Adapt and Improve

[Alric Kuhn]

Alric stood in the observation deck of a large Wyyrlok Class-Star Destroyer. One of Titan Industries main products for The One Sith and one of the largest ships that it produced. His eyes were cast to the scene of half broken wreckage and half rebuilt Shipyards, icy blue staring at pieces of what had once been, and would once again be, the shipyards of Corellia.

There was a certain ruefulness to him, a melancholy that he couldn't quite ignore.

Alric Kuhn was not a man known for his kindness, nor was he one known for his righteous morals, yet there was something about this act that sat wrongly with him.

He didn't know if it had been a conscious choice of the entire Omega Protectorate or if it had been the decision of one man, but he knew that either way the destruction of something so old...so ancient, something that had survived the Gulag Plague itself sat on the wrong side of what Alric found acceptable.

Of course the CEO of Titan Industries understood why it was done. He understood the reasoning behind it, but that didn't mean he had to like it.

“Progress?” Alric asked the droid that stood in the corner of the room.

“Salvage is coming along. Construction has begun...”

The droid prattled on for nearly five minutes about all the details of what was happening. Alric listened carefully and attentively to each and every word. This project was important, and currently it had Titan Industries full attention. The rebuilding of the Shipyards here, along with the use of those on Kuat and Rendili were important to the One Sith. It would drive production to new heights the likes of which had never been seen.

He frowned slightly, his gaze shifting to the far away wreckage.

He just wished it had come at less of a cost.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Danger heard the news.

Truth be told she wasn't surprised at the outcome. What was done was done. There were more pressing matters to attend to now. More importantly, ensuring that what manner of recovery could be enacted. Arceneau Trade was known for their charitable works in war torn planets. Much like in Druckenwell, Geonosis, and other planets needing to rebuild after the blast of canons had been spent, Arceneau was there for the rebuilding.

If anything, being a neutral entity in the service of refugees and aide meant that Arceneau Trade had the ability to move in and out of various territories. Her neutrality is what made her less of a threat when she'd come offer to lend a hand to the Corellian citizens. If anything, it was this strict adherence that allowed the woman to maintain South Systems Business Bazaar one of the most successful Expos and trading centers.

Few would know that the Trade Queen would rub elbows with the Tion Hegemony, Lord Protectors, and Jedi and Rebels alike.

In the wake of the disappearance of so many, Arceneau Trade was working over time. To a degree, yes this would ensure the rise of profits, but it also meant that she had to be careful. Times were changing.

But she also owed it to Ayden Cater to make sure Corellia didn't get burned.

So it was with this in mind that Danger Arceneau would send a hail to the One Sith emissary with a hail asking for an audience with Danger Arceneau herself.

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Alric Kuhn"] [member="Danger Arceneau"]

Taeli, while she had been participating in the taking of Corellia for the One Sith, had done her best to hold the shipyards. Their destruction, for the most part, had been annoying, but she had sensed an opportunity to help with the rebuilding and expansion of her own company into the system. To that end, a large convoy of Krayt Industries ships had arrived in the system, carrying modules for Type III shipyards and also fresh workers and other materials to help with rebuilding what was already there.

"This is Darth Arcanix to Heinrich Serin, we will be assisting you in rebuilding the system's shipyards while establishing our own," she said from the deck of one of Krayt's Avarice-class Bulk Cruisers. "Half of my workers are at your disposal and we brought plenty of supplies."

Turning to her chief engineer, she continued saying, "Jaxson, get our people moving now, I want those shipyards assembled as quickly as possible."

"Yes, my Lady," he said, scurrying off to do as ordered and carry out the instructions with the zeal she expected from her chief engineer.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"] [member="Darth Arcanix"]

He laughed when the droid told him what message had just come through the comm-lines, amusement playing across his lips.

Of course she would come.

He was sure that ATC had holdings on this planet, one thing or another, though he couldn't be positive. The slight smile on his face went away for a few moments, and he began to mull over his options. Turning away ATC and Danger would be foolish, it would likely cause an incident and business to be withdrawn.

No.

Best to meet with her.

“Send her a response. Have her come aboard and meet with me here.” This ship technically belonged to Titan Industries corporate fleet, not the One Sith. It was one of a dozen or so vessels that did. Briefly he thought about when he had last seen Danger, then he thought about all that had happened since.

He thought of her.

Perhaps Danger would have some insight on that, perhaps she could tell him what the feth he had been thinking, what he was still thinking. Shaking his head Alric turned back towards the viewport, focusing his thoughts on things other than a certain pretty Sith woman.

Suddenly, as his thoughts were turned a helpful message arrived. Alric looked to the droid, then nodded. "Send Lady Arcanix my thanks."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"] [member="Darth Arcanix"]
The Sarlacc

The comm would come in with an acceptance of the meeting. Beside her, the Rutian Twi'lek with lavender eyes would give Danger a knowing look.

"You sure about this?" Alisha'ven would ask aloud. To her knowledge, they hadn't ever met with the Yuuzhong Vong in charge of Titan Industries.

If Alisha only knew...

Danger would play her part, flashing the Rutian a simple smile. "Momma didn't raise a coward, Lisha." swinging full hips would twist in a half turn.

"Have the Sarlacc dock on the Wyyrlok Class-Star Destroyer." Her upswept hair would shine under the light a vibrant red as that of the curve hugging dress she wore.

She had a game of Dejarik to play.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Alric moved himself to the acceleration couch in the center of the room, he placed himself comfortably within the soft fabric and then looked out towards the Shipyards.

Construction was moving admittedly fast. Droids, Yuuzhan Vong, men, and women were all working double time to rebuild these Shipyards. Corellia relied on them for jobs, production, and its economy. Without them many Corellians would likely starve or go hungry. That wasn't why Alric was rebuilding them of course, he didn't really care about them, but it was a nice side effect.

No.

He wanted Corellia for his own. Titan Industries, although dotted throughout One Sith Space and now beyond, was still lacking in Shipyards, at least in his eyes. He always wanted more, always wanted bigger, and Corellia offered that like no other.

 

[Taeli Raaf]

"Progress report?" she asked Jaxson, looking out the viewport and seeing the tell tale signs of ATC. It would seem everyone could sense an opportunity right now.

"Modules are being unloaded, we should have three Type III yards deployed and ready by the end of the day hopefully," Jaxson replied. "We also started, as you requested, sending down food supplies and water to the Corellian people. Not sure why though, but . . ."

"Hearts and minds, Arys, hearts and minds," Taeli replied with a mysterious smile. She would never forgive herself, and Corvus probably wouldn't either, if she allowed their home world to suffer because of everything going on. While the food and water would help, along with some of her workers going dirt-side to assist and rebuilding Coronet and other communities, Taeli knew it was also good PR for the Sith as a whole, and for her as well.

Outside, Krayt workers and drones began attaching the first modules together for Krayt's own personal yards while half of her work force assisted Mr. Serin in his rebuilding and construction efforts. Titan and Krayt could very well have a decent partnership eventually, and she wouldn't mind that at all. Small steps though, small steps were needed.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Approximately twenty minutes later, [member="Alric Kuhn"] would receive word that Danger Arceneau was on board and enroute.

​

When the door finally slid open in the Observation Deck, Danger strolled in and lingered for a few moments as her eyes would adjust to the light, seemingly taking a casual look around. Most women have no sense of timing; they are either all stop or all go.

Danger, however, seemingly always hesitated when she entered a room, like a Guildhouse Companion taking a brief pause as she would slip off her glove -- as though she had not yet quite made up her mind to whether she would -- or if she wouldn't.

For Danger Arceneau, every breath was an invitation and every moment a tease. It had to be. She was not unaware of her allure, she was just so damn good after ten years of playing her role, she didn't have to think about it. It just was.

Finally, those feline green eyes would settle upon the acceleration couch in the middle of the room. To the man that sat upon it.

Kuhn.

Before long, that slow swaying gait would bring in the all too familiar tattoo of heels upon a polished steel floor. The sound would echo softly in the Observation room.

One can tell alot about a woman by the way she walks. Some women's heels hit the floor as if they're hammering nails. Some skitter like apologetic mice. Danger's walk was smooth and easy roll of her hips; it gave the impression she had all the time in the 'verse; but that her time did not come cheap.

It was rolling beat that would not match the quickening pulse of her heart at her throat.

The lights are on, but you're not home...​

We all have our roles to play, she'd muse to herself. Externally, she would breathe out a sultry confidence that had turned many men to her wiles during business conferences. Internally, well... she'd once thought that none but her would know.

Your mind, is not your own.​

After all, there's knowing a woman, and then there is knowing a woman.

Alric Kuhn knew the definition of both.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Alric sat on the couch, a smile crossing his face as Danger walked into the room and saw him. For the briefest moment he sat still, not saying anything and not moving.

It was odd, the circumstances under which they had parted had been strange, and what had happened since then had been even stranger. Though neither of that mattered. They were here to talk business, they were here to save Corellia, to build a new Shipyard and discuss what ATC could do for Titan Industries and the One Sith, and to see if both of those organizations even wanted her here.

“Miss Arceneau.” Alric said in his most confident and charismatic tone, standing from the couch and walking over to her to offer a handshake. “Heinrich Serin.”

He gave her a smirk.

She would know why he gave that name, and she would know to act accordinbly.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

M'onnok to Aurek Two, black.

Her bare hand would slip into his, a cordial smile with seemingly provocative delight would grace those crimson lips. She would would give him a firm shake, staring up into the man of Titan Industries.

"Mistah Serin..." Danger had this smoky Southern Systems drawl of a whisper that a man didn't so much hear as inhale. Her voice hung at the belt buckle, demanding of a man to lean in close, holding his breath for fear of missing a word or an opportunity.

One would never imagine her throaty voice to be anything but that. Who would imagine that such full lips could curse as colorful and passionately as the most wretched of patrons of hive and villainy.

"The pleasure is all mine."

Was it?

"Thank you for acquiescing to my humble request," she said.

What she really meant in light of his obvious smirk, you arrogant son-of-a -schutta.

Another facet. The silver-tongued Corporate mongor. Charismatic, driven, and arrogant as the most lofty of nobles. Just another mask like her.

Focus.

She took a breath, reminding herself what this meeting was about. What was important. Corellia and her people.

"I hope you would forgive me for being so impertinent," unlikely, " However, the news that has befallen Corellia has put me to action." Among other things.

"I have come to offer the services of Arceneau Trade in the capacity of resources support; for the rebuilding of the damage to Corellia's infrastructure." what she had done on Druckenwell would well qualify her for such a similar endeavor here.

"With Arceneau's experience across the 'verse in a similar capacity, I believe I can bring a measure of stability and ... relief to see a familiar galactic name come to their aid."

 

[Alric Kuhn]

He smiled at her.

Of course they would accept ATC's help, not to would be utterly idiotic and stupid. The company spanned most of the galaxy and had as many resources as Titan did, with more connections. Saying no to them would not only be a public relations nightmare but would also be stupid given the opportunity for saving in pure cash that this represented.

That didn't mean however, he couldn't be an ass about it.

“Indeed.” He said quietly, turning away from her and wandering back towards the acceleration couch. He knew that Danger likely only wanted to help, she had a good heart. Of course she also wanted to make money, but that likely took second rung here. “Please Miss Arceneau, take a seat.”

He waved her over towards the Acceleration couch, not offering her anything to drink, mostly because he didn't have anything. “Titan is of course well aware of ATC's involvement in the recovery and revitalization of Druckenwell. However, you'll understand the hesitation we have of engaging your corporation on such a large scale when it has...ties to the people that caused this whole mess.”

Alric was karking with her of course, if only to see if he could get her to break the facade they currently had to put on.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

The Trade Queen would drape herself upon the Acceleration couch, her bare shapely right leg crossing over her left.

Her smile would not fade, every cordial and pleasant as if to say, 'Cute, Kuhn'

He was testing her. He did this when they first met at the Expo. Push to get her to break. Her chin would lift ever so slightly, one would think it was but a simple motion, but he'd understand it as a subtle defiance.

There were far more important things to deal with; this was her line. Much like his had been the pathogen on Tatooine.

"My ties are the network that brought Titan the ore required for one if its vessels primary weapon systems." The Immortal's to be precise. One would wonder if she knew exactly the full truth of it or was bluffing; but one didn't have to connect the dots when it came to a large and constant steady supply of Mirkanite when it was commonly used in the construction of supervisors.

"They also provide cheaper fuel, trade goods, medical supplies, mobile shipyards, search and rescue droids, and some of the largest bulk transports for aide relief this side of the galaxy."

Her smile would only grow wider.

"Also... you'll face less resistance with Arceneau Trade aiding the relief than if Titan Industries did it on their own. You'll take longer... more time would be wasted better spent elsewhere."


M'onnok to Besh one, white.


"And time is money, Mistah Serin. "

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

He tapped his chin, drumming on his beard with his index and middle finger.

Again. She made a compelling case, and again, he knew exactly what she was speaking about and what she meant when she said it. The difficulty was of course that he didn't want her to be right, at least not right now, that took all the fun out of this. The two of them were playing a game again, except this time they both knew the end result and this was one hundred percent for his own amusement and nothing more.

She must have already realized that given that she was playing along.

“This is all true Madam Arceneau.” His hand slipped down from his chin and onto the couch beside him. His fingers grazed across the material, same as his office on Coruscant, same that...not the time to be thinking about her. “Yet it is not an issue of resources, but rather one of intent.”

“You see. We who work for the Sith have to be extra careful. Sub-contracting the acquisition of minerals and ores is all well and good, but the reconstruction and aid-relief of an entire planet? One that will likely become one of our main production centers? Thats a very dangerous thing to have outsiders involved in.” He smiled at her, his fingers curling and uncurling slightly.

There was something to be said about the way he spoke, it was filled with enough bullshit that one could almost believe it. “Time is money, but trust is everything.”

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Intent.

Danger's eyes would go narrowing slightly upon the smug son-of-a-mynock full of so much bullpoodoo his eyes should be brown. A nerve at the corner of her eye would twitch.

Intent. He wanted to play this game and talk about intent?

Without missing a beat, she would lean forward, a certain glittering expression in her eyes that relayed he was inching beyond her line of patience.

"Are you questioning my reputation, Mistah Serin?" she'd ask plainly and carefully, as if telling him to watch his following words well.

Her reputation left her clearly as a neutral party regardless of government or political ties. Her Expo the one publically neutral location anyone was able to set foot on without fear of being assaulted. To do so was to earn her wrath.

Much in the same manner Henrich Serin was starting to do now.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

“I would never even think of it.” He said throwing up his hands in mock innocence. “It's as pure as as a maiden.”

Alrics smile was a warm one, but still a smirk.

She was on the line now. After spending days on end in the desert with her Alric knew Danger quite well, he knew her mannerisms, the tones of her voice, and the ways she got what she wanted. He also knew just how close she would come to punching him in the face if he continued upon his current path .

Knowing that, he decided to switch direction. “Remember, though you are free to do as you please, I have a certain...association looking over my shoulder. I do have to do my due diligence you understand.”

His smirk grew.

The Sith were always such an easy excuse.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Danger would give a knowing nod, one would almost say it was even compassionate. Ahh, but it wasn't. Not really. Because that smirk he was casting over at her direction was starting to make her see red.

He could be so infuriating!

"Of course," she would coo out, "After all, a reputation is all a man has." she said matter of factly.

It was a play on his own situation as much as hers. "One wouldn't want to to disturb the status quo, would we?"

They had both come to learn much about the other. Most of it unwillingly, others not. Maybe that is why for this very reason they were on even grounds, playing the game and their respective roles.

There was no clear definition on where each stood; but despite this it was evident that they had come to a sort of an agreement after Tatooine.

They would act the part and play their role in public view. One never knew who could be watching or listening in. She understood that all too well in her years of corporate dealings; in private that was different.

All it took was a single mistake for that house of Passak cards to come tumbling down.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

“No.” He said with a simple smile on his face. “No one wouldn't at all.”

There was no sign that he was angered or even slightly annoyed with her. She had seen plenty of his emotion back on Tatooine, she would see none of it now. He was always good at keeping a straight face, especially with her.

Though other things could set him off on a dime, this was part of the game, and the game had to be one.

“You drive a compelling argument however Miss Arceneau. I'm sure that if I vouch for you and your corporation the Sith will allow your help here on Corellia.” He said it with a smile, though he knew that he wouldn't even have to ask him. He had complete autonomy when it came to rebuilding this world.

 

[Taeli Raaf]

"So I guess Mr. Serin and Miss Arceneau, if she came herself, are meeting," Taeli mumbled to herself, looking towards the Wyyrlok Star Destroyer sitting in orbit while work continued. She didn't particularly care if ATC came to help, the more the merrier in her opinion, but there was work to be done and the workers were doing just that. The Type III's were coming along fast, as it helped to have the modules pre-assembled, but the work on rebuilding the existing shipyards was moving along swimmingly.

Debris had been cleared away for the most part, and what could be salvaged from that debris was being moved to help repair the other yards.

"Progress report, my Lady," Jaxson said from his station. "First Type III will be coming online soon, my Lady, and our technicians are informing me that the two yards that you helped take during the invasion are for the most part intact and should be easy enough to repair."

"Excellent," she said. She had worried if the damage they had sustained during the battle had been more than she thought it was. It was always good to hear that it met her predictions. "Send a message to Mr. Serin saying things are coming along well."

"Yes, my Lady and another report from the surface, 20,000 refugees are being given food and water from the people and supplies you sent down to Coronet and they're signing up to help rebuild the city that was damaged."

[member="Alric Kuhn"] [member="Danger Arceneau"]

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

There it was. That understanding.

Of course, Alric was also trying to get a rise of her. To a degree, it was working but kept herself in check. Maybe it was because he already knew what lay beyond; knew that she really had a hair trigger temper.

While they had agreed to keep their silence, that knowledge and reminder of the past would weigh on her mind.

Trust is everything.

"You are indeed magnanimous, Mistah Serin." she would drawl out with that honeyed voice. "If there is anything else that I may be of service with, please do not hesitate to ask."

It was a standard offer she'd often relay after coming to an agreement; it was the hostess in her. The Companionist ability to provide a venue of a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

She would lick the fullness of her lower lip, her mind already drifting to what had to be done. Corellia -- and it was clear she was more interested in the people than in continuing their game.

"What are the final numbers and details of damages?" she would ask, leaning back again. Her body language would subtly shift, she was focused now. Her arm would come up to drape across the couch.

Ironic really, the thought coming to the fore of her mind. Her she was sitting on a couch in front of him again. Talking business.

Granted, she'd muse with a dribble of her fingers over the fabric of the couch, they had done all but talk business on that couch then.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Without hesitation Alric skipped into it.

The game was over for now. There would be no more teasing, no more trying to get a rise out of her. This was serious now. Alric Kuhn did not joke when it came to the death of thousands, he did not joke when it came to lives of people. It was that simple.

The glasses on his face began to pull up information and statistics from the Data-banks of the Wyyrlok, and he slowly read them off to Danger in pitiful monotonous tone. He told her of the damages to the shipyards, of the civilian casualties, of the military losses of the Omega Protectorate, and of everything else that had happened. He spoke softly the entire time, until he came to the end.

“....and about five hundred and thirty thousand injured.” Injured. Briefly that made him think of her, a deep frown crossing his face. He hoped that she was doing better now, with all that was going on he had not seen her in several days, and despite himself, Alric was worried.

“As you can see, we have our hands full both on the ground and in space.” A shrug fell over him, and Alric took off his glasses. “Mr. Cater did not make things easy I'm afraid.”