Red Curves and Old Eyes

[Gilamar Skirata]

Gil was late.

Again.

Ever since the war with the Sith ended his payments had been coming in later and later for his holo booth at the Bazaar. This time he owed about two months worth of credits to Danger's company. He couldn't see why that waranted him coming in person to pay the woman, but his investors and stock holders weren't about to let his negligence affect their accounts. The Snobs. Regardless, he was late even to this meeting, the looming threat of war with the Republic had taken its toll and the old man and the increased amount of border reports and near skirmish encounters had added onto the stress of his every day life, leading to heavier drinking. Which brings us to why Gilamar Skirata, CEO of one of the largest ship building companies in the Outer Rim was late to a business meeting.

He was hungover, and to be honest, still a tad drunk. A heavy night had left Gilamar looking disheveled. His hair was a mess, he had dark circles under his eyes, and he looked as if he had been sobbing for weeks. His green checkered button-up and tan trousers were wrinkled and his boots half tied. Reaching into his bantha leather jacket he pulled his flask from one of the pockets before rubbing his head as he walked down the hall towards Danger's office. With a heavy sigh he took a swig and shoved the beskar flask back into its place.

Flashing his I.D. to the security, he entered through the double doors of Danger's office. With a grunt he muttered, "[member="Danger Arceneau"]? I've got yer payment."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Gilamar Skirata"]; CEO of MandalMotors and current reigning Mandolore.

He was a man well into his years, but that certainly didn’t curb his rugged appeal. There was something about the peppered hair, broad shoulders, and the way the spacer stories say, the way the man fights.

Some would wonder if that’s holds truth in more than just the battlefield.

A welcoming smile would start to curve over the Trade Queen’s lips, her emerald gaze surveying the worn, hungover, and wretched mess that was Gil Skirata as he strode into her office without a by your leave.

She sat in her large leather chair, her hair tied back in a modest updo to frame her heart shaped face in a most becoming manner. Like always, her attire was suited for the hot environment when doing appointments in her homeplanet; snug tanned breches, a loose button up muslin shirt that did wonders for her decollete, nerfskin boots that reached up to her calves, and a low riding belt that certainly framed a tiny waist delicately.

Ah, but the presentation likely went over Skirata’s head. Word had it down the Mara that the man was loyal to a woman’s ghost. Wasn’t a problem with her, but at the very least, Danger could make sure that the burly and clearly bedraggled man felt a measure of comfort he likely hadn’t felt in a long.. long while.

Making a man feel at home, well…. that is just one of Danger’s many specialties.

With a smirk, the titan mane woman slowly rose from her desk, her full hips slowly starting to amble around it.

“ Well well well… Mistah Skirata… been a while.” she began with a soft welcoming drawl, pleasure reflecting in her eyes as she swept her gaze over him.

“ ... looks like you’ve been tangling with a pair of Nexu and an Ackley.” she said with a teasing grin, slowly sauntering up to him.

“ When’s the last time you’ve had some time to relax, hmm?” she asked seemingly without any measure of coy, a note of seriousness in her emerald eyes. Something that shone along the lines of understanding he’s been going through a rough patch in the past couple of months.

 

[Gilamar Skirata]

"Likewise." Setting the folder down on a stool he grunted at her remarks. "I wish that was all I had been doing," he muttered, "feels like its been decades since I just...sat down." Running his hand through his graying hair he extended his hand for a shake. Even with air conditioning, the building was still hot, warmer than he had anticipated. His old eyes fell on Danger's full figure. He knew what she was trying to do, he'd seen it many times, though usually with secretaries. A chill ran up his spine as his thumb grazed the silver band that sat on his ring finger and slid it around his finger. It was another habit he had gotten into since his wife's death.

One of his many.

"But that's enough personal talk, I've got your payment here...But I doubt you would call me to your office just to receive may payment, what's going' on in that red head of yours?"
[member="Danger Arceneau"]

 

[Danger Arceneau]

There was something’ ‘bout a man like [member="Gilamar Skirata"] that made a woman want to bring a measure of comfort to the man. Likely it had to do with the broad shoulders, warrior body, and weathered looks. Or more often than not, it was that rather distance gaze he’d often had, as if drifting away to some shade far more pleasant than his current standings.

There be an old soul in those eyes as much as a broken one. Leastwise, to some degree.

She took his extended hand, shook it with a firm grip that lingered upon his for a moment as her keen gaze remained upon the man a while longer.

“Well… there always be a higher agenda whenever a woman calls ‘pon a man to enter her suite.” came her honest quip, that hint of a smile still lingering over her full lips.

“However, been my experience that business can take it’s sweet time while folk get comfortable.” A nod was cast over his direction, as she countered his business talk for one other option.

“You came a long way to talk to me Gil Skirata… what kind o’host will folk take me for if it be a half hour of conversation with no welcoming fit for your care and relaxation.” she began to lean against the of her desk as her hands went curling round the edge of it.

“A reputation ‘tis all a woman has down ‘ere… I’d be mighty appreciative if you allowed me to treat you to some of the comforts a good hostess provides.”

 

[Gilamar Skirata]

Her shake was firmer than he had initially assumed it would be. Not that he wasn't used to strong, firm handshakes from women...Just not aruetii women. It was refreshing. Her words were not lost on him, but he hadn't come for any sort of comfort, he had come to pay his dues and listen to whatever offer the red maned woman had in store for him.

A grunt came from the old man in reply to her words. Reaching into his inner shirt pocket he pulled out his beskar flask, shaking it a few times before forming an exagerated frown. "You got any drink?" he asked. It was clear that he had been drinking for a lng while prior to the meeting. How an old man like him managed to not drop dead of liver failure was beyond even him sometimes.

"D'you mind if I sit?" Regardless of her answer he would find a chair to sit in so the meeting could move forward.
[member="Danger Arceneau"]

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Gilamar Skirata"]

There came a rather amused smirk dancing across Danger's vermillion lips at that particular question. Did she have anything to drink? A hand went over towards the far right of the room, where after a push of a button, a sliding door gave a hiss to reveal a fully stocked bar.

"Pick your poison," she said with a coo, smiling up at him before she gave a half turn, heading over to the bar to get him a drink. "Make yourself comfortable." she told him, already coming to a stop as she took a lowball glass in hand.

"Sure you don't want to get some of the finer comforts while you are here?" she asked him again, curious at what was it about Gilamar Skirata that would have him hold onto a memory of a woman for so long to not even enjoy a simple evening of comfort.

 

[Gilamar Skirata]

Gilamar's eyes lit up like a Coruscant festival. Pick his poison? A grin inched its way across the old face. "Poison isn't exactly what I would describe a fine Corellian wine as...But.." Rising from his chair he made his way to the bar, pulling a bottle of some obscure, no doubt amazing, liquor from the cooling shelf, the glass rising slowly, cool air flowing into his face.

It was refreshing.

Maybe he did need a little time to relax. "What did you have in mind?" he asked the voluptuous red head. The bottle was cool to the touch. Pouring himself and his hostess a glass of the bronze drink he drained his in a single gulp before pouring a second.
[member="Danger Arceneau"]

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Danger gave a becoming smile over at [member="Gilamar Skirata"] ‘s direction in gratitude over the the poured glass of whiskey, her hand curling around the low ball glass as she cradled it before her.

“Several things actually,” she said truthfully, well aware that any interaction with the Mandalore would be best done without beating around the bush and with her hand of Sabbaac cards exposed.

“In the recent months, Arceneau Trade and the Bazaar have done more business dealings with Mandalorian headquartered companies than ever before; Your Keldabe Shops and Service, MandalMotors, Mandal Hypernautics, MandalTech, Cestus Cybernetics, and ArmsTech Systems Inc. So much we have contracts for warehousing, transport of goods, fuel, and for the network and continued spread of such goods across the known Galaxy. Businesses that have met a higher level of profit using my network for their means.” she began, wide hips moving over to take a seat in her large leather chair.

“Now while I enjoy every credit of profit I make, I know that there are far more better ways to save these companies, and the Mandalorian clans more money than just by these contracts.” she slid comfortably into her seat, beaming a becoming smile as those keen eyes went drifting over Mandalore.

“As of yet, there are no organized fuel or trade stations within Mandalorian Space to fulfill the needs of these business and of the Clans. As of right now, they be needing to pay extra for the added fuel needed to conduct the contracts they be requiring me to fulfill.” it was easy to see where she was going at it with this.

“Right now I’m in development with Mandal Hypernautics and Corellian Engineering Corporation to develop the largest fuel and trade space stations in the known galaxy. I already have fuel and trade stations bought from Silk Holdings during the last SSB expo, being transported across known space down the Mara, Confederate, Protectorate, Fringe, Black Sun, and old SIth territory. I reckon the Mandalore see’s the benefit in cutting costs as well as growing trade between these territories and Mandalorian space.

You’ll not only be providing cheap affordable fuel for your businesses and the Clans, but you’ll also be spurning on the development of expansion by the ease of convenience of your daily trade goods and the necessities of life,” a pause then a lift of an eyebrow, “Which also turns into easily accessible fuel for any of the clan’s fleets in dire need of rest and recharge if in the event of conflict.”

 

[Gilamar Skirata]

The old man nodded, taking a much more civilized sip from his cup than the gulp he had had earlier. His old, grey eyes watched the younger businesswoman as she spoke, his eyes narrowing. He nodded as if listening and keeping up with what she was saying to him...And was surprised. He had never thought about the extreme economic growth that had pushed Mandalore and its brother and sister planets or how it had come about. Being absorbed in his duties, he had forgotten that Mandalorian products were inching their way throughout the galaxy, and it was mostly thanks to this woman.

"And you need me here for...What?" he shrugged, taking another drink from his glass, realizing he had finished his drink and poured himself another. This was some good stuff. "A signiture?" he set the bottle down. "I'd be glad to get some of those stations within Mandalorian space, especially down the Mara..."
[member="Danger Arceneau"]

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Amusement lit Danger's emerald eyes at [member="Gilamar Skirata"], enough to prompt a small chuckle from her. Mirth was dancing in her eyes, and it was clear it wasn't at the Mandalore, but at how quick and no nonsense he was. It was refreshing to say the least.

"You like the vintage?" she asked, encouraging to drink more. "Comes from the Blake family in Corellia. They alone have managed to save the tradition of making Whyren's Reserve," she told him with a grin, glad that he was enjoying himself at the least. Perhaps she could get him to relax a bit more just yet.

"However, while as easy as a signature would be, I've another desire. " she began, slightly rotating her wrist so that her glass of liquor would swirl in a a lazy amber whirlpool.

"Mandalorian sponsorship for Arceneau Trade and the Southern Systems Bazaar. The ability to openly trade within your territories and bring whatever you desire or need from the known galaxy and be able to ship it right back. Freedom to build warehouses and shipping repair facilities for Arceneau Trade and perhaps even a third headquarters for the Business Bazaar, allowing an easier access to the network and saving you credits so you won't have to travel.

I won't lie, I aim to make a profit. But in this you will find that the Clans will too. I'm willing to part with a percentage of the trade and fuel bought and purchased within Mandalorian territory to do it."

 

[Gilamar Skirata]

He did like vintage, a little too much it seemed. He was on his fourth glass, and things were starting to get a little fuzzy where vision was concerned. Nodding at the amazing feat that was the alchohol flowing through his veins now, grunted in appreciation of the woman's taste. "Nothin' like this back home...Smooth on the way down...and warm in my belly." He chuckled. He could still function, or at least he liked to thikn he could. His eyelids were heavy and hung low on his eyes, a silly grin adorning his scruffy face. The bronze liquid filled his cup once again, the ice ball hat had been in the glass nearly gone now. Maybe he had a little too much to drink....Maybe.

"Sponsorship huh...?" he muttered, leaning over the bar and looking up from his glass. "You know, you look a lot like my wife..." every woman looked like his wife when he was drunk. It depressed him dearly. Taking another sip, he set the glass down. Inhaling, he stood up, or attempted to stand up, straight, swaying like a palm tree on a windy day.
[member="Danger Arceneau"]

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Ahh, Danger could recognize that semi glaze look slowly starting to spread across [member="Gilamar Skirata"] 's eyes. In a smooth movement she rose to her feet, coming to amble her way around the desk over towards him, glass in one hand while the other lightly went trailing over the smooth grain of her desk, fingertips barely touching.

"Smooth .... and warm, hmm?" came her soft drawl as she came to a stop just in front of him, leaning the curve of her backside against the desk as she perched on top of it.

"The good things in life are just that." She set her glass down and reached over for the bottle, only to bend forward a bit as she leaned in to pour him another drink... the view she presented more than generous as she did so.

"Sponsorship, Gilamar Skirata... from the Mandalorian Clans. " she was barely close enough for the scent of her light perfume to go drifting in a soft cloud over towards him. Subtle, but tantalizing.

"Do I?" she said in turn of his comment about his wife, setting the bottle down on the desk. "Well I reckon that's a hell of a compliment." she told him with a wide smile, only to reach over with one hand to lightly trail it over his shoulder, fingers lightly searching and if he didn't object, would lightly start to massage.

"I'm offering you a fair deal here Mandalore... and the chance for you to spread Mandalorian goods and business across the galaxy."

 

[Gilamar Skirata]

With a few strong claps on his face Gil attempted to sober up. Both of them knew that wasn't happening soon, but he knew what he wanted to say. Though the legality of such words may have been thrown into question if any of his stock holders or lawyer were present, "Yes." was all he could muster before he collapsed, banging his head on the table and falling behind the bar, a wide close mouthed, drunken smile plastered to his lightly tanned face.
[member="Danger Arceneau"]

 

[Danger Arceneau]

A throaty chuckle would erupt from Danger's mouth at [member="Gilamar Skirata"] 's slump. She got what she wanted, however, which was fine by her. Sponsership from the Mandalorian clans would mean she would be able to transport trade and fuel stations all across Mandalorian territory, as well as build a new South Systems Business Bazaar branch for the Mandalorian businesses to make the full use of.

This would not only mean an increase in trade, fuel production, and profit, but would expand both Arceneau Trade and SSB influence in the known galaxy. Her trade routes would expand, new ventures would come, and with it more contracts.

Business was good.


However, as a gentle hand went to turn Gil's head to the side so he wouldn't throw up on himself, she still had the Mandalore to take care of. And no one would say that Danger Arceneau is not the best of hosts.

A call to her girls would bring two Companions, beautiful as they were skills, along with two large Trandoshans bodyguards.

"Take the Mandalore," she instructed with a faint smile, "Looks like he'll need a bath and a good taken care of. " a wink would be cast at the two companions, "The works. He'll need some relaxing to do before he heads off back to Mandalorian space."

"Call me when he wakes up."


With that, she would start preparations to transport the new Trist-Class Repair and Refueling Stations she'd bought at the expo to Mandalorian space. The holomap that she'd shown the Mandalor would flicker in front of her, in it showing the proposed areas where the stations and warehouses would be placed. This wasn't even including the other MT 3000 Fuelling Stations by MandalTech she'd bought as well as the large Trading stations to be produced by Mandal Hypernautics.

They were key locations to promote the most trade. Mandalore, of course is one. The Wheel, Roche Asteroids, Maridun, Celanom, Bandomeer, Taris, Garqi, Muunilist, Ithor, Serreno, Yaga Minor, Taanab, Thule, Yavin. Mygeeto, Togoria, Concord Dawn, Adumar, Bastion, Droumond Kaas, Dathomir, Vaal, Junction, and if word had it right.... Ord Mantell.


With a new SSB branch at Mandalore.... her world just got a whole lot bigger.

Done did Daddy proud.