Private Lightning strikes five times

[Azula Tindara]

Judah Dashiell

"I'll be fine looking around on my own."

She was no Jedi, but the Force was still her guide.

"Fine, just yell if you want us to tell you what anything does!"

The foreman was particularly dismissive of Azula looking at the equipment. The urban sprawl was full of factory space, but much of it had ground to a halt.

Judah's insurance company had paid for specialist after the accident and they had determined that it was all a deeply unfortunate series of accidents.

It didn't feel right. The timing after the riots and protests. Too many stood to profit form the company's misfortune.

"Be careful where you step miss!" called the foreman.

He was hiding something. There was no one else here; the sector was still shut down. A team was coming to tear out and recycle the equipment in a few days. It would take months to rebuild the generator here. The fact that the foreman was nervous told her something.

The damage was obvious. She didn't know what any of the machines did, but it was easy to see the damage. Dropping to her knees, she dragged her fingers across the scorch marks.

Something felt off. It was confirmed a moment later when she heard steps behind her.

Azula turned sharply and drew a hold out blaster.

"Hey! No need for that!" the foreman said. He had his arms out at his sides. "Just got off a call. Just here to make an offer."

"Oh?"

"Five thousand. You walk away. Everything here was fine."

---

We have a problem.

Azula sent one simple message to Judah after she was far away from the factory district.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

KAMASTO

Despite the frigid temperatures outside, it was quite warm inside due to the nature of business. Large vats of molten metal were being poured into molds or being made into massive sheets of durasteel. It was noisy, hot, and overwhelmingly loud. Yet it also signaled progress for Dashiell Incorporated and Salacia Consolidated. Another salvage refinery, this time one within the borders of Sith Order space. A large push had been brought by the government for more economic growth and so far he couldn't complain about the government. Things had been going as well as any other organization.

The comm on his wrist buzzed.

We have a problem.

Frown formed on his features. This was unusual. Odd. Having no context too meant it could be anything from a personal problem to galactic war had just broken out.

Judah fished his comm from his pocket as he walked, typing back.

A little vague. Whats the problem?

 

[Azula Tindara]

Azula walked along a common path between sectors. It was deserted. They were never busy. The factories required few workers.

It still put her a little on edge and she expanded her senses.

The accidents at plants four and five. I don't even know what I saw but the foreman offered me five thousand for silence.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

The accidents at plants four and five. I don't even know what I saw but the foreman offered me five thousand for silence.

Judah looked over the message. Part of him was unsure how much he could be concerned, if at all. Accidents occurred. Salvage was dangerous work. Even his factories that made parts for some of their various offerings in green energy and equipment were dangerous. It was why he paid a hefty insurance bill.

Oh. Did you take him up on the offer? Five thousand seems low. Either way, we can flag that factory for internal investigation. Put everyone on paid leave until its concluded just in case. Could be someone skimming materials off the top for himself.

 

[Azula Tindara]

Of course. If I hadn't there might have been trouble.

I have a bad feeling about this.

I will contact internal security and see if they can move quickly and get another look at the debris.

Has anyone been shorting your stocks?

Her last comment was almost a joke. There were plenty who could stand to gain from corporate damage without playing the stock market.

Azula glanced across her shoulder. She was not being followed.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Dashiell Incorporated is a family owned company. We're private, not public. I would never turn the company into a public offering.

I'll send word to have the factory shut down. Might make it easier to snuff out any objections if you think something is wrong. Someone may not want to go home with pay.

Putting his comm back in his pocket, Judah continued on with the tour of the newest refinery in Salacia's arsenal.