Located deep in the heart of the Corporate Sector, Etti-IV is considered to be the commercial capital of the entire sector. Strategically situated near the main trade arteries of hyperlane routes, which network and filter out to the many systems both inside and outlying of the sector . Although the planet itself has no exportable resources of its own to trade with, its sheer beauty and prime positioning attracts the wealthy and the affluent , who have become its own industry.
An attractive jewel , in more ways than one.
As the sun began to set , Etti-IV’s moon could already be seen to shine like mother of Pearl, seeming to both attract and yet, reflect the suns dying embers across the sky in a breathtaking wash of deep orange hues . Creating a kind of warm , inviting golden aura. silhouetted within this, in its capital cities stood Etti-IV’s soaring modern skyscrapers , and buildings, stretching as far as the eye could see . They seemed to prop up the sky, a towering testament to the planets rich and diverse history of trade and commerce. A unique contrast when compared with the rest of the planets beautiful landscapes of open mossy-plains and shallow oceans.
In the throng of the evening rush, a small, unremarkable , unnoticed figure picked his way through the crowds outside Etti-IV’s trade-hall , where the final stages of several major trade negotiations were currently being held.
Slipping quietly from sight of the occasional security guards as they performed their rounds, the figure joined the crowd of holo-feed reporters and journalists as they all waited impatiently for the current meeting to adjourn.
Inside the Trade-hall
“…well , Ambassador , it appears you have yourself a deal…”
The Brettan diplomat spoke as he stretched his hand out in a gesture of good faith, Ambassador Jaleric, reciprocated in kind, and firmly shook the representative’s hand, outwardly pleased that the gruelling eight hour talks had been successful.
“..then I shall inform my superiors the good news…”
With that, the Brettan Diplomat, Takius, smiled courteously and bowed his head in respect before taking his leave. Jaleric had to give it to the Brettans, they knew how to play the game, and were certainly shrewd in their business dealings. However the sudden taxation of the Hyperlanes of all traffic near their system had been heavy handed, short-sighted , uncalled for, and probably counter-productive for that matter. Threatening to undermine many cycles of free trade in that sector.
Jaleric considered this briefly as he absently watched the diplomat work the room, The Brettans were starting to feel the pinch too, the sudden economic downturn these past few cycles had hit everybody hard, it seems that just when things start to get back on track , another major crisis seemed to rear its head. Traditionally the Corporate Sector had always been a safe investment, and given the state of the rest of the galaxy, it was certainly still doing better than most. Even Coruscant, now, The Imperial Centre, had been struggling, the result of the constant conflict imposed upon its once New Republic,
Now Imperial citizens. Too many changes of governments, all had left it haemorrhaging investors looking for safer prospects.
Regardless of all of this, it seemed things were finally starting to get better, profits had shown a steady , ( albeit slow), rise and the general consensus seemed to be of reconciliation and healing, the many conflicts imposed on this galaxy seemed to be over, for the time being at least. In these uncertain times it appeared the Corporate Sector still seemed the most secure.
…at least for one more day anyway…
Inwardly Jaleric smiled to himself, as this thought appeared in his head, what with all the upheaval , he had come to realise that all this could change at a moments notice. Past events flashed through his mind, Etti-IV hadn’t escaped, what with the Rogue Jedi Order wrestling the planet from the control of the CSA, the Empire following suit, and then a virus so potent it threatened the very existence of life on the planet itself. The inhabitants had certainly not had an easy ride, but then who had?
Although when compared to the Empire the Rogue Jedi were wonderful, but there was still something about the benevolent Jedi that unnerved him, he hadn’t trusted them when they were here, even their name sounded …ominous….
He couldn’t help but feel they seemed to have an agenda of their own…Though he indeed acknowledged their sacrifice in protecting the people of Etti-IV, surely no-one could not.
Jaleric shrugged these thoughts off for now, as he glanced through the plex onto the street outside, watching the various inhabitants going about their business, it all seemed so trivial now, and so long ago.
Now they were discussing all kinds of issues, including provisional plans to become members of the Vinda-Corp led Corporate Commonwealth. The Government saw as a way to remain viable, and stable, keeping the sector’s economy alive, whilst still holding a say in the running of their governments planets. Both Bretta and Etti-IV had decided to sign up at the same time. This Vinda-Corp sponsored diplomatic meeting, had provided the groundwork for the induction.
There was indeed one resulting consequence from the former Jedi and Imperial caretakers absence, they had kept the order, since they had both left, crime had risen expodentially, almost overnight, it was now a very serious problem.
The rise of illegal arms trafficking and smuggling had been meteoric. To help combat this problem, this was another thing the Brettan and the Ettian Governments had been in talks about, an independent police , escort and customs force, designed to curb the illegal black market, sponsored and funded by Vinda-Corp.
Organised crime had also become on the increase, and with it, corruption, he glanced back around the room once more, his gaze quickly moving across the many representatives gathered inside the hall… he knew many were on ‘extra’ pay checks funded by ‘outside-influences’ .
"...Ambassador, representative Takius is about to make an announcement to the press....might I suggest?..."
Jaleric smiled as he turned to face the direction of the familiar voice of his personal aide, and nodded...
"...never pass up the chance for a photo - op , yes Drevago?..."
The aide smiled a distinctly toothy grin...
"...never..."
Straightening his tunic slightly, Jaleric gestured for the aide to lead the way, and joined the throng of politicians, diplomats, aides, and other officials to where the Brettan diplomat was about to give his speech.
Outside the Trade Hall
Gradually the crowd began to emerge , and as the Brettan representative exited the hall , a rush of holo-feed journalists and reporters seemed to collectively surge forward, and as the diplomat picked his way down the steps to meet them, the same unnoticed figure stepped forward, and in one deft movement sidled up to the diplomat, and thrust a sheet of flimsiplast into the Brettan's hands...
"...don't forget your speech notes Ambassador..."
Takius , caught off-guard by the efficient speed of the aide , paused for a moment and looked down at what he had just been given....
"..oh..er...ah yes, thank you..but I don't believe..."
As he glanced back up to thank the unfamiliar aide , his eyes narrowed in annoyance as the figure could not be seen within the crowd of people that had gathered around the steps of the trade-hall, the whole incident seemed to have happened within the blink of an eye. Shrugging the incident off , he turned back to face the expectant crowd.
"..this way , Sir..."
Another aide gestured for the diplomat to follow him to the press stand where the press had encircled..
"..er...yes...yes, of course..."
Still clutching his speech notes, the Brettan diplomat approached the press stand, and after placing the flimsiplast on top of the box in front of where was standing, he placed his hands firmly on either side of the box and cleared his throat to begin.
"...Fellow citizens of Etti-IV , Bretta, and the Corporate Sector , I come before you today with good news , both your fellow representative , Ambassador Jaleric , and I, are pleased to announce the stoppage of Taxation across the Brettan trade....routes.."
Jaleric frowned a little as he watched the diplomat speak, as he appeared to look quite pale...
"...rest assured....that...ah ... excuse me..."
Jaleric's frown seemed to increase as Takius trailed off in the middle of the speech...
With a slight gasp, the Brettan representative’s face seemed to contort, and his hands seemed to clutch the sides of the stand so hard he was sure he could see the man's knuckles whitening...
Now looking extremely concerned, Jaleric signalled to a couple of aides , and as they stepped forward to help the diplomat, he fell quite suddenly and to the horror of all those watching both on the steps of the trade hall , and live on the holo-feed at home, slumped to the ground....
"...get me a medic over here now!.."
Almost at once there was bedlam , as the crowd pushed forward to see what was happening , and the press, of course, continued filming...
As Jaleric checked in vain to see if the man was still breathing, he realised grimly that the diplomat was dead, and with a serious face he shouted to one of the security guards...
"...get an investigation team down here quickly, and get these people out of here , quarten the area off , I don't want anything moved or touched...got that?..."
As the guard nodded sharply in acknowledgement, he started to direct the others to disperse the crowd, Jaleric, looked around in disbelief...
...this couldn't have happened at a worse time...
