Private Cover Me Up

[Makai Dashiell]

HOME WAS A DREAM, ONE THAT I'D NEVER SEEN, TILL YOU CAME ALONG

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

“She made me read three stories then took a bracelet away because quote ‘Bracelets are only for Papas who stay home’. Apparently if I want to keep my standings I mustn't work and only cater to her.”

Makai called from their bathroom, finishing styling his post-shower hair. Having just returned from business regarding their space station for the Slice, Phoebe had captured him at the door. Immediately it was story time and getting a lecture on why he shouldn't be leaving.

Emerging, now clad in sweats, the half-Galan chuckled. Their daughter was quite demanding, so much so they referred to her often as the tiny terrorist. For one so young she was quite the little powerhouse.

Intelichrono was being placed back on his wrist as he walked back inside the bedroom, along with the now two remaining bracelets. He had just returned home from approving the space station for their project, now currently being towed to the yet to be named sector. Additionally a mapping project was ongoing now, charting both routes between the planets and other sectors and mapping the entire climate of all planets.

Ellie was sitting on the couch in the room and he stopped to place a quick kiss on her lips. With Phoebe asleep for the night it was time to do a little catching up. If he remembered correctly her schedule was calling her away in a few days.

“Missed you.”

Wine was also another portion of this catch up. Reaching for his own glass, he sat down on the other end of the couch, sinking into the upholstery. Taking a sip of his wine, the half-Galan nearly choked when he saw her wrist.

“Five?! Hey that’s my old one and she gave it to you. I’ve really fallen.” Their life had dissolved into competing for plastic beaded bracelets from a small child. “I’ve beginning to think I’ve grossly married out of my league. An Executor requires a certain lineage.”

Chuckling, iced azure eyes settled back on stormy gray, quietly searching.

“How was it while I was away? Beyond becoming more powerful.”

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra lifted her wrist slowly, letting the colorful chain of plastic beads slide down toward her knuckles as if she were presenting evidence in a court she already knew she'd won. Her mouth curved, not smug exactly, but amused in the quiet, affectionate way that only came from learning the silly antics of raising a kid.

"She's very clear on her policies," Myra said lightly, settling back against the couch cushions. "Bracelets are a reward for emotional availability, not industrial expansion. Frankly, I think she's onto something."

Stormy grey glanced at him over the rim of her wineglass, a little tired but bright in that way that meant she'd been holding the fort just fine. The kiss lingered with her longer than she let on, an indulgence she enjoyed after having held the fort. Her free hand reached out without thinking, resting against his knee, thumb brushing there in an absent, reassuring arc.

"It was busy," the brunette admitted after a beat. "She asked where you were every night. Not upset... just… cataloging. Like she was making sure the galaxy had a reason for borrowing you." A faint laugh slipped out in amusement, "And yes, she has absolutely been testing the limits of her influence. I fear we're raising a negotiator."

Nonetheless, her gaze softened as she studied him now, really looked at him and the way he searched her face like he was reading star charts only he could see.

"But we're good," Myra added gently. "Tired, maybe." Her fingers tapped his knee once in a playful beat, "And if lineage is required, I'll remind you that I clearly outrank you with the bracelets."

She leaned in just enough to steal another kiss and a silly wide grin.

"I missed you too." she told him, then with a small gesture added, "But alright, go on. Give me the full updates on what went on."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

"Industrial expansion is the lifeblood of this family."

Makai shared an equally amused look. When Ellie left to handle something for Mara TibX or Arceneau Trade, he knew the tides would change. Would he ever get up to the status of five bracelets? Highly doubtful but perhaps he could reclaim his spot with three. Ice cream was a powerful motivator. Somehow Phoebe had always caught him eating some and then demanded a bit in order to return to bed - only when his wife was gone, naturally. Yet it seemed Phoebe had a different way of testing boundaries with her mother.

"We might be raising a future politician. Hopefully she has mercy on us during her rise to power."

Hand reached out and took hers off his knee, interlacing his fingers with her own. How Ellie immediately reached out and touched his knee he knew she missed him. He had missed her too. Leaving so soon after Life Day hadn't been ideal but it seemed the 'verse waited for no one. Yet this was the goal of their Slice project ; Makai was hoping in two years time to be complete. To consolidate the business and spend less time travelling between the spacelanes.

They were building for the future. Not only Phoebe but any future children. Makai had always promised a bedrock foundation for his family, this was a way of continuing that promise.

"You do outrank me. I haven't forgotten. Yet you still love me, I think."

There was a small laugh and a shake of his head. He was tired too, just not in the same way of being 'on' for a toddler required. Tired from travelling and handling business and coming back as quickly as possible. Makai would keep that to himself - caring for Phoebe was infinitely more harder than handling business.

"Checked out the space station. It's a Class II. Enough room for trade and growth but also enough quarters to get a good crew established. Our penthouse is looking good, made sure to approve the plans for a playroom." If they were going to be on a spacestation, he needed to ensure Phoebe could play as the girl was used to going outside. "Being towed there as we speak. I think we can move by the spring quarter."

Months away yet it would creep up upon them before they knew it.

"We still have to tell the family. I'm dreading it, especially after Balun tried to rope me into his schemes on Life Day."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra's fingers tightened briefly in his, the corner of her mouth lifting as she listened, that quiet fondness settling in her eyes when he spoke about the station and the playroom. Of course he'd thought of that.

It was his attention to detail that made her love him all the more.

"A future politician," she echoed, soft laughter in her voice. "Inari the Reviver help us all.... I think we have enough to worry about her inheriting a trade empire."

She tipped her head, studying him with that familiar, assessing calm.

"A Class II with a playroom sounds dangerously like you planning ahead again," she teased, thumb brushing over his knuckles and a waggle of amusement from her eyebrows. "And yes. I do still love you.... even if the bracelets have spoken."

At the mention of Balun, her expression shifted just a fraction as she lifted a singular dark brow in query.

"I can handle telling the family," Myra added lightly. "But Balun roping you into schemes on Life Day?"

She let a few seconds tick on by then added with a dry quip.

"What… not into us babysitting Kellan full time, right?" After all, Balun still had to be the boy's father. She gave him a quizzing look, clearly waiting for details.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

There was no guarantee Phoebe would inherit the empire started by Danger Arceneau. There was the strong possibility of Rue or Ellie herself taking charge, or even a yet to be born Arceneau-Dashiell child. Given the size of the companies across the family there was work available for over a dozen children, if it was wanted of course. As Phoebe got older, there would be business trainings much as he and Ellie had but nothing would be forced in her future.

"Planning ahead in terms of knowing she has boundless energy or planning ahead in terms for tiny terrorist number two? If its the latter I thought we were waiting...not that I wouldn't be on board."

As he sipped his wine, there was some relief Ellie would tell the family. Especially his father. He and Ellie had excellent rapport and it would be easier coming from her mouth than his. Hand squeezed hers in grateful appreciation for having to take on the task.

"I don't mind watching Kellan. I like the chance to let him be normal, to play around and be a kid. Additionally, we are the most positive role models when it comes to relationships in the family - I mean its the whole reason we stretched ourselves to take in Persie instead of Dad....but no, that wasn't it."

If he thought too hard about it, Makai was always shocked that he and Ellie were the healthy relationship. Not that they were dysfunctional, more that they even got to this point. A lot of work to get to this very moment but every second of the tough times had been worth it for this to be the outcome.

"Balun wanted me to question Dad about his love life and if he's happy - guess Bale suddenly started paying attention. I told him its his turn to deal with it but his genius idea was to have Kellan ask Dad - really pissed me off that day." Makai had, for the most part, a very long fuse. His feathers didn't get ruffled easily. "Bale thinks Danger is the one that got away for Dad. I...I just think thats a playing with fire situation..."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra went quiet as he spoke, the humor easing out of her expression the more the pieces settled into place. Her fingers tapped once, softly, against the stem of her glass before she exhaled, a small sound of resignation rather than frustration. Then at the crazy plan of using Kellan, she blinked once, twice, then her brows shot high.

"…No," she said quietly. "Absolutely not." Her head tipped back against the couch, disbelief written plain across her face. "Having Kellan ask him?" A low breath left her. "That's not curiosity. That's emotional shrapnel."

She turned back to Makai, expression thoughtful now, careful. "I don't think Bale's wrong that mama mattered. Still matters.: she didn't offer more information because taht was Judah's story to tell not hers.

Myra gave his hand a squeeze.

"You were right to be pissed," she added, quieter. "And for what it's worth… I'm glad you shut that down."

A faint wince crossed her face at the mention of Judah and her mama, the memory tugging at something still tender. The distance hadn't been loud or dramatic. It had been worse than that. -- a subtle persistent press that weighed heavily, like gravity shifting just enough that everyone felt it, even if no one named it.

"So strange," Myra murmured, more to herself. "They used to be everywhere together."

She shook her head once, slowly. "Your pa went through a lot. Had been going through a lot. And it just came to a head in a way he didn't know how to handle well." Her gaze lifted to Makai, steady and sincere. "That isn't his fault. That's just human."

She gave a pause as her brows knit together.

"But… it does take quite a bit to get Mama to pull back the way she did. I don't know what happened either." A soft sigh. "And that dinner…" She let the thought trail off, the memory of that sharp moment still uncomfortable. "I understand why you said something. It just… didn't land the way anyone hoped."

Myra leaned into him slightly, "I haven't had the heart to pry. He's already trying. That counts for something."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell


Makai leaned forward and set down his wine glass before reaching over Ellie’s shoulders and pulling her close. Lips brushed against her temple in quiet reassurance he wasn’t upset with his father. Makai suspected his wife knew more than he did, especially with the commentary that his father was trying his best. Which was true, he could see it, but Ellie always seemed to know more on that front than himself.

“I know its not his fault. I’m not blaming anyone. More this is just bordering on insanely odd territory for me.”

Talk veered towards the dinner they had to announce the pregnancy to Danger. To get advice regarding the timing and next steps. It hadn’t gone very well on his end.

There had been a concern about arguments and yet to be born Phoebe. It stemmed from his own issues of his parents arguing and his belief as a father to prevent the same from happening to his children. It was easy at the moment to say it would never happen but he has also seen that play out. Yet his intention had never been negative, despite fumbling his words. Concerns could have been phrased better and he did recognize that.

“Do you want me to talk to Danger? Nothing, uh, accusatory but more seek to understand? Not sure if it will do any good.. we are trying to figure out a four year old problem at this point. I mean, I do know about the argument that started this because I was there.”

His expression turned thoughtful as he held Ellie, fingertips trailing down her arm as he thought.

“Your Ma hasn’t really talked to me either…maybe I’m not the wisest choice anymore.” A small, humorless chuckle. “Let’s toss them in a locked room with only a jug of water and make them figure it out. Phoebe may come out without a living grandfather though.”

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

"I know," Myra began after a few moments of musing over it all. There was a lot of history there. "It is odd and uncomfortable, so it makes sense that it hits you sideways."

Myra let out a small breath, thoughtful rather than weary, and shifted just enough to look up at him.

"Mama's been close to you for a long while now," she said gently. "So… it might work. She trusts you. That counts for more than you realize."

She let her thumb brush along his arm in an affectionate caress.

"I just think it has to be careful. Not the what so much as the how. You've got a good heart, Makai, but sometimes the way things come out can land sharper than you mean."

A faint, knowing smile touched her lips. "If you talk to her, it can't be about solving it. Just understanding and let her set the pace."

A small sigh escaped her.

"Either way, mama and Judah both need space to choose the conversation, not be nudged into it."

At his last comment, her mouth twitched despite herself.

"Let's not lock them in a room," she murmured. "I'd like Phoebe to keep her grandfather."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

"Understanding. Let her set the pace."

Makai wasn't feeling overly confident in this venture of his. If, and this was a big if, the subject could be broached then at least it could give them an insight on where to go next. Not that he was certain they could solve this issue. Maybe they could alleviate some of that underlying tension at family events. One he could certainly feel but thankfully had gone over the head of Phoebe so far.

"I will see what I can do. No promises."

GHORMAN SILK DISTRICT

​

Luring Danger Arceneau out of hiding took a bit of calculation between himself and Ellie. After getting Thirty-Seven and El-Three to bust into the Trade Queen's calendar and potential projects, Makai had settled on a joint trip to Ghorman. It was here he had a massive kalkite mine but had also been looking of going into the silk industry. Much of their unused mining tunnels could be used to house the spiders used to make the silk - turning wasted real estate into more profits.

Currently they were touring a silk factory, guided through and being explained the process.

"...here you see dresses dyed with natural dyes and currently being dried. This is an intensive process, here done by local artisans who spent years learning the trade. Droids could do the work but we find it takes a sentient eye to get the most pleasing shades."

The half-Galan reached out and gently touched the grayish-blue fabric hanging, a color he could see his wife wearing. Question bubbled up as their guide came to a natural pause.

"My wife has a vine silk gown. Its much different than this...more...opaque and somehow filmsy in comparison. Would you say this is true or it is more the weaving and design process?"

"Excellent question!" Their guide was bubbly and definitely passionate about her job. "A mixture of both actually. Ghorman silks are just as rare as vine silks but I find the silk here a much stronger weave without compromising movement and flow. Just as light with a more solid feel. Much does also depend on what fashion houses contract."

Iced blue eyes shifted to his mother-in-law then back to the guide.

"Do you mind if we spend a few moments on our own? I promise not to break anything, just business to discuss."

"Of course. I can circle back shortly."

With a nod, Makai waited for the woman to walk off. He was still examining the gray-blue silk in front of him. Idly he was wondering if he could purchase the bolt for Ellie or if it had already been spoken for. Eyes still on the fabric, he finally spoke again.

"Thoughts so far?"

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Makai Dashiell
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

Danger let the silence stretch a beat after the guide departed, moving in a slow, appreciative amble before she gave the kind of pause that weighed options and profit margins alike. Emerald fire eyes moved over the hanging silks, her fingers hovering before she finally pinched the edge of the fabric between thumb and forefinger, feeling the strength hidden beneath the softness.

Even then, she couldn't help how her honeyed voice purred.

"Ghorman always did know how to make patience pay," she said quietly in that smoky appraisal. "That weave's honest. Holds its shape without stranglin' the wearer, finding skill like that is a hard balance."

She glanced sidelong at Makai, one brow lifting just enough to signal approval without handing it out freely.

"Vine silk's a showpiece. This?" Her fingers released the cloth. "This is meant to be worn, moved in, lived in. Ain't seen any better since Belsavis," and that world was now under Sith Occupation.

Danger shifted her weight, eyes drifting toward the long corridors that hinted at unused tunnels beyond the factory walls.

"Maybe should have brought Persie over." She gave Makai a wide beaming grin, "Reckon she'd have the time of her life."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Danger Arceneau

"None better since Belsavis? Quite the endorsement."

Fabric dropped from his hand and he placed his hands in his pockets. It was clear contracting with this factory was a no-brainer. He had followed Danger's gaze to the unused tunnels - they both had the same thought. Expand the spider farm and train more artisans to take on weaving and dyeing the silks. It wasn't wise to flood the markets but even expansion would keep the prices high. This was quality textile all done by hand.

If he learned anything from Persephone, that was hard to find. Additionally, it was always in demand in the fashion world.

"I don't need much convincing. Contracting with this textile house is great business sense. I'm already here for the kalkite. Always looking to diversify in small ways."

A small smile at the mention of Persephone. His adopted daughter would absolutely love this factory and would probably want a gown in each color of silk. A surprise for her in the future perhaps. Makai wasn't sure what social events she had on the horizon but like a true wealthy socialite she did attend many. One of the activities actively encouraged by himself and Ellie as acceptable.

"Persephone would love this. In the future for sure. I didn't bring her today because I wanted to talk to you alone."

Makai really didn't need to diversify to Ghorman silks, although it was wise. An investment in the future. He and Danger would make a fortune off the Great Houses of the High Republic alone.

"I just wanted to check in and see how things have been going for you in your life." The half-Galan gave a small pause. "Personal life, not business."

Best to clarify.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Makai Dashiell
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

Danger didn't answer right away. She kept walking in that slow and unhurried, full-hipped amble of hers, her fingertips ghosting along bolts of silk as they passed. Slate, storm-blue, a near-black that drank the light. And while her attention looked divided, Makai would know better. She was listening. Always was.

After a moment, she exhaled softly through her nose, something between a breath and a quiet chuckle.

"Personal," she repeated, like she was testing the word's weight even as her emerald fire gaze stayed on the fabric.

"Well. Ain't been particularly dramatic, if that's what you're fishin' for." A pause. "Mostly work. Always work."

She tilted her head slightly, eyes narrowing as calculations ticked behind them.

"Been rebuildin' and expandin' hyperlane access where the maps got… politically inconvenient. Old routes reopened, new ones negotiated, a few governments reminded that commerce don't like being strangled." Her fingers brushed another bolt, this one a deep wine hue. "Lot of smiles. Lot of knives behind backs. Same song, new verses."

Danger finally glanced at him then, expression wry but steady.

"Political landscape's a Dagobah swamp right now. Everyone pretendin' they ain't sinkin' while grabbin' for higher ground. I spend most days makin' sure ATC stands on somethin' solid when the mud starts slidin'."

She slowed, then stopped, her tone softening just a shade.

"And then there's the grandbaby." That did it. The edge eased just a little as those red lips gave a full smile. "That's the part of my schedule that don't move for anyone. Doesn't matter what system I'm in. I make the time."

Her gaze drifted forward again as they resumed their walk.

"So no, Makai. Nothin' new. Nothin' scandalous. Just a woman keepin' lanes open, fortunes growin', and makin' sure the next generation knows who shows up for 'em."

A brief sideways knowing look full of amusement, "That enough check-in for you, or you plannin' to dig deeper?"

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Danger Arceneau

Much like his father, Danger started off her 'personal' tales with business. A small smile touched his features as she spoke of hyperlanes and politics. Both of them were similar in a way - ingrained with the work and personal. In some ways he was as well but if he was to be asked about his personal life it would start with Ellie and Phoebe, then end with business.

There was no right or wrong. Part of it seemed like an autopilot response but much of life was autopilot. He had found that out in the monotony that was caring for a toddler. Being a father was amazing, but also relentless given a small being relied on you for everything. Danger had much of the same energy in her response - work, politics, family. As if she was coasting through.

Makai didn't know if he was correct on that assumption. Ellie may have better insights.

"No question is ever surface level."

Off in the distance he could hear a small hum of machinery. Turning spider webs into long lines of silk to be woven into fabric. Iced-azure gaze looked at the rows of silk once again as they took a few steps forward.

"I..well, we, have been concerned about you." Makai gave a small pause. "You and I haven't gone out to dinner or lunch or some time. I rarely see Rue around like I used to. Seems like most days you're holed in your office. Which...I get. Business life has been rough. Shifting territories and politics have been difficult to navigate around. However..."

Gaze left the fabrics to meet hers.

"When is the last time you did something for yourself? Drop Rue off with me and Ellie and take some time for yourself? Take a vacation? Spent an afternoon with Dad? I know things have been very difficult with Mister Kuhn being gone but he wouldn't want you to isolate yourself."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Makai Dashiell
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

Makai was never one to hide his thoughts. It was a part of the training Danger tried to teach him regarding talking business deals, and he liked it. Then again, this wasn't a business deal, and they've had a rapport that had been built since he was but a boy of seven. The Queen of Trade took a few folk under her wing, but when she did, they were there for a lifetime.

Red lips curved faintly up in recollection of all those, thinking fondly as much as with concern over those she had yet to hear from. From Lysander in particular, the boy had been radio silent, but those she'd set upon to keep up on his antics relayed he was alive and seemingly doing fine. She wasn't one to push or shove, but she'd quietly continue her watch.

"No, ain't no question that is surface level, I done taught you that while you were young. " Danger agreed, giving a slight incline of her head, the loose auburn gently shifting alongside her shoulders and back.

She heard the concern in his voice, even more so once he pointed out as much as Lysander had in the past regarding her workaholic ways and questioning if she had done something for herself. Drop off Rue and perhaps take a vacation.

"Hmm... well, Rue and me been doin' right as rain as one could, but then again, you got me right in that work has been the bulk of my time. Then again, ain't nothin' that is as easy for me to slip into than anythin' else."

A small huff of a laugh at the vacation, equally amused but not offended that he wanted her to take time for herself.

"Oh I can drop Rue off more if you like... but I reckon you've already got your hands full with Kellan also being round your place." just observant on things.

"But a vacation does sound lovely... maybe I can look into that.... take it with Pheobe perhaps?" she teased, grinning at Makai.

She didn't bring up or respond regarding his father. Things in her mind, had settled into a quiet routine there. She minded her own business, he did hers, and they talked and chit chatted regarding Phoebe and Myra and Makai as needed or for any planning.

But gone were the days when they had their weekly luncheon afternoons.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Danger Arceneau

"Of course you can drop Rue off more. You know my goal is to have five children." Biological. Adopted. Didn't matter to him. "So if I can't handle Phoebe, Kellan, and Rue I seriously need to rethink my ten to fifteen year plan regarding family planning."

The half-Galan wasn't sure if Danger was trying to get out of taking a vacation by not dropping Rue off more or if she was genuinely concerned about him rounding up three children. Rue was older, which made it easier. Certainly would be different if he was caring for a whole pack of toddlers. Then he would certainly be rethinking his offer.

"I'm not sure it would be a vacation with Phoebe." Makai laughed, gently shaking his head. "She had Ellie and I running ragged on a solo trip recently, guaranteed you would end up hosting an entire new hobby obsession of hers. I was actually thinking of maybe you taking Ellie. Get a little mother-daughter time in before life gets in the way. Ellie won't mention it but she can use some time away that isn't work related."

With the help of their nanny biot he could easily watch three children. Recruit his father if needed. Persephone was off learning, he was merely a guardrail for the teenager at the moment.

As for his father, his mother-in-law completely avoided the question. He had anticipated that. What he didn't anticipate or know how to do was to bring up the issue organically again. It would be much, much easier if he could ask outright but Ellie would kill him if he did so, so that was out of the question.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Makai Dashiell
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

Danger gave a low chuckle and shook her head at Makai, saying that his goal was to have five kids.

"That so? Yours or more Myra's desire?" she teased, coming to a pause in front of a particularly rich hue of ochre. Danger let herself admire the fabric, letting it slither through her fingers. It was a soft, opaque fabric that would look lovely in a dress.

"Just how far off is this multi year plan of yours?" Danger asked with amused incredulity, turning to look at him again. Although she followed up with a slow, keen blink. Oh his mind was all wrapped up about something. He had that look about him that this was more than just mere casual catch up.

"I could take Myra along for some time alone to relax." another half smile, but then she gave him a knowing look and a soft amused exhale.

"Go on now. Spill what is in your mind."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Danger Arceneau

"Hmm...two years out, maybe? Who knows. Working on a big project for the companies so I can't exactly split my time between both and I refuse to compromise on providing enough attention to the family. So after the professional is done."

Not that business ever stopped but Makai couldn't imagine trying to balance a newborn, a recovering Ellie, Phoebe, and the Slice project. Moving out to the Slice and making things more seamless and central would also help. Yet Danger didn't want to hear about his trouble with family expansion and business enterprise.

"Ellie could use some time away from the chaos, so I appreciate you considering."

Already solidifying that fact he was going to contract, invest, and expand this silk textile factory, Makai was just looking around now. Thinking of what could be improved or expanded. Not without consulting the locals and a great deal of research. They were dealing with a fine product, not metals or minerals.

"Just questions about you and Dad. Of what happened. I mean, I was there, so no need to rehash that portion. What I'm not understanding is why it has gone on this long. Seems..." Makai wanted to say childish, but that wouldn't sit right. "...uncharacteristic."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Makai Dashiell
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

Danger's hand lingered on the silk a fraction longer than necessary, the fabric slipping through her fingers with a soft, patient hush. Strong weave. Honest work. She let it fall back into place and kept walking, skirts whispering at her heels.

There it was again.

Judah.

The pause was near invisible -- a breath caught, a muscle in her jaw tightening before she smoothed it away. Anyone else might've missed it. Makai wouldn't.

She didn't look at him at first when she spoke.

"Uncharacteristic," she repeated with that husky low honeyed hush, low, tasting the word like she was deciding whether it deserved to stay.

They moved past a rack of deeper hues, shadowed blues and iron-gray silks. Danger's gaze followed them, but her thoughts had already wandered somewhere older. Back towards that night in her ship, in that cabin.

I've told you for years why Danger. My answer has never once changed. I'm it, at the end of the day its always just going to be Judah to take care of Judah.

"With your pa," she began, measured and slow, "this didn't start recently. He's been tellin' me for years -- decades, really -- that he didn't need me hoverin'. Didn't want me fussin'. Professional was fine. Personal was not."

Her jaw twitched, just once.

I don't want to get used to being taken care of. Its great for two days but in two weeks, two months...two years...I'm not going to have that. If you don't get used to something it makes not having it a hell of a lot easier.

"That Hapan party?" A quiet exhale. "That was the last straw that broke the bantha's back. He made it real clear then that he didn't want to depend on anyone. Said I was bein' stubborn for not acceptin' it. Said he'd rather be alone than owe anyone a damn thing."

Was that clear enough? You understand now?

Danger stopped walking. Not abruptly. Just enough to let the words settle.

"So I listened," she said with that soft drawl. "Finally."

She turned then, emerald fire eyes steady, no heat in them -- just something tired and resolved.

"I told him to do as he pleased. That I'd stop pushin'. Stop insertin' myself where I wasn't wanted. If he wanted to keep his personal life locked up tight, then I'd respect that door."

A beat passed.

"That ain't childish, Makai," she added quietly with that low, honeyed tone, "That's hearin' someone who still hasn't healed from the ache your ma left and realizin' there ain't anything I can do or anyone can do to fix it.... and realizin' where one ain't wanted as well. "

That emerald gaze drifted back to the silks, to things that behaved as promised as she admired the fabric.

"What your pa does with his life ain't my concern anymore," she continued matter of factly, but there was no hiding the bittersweet if meloncholy note to her tone, thinking back to it all. It was just a damn shame. But then again, she'd known early on what sort of man Judah Dashiell was. The parts that she admired in him were ultiamtely the ones that made her frustrated just the same. That night on that ship, she had had enough. "Not unless it affects Myra, you, or Phoebe. Then I'll step in without hesitation. You know that."

She resumed her slow walk, tone even, almost gentle.

"He spent twenty years pushin' me away," she said. "Ain't nothin' grand that happened -- I just finally stopped leanin' forward."

Danger's fingers brushed another bolt, testing its strength.

"That's all there is to it."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Danger Arceneau

Makai listened without interruption or judgement. Some of this he knew - he was on board that night but in the cockpit, planning with Thirty-Seven to take his now-wife on a trip once they returned back to the Farm. He and Thirty-Seven had been working on navigating them back when his father and Danger had gotten into it. Up until now, most of it was a mystery.

To be fair, he didn't quite know what to make of it.

On one hand, he could sympathize with his father. It could be difficult to let people in after what he had gone through - although no excuse to be an ass. On the other he definitely understood where Danger was coming from. A person could only take so much and so much hurt before shutting down and turning away. The half-Galan saw both sides of the coin and knew there was no easy answer or solution. If there was a solution.

"I understand where both of you are coming from. It is incredibly scary to emotionally open up to someone, to know they can affect you worse than anything physical is...it can be difficult." A small pause before he continued. "However, its not fair to you in the slightest that he pushed you away in such a manner. Its uncalled for. I can see you're hurt."

He was no longer looking at the silks but staring at Danger.

"I think the question for me is do you want to continue this way or resolve it? You're both relatively young and healthy, considering. Do you really want to live like this for the next twenty, twenty-five, thirty years? I can't say I know how to solve this but I'm willing to assist. Now if you are fine with this new reality then that's quite alright too."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Makai Dashiell
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

Danger didn't answer right away. She looked past Makai, toward the high windows where light caught in the silk like a held breath. One slow exhale left her in a controlled and deliberate whoosh.

"You're not wrong," she said at last. "And I won't insult you by pretendin' otherwise."

That emerald fire gaze came back to him then in a steay an unfliniching level look, "I can live with distance. I've built empires on it. What I won't live with is bein' made small for wantin' honesty and gettin' lashed back for it. Especially in a time when I was workin' my own duties and responsibilities in the wake of Alric's death. That line was crossed, plain and simple."

A pause, but longer this time. The truth settling like dust after a ship's landing.

"Do I want it to stay like this?" A faint shake of her head. "Frankly, I don't know. But I sure enough didn't claw my way through half a galaxy just to grow old holdin' my breath."

She let go of the silk and ambled further until they came up to a large overlook looking out over the weavers.

"Which is why I learned to simply let it go." she told Makai honestly. She'll do her part, provide when needed, offer assitance and cordial conversation. But she wasn't looking to fret or hover over a man who finally got what he'd been asking.

To leave him alone.

"I ain't keen to put myself out there anymore. I'm done with it. Maybe in time it might relax to somethin' but it won't be what it once was."