Private Nothing To See Here

[Judah Dashiell]

Serena Harth
​

"Thank you."

Speech finished, Judah moved to step off the stage. It wasn't something he was completely comfortable with but as he got older, public speaking engagements seemed to grow. There was always a guild to speak to. A business conference to attend. An expo that needed his presence to comb through the booths and shake hands and broker deals. A while ago he decided only so much could be delegated to interns or those below him. He still considered himself a hands on CEO and owner, directing from his comfortable desk wasn't going to get things done in the manner he expected.

It wasn't taking long for those who listened to his talk on business innovation and sustainable and responsible growth, how it needed to balance the environment and the local residents of where one set up shop, to start leaving and rustling through the large room. Not the most exciting topic, but a critical one if a company wanted to be well regarded. Benevolent even. It was all about building a reputation and taking a longer view of things than just credits.

Judah himself was taking an alternative exit out of the conference room, one that still pushed everyone out into the same main hallway, just closer to the stage. He was free for much of the rest of the day, beyond plans to meet up with the 'Old Man Contingent' of business beings who were similar in age for dinner. It was mainly going to be drinking and smoking and complaining, but it was still something he looked forward to.

For now, he made his way back to the more central space, looking up at the conference schedule to figure out his next steps.

 

[Serena Harth]

For all the exciting stories Serena pursued as a journalist, there were about a dozen she found dreadfully boring. This event was more of the latter. Sure, some (or most) of the corporations and businesses in attendance at this expo were probably up to some shady or at least shamelessly greedy acts. But there was no lead to go off, no scandal she was trying to uncover. This was just a bunch of old people talking at each other. But it all demanded coverage, and so cover it she would.

Of all the panels she had been to today, the only one that had struck her as remotely interesting so far came from one Judah Dashiell. Serena had slipped into the back of the auditorium, half-planning to just take an unofficial break and catch a few z's. But Judah's talk posited an approach to business growth that bordered on beneficial. Or at least unobtrusive. Sure, at lot of business heads talked a big game, but fewer meant it, or even followed through on it. Was Dashiell the same way?

She supposed that was her job to find out.

Serena snuck back out just before the flux of other attendants, waiting to get a bead of Judah after his exit. No one else seemed to be rushing to speak to him yet, so she wasted no time sidling up beside the CEO. She cleared her throat, which may or may not have been audible amongst the milling and mingling of expo-goers, "Judah Dashiell?" She signaled, not yet introducing herself, though the press badge on her jacket clearly indicated her intention, "Got a second?"

Judah Dashiell​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Hands in his pockets, reading the offerings on the board, he had thought the thrilling topic of psychosocial design in work spaces might be an interesting talk to attend. Better than some of the others that were occuring about the same time and it gave him and hour to poke around or grab some caf.

"Judah Dashiell?" She signaled, not yet introducing herself, though the press badge on her jacket clearly indicated her intention, "Got a second?"

Words drew him from his own internal debate on caf and oceanic eyes settled onto the young woman. Spotting the press badge, he instantly could see why she wanted to speak to him. Question was what about? Perhaps a blurb for an article, those tended to grab the attention of readers and drag eyes to an otherwise boring subject such as commerce.

"Of course. How can I help you Miss?"

Serena Harth

 

[Serena Harth]

"Just wanted to ask you some questions," Serena followed his glance down towards her press badge, "You know how it goes."

She pulled out a handheld recorder, and continued, "But really, I am curious about you said. Hope you don't mind me saying but uh, it's not often people in your position put their credits where there mouth is; Least of all when it comes to the sort of thing you just talked about on stage."

"Has your business taken any steps towards implementing that kind of sustainability already? Or are there at least any specific plans in the work you'd be willing to share?"

Judah Dashiell​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"Of course Miss..." Judah squinted slightly as he read her press badge. "...Harth. Happy to answer as many questions as you need me to."

"Has your business taken any steps towards implementing that kind of sustainability already? Or are there at least any specific plans in the work you'd be willing to share?"

"We have. Currently there are projects in the Dosuunian Commonwealth, it's an autonomous region within the Sith Order. They have spearheaded trying to make their government sustainable so we have focused greatly in that area. Hydropower and algae based fuels for the most part. There are several ideas out there for solar, I believe a Mister Hoku Kalani has suggested harnessing the motion of ocean waves on certain planets."

He paused, collecting his thoughts before continuing.

"On a company wide level, much more difficult to make salvaging greener but we're working trying to make our smelting systems more energy efficent and using alternative, more eco friendly fuels where possible. Baby steps, sadly its not as easy as one would like in all sectors."

Serena Harth

 

[Serena Harth]

Serena shot him a sheepish smile when he corrected her failure to properly introduce herself, but stayed professional as he spoke. The progress he spoke of sounded well and good enough, though her political curiosity led her away from the science for a moment, "Dosuun, huh?" The Commonwealth had an alliance of sorts with the Sith, but were technically independent.

"Do you have any concerns about your business partners' affiliation with the Sith? Regarding possible interference with your work, or even just public perception from other corners of the galaxy?"

Judah Dashiell​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"Do you have any concerns about your business partners' affiliation with the Sith? Regarding possible interference with your work, or even just public perception from other corners of the galaxy?"

Judah paused, looking for any indication that Miss Serena Harth was a Jedi. Or light side affiliated. Did Jedi have reporters? Much like militaries who had photographers or journalists within their ranks when they went on assignments or missions. Either way, it wouldn't change his answer. More of a curiosity than anything.

"Interference is no different than any other sector of the galaxy. There are the same security concerns ; local militaries, random pirates, warlords, criminals. As for public perception, I'm not sure what perception may be negative. I don't have any contracts with any Sith affiliates beyond Aurora Industries, who has worked with Arceneau Trade and Sasori Industries, so I believe their reputation is solid. Obviously I would never work with slavers or traffickers or things of the sort, Salacia Consolidated and Dashiell Incorporated is guided by a set of principles after all. Business is just as important as standing for something."

A small smile.

"Sorry if you expected a completely capitalistic answer but I find business and the universe much more nuanced."