Competition: Tense Negotiations

Finished
Tense Negotiations

Write a story about how one of your characters either led or was involved in the negotiations between two opposing parties, either with the goal to resolve the conflict or instigate it further. This conflict could be between coworkers, friends, or bitter enemies. The choice is yours.

Entries will be judged by the Fiction Rubric 3.0. In the event of a tie, I'll decide based on the story that I find the most entertaining. Your entry must be at least 500 words, with no upper limit. Entries must be submitted in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format and uploaded to the site.

No snapshot is required for the character you choose to use. You may also include other characters or NPCs if you so desire.

Competition Information
Organized by
Dr. Bril Teg Arga Erinos
Running time
2025-03-24 until 2025-03-31 (8 days)
Target Unit
Entire DJB
Competition Type
Fiction
Awards
Second Level Crescents and Clusters of Ice as per VOICE guidelines
Participants
16 subscribers, of which 5 have participated.
Results
Member
Master Ruka Tenbriss Ya-ir
File submission
Negotiations.pdf
Placement
1st place
Member
Knight Remalia Manvar
File submission
Pipe Dream.pdf
Placement
2nd place
Member
Advisor Reiden Palpatine Karr
File submission
Tense Negotiations (10106).pdf
Placement
3rd place
Member
Battlelord Qor Kith
File submission
Tense Negotiations.docx
Placement
4th place
Member
Governor Hugo Siphaar
Textual submission

The glint of light reflecting off of Seng Karash, home of Dlarit Corporation's mining facilities, caused two anomalies in orbit to glow.

One of these objects was an Imperial Gozanti Cruiser belonging to a Besalisk Officer of the Warhost Navy, Hugo Siphaar. The other vessel belonged to Broh Goonta Doji, a member of the Hutt Council.

“Sir,” a custom Pilot droid queried, “permission to dock?”

A smirk crossed the face of the large alien commander. The four armed creature stood with his upper arms folded over his chest and his lower hands resting on his hips. He wiggled his lip which caused the black tuft of hair on it to ripple.

“Granted.” His deep gravelly voice uttered an approval.

Immediately the droid performed docking procedures while the portly Hugo eyed the Hutt vessel growing larger out the viewport. The Cartel, who really had their hands in nearly everything wanted to also dip their tails into the Mining Operations of Dlarit. Being a deceptively cunning negotiator, Siphaar was told to oversee the deal; what he didn't know was that a competitor had arrived before him.

===========

“Esteemed one, Koffan Enterprises, would love nothing more than to work with your family. In fact, our Mining Operation is twice the size of this…” The middle-aged man with graying hair and a haughty outfit scoffed as he arrogantly tilted his nose upward “Dlarit Corporation.”

The protocol droid he had brought with him rattled off what he had said in perfect Huttese. While this Hutt in particular wasn't fond of droids, he couldn't help but nod his head in approval as he took a deep draw from his hookah pipe.

“I can see that my offer intrigues you prestigious on-”

Before he could mutter another word, the door leading to the chamber slid open and Hugo burst onto the scene.

He greeted them in Huttese and cast a smirk at the human who at this point was giving him a side-eye.

“No need for droids with me, your excellency. Surely our proposed deal is the safer choice.” His words dripped with threatening undertones as the Hutt squinted upon looking at the Clan Naga Sadow sigil stitched into Siphaar's uniform. This Koffan Enterprises means only to take advantage of you, Broh.”

“I beg your pardon!” The droid translated the emissary's objection.

The Hutt leaned back. Clearly enjoying the banter.

“Just look at our profit margins, I've prepared them for you. This karkin’ waste of your time only wishes to blow smoke. Here, look at this.” Hugo pulled a datapad from his belt and handed it to one of the Hutt's henchman. “Lemme send you the documents.” He pulled what appeared to be another datapad from his belt but in fact it was a remote slicing pad. He eyed the droid and chuckled to himself as he tapped away at the screen.

“This is absorbed, surely you aren't taking this.. this.. man seriously??” The human continued… The protocol droid waved it's arms as it translated but at the end of its translation. The Hutt roared and the henchmen brandished their weapons. “What seems to be the issue here?” the Emissary, startled, stepped back. The Protocol droid rattled off more insults in Huttese as Hugo held its programming in the palm of his hands.

Enough had been enough and as the Hutt's rage increased, the loyalty of the Weequay guard sought to end the disrespect by firing a bolt into the Emissary's chest. Followed by a bolt being sent into the droid's head.

“Well then,” Hugo grinned widely, “do we have a deal?”

Placement
5th place