Fire by the Sea

[Makai Dashiell]

Arkas | [member="Tegaea Alcori"] |


Setting foot back on a tropical planet felt right. Already the breeze was pushing through his dark,unruly hair. Distantly he could smell the salty sea, hear the waves crashing against a beach. It was normal. Planets shouldn't be covered in ice and snow. Desolate wastelands if you tended to ask him. Pretty sure he lost a scale or two due to the cold. There was a need to find a beach and check out the local scenery - but not yet. He had work to do first.


It was a bit odd but he had been contacted by Tegaea Alcori of Firemane. Most of his interactions with the company had been through his father - contracted out to perform security. Siobahn Kerrigan and [member="Elpsis Elaris"] typically were present for those events. From what he understood Tegaea Alcori worked behind the scenes and on different projects, explaining why he hadn't seen her much before.


He had been asked to come and give his opinion on some aquatic matters. It was a bit amusing but he imagined there weren't many who could give a honest and straightforward answer in the aquatic business besides a few select aquatic species. Even then, most were concern with underwater design and aesthetics only but for other aquatic species. Makai supposed he straddled the line of both.


He lingered around his vessel, both unsure of where to do and enjoying the weather despite being in a suit...well, sort of suit. Despite the location he figured it was best to be over dressed than under, no need to meet someone so important in board shorts and a ratty t-shirt.

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Makai Dashiell"]
As the ship set down on the landing pad near the Kerrigan-Alcori villa, the breeze was indeed lovely. Birds called in the sky, numerous creatures rustled in the bushes and the sea crashed on the shore. Other than that, all was peaceful.

At length though a small party came over to Makai's ship. A tall, dark skinned lady dressed like a security officer walked with a pretty Eldorai girl.
"Mr Dashiell? Welcome to Arkas. I hope you had a pleasant flight. My name is Naith, and this is Simoom. Please come this way, the Mistress is ready. Did you need your ship refuelled or any other work done to it?" she added politely.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"]



"Pleasure to meet you Miss Naith, Miss Simoom."


He wasn't used to being greeted by security guards but then again this was Firemane. Makai supposed the tight security made sense when running an organization that also dealt with arms. Pirates and underlords would love to 'borrow' some for illegal markets.


"I might need a refuel but it can wait, I'm not very concerned. Still half a tank or so." The small group walked along a well manicured path surrounded by immaculate landscaping. "I hope Miss Alcori hasn't been waiting long for my arrival."

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Makai Dashiell"]
“It is no problem, sir, your ship will be refuelled by the time you are ready,” Naith promised, staying to see to the orders.

That left Makai to be led inside the villa by Simoom. The Dahomian was not unkind, but was not much of a conversationalist.

The younger Dashiell was led into a study overlooking the beautiful beach of the inlet the villa sat on.

Tegaea rose, smiled and offered a hand. “Welcome, Makai, I’m glad you could make it! Thank you, Simoom, I’ll call if I need anything.”

Once they were alone Tegaea offered Makai a seat and sat across from him. “Elpsis sends her best wishes for you. She’s not here at the moment or she’d have greeted you herself I’m sure. Rather, I wanted to see you about a business venture.”

 

[Makai Dashiell]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"]


Walking along, the villa reminded him of home in a good way. He hadn't expected Miss Alcori to have a study overlooking an expansive section of the ocean and pristine beaches.Makai wasn't quite sure to expect from Miss Alcori period. Simoon - a true conversationalist - was dismissed and he was left alone with the woman.


"Thank you. Pleasure to meet you Miss Alcori." A handshake before he took the offered seat.


"Elpsis? Maybe its best she hadn't escorted me in if she was here, might not be wise for any reputation I have with you." There was an easy grin before settling into a more professional demeanor. "Business venture? Are you sure you have the right Dashiell?"


There was a pause before curiosity got the better of him.


"What is the venture, if I can ask so early into the conversation?"

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Makai Dashiell"]
“I assure you that your reputation cannot be tarnished by anything Elpsis might do were she here,” Tegaea said with a smile.

“Yes, I wanted to talk to you rather than your father because I believe you have some rather unique skills. Arkas is a planet of islands and reefs and very large seas. There are few landmasses, and none of them are very large. It is also a very appropriate climate for tourism and has an untapped market.”

“What I would like your advice on, and your assistance with, is a new semi-submerged resort Firemane is constructing to bring the tourists in. I have hired both Mon Cal and Nautolan engineers along with my usual ones, but they both propose designs too much in one element. You though, if you don’t mind me saying, are a product of both elements and so might see a way to blend them. I was hoping you might have a quick survey of the site, offer some suggestions…and if you wanted to I suggest we could work together on the project.”

“Can I get you a drink?” she asked, whilst Makai pondered a reply to her question.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"]



"Whatever you have on tap will be fine, thank you."


Makai sat back in the chair across from the expansive desk. Miss Alcori's proposal had been an interesting one. His time in Iron Empire space had been interesting but he found a few things lacking. Heat and tropical days had been one. Distance from his friends and family. Not to mention the nagging feeling he was wasting his potential.


"Arkas is a gorgeous planet. I can certainly see why you would like to turn it into a tourist paradise."


"I would be happy to come and work together on the project. I have a few days to come and survey the site and offer suggestions. After that I would need to tie up a few loose ends in Iron Empire territory but it wouldn't take long. I assume when you mean 'work together' on this project its boots on the ground most days of the week. Which I don't have any objections to."

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Makai Dashiell"]
Tegaea smiled as she poured him a cup of caf, then took one for herself.
“Excellent! If you’ll allow me, I have a datapad with the sketches here.”
She sat beside Makai and fired up a 3D hologram of the proposed design.

“The idea is to make use of this island in the midst of the reef. Now, we’ve already made artificial reinforcements of the foundations and created a strong sea-wall where the reef meets the ocean to protect the area from storms. What we want to do is make this entire island a resort, with the land being used for the accommodation, often with balconies and dip pools over the water. We want the entertainment areas to be partially underwater so guests can eat and relax with all the marine life around them.”

“The question is…how best to do this? We need it to be practical, but also eye-catching. I’d like you to examine the area and offer me your views.”

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Sipping the strong caf, eyes wandered over the designs [member="Tegaea Alcori"] had arranged on her datapad. One was keyed up and it was a projected image of the reef and the potential design. Caf mug rested in his hand, the half-Galan fidgeting with it as he thought.


"Nothing like watching your food swim by as you relax in a comfortable restaurant."


A boyish grin graced his features, clearly amused with his own lame joke.


"I'd be happy to take a look. Have your engineers checked on the coral? Or called in a biologist? Depending on the variety you could have some death due to the construction, might be wise to have a back up plan to regenerate the reef just in case."


A hand pointed to the bottom portion of the structure.


"What if the bottom portion was completely underwater though? Perhaps with a complete glass wall? How opposed are you to being completely submerged in some areas? Do you think it will cause some anxiety in non-aquatic species?"

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Makai Dashiell"]
She smiled at the joke. It was a little lame, but she appreciated him being involved.
“At least we won’t make them go get their own fish!”

“We’ve had a Mon Cal expert in,” she frowned slightly. “He was of little use though except in collecting his paycheck and giving us a self-righteous speech. However, our construction does not interrupt the coral for the main buildings. The sea wall though I will need to have looked at though because it is being built up.”

“Hmm, perhaps two levels? One fully submerged, one above water? That would allow the guests to choose and thus not be overwhelmed if they don’t want to be beneath the water.”

 

[Makai Dashiell]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"]


Makai had already forgotten about the sea wall. The teenage half-Galan took another sip of caf and listened to Miss Alcori speak about the expert that had been brought in. Before he could recommend bringing in another the red haired woman had already spoke on finding a different expert to come and look over the sea wall.


"Two levels could work, got to capitalize on the most people, right? Perhaps that could work for more than just the dining room?"


It was something to mull on.


"For the above sea-level portions...Something similar to an infinity edge in some areas? If you're putting in a sea wall you can probably get away with low clearances since the waves will be small."

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Makai Dashiell"]
“Infinity edge, yes! And to assist, we can have concealed glasteel barriers in the rim of the pool which can rise up if needed and there are storm surges.”

“If you have another expert you might recommend I would appreciate it. Alamgir has proven himself troublesome, but I have no one else currently to balance him.”

Tegaea sat back, thoughtful for a moment. “We’ve been considering a range of activities. What do you think acquatic species would like to have available to them, in addition to the usual ones.”

 

[Makai Dashiell]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"]



"I'll have to ask my father what expert he used during underwater mining and pass the name along to you. The expert took great deal in making sure there was enough stability and comfort for various species. I think he lives on Ceto, I'll let you know before I leave the planet."


Caf was finished and he carefully set the mug back down on the tray.


"Typical tourist activities? Beyond that aquatics may be interested in cave diving, although I can see that being a serious insurance liability. Its quite fun to do. Are there are sunk wrecks or cities here? Exploring those things can be an interest to both aquatics and non."

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Makai Dashiell"]
“Excellent, that would be very helpful,” Tegaea said with a nod.

“There are quite a few wrecks, yes. This planet had its fair share of rival pirates and slavers along with the native inhabitants. There are ruins and wrecks aplenty if one knows where to look. Caves too indeed, plus of course the coral reefs.”

She replaced her cup on the table. “It is so nice to have you come out here. If you’d like we can head to the location and you can see for yourself.”

 

[Makai Dashiell]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"]


Makai probably should have brought along his trunks to wear or at least had them underneath the suit. His vessel wasn't far off and if Miss Alcori insisted on himself getting an upclose and personal view of the current proposed site. He was eager to get back out into the warmth and tropics. It had been awhile since he was able to enjoy such a day. Csilla was an ice covered hellhole if you asked him.


"Its nice to be here."


Standing he went and got the door for Miss Alcori.


"Is the location far? Or do we get to have a leisurely stroll?"

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Makai Dashiell"]
Tegaea politely nodded as she reached the door. “Thank you.”

“It is a short distance. Likely best if you fly over there, I’ll send you the coordinates from my ship.” She pressed a button on her watch. “Harmony, have my shuttle prepped. I’m taking a short trip to the resort construction area with Mr Dashiell.”

She offered her arm to Makai to take. “We can walk back to your ship. By then mine will be ready…it’s on the way.”

As they walked she glanced at the younger man. “So, how is Elpsis going? Do you feel she is coping with things?”
There was concern in her voice. Whereas Elpsis was a sister for Makai she was like a daughter to Tegaea.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

[member="Tegaea Alcori"]


Makai took to the offered arm, immediately happy to be back out in the tropical breeze. He hadn't visited Arkas before but could already tell the planet seemed somewhere he would prefer to spend an extended period of time. It could be the fact he was still trying to de-thaw from Iron Empire space however.


"Would you like an up close inspection? I can change and wade in if you need me to. "


Talk turned to Elpsis and he couldn't help but to smile but only briefly before sobering up. Coping with things? Mind wandered on the things Elpy had told him during her visit. He had asked about a former lover and she had skirted around the question before looking to find a female distraction for the evening.


"I don't know. Elpy puts on a good front but I have a feeling that, like me, she is also lost. Unlike myself I'm not sure she is willing to admit it."

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Makai Dashiell"]
Tegaea nodded. “That would be helpful, yes. We’re in no rush so you can change when we’re there. I’ll also come in for a closer look, but naturally I’ll need an air tank to check it out.”

“Yes, I had much the same feeling. I’m concerned for Elpsis, honestly. She’s a good girl, a lot of potential. The problem is that she does not have a goal to work towards. That’s not for me to give her of course, but I want to help her in any way possible.”

As they reached Makai’s ship he’d see it had been refuelled, and a gleaming shuttle was sitting on the pad beside it.

“Shall we, Mr Dashiell?” she asked politely.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Makai didn't have any type of tanks with him at the moment - although he assumed [member="Tegaea Alcori"] would have one handy considering the climate she chose to live in. Conversation continued on about Elpsis, about the concern Miss Alcori held for his red haired adopted sister. He was only mildly worried. There was only so long the girl could drift about unmoored before more problems found their way to her.


"That is...a bit difficult to help someone with. I like to say I could speak to her but I doubt she will listen to what I have to say. Didn't seem all too perceptive of my thoughts when she visited me on Csilla. Perhaps all you can do is stand by and be there to support here."


Makai looked over the new gleaming shuttle with appreciation. Of course Firemane did everything in style.


"Ready. I'll see you there."

 

[Tegaea Alcori]

[member="Makai Dashiell"]
Tegaea nodded slowly. Young Dashiell was showing wisdom beyond his years.
“Yes, I will talk to her, but I will leave off the discussion somewhat and be more…circumspect. It is her life after all, and we can only help her if she wishes it, we cannot live it for her.”

She produced her datapad and transmitted a location to Makai. “I’ll see you there.”

She boarded her own ship. Her bodyguard Simoon had materialised, as had her pilot.
“Do we have scuba gear on board?” she asked.
“Yes, ma’am, are you planning to use them?”
She detected a faint anxiety in the other woman’s voice. Simoon was from Dahomey where such underwater pursuits were not common.
“It’s OK, Linna will come with me, won’t you?” she called to the pilot.
“Yes, Mistress!”

And so they were soon on their way, arriving almost exactly when Makai did. The tropical island was a hive of activity as builders and engineers busied themselves.
Tegaea had taken the opportunity to get dressed into some swimwear and headed off the ramp with her gear to meet Makai….