti Ashar saw all this as he entered the building. The CEO had a private landing pad near his office for personal use, so as to avoid the hustle and bustle of the 'commenors' as some of the Executive Staff called them. But Seti preferred to see the company as it was. These people, these 'commenors' were the lifeblood of LFX Industrial, and as far as he was concerned he was no better than them. Just less skilled, perhaps, less able to make the decisions that mattered. But without them, the entire thing would collapse.

The turbolift was filled with people as he arrived, and one of the assosiates quickly recognized the CEO and gave up his space. Seti thanked the man, memorized his name and made a mental note to have something arranged to thank the man, and rode the turbolift to the roof. He was the last one to get off, and immediatly upon doing so was set upon by a score of Executives, Aides, and secretaries, all reminding him to call someone or that he had a meeting with so-and-so from such-and-such a company at 1:00. By the time he reached the personal turbolift, he had been swamped with sixteen meetings, all scheduled perfectly so as to conflict with one another, and a hundred messages to return.

He reached his office in moments via the second lift, and sat back in his leather chair for a moment and closed his eyes. When did it get this tough?, he wondered, not for the first tiem. Probably when you accepted the job.

Keying the intercome, he said, "Nina, cancel everything for today and tomorrow. Contact Seth Vinda and Nelix Galdra and inform them I would like to meet with them, in my office, as soon as possible. Tell them that it's in regards to our," he stopped, thinking for a moment, "Tell them that's in important."

"Viceroy..." The Buzz of the Executive communications link crackled to life as Nelix sat back in his chair, staring at the cieling as if in a day dream, quite uncommon for a man of such political power. "Viceroy, there is a message waiting for you from LFX Industrial, sir. It appears to be urgent."

Nelix sighed, pressing a small button on the silver communications machine that sat on te edge of his desk, a holographic image of his Secretary appearing before him. She was quite an attractive Human, if he did say so himself; her long dark hair flowing gracefully over her sholders as she moved. Her skin was like a soft Mon Calamarian cream, blending nicely with her soft brown eyes. Had he been born into a less wealthy, and vital position, he might have accepted her as his mate.

"Yes, Victoria." Nelix started knowing that an equally graphic holographic image was being displayed on her desk. "Send it through."

Nelix took a great deal of pride in his wealth, flaunting it as much as he flaunted the fact that he was one of the most powerful corporate leaders in the Galaxy, a rank that he had worked very hard to achieve. Holographic images, especially ones of this detail, and magnitude were rare, and highly costly, yet Nelix used them as if they were tissue paper, discarding the cost at his own will. Of course, Neimoidia was one of the most wealthy planets on the Galaxy, home to hundreds upon thousands of wealthy Galactic Senators, and Aristocrats. It had been turned from a barren wasteland, during the times of the first Trade Federation, into what had become a shrine. Darlaxia, the Capital City of Neimoidia was by far the most wealthy city in the Galaxy, surpassing even the underwater Mon Calamarian cities.

As Nelix stood, the message began to play on the Communications link. The Voice was obviously a woman, whom at this point called herseld Nina. LFX..... The Viceroy had heard of that company somewhere..... He merely shook his head, putting the thought out of his mind.

"Greetings, Viceroy Nelix Galdra of the Trade Federation. My name is Nina, I am one of the top Secretaries to Mister Seti Ashar, CEO of LFX Industrial. On behalf of our fine company, the CEO would like to extend an invitation for you to meet with him in his office, as soon as possible. He would like me to stress the fact that this is an urgent request."

Concluding the message.... Urgent Request. Those words were not used within the Trade Federation often, as nothing was ever urgent. Money seemed to take care of everything these days..... It seemed to have a strange sort of power that could get people to do anything. Though, there were those that had the hearts of truth, honor, and justice that would never accept a bribe, but those people were.... silenced relativly quickly on Neimoidia.

The Viceroy stood slowly, smoothing the wrinkles out of his suit as he made his way to a large Holonet viewing screen in the corner of his office. He couldn't help but grin as he flicked a switch, bringing the screen to life. How he loved to flaunt his wealth. Sending the message through to LFX Industrial's Galactic Headquarters, on Eriadu, within Eriadu Cities Industrial Plaza, Nelix began to speak, recording the message for later play, when the CEO had time to listen to it. Folding his hands infromt of him, he began to speak.

"Greetings, Mister Seti Ashar, of LFX Industrial. As you probably know, I am Nelix Galdra, Viceroy of the Trade Federation, and Chairman of the Confederacy of Independant Systems. On behalf of these Organizations, I would like to express an interest in knowing what could be so urgent that you would pry me away from my duties here on Neimoidia. I will, however, be accepting your invitation, and will be bording a Diplomatic vessel within the hour."

Nelix paused, looking down at a small keypad as he pressed a few numbers in.

"According to my calculations, I should be arriving in one Standard Galactic Day, two at the most. Until then, I bid you Farewell." Nelix sneered as he severed the communication. How he hated being polite. It was not the way of a Sith Lord, nor the way of a Viceroy. It was the way of a coward. A Fool.

Then suddenly.... It came to him. The Galactic Defense Initiative. That's where he had heard of LFX.....



"As many of you know," Trenian Rudic began "The Galactic Defense Initiative has not only surrendered to the New Order, but has agreed to merge what few assets it will be allowed to keep with a small corporation, known as LFX Industrial, it's CEO known as Seti Ashar. According to our intelligence reports, Admiral Drayson, formerly serving under Supreme Commander Isstal of the Galactic Defense Initiative has joined ranks with this Corporation, and since has been deemed Sovereign Commander of it's defense forces, practicly outnumbering Trade Federation Forces."

"This merger is not only seen as a threat to the Trade Federation, but a Threat to the Corporate World. Such Corporations as LFX, which raise through the ranks unusually quickly tend to be aggressive, and demanding of attention. I bring this to your attention, gentlemen, because the Trade Federation, still recovering from the War with the Galactic Defense Initiative, and the full scale invasion of two Trade Federation Controlled Systems, is in a weakened state, and is by no means prepared to compete for Sovereignty of the Corporate World."

Trenian paused for a moment, catching his breath. "It is with this information that I propose this: I move for a Motion to Deny LFX Industrial the ability to become a Corporate Superpower!"

The crowd of Senators, and Aristocrats stood, and a loud disruption emerged as Nelix's greeni-tinted skin now turned red with anger. Of all people... Trenian would be the last he would suspect of such a motion. If the Trade Federation could somehow manipulate the Corporation into becoming a close friend, or ally, the threat would immediatly be eliminated.

Nelix stood, raising to his Chairman position in the Center of the Confederate Senate meeting.

"Gentlemen, I ask for silence," Nelix started as the room slowly became silent, once more.

"This motion is denied. As Trade Federation Viceroy, I must forgive all of you for my Senator's disastrous, and repulsive proposal. Everyone here knows that the Trade Federation is not a Monopoly. We all know that the Trade Federation strives to maintain Corporate Stability in times of Crisis. And we all know that the Galactic Defense Initiative is Dead. So what if it's former employees look for new Jobs, and new positions within the Galaxy. I would expect nothing less of the Senators and Aristocrats in this very room to do the same thing if this Organization were to collapse. LFX will be viewed not as an Enemy, but as a Neutral Potential Ally."

Nelix shuddered as he sat back in his chair. An Ally? Of a Corporation comprised of Galactic Defense Initiative Assets? Not during his lifetime. He would manipulate the Corporation, if he could. Bend it to his will....



It was a simple display of ships, the Carrack Cruiser Arch Angel, flanked by two Nebulon D Frigates slowly eased it's way toward the Planet Eriadu. The Arch Angel had been beautifully outfitted as a Diplomatic Vessel, but in times of trouble, it would be used as it's true form, a Battle Cruiser. The ship held within it, several volumes of Galactic Encyclopedia's, luxerious, and expensive rugs, and several ancient artifacts, marketed during auctions in the Billions. Nelix certainly did love to show off his wealth.

Within a few moments, the Carrack was cleared to enter Eriadu Planetary space, and land at a designated location just outside of the Industrial District, where the Viceroy would be escorted to the CEO's Office. Flanked on either side by four Droideka Destroyer Droids, and his Protocal Droid, TK-421, Nelix eased his way down from the hissing airlocked door of the Carrack Cruiser, dressed in his most expensive formal attire.

So, this was Eriadu..... Home of LFX Industrial....

<font color=green>

Eriadu, land of wonder. Rivalling Imperial Centre, Thyferra, even Neimidoia in wealth, it was widely regarded as the industrial capitol of the galaxy. Entire regions of the world were covered with factories, producing anything from 'Genuine Corellian Sand Gems' to blasters and grenades.

He who owned Eriadu, owned the industry, it was said.

Since the meger with the ill-fated Galactic Defence Initiative, LFX Industrial had prospered greatly. The world of Eriadu was turned into a great castle, a temple to the Gods of Industry.

The Arch Angel surely saw the wonder of Eriadu, and of LFX Industrial, as it approached the planet. Flanked by none other than a pair of Nebulon D frigates. Ships that, ironic enough, had once belonged to the Galactic Defence Initiative and had fought over this planet against their enemies.

We come to a full circle, now.

Sitting in his office, Seti Ashar acknowledged the arrival of the Arch Angel with a nod and a cordial invitiation to join him at the Vicory's liesure. They would, he told Nelix, be put up in Eriada City's finest hotel, the Industrial Pacific. Mr. Vinda should hopefully be arriving the next day, and then meetings could begin. Nelix could, of course, meet alone with the CEO if he so desired, as well.

Then Seti sat back and enjoyed the feeling of the very luxerious and very expensive leather executive chair and sighed. Certainly, the meetings were neccessary... but he couldn't shake the feeling that all his work with the Trade Federation might go to waste.

After all, did they not turn their back on the Galactic Defence Initiative already? But we are not the GDI part of him seemed to say.

As far as the Vicory's concerned, we're close enough. came the reply.

He was a bit.... Disappointed with the actions of the CEO of the Corporation. Not once had the Viceroy been left in the care of anyone other than the Leader, Commander, Viceroy, or Sovereign of a company at the Docking Bay, and not once had he been publicly insulted in such a way.

The Industrial Pacific was truely a piece of work, though. As the Viceroy entered the large, and relativly luxerious main lobby, he felt a quiver of anticipation, and excitement. It was well known that the Viceroy not only enjoyed flaunting his wealth.... He enjoyed only the finest, and this was the finest. It more than made up for the offense at the Docking Bay.

He would wait for an invitation from the CEO, before paying him a visit....

En route to Eriadu


Onboard the Narcissus - Mr Vinda's personal Quarters




"...what do we know of this, Seti Ashar?..."

Vinda peered through the Plexi-Glass window looking out to space, his eyes tracing the lines of the stars as they streaked past.

The Vinda-Corp CEO, carefully took a sip from the cup of Caf he was clutching in his right hand, his face screwing up a little as he tasted it...

....tastes like Kriff!...

He turned to face Achinta, the Android's face was impassive...

"...not much, he's a relative unknown, new on the block...anxious to make a good impression maybe.."

Vinda simply grunted in reply, and Achinta continued..

"...we do know he has been spearheading LFX industries campaign of building more extensive diplomatic ties..."

Vinda nodded as he listened...

...still anxious to prove they are no longer GDI perhaps...

Picking up a data-card , Vinda's eyes narrowed as he scrolled through the contract LFX had approached Vinda-Corp with, and scratched his chin thoughtfully..

"...Have you seen what they are asking for?..."

Achinta responded with a single slow nod...

"...quite a list..."

A wry smile tugged at the corner of Vinda's mouth...

"...yes it is..."

...indeed...

Achinta's black leather coat swished and creaked as he clasped his hands behind his back..

"...what do you make of the Trade Federation's presence here?.."

Pausing for a moment as if to consider his words carefully, Vinda replied...

"...they are here for profit...something I can relate to..."

(he grinned)

"Actually I shall look forward to meeting the Viceroy, I'm sure it will be most...enlightening..."

As he finished, Vinda absently took another sip from the cup he was still holding, and soon remembered why he'd stopped drinking from it...

"...how come I can run a multi-billion credit corporation, yet can't get a decent cup of Caf!..."

Remaining quiet for a moment as if processing his comment, the HRD posed a question, continuing the discussion beforehand...

"..do you think we can trust them?.."

Vinda paused and turned around to face his bodyguard, raising an eyebrow at his comment...

"...trust?...since when did that ever have anything to do with business?..."

He tilted his head slightly to one side and gauged Achinta, waving a finger in his direction as he spoke...

"...you've been spending too much time with that Caprician Woman....you'd better not be going soft on me..."

Achinta simply responded with a smirk...

The Comms interrupted their conversation, alerting them the shuttle had approached Eriadu , Vinda grinned in anticipation....


"...I'm looking forward to this..."

<font color=green>Few people, when seeing the true beauty and might of the Industrial Centre of the galaxy, can help but gasp in awe. To a business man like Seth Vinda, who could smell a profit from a sector away.

Each of the cities that covered Eriadu's landspace had been built to be beautfiul and economic, delivering the best of both extremes in their flowing, almost artistic designs.

Industrial Plaza, and the LFX Industrial Head Office, was no exception. Breathtaking was truly the only word for it. And it described the tower perfectly.

"Mr. Ashar, Mr. Vinda and Mr. Galdra are both on-planet now."

Seti turned away from the window, and the sparkling metotropolis of Eriada City, and nodded his acknowledgment.

"Vinda has been to the hotel?"

"Yes, sir."

"Where is he now?"

"I believe that he is out for dinner with his party, sir."

Seti turned back to the window.

"Contact Mr. Vinda and Mr. Galdra and invite them to my office, say 1:00, for lunch. There are a great many things to be discussed..."

Trust..... Trust was something that had to be earned in the eyes of Nelix Galdra, a man considered by many as the Sovereign of the Corporate World. Trust was something that Mister Galdra took quite seriously, and right now, he trusted no one, aside from maybe his closest friends and allies. He leaned back in a chair overlooking the window as he gazed out over the Industrial Plaza. It was quite an awesome sight, the Industrial Capital of the Galaxy.... But nothing would surpass the Commercial Capital of the Galaxy, The City of Darlaxia, Capital of Neimoidia.

"Viceroy, you've been asked to come to lunch around One O'Clock, if it suits your desire, M'Lord." his security officer started as he approached Nelix from behind. Nelix slowly rotated the chair around to face him.

"What is the status of our Fleet, Commander?"

"Well," the officer started, "Aside from the Nebulon D Frigates in orbit, as you already know, the Assault fleet is stationed in the next system, as well as 90% of our military ground forces, in teh event of an Emergency. Should LFX attempt to assassinate, or kidknap Mister Vinda, or yours truely, thry will immediatly be confronted."

Nelix nodded.... Trust was something that needed Sanctioning. When you don't trust someone, have a contingency plan.

"Very well, Commander. Inform the CEO that I will prepare at once."

Eriadu - LFX Industrial Head Office

Mr Ashar's office - 12:59 hrs



"...this way please..."

Vinda and his entourage followed the aide to the entrance of Mr Ashar's office, and as she opened the door she promptly announced and introduced his arrival. Vinda glanced over his shoulder to his various aides and signalled with one, almost deft-like hand-movement he did not need them to follow, acknowledging, they obeyed and waited outside, all apart from one.

Dressed impeccably in his his most expensive suit, the Vinda-Corp CEO walked purposefully inside the chamber , with Achinta a few steps behind , who appeared to be carrying a metallic briefcase.

He paused a few feet away from the rather grand looking conference table and bowed respectfully in turn, starting with his host.

"...Mr Ashar, I must thank you for your hospitality, and your invitation. Viceroy Galdra, I have been wanting to meet the man who has revitalised the Trade-Federation so quickly, and efficiently.
I trust I find you both in good health, and more importantly, in good profit.."

(the slight trace of a smile seemed to appear)

He gestured with his left hand to Achinta , who on cue, bowed to both, and stepped forward, placing the case onto the table. With a faint beep the case unlocked, and opened automatically with a slight pneumatic hiss.

With both hands , Achinta very carefully retrieved an ornate Camarian-crystal bottle of extremely rare Norvanian Grog, and placed one before each representative.

"...each one is over four hundred years old, and, I am told, is quite exquisite ..."

As Vinda took his seat at the table, Achinta walked quietly behind him a few feet, and remained silent.

"...compliments of Vinda-Corp..."

Nelix nodded his head slightly, picking up the antique bottle of wine, and examining it accordingly. Mister Vinda was not only a man of taste, but a man he had underestimated.

"I would like to express my thanks to both Mister Vinda, and Mister Ashar for this invitation, though I am still unsure of it's intent."

Nelix paused for a moment, extending his hand in the direction of Seth Vinda.

"It is truely an honor to meet a man of your stature, and power, Mister Vinda. I hope that this formal friendship will not be short lived."

Nelix then slowly turned to Seti Ashar.

"And the infamous Seti Ashar..... I would like to kick off this meeting with a proposal, extended on behalf of a close ally of the Trade Federation, the Jutraalian Empire. Prior to the War with the Galactic Defense Initiative, a ship was stolen from the Jutraalian Empire, a Disruptor-Class Super Star Destroyer. The Trade Federation would like to see that ship returned as a sign of good faith, on your part..."

Vinda watched as the two leaders took a moment to gauge the small , yet, very valuable gesture that he had put before them.

"I would like to express my thanks to both Mister Vinda, and Mister Ashar for this invitation, though I am still unsure of it's intent."

Nodding in a slow deliberate fashion to acknowledge the Viceroy's recognition, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as he heard the Trade-Federation representative's comments...

"It is truely an honor to meet a man of your stature, and power, Mister Vinda. I hope that this formal friendship will not be short lived."

"...the pleasures all mine, Viceroy, and I share your sentiments. Rest assured Vinda-Corp shall do all it can to ensure it is not..."

Vinda sat quietly, and observed with great interest, as the Viceroy aimed the opening discussion towards Mr Ashar. For Vinda this was the most fascinating part of these meetings, it gave one a chance to not only put a face to the name, but more importantly , to get to know the scope, and traits of the men before him.
What they were like as people, maybe even catch a glimpse of their strengths and weaknesses, negotiation , sometimes bought out both.

From the outside , Vinda's appearence was receptive, congenial, and unhurried. Inside he carefully studied the mens , body language, facial expressions, tone of voice.
It was never really something he did deliberately, as it had become second nature now, years of experience had taught him what to look for without sometimes even realising it.

Never pass up the opportunity to get to know your potential friends, or indeed, your competitors...

Likewise ,the same years of experience had taught him to not give away anything other than what he wanted.
It had been an art long perfected, not for any underhand reason, or to hide anything ulterior or sinister, but sometimes in the past, his own survival had depended upon it.

...a suspicious mind....

...political...

...likes to be in the bargining position...

...obviously has a talent for self-preservation...

He smiled inwardly as the Viceroy talked...

...reminds me, of me...

Vinda's curiousity shifted to Mr Ashar, he too was intrigued as to why the CEO had called this meeting, and was genuinely interested as to how he would respond to the Viceroy's request...