Age of Constructs

[Danger Arceneau]

Vanir Technologies Orbital Shipyards
Classified Location

---

It was to be their first little family field trip. While they had gone to Empress Teta for Lily’s coronation, this was different. It was to be a private showing and tour of the recently completed Vanir Technologies Orbital Shipyards; one of the greatest constructs of the recent known galaxy in a long while.

Built to rival Kuat Shipyards, it was a massive example of progress and the ability of Vanir Technologies reach and function. It had taken many resources to get here, including a few of Danger’s own. Browncoat Arms, Haven Shipyards, and Arceneau Trade had given support through contracts in resources and supplies. There were many others; investors and the like much like Aurora and G.E.A.R.

Honestly it almost reminded her of a previous project. The New Citadel Station. So much time had passed since then. The Eve Foundation now had a headquarters there. With Primeval departing, it was now a neutral humanitarian waypoint. Which was fine by her. That meant that now the station could be a neutral entity. She'll be receiving updates from Saffron like always, but in the meantime, she had other matters to attend to.

While Myra was still slowly being introduced to larger crowds, it was evident that she was excited at the prospect of visiting. Alric had detailed more of the shipyard when Nell had provided more information on the final stage. The description was enough to awe the child, and it was decided to visit while crews were small before the official opening.

They were in hyperspace now, and would arrive shortly. The location was kept classified, for obvious purposes. Only on a need to know basis. They had brought along Mister Tuggles for the ride, what with the creature now Myra’s constant companion. Watching them together brought a smile to her face, and she wryly would glance at her husband.

“You know… I do believe you have been replaced in Mister Tuggle’s affections.” she teased.


[member="Alric Kuhn"]

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

"Well." Alric said as his arm slipped around her waist. "I guess you'll just have to spend the rest of your days consoling me."

There was a slight shake as the ship dropped from hyperspace, the docking procedure wouldn't take long, and as Myra ran across the ship with Mr. Tuggles Alric wondered just how long the little Tuggle would live. It was a sort of morbid thought, but in truth Alric had no idea of the answer. Tuggles weren't Akk Dogs, they weren't Nexu or any of that sort, for all he knew Mr. Tuggles would outlive him, Danger, and maybe even Myra. Hhe frowned for a moment and tilted his head, pressing the odd thought out of his mind.

Today wasn't about death.

It was about creation, or at least in his mind it was.

For Myra it was probably just about seeing a galactic wonder for the first time, about seeing something so massive that it was hard to even comprehend. He imagined that for the little girl it would probably look much like a theme park, something to explore, and just stare at in wonderment. In truth, Alric felt much the same way. He hadn't had a hand in this project at all, he'd never seen the Driveyards, only the plans that had been created for them.

This visit was something unique for all of them. He remembered the places they had been to, The Spire in particular. The old Tetan remembered well what he had thought back then, would he think the same when he saw the driveyards for the first time? He hoped so.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

A chuckle would rumble against Alric's neck, a soft nuzzle from the Queen of Trade. "Mmm, such work. Pity." she'd say wryly, but it was in mild humor. This was to be a grand event, at least in the extent of this construct. Neither Alric nor Danger have seen it for themselves with their own eyes. Only models and figures of schematics. It would truly be a first for the small family of three.

"If it is as large as Nell states," Danger began, running her hand along his shoulder, feeling the muscles flex and bunch under the fabric of his shirt. "You won't be able to keep it secret for long." a small kiss was pressed to his temple, where streaks of grey met the black that lingered. Tiny creases lined the corners of his eyes, weathered cheeks framed by the peppered groomed beard of the Tetan. Yet the poignancy and vividness of the blue of his eyes were still striking.

"What will be Vanir's next achievement after this? What could possibly match it?"

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

He smiled slightly. "I don't know."

Alric had washed his hands of the company, well, of all but ownership. He still claimed the majority stake in Vanir Technologies and in truth could seize the rest of it in a matter of days if he really wanted to, but he didn't want to. Vanir was profitable as it was, and the stock he held within the company gained more and more value as the days went by. When the shipyard was finally announced and production began, he would be even more wealthy then he currently was.

Perhaps he'd have the funds to match Danger.

"Maybe they'll build a planet." He mused quietly. That was something that hadn't been done in four centuries, and had taken the aid of an AI that had later turned on the galaxy itself. He remembered those days well, the stories and the tales. Perhaps it was all rumor, who could remember such things. He frowned for a moment, then shifted his weight to his good leg. "I suppose we'll just have to wait and see."

That idea didn't offend him too much. His nose didn't belong in Vanir technologies anymore, he simply didn't have the time nor the desire to get involved once more. Of course his curiosity was still there, that was why they were after all, but in truth he was perfectly happy with his current situation. He got a sneak peek before anyone else, and that was enough for him.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

One would wonder if Alric Kuhn was joking. However, he was the sort of man that would take it as a challenge and see if he could do it. Danger's shoulders gave a subtle shake, and she bent down to press another kiss on his temple. Build a planet?

"Well now there's an idea." she'd murmur. There was a twinkle in her eye that would suggest more. The Queen of Trade was also known for pushing the limits. Perhaps building a Trade World would not be far off after all.

"Myra seems to be doing better." changing the subject to that of their daughter, Danger brought to mind the little girl. She'd been a bit pale, a bit more lethargic. Her worry had her taken to the doctor, but they'd found nothing wrong with her. Perhaps the stress and the trauma. Danger wasn't too sure, but both Alric and she were keeping an eye on her.

"Just hope this won't strain her too much." her hands began to gently run through Alric's hair, brushing it back.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

"We can take breaks." Alric suggested, or rather, would insist down the line. While Myra's health was a concern, the honest truth was that his own wasn't much better. His heart problems had mostly gone away, and he was fine in most other areas, but his leg...even with the brace there were still some issues.

He couldn't walk for long periods of time without rest, couldn't go without the brace for much more then a few steps, and the cane was needed if he went without anyone else. The damage that had been done to his muscles, tendons, and even the bone were extensive, so extensive that fixing them had become impossible, even through surgery. Briefly he had thought about just replacing the damn thing with something made of metal, but the idea had quickly gone away when Danger had pointed out she'd rather have something warm bump into her in the night.

For a moment the Tetan frowned.

Somehow, somewhere along the last twenty years he'd gotten old. Oddly enough Alric couldn't remember when that had happened.

"Come on." Alric said pressing his lips against her cheek, the ship shaking slightly as it finally docked against the massive driveyards far entrance hanger. "There's a lot to see."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"] was right. There was a lot to see.

The Queen of Trade smiled into the kiss, rising to her feet. He followed her shortly after, needing just a couple of more seconds to do so. the years were now visible for both to agree that age had come to them. Lines would mar the corners of Danger's eyes, her body a little bit fuller here and there. She wore her age with a grace and beauty that gave her an aura of class few could compare. The secret being not due to artifice or products crafted for beauty, but because true joy had finally come for the woman. It may have taken decades, but the faint glow that lingered in her now common smile was due to Alric and Myra's presence. Makai had dominated her heart for years, and he would never be replaced. He simply now had companions who also joined him and Judah in her heart.

"Will Nell be here?" Danger would ask, ambling alongside her husband as they went searching for their daughter. They would find her nearly plastering her face against the largest of the view ports on the ship. The familiar presence of Mister Tuggles was right beside her, two paws up on the couch as his large head and black triangle of a nose mirrored the little girl. His big fluffy tail gave a wag when the two arrived.

The Liran was a busy woman, but she had noted some strain on her. This also made her wonder about Amore. She now led the Eve Foundation and would be aiding in the development of the new headquarters on Telos at the Citadel Station. The Jedi Order's Exis station was near if she recalled correctly. Last she heard there were several humanitarian aide projects coming from it.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Alric shook his head in answer, in truth it was all that he could muster.

As they came up behind Myra Alric and Danger would catch view of what she was staring at. It was the station itself, massive, expansive, and simply daunting in size. His breath hitched slightly as it came into view, eyes trying to focus on everything at once. The old man breathed a quiet curse of astonishment, making sure that Myra did not hear him swear.

The station was massive.

No, that was an understatement.

The shipyard was large enough to build several dozen capital ships at once. He had joked about building a planet, but to his eyes Nel had already done it. The place was huge, indescriminately so. It was enough to make one silent, enough to make one wonder if anything they had done was worth a damn.

Alric stood silently behind his daughter, just watching.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

"Well I'll be..." there was a measure of awe within the Queen of Trade's voice. A husky drawl that would drift at the enormous construct that lay before them. For a moment, one was struck breathless at the sight. To see it in its final form, fully constructed after the near endless amount of resources and manpower was startling. Breathtaking.

"Now ain't that a sight to behold?" she'd say, slipping her arm around the small of Alric's back to snake around his waist. The Tetan did the same, holding his wife close while their daughter tried to take it all in. Her eyes were as wide as saucers, gray discs that dominated her small face. She was almost as if in a trance, with Mister Tuggles energetically wagging his tail from side to side, as if he knew this was a special moment.

They stood there, admiring the view for a few more moments before Myra turned her dark head and met her adopted parent's eyes. Her small pale hand came up, finger pointed towards the shipyard as if asking, are we going there?

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

For a moment he didn't answer Myra, too transfixed in the sight before him. He had expected something grand, but this? This was something entirely different. He could understand the delays, he could understand the time it took, the way everything had folded together must have been...impossible to say the least. His lips thinned for a moment, eyes slowly scanning over the far reaches of the shipyard as he tried to map every angle, every line, every small piece.

"Amazing." He said more to himself then Danger or Myra.

Finally there was a small tug at the leg of his pants. He looked down to see his youngest daughter there, looking at her two parents expectantly. He smiled slightly and then gave her a short nod, using his free hand to point the way.

"Down there, Honey." Alric said. "We'll have to go through the common area first."

That was where most people would live, shop, and entertain themselves.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Reaching down, Danger would extend her hand over to the little girl. One tiny palm went slipping into her own, carefully cradled as the trio began to amble their way towards the common area.

“How many personnel is the station able to maintain?” Danger would ask, looking up at Alric for a moment. The faint click, click, click of Mister Tuggels’ black claws as he trotted beside them was a familiar beat. He didn’t stray far from Myra, keeping his stride to match her own, his big fluffy tail lightly wagging as they moved. Every now and then he’d stop, circle around and take a little sniff of the ground. After a moment he’d bound back, catching up to Myra to bump her thigh and ask to be petted.

“And what is the largest length it would be able to maintain?” Just the regular common questions, but the ones she was interested in. When they entered the common area, there were a few people milling about. All employees handling the last minute preparations. Seeing them had Myra clutch close to Alric and Danger, taking a small step back so she’d be behind them as if to hide.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

"Nearly a hundred thousand." That was a lot, more then enough to build and maintain the starships that would be coming here. They would all be living here, thriving here, or that was how he understood it. Perhaps some would travel, though given how far the station was from anything else he doubted that anyone would be all too eager for the commute. He maneuvered the trio through a small garden that had clearly just been dug not too long ago.

"The docks will be separated by corporation." Alric explained. "It's all meant for others, just a small section will be used by Vanir. From what I understand the station will be partitioned according to what each individual rents, then built up so it suits their need. Every time a company drops out or buys into the station it will be a massive undertaking to change all that, but I suppose in the end Vanir won't be paying for it."

He shrugged. The companies that rented parts of The Foundry would be the ones to pay for the partitioning.

"It was designed to build ships up to three thousand meters, though I think it can be more if they shift some of the drydocks." Much like on Kuat or Fondor. The driveyards were only limited by how much money you had.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

“Which companies have bought into the Foundry?” Danger was curious. Oh Browncoat, Pharmatech, and Haven of course had worked with Vanir in regards to the Foundry - there wasn’t a large project that the Arceneau Conglomerate wasn’t a part of. That however, was now overseen more by Aeri Vyn and Alisha. Danger was slowly taking a step back from business save for the key items that required her absolute attention.

Myra was still acting a bit shy. This time, she managed to wiggle herself in between Alric and Danger, as if she could use them both as a shield to hide behind. Two hands crept up to take one of each, with Mister Tuggles doing a small circle around them before settling into a trot alongside the Tetan.

“You okay there honey?” she’d ask, smiling as green eyes bore down gently at the little girl. “It’s okay. Ain’t nothing to be afraid of.”

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Alric shrugged. "I don't know exactly, at least a dozen."

He wasn't involved anymore.

The signing of corporations, those who would be renting and those who just gave their support, was all confidential. He probably could find out if he exerted enough pressure on Nel and the Board, but why bother? He knew that The Foundry would be successful, knew that he had left Vanir in capable hands, there was no need to be pushy and get involved. Not when he was going to make literally billions of credits on the construction of this place.

"They're just here to work, Honey." Alric reinforced Danger's kind words. There was no reason for Myra to be afraid, though of course her fear wasn't a rational one to begin with. The little girl was scared because of what had happened on Dromund Kaas, an event that would likely never be repeated, much less here on The Foundry. "Come on, we'll go the secret way."

He pulled Myra and Danger along with him, heading towards the maintenance halls. The little girl seemed somewhat excited, her eyes beaming when she heard the word 'secret'.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

It sometimes still amazed her how Alric was able to connect with younglings so. There was a difference in the way he handled himself and interacted with Myra. It made her smile, watching Myra's expression change from wariness to excitement. How the Tetan was able to perk their daughter's spirits up gave Danger an image of how he'd likely been around Lily and Rose in the past. It was bittersweet, a realization that there were decades that she had not been around to see. It was just how things had come to pass.

A smile would flourish over the younglings crown at Alric. There wasn't a need to become depressed over what had already occurred. They had the here and now. The future to look forward to. For both Alric and she and even Myra. Coming here to this shipyard was part of that. On moving forward with life.

"It's pretty big ain't it?" Danger would murmur down to the little girl. Myra gave a short quick nod, Mister Tuggles hastening his step to match with hers. His large head gave a bump against her hip, wanting a pet. A small giggle and she did so, letting her small fingers run over the Tuggle's head. They crossed the threshold and entered the restricted area, where maintenance workers had thinned here. From here, there were several maintenance turbo lifts, each would travel to different sectors in the shipyards.

It wasn't as fancy, but it would provide them a way to travel without too many eyes or ears on them.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

"Yes." Alric said as he slipped his finger's around Danger's waist and pulled her close. "It is big."

He squeezed her side gently, a small smirk on his face. "Some might say huge even."

Myra was already halfway down the hall when Alric finished speaking, the little girl having chased Mr. Tuggles to one of the larger windows that sat besides the turbo-lifts. The little girl stared out the window, this this time she wasn't watching The Station. Instead her gaze was fixed upon a nearby nebula. They were quite close to it, only a couple of million kilometers. They had passed through it on their way here, though of course in hyperspace through a direct route. Myra hadn't seen it then of course, but now she was absolutely transfixed by it.

Alric and Danger eventually came up behind the little girl, Mr. Tuggles busying himself by sniffing everything in sight.

"That's the Drexl paw Nebula." Alric told Myra. "Covers half this sector of the galaxy."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

There was a small private chuckle at the innuendo, a knowing glittering in Danger’s green eyes.

“Mmm.. perhaps.” she’d say, a coy glance directed over to the Tetan with a humorous twist of her red lips. When the exquisite sight of the Nebula came into view, there was a small pause. It was beautiful. Perhaps not as striking as the Flamewind, but close enough.

A small thought came to mind. Bringing up another memory. Titan Station. She still had it. It was still out there, maintained and within the distance of a quasar. The gift Alric had given to her with a letter when he had first disappeared.

“...Reminds me of Titan Station.” she’d murmur, low enough for him to hear. Myra was washed in wonder, her large grey eyes taking in all the different colors and the lights. It was enormous, so much so to make one feel so small. Excitement would dance over her face and she turned to Alric to tug at his pants, as if to say, are you watching?! Can you see it?!

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

He smiled down at his daughter. "It's part of why the station was built here, Honey. The nebula obscures Sensors and communications, making it hard for anyone to come through it unless they know the proper path."

Myra looked up at Alric for a moment, then to Danger.

The little girl understood the idea behind it, though she didn't quite get the concept as to why anyone would want to hide such a magnificent and beautiful place. Of course, the workings of evil were somewhat ingrained in the little girl, but there was still a bit of innocence left inside of her. Enough that she would question why someone would want to hide a place like this. Alric simply leaned down and gently pushed Myra's hair out of her face.

"It also looks very nice." He said with a smile. "So people that live here can look at it whenever they want."

That answer seemed far more acceptable to the little girl.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Danger went crouching down beside Myra. She figured that was exactly why they built the shipyards beside the nebula. Much like Titan Station.

"Very pretty, hmm?" with her skirt, it was a bit more difficult to bend down, but it was no real trouble. A hand rose as the little girl gave a nod, her eyes full of wonder. They were enormous within the frame of her small face. She was still in the process of getting all the nutrition she needs; her time at Drumond Kaas had not been a pleasent one for her growth and well-being. Regardless, Danger was sure that her biological parents did the best they could. They had Myra first and foremost in their minds. Their sacrifice to protect their daughter was evident in that.

"How would you like to see one that changes colors?" Danger gave a small waggle of her brows. That brought a touch of curiousity within the younglings eyes. She was speaking of course, of the Flamewind itself.

Tucking a stray hair behind Myra's ears, Danger bent down and pressed a kiss on her soft cheek. "Later on this year, we can all go and see it at my station, okay?"

Another nod, with Mister Tuggles coming in to bump against Alric for attention. That prompted a small chuckle. "Come on, let's go see what other secret passages there are, hmm?" Danger got to her feet, holding out her hand to the little girl.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

The small group made their way over towards the turbo-lift. There were about half a dozen of them, each of them would lead to a different part of the station of course, though only a few were really all that interesting to them. They didn't have to go to the power generators or something like that, mostly they were interested in the different hangars and spaces that...well for lack of a better term looked the best. He frowned for a moment and then shifted towards one of the far lifts.

It would take them 'edge' of the station, and from there they could make their way in. It would be a long walk, but at least there would also be plenty of places to rest along the way, or so Alric hoped. His eyes cast towards his cane, then he shook his head as the Turbo-lift made a loud bing to signal it's arrival.

"There we are." Alric said quietly as the doors opened. This trip was more about getting Myra comfortable in public again, at least to Alric. There weren't a lot of people here, not huge crowds like they had encountered on Empress Teta or elsewhere, but there were quite a few strangers here, something that Myra had yet to deal with on any scale. The three stepped into the Turbo-lift and Alric reached over towards the button that would send them to the outer edges of the station.

"This place is very big." Alric explained. "It's designed to make space ships as big as home!"

Myra's eyes opened wide.