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« Last post by Syren on April 11, 2025, 09:36:34 PM »
“You win by not playing the game
The times are changing, but you stay the same.”
-The Kooks
Corporate Sector
Etti IV: Surface: Mondder
The meeting is about to adjourn when Corinthos signals the ExO.
“Another matter you wish to discuss, Direx Corinthos?” Aguilar inquires with a twinge of weariness.
“Only one more: security.”
Everyone was eager to move on with their days, but something in his tone and the timing quieted any would-be naysayers. Aguilar, interest is now piqued, allows it.
“Proceed.”
Corinthos, with his eyes burning across the circular space, finally unleashes all the toxic energy that has been building throughout the meeting. He alleges a grave threat Dane Gellar poses to the board and their respective holdings, not to mention their lives. Gellar is, according to him, a galactic target, which makes his presence and influence here untenable.
“We will pay the price, as I have, for Gellar’s continued membership.”
Not entirely undeserved. Or even necessarily incorrect. Still, he feels compelled to protest when the Imperial liaison, Burke Pallus, first interjects.
“I think we can all understand your point of reference on this matter, but Gellar is no greater danger than the enemies we make in everyday business. The Empire does not object to his membership and welcomes his perspective in the conversation.”
“By perspective, you mean his capital and products,” Corinthos retorts venomously. “And I am not so certain the Republic liaison would agree if she were alive to do so.”
Aghast, Aguilar protests, “Direx Corinthos, are you suggesting Direx Gellar was in some way involved with Ambassador Kain’s demise and the death of the Republic President? What evidence do you have to make such an insinuation?”
Dane wants desperately to object, but Alka’s hand is clamped firmly against his thigh below the table. Right. Best to let this play out. It is true, he was not involved in the bombing or her death, but he did ask that she return to Chandaar to find out what happened to Garron shortly before she also disappeared. Then he sent Kier Kincaid after her to find out what happened when both mysteriously reappeared. Corinthos may be operating out of grief and spite, but he suspects these are details, given their previous encounter, Pallus may have entertained. One more thing the Empire could use.
The tension in the room tightens. Corinthos takes a breath and settles back.
“Perhaps not directly, but I would not be surprised at his involvement somewhere. Surely you have thought the same. Even though they claim the Chiss attacked the Bolerathon Tower, my daughter was only present as a guest of his family. These are the perils of proximity I beseech you to all consider. Gellar will destroy us all if he is allowed to remain.”
“Direx Gellar, how do you respond to these allegations?”
He calls on Irulan’s coaching and every ounce of restraint he has, “Direx Corinthos is entitled to feel as he wishes. I cannot speak to his loss, nor can I attempt to understand his grief, but I bring value to this table and ask that you think carefully before passing judgment.”
Corinthos narrows his eyes. “Then we vote on it.”
“Is this what you truly want, Direx Corinthos? You may be sanctioned if you do not succeed.”
“I do not care. You must see reason. Gellar must go!”
“So be it,” he concedes sharply.
Turning to address the whole of the chamber, Aguilar summarizes the contention as he keys in the commands. The instructions appear on the screens in front of them with two choices.
“A simple majority. A vote of Yay indicates Gellar remains a Direx. A vote of Nay, he is removed. Cast your vote now.”
It is quick but fails. The totals are displayed in the center of the table in real time. Only three Nays.
Aguilar nods. “Gellar remains.”
After formally adjourning, Corinthos storms out. Dane does not call after him. No need. The better house wins. Gellar Enterprises is far too valuable to simply remove from the table. It controls too many industries and monopolizes critical supplies. And they know it. So does Corinthos, deep down. Not that it would bring him much comfort. At least now he knows Corinthos has three allies on the board. He would have to watch out for that.
Pallus appears at his side. “That was quite something.”
“It was. Appreciate the support, of course.”
“Did you doubt it?”
“Not for a second.”
“Excellent. Join me for a drink? We have some catching up to do.”
Alka intervenes with a tight smirk, “Perhaps another time.”
"Another time then," he nods and disappears down the lift.
Dane leans into her, “Thanks for the save.”
“He can petition for favors later. This has been a lousy day, so if you are having a drink with anyone, it’s me.”
“Best. Idea. Ever."
They descend the lift to find their contingent waiting for them. No one looks particularly thrilled.
Dane scowls. “What is it? What’s up?”
The group looks to Demaris, who appears to be stealing herself. “There has been another attack. Aboard the Asunder.”
It hangs there, anticipation almost oppressive.
“Sirona is dead.”
-TBC
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