Private Old Friends and New Business

[Noah Corek]

Oseon System
Oseon VII
ATC Centrality Restoration Effort Headquarters
​

Noah sighed as he sat in the waiting room of some bigwig from ATC as he waited for them to get done with whatever it was that was keeping him from meeting them. To be honest Noah was a little miffed, he had done business with ATC many times in the past and even knew Danger Arceneau and while they weren't best friends they still were very companionable towards each other, he even had half a mind to comm Danger to tell her how he was being treated.

He had brought gifts for the executive he was going to meet of course, wine directly from Alderaan and some of his own hand rolled cigarillos if they partook of course. But why was he well known arms manufacturing and private security CEO currently on a world known for exploration and tourism? Well recent efforts to restore worlds ravaged by the Bryn'adul had come to his attention and he saw a business opportunity to be made and a civic duty to be fulfilled.

So he had of course began researching the project and was happy to find that his old friends company was currently leading the charge of the project. So he had sent a request over official channels, no one would accuse him of nepotism despite the fact of that is what he was banking on. So here he sat, annoyed, baring gifts and wondering just who the hell he was going to be meeting.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

It didn't take long for Noah Corek to discern who awaited him. With a subtle hiss, the double doors parted, revealing the entrance of the Queen of Trade, her confident stride filling the space.

"Well, well, well, Mistah Corek, color me surprised," she drawled throatily, her hand extended in greeting as she approached him.

"So, what brings you to grace me with your presence today?"

 

[Noah Corek]

Danger Arceneau​

Noah had been reading over progress reports for a recent project of his on his datapad before looking up when he heard the distinct Southern Systems drawl that could only belong to one person he knew. Grinning as he saw the redhead approach Noah quickly stood and reached to take her hand. "Danger Arcenau...if I knew you were the surprise that awaited me I would have been a little more patient in my wait."

A small wink and he brought he hand in his to his lips and pressed a chaste kiss to her fingers in greeting. "My presence? A grace? Please Danger you flatter me, there are many in the galaxy who would consider my presence...threatening I believe would be the appropriate word to use in front of a classy lady."

Releasing her hand he reached down and brought the gifts toward her. "Wine from Alderaan and handmade cigarillos from my personal stash. I was gonna use them to grease the wheels for my visit here but now they are a gift to a friend."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

With a throaty chuckle, Danger greeted Noah Corek warmly as she accepted the offered gifts. "You didn't need to bring any gifts at all," she remarked graciously, though she added, "But I'm mighty grateful nonetheless."

Setting the gifts down on the desk, Danger gestured for Noah to take a seat. "Go on now, make yourself comfortable. So how is the family?" she encouraged, her tone inviting, wanting to know how his wives and children were doing. She knew junior spent plenty of time with Makai Dashiell from university and fraternity days.

"I take it you're also interested in contributing to the reconstruction efforts with your company?" It wouldn't have surprised her; there was much work to be done in aiding the people affected by the devastation of the Scar Worlds. Countless lives had been impacted, and entire species were on the brink of extinction. From assisting refugees to restoring the damaged worlds themselves, there was no shortage of challenges to tackle.

 

[Noah Corek]

Danger Arceneau​

Noah matched her chuckle and shook his head upon her statement. "If I knew it was you I was going to be meeting Danger I'd have brought some better gifts, thought I was going to be meeting with some mid level executive...not the Queen of Trade herself." He gave her a wink at her nickname before taking his seat across from her and crossing his leg at the ankle and leaning back against the seat, making himself comfortable at her request.

When the topic of family came up he smiled a genuine smile and shook his head. "Almost all out of the house...they grow up so fast. Junior was wandering the galaxy for a bit, learning from different masters and the like but decided recently to try and take up the family business so I've been hiring him as an 'independent contractor' for the company since he doesn't want to work directly for dad. How about you? I heard you're welcoming a son into the family soon.." He was of course speaking of the engagement of Makai Dashiell to Danger's daughter.

When the talk turned towards business Noah nodded and reached into his pocket, withdrawing his cigarillo case from it and opened it of course offering one to Danger and lighting hers first before lighting his own to take a drag. "Ah as astute as ever I see. Yes, I would like to contribute. I've got a few resources under my belt that I think can help. I've got the financial power of Hekler'Kok, I can help with security with the Galactic Foreign Legion and I also know a pretty good terraforming specialist who I know is in need of some work to keep her occupied."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Danger accepted the cigarillo graciously, leaning in slightly as Noah Corek lit it for her. She leaned back comfortably, taking a deep drag as the cherry tip glowed brightly. Settling into her seat, she crossed her right leg over her left, exuding an air of confidence and ease. Her smile widened at the mention of Makai and Myra's impending nuptials.

"Aye, they're both in a whirlwind tryin' to sort out all the details," she remarked, acknowledging the busyness surrounding the upcoming wedding. Then, with a curious glint in her eye, she inquired, "Any of your own kin plannin' to tie the knot soon?"

Turning to business matters, Danger nodded thoughtfully. "Actually, we're in need of some security fortification if you're interested in takin' that on," she explained, her words tinged with a honeyed twang. "Most of these worlds took a beatin' from local warlords, and there's a chance there might still be a few holdin' out against folks tryin' to rebuild." As she spoke, wisps of smoke curled from the corner of her mouth, adding to the atmosphere of the conversation.

"If that piques your interest, it could be a long-term gig. Might span several years," she added, offering Noah a knowing smile.

 

[Noah Corek]

Danger Arceneau​

The man took a long drag from the cigarillo, letting the natural stimulant of the hand grown tabac filter into him and calm him, not that the hardened soldier needed to calm himself in the situation he wasn't intimidated by the redheaded business magnate at all. He chuckled when Danger mentioned her daughter and Makai. "So my son has told me, remind me to send them a good wedding gift would you? Manda knows that Makky has pulled Junior's shebs out of the fire more times that I know my son would like to admit...he gets his sense of self preservation from his mother unfortunately."

His hand would come to rub his eyes and the bridge of his nose when his own children getting married was brought up. "Not that I'm aware of. My oldest Adara though is going steady with...get this... Aedan Miles' son. If the boys father hadn't saved my life a couple times I'd have his head mounted on the mantle for touching my little girl...but I owe the kids dad."

As Danger steered the conversation back to business he nodded along to her words. "Sounds right up my alley. I've already got some contracts in place with other organizations but I've got more than enough contractors to cover you needs. I think I'll bring the Legion's 1st Regiment. You'll like em, most are Protectorate veterans I cobbled together."

Next thing he needed from Danger was a favor. "How about terraforming? Like I said I know a good terraformer and she recently got done with a few jobs and needs something to keep her occupied...and out of my hair as much as I love and cherish her."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

"Good to hear. I'll send you the details regarding Makai and Myra. Not sure what their plans are, but I'll let you know when I do," Danger replied with a smile. As Noah Corek continued to update her on his children, she listened intently. Once they returned to business matters, Danger nodded in agreement.

"The Legions 1st regiment sounds right. Mighty grateful," she acknowledged. When the topic shifted to terraforming, Danger's expression grew thoughtful as she considered their options.

"Which company is it?" she inquired, curious about the specifics. MaraTibx already had its own terraforming arm, but subcontractors aligned with Myra's vision could prove beneficial.

"What's their pitch? Give me the details of who they are," Danger requested, eager to learn more about the potential partnership.

 

[Noah Corek]

Danger Arceneau​

"Much obliged Danger, I'll have to tap into Junior's knowledge on Makai to get him a good wedding present. Credits would usually be the go to but knowing those two they'll have enough credits as is...hmmm perhaps shares in the company?" His external musing were more towards himself than anything but he would definitely appreciate any insight Danger would have.

Nodding her assent to the Legion's 1st Regiment. "Sounds like a plan then. Once we're done here I'll get the Old Guard spun and deployed. Just give us the hot spots where you have the most concern and I'll make sure they get the proper amount of contractors based on the level of concern."

When the topic shifted back to the terraforming Noah chuckled nervously and reached to rub the back of his neck before taking a drag on his cigarillo to calm his nerves. "Well...it's not a company per se. It is an independent contractor but I'm more than willing to vouch for her. She's an expert at the reintroduction of flora and fauna to worlds and making soil arable again."

Taking another drag and blowing the smoke through his nose the man sighed before looking at Danger a little pleadingly. "I'll level with you Danger, the independent contractor I'm talking about is my wife...she's finished a few projects recently and is now rather borde...Yasha being bored tends to led to many decisions happening in our home that I'm dreading...as well as a long honey do list."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

It was good that Noah Corek leveled with her and said that this was his wife for whom he was vouching. Danger had no qualms about offering the job to his wife, but she would be interested in first seeing what sort of projects she completed.

"I'm interested. Do you happen to have a file of her recent projects? Just so that I can see what would be best suited for her. We have several worlds where we will terraform sections, detoxify areas, and reintroduce flora."

With that, she could discuss with Myra on which projects would be best suited.

 

[Noah Corek]

Danger Arceneau​

Noah placed his hands together in a praying manner and looked at Danger with happiness in his eyes. "Oh thank Manda, I love Yasha to the ends of the galaxy and back but when she doesn't have anything to occupy her she gets...antsy I think is the proper word." Nodding to her words on his wife's previous work he pulled out his datapad and then began typing into it. "I'll have my daughter Morgan send you the details and files on the previous projects. She helps Yasha run the financial side of it, she got her business acumen from me fortunately."

Finished typing into his datapad it would take a few minutes for Danger to get the files from Morgan, that is if his daughter wasn't currently in the middle of her usual hijinks. "I've heard that Myra has taken after her mother just as well as some of mine have taken after me. It's always good when a child takes interest in their parents business...I wish mine don't take too much interest in my previous occupations though if I'm being honest."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Danger managed to stifle a chuckle at Noah Corek 's sigh of relief, understanding the sentiment well. Instead, she nodded in agreement, maintaining her composed smile.

"Excellent. Once Morgan sends over those files, I'll review them and discuss with Myra where Yasha might fit best in our terraformin' project management," she confirmed.

When the conversation turned to Myra and her accomplishments within Arceneau Trade and Mara Tibx, Danger couldn't contain her pride. A warm, proud smile spread across her face.

"She's truly come a long way. I couldn't be prouder," she remarked, taking a moment to savor the thought. As Noah expressed his wish that his children didn't take too much interest in his past occupation, Danger raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

"Oh? What endeavors are they pursuin' instead?" she inquired, genuinely interested in learning more about Noah's family and their aspirations.

 

[Noah Corek]

Noah was was nothing if not a perceptive man and had noticed the stifled chuckle from Danger Arceneau but he was glad that the trade baroness had the respect for him to not chuckle outright at the domestic predicament the season warrior was currently in, saving him some little face at least. "Like I said Moe is usually fast when it comes to getting documentation like that out...oh Moe is Morgan...its a nickname."

As the conversation turned back to Danger's own child he saw the hallmarks of a proud parent on her face, the same hallmarks that he had no doubt graced his own face when he talked of his children. Chuckling he took a drag from his cigarillo, blowing the smoke out of the side of his mouth, before speaking. "Well if Myra is even half the businesswoman that her mother is she'll do great things."

And then the conversation shifted once again back to his own children. Leaning back in his chair he looked towards the ceiling and gave a show of pondering Danger's question. "Well like I said about Adara she is galavanting around the galaxy with Aedan Miles' son much to my chagrin. Our oldest twins Girak and Magnus are studying away from home. Junior is working under me technically as an independent contractor, Morgan is helping my wife with the finances of her business and moonlighting with mine too and our youngest Cahira and Alexander are still at home."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

“Well reckon that sounds like more than a few are just stretchin’ our their wings, ain’t nothin’ wrong with that,” Danger began, giving a faint smile but in the back of her mind she thought of Judah Dashiell and how much he’d seethed in his anger upon hearing Makai and Myra were fixing to get married in a few months.

When he left without a wore from Arkuhn farm after Danger, Myra and the girls returned from getting icecream, Danger had given Makai a knowing gaze, conveying she figured that their discussion had gone sideways. She didn’t tell him that she’d seen the way Judah had been absolutely livid, leaving Makai at the fence line in a seething fit. She wasn’t sure the exact words said, but if it spilled into the house after the girls were gone, they had plenty of time to really hash it out with out fear of anyone save the droid staff from being aware.

“You can only guide them and at the end of the day, hope that the lessons you taught them stick and they make sense le choices.”

Noah Corek

 

[Noah Corek]

Danger Arceneau​

Leaning back into the chair and trying to relax as much as he could Noah thought on Danger's words about his children, taking a drag on the cigarillo and mulled it over before speaking again. "Yeah, yeah you're right. Thankfully they've got a much better support system for finding their way than either of us did. I mean I had my squadmaters in the army but that's a lot different than having your family behind you."

As their conversation continued Noah could tell there was something weighing on her mind and decided to broach the subject, he knew the two of them weren't best friends but he had an idea of what it was about. "You alright? Junior uh...he told me what happened with Judah. he heard it from Makai. Didn't really talk about what the argument was about, said it was something about Makky and Myra's getting married...which is odd to me, I'd figure he'd be happy about that."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

At the mention of Judah and whether she was alright, Danger gave a subtle pause. Honestly, she didn't want to go into it. By all accounts, Danger was a professional, and while she was willing to trade stories regarding family, she wasn't the sort to talk aloud regarding familial issues that dealt with unpleasant matters, especially if it made the other party potentially look bad without the full context.

Then again, Judah Dashiell had been acting like a fine fool.

"Well, reckon Judah and Makai aren't of the same mind on a few things. I'm sure they'll get themselves situated before the big day," she added, bringing the cigarillo up to her full lips to take another deep drag. The spicy smoke brought with it that narcotic that would settle nerves.

"Well, with all this in mind, reckon I can get Aeri to send you the details regardin' where the Legions' First Regiment can be assigned. No need to fret on berthin' and provisions; we got that situated on our end." blue white smoke flew from the corner of her lips.

Noah Corek

 

[Noah Corek]

Danger Arceneau​

Noah noticed the ever subtle pause that came to Danger and realize that he had overstepped and decided that once they finished talking about it that would be the end of that line of conversation. "I can understand both sides of that situation...Junior wanted to join the Alliance army when he came of age but Yasha didn't want him too...he uh ended up 'running away' after that...him and his mothers still haven't talked since then." He hoped that showing Danger that even his own family was dysfunctional would help her feel better.

Happy that talk turned towards business again he nodded. "That's mighty generous of you, thank you. I can have a company here within 24 hours, with a whole battalion to follow 72 hours after that. In all it'd take me about two weeks to get the entire regiment from their current garrison, Alderaan, and settled here. Have Aeri send me those details and I'll get them passed along to my Legionnaires."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Danger could tell Noah Corek was doing his best to try to make her feel better. It was gentlemanlike of him, and she appreciated it. With a genuine smile she gave a nod, "Well... gotta let children learn to make decisions as adults. Ain't no other way that they'll learn other than living their life and makin' those choices."

With that Danger took a deep breath. So much to do.

"Perfect," Danger replied, giving Noah Corek a wide smile. With that situated, Myra and Makai now had security settled for the ongoing projects on the centrality and the chance that Myra would have additional support with terraforming.

"For now, feel free to make yourself comfortable. More than welcome to stay and take a gander at what we've set up. Makai and Myra finished up a large bio ring were we are settled at. Made it easier than staying in a space station or communicating to the farm, especially if this will take some time."

Enjoying the last bit of cigarillo, she took another drag before snuffing it shut. "It was good to see you again, Mistah Corek. Thank you for the gifts" She added with a chuckle," but no need to bring them next time. Let me know if there is anything else I can do for you anytime. Who knows, Makai or Myra may need you or Junior sometime soon again."

 

[Noah Corek]

Danger Arceneau​

He chuckled and shook his head when Danger mentioned making decisions and choices. "Yeah ain't that the truth? I just hope Junior doesn't make as many bad choices and decisions as I did when I was his age...particularly when it came to my uh partners." Shaking his head clears of his thoughts he too finished his own cigarillo and snuffed it out and getting rid of the ash before strip the cigarillo down to its base components before putting them in his pocket.

He smiled and nodded at Danger's words about staying around and taking a look at the progress they had already made. "I'll take you up on that. I've sure Morgan has already informed her mother about the job so Yasha will more than likely be sending me message with data and the such to collect...it would appear I've traded on honey do list for another...oh well."

Standing he leaned and cracked his back before smiling and reaching out a hand to Danger. "It will be a pleasure to work with you again and please you don't have to call me 'Mister Corek', we are friends so 'Noah' will suffice."