Private Denon Daze

[Judah Dashiell]

DENON

Meetings were done. Judah was a little irritated at the IGBC and their attempt to ice him out. It wasn't as if he was trying to propose something planetwide. Frankly he had been looking out for himself and his companies, trying to get a foothold in the area. The entire point of coming to Denon had been to establish a base of operations in the Royal Naboo Republic. Denon was the most friendly to corporations.

So far the Republic seemed business friendly. Yet if something was go sideways, at least Denon would continue to be friendly to corporations and capitalism in general.

As the boardroom cleared out, Judah waited behind to speak to Dominique Vexx one-on-one. Frankly, a personal meeting would have been more productive to begin with, yet the forces of playing the game ensured he had to show his face. To go through the motions and sit with the others. The last assistant was leaving and he stepped forward, straightening his tie as he did so.

"Miss Vexx, thank you for hosting such a productive meeting." A small smile as he paused. " I was wondering if you could join me for dinner? Tonight."

​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

The rest of the Board that'd been present had gone out with most of their guests. Everyone enjoyed an opportunity to rub shoulders. Establish connections. Faces, names, contact information. Dominique lingered before with one of the assistants to have them better inform them about that little 'incident' earlier and what their response had been. Something to do with explosives at one of the ports. Looked like the cover story was improper shipping container and exposure to fire caused by a different, combustible cargo nearby. A freak accident at a busy port, in other words. Lamentable, but not worth remembering. A few injuries, some taken to a hospital, but mostly cost in economic damage -- which the citizenry wouldn't care about, but the DireX would.

In truth, they suspected a deliberate attack, but efforts were still under way to identify the culprit discretely.

Dominique dismissed the last attendant. Her eyes tracked their departure before they settled on Judah Dashiell. Apparently he had lingered and with her the last remaining occupant it must to be to discuss something in private. The doors closed behind him leaving them alone together.

Customary appreciation for the invite and hosting the meeting. Typical corporate introductions. Follow-ed swiftly by an invitation for dinner that was about as much whiplash as you could get in a business environment. From hollow, empty, and rote wordplay to dinner-invite. "As it happens, my schedule is free tonight." Much as she might like to make sure the DireX didn't do anything rash, Dominique would have to trust on those she'd 'convinced' to be on her side to handle affairs. Surely they could manage not to lockdown an entire district while they had such influential guests such as the Republic and the Banking Guild on planet.

"Have you a venue already in mind?" Dominique smiled, curious if Judah was well-acquainted with Denon already or if he might be open to suggestions.

Judah Dashiell​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

DENON

"Excellent. I was being slightly presumptuous in asking, especially considering the guests hosted here today. Quite the, uh, interesting collection assembled but that makes for interesting meetings."

Judah was trying to work out if the Royal Naboo Republic was going to be highly involved in business decisions. Politicians were at the assembly. On the surface it didn't mean much. If he was looking below and trying to figure out motives, it could mean quite a bit. Denon's criminal history, concerns with Darkwire, and now turning a new leaf would cause any government to look closely.

He couldn't fault them. Yet he didn't need every business decision scrutinized by politicians who had little business knowledge. Their first concern was the government, their voters. Something to touch on during dinner.

"No, I was going to do a HoloNet search. I was hoping somewhere suited to two high-profile business owners? Apologies if you were hoping for a late-night McYoda's run."

Dominique Vexx ​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

"Denon is economically resilient because we embrace all those that seek a free and open market," Dominique replied smoothly to Judah's observation of their 'interesting collection' of guests. That did at times result in philosophical clashes and even espionage, but those were the prices you paid for representing the entirety of the galactic market on a single planet.

A polite, breathy laugh escaped her at Judah's joke. "I'm partial to Mara Jade's Cafe, actually, when I want something casual." Despite the ease with which Dominique could sign entire cities away with a stroke of a pen, she could return a quip in good humor as well. "But I must insist we go somewhere more befitting a man of your wealth and taste." A necessary comment to avoid them ending up in a spiral where they were forced to go to a small cafe or McYoda's out of embarrassment or a misconceived notion.

"In fact, I do know of a bistro in the District I think you will enjoy. Do you have any dietary restrictions?" It was a large galaxy. Just because someone looked Human didn't mean they ate all the same things either. It was worth asking before she found herself the only one eating at the table.

Judah Dashiell​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"Capping off a business meeting deserves better than a cafe. These can be stressful and last I checked most cafes have a very minimal alcohol menu. Typically where one goes during their hangovers."

He paused, a little taken aback by the dietary restriction. Not an odd question in itself. More that he had never been asked. Not that it mattered to him just more one of those small things that strike a person from time to time. A small shake of his head, regaining his footing and realizing he had to provide a real and actual answer.

"No, none." After a beat he offered his arm for her to take, should she desire. It just depended on the woman and the corporate type she was. On his end it was more of a gentlemanly gesture. "I am at your mercy Miss Vexx."

Another small pause, curious.

"You were born on Denon? Or is this your adopted homeworld?"

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique smiled as Judah recovered from her simple, but unexpected question. Most times people did presume what someone would be willing to eat, and being predatory creatures like themselves such disregard was common place. Yet, despite her thirst for success, acclaim, and wealth Dominique knew managing people interactions was equally as important as building the connection itself. It was how she saw value in Darkwire's continued existence despite the harm they performed.

As he held his arm out, she turned and slipped her arm through his. "I'll be gentle."

And gentle she would be in guiding him toward the hoverport, unless Judah planned to take his car. Whichever one of them took the lead, she listened to his more personal question. Not a bad idea to get to know one another outside of the office. "Born. Raised. Denon has always been my home. Satisfies any desire. Offers every opportunity. If you're willing to bet it all, there's no ends to the rewards." It wasn't without its momentary losses, of course. Interruptions to well-laid plans. He was welcome to ask any follow-up questions, of course.

"What about you, Mister Dashiell? Where do you hail from?" The glareshades could query the holonet, but where would be the fun in that? Knowing too much about someone from the 'net could hamper in-person interaction. Vexx knew everything she needed to already -- he was someone worth investing in, and hopefully he would invest in turn.

Judah Dashiell​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Listening carefully as they headed towards the hoverport, he inclined his head slightly at the revelation she was all but married to Denon. While the planet was a vast city-scape, Judah found it rare a woman of her stature had turned Denon into her playground and fortune. Remained so attached to the planet even after becoming so successful. Something he would have to circle back to.

"So what have you been betting on Miss Vexx? Beyond yourself, of course."

Reaching the hoverport, he moved slightly forward to open the door to the vehicle for her. He silently hoped there wasn't a droid driver, being on edge for a short ride wasn't idea. Especially when trying to appear calm, collected, and put together in front of Dominique Vexx .If there was....well, a double shot of whisky at dinner.

"Saleucami. Born and raised on a farm. Escaped at seventeen."

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique regarded the man with a smile as they walked. "Capable and enterprising partners that can make use of everything Denon has to offer. There's little point for countless factories and deep investments if there's no one to use them, or companies to ply them." Much as she had always manipulated people to get what she wanted, it was all true. Denon only worked because there were people to make it work. Its growth came from their growth.

When they arrived, Judah was polite enough to open the door for her, which caused her to pause just inside his reach to look back at him. A shared moment before she'd calmly, and gracefully step inside and slip inside the vehicle.

Judah was lucky that the vehicle didn't have a droid driver awaiting them.

"Saleucami," she echoed thoughtfully. "Along the Parlemian Trade Route." Somewhat remote. Well, fairly remote, but it could have been worse. "Would you say that upbringing gives you a unique perspective in the corporate world, Mister Dashiell?"

The lilac-haired business woman and Senator leaned forward to plug in coordinates for the bistro in the District. A discrete peek over her shades and a small smile followed suit curious if he wanted to take the controls or not.

Judah Dashiell​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Gently closing the door, he was still pondering why Miss Dominique Vexx was so attached to Denon. Yes, the planet 'had it all' to paraphrase her reasoning but it was still a foreign concept to him. While quite attached to Saleucami, Judah could never see himself returning to live. Perhaps the trick in Miss Vexx's case was that she had never left.

Sliding into the drivers seat, as ever the old salvager was assuming he was taking charge in terms of flying the transport. Looking at the console, it appeared the location was preset, ready to guide them to what appeared as a bistro in 'the District.'. Bringing the transport to life, he regarded her question, chuckling slightly.

"Wow. This sounds like much of the questioning I get when seeking a new contract." He paused, considering the question, giving it enough weight. Not something he had thought of. At least not as far as he could remember. "Growing up in modest means. Creating a company from scratch on my own terms, with my own sweat and sacrifice. Its built a good base to thrive. Some may find it quaint....but I am building for the long-haul Miss Vexx. I am not looking to merely line my own pockets."

Gliding through the traffic lanes, he looked at her slightly.

"Which are you, Miss Vexx? Instant or delayed satisfaction in business."

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique's hand rose and her fingers waved open in a couldn't-be-helped manner. What could she say? Some questions were suited for social occasions and contract negotiations alike. The latter benefited from it in building a connection as more than 'that person I have to give my money to' and as a partner that'd be there with you even through challenging times.

A smirk tugged at her lips for just a moment. "Both. If the fruit on the vine's already ripe, waiting only spoils the opportunity. On the other hand, if it isn't ripe at all, plucking it early is much the same -- edible, perhaps, but not delectable." Was she patient? Absolutely. But she was also an opportunist when the situation called for it. "You always have to be prepared to seal a good deal."

A lone finger tapped along the arm rest of her chair for two seconds. "To be honest, Mister Dashiell, I may be native to Denon, but I built my power in much the same way you did. Oh, I used resources I acquired as an Alliance Senator to establish my company, but go back further than that and you'll find I worked my way into power as Senator. So, in the end, even the company was through my own efforts. You don't get handouts on Denon." And her parents had not been independently wealthy. Well-off, yes, and able to send her to a good educational institute, but they weren't living in penthouses and never gave a thought to a single bill or debt.

"And, please, call me Dominique."

Judah Dashiell​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"Only if you call me Judah. Otherwise I'll stick to Miss Vexx. Seems only fitting."

Another glance at the screen, their location gliding along a map of Denon. Roughly half-way to this bistro, if he had to guess, not being familiar with the planet and traffic lanes he could be incredibly wrong. Relaxing back into the seat slightly as he had gotten used to the controls, he listened as Dominique outlined her not-so-different rise to power. Although it seemed slightly different than his own, it was clear she wasn't born into a family that had a well known name. That had any type of real power or sway on Denon.

"Tell me why you became a Senator. It's not something most children dream of doing. Maybe once they enter the university years, sure. Have you always been a civic minded person? Or was the desire to become a Senator driven for the need to protect the planet you love? I could boldly assume given sentient nature you may have also wanted to place an immortal stamp of yourself on the planet....something where you can't be forgotten."

A small smile and he glanced at her.

"Am I close?"

Dominique Vexx ​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Why did she become a Senator? What an astute question. An effort to learn what motivated her, perhaps. Dominique's fingers rippled in a wave for a moment as she regarded her intelligent company for the evening. "Discontentment," she replied. "Have you ever looked outside at the wider galaxy and asked yourself 'is this all there is?' Are we fated to be content with what time and chance afforded us? I decided not. I loved everything I beheld around me, but wanted to be part of it and not merely an observer. And what I enjoy, others may as well." Unlike some, she didn't seek to destroy all the rungs of success that allowed her rise. Though that the majority would suffer such a hard road to power to be worried of challengers.

"Wouldn't you agree... Judah?" Dominique paused to smile. "You must have also found something outside of the paperwork and the endless meetings that keeps you in the game. Something that makes it all worth while."

Unlike him, however, she did not have a large family to care about. There was still time... perhaps. The galaxy needed a strong hand on the wheel, and Denon was no exception. Would anyone remember her when she was gone? Vexx didn't give it much thought. She sought the long-term benefits for herself and Denon, but as far as legacy that could be the problem with historians and librarians to deal with.

Judah Dashiell​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"Discontentment can be a great motivator." He paused, looking at the display, noting they were quickly approaching the bistro as outlined by Dominique Vexx ."Its even better you have managed to combine Denon into your goals. Its rare to find someone who loves their homeworld and then decides to make it for the better."

"I think most would say the credits. Frankly, my...what did you call it, thing that keeps my in the game, isn't too far off." Shoulders shrugged slightly as he remembered the reasons he got into business for himself. "I needed something to do after being medically retired from the Republic Navy, salvage was it. My then-fiancée, later wife, became pregnant with our son....ensuring wife and child didn't starve and we could keep the lights on during her leave was an amazing motivator."

The hovercar came to a stop outside the bistro, with Judah double checking the coordinates before getting out. Valet would be sure to swarm but he moved to the other side, opening the door for Miss Vexx and continuing to speak as she exited.

"Apologies if the story isn't more exciting. Frankly one probably told a thousand times over in this galaxy. I'm just lucky I ended up enjoying what I do and aligning with the correct people in the early years." He paused, thinking a moment. "Not that the journey is anywhere close to being complete."

 

[Dominique Vexx]

"I've never been one to be satisfied with the short-term. It certainly held me back from making the right connections the first time, but I have no regrets," Dominique added after Judah's compliment. Perhaps her rise to Senator had been a glass ceiling with the Board scarcely afforded her more than occasional acknowledgement. At the time, she'd found contentment in it. Then everything collapsed. Fortunately, she did not need to start from nothing a second time.

Salvage was an interesting career choice for the man. He'd obviously made it work, but doubtful it was on the short list of most sought after jobs. Was it the time it took to find worthwhile salvage? Had there been a desperation in crawling through worthless wreckage? Or was there no financial burden at all and he simply found it enjoyable? Perhaps she'd ask him later for the details.

The hover car drifted into position over the valet platform before the towering building. Dominique watched as Judah made a leg to get to her door first. She smiled up at him, her eyes visible over the tops of her glasses. With a slight pivot in the seat, her first foot stepped out of the vehicle. If he offered a hand, she'd accept it graciously to stand to her feet.

"You know," Dominique had looked up at the building before them before her attention fell back to Judah, "it doesn't matter if it isn't unique. In the grand scheme of things, whose really is? It only matters what you do with it, Judah." Even her own story wasn't 'special' if you looked at an entire galaxy. Vexx didn't spend time trying to stand out from trillions or quadrillions of sapient lifeforms. Much as she didn't aspire to rule the entire galaxy so everyone knew her name. Far easier to entice people to learn it on their own; to cherish it for what she and her allies could bring to them. Being a Queen of Merchants was more authentically beloved than a monolithic icon of a dictatorial ruler anyway.

She'd lead the way inside seeing how it was her idea, but not without securing Judah's arm with her own with a smile. "Vexx, for two," the Director announced as they stepped up to the majordomo's station.

They half-bowed to the pair and extended an arm out to their right. "Right this way, Director. Sir." He would take the lead himself, of course, menu tucked between one arm and their chest as they'd glide through the establishment toward a smaller, but comfortable table by a towering window with a view over the city.

Judah Dashiell​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Eyebrow raised slightly at the on-demand reservation. For two, no less. Their host was weaving them back to their table, most patrons engaged in low talk. The establishment gave him one of those 'business happens here' vibes, which wasn't all terrible. It meant the food would hopefully be delightful at the very least.

"You just have a standing reservation. For two." Judah paused. A small, playful smile came across his features. "How many men do you bring here weekly?" He leaned in a little closer, so as not to be overheard. "Should I ask the host what number in the rotation I am? Something tells me low on the hierarchy."

Yet before he could say anything further they had arrived at the small, intimate table. Candle was already lit, giving a soft glow to the space. Ambiance. Something this place thrived on, he could tell. Completely fine, Judah actually found the place charming. A gem in what he viewed as a generic cityscape.

Hand reached out and he pulled back her chair, standing behind to assist. A well practiced motion he did without a thought. Muscle memory of his body slipping into a more casual business meeting mode where his manners were still on display. Couldn't give her the wrong impression, not yet anyway.

Dominique Vexx