Private Networks in Motion

[Ra'a'mah]

The upper platforms of the Denon bazaar reflected the evening lights of the sprawling city below, a lattice of movement and opportunity suspended above the streets. Ra'a'mah Numare moved with quiet purpose along one of the quieter walkways, her posture relaxed yet deliberate, hands lightly folded in front of her. Every glance, every subtle shift in the crowd, spoke to her practiced awareness. She had long walked spaces where commerce and discretion intertwined, where the right observation could open doors without a word.

As Dominique approached, Ra's gaze met hers, steady and composed. A slight, deliberate nod accompanied her voice.

"Dominique Vexx," she said evenly. "I am Ra'a'mah Numare. This location seemed fitting, neutral ground, above the city, with enough space to speak freely, and the right perspective on the flow of opportunity below."

Her eyes swept the platforms, taking in subtle exchanges, movements, and currents of commerce without breaking focus on the woman before her.

"I have worked closely with the Metal Lords who created this bazaar," she continued, tone measured but not boastful. "They designed it to be a place of interaction and observation, where those who move carefully can find paths to their goals. I am interested in understanding your ventures, and considering where our interests might converge."

Ra inclined her head slightly, an invitation tempered by composure.

"If you are willing, we can find a quieter corner. A drink, while we discuss possibilities, seems fitting. This is a place for business, discretion, and the occasional insight that only comes from seeing things for oneself."

Her gaze lingered a moment longer, calm, steady, and deliberately engaging.

"Shall we?"

Dominique Vexx

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique held her hands out to either side with a smile broken only by a cheerful call, "Ra'a'mah Numare. How delightful to see you here." The Director had opted for a bit of an overly formal, white dress that flowed about her feet as she strode across the deck. A rainbow of color formed lines down its length reflecting the circuit-nature of their surrounding and those the woman had name dropped. Denon hadn't forgotten the Metal Lords. Denon never forgot. That didn't mean new interests hadn't tried to create and fill voids, however, in order to acquire power and influence.

The Senator and Director of Denon certainly had no problem taking full advantage of everything in her reach to bend the Board to her will.

Her hands slowly folded inward as they extended toward Ra'a'mah; perhaps to take and hold the other woman's hands, or if she showed signs of disinterest in contact then merely to slowly fall as the distance between them shortened. "Anywhere you'd like. We could have met on the planet below and had as much secrecy. You can never underestimate the investment in anti-surveillance technologies. You never know who -- or what -- is listening."

She then gestured off to one side. "There's a delightful little area over here for privacy with an exquisite view of the planet below. Please." Dominique's other hand lifted behind Ra'a'mah's back to signal for a waitress to join them soon enough for their order.

"I hope you won't keep me in suspense what brings you here for too long. Perhaps, afterward, you can even tell me a little more about this history of this bazaar." The meeting area was in a sunken floor with floor to ceiling windows into space, and a railing above and behind a small assortment of chairs. By the time they neared the seats, Dominique had fished a small device out of a concealed pocket and tossed it gently into the air. It'd emit a field of energy to dampen intruding signals and keep their voices and signals from leaking to anyone 'just bypassing by.' She cast a quick smile to her companion. "Now we can speak freely." A golden eye spied the waitress nearing for their order. "Once we have refreshments." They would be fast in coming leaving the two to converse in private.

Ra'a'mah​

 

[Ra'a'mah]

Ra met Dominique's hands with a firm, measured shake, letting the motion communicate respect and acknowledgment without hurry. "Dominique Vexx," she said evenly, eyes steady, voice calm yet warm. "It is a pleasure to meet you."

Her gaze flicked briefly to the small device Dominique had deployed, noting the thought given to maintaining discretion. "A wise precaution. Neutral ground is valuable, but privacy is rarer."

As they approached the sunken seating area, Ra's hands returned to her sides with quiet composure. Her eyes drifted over the sweeping platforms and the city far below before returning to Dominique. "The Metal Lords envisioned this bazaar not merely as a hub of commerce, but as a place where observation, negotiation, and opportunity could coexist. Its upper levels were designed for perspective—both literally and figuratively. Those who understand the currents of trade and influence can move far here, if they observe."

A faint, almost nostalgic smile touched her lips. "I hosted a small gathering here many years ago: a pizza party for the organics of the Metal Lords. It was less about celebration and more about understanding the people behind the trade, their needs, and their perspectives. That approach has stayed with me ever since."

She inclined her head slightly, a subtle invitation. "I am interested in learning about your ventures, Dominique, and considering where our objectives may intersect. A conversation over drinks seems appropriate."

Her gaze held Dominique's, calm and attentive, signaling openness to dialogue while maintaining the measured composure that had long defined Ra's approach to business and alliance-building. "Shall we?"

Dominique Vexx

 

[Dominique Vexx]

"My ventures?" Dominique smiled across at Ra'a'mah . "Denon is the center of so many different economic and research initiatives. We encourage our investors -- those with top of the line facilities -- to pursue lucrative and new ideas. Excessive regulation is hardly necessary, though we aren't oblivious to the needs of our people either." Well, at least Dominique tried to keep the Executive Board from endlessly polluting the world into a ball of living death. And Ayumi was certainly helping with her elaborate technologies able to revitalize entire regions.

"The High Republic has always given Denon the freedom it needs to grow by leaps and bounds without pointless bickering over perceived social issues." Not that all of them were baseless, but allowing public opinion to develop to the point spending credits to address the issue immediately was not usually beneficial toward their longer term goals. It was hardly a perfect balance of giving the people what they 'deserved' while ensuring corporate interests weren't impeded, but she did what she could. "Naturally, I've supported efforts to bolster their stability and growth in turn. A mutually beneficially relationship." A parasitical one was more profitable in the short-term, but a mutually beneficial one was better for the long-term. Companies were free to pursue fast credits, but Denon as a government would ensure a stable road on which companies tread.

"If you'd indulge me, I'd love to hear more about your objectives."