EPISODE I - FOUR: The Order of Things
There were millions of planets that could be plundered for their resources, but the First Order chose Aporoth. The world wasn't particularly remarkable, but it was hospitable. The inhabitants of Aporoth had been there for generations upon generations and most of them had never been off world. Communications to and from the planet were practically impossible due to the unusual energy resonating from the planet's core. This phenomenon made things rather "inconvenient" at worst. Still, there was something from which the right party could profit.
The First Order made sure there were enough communication relays in orbit to partner with the sentry ships patrolling Aporoth's airspace. While transmissions to and from High Command could be achieved, they often had to be arranged on a set schedule. If there was an emergency on the surface, it would have to be handled by the forces stationed there until a Star Destroyer moved into position, completing the relay.
The First Order made sure there were enough communication relays in orbit to partner with the sentry ships patrolling Aporoth's airspace. While transmissions to and from High Command could be achieved, they often had to be arranged on a set schedule. If there was an emergency on the surface, it would have to be handled by the forces stationed there until a Star Destroyer moved into position, completing the relay.
Benemer Strim had spent the last few decades building his financial empire while the New Republic flourished. The First Order, rising from the ashes of the Empire, was never considered to be threat to the Republic. It too grew throughout remote corners of the galaxy, striking at exposed targets whenever it felt bold enough to make a statement.
Strim acquired the capital to buy anything he desired, short of earning a place in the government. Still, who needs a government when you could purchase anything, including the science to harvest the energy field of a planet? Since they were wiling to do anything to expand their reach across the galaxy, just as Strim was willing to increase his wealth, the First Order found itself the perfect financial backer to fund the construction of their fleet.
The soft chirp of the intercom momentarily pulled Strim's focus off the flat expanse of the duracrete beneath his window. "What is it?" he blustered.
"You have an incoming transmission from Captain Tanga," responded the metallic voice of Strim's gatekeeper droid. Strim didn't do much actual work, but his ego required quite a bit of stroking. Having the droid made him feel important and it pleased him.
He grimaced. "Send it through."
"Good morning, Benemer. High Command is quite pleased with the product we've been receiving from your facility. Are the workers behaving themselves?"
Strim hated Tanga. Strim portrayed himself as someone who was confident in his appearance, but in all honesty, he wasn't delusional about it. He looked at Tanga and wished he was even half as handsome and commanding looking as the First Order captain. Still, he demanded respect and got it. He attempted to shrug the feeling of physical inferiority off.
"We're keeping them in line." His voice sounded disengaged and bored.
"Keeping them in line? I hope you're not implying the locals are starting to push back." Tanga's relationship with Strim was tenuous at best because he didn't have much faith in the businessman's abilities. Strim knew how to make money, but he wasn't a leader.
The soft chirp of the intercom momentarily pulled Strim's focus off the flat expanse of the duracrete beneath his window. "What is it?" he blustered.
"You have an incoming transmission from Captain Tanga," responded the metallic voice of Strim's gatekeeper droid. Strim didn't do much actual work, but his ego required quite a bit of stroking. Having the droid made him feel important and it pleased him.
He grimaced. "Send it through."
"Good morning, Benemer. High Command is quite pleased with the product we've been receiving from your facility. Are the workers behaving themselves?"
Strim hated Tanga. Strim portrayed himself as someone who was confident in his appearance, but in all honesty, he wasn't delusional about it. He looked at Tanga and wished he was even half as handsome and commanding looking as the First Order captain. Still, he demanded respect and got it. He attempted to shrug the feeling of physical inferiority off.
"We're keeping them in line." His voice sounded disengaged and bored.
"Keeping them in line? I hope you're not implying the locals are starting to push back." Tanga's relationship with Strim was tenuous at best because he didn't have much faith in the businessman's abilities. Strim knew how to make money, but he wasn't a leader.
"No. They're behaving themselves for the most part. The troops are handling things quite well. There's only been a handful of disgruntled workers raising a fuss over fair treatment or something minor like that." If a shrug could be audible, it would've sounded like one.
It didn't take much for Tanga's confidence to waver, but he did his best to keep it in check. He couldn't redirect his Star Destroyer to Aporoth every time he believed something to be going amiss. He was growing tired of Strim's apathy, but nothing of significance was occurring under his watch, so he took a beat to recompose himself. "Very well. I shall contact you for a report in three rotations. Tanga out."
Benemer Strim continued to stand quietly, staring out the window as if the conversation never happened. The First Order needed him more than he needed them. He was content.
