Private Fancy Duds

[Xandyr Carrick]

The wind was almost constant up at the Oiran house in the mountains of Naboo. It didn't change direction, it didn't whip up and down. Just a gentle breeze from east to west. The soft little wooden chimes sang their song at all hours of the day.

“You are all prepared?” the chapter master asked. Her voice was a melody all of its own. Her face was obscured by silks.

There was a synchronised nod from the line of three potential companions. All of them were dressed in their finest. All of them were ready for what tests could follow. In this case, given the brief, there was a sparring circle on sand marked out behind them and a table of small arms to their side. They could be asked to disrobe, be grilled on any of their skills and abilities and asked to demonstrate.

“Good, then I will tell you all this in the strictest confidence so that it does not come as a surprise. I want you all to represent this house properly today. Our client today is the owner of our entire establishment. I trust none of you to display a hint of surprise, but let that sink in. Centre yourselves. Do this house proud.”

Danger Arceneau

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Kestri
Dark Empire Space
Interacting with: Xandyr Carrick
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

Aeri, as well as the others, had nagged Danger enough. The tension and persistence only increased after the hover rail attack caused Danger's crash. Thankfully, she had suffered few injuries, but that only prompted the necessity of hiring muscle that would at least blend into the background for future appearances.

So, seeing as the options were one of the mercenary or security groups she dealt business with, it gave little variety on the quality of muscle she needed. It was in conversation with Casteel that brought to Danger's attention the Guildhouse on Naboo that had a fair selection of Companions that would not only fit the caliber of escort she'd need, but also be able to provide services of a formidable bodyguard if needed.

After brief introductions to the Chapter Master, Danger was led towards a pavilion where she could oversee the line up of men and woman. Each of their profiles had been relayed to Danger's holopad to review their credentials, references, skillsets, and appropriate details. She had narrowed them down to a few but needed an in-person interview to determine a final pick.

"Let's start with these three," Danger selected two men and a woman. "Have them come in one by one, we can proceed with the rest moving forward."

Alas, there will not be an odd line-up inspection. This was just another business deal and discussion to come to a mutually beneficial decision.

 

[Xandyr Carrick]

Xandyr straightened his lapels. She had been curt and to the point. That was far from the worst interview he had been through.

There had been a particular client who had insisted on bringing an entire medical team, taking blood and measurements.

He was first. He stepped up to the door smartly, but waited an appropriate amount of time that she could get comfortable.

One sharp wrap on the door and he stepped inside. He closed it carefully behind him. He stood politely behind the chair, hands clasped neatly behind his back. Shoulders broad, head held high.

"Ma'am," he offered, tilting his head towards the chair, waiting to be asked to sit.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Xandyr Carrick
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

Upon first impression, Mister Carrick was easy on the eyes.

Danger rose from her desk and stood, extending her hand towards Xandyr in greeting.

"Welcome, Mistah Carrick, please take a seat." She would offer, her throaty drawl floating over in cordial, courteous charm. Her other hand would gesture towards the seat in front of her desk, and once they shook hands, the Queen of Trade would take a seat.

She took note of the Companion's physique and overall physical qualities; he appeared presentable and clean-cut. The beard was well combed and trimmed, and he was of a suitable height. From the standpoint of an outsider, considering the broad shoulders and strength and presence that seemed to radiate from the man, he wouldn't be a wrong choice on first impressions. He wasn't too handsome or gave too much of a presence that he would pull too much attention, but he had enough to make him blend into the background but not be a complete wallflower.

"I am Danger Arceneau. I am sure that the Chapter Master has provided you with the details and file regarding my requests. " If not, Danger was willing to clarify the role. This wasn't a normal position for a Companion, but it was fine-tuned specifically for Danger's needs to address security.

"Otherwise, why don't you start and tell me a bit more about yourself and I'll be happy to answer any questions."

 

[Xandyr Carrick]

Xandyr never knew quite what to expect from VIP clients. Their reputation didn't always match what happened behind closed doors. And that was just in a formal meeting, before they called on the full range of his services. In this case, her confident and direct manner did, in fact, match the reputation. There was a strength to her presence.

His handshake was just firm enough, neither aggressive, nor too soft. He let a smile grace his lips and took the offered chair.

"Xandyr Carrick," he started. He knew she would have had a brief in return of all the options available.

"I always get the file, but the written word rarely conveys as well as the first face to face meeting."

He spoke with confidence. His voice clear and calm. He was established in his career and the rules were quite clear, even for Danger. It had to be an agreement from both sides.

"I have been training or in this role for sixteen years. Fluent in four languages, three forms of martial arts and quite capable with small arms. I have been a companion to two diplomats in dangerous positions before."

Diplomatic assignments were difficult and he felt the experience was relevant. It meant working with an important dignitary who had to float around an alien high society whilst being at risk from espionage at all times.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Xandyr Carrick
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

Danger sized him up with the practiced eye of a seasoned businesswoman. His handshake? Firm -- just the way she liked it. The man stood tall, his presence carrying weight without saying much. His voice was low, yet commanding. Yes, first impressions were right on target.

Now, some might say she was sizing him up like she was picking out a Bantha, but Danger had certain qualities in mind for a bodyguard and escort. And she wasn't about to compromise on any of them. As they settled into their seats, Xandyr's steady confidence never wavered, and he began sharing more about his background.

Danger crossed one leg over the other, leaning back with the easy grace of someone who knew how to command a room just by being in it. Her eyes sparkled with interest, but she remained casual, the perfect blend of approachable and in charge.

"Now, Mistah Carrick, why don't you tell me a bit more about those diplomat assignments of yours?" she drawled, her voice smooth like Corellian brandy. "What exactly were your roles, and how did you support those diplomats? And tell me, was there ever a situation where you felt like you could've been better prepared?"

She watched him closely, her gaze sharp and perceptive. She wasn't just looking for a bodyguardc-- she was looking for someone who could handle themselves when the stakes were high and would not be a liability to herself either in words or conduct. Maintaining her reputation was key with whoever she arrived with, especially in terms of maintaining her neutrality.

 

[Xandyr Carrick]

Xandyr had always been good at soaking up his surroundings. It allowed him to watch carefully without giving the impression of being on edge or staring inappropriately. A contract was a two way agreement. Both parties had to decide if it the client, the companion and the terms were compatible.

His initial assessment was carried out quickly. Anyone with boorish mannerisms or a voice that grated against his thoughts was out. She was far more obvious with her appraisal; perfectly acceptable given the nature of the agreement they could come to. He had choices in his position, but the balance of power was never in his favour. There were far worse careers.

Xandyr looked to the side, making a thoughtful noise.

“Please don’t think I am taking the time to construct a fallacy. Given the nature of those assignments I simply need to sift through events and offer what I can. Discretion is important, but this is on the scale of causing diplomatic incidents.”

He looked back towards Danger. A slightly shift in his posture and he was leaning just a fraction across the desk.

"I was on a world or more of a colony really. The current governor wanted to be recognised as legitimate and hosted a number of amabassors in new embassies. I was companion to an ambassador. Provided company and another pair of eyes and helped to keep her from getting bored living on a backwater."

"One can always be better prepared. In this instance the legitimacy was challenged and the situation got worse far, far more quickly than anyone expected. The staff made the call to leave on foot after our presence had been shut down. Given my lack of credentials some even verbally considered leaving me there."

"Fortunately they didn't. Unfortunately I took a blaster bolt for her. I'm afraid if you dislike scars even after surgery I have a small mark across my left shoulder blade."

Full disclosure. Everyone had their particular requirements.

"Further questions? I must be careful with specifics of course. I assume this role would include a significant amount of travel?" he asked.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Xandyr Carrick
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

Danger Arceneau listened politely as Xandyr Carrick spoke, her eyes following every shift of his expression, every flicker in his gaze, the way he held himself as he explained the delicate balance of sifting through events while maintaining client confidentiality. She understood the value of discretion -- Feth knows she'd built an empire on it. But that didn't mean she wasn't cautious. Experience had taught her that companions, especially the more adaptable kind, were just like skilled Clawdites, tailoring themselves to fit whatever role their clients required. And that meant she had to figure out whether she could take Xandyr at his word or if this was just another carefully crafted performance.

Danger didn't bother jotting anything down; she kept her own mental ledger, neat and precise. When Xandyr finished, she let a small smile tug at the corners of her lips, a genteel gesture that hinted at approval but gave little else away.

"Thank you kindly for that example, Mistah Carrick," she said, her voice smooth as Corellian silk. "Now, in this line of work, I place considerable importance on one's ability to protect and provide suitable escort at public events. And let me assure you, I won't be fussin' over any scars you've collected along the way. Long as you can do your job protecting me, clean up well and look presentable in a suit, we'll get along just fine." She rose gracefully, every movement deliberate and poised, the picture of elegance mixed with a hint of steely resolve.

Her emerald-fire eyes glimmered with a touch of warmth as she asked, "Would you care for something to drink?" Her voice carried the rich, honeyed drawl of a woman who knew how to wield charm like a weapon, sweet and disarming.

Before Xandyr could answer, she continued, her tone taking on a businesslike edge.

"And while we're at it, I'd appreciate it if you could share whether you have any known biases or dislikes -- species, Force sensitives or not, particular governments or entities, anything of the sort." She asked, studying him with those sharp, discerning eyes of hers. Best to lay it all out on the table now, she figured. No sense in dancing around things that could cause trouble later.

 

[Xandyr Carrick]

"I'd like to hope that I can do better than presentable in a suit," he replied.

A pause as he remembered himself, before adding:

"Ma'am."

Reflecting back, he gad given a reasonable amount of information. She probably had the resources to know which world he had been on. However, he hadn't revealed what his client had been doing, nor his part in prising information from one of the local factions using his own training.

"I'd would be glad if a drink, thank you. I'll have whatever you're having. As for biases and dislikes..."

He leaned back in his chair drummed fingertips across the top of one thigh. Xandyr didn't hide the fact that he was watching her back with a discerning eye. There was a gulf in distance between their stations, but this was still a two way discussion.

"I haven't had much dealing with Force users. I suppose I don't really trust what they can do. That the wars keep revolving around these religious sides of the Force is a bit upsetting. I wouldn't call that a bias."

Xandyr sat back forwards again, placing both elbows on the table and steepling his fingers.

"I am not enamoured with those that truly exploit other people. If you end up in a discussion with someone offering slaves to drop your overheads I would be irritated, but I wouldn't let that show."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Xandyr Carrick
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

Danger's lips curled into a smirk at Carrick's quip about being a little more than presentable in a suit. Humor -- well now, that was a good sign. A little wit in the right moments could smooth over more than one tense situation, and if he could manage to slip it in without raising eyebrows or drawing too much attention, it might even be a welcome reprieve from the constant hum of high-stakes business.

When he agreed to have what she was having, she reached for two lowball glasses, the sound of crystal clinking lightly as she poured three fingers of Whyren's Reserve into each one. The amber liquid caught the light just right as she returned the decanter to its place, handing him one glass with a smooth grace, her movements practiced and calm. As always, she listened with the intent focus of someone who had long since mastered the art of reading between the lines.

"Hmmm," she began, swirling the drink in her glass as she walked around her desk, her hips swaying ever so slightly with each step.

"The position you're lookin' to fill? It's gonna come with a heap of interaction. More than most folk in the galaxy are used to, I reckon. You'll meet all sorts, people with the kind of powers that can twist reality around their little finger -- and let me tell you, their hearts are full of all sorts of things.

Danger brought the glass to her lips and took a sip, enjoying the feel of the smooth burn flowing down her throat.

"Some act out of greed, some think they're doin' good, others... well, they're just plain dangerous. Worse still, some of them delude themselves about what they're really up to. But at the end of the day, they're not all that different from the rest of us. They've got the same flaws, only their mistakes have a much bigger blast radius."

Danger settled back into her chair, fixing Carrick with a cool, calculating look, her fingers tracing the rim of her glass. "Now, there's one constant in this galaxy: people exploitin' other people. Some do it for credits, others for power. Some do it because it's all they've ever known, a part of their culture, and everything in between. What I want to know, Mistah Carrick, is whether you can watch it happen right in front of you and not feel the urge to play the hero. Not every situation needs a grand gesture. There's a time and a place."

Her gaze sharpened then, locking onto his. ""Cause you know what the definition of a hero is?" She let the question hang in the air, like the scent of spice lingering after a long draw from a cigarillo. After a beat, she answered, her voice cool and steady.

"Someone who gets other people killed."

The weight of her words settled in the room as she took a sip of her drink, the fire of the Whyren's burning just enough to remind her that keeping a level head was always the best play.

 

[Xandyr Carrick]

Xandyr gave a slow nod to her explanation of the type of people he would meet. Danger was known for mingling in the highest of circles. The most dangerous of arenas.

There were easier jobs he could take. There was a fifty two year old widowed princess looking to engage his services. She had a full protection detail allowed to openly carry compact repeaters. She picked him out for other skills.

He paid attention to all of his potential clients, did the research. Danger had a reputation for charm and beauty. She didn't disappoint at all. She was also the shrewd business leader who had led Arceneau through the the chaos. He was surprised to find that she was astutw observant and had the kind of wit to dictate the flow of a conversation.

Xandyr swirled the glass beneath his nose, holding her gaze. He took a breath to let the strength of the spirit fade before taking a sip. Only when she had taken one did he lift the glass to his lips.

"I'm a companion, not a hero, ma'am."

Whyrens had a nice, long flavour. It was a drink for sipping slowly.

"I take the lead of my clients. I'm normally well read up on any situation, but it sounds as if this will be... more fluid. I'm discrete. I won't reveal anything or cause trouble. Not unless you're in direct danger. I'll find another outlet if I have to listen to the worst of people all day. But I won't compromise you, nor your interests."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Xandyr Carrick
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

Xandyr held her gaze, taking his time to respond -- and that was exactly what Danger wanted. He needed to understand this wasn't just any contract, not something that involved fleeting companionship or a simple evening of charm. No, she required more. Whoever worked for her needed to be a bodyguard, yes, but also the perfect escort for any high-stakes event or business meeting, no matter who was in the room.

It wasn't that Danger lacked compassion -- far from it. She had a heart, larger than most would ever know. But there was an art to knowing when to wield influence and when to step back, a delicate balance she had long since mastered. Myra, bless her heart, was still learning that dance, and it would take years before she fully grasped the intricate steps.

"Good to hear," Danger said, her voice smooth as she lightly rotated the glass in her hand, the amber liquid catching the light. She leaned back in her seat, letting her words settle before continuing with her next round of questions.

"How comfortable are you, minglin' with folk like nobility, ambassadors, or anyone with a title and a bit of power?" She paused, her gaze sharp but calm. "Can you handle small talk, keep up with the latest goings-on in the galaxy? Or would you need a bit of prep time beforehand?"

Her tone remained warm, yet firm. Danger needed someone who could not only protect her but also blend effortlessly into high society, someone who could converse just as easily with a politician as with a merchant or the waiting staff. This was more than a job -- it was a role that required finesse, and she wasn't about to settle for anything less.

"And how well are you at recallin' topics of conversation and observin' folk that might be of interest to me?"

 

[Xandyr Carrick]

"I'm very good at being very interested in whatever anyone has to say," he replied. "It's the honest answer, but it does not, unfortunately, differentiate me from the others."

"We all know the right verbal and kinesics cues to get people talking. Better that way that talking too much and sounding insistent."

He considered the question. Honesty was required, but he was starting to think that he might just want this job more than anything else on offer. It was prestigious, but it was dangerous. He would have to work in the wake of the Danger Arceneau's wit and charm and still manage to make an impression. Or, if she required it, make no impression at all.

"If only I didn't have to offer confidentiality to my last two clients. Examples and experience always make a reputation more... Solid.".

He took a sip of whisky. He ruminated as he swirled the glass. He let the think amber fingers streak down the walls of the glass.

"I don't have an eidetic memory. But I've managed to extract information through subtle conversations, more direct seduction or just being an open ear. I find a lot of people like to talk about the local news. Finance and investments are always popular. Research is important."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Xandyr Carrick
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

Danger chuckled softly, her emerald-fire eyes sparkling with a touch of amusement. "No, Mistah Carrick, there won't be any need for you to go seducin' anyone," she said with a light, playful tone. "It's more about bein' sharp -- payin' attention to the little things. Sometimes the tiniest comment, a half-forgotten joke, can mean a whole lot more than you'd think."

She took a slow sip of her drink, the glass cool against her fingers. "This contract, it's not your run-of-the-mill Companion deal," she explained, her voice smoothing into a serious note. "This role is far more public. If accpeted, you'll be right there at my side, keeping me safe and helpin' me maintain appearances. My reputation -- and Arceneau Trade's -- isn't somethin' I've built overnight. It took years to get where we are, and it only takes a moment for it all to crumble."

With that, she offered him a nod, her smile courteous but firm. "I'll be seein' other Companions who are interested, of course, but you'll know within a few days if the position's yours. If you've got any questions, now's the time. Otherwise, it's been a pleasure, Mistah Carrick."

Her eyes lingered on him, giving him one last chance to speak before closing the book on their meeting.