Private A Chat Amongst Friends

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I've always loved the Opera House in Nogero City on New Cov. It's architecture is devine and the shows that they produce are stunning. The city itself is a vacation spot and retreat for the elite. My family have an estate here, and it is far enough away from the capital of Ilic City, that it isn't targeted by raiders.

Tonight I have asked Judah to accompany me. Him and I have our ongoing contracts, as well as potential partnerships for future endeavors. I have had plenty of meetings lately, including some on New Cov. However with the reconstruction of Ilic City nearly complete and with security forces becoming more thorough and defined; I shall be able to travel less. For that I am grateful.

I find Judah to be a close assosciate of mine; close enough to almost call him a friend. I am just wary in doing so. The last friend that I had died tragically in a crash caused by an attempted abduction of me back when I was a junior member of the Board. I do not wish to put anyone else into danger like that. So I have kept everyone at arm's length. It was safer for them that way.

Dressed in a sparkling gown, my hair crowned with jeweled clips; I await my guest at the lobby. If there were any press around to ask, they would be quickly assured that my evening with Judah is not a date. It is merely a casual meeting of minds in a pleasant setting.

Tag: Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

NEW COV

Judah wasn't completely surprised by the invitation from Liin "Tera" Terallo .He had seen her around the galaxy lately, business meetings and expos. Plus, as he learned, Director Terallo was now speaking to Casteel for a business venture. The circle was getting smaller, running to the same crowds with each event. Always expected in this line of work.

What was unexpected was the fact Director Terallo didn't want to be picked up at her current place of residence - either an estate or hotel, she preferred to meet him in the lobby of the Nogero City Opera House. Normally he would have objected a little further and insist it was only good manners to do so. Yet he wasn't going to make the woman feel uncomfortable for arcane chivalry.

Wearing a simple black tuxedo, he stepped into the Opera House and looked around. It only took a moment to spot Director Terallo in the mingling crowds. A final call for refreshments was occurring, a buzz around the bar areas of the lobby. The old salvager deftly navigated the crowds to the woman, reaching out to greet her.

A kiss on the cheek.

"Director Terallo, you look splendid. Thank you for having me out, its been some years since I have been a patron of the finer art beyond an art gallery or two"

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I spot my guest just as I'm handed a tall glass of white wine from one of the servers. He makes his approach and I welcome the kiss on the cheek. I place my free hand on his forearm as he does so.

"Thank you for coming, Mister Dashiell. You look very handsome this evening. And it's my pleasure. Shall we take our seats after you've picked out a drink? I've booked us the balcony suite. It has a wonderful view of the stage."

I wait for him to have his drink in hand before leading him up to the balcony. As expected it was very comfortable with a pleasant view from stage left. There are enough seats for a half dozen of us, but for this evening it is just for two. The sounds of the orchestra tuning their instruments can be heard from below. I take my seat, keepping my posture perfectly straight. There'd be no slouching by me! Most especially whilest I'm in public.

"How's your business faring these days? Are you gaining plenty of new contracts?"

Tag: Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

He was not a wine drinker in the slightest. Having tried it twice, it just was not for him. Funny, since his oldest son was looking into starting a winery, expanding their portfolio of agricultural holdings. Lucky for him, the bartender had whisky on the rocks and he took a lowball glass for the journey, joining Director Terallo.

They had impressive balcony seating for the duration of the Opera. There was seating for at least a dozen, but by the looks of it Director Terallo and himself would be the only ones having the honor of sitting and watching the show together. Which was perfect. It would give them a chance to talk and discuss current events without disturbing other patrons. The last thing he needed was to look overly rude on New Cov, he was a guest and he didn't need the locals to think all outsiders were poor mannered.

Judah assisted Director Terallo into her seat before taking his own.

"Business is well. Working on creating one umbrella corporation to house my company and my son's. It will streamline efforts now that the family is growing and I have descendants to think of. As for contracts, the wheels are always churning."

He was chasing a few new leads, but it was also important not to burn the bridges he built.

"I actually have something to discuss with you later. Yet that is later. How are you? How is the business?"

Liin "Tera" Terallo

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I sip my wine as he responds. The opera hasn't started yet, so I can keep my attention solely onto him. An umbrella corporation does sound like a good idea for him. There are many benefits and protections that it could entail for his growing family.

Such a feat would not work for one in my position, however. Most especially due to the fact that I do not have a growing family or children to look after. All of the Covie are under my care instead. And NCBC looks after them, as we should.

"That is good to hear, Mister Dashiell. Creating new ways to allow your business to flourish is always a great thing to accomplish."

I cradle my glass in my hand, tilting my head ever so slightly for a brief moment as he hints at something to speak about in a future conversation. "I am doing fairly well. Business is booming, which I am very grateful for. It can be a pleasant distraction. I am still trying to..." Oh how could I put this? Mister Dashiell is one of the closest people that I could call a friend. However I am wary to lower the walls that I've built inside. "...fully recover from the attack. I am certain that soon everything will return to normal soon. I am thankful that such an attack has not frightened away any business. In fact it was almost a blessing as it has provided more opportunities. Have you ever had a similar experience?"

Tag: Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Judah watched the orchestra tune their instruments, listening to the hum of notes being played and conversations being had in the opera house. The lights hadn't flashed yet indicating it would be time for the show to begin, so most were taking advantage to speak among themselves. For himself and Liin "Tera" Terallo , it was much easier given the privacy of their balcony. No need to worry about being overheard or interrupting someone's experience.

"Hm, yes, I did hear of the attack. I am not surprised. Seems we are always caught in the middle of a religious battle."

He didn't know the details beyond it was a Sith, however, his point still stood. Yet her business still held strong and it seemed NCBC was starting to gather a foothold in the universe as Liin slowly made her presence more known. Very typical, the corporate types like to socialize. A group that seemingly stuck together - after all it was a small, elite circle they ran in.

"It is a blessing you and most of your people are doing fine. Yes, I have had similar experiences. You don't get to my old age without being in a few scrapes and scraps. In fact, I'm fresh off a ransom attempt after trying to set up a recruitment office. Didn't think that was going to happen...uh, but someone is always willing to try I suppose."

A pause.

"Then of course, I have multiple locations and they are always at risk of being raided or destroyed or shut down. It pays to have excellent insurance, business owners like us. Otherwise we would be bankrupt trying to rebuild."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I hardly think that the attack on Ilic was a religious one, nor a part of one. However who am I to say? I know so very little about the space wizards and their religions. There were far more important things to focus on that deal with New Cov directly.

I sip my wine, which was perhaps ill-times as soon as Mister Dashiell speaks of a recent ransom attempt. I nearly choked on the wine in surprise, however with a pause in my breathing, I managed to maintain my composure. "I am sorry to hear of the attempt and am so very glad to hear that it was unsuccessful. I am fortunate not not have had the experience, and I hope that that fortune continues." Credits are one thing for someone to try to gain from her, and biomolecules are another. Each would have a vastly different response; the former being much more pleasant than the latter.

"Having a good security team and well developed security protocols is very good as well. NCBC has not yet expanded to other jurisdictions, but we are looking into it."

A well dressed man enters the center stage, his presence causing the audience to hush their voices. The music starts, beginning with the strings, then the flutes followed by his voice. It carried well in the acoustics of the theatre; the lament sung about a long lost love. I kept quiet for it was one of my favorite songs in this particular opera.

Tag: Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

I am fortunate not not have had the experience, and I hope that that fortune continues

"I am certain that will continue to be the case Director."

Judah wasn't sure what else to say and he was saved by the opera house itself, with one of the male singers stepping onto the stage. The opera was starting off with a male soloist, his tenor voice starting to fill the large space. Well designed architecture helped the voice carry, reverberating throughout the space. The crowd had fallen silent and while Judah couldn't understand the language being used, he could pick up on the tone of the music and facial expressions of the singer.

It wasn't many times he had been to the opera house. It was clear one had to pick up on nuance.

A small glance to the Director beside him. She seemed entranced by the performance. The old salvager wasn't going to disturb Liin "Tera" Terallo with business talks just yet.

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

The music died down once the song was finished. I had set down my glass on a small table at my side mere moments before the singer finished an extended note. I give my applause, along with the rest of the audience. As always, that song tugged at my heart strings, yet I did my very best to not tear up infront of my guest.

Turning my head once I knew myself to be fully composed, I look to Mister Dashiell. I can tell in his eyes that he was a little disconnected from it all. It took me a second or two to realize that it was due to the song not being in basic. "That song is called Running Empty. He sings of losing the love of his life while chasing his dreams, making his achievements feel empty. When he realizes his mistake and returns to her, he finds that she has disappeared."

It was a far cry from anything that I had ever experienced, but I find it awfully touching, all the same.

After a quick scene change, the music begins again. This time it is more lighthearted with vibrant costumes depicting life in a free-spirited village. Some members of the audience sing along with the chorus, given the song's popularity. I refrain from joining in, however. Instead I merely smile and tap my fingers lightly to the rhythm.

Tag: Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"Ah, lost love." Judah took a sip of the whisky in his lowball glass. "Been there, done that."

The opera suddenly went from a melancholy one to a bit more vibrant and catchy. The audience had caught on at this point and Judah was trying to find the connection. A flashback? Perhaps. Or perhaps another 'character' in the opera that would soon intersect with the man who did the opening solo. Seemed one of those 'wait and see' type of situations rather than ask to clarity. Between the tone of the music and expressions on the faces he would figure it out well enough.

"Is this a good time to discuss business or are you terribly involved in the opera currently? Obviously you didn't bring an old man out here just to spend time together. I have an idea to float by you."

Liin "Tera" Terallo

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

"I have not had the experience, thankfully. I'm certain that it would be far too distracting and take me away from my work." I don't expect to find myself falling in love with anyone. There are far more important things for me to do. Running NCBC and New Cov are two of them.

And as always, duty calls. Mister Dashiell clearly had something on his mind and he was more than eager to share what that idea was.

A flick of a switch at my chair brought up a sound barrier of sorts. It was mostly transparent, rising up like a bubble. The music didn't die off completely, but the volume of it did drop.

"We can speak now. I have seen this opera more than a dozen times. What have you got in mind, Mister Dashiell?"

Tag: Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"You can always find someone you work with. Mix a little bit of love and business."

Judah chuckled a little to himself, knowing his comment was going to fall on deaf ears. It didn't matter, it was more gentle ribbing at the New Covie businesswoman more than anything. He wasn't quite sure if they had reached a level of friendship yet but he would risk the comment either way. He thought it was amusing either way.

Eyes didn't leave the opera as he spoke. There was a need to focus and watch the body language of the principals and comprimarios in order to stay abreast of the show. Not knowing the language they were singing in he wasn't going to risk missing a moment and then being thrown off the entire play. Besides, if he focused on the show there would be less pressure for Liin "Tera" Terallo to answer right away.

"I am inventing a new metal compound. We have been experimenting with your biomolecules. I would like to enter a long term contract. I consider myself a generous man, you get a long term contract where I purchase your goods and also eight percent profit on all of this new metal sold. What are your thoughts?"

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I cannot help but to laugh softly at the remark on mixing love and business. The ridiculousness of it was easy to see and in that I knew that it was merely said in jest. I had no interest in any that I worked with. Besides my parents, they were all either too old or already married. And I needed to focus on my work. Progression was slow with the previous Directors for they all had distractions and families to raise, whereas I do not. In a sense one could say that I am married to my job.

I hear Mister Dashiell's telling of his own progress with the biomolecules. I can just feel the pride in me grow as I smile. Oh it is wonderful news to be sure, and I am more than pleased to hear it. A proposal is then made soon after and it is similar to ones that I've received before. Normally I'd of rebuffed with a request for ten percent of the profit, however with Mister Dashiell I am certain that the offered percentage will bring NCBC a lovely bonus on top of what will be gained from the long term contract.

"I am curious to hear of this new metal compound, and I congratulate your team on your success. As for your proposal, I find it acceptable. Tomorrow I can have the contract drawn up. Unless of course you came to New Cov with one already prepared?"

Tag: Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"Liquid metal, for various thermal uses - electronics and sensors and the like but more than that. Heat transfer and cooling, for one."

A lot of possibilities to be had. Judah suspected the liquid metal would bring a tidy profit that Liin "Tera" Terallo would also stand to benefit from. Overhead was low due to a mostly salvaged product. It was labor and bio-molecules now as the bigger of the expenses. Judah knew the market was ready for something a little different and he was happy to include Director Terallo in on something long term.

"I have the contract wrote up. I will send it to you so your legal team can look it over and make any rebuttals. I'm sure there will be a change, there always is in these situations. Not an issue. I suspect the number of eight percent will go higher but best not lose sight this will be a multi-year contract for the biomolecules."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

"Liquid metal? That is a wonderful idea. The biomolecules will serve you well in that regard."

It is such an interesting concept and one that I hadn't thought of before. Biomolecules had been used in conjunction with liquids before, but never metal. At least not a metal that sustained a constant liquid form. I will of course leave such a product to his company to fully develop. Afterall, NCBC didn't have a habit of stealing another's ideas. Most especially those from our clients.

"Do not worry. I am sure that a final contract will be brought about very shortly." I give him a small smile in earnest.

I turn my attention back to the opera, however I make no move to lower the shield. Not just yet. A mock battle takes place with fake weapons firing. I can feel my expression drop, along with my smile. I cannot help the change for the scene just takes me back to recent events. "I suppose that we were lucky that the attempted coup did little damage. I can only imagine how awful it would have been if the jungles were razed to the ground." I pause for a moment and then turned slightly in my chair so that I wouldn't need to turn my head so much when speaking. I wanted ro have some form of comfort during these next few moments. "I still have nightnares from that day, so my sleep patters have not been well. Someone told me that the way to be rid of them is to face the trauma and work through it. I haven't really spoken about it to anyone, and you are the closest person that I have to a friend. So, would you be so kind as to.....help me through it?" It was a terribly difficult thing for me to ask. Showing any kind of vulnerability in front of a client was so very wrong. Yet if I am to be on the top of my game, I needed to work this through.

Tag: Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

I haven't really spoken about it to anyone, and you are the closest person that I have to a friend. So, would you be so kind as to.....help me through it?

Judah raised his lowball glass. He had been nursing the whisky contained inside, but was going to bring up a point. Was he really the best person to guide someone through trauma? Not in the slightest. He was very well aware that his methods of coping years ago had been extremely unhealthy - Balun Dashiell was the literal evidence of that.

"So, you want to perfect the art of getting black out drunk on the weekends?"

There wasn't much humor in his voice. The old salvager shifted in his chair, turning so he could see her better in the dim light of the opera house. He knew she was being serious but so was he. Judah didn't mind helping a friend in need but in this case he was quite clueless and uncertain as to what exactly was going to assist her recovery.

"How can I assist? The family has a compound on Joiol with guest homes. You're more than welcome to go and stay seaside and breathe from fresh air. Maybe a change of scenery."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

If ever there was a time for me to slump; now would be the time to do it. However, I refrained from doing so. Yet still I could feel by body shift lower as my expectations fell. But how was I to know what he has gone through in his own life? I barely know much about him.

No, getting blackout drunk wasn't the answer. I could never allow myself to get drunk anyways. I haven't even had enough wine to get tipsy. Perhaps it's due to the fact that my drinks tend to last. I never chug them down.

"I have not been to the seaside before. It would be nice to try some day if ever I have some free time. I just cannot spare it currently." Days off are a rare thing for me. I cannot remember the last time that I have had one. Even before I became the Director, I was still very busy and always working.

"I apologize for asking. It was unbecoming of me." I offer up a polite smile, though really I feel so embarrassed about the whole thing. I don not know why I had assumed that everyone talks things out. Perhaps it's part and parcel of being a politician. Everything is talked about. "I am sure that I will overcome it soon enough." I can always turn to my parents, afterall. But I just didn't want them to know. I didn't want their respect of me to be lowered.

"Shall we return our focus to the opera? I really shouldn't of had you distracted from it for long."

Tag: Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"I apologize for asking. It was unbecoming of me."

"I can listen, I just can't provide any positive solutions. Maybe a few suggestions, at the most. I am not the best person to be coming to for such advice."

Judah wanted to offer the contact information for the therapist he had sent his son to. However, given it seemed he had just offended her, it was most likely not wise to present such an idea. It wasn't that he was being harsh, Judah was certainly sympathetic to Liin "Tera" Terallo and her plight. Clearly New Cov had been isolated and fairly quiet up until this point.

"So, when you're ready, I'm happy to listen to what is on your mind."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I dip my head in acknowledgement, however my confidence remains shattered. At least in this regard. So I turn myself in my chair once more while I remain silent.

At least for a time. For me it feels like twenty minutes or so has passed, however in reality it was probably far shorter. Mister Dashiell said that he would listen. And Jonah told me to talk to a friend. So I must follow the advice given to me if I am to overcome my nightmares.

So while I keep my eyes forward on the stage below, I speak to him quietly. "The attack rattled me. Nefaron broadcasted my blame to everyone in a bid to have the Covie turn against me so that I'd be brought to him. And in some ways, he was right. I did invite him, but in the same way that I had invited other clients. I knew what he was, yet others like him had come here by my invitation and had been nothing but respectful and kind. He gave no indication of his true motivations.

My naivety caused the brutal deaths and abductions of hundreds of Covie. That guilt still hangs over me. I have hired some people to find them and/or their bodies so that they can be returned home. But it is a near impossible task, I am aware. I have taken steps to ensure New Cov's protection. And despite all of that, my nightmares still persist. I am unsure if it is possible to stop them. What do you believe?"

Tag: Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

A little tension in the air, so Judah turned himself towards the opera and finished off the contents his lowball glass. He was not, as anyone knew him well, the best person to come to with such issues. Mainly because he had such poor coping skills himself. Telling Liin "Tera" Terallo to simply throw herself into work and be done with it wasn't healthy. He would be a hypocrite to say otherwise, do as I say, not as I do.

Yet Director Terallo must have changed her mind, now speaking about the events that transpired on New Cov. Listening, he wondered if the planet would go back to their isolationist ways once again. Hard to put the lid back down on such a thing though, in his opinion. Especially with the attack gaining attention in various circles of the 'verse.

"Perhaps, in time, the nightmares will cease. I doubt you will ever truly forget such a thing. It would be difficult for anyone to forget." Judah paused, mulling over his words. "You can let it consume you and get in the way of your personal life. Your professional life. Or you can acknowledge it, learn from the situation, and move from there. What that move looks like...I suppose thats part of your own personal processing journey and how you end up feeling after."