Private The ROI of Slaying a Hydra

[Dominique Vexx]

THE FIVE VEILS CONSPIRACY
A Chapter I: First Light on the Veil Story
Nivek-Falleen Space Station

Set between two solar systems keen to keep to themselves -- one by choice, the other by capability -- the squat space station provided a luxurious retreat from bustling worlds. Unlike the vast majority, this station did not serve as a massive trade hub. There weren't roaming gangs or rundown cantinas. It was one of those precious gems fueled by credits whose chief industry was satisfying those of wealth and taste. The galactic community's version of a mega-yacht. Lodging and entertainment venues satisfied many visitors, but its lush vegetation, clean air, and lack of hover vehicles (however quiet) cluttering the skies made for quite the retreat.

Or, as was the case this day, an excellent venue for an outdoor gala.

With talk growing about reinvigorating trade using the Five Veils Trade Route, it should have been no surprise Denon wanted to establish its place on that route. It might seem there were few alternatives given the route from Archae Teuthis to either Svivren or Skynara, but complacency allowed competitors to steal an otherwise perfect opportunity. To divert such trade around Denon would seem madness as the ecumenopolis had position, poise, and ability to handle whatever volume between the Core and the Southern reaches; and its representatives were there to keep that thought in the hearts and minds of others with a hand, however minor, in making this Trade Route a reality.

There had been speeches, of course. They lauded their collective ambition. Congratulated one another on their peerless vision. Exulted the endless benefits that would come from their investments. Everything one came expecting; all the colorful and upbeat phrases to encourage attendees to open their hearts, their minds, and their bank accounts to this grand endeavor. Dominique Vexx had taken the podium herself. She was there to reaffirm Denon's capabilities in facilitating the ambitious means of lucridive credit exchange, after all.

At last, the presentations ended, and the dressed up with no where to go merchants, entrepeneurs, politicians, and more began to mill about and engage one another. This wasn't an opportunity to let slip by. Everyone had their own agenda and matters that needed tending -- nothing was better than a face-to-face exchange so people couldn't claim they weren't in the office to receive your call.

The slender, white-bound figure of Dominique could be found in the midst of those talking heads with their fake laughs and empty words. What they thought and how they felt didn't much matter. So long as people went away thinking better of Denon for the sake of business, Vexx would leave satisfied; enduring the unauthentic interactions would have been worth it.

Cassian Abrantes​

 

[Cassian Abrantes]

So far away from Naboo space, which mean all hands were on deck for the young officer. This was not a pleasure trip for him. With the ongoing talks about opening more lanes for trade and such. Cassian was working hard to monitor and procure what knowledge that he could. Anything at all, especially if there were talks to harm the Naboo Republic. Luckily thus far there hadn't been any such notions yet. The young commander clad in a tuxedo, it looked fancy, and for that it was indeed protection in itself. And for those few that accompanied him for House Abrantes. There were only a few at his command today, while the rest would stay behind on Naboo, there were plenty of them. Cassian was more than able to take care of himself, however his Father and Mother insisted on bringing a few personnel at the least.

Cass, felt he blend in rather well today. The only weapons at his disposal should things turn sideway, a blaster pistol and two knifes. People tended to be at their most vulnerable during these events. The alcohol, laughter everyone was calm and at ease. Too at ease to know any better.

Nothing so far, laughs, jokes, banter back and forth between several. Conversations ended and began anew.

There was one though, Dominique Vexx whom he didn't know at the time. There seemed to be a gravity around, and as he watched, not because she was beautiful and glowing. But the more that people stirred around her. There were others who's looks seemed more determined then just a simple conversation.

There was one.....two.....

Make that three....

Cass glanced over to the household guard as he gave a simple, looks, a small gesture of his hand. Which to and untrained eye of House Abrantes would look to be a simple wave. The Colonel slowly and carefully edged his way closer to the few people that were surrounding her.

His only worry was, there could be more.

A knife was carefully pulled by one of the assailants, he had done this before. All the makings for an assassins, a good one too.

Not today however. As the blade meant to pierce the woman's side. A strong hand grasped the wrist of the assailant, stopping him dead in his tracks. Cassian disarmed him, and a few quick succession of hits to the body and he fell to the floor. However it didn't stop there, perhaps the failed attempt was the precursor for something grander. As panic broke out, and there were others that had came out to hit their targets. Cassian and those of his house would help to control the fear and restore order.

Cassian extended his hand towards Dominique. "Milady, I suggest we remove you from this location immediately." And while he was being polite, his words were not a request, her life was at stake. He would get her somewhere safe until it was good to return.

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Laughter danced between her painted lips. "Of course, Sathan. You know our ports always have bays to hasten the transfer of your products. I'm certain the right person could help sort all of those quarantine matters swiftly as well; long as you have the same level of safeguards Denon has come to expect from your company." It seemed talk of a new trade route had some people on edge. Eager to take advantage of a new, efficient route, but mindful their competitors could make better use of it first. Sathan wanted to make sure all their hard work further out wasn't for naught once it got to the transition boundary demarked by Denon. A trifle matter... for those that knew how to play the game. After all, Denon was a very busy port.

"Until Cortessan Finance Group buys up all the berths," a man known as Caldin growled.

Under the guide of turning to look at him, Vexx's eye darted to her Glareshades' interface to queue up a query regarding Cortessan. "What ever do you mean, Caldin? A single company purchasing every bay, hanger, or berth would have to pay a galaxy's ransom," she replied jovially and easily followed up with a smile. They were busy, but they had countless places to dock, exchange goods, and get refueled. Why there were even mobile platforms for when all the best places were taken during the height of shipping season -- all three seasons.

Vexx's shades scrolled through a long list of places where Cortessan had evidently taken root. It then followed up with another list highlighting recent acquisitions along the Five Veils. The former was hardly unheard of; there were plenty of megacorps in the galaxy. As for the latter, the rate at which they'd moved was... alarming. There was no indication they were slowing either.

The problem with someone establishing a monopoly or Empire on a Trade Route was then they had undeniable negotiating leverage. Some of such means might actually try to bypass Denon in order to force them to make gross concessions for their business. It would cost Cortessan credits at first -- lots of them -- but in the long game it would be in their best interests. Unlike some DireX, Vexx didn't fixate on short-term gains; the Finance game of strategy was something she rather enjoyed.

By this point, Caldin had just finished a brief grant of their own about Cortessan and their recent expansion. "Rest assured, gentlemen, there will always be a place at Denon for you. Cortessan hasn't reserved any inordinate number of resources on Denon." No doubt so they could focus on securing the trade route first, and avoid attracting Denon's notice. This was a matter they would need to look into further before--

The smile slipped and a lone brow arced high over an eye at the unmistakable sound of two men colliding. Dominique turned to regard those making all the fuss when she found one of them already on the ground. Worse, before she could so much as think to ask what had transpired, a swell of uniform alarm rang out in pockets nearby.

Her hand started to rise and was halfway across her body in the direct of the fan secured at her hip before Cassian extended his hand out in her direction. Vexx's burn eyes blinked at the moment and his offer to relocate her elsewhere. She had a thought to ask Sathan and Caldin if they would be joining them, but the two had already vanished. "Then what are we waiting for?" she asked as though her acceptance hadn't been holding Cassian up.

What in the Bear Markets was going on? Cassian would do better than her wielding her fan in combat, so she was pleased at that development. Vexx could do with a moment to access her slicing interface, however, to patch in to nearby security and discover the state of things. It was obvious with the way shouts and the bodies were moving in the crowd things had gone off script, however. But here? This wasn't a place of outlaws and bandits. Where was station security? It was outrageous just how ineffective they were at preventing this, let alone in taking their time resolving it -- even seconds were too costly to measure.

Cassian Abrantes​

 

[Cassian Abrantes]

"Then what are we waiting for?"

Cass led the way, followed by a few members of the Abrantes house guard. It was clear and evident that they had known each other for quite some time. It was just a look a few words and hand signals and they were able to work around each other and effectively move Dominique Vexx to a more secure location, which looked to be an bookstore of sorts. There were a few that were inside as he advised them to take shelter in the back. They wasted no time and proceeded quickly. Cassian's voice carried a strong instilment of courage, authority and experience. The young Colonel had advised two of his personnel to gather what information they could via communication with their ship stationed in the hangar.

The young noble checked his blaster pistol, ensuring everything was ready to go once more should something else happen. He pulled he small dagger, that was sheathed and hidden away from an untrained eye.

Everything seemed to be in good order as Cassian's attention finally moved back towards the Senator.

"Are you alright? My name is Cassian, of House Abrantes from Naboo. What is yours milady?"

 

[Dominique Vexx]

To her mild surprise, the man didn't offer any retort to her question. Strictly business was it? Vexx followed along surrounded by the Guard, not about to get into a shouting match about where they were going standing out in the open. At least their behavior affirmed their professionalism, which did abate some of her temper. It hadn't been personal, but to think this event was beset by some selfish persons and without her personal security nearby. It was meant to be a gathering of the rich and influential in a secured environment!

Her lips thinned at the sight of a bookstore with their path angling in that direction. They were going out the back, right? It soon became clear they were going to take position there for a time while they tried to coordinate with a ship nearby. Her eyes slid across all those around her, where their attention was, and the layout of the store around them. She wasn't a spook, but Dominique knew how to scope a venue for exits and places to take cover.

It had been a thought to try slicing into the station to find out what was happening, but she didn't know whether such skills would be kept just between them once demonstrated. There was also the possibility of them tracing the connection, if they expected her to do just that. There were benefits to being a hidden shadowrunner, not that it did a great deal under present circumstances.

Dominique looked over at Cassian as he turned his attention to her once more. "Dominique Vexx of the Corporate Authorities of Denon. I must say your intervention was quite timely, and effective, Mister Abrantes." Perhaps he'd offer a correction of his title or rank, if there were a better formal usage of his name.

A tremor vibrated through the station decking half a second before it rolled just a degree or two. A massive station was not something easily rocked; even a subtle shift suggested there might be more than just a few ruffians in the crowd at work.

Cassian Abrantes​

 

[Cassian Abrantes]

"Dominique Vexx of the Corporate Authorities of Denon. I must say your intervention was quite timely, and effective, Mister Abrantes."

Cassian gave a short respectful bow, not as full as usual but given the circumstances that would have to wait for another time. Lives were at stake, in particular this Dominique Vexx he had no ties to this woman, but she was in trouble and he would assist in keeping her safe for as long as necessary.

"A pleasure to you, Miss Vexx. And, well just Cassian will do." There was a small shake in the area and it suggested there was more going on then what was led to believe.

"Do you have transport here?" The Young Colonel inquired to Dominique. "My shipping vessel is in the hangar, if you do not, I recommend you come with us. On my honor I will escort you whereever you need to go?" Cassian offered to her, wherever they needed to go. He would definitely clear a path for them. This, this sort of environment is where he thrived, where he was at home the most.

Safety was paramount for her and for everyone else.

 

[Dominique Vexx]

"Cassian," Dominique echoed warmly.

"Yes, I do. Unfortunately, not with my full compliment or this mess," the lilac-haired woman bristled, "would have been sorted by now. If this station survives its Administrator will received a very strongly worded letter." One implying certain economic ramifications unless concessions were made. "That hardly matters at the moment. I can give you the hanger number, and then whichever ship we can get to, would you agree, Cassian?"

It might not be a bad idea to use his ship. If they were after her -- alone or at part of a list -- they might be anticipating her arrival at her ship. On the other hand, leaving with a relative stranger was not ideal either. Nothing was to say Cassian wasn't part of current events, but playing his part exceptionally well.

Cassian Abrantes​

 

[Cassian Abrantes]

"That hardly matters at the moment. I can give you the hanger number, and then whichever ship we can get to, would you agree, Cassian?"

"I agree." Cassian responded in a warm manner. He glanced to those of his house. "Form up around Milady Dominique. I will take point."

"That is a solid plan, we shall head to the designated hanger first, as you have provided and then we will go from there. Carefully and decisively we should proceed. Should we get into trouble..." Cassian looked to his house guard. "You get her to safety, whether it be my vessel or hers."

The soldier in Cassian showing much more now. Gladly make a stand against whatever these rabble were, in order to protect those innocents.

Dominique Vexx

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique nodded in agreement with Cassian Abrantes ' assessment. "And Cassian," she gave the man a smile, "if you run into any locked doors, I might have been given a key earlier." That was a glorious lie, of course, but she couldn't just come out and say a humble Director of Denon was a slicer. It would raise questions.

Once they got under way, she would stick to the group and not wander off. Tempting as it might be, it didn't hurt to have people shielding you from stray or deliberate blaster fire.