Winds of Opportunity I
Date: May 4, 176 BBY, Time: 9:00 A.M., Location: Chasin Momeoran's Estate, Main Dining Hall, Varinal, Brartal III
Sunlight spilled through the grand windows of the dining hall, casting a warm glow over Chasin Momeoran and his wives as they enjoyed their morning meal. The air was thick with aromas—sweet pastries, exotic fruits, and spices native to Brartal III and beyond. Each of Chasin's wives had their favorite dishes meticulously prepared, reflecting both their cultural backgrounds and their preferences for starting a day ripe with possibilities.
Pulchra, with her vibrant magenta Zeltron skin almost glowing in the morning light, savored a cup of spiced Zeltron tea alongside a bowl of creamed porridge, drizzled with Dantooine honey and topped with fresh estate-grown berries. She looked peaceful yet intrigued, glancing over at Chasin with her serene, therapist's gaze, sensing the anticipation in him even before he voiced it.
Mugruco, with her striking azure-blue skin and lekku adorned in tasteful bands, nibbled on a plate of smoked sea fish and an assortment of breads from Varinal's famous bakeries, each with hints of local herbs and seeds. Beside her lay her data-pad, filled with notes from yesterday's presentation to the Zoryans. Ever the historian and treasure hunter, she was already formulating their next move in her mind, glancing at Chasin from time to time with her usual inquisitive spark.
Sahaz Lor, a formidable figure with the tawny fur and fierce features of a Cathar, enjoyed her morning repast with hearty satisfaction. Her plate held grilled meats seasoned with the sharp spices of her native Cathar cuisine. Her predatory eyes gleamed as she cast a playful grin at Chasin, sensing the energy building in the room.
With breakfast concluded, Chasin activated his data-pad, drawing the attention of his wives. The sleek design of the screen glowed to life as he scrolled through several new messages. These were no ordinary messages; they were offers from some of the galaxy's most prominent business consortiums and manufacturing giants.
Pulchra leaned in with a smile. "Another bid for The Celestial Voyager, I assume?"
Chasin nodded. "Looks like our ship's drawing serious attention." He glanced at the names displayed on the datapad, feeling a thrill of excitement and apprehension. Each offer was ambitious, promising more than enough credits to fund their expeditions for years.
As they scanned through the bids, each one brought its own unique offer and terms:
The Corellian Engineering Corporation: 400,000 credits upfront with an 11% royalty on each manufactured unit for Core worlds distribution. Known for their practical, mass-market designs, Corellian Engineering was hoping to expand their foothold in custom interstellar shuttles.
Czerka Corporation: 600,000 credits upfront, offering to purchase exclusive rights to Chasin's blueprints for Outer Rim markets. The offer was substantial, yet Mugruco frowned, aware of Czerka's often-questionable practices in exploiting new markets.
Incom Corporation: 475,000 credits and a 10% royalty for any use within their luxury exploration fleet. Pulchra noted that Incom's reputation for sleek, innovative ships could give The Celestial Voyager an ideal position within high-class markets.
Talor Industries: 425,000 credits plus a 12.5% royalty for exploratory and transport fleet contracts across the Mid Rim. Their vast fleet network would ensure a steady stream of royalties, especially with the region's demand for adaptable star-ships.
Royal House of Serenno: 500,000 credits plus a 15% royalty specifically for luxury modifications and limited production runs. This offer also included exclusive rights, though only for luxury designs. Mugruco raised a brow, considering how this could make The Celestial Voyager a staple among the galaxy's elite.
Sorosuub Corporation: 450,000 credits and a 10% royalty for each ship within their research and transport line. Known for versatility, Sorosuub's offer was intriguing, but Sahaz noted they might alter the design to fit their broad market range.
Mugruco tapped her chin thoughtfully. "If we're aiming for the largest impact—and perhaps the most income—the Talor or Corellian Engineering offers look solid. They'd bring our design into everyday utility. But…" She trailed off, eyeing the Serenno offer.
Pulchra nodded. "The Serenno bid is certainly impressive. It would turn The Celestial Voyager into a status symbol. Imagine our shuttle design flying through the high skies of Serenno and Alderaan, ferrying dignitaries and aristocrats."
Sahaz grinned, her feline eyes glinting with interest. "And think of what we could do with the funds. Expanding our expeditions, upgrading equipment, maybe even designing new vessels." She glanced at Chasin, raising a playful eyebrow. "Or we could build a second Voyager—a personal variant for us."
Chasin chuckled, amused by his wives' enthusiastic ideas. He himself was tempted by the prospects yet also saw the potential in every offer. Each choice represented a different vision for his work, each with its own implications for their future.
"I'll admit," he began, his voice calm but laced with excitement, "The Serenno exclusivity is enticing. Yet, Talor Industries would ensure widespread usage across the Mid Rim. Imagine The Celestial Voyager being utilized everywhere, facilitating exploration, trade, and transport. Plus, I could use the profits to establish my own spacecraft construction yard, allowing us to build more of our shuttles directly; We must also consider potential economic downturns in the galaxy that could drastically reduce demand and threaten our financial stability."
A murmur of concern rippled through his wives at the mention of economic uncertainty.
Mugruco gently squeezed his arm, leaning in with a warm smile. "Chasin, whichever choice you make, we're with you. You built that ship, and every offer here demonstrates the galaxy's recognition of its value."
A moment of comfortable silence enveloped them as they contemplated the path ahead.
Chasin took a deep breath. "Let's take the day to weigh each option. I want our decision to reflect not just the credits but what will allow us to continue exploring the galaxy, seeking knowledge."
His wives exchanged nods of agreement, their expressions full of pride and support. As they left the dining hall, moving toward the shuttle bay where The Celestial Voyager waited, the choice still lingered in the air, heavy with promise and opportunity.
Date: May 4, 176 BBY, Time: 10:30 A.M., Location: Brartal III, Capital City of Varinal, Chasin Momeoran's Estate meeting hall area
Chasin Momeoran and his wives sat around the elegantly set table. Their discussion about the future of The Celestial Voyager continued, echoing off the ornate walls adorned with vibrant art from various cultures. The excitement in the air was palpable, each of them envisioning the possibilities that lay ahead.
Chasin leaned forward, eyes bright with determination. "I've made my decision," he announced, breaking the silence that had enveloped them after their extensive discussions. "We'll go with the offers from Incom Corporation and Talor Industries. Their reputations and commitment to quality align perfectly with our vision for The Celestial Voyager."
Pulchra, her magenta Zeltron skin glistening in the light, smiled brightly. "That's a brilliant choice, Chasin! Incom's innovative designs will elevate our ship's status, and Talor's vast network will ensure that we're seen across the Mid-Rim; As well with the system being a type of gateway system to the outer-rim. Together, they will give us the visibility we need."
Mugruco, with her azure-blue skin and lekku gracefully framing her face, nodded in agreement. "The synergy between these two corporations could prove invaluable. Incom's sleek, high-class market appeal combined with Talor's adaptability for exploration and transport can maximize our reach and influence." She glanced at Chasin, her expression a mixture of excitement and professionalism. "Let's not waste any time. If we're heading to Jeyell to finalize the deal, we should prepare The Celestial Voyager immediately. It would be wise to arrive ready for any negotiations they may want to discuss."
Sahaz Lor, her tawny fur shimmering under the daylight, leaned back in her chair, arms crossed as she considered the implications of their decision. "With Incom and Talor backing us, we'll not only secure funding but also potential partnerships for future expeditions. This could lead to discoveries that might redefine our understanding of the galaxy's fauna and flora." she said, her Cathar features breaking into a confident grin. "Imagine the possibilities for my research! The unique ecosystems of the Mid-Rim and Outer-Rim are still largely unexplored."
"Exactly!" Chasin replied, his enthusiasm contagious. "This opportunity isn't just about the credits. It's about establishing our legacy as explorers and innovators. With these partnerships, we can set a new standard for what our ships can achieve."
Mugruco stood and began gathering her data-pads, her mind racing with ideas. "I'll compile all the data we need for the meeting and prepare a presentation that highlights our ship's unique features and market potential. It's crucial that we showcase how The Celestial Voyager aligns with their missions."
Pulchra joined her, her hands gracefully assisting in organizing the materials. "And I'll prepare a briefing on the latest developments in our field that could bolster our position. The more information we have, the stronger our negotiating stance will be."
Chasin felt a swell of pride for his wives, each of them bringing unique skills and insights to the table. "Let's also ensure we take stock of any potential concerns we might need to address during the negotiations. Their interests in our designs will come with their own expectations and perhaps some caveats."
Sahaz nodded, her expression serious. "True. Incom will likely want to see guarantees regarding the exclusivity of our designs and production timelines. Talor, on the other hand, may have questions about our ability to meet demand, especially given the Mid Rim's dynamic market."
With their roles defined, the trio moved with purpose, each absorbed in their tasks as they prepared for the impending journey to Null. As they worked, Chasin felt a rush of gratitude for the support and talents of his wives, knowing they were about to embark on a new chapter that could reshape their futures.
Location: The Shuttle Bay, Chasin Momeoran's Estate, Brartal III
The hum of machinery filled the shuttle bay as The Celestial Voyager loomed majestically in the docking bay, its sleek lines glistening under the overhead lights. Chasin took a moment to admire his creation, a ship that embodied his dreams and the dedication of his family.
As they gathered their equipment and supplies, Pulchra approached Chasin, her expression thoughtful. "You've put a lot of faith in this journey, haven't you?" she asked, her tone gentle yet probing. "What's weighing on your mind?"
Chasin sighed, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. "I suppose I'm just wary. We've made substantial investments in our work, and while these offers are promising, the galaxy can be unpredictable. What if we don't meet expectations? What if we disappoint our partners?"
Pulchra placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "You've always been driven by your passion for exploration and innovation. Your instincts have guided us this far. Trust in yourself, Chasin. And remember, we're in this together."
He smiled, comforted by her words. "You're right. It's just that the stakes feel higher than ever. But with you by my side, I feel more confident facing whatever comes next."
As they boarded The Celestial Voyager, the ship's interior welcomed them with its warm ambiance and state-of-the-art technology. Mugruco and Sahaz were already at their stations, checking systems and ensuring everything was in order for their flight.
"Are we ready to launch?" Chasin called out, excitement bubbling within him.
"Systems check complete! We're ready for departure," Mugruco replied, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Let's go make our mark on the galaxy!"
With a final nod to his wives, Chasin settled into the pilot's seat, fingers dancing over the controls. He engaged the launch sequence, and the ship powered to life, engines humming in anticipation. The Celestial Voyager lifted smoothly from its berth, breaking through the atmosphere of Brartal III and entering the vastness of space.
As they set course for the Null system, Chasin glanced at his wives, their faces illuminated by the ship's control panel. Each of them shared in his excitement and determination, embodying the spirit of adventure that fueled their journey.
"Let's explore new horizons," Chasin declared, his heart racing with the thrill of the unknown. "To our future, and to the opportunities that await us!" With that, they soared through the stars.
