The Home of a Titan

[Danger Arceneau]

“More than a few…” Danger would emphasize. If the woman was so apt to try out some blasters, there were other prototypes available. Not only the stun grenade cane, but others that involved a new plasma heavy blaster called the Blackbeard. Things were still being worked on, but if everything came together, it would be a new venue in utilizing a high heat output heavy blaster cast in a sturdy alloy.

Now it was just a matter of figuring out what the normal consumer would like on said blaster to make it different.

Other than looking cool of course.

“I’m sure if one looks over the current line of prototypes… you just might find something your fingers may itch to test out.”

Drawing her datapad, Danger would drop her gaze to the display screen. Following them up to the second floor, her attention would be drawn upon the design plans of the building reconstruction she was funding.

It was a gift. One that she was hoping would be met with pleasent surprise. A bit more of a permanent gesture, but the affection and the thought placed behind it was there.

Then again, how many women go out of their way to reconstruct by historical standards a Tetan Opera House?

It would take time. Certainly the better part of the year. Artisans able to produce the quality on par to to old Tetan architecture was something of a scarcity. However, Danger had the connections; not to mention the surety at keeping everything quiet.

This wasn’t the only planned construction. There was also a matter of an estate she was looking into. Out farther outside the main city, closer to the forest and plains.

In there, if she remembered correctly were the old ruins of the Kuhn estate...

 

[Alric Kuhn]

They continued up the stairs, moving quickly and with little pause.

The station really was huge, massive in fact. He wondered briefly when the turbo-lifts would actually be operational. They would be necessary to traverse the station at all times really, this walking business was entirely impractical and took far too much time. Eventually however they did finally reach the floor that contained the observation deck.

He let out a sigh, stumbling on the top step slightly.

“Finally.” Alric said quietly. “I do apologize for the situation. However the testing of these weapons, and indeed even their existence must remain a secret, much like this station.”

It wouldn't due to have secrets getting out after all.

Using any other Titan Facility would have left a trail, something that he couldn't have.

 

[Laguz Vald]

She could certainly agree with the sentiment — not that she was tired, those sleek legs were in top shape — but they were wasting time on something as menial as getting from A to B, and Laguz wasn't very fond of that. She liked to do as much as she could in a day, busy as she was, and strolling around a half-finished space station wasn't exactly her idea of productivity. The huntress had come here because she'd been offered good money for her ability to keep her mouth shut, and because the nature of the job had piqued her interest.

That interest, however, was quickly fading. Despite his way with words, the man had little to show for it thus far, and the shifter was getting impatient.

"Mister Kuhn, we've agreed on the fact that I've never been here, I believe. I would sign an NDA, but that would leave a paper trail," she offered him a cool smile that didn't quite reach the green of her eyes, taking a small step closer. "And we can't have that. So let us get a move on, shall we?"


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

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Laguz Vald"] [member="Danger Arceneau"]

“Quite right.” Alric said leading the two women towards the observation room.

It was the same room that he had been standing in earlier. Empty, massive, and with a single transparisteel window that directly faced the huge quasar. He smiled at it, for some odd reason the cosmic event brought him a certain amount of pleasure, perhaps because of the rarity of getting to see something like that, or perhaps it was because the image was just...well beautiful.

The difference that lay with the room was the small suitcase located on the rickety metal table.

The suitcase was the size of those used in business. It was not conspicuous or even really telling, in fact it looked like something Alric might carry to a meeting. He smiled, shifting slightly and then motioning towards Laguz. “Miss Vald, if you would.”

Gesturing to the case his eyes fell towards Danger.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"] [member="Laguz Vald"]

That wouldn't be the only prototype, the telescopic staff would be there among others. Just s tit for a tat. While Alric would invite Miss. Vald to test out the first prototype in the suitcase, Danger was slowly making her way towards the single transparisteel window beyond the observation deck.

There, with a beauty akin to the Flamewind, was an enormous quasar. The slow steady tattoo of her heels would give a slight echo, coming to a stop just a few feet from the window. The corner of her mouth would perk, and for a moment she was breathless. A flurry of a sensation would fill her stomach, almost akin to the flutter of butterflies.

Was it perhaps the beauty of the cosmic event that would affect her so? Certainly something to question, her arms dropping to just over her belly, holding her datapad in hand.

Such a strange thing. Her vision would blur slightly, and for a moment she had to blink quickly to clear it. Funny, things were just starting to affect her more recently. One would wonder if it was because she was getting up on the years. Saffron would tease her that she was working herself to death, no wonder she'd been sick a week ago. Even now she still felt a bit queasy.

A soft sigh would escape her lips, and she would cross her arms just under her breasts.

Didn't really matter really, just had to take it day by day. For now though, she'd muse with a small amount of contentment at the sight that beheld her, just enjoy the sights.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Laguz Vald"] [member="Danger Arceneau"]

Within the briefcase Miss Vald would find something to her liking.

It was a compact rifle, disassembled of course, stored within the case. The rifle itself was based on Verpine designs, ripped straight from schematics of old Verpine Shatterguns.

That meant the weapon was much like a mini-railgun. Within the barrel of the the weapon would be found a coil of metal, almost like a spring. It would wind around the barrel of the weapon and act as a series of magnets, the magnet would hold onto the projectile and then throw it forward. It was unique technology, not often used and even less often produced.

Alric waited eagerly for the woman to open the case.

 

[Laguz Vald]

The smooth, night immaculate skin of her forehead crinkled as she furrowed her brow for a moment, green eyes narrowing at the seemingly innocuous briefcase sitting atop a table in the middle of the observation room. Speaking of which; the view was truly astounding. Now, she'd managed to catch a glimpse of the glorious cosmic phenomenon when her ship was approaching the station, but the panorama offered by the wide stretch of trasparisteel was simply unparalleled. Laguz, always a sucker for beautiful things, stood there for a moment, the case presumably containing a prototype weapon completely forgotten for the moment.

Her gaze was transfixed by the majestic, white-hot disc in the middle of the smothering vacuum beyond, and just for a second, Laguz was breathless.

"Well, then," she clapped her hands, offering a curt smile to the corporate titan, "let's begin."

With that, the woman strolled over to the table, running her elegant fingers along the soft leather of the valise before flicking it open in one smooth motion. Her keen, expert eyes paused to analyze the content, and then she reached inside, placing the gun components on the metal table beside her. She cocked her head slightly to the side, red locks spilling across her shoulder as she studied the design. There was something... peculiar about it, something she couldn't quite place.

"What exactly is this, Mister Kuhn?"


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

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Laguz Vald"] [member="Danger Arceneau"]

“It is a Verpine Shattergun.” He said calmly. “Or rather. It is Titan Industries take on a Verpine Shattergun.”

The technology was rare, so rare in fact that really only the Verpines knew how to manufacture it. Of course Titan Industries had paid one of the little insectoids in order to gain the technology and had then simply copied it. He would never claim that it was better than the actual things, but it was pretty damn good.

More importantly, it was quiet.

“The weapon operates as a mini-mass driver essentially. Accelerating the round to well beyond the speed of sound but suppressing the noise it makes.” He smiled at Laguz, then shifted his gaze over towards Danger.

“You'll find assembly quite easy.” The Sons had anyway.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

The low murmur of conversation would draw her attention. Quietly, Danger would pan her emerald gaze over towards the duo, where they would lock upon [member="Alric Kuhn"]. She'd catch his gaze, watching him detail the specifics of the Verpine weapon. The technology is one that Browncoat Arms and BlastTech were curiously expanding on, much like the technology for the concealable stun grenade walking stick. Few had the ability and the breadth to have such a vast network of resources for such reverse engineering and development, but it was something that Titan Industries and Arceneau Trade had more than enough at their disposal.

It was difficult to determine the exact sort of expression that would wash upon Miz Arceneau's face at that moment, at least from the position [member="Laguz Vald"] stood. With her attention drawn to the weapon and her back to her, only Alric would be able to see what came next.

The corner of her mouth would perk, and a ghost of smile would warm her face, the light of the quasar reflecting along her profile. The look that passed between them said it all. But then body language had always been their preferred form of communication.

Few things could ever stay hidden when presented in the flesh.

Perhaps this is why she was going out of her way with the Opera House. Extravagant yes, but ... there was a desire to show a measure of affection. Perhaps maybe because he'd might appreciate it? Truth be told, he didn't really hold Empress Teta in high regard, not in the wake of the death shroud that hung over him after Fi and Vi.

But maybe... maybe she just wanted to give him something of home. Something she held with much value like she did her own back on Tatooine.

Could be a fools errand, and maybe he'll only see it as some silly waste of credits, tease her about it and crack a joke. To a degree, there was a fear of that. Rejection was always in the rear of her mind, but that is why they had their unspoken rules. Why neither pushed and the status quo. Ain't no need to fix what ain't broke.

And this arrangement worked just fine for them.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"] [member="Laguz Vald"]

He smiled over at Danger.

There was a part of him that just enjoyed looking at her. With the backdrop of the Quasar behind her this effect was only heightened, and he enjoyed the sight of her simply standing there and watching. He smiled, then turned his attention back towards the other woman. There was still much work to be done after all, play time could come later.

“Once you finish putting it together, there is a range just beyond that door.” Alric pointed. “Though...It's not actually a range....just a very large room.”

The Sons had set up targets, but as long as Laguz didn't decide to shoot the transparasteel that held space out from the station everything should be fine.

When the station was done there would be an actual shooting range, probably several, but for now this would do.

 

[Laguz Vald]

She set down the piece she'd been twirling about in her hands to listen to his words, red lips quirking up in curiosity as the corporate titan explained the exact nature of the weapon. Her green eyes drifted to the disassembled gun in the case. When [member="Alric Kuhn"] was done, the huntress simply nodded in indication of understanding, turning to face the prototype again.

If the two shared any murmured words behind her back, Laguz was far too engrossed to notice. Her dexterous, deceptively strong fingers worked to put the parts together, not unlike creating a clear picture out of the scattered pieces of a jigsaw. There was something satisfying about hearing that final click when she slid in the barrel, taking the gun in her arms to test its weight.

It was surprisingly light for something that was supposed to pack such a punch — or perhaps her perception was skewered, who knows — but it felt good in her grip, and Laguz liked that. Without further ado, the woman headed in the indicated direction, pushing open the door to step into said large room.

The businessman certainly wasn't exaggerating — the place was huge — but considering its temporary purpose, that was a good thing. The shifter walked over to the table, resolving to use the tripod while being watched, even though she usually molded her own body to serve in its place.

If you want something done right, do it yourself. With that, the sniper sought out the first target through the scope, letting out a long breath as her finger brushed over the trigger. She was positively giddy with expectation.


[member="Danger Arceneau"]

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]
Alric watched Laguz go for a moment, there were targets set up a range away, and he smiled slightly at the woman.

He would follow in a few moments, but before he did he quickly sneaked his way over towards where Danger was standing. She was still watching the Quasar, thinking about one thing or another. A smirk fell on his face and he moved behind her. For just a brief moment, his hand would form around her bottom, giving only the tiniest squeeze.

“I like your dress.” He whispered to her with a grin.

It was of course a gift from him, something that he had immediately noticed. Though he found himself wondering if she had worn the other gift as well.

It didn't matter of course. She wasn't here to show off her dress, she was here for a different reason, a more important one.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

A smirk would play across Danger's lips ever so subtly.

The heat and subtle pressure of his hand would not be missed. However, he certainly was being daring. He was pushing the envelope again, seeing just what he'd be able to do in her presence ~ publically that is.

With [member="Laguz Vald"] here, there was a calculated risk involved at crossing the line at public displays. No one could know just how deep their relationship went. Not with her neutrality. A reputation is all a woman has, and she couldn't risk having rumor go down the Hydian. He was lucky that the female was too busy sighting downrange to have noticed [member="Alric Kuhn"] 's subtle audacity.

"This old thing?" she'd say with a low murmur, and to make a pointed reminded of how this went, Danger would take subtle step back against his chest, as if accidently bumping into him. Yet it wasn't, instead it was a method to ensure that the curve of her rear would press against him in a subtle graze, turning to walk around him in a slow canter.

"You are too kind..." she'd say with an arch of her brow, "So Mr. Kuhn... How might I be of service today?" she'd ask, very much a typical question for the businesswoman when in regards to new investment ventures. However, between Alric and she, could be an entirely different purpose.

"You've an impressive station here... what else do you have up your sleeve?"

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Alric smiled.

“I can think of many ways Miss Arceneau.” His voice was lathered with innuendo, eyes watching her as she began to walk away from him in a slow circle. “Though we'll have to get to that later."

He grinned at her, then motioned to where [member="Laguz Vald"] was playing with the new weapon. “I was thinking you could use her to test some of your more...interesting products. I know you're all about...interesting.”

What did he mean exactly? Hard to tell.

“I assure you, I keep everything out in the open.” He smiled at her, responding to her comment about the station as he slowly moved the both of them towards where Laguz was testing the weapon. He and Danger were friends, but he wasn't ready to spill all of his secrets with the other woman so close, a grab and a push were nice now and then, but some things should remain a secret.

 

[Laguz Vald]

Well, then.

Laguz wasn't one to be easily impressed, but as the gun buckled in her gentle embrace, the sniper was nothing short of amazed. She'd heard the name before, of course — Verpine Shattergun — but had never gotten her hands on one. The rumor surrounding the weapon was nothing compared to the real thing, and she used to think that the stories were mere tall tales related by drunken, washed out mercenaries. How wrong had she been.

Her green eyes fell on the sleek design of the gun and she let out an appreciative sigh — she'd always liked a beautiful sight, after all — and then she propped it against her shoulder once more. The whole scene must have looked quite odd to an outside observer, for the huntress was still wearing her figure-hugging dress and stilettos, but her playful smirk was long gone. In its place was a determined expression, seemingly distorting the woman's gentle features for but a moment, and then it was gone again as she squeezed the trigger.

Just like her cold grin had vanished in a flash, so did the next target she'd put in her sights, the display an astounding one indeed.


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

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Laguz Vald"] [member="Danger Arceneau"]

He watched as Laguz pulled the trigger, once, twice, a third time. It was Rhythmic. It reminded him of watching the Sons train. They were exact, they were just as precise. There was a different air to it however, Laguz seemed to enjoy doing it more, deriving pleasure from the act instead of simply holding it as a job.

That made him think.

The thought however was only one of many, an in truth he was still far more worried about this station. Its construction was taking a tad too long for its liking, and its location was now known to more than a dozen people.

That had been inevitable, though he never liked the thought of it. He frowned slightly, knowing that fact would need to change.

Perhaps when it was finished the station could be moved. Not far of course, just a couple dozen light years around the Quasar. It would be best if no one truly knew where it was, no one but him and the Sons...and of course Danger.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"] [member="Laguz Vald"]

Danger would follow with her slow saunter right behind Alric, the clip of her heels guiding her into a stop near the woman testing out the verpine shatter gun rifle variant.

There would be other prototypes for the woman to test out, some of them were her own creation. Why...wasn't Alric so thoughtful? A smirk would dart over her lips as she would let a finger trail over the table.

There were weapons from Browncoat Arms and Industrial too. BlastTech. Some of these were crafted as a joint collaboration, others not so much.

Were she to decide to test another item, they were there for the selection. A glance would be spared to Alric, but the question would be to the woman once she finished her test, "How does she handle?" came her slight coo.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"] [member="Laguz Vald"]

Alric stayed silent.

Danger had asked the question for both of them, there was no point in him adding another question. Of course his keen eyes observed down range, seeing that the woman had hit every target. For a brief moment he wondered how easy it would be to mass-produce a weapon like this. He couldn't imagine it would be cheap.

Of course there was research on all of the weapons that Titan Produced, but truthfully he hadn't quite read everything there was to read about this particular one.

It had just been a way to get the woman interested.

The glasses on his face zoomed slightly, showing him a picture of the distant targets. For a brief moment he wondered what this room was slated to become after the Station was finished. Perhaps an office? He would have to look at the schematics to find out.

 

[Laguz Vald]

Even over the bark of the rifle beside her ear, Laguz managed to pick up the sound of their steps as they finally deigned to join her. Posh fethers, the shifter smirked inwardly, the timbre more amused than anything else. In the many years of her existence, the sniper had learned to deal with all sorts of people, and while she didn't have to like any of them — and usually didn't — the snifter had long ago acquired a tolerance for their ilk. Losing your poodoo while undercover was no way to see a mission to completion, much less earn all those credits promised to you at the onset.

Not to mention that pesky problem of dying... and stuff.

Anyway, the weapon in her arms did exactly what it said on the tin, and Laguz certainly wasn't opposed to that kind of destructive power. Rising from her position as the last of the targets was shredded to smithereens, the woman turned to face the two merchants.

"Like a feisty virgin," the sniper quipped in response, her green eyes locking with those of [member="Danger Arceneau"]. "But we'll make a woman out of her yet."

With that, the redhead placed the assembled prototype on a nearby table, her fingers lingering for but a moment before she turned to face its owner, [member="Alric Kuhn"]. "I believe my business here is concluded. You know the number of my account." A small smile, a flash of teeth — just a hint that there was more than met the eye about the merc — and then she moved past him and his partner in crime trade, disappearing through the door with a soft-spoken goodbye.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Alric bid a woman goodbye.

Her services would be used again he was sure, by both him and perhaps Danger. There were only so few people that one could trust. Money was always a good motivator, especially for people like Miss Vald. Titan would be a nearly unending stream of revenue for her, as long as she stayed true to him and didn't betray his secrets.

Not asking for much really.

His gaze then slowly fell on to Danger, a slow smirk fell on his lips, that smug smile that she would be oh so familiar with. “So, what do you think?”

There were so many things that he could be referring to. The Station, the woman, the dress, the rifle, the other part of his gift for her. The list was almost unending, but she would know what he was talking about. She always did.