Private A Chat Amongst Friends

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

No, I will never forget. That much is true. How could one easily escape those memories? Perhaps drinking oneself into a stupor like he had suggested earlier. But that would only be temporary.

I almost laughed as he touched on my personal life for I didn't have one of those. Spending every waking hour working is all that I've known in my adult life. Most especially when I had first decided to earn a place within the Board of Directors. And my work never stopped there. The rise in my position to Head Director was attributed to that.

"Thank you. I am certainly learning from it and have been taking steps to ensure that such an attack never happens again. Things may change here a little, but the Covie can adapt. We're good that way. Perhaps my presumption that the nightmares would cease in a short time was a little short sighted. I am partly to blame, I know that and have accepted it. Which is why I am doing my best to make ammends. I just hope that in time it will be enough."

Tag: Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

I just hope that in time it will be enough.

"I'm sure any effort you put in, as long as its genuine, will be received well and will be enough for the people at large."

He didn't have experience running a planet but running a company and running one large enough to have a major presence on uninhabited worlds, so it a way it was ensuring a small world was happy at relatively safe at all times. Naturally, much more on Director Liin "Tera" Terallo , because it sounded like to him her family was effectively the government and employer, rather than just a business.

Always complicated when one got into the corporate-run governments. He did his best to avoid such things, it was hard enough with Dashiell Incorporated and the various subsidiaries plus the family. Miss Terallo didn't have the family problems - as he was reminded, but he thought having a family for her would be a good distraction. Maybe a hobby.

"You know how to fish? I just learned how to fly fish....maybe you need a new distraction."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I certainly hope that he is right.

But that's the worry for all leaders when bad things happen, isn't it? One always wonders if they've done enough or could have done more. Hind sight is twenty-twenty, or so they say.

His question on fishing, however, drew from me nothing but a blank stare. I wasn't quite sure of what he was getting at. Was it new slang for shopping? And why would he ever try shopping for flies? Were they a delicacy where he was from? I suppose that some cultures were like that.

Although the suggestion of a distraction was a good one. However I had very little free time to spare, if any. There are no days off for one in my position. Even now this night at the opera is a business outing securing NCBC a lengthy contract.

"Do you mean going to the market? I cannot say that I have gone to the market for food before. My staff take care of that. Is there a strategy to it?"

Tag: Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"Do you mean going to the market? I cannot say that I have gone to the market for food before. My staff take care of that. Is there a strategy to it?"

"You haven't been to the market? Ever?"

Judah momentarily lost his train of thought on explaining the use of a hobby to Director Liin "Tera" Terallo . He looked stunned, perhaps even a little taken aback. To be fair, he was 'new money', the first generation to reach such success. Perhaps if he had grown up with the amount of credits he had now....no....even then. Judah knew for a fact even the notorious Queen of Trade , Danger Arceneau , had done grocery shopping from time to time. Especially when their respective children had been younger.

Mouth practically agape, Judah remembered they were talking about hobbies and Director Terallo acquiring one. He, naturally, had offered to teach her how to fish. Cooking had been a thought too but if he went that route they would have to have an entire lesson on just navigating Trader ATC and any delivery services offered by such places.

"No. Not the market although now we have to make a trip. Fishing. As in we catch our own food alive. Or....you can catch it for fun then release it."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

It seemed as though he didn't fully understand me. The shock was easily seen as it was written all over his expression. "I have not been to the market for food, no. But for clothing and jewelry; that I have done quite a few times. If one wants the proper fit, one must be present for it."

And now it was my turn to be surprised. He thinks that I would go out into the wilderness and water to catch things to eat? For fun? Is he insane? Perhaps someone had slipped something into his drink. That was about all that I could come up with.

Quickly I regain my composure and give him an amused smile. "Why no, catching something, let alone something to eat was never anything that I have ever thought of doing. I was not built to live off the land like they do in some worlds. Going outside of the domes into the jungles is never safe."

Tag: Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Judah chuckled, trying not to burst out into full blown laughter. It was helped by the fact that he was flabbergasted by the fact Liin "Tera" Terallo had never been to the market. It was odd - not even with her parents or a nanny? He didn't know her childhood situation so he couldn't speak on what type of home she was raised in. Leaning back in his chair, he listened to her concerns about not going outside.

"You're making excuses." Tone was light, teasing.

"Okay, so you don't have to learn here. I can take you out on my boat on Joiol and I can toss you into the deep end with ocean fishing. Or, if you're still nervous, an educational trip to the market and day spent learning how to cook. I've been wanting to improve on my squash ravioli recipe and this would give me an excuse. Its not as intimating as one would think - I already know you're going to protest."

Judah stroked his beard, thinking.

"Woodworking is my other hobby, I can't see you terribly interested in learning to build a bookshelf."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I can tell in an instant that he finds me to be a bit...ridiculous. Yet my life on New Cov has not afforded me the luxuries or experiences that others have had. In some ways it can easily be said that I have lived life in a bubble. Even my social interactions have been veey minimal.

My body stiffens as Mister Dashiell even suggests tossing me into the ocean. I have never even seen an ocean or large body of water; let alone know how to stay afloat on one!

Yet he thankfully changes his suggestion and so I allow myself to relax a little. But cooking? Me? My staff and my parents would be appalled! "I am not so certain about cooking. But I can surely watch? I do not enter the kitchens, for it is not my place to do so. So I have not seen how anything is cooked. How long does it take? I will need to check my schedule for the hours that will be required." As I had told him before, I have no days off. There are a lot of responsibilities on my plate and both New Cov and NCBC can't afford me to take any days off.

Tag: Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"I cannot tell you how long it will take."

Yes, most recipes had time frames. That wasn't an issue. The issue arose when trying to teach someone said recipe. Some caught on quicker than others and some needed a little more time. If Liin "Tera" Terallo had not even seen a meal being prepared, then there was a lot of uphill battle. He'd have to start with the basics such as handling a knife and chopping. That could be an hours long time within itself.

If he didn't know any better, he would suspect Liin was trying to get out of spending time building a friendship. He didn't know her that well, so it hard to tell in some ways. He wouldn't be offended if she just said 'no thanks' and moved on.

"Why do you not hire assistants? Division Directors? Regional Managers? It would free up some time but also grow the business. It would give the company the ability to expand to other jungle planets even."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

He does not know how long it will take? Perhaps that is due to my own lack of knowledge in that area. But it is not my fault, for I was raised to stick to my own duties and not to interfere in the work of others.

"I am certain that even me just watching you cook would be a learning experience. Do you not agree?" I can only hope that he does!

I lower my head ever so slightly as he mentioned hiring an assistant. Such a subject was a little touchy for me, even to this day. "I had an assistant, once, back when I was but a junior member of the Board. But sadly she was killed in an attempted abduction of me. It was thereafter that experience that my Father had hired security for me, and those upon which could handle the Force Wizards. I do not wish to risk the same thing to happen to anyone else, so I have not hired another. There is already enough blood on my hands." And I do not wish for there to be any more. Bot if I can help it, at the very least.

Tag: Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"I am certain that even me just watching you cook would be a learning experience. Do you not agree?"

"No, I do not agree. If that was the case one could turn on the holovision and watch a program. There are many, even someone with limited time can catch fifteen minutes before bed. However, I will not force you to spend time with me. I am merely offering suggestions for you, but such things like hobbies take time and trial and error.

. I do not wish to risk the same thing to happen to anyone else, so I have not hired another. There is already enough blood on my hands

"What about droid assistants? My son and daughter in law each have one. Now, I am not a huge fan of droids. However, they are not living in the true sense of the word. Many advanced options out there, some so advanced they can do business for you. Or at least represent your interests. Think of it as having two of you at once."

Liin "Tera" Terallo

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

And there we go. What I had presumed to reveal my dedication to duty had instead shown something else entirely. And it had caused something upon which my parents and the Board would berate me for.

I turn my body towards him again and lower my head. "I am sorry for offending you. I am not trying to avoid spending time with you, it is just--" I pause as I let out a breath before continuing, "I am unfamiliar with the duties required for having a friend. I have not had any since I was but a child, and I hardly believe that one could expect us to copy the playtime that children have. I will find a way to rearrange my schedule, if you permit it." However many hours it will be, I am uncertain. But there is always still the chance that I had offended him so much that he will turn me down.

With that being said, I turn to his other comment; this one about droids. It was of course, a brilliant one. Although how trustworthy were they? "I have not thought of utilizing droids for such a purpose. To tell you the truth, they are not as commonplace here in that capacity. Can they be trusted for such tasks? I deal with a lot of secretive projects and I would hate for those to be leaked."

Tag: Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

No friends since childhood? Even his, often ornery self, had a few friends. Not a wide circle but that was fine. Given his work and tending to be a more private person, he was perfectly fine with that. Yet none was a small extreme in his opinion. Wasn't his place to judge though, and perhaps Director Liin "Tera" Terallo would come around to some of his ideas in time and pencil him in for something.

"I have not thought of utilizing droids for such a purpose. To tell you the truth, they are not as commonplace here in that capacity. Can they be trusted for such tasks? I deal with a lot of secretive projects and I would hate for those to be leaked."

"If you spend the appropriate amount credits, most advanced models are quite secure. Or so I've heard. I would recommend something with encryption and several layers of security. Some have resistance to restraining bolts and EMP attacks. Granted, nothing is fool proof. Could always have the droid store data in a proprietary HoloNet cloud and wipe often if you're highly concerned."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

My apology was not accepted. I give a slight nod to myself in acceptance of it as I shift my body in the chair once more so that I may view the stage once more. I chastize myself for being improper and for letting my guard down for the briefest of moments. No one should see any of my vulnerabilities. It is very bad for business.

Another battle had ended on stage, leaving two costumed soldiers to sing a lament about their fallen comrades. I remembered this part very well, however it did not bring me to the edge of tears like it normally had, for my mind was completely elsewhere.

I listen to Mister Dashiell offer up his advice on the security that a droid could have. "The Holonet is not a secure place to store anything of importance. And I would not want a droid to fall victim to being hacked so that it can turn against me. I will need to look into this very carefully and with proper research. Thank you, Mister Dashiell. I will take it into consideration. You have been most helpful. Shall we return to the show?"

With the click of a button I remove the sound proof bubble that had surrounded us, allowing for the both of us to be immersed in the opera once again. Fresher air and the return of the music should be more than enough of a distraction.

Tag: Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"Merely a suggestion."

Ordering another drink, Judah then turned his attention to the opera, noting the conversation was effectively over. It was difficult to tell another business owner what to do, especially when each had their own way of doing things. Ocean blue eyes tried to catch up with the story thus far but he quickly gave up on that front. He was already lost before and now he was further behind in terms of figuring out what exactly was going on.

Still, it was entertaining and Director Liin "Tera" Terallo made it clear conversation was off the table.

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I am almost afraid of the opera coming to an end. I have botched up this evening something horrible and it only reinforced something for me. And that was in how difficult it was as an adult in entertaining the idea of cultivating a friendship of any sort. Revealing vulnerabilities only allows for one to get hurt. I had lowered my walls for but a moment and I should not have done so. I realize that now. Not only did I allow myself to be hurt, but I had forgotten proper etiquette at that moment and disrespected my guest in the process. And it was made very clear to me at how wrong I was in doing so.

I will not be so selfish again. I will carry on with the façade that everything is good, under every circumstance. That was how I had gone through life before and that is how it should continue. Life moves on and everything is pleasant with no moments such as this where it is uncomfortable.

And as the opera comes to it's conclusion, I set down my glass and applaud with the rest, rising to my feet as a standing ovation is given to the performers as they line up at the stage and take their bows.

I give a polite smile. "Well that was lovely, thank you. I shall work on the extension of our contract before I retire for the evening and have it ready for your review by the morning."

Tag: Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

I give a polite smile. "Well that was lovely, thank you. I shall work on the extension of our contract before I retire for the evening and have it ready for your review by the morning."

"Excellent. There is no rush, you can enjoy your evening. If I leave and it is not finished I'm sure you still have my holomail address."

Looking into the future, the biomolecule contract would be beneficial for them both. Not only in terms of credits either. There would be the networking opportunities by using the biomolecules on his end. Some clients wanted to know the refinement process and different attributes that went into the smelting of salvage. The more clients knew about New Cov the more profitable business would be. Or, alternatively, would bring more publicity to the planet and its works.

Offering his arm, they slowly left the private viewing box. Such things were always crowded upon shows end. They could have lingered in the box but he got the impression the evening was over, especially when she mentioned getting back to him in the morning. Still, if she wanted it he would escort her back to her domicile. It was good manners and he wasn't certain about crime in the area.

Liin "Tera" Terallo

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I give Mister Dashiell a respectful nod, even though I don't fully agree with him. There's nothing else that I'd rather be doing than work. It helps to pass the time and keeps my mind occupied. If I wasn't doing that this evening, then I would be sleeping. "On the contrary, I find my work to be quite enjoyable. So I am not bothered in getting right to it."

He offered me his arm, and dutifully I take it. We join the crowd in the lobby and quietly weave our way through it. I keep my posture poised, though I hardly feel relaxed. Instead I find myself second-guessing every movement that I make and every word that I utter. Even my silence gives me doubt about it too being somehow wrong. Oh, the sooner that I could escape this uncomfortable turn of events, the better!

"My staff should be here at any moment. Do you need a lift anywhere? I'm sure that they could accomodate."

Tag: Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"My staff should be here at any moment. Do you need a lift anywhere? I'm sure that they could accomodate."

"Oh no, I can walk. I appreciate it though but stretching my legs will be good. Besides, I can take in the sights."

He still didn't know much about New Cov and how the planet worked beyond dangerous jungles. Even now, they were in domes - very disjointed domes. It didn't seem to bother the locals but it was more just a fascinating piece of life for himself. There were no plans to spend much time on the planet either way. More work to get done, new fires to put out.

"Appreciate the evening. We should hang out again soon, although I suspect we will see one another at the CIG functions in the future. Until we meet again, Director Liin "Tera" Terallo ."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I dip my head, removing my arm from his as he expressed his content at walking. That was all well and good for some people. But not for me. I was not a tourist in my own city.

His request to 'hang out' with me again surprises me. It is such a strange turn of phrase. Perhaps it is an old one. Although I expect that the gesture was out of polite decorum. Still, I am bound to accept the gesture. "I am sure that we will, for as long as they'll have me there. Have a good evening."

My staff arrive right on time. I recognize the transport. And without further adieu I walk over to it and step inside. There was work for me to do and I could not wait to get myself lost in it. The sooner my debacle was behind me, the better.

Tag: Judah Dashiell