Take Off The Mask

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

"So anything interestin' this time around?" Danger would inquire. While Rose at the elder woman took to making herself a cup of caf. Might be more sugar than caf, but that was how she liked it. Something to drink while they caught up with the youngest twin on her excursions out to the Outer Rim.

"Just a few more planets charted," Rose replied, chomping on down with a fervor that likely the girl a few years back would have been rather different. Then again, at that time Rose had different goals and dreams and ambitions. This suited her more.

Even if she did end up flying that tiny rocket with wings.

"With GUIDE? That doing okay?"

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

His daughter nodded her head.

"It's doing alright, slow work though."

That was to be expected, The GUIDE wasn't exactly a fast growing enterprise, not compared to say Vanir or the dozens of other Corporations that were sprouting up all over the place. Alric couldn't really blame them, they were a different sort of entity that couldn't really be structured like an ordinary corporation. "Have they grown at all?'

Rose looked up and shrugged.

"Dunno, I'm not really in that part of it."

"Oh." He frowned for a moment. That also made sense of course, Rose was an explorer, not an executive. "Well alright then."

Rose smirked at him, then continued to eat.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Seeing the frown turn into an expression of acknowledgement settle upon Alric's features at Rose's answer was mildly amusing, yet comforting. For Danger, there was just something nice about having Rose, Myra, Alric around having a small meal. It was a pity that Lily could not join them, but perhaps that would come later. As Empress of Teta, she now had her own busy schedule and appointments to adhere too. It was no different than all of the gala and networking events Danger had to manage in the past to bring Arceneau Trade to where it was today.

"Well it is good to see you." the redhead would state, following up to add with a certain mischievous glint in her eyes.

"So, met anyone interesting while you were out scouting?"

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Rose didn't say anything for a moment, too busy chewing. Alric glanced towards Myra who was excitedly staring at her bigger sister as though she were the entire universe and the galaxy. He smiled slightly, knowing that the little girl likely already idolized her little sister.

"Well."

Rose began.

"Not really, but kind of yes? Most of the worlds I travel to are uninhabited, we just take surveys of the geography, general layout, volcanic activity."

That was usually how exploration worked, and in truth Alric didn't quite understand why it wasn't done with droids. Perhaps it was a more personal touch, or something to do with how the GUIDE wanted to be more exacting in its standards, but either way Alric still didn't quite see the point of it. He didn't run that particular entity however, and thus he wouldn't say anything about it, especially when it was his daughters job to actually do it.

That would be bad form.

"A few times you meet indigenous species, but usually its pretty tough to communicate with them."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

"Seems like you are having a grand time." one could tell by the color in Rose's face. The tan, the athletic body of a scout. She had that already in the past but the illness that had taken her connection to the Force had also sapped a portion of her energy. The time in the hospital had left her a few kilos lighter, a little lost, and then with a small bit of encouragement behind the scenes, Rose had managed to find herself through all that mess.

And at Danger's Tatooine Stronghold. That had been a rather interesting conversation and meeting to say the least.

Myra swung her legs back and forth, completely entertained by Rose's presence. At that moment Danger had to agree that having Rose over to care for the youngling would be good. There was already a bit of tension she could feel releasing from her shoulders.

"I'm sure Myra would be pleased to hear some more of those stories."

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

"Well I have plenty to tell."

Myra lit up slightly at that.

It was easy to see that the little girl was excited and Alric honestly couldn't blame her. Visits from Rose were rare, and it was half a shame that he and Danger were now going to go away and actually miss most of it. Still, they needed their alone time, and that was that.

"Well." He glanced at Rose, hinting. "Wont that be exciting."

A small smile touched Rose's lips as she finished eating, noting that Myra had as well.

"Come on Myra, why dont you show me your room, I'm sure youve done lots with it since I've been here last"

With that, the little girl suddenly scrambled from the table and tugged on Rose's hand.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

The pair went off with Mister Tuggles trotting along behind Rose and Myra. Danger couldn't help but have a small smile curve up at the corners of her lips at sight. Rose seemed very in tuned to the youngling, almost keenly so.

She and Alric had been concerned how Rose and Lily would take to Myra's presence, but thankfully those fears were abated. Once they had the full story on Myra's past, both Lily and Rose had been rather empathic on Myra's situation. That small bond had indeed grown the past few months, and it was heartwarming to see.

Now if they could only figure out what was going on with Myra's health.

The Tetan would be able to catch the growing concern that would once again sweep over Danger's face. She was worrying again, the tension returning over Myra's physical health.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

His hand floated to her knee, gently pressing in.

"None of that." Alric told his wife. There was no room for concern in the coming days, not while they were on vacation. Myra's health was always something to worry about, but right now she was stable enough. Arkuhn had managed to produce a number of medications that at least slowed her condition, though of course it was rather difficult to treat a disease when you didn't know what it was. Still, they'd done a good job.

Enough that he and Danger could take a few days.

"This weekend will be good." He leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Your focus should be on me this weekend."

He told her with a small nuzzle and a smile. "If you want to take care of someone we can play doctor."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

[SIZE=9pt]“Not with that knee of yours,” the Queen of Trade replied, shining him a smile that the Tetan managed to coax out of her. Her hand came to rest over his own, giving it a gentle squeeze. Ever since his return, since they had crossed the line that drew them irrevocably together, Alric had been the most attentive husband anyone could desire. He had her best interest at heart, went out of his way to comfort her, show her how much he cared. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]A warmth in Danger’s chest spread and her expression would soften. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Well, it would be nice to have you all to myself for a while.” she agreed, her fingers gently caressing his hand. Leaning forward, the redhead came close enough to press a soft kiss upon his lips. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“I love you.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]And that’s all she had to say. [/SIZE]

​

______​

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[SIZE=9pt]“Not with that knee of yours,” the Queen of Trade replied, shining him a smile that the Tetan managed to coax out of her. Her hand came to rest over his own, giving it a gentle squeeze. Ever since his return, since they had crossed the line that drew them irrevocably together, Alric had been the most attentive husband anyone could desire. He had her best interest at heart, went out of his way to comfort her, show her how much he cared. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]A warmth in Danger’s chest spread and her expression would soften. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Well, it would be nice to have you all to myself for a while.” she agreed, her fingers gently caressing his hand. Leaning forward, the redhead came close enough to press a soft kiss upon his lips. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“I love you.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]And that’s all she had to say.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]---------------------[/SIZE]​

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

The next day went quickly, surprisingly so.

Rose broke the news to Myra and Mr. Tuggles, and unsurprisingly it went over very well. The little girl had practically glowed with mischief as she had been told Rose would be taken care of her. Myra loved her parents of course, but a chance to spend the weekend alone with her older sister? Well that obviously meant later bed time, more cookies, and holo-TV.

What little girl could deny that?

"Okay Honey." Alric said leaning down and kissing the top of Myra's head. "We'll be back this weekend."

He smiled."Don't be too much trouble for Rose."

The Tetan glanced at Myra for a moment, then looked at Mr. Tuggles who seemed to just wag his tail.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Danger slowly took a step away from the threshold she’d been leaning against. A faint smile went curving over her lips, the full-hipped woman taking a slow saunter over to the youngling.

“You be good now,” she would remind the little girl, also bending down to press a kiss upon the crown of her dark head. Her hand went sweeping over Myra’s hair in a gentle cafune, an ache growing once more in affection and worry within the Queen of Trade’s chest.

“Try to keep Mistah Tuggles out of trouble too.” she added, prompting a giggle and a nod from the pale little girl. Danger’s hand then swept down to cradle the youngling’s cheek. A small wink followed suit.

“We’ll see what we can bring back.” straightening, Danger took a deep breath. It was hard, but she understood it would be good for them all to get away for a bit. To rest. She even had Aeri look over Arceneau Trade in the most recent dealings with the Galactic Alliance and the Imperial Remnant. There was also the Iron Empire to look after. So much to do, so little time.

A hand came up to rest upon Alric’s bicep, indicating that it would be good to go. Rose stood to the side and Danger went over to her to give her a hug.

“Comm us if anything happens.”

“I will.” there was mild humor in Rose’s gaze but also a seriousness.

“We’ll have a good time.”

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Leaving your children was never really an easy task no matter how old they were or how long you were going for. Alric knew this better than most, his ill-advised idea to keep Lily and Rose safe having completely blown up in his face. This situation was different of course, and Danger weren’t leaving forever, hardly a few days in fact, but it was still as hard as if they were leaving for months.

Eventually though the Tetan managed to peel both his wife and himself away. ”Alright.”

He said after a few more hugs and another Kiss or two.

”Let’s get going, the shuttle will leave without us.” There was absolutely zero chance of that happening of course, they owned the shuttle and the pilot wouldn’t be going anywhere without the two of them onboard, but Alric had started to like his dad jokes. His arm wrapped around Danger and the two of them slowly turned away.

The old Tetan gave one last wave, and then they headed out the door.

A split second after the heavy wood closed, Alric heard the loud sound of shattering glass behind them. It echoed out for a moment, then a voice fell behind it.

“Just a plate...don’t worry about it!”

Alric shook his head and glanced to Danger, heading down the cobblestone path.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]


Danger had to fight her instinct to go check. As if Alric knew just what she was considering, he brought his hand up, curling his fingers around her elbow in an effort to guide her over the cobblestone path. As soon as she took the first few steps, his hand went drifting from her elbow and settled upon the small of her back. Any indication she might slow her amble or turn was met with a gentle nudge of encouragement. He wasn’t going to have her distracted by worries today.

“How long will the flight be?” it was better to ask a question than focus on how her belly was twisting and turning. Just relax, it will only be a few days. That is all Danger had to focus on now. It would be much along the same manner that their previous travels had taken them.

The shuttle pad entrance doors at the far end of the path would lead towards their own private shuttle. From there, the short twenty minute flight would direct them to their yacht in orbit.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

”Not long.” He told her. ”Only a few hours.”

Though their little world was mostly isolated, it helped that a hyperlane connected them directly to Borleias.

The trip would normally have been slowed, but over the last few years many of the galactic governments that had once opposed one another had dissolved. This means that many boundaries and former obstacles were now completely gone, which of course meant that the flight to the core was direct and much faster than it once had been.

It was nice, of course. ”Everything is already set and prepared for us.”

Alric said, soothing her as they stepped onto the ramp of their shuttle.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

"Welcome masters," a protocol droid greeted them. He waddled his way over to Danger and Alric, his hands coming over and gesturing in welcome.

"Please, we have everything ready." he was crafted of gold durasteel and had been an assistant to Danger during her travels. A little bit easier on the eyes than Six. That would have been confusing.

"Thank you B2-G4." Danger replied. The Tetan and the Queen of Trade would wander into the main lounge.

"We shall depart in a few minutes masters, but if you like, I can make drinks."

"It is alright."

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

"We're fine." Alric said with a wave of his hand.

It didn't take long for the both of them to get settled, comfortable chairs that were ornately created by hand. Though Alric and Dagner weren't really ones to live in the lap of luxury, there were a few points where they didn't really spare any expenses.

Comfort was one of those areas.

Their shuttles, their ships, everything they used to travel was created to perfection. Mostly this was Alric's influence. Danger was always okay with having things a bit more rough, but they were older, they were rich, and there was absolutely no reason for them to ever be uncomfortable again. That was his thinking anyway.

"Well." He said, wrapping his fingers around Danger's. "Excited?"

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Danger gave Alric a small smile. Her hand went reaching over to squeeze the Tetan's hand.

"I am," she admitted, but it came with a small sigh. "I reckon I just can't help worrying some." her fingers went searching to interlock with Alric's own.

"How about you? You excited?" she inquired. "What are all these great plans you have for our trip?" he was a planner, so it wouldn't be surprising for Danger to hear that he had a portion of their schedule already planned out.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Alric offered his wife a smirk.

This trip was the first that they had taken alone in what seemed like a decade. Myra was fantastic, and Alric would not have wished her away for anything, but he was excited to simply enjoy the presence of his wife without anyone or anything nearby.

Still, that didnt mean he had to tell her his plans.

So instead of an answer Danger would receive a gentle press of his index to her lips. A muted 'shh' passed his lips and slowly he leaned into her.

Alrics arm wrapped around Danger as he replaced his finger and pulled her into a deep kiss.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

[SIZE=9pt]Lost in sighs and muted giggles, the pair began their much needed vacation. Under the press of Alric’s lips, Danger sank herself into that comforting sea that his embrace and his touch aroused in her. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Perhaps, just a little silence wasn’t so bad after all. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]…[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Master, we shall be arriving shortly.” the faint crackle of the comm and the update on their timeline briefly nudged Danger from her slumber. She was presently tangled up within the burly arms of the Tetan. They’d taken to utilizing the couch for far more pleasant endeavours, the end result finding both some much needed rest. Perhaps a bit more so for Danger. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Snuggled up and tucked along side Alric’s left side, her auburn head lay nestled within the crook of his shoulder and chest. A deep sigh came flowing from her lips, brows lightly furrowed in hesitation at leaving her comforting perch just yet. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=9pt]The faint dribble of fingers lightly ran through her hair, a cafune of affection and contentment. This was nice. [/SIZE]