Don't stop believin'

[Danger Arceneau]

​

R I N G A L I S H E L L​

D A R P A S E C T O R​

R A L L T I I R​

​

There were few worlds now that had the level of independence from political control from the Galactic Giants. Ralltiir is one of them.

At the forefront with the intergalactic reputation for their security and confidentiality, Ralltiir was a world that Danger always had her eye on. In the wake of several wars, if there was ever a planet she could be confident in her investments, it was here.

Deals in the past with Regency Spirals Trust - formerly Imperial, but we don't talk about that - had led to Arceneau Trade investing in amicable opportunities. She had not been alone; Vanir Technologies would also make their mark, but perhaps not quite in the way many would expect.

The sleek new luxury yacht would hover in atmosphere, while a small shuttle down in the planet would turn port to land. The winding down of engines sent a small backwash of air, the landing struts sliding out from the shuttle's belly. It would touch down with smooth ease, powering down the engines as the Captain gave the local temperature and bid farewell.

This was one of many shuttles arriving in New Grallia Spaceport for a momentous occasion. While rumor would likely not drizzle down the Hydian Way, for the residents of Ralltiir, the reopening of the newly refurbished and expanded museum at Cambriele. This had been funded by Vanir Technologies and the House of Zyon, the family house behind Regency Spirals Trust.

Donated to the event were several fine bottles of rare Corellian Reserve and Tionese wine by Arceneau Trade. There were several events set to celebrate the opening, and to highlight the "Cradle of the Galaxy" exhibit where several pieces of donated art and artifacts for view. Interpretative holography would provide a full-immersion experience, recreating prehistoric vistas.

There was even a blind auction, serving to support the Historical Society for Cambriele. With vast open atriums, botanical gardens, and fountains along the basilica. With the glow of the morning sun basking its rays, it was a beautiful day to celebrate the festivity.

With a pale beige print sundress, Danger's bright auburn hair would stand out against the becoming white. A widebrimmed straw hat sat perched upon her head, blocking the sun of its rays. Stepping just outside the airlock, she would slide the hat from its perch, sending locks of crimson with slashes of white dancing in the air.

The day had only just begun.




[member="Alric Kuhn"]

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Alric stood quietly, a light smile on his lips and a small metallic device between his lips. The end lit up in a bright blue, and vapor quickly passed from his nose as he stood admiring the massive oil painting that hung on the wall before him.

As always he had arrived early, or rather, he had been here all along.

There were few projects that he oversaw personally, but this one, this one had proven to be somewhat special. Alric had always enjoyed history. In ages long past it had been a part of the game. Learn history, and you would not repeat it. It was a simple message, and one he had always followed. yet now, when the game was said and done Alric had found a different love for what had once happened, a nostalgic longing for what had happened all those years ago.

It had been difficult to explain at first, but it seemed that the curator of the museum had not particularly cared much about Alric's reasoning, more that his place of employment and passion was finally getting the attention it deserved. Alric chuckled slightly, shaking his head and turning away from the painting.

It depicted a battle of the Clone Wars, an age long ago that most would rather have forgotten.

The former Titan walked away from the mural, moving through the museum and casting cautious glances towards a painting or two. He had been here nearly two weeks, watching as construction finished, and he had barely seen a tenth of what the building had to offer. The building was massive, and its collection of art was even bigger. It seemed that this building held more history than the Jedi Archives, a picture was worth a thousand words after all. Again he chuckled, the thought bringing a smirk.

Shaking his head Alric moved towards the exit of the museum, vapor flowing from his lips.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Danger ran her fingers through her hair, pushing back the strands until they would tuck behind her ear. A faint smile went towards the direction of Aeri Vyn, her Zeltron assistant that had worked alongside her for what seemed an age. Truth be told, they were more friends than employer and employee. Maybe it was Aeri's empathic abilities. Or maybe it was the amount of time and intimate allowance into Danger's life that very few ever managed to see.

Whatever it was, the two women were here to make their attendance, even if the first half of the day would be spent by Aeri discussing terms with the Regency Spirals Trust. There was the idea to invest more with the House Zyon's company, and with a secure financial institution, one could never be too prudent in matters of credit.

With a smile in depart, Danger would stroll down the ramp. It was a beautiful day; warm with a slight breeze. Nary a cloud in the sky. Despite the industry in the planet, they had a healthy amount of natural flora with a robust filtering system. The air would smell crisp, and clean. It was a refreshing change from the dry arid air of Tatooine.

Her white strappy heels were comfortable, lacking the usual height for a trade in an easy going stroll. There was a hum of excitement as Danger would step off the ramp and head towards the main entrance. Already there were dozens of attendees, each with their own datapad with holographic maps of the museum and all of the exhibits.

With a crooked smile, Danger would tuck her widebrim straw hat back on over her head. For the now, the buzz of energy for the opening of the museum would keep attention away from her. Truth be told, there was a little rush of enthusiasm at the day's events.

For the now, she was just like any other visitor, here to enjoy the collection of Cambriele.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Alric stood at the top of the ornate steps that fed into the museum.

There was a small crowd gathering at their base, and in the distance he could see half a dozen shuttles and transports that had landed and disgorged their living cargo. It seemed that thousands had come to the opening of this museum, and their number would only multiply as the days went on. Perhaps this museum would now draw tourists here instead of just being an oddity that one could visit on a business trip. He smiled again, liking the thought.

"Mr. Kuhn."

A voice caught his attention, and Alric turned around, taking the small metallic tube from his lips and slipping it in his coat pocket as he turned. Before him stood a man of small stature, a pair of spectacles on his face and a datapad in his hand. It was the curator of the museum, not the owner, but a man of genuine heart and interest in history. "Mr. Berin."

Alric greeted the man with a warm shake of his hand. "I trust that everything is going well."

"It is. Thank you so much for all your assistance."

The former Titan smiled, and clapped the man on the shoulder in reassurance. A small thought mingled in with his joy, and briefly he cast a glance towards the small crowd that was forming. There would be a party outside before the museum opened that night, nothing large of course, but big enough that people would be entertained and allowed to mingle.

"Mr Berin, I have a request to make of you." The man looked at Alric for a moment and then nodded. "A dear friend of mine is coming to see the Museum today. I would love to walk her through the exhibits before everything opens, would that be possible?"

For a moment the man remained silent, as if he was considering the request. Of course Alric knew that he wouldn't be denied, in fact he probably didn't even need to ask, but it was a small courtesy. His father had always taught him that small courtesies built respect, and respect was not something that could ever be bought, only built. Alric kept that in mind as the Curator smiled, and finally answered.

"Of course."

Alric turned and patted the man on the back. "Delightful."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

"I hear that even a Volette was donated!" the rush of an excited museum attendee came just to the right of Danger, prompting the curve of her smile to grow wider. That would be one of her contributions to the museum. Rarer than the Corellian Flame miniatures, A true testament to the art was the Caamassi artist Ves Volette.

This one was an extraordinary piece, the compressed energy crystal at the heart of the sculpture as vibrant as the day it had been first exhibited hundreds of years ago. It gave off a soft cerulean glow, with dancing viridian shades throughout the sculpture. One of many fine art pieces, the Trade Queen was anxious to see it in its final exhibition display.

Weaving her way at the foot of the museum steps, she would mull over the series of events that brought her here. From the first time Alric had shown up at the Expo, to Tatooine, to the Gala, Titan station, and finally here. Funny how that was.

As the crowd would thin, her walk would slow. Tipping her head back, she would let her gaze pan in search of a familiar figure. It wouldn't take long. He stood at the top of the steps; dashing as ever even with age. Curse men and their ability to wear their years well. And [member="Alric Kuhn"] certainly sported his.

There was always a bittersweet sense when it came to seeing Alric. As each subsequent meeting would pass, so too would her wariness. There still was a measure of distance, but a warmth would bloom in her chest, a comforting sensation that would grow in contentment. Maybe that's what time had finally done to her? Maybe, this time around, she simply will let be.

Her heart warmed. Affection softened her eyes. They may not ever be who they were; but at the very least they had today. And the next. And the one thereafter.

Easy steps would have her climb to meet Alric and Mr. Berin, and that glowing expression would pan over from Alric to the curator.
"Simply beautiful isn't it?" she'd start, calling from two meters away, referencing their good fortune in the weather.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

Alric didn't turn at first, whispering something to Mr. Berin instead. When he finished he turned. His eyes had small bag under them, his beard was neatly combed and his hair seemed to perfectly pulled back. For a second he didn't respond to her, he only looked at her, a smile pulling at his lips. He looked better than he had, better than even when last they met. "Certainly is."

He said with a small smile as Danger came closer and closer.

When She was within arms reach Alric half turned away from her, his arm still lingering on the other mans shoulder as if he was trying to guide him.

"Mr Berin, I would like to introduce you to Miss Danger Arceneau." The curator stuck out his frail, small hand and took a short bow, though it seemed more like a nod of his head. "Danger, this is Mr. Berin, the curator of this museum."

The curator began to speak, saying something or other to Danger, but Alric didn't hear him. His focus was on something else, on small spots that perhaps only he could see. The small smile on his face grew smaller, and as his eyes slowly turned away he found his gaze lingering on the ancient columns of the Museum's front entrance.

"...Truly a pleasure to have you here Miss Arceneau."

He tuned back in time enough to hear the man pay Danger another complement, his eyes returning to settle on the Trade Queen just in time for the man to finish speaking.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

"The pleasure is all mine, Mistah Berin," the soft drawl of genuine pleasure was thick like honey and just as sweet. Difference being that in this instance, Danger meant it. The corners of her eyes would crinkle slightly, and she'd shake his hand in greeting.

"I am certainly looking forward to all the exhibits." she'd add, slipping her hand away from his cool one. He reminded her oddly enough of an Umbran. Skinny and small as he was with that small thatch of white hair. It was at the mention of the exhibits that his wisened visage would brighten. Ah, so his true passion surfaces.

"The Volette is simply splendid Ms. Arceneau, Cambriele.cannot thank you enough." he would add, and in an odd sense of embarrassment, Danger's cheeks would lightly flush.

"Again, ain't no better place for it to be. Can't have it collecting dust somewhere." She'd tease, a slight chuckle escaping. Her head would rise then, catching the blue of Alric's eyes just over the curator. Her brows would arch lightly in amusement, then in slight puzzlement at his wandering expression.

"Please, do follow me. " Mr. Berin would beckon, his frail figure moving back towards the entrance. The museum would not be open quite just yet, but with Alric's request and now his knowledge on who would accompany him, he was eager to discuss the exhibit.

"To begin the 'Cradle of the Galaxy' is the..."

More involved than with the two he would guide, the curator would lead the way, leaving Danger to ask the former Titan in mild humor, "Well, he's certainly passionate about his work."

She took a step towards him, coming to pause just at his right. Head tilted back, she drank the sight of him. While there were still signs of wear, he was looking healthier. The smaller bags under his eyes told a tale that he was getting more rest. Good, she'd muse.

"I take it you traded the couch for a bed, Mistah Kuhn?" she'd tease in a low murmur, drawing her torso away to start the slow walk behind Mr. Berin. Unlike in the past, the title and surname was said without venom nor bite. Instead, there was a certain note of good natured humor to it.

Funny how that changed.

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Before he answered her he watched Mr. Berin walk ahead of them.

The man kept speaking, not even looking back at Danger or Alric. The former Titan seemed to smile, a small slow smirk that spread as he grasped Danger gently by the arm and pulled her down a small hallway. A bit of mischief ran through him, as it had in his youth, and quickly he yanked Danger along as he wandered away from the beaten path and towards another section of the museum, leaving Mr. Berin behind to tour his museum with all the glee he could muster.

"No." He said quietly as he began to slow down, his steps echoing in the vast hall that they had entered. "I figured out that it folds into a bed though."

It was hard to tell if he was joking or telling the truth, though he quickly escaped from the subject. "Mr. Berin has a habit of missing social cues, I'm afraid. I think our walk will be more pleasant without him."

Alric had always found that silence was the best way to enjoy art, silence and good company. They were the two things that always seemed missing, and when you were in a museum they were hardest to find. He supposed that was a bonus in rebuilding one, it allowed him to have silence whenever he wanted. The company...the company was usually harder to get.

Though not today.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

A throaty chuckle came bubbling up Danger's throat.

"Mmm... is it catching you suppose?" she'd seemed to play along, interlocking her arm around his. Her comment was in reference to Mr. Berin's advancing age and his habit of missing social cues. They were both, after all, getting up there in years.

"Although, you must admire him for his passion." The corners of her mouth would curve up, and she could feel the warmth of his body radiate through his tailored suit. She took a breath, feeling herself relax and sink into the beauty and the companionship of her escort. A familiar scent tickled her nose. At this distance, she caught the faint scent of spice and cloves, much like the Vipers Alric sold. A slight frown of confusion would fill her, turning her head up to watch him quizzingly.

"Are you smoking again?" she would ask, wondering if he had picked up that old vice he had left years ago after his heart attack. Their walk would slow, her heels lightly echoing in the polished marble floor. They made it to the first atrium, the sound of distance bubbling water from one of the fountains delighting the ears. There was plenty of natural light, with several sections of wide double doors allowing entrance to the art exhibits.

This was the section designated for the works of arts salvaged from the Pre-Gulag period. Paintings as well as sculptures from the Tion Hegemony, Alderaan, and a few donated pieces that had survived the original Yuuzhan Vong invasion from the Coruscant Museum of art.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Alric shook his head.

His hand went to his inner coat pocket, pulling the small metallic tube from its place of safe keeping. He half offered it to Danger, keeping the small rim of light towards himself rather than between his finger tips. "Vanir designed it."

The small piece of technology looked quite simple, a metallic tube with plastics on one end a bright rim of lights at the other. There was a button straight at the center of it and a small removable panel just above that. Just below the button was a small subsection that looked like it could be twisted apart.

"It's a vaporizer." Alric said with a smile. "Comes in a lot more flavors than...well, tar."

He said it with a slight tease in his tone, though he was no one to judge when it came to smoking. He had quit some time ago, but this small vice had made its return as of late, if only to keep his hands busy when he had nothing else to do.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]


A wry grin tugged up her mouth, "A lot more flavors... the mind races."

None the less, she would add along with the tease.

"Look at you, so progressive," she'd quip back, slipping her arm from his own as she took the vaporizer from his hand. She gave it a curious study, brow half furrowed under the brim of her straw hat. It was a curious contraption, one she could guess on how it exactly worked. None the less, she would ask.

"And how does it exactly work?" she would turn the small vaporizer over, her thumb sliding over the button, inspecting just what the bright rim of lights signified. She came to a slow stop, wondering just how this would compare to cigarillos or Vipers. Her momma done told her that no matter what side of a battle a man may be, at the end of the day, they would still want to light one up. It is one of the reasons she invested in tobacco and other similar products. Microtransactions. A man would be just about willing to do anything for his hit of nicotine. There were worlds were the thin wrapped vices were considered currency.

Anything that could shift the tide of that was of interest to Danger. Not to mention, being one who was so apt to indulge in the narcotic herself.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

He smiled, a wide smile.

Then, Alric reached up and gently cupped Dangers palm in his own hand, subtly sliding his fingers around her own to bring the contraption up and between her lips.

"It's quite simple. It uses specially synthesized fluids as well as synthetic coil, vaporizing the fluid into a smoke that can be inhaled." He would press the button in on her, the base of the small cylinder brightly lighting up, simulating the glow of a cigarette. "Then you simply enjoy the flavor."

Funnily enough, Alric has a specifically chosen flavor that he had requested from the company itself. As the smoke flew out from the vaporizer Danger would get a powerful taste of chocolate, mixed with the subtle tones of cherry. It would be similar to tasting a cherry chocolate cake, Alrics favorite desert.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Heat would transfer at the touch, and for a moment Danger's bright green eyes latched on Alric's own. She would inhale deeply, and the rather astonished expression that went washing over her face at the taste of the rich dessert would be comical. Eyes grew wide, and there came the familiar rush that nicotine provides. It was muted to a degree, and an explanation later would reveal that the synthesized fluids came in different concentrations of nicotine.

Instead of smoke, steam went streaming from her nostrils and out of her mouth. It was a lighter sensation, if you can even call it that. Certainly cleaner. There was no arid bite that came with cigars or the Vipers themselves.

Fascinating.

The pink tip of her tongue went darting across her lips, as if searching for the taste anew. It would skim across her teeth, familiarizing itself with the cavern of her mouth as she discovered that indeed there was an lingering taste of chocolate cherry.

"Well that's new," she'd say giving a half chuckle in between Alric's hands.

"How do they compare to the Vipers?" came her next question, lowering her gaze from his back to the vaporizer.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

He pulled his hands back, dropping them to his side and letting her enjoy the taste of the electronic cigarette for a few moments. It was a new product, or rather it was one that wasn't entirely ready for the market yet. Not because there were problems, but because setting up a production facility had proven to be somewhat annoying. Of course that was easily overcome once Alric got directly involved, but so far he had been rather busy with the museum.

"In what sense?" Alric asked Danger. "Production? Cheaper. Health? Much better. Variety? Far greater."

They were better in most ways, but it was true that they left...something, out.

It was that distinctive touch of smoke, that smell, that odd rush one got from a real cigarra. Part of Alric missed it, but he knew that this was better, plus it was more enjoyable, at least the taste was anyway. "Set to hit the market sometime next month, though only in the Republic for now."

The Republic was the most health conscious government currently in the galaxy. Oddly enough The One Sith didn't seem to care about the health of their citizens and the Primeval...well he wasn't entirely sure the Primeval actually knew what health was. He offered Danger a small smile then slowly walked passed her, eager to start seeing parts of the museum he had yet to see.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

"Reckon it will hit the market with a bang," she'd add, following him just a few steps behind. Her hand would extend the vaporizer to him, a ghost of a smile in her face.

"Save for those who enjoy the real thing." oh, there will be those who would be die hard supporters of tradition. While certainly they lived in an age that would promote a better quality of life with technology, there were few pleasures in life that were valued for their handcraft skill.

Crossing the first threshold, the pair stepped into the first of the surviving oil paintings from the Museum of Coruscant. Her heels would rock a steady tattoo, a soft tread that would foretell when Danger's interest would stir. If her steps slowed to a stop, her interest was piqued. The longer the length of time between those beats meant just how captured she was.

The first painting was enormous to say the least; made by a Chandrilla native, bold strokes would detail the epic battle of Endor. There was such vibrancy to the detail to the battle, channeling the tension all involved must have felt at the mission to destroy the Death Star II.

It was curious, most would have utilized a holographic to immortalize the epic. However, there was no denying the personal touch the bold strokes of paint would evoke upon the viewer.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

"Would you like one?" Alric said with a small smirk. "Over one hundred and twenty seven flavors so far."

His eyes followed Dangers even as he grasped the small metallic cylinder and slipped it back into his pocket. It was an interesting conversation piece, especially considering that pretty soon it would all come together and be released on the market. Danger had always liked getting sneak peeks at things he was working on, though he couldn't blame her since he felt the same way.

Blue eyes fell on the painting in front of them as he finished placing the device back into his jacket.

He knew the painting well, in fact he had seen it before. There was always something...better about painted work. Holograms had something artificial, something fake about them. As silly as it seemed the painting seemed more real, as though someone had put actual work, sweat, and blood into it.

Alric let his gaze linger on the image of the Executor, it's massive daunting form lingering by the Death Star.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

"Only one hundred and twenty seven?" she'd toss back with banter, a hint of a smile on her lips as she surveyed the painting. She caught his smirk in her peripheral, and it was infectious in allowing their lively quips continue. She would bent forward slightly, reading over the holographic plaque that would give more information on the painting.

It had been smuggled out of the Museum of Coruscant by way of a rather resourceful curator. Rumor had it that Madame Ferdu had been allowed under Imperial rule to continue her role as curator due to her Anaxi linage. While the Sith Lords and high ranking Imperial officers would help themselves to the artwork, the Madame would keep careful watch. It was her meticulous record keeping that allowed many to track the art pieces after the Imperial reign had waned. Not only that, but she had been at the root of smuggling many pieces such as this one to ensure their survival.

"Such a tempting offer... " she'd say with magnetic cheer, straightening after a moment to flash him a sunny smile. "Perhaps if you can manage to craft the flavor of honeyed Aldaa Baak'lava," the sticky but sweet dessert was rich in its simplicity. But unlikely to be one of the many flavors Vanir would boast.

With coy half shrug of her shoulders, she spun on her heel, moving slowly just past Alric towards the next painting.

"I've long indulged in that vice that I doubt it would do me much good," she'd say in a half joke, "Figure if I've stuck to it so long, might as well continue." a pause, then a glance over her shoulder.

"Although, I reckon there is a time or two for variety." her green eyes would glitter with mischief at that.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

He didn't hesitate in following her. "I'll see what I can do."

Alric mused quietly as they moved.

The museum was massive, the gala they were in equally so. A few statues obstructed their path, though they passed them by with a glance or two. Most of them were of great warriors, of Jedi, sometimes even Sith. Heroes were so often the subject of carvings and paintings, they were idolized and etched into the very rock of history as if they needed their own permanent mark. Curiously, a single statue in the middle of the room stood out to Alric.

It was a massive thing, taller than him.

A clone trooper from the Clone Wars, his rifle held down and into the skull of what looked like an ancient battle droid. His helmet was cracked and his arm was half peeled off of his body. His face was revealed, yet underneath the helmet there was nothing but a blank visage. The inscription at the bottom of the statue read 'Forgotten, but immortalized.'

It struck the former Titan as profound. His own company had begun the manufacture of clones recently, though no armies had been ordered as of yet. He had never once thought of what the replicants of the Clone Wars had gone through, how they had felt or what had happened to them after the war. An oddity that he would have to rectify before he died.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

"Makes you wonder doesn't it?"

Her voice was soft in her query, coming to step alongside him. In a contrast to her earlier cheer, her demeanor had changed to that of contemplation. The replicants of the Clone Wars had done a thankless job. One that held no glory nor distinction by the governments that had utilized them as fodder. Truth be told, not much had changed since then.

There were many governments now that utilized clones to mass their armies; the old Confederacy had done the same with the Dreadguard. Now, they were scattered, but rumor had it down the Hydian way that there was a stirring in the Republic about potentially using Dreadguard replicants in their fight against the One Sith.

It was a curious thing, really to consider. To mull over. Years ago, when Kamino first came under the jurisdiction of the Confederacy, Danger had stumbled upon the knowledge of a rare catch of clones of powerful Force Users. Some would wonder, why she would take such personal attention, but ultimately it did not matter. From there came Ashiin and Saffron, two clone females of powerful Force users without the high force potential of their templates.

Raised on Tatooine and within the Guildhouse of the Companions, they came to their own maturity under their own prerogative. Something Danger had desired for them since she took them under her wing. Perhaps, it was just her method of mothering; to fill that void she knew she could never have.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Clones had always been a funny thing.

Some regarded them as sentient people all of their own, others regarded them as little more than droids, and still others had no idea where to draw the line. The truth was that Alric sat in the last category. He didn't know what made a thinking being into a sapient, he didn't know at what point someone stopped being a clone and started being their own person.

He himself had a clone, locked away deep.

Alric's thoughts drifted to the Dat'qah on his back, the data storage device that would take all of his knowledge, all of his experiences, everything he was and put it into a body thirty years younger. His lips thinned for a moment. By doing that was he taking someone else's life? Would his clone have his own path and he was stealing it? Alric didn't know, but the question made him uncomfortable enough to speak. "I have a clone."

It was a near silent admission.