Private We Built This City

[Judah Dashiell]

Business District | Valery Noble
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Expanding was an expensive endeavor.

Creating a mega umbrella company was also a time consuming and expensive endeavor but at the least, in the end, would streamline operations. His sons would remain in charge of their respective businesses but for Makai, it would make things easier when either one of them was completely running the operation. Things had happened in the past and it just created a metric ton of work. Anticipating the fact Makai would soon take some time off for the birth of his daughter, Judah had to pull the trigger and purchase the headquarters.

Said headquarters was nearly an entire city block. Still cheaper in the long run than a space station.

Ralltiir had become the location for Dashiell Incorporated. It wasn't on his radar so to speak until Casteel Mer'taal had persuaded him, the young banker moving his own company to the planet. Corporation friendly and a financial center for much of the Core, it was only a wise move. As much as Judah preferred the Tingel Arm, business demanded a more central location. Salacia and affiliated companies would still keep their locations out that way and have an expansive presence.

As much as he wanted to focus on 'just business', he stood in the lobby of the center round building, waiting on Grand Master Noble. Not high on his "to meet" list, but a meeting had been requested regarding the Corporate Interests Guild embargo on the Dark Empire. Given he had hosted the last summit, he would naturally be able to answer any questions she had regarding their intentions in pushing their agenda in the business world.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery strode into the sleek, modern lobby of the Dashiell Incorporated headquarters, her amber eyes flicking briefly across the room before settling on Judah, standing tall near the center of the lobby. The memory of their first encounter flashed in her mind — Kahlil's fist connecting with Judah's face after a misidentification. Tension lingered between them ever since, even though they had talked about it.

But today wasn't about past misunderstandings but addressing a much larger problem.

With a composed and deliberate stride, Valery closed the distance between them. "Mr. Dashiell," she greeted, her voice calm but carrying the weight of their unresolved history. "Thank you for agreeing to meet with me again." There was no warmth in her tone, just the professionalism the situation demanded.

She stopped just short of his personal space, hands clasped in front of her as she continued, "We have much to discuss. But perhaps somewhere a little more... private?" She looked around the hobby again before her gaze settled on him.

This was not the right place.

Judah Dashiell ​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Given their history, Judah didn't extend his hand in greeting and nor did she. That was perfectly fine with him, their relationship was merely a professional one. If even that - he didn't do business with the Jedi and Galactic Alliance regularly so this was only their second or third meeting. Best to keep them to a minimum.

Gaze looked around at her mention of finding somewhere quieter. The office building was abuzz with droids and workers putting the finishing touches on the building. Had to design the space to Dashiell Incorporated specifications after all. He didn't even have an office yet.

"There is a staff room, I think it may have a table and chairs. Possibly a caf maker."

He motioned for the GrandMaster to follow him, unsure of the layout himself. The space was behind where the main reception desk would be, a staff break room. Opening the door, there were a few tables and chairs scattered about, some still covered in protective wrapping.

"Looks like the workers already got the caf bar set up. Feel free to help yourself."

Judah took a seat, clasping his hands in front of him.

"You wanted to meet?"


Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery couldn't help but grumble internally as she prepared her own caf, casting a brief, exasperated glance at the machine. She hadn't expected much hospitality from Judah, but the small detail only added to the tension between them. Keeping her composure, she stirred the drink with slow, deliberate movements before returning to the table.

It'd taste better if she made it herself, anyway.

Valery took her seat, her caf in hand, and allowed herself a small sip before diving into the conversation. This time, there was no tension in her voice, but rather a clear purpose, as she shifted her approach.

"I wanted to talk about the embargo," she began, her gaze steady on Judah. "Targeting the Empire was a good call. They've caused a lot of chaos and taken a lot of lives. By cutting off resources, they might not be able to stop us from liberating those worlds." Not after losing the battle for Coruscant already.

Valery leaned forward slightly, her tone growing more resolute, "I'd just like to know where it came from, and perhaps see if there's a way for us to help each other."

Judah Dashiell ​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Judah watched her move about the breakroom, making her caf before speaking again. He paused at her line of questioning. First, he didn't trust her on a good day, let alone when it came to business. Two, while everyone was independent within the organization, the main goal was to advance economic growth for themselves. To promote the concerns of businesses and stand together to create more of impact.

Valery Noble was, in his opinion, a governmental figurehead. It seemed the Jedi had quite a large influence within the Galactic Alliance, which on a personal level was concerning.

"It came from the fact legal action and execution were being threatened against business owners. None of us want to die by supplying toilet paper and sensor arrays to the galaxy at large."

A pause, now came the difficult part. He had to navigate carefully.

"I cannot speak for the Interest Guild as a whole. It is a neutral group compromised of varied individuals. Any decisions to help the Galactic Alliance would be up to those businesses. However....I can offer an olive branch. I can call for an assembly and you can speak to the group at large on neutral territory. Those who wish to attend and ask questions and potentially help may do so."

Judah leaned back in his chair.

"In return, you have to promise not to murder any of the Guild's members. Not all align with your moral vision."