The Rebel Faction

Rob nodded slighted at the comment and laughed gently. "Just cuz we have guests aboard. You should have seen it an hour ago. For some reason engineers seem to like it messy or is that much my people?"

He smiled and led them through the thick blast door and into the ship. As they walked towards the large turbolift Rob tried to make small talk and show them around. They passed some droids carrying cargo, but other than that very few actual living personel could be seen. Rob didn't know if Merendez would notice this fact. For a ship the size of the Enterprise, there was only a small amount of crew members onboard.

"So Merendez, do you mind if I ask you about your organization? What is it that you do?" Rob inquired.

Rob listened to the respond as they walked down the hallways and entered the private turbolift. Merendez seemed like a decent enough person and judging by her vocal and stress patterns she seemed to be telling mostly the truth. Of course she could just be an excellent liar, the android made mental notes to itself. It would have to look her in the eyes later and determine if she was being honest.

That did not matter, however, Steller Enterprises did business with many peoples that were of less than legal sorts and as long as they all kept Steller Enterprises out of their private affairs nothing else mattered. If this new group had the credits or something of value to offer it would be hear out fully and business deals would be created. Rob looked over at the Grand Admiral as she stood beside him inside the turbolift and smiled.

"I understand how that it. Stellar Enterprises had started off small as well, but we have accomplished much. Anything is possible as long as you want it bad enough. Well connections and a few large profit deals aren't bad for business either." The android replicated a laugh and smiled just as the large door opened.

The turbolift had brought them to a large oval room. It was expensively adorned with many fine touches and comforts. A large table was set off to the side on a plush looking dark red carpeted floor. In the center of this carpet was the large logo of Stellar Enterprises. On the walls hung displays which showed different expensive art works but would always which to new ones after some minutes to show off different styles.

Rob motioned inside with a wave of his hand. "Please come. Is there anything you would like to drink or eat? Any of you are welcome to anything."

He slowly led them towards the bar area against one of the walls. While they walked away the turbolift closed without a sound.

Rob smiled at the Grand Admiral's expression and moved towards the bar to get a pitcher of cool water and poured a glass both for Merendez and himself. As he did he told the droid to go into the kitchen and inform the cook to prepare something for the Trandoshan. He turned in time to watch his guest admiring the paintings on the wall and reached out to hand her on of the expansive glasses.

"Most of the painting images are from purchased rights. Those, however," The android paused and pointed to a pair of real paintings. "Are over a hundred years old. They were bought at auctions after their creators passed away. I believe they are only ones of the kind and were only known about the painters deaths."

He smiled and looked back at Merendez. "Are you a fan of fine art?"

The android smiled a little and listened carefully to the Grand Admiral's words. It was good to learn about peoples pasts and habits. It was found that it helped in negotiating to get know the people you are conducting business with. Rob's gazed moved upon Merendez before he spoke.

"I am a great fan of art, yes. It speaks of a persons soul and represents their thoughts and visions. I find these artworks calming and most pleasing to look at. Which one do you like the best?"

Rob smile and moved the side just before a few droids went between Merendez and himself. These droids carried plates of foods, different meats prepared in Trandoshan ways.

Rob smiled and looked back to watch the bodyguard start eating. He looked back at Merendez and nodded gently. "It would be very surprising if something like that happened. You never know, however, some of the painting I own have been passed on through many different handlers."

He moved his head to the picture and looked it over slowly before asking the question was most important in their meeting. "So why do you wish to conduct business with Stellar Enterprises?"