A new dawn

[didntgetout]

The idea of having a bodyguard for a high-ranking member of the Dawn was nothing new, she had served that function to an extent herself at one point. But now that her mind was on more business matters she felt something had to give. She couldn't possibly watch every contingency of her style of business and be fully aware of everything happening all the time. She needed someone she could trust. Aleifr had proven himself loyal so long as the pay was good and consistent.

She felt more at ease with him than most and she knew the code by which his people operated would ensure her that he would not betray her without a damned good reason. The unfortunate necessity of the job meant he would virtually be her shadow, and with his general size that was daunting. But she supposed that was also part of the point wasn't it?

Having the right look or presentation was half the battle. If she appeared protected that actually aided in her protection. Just as dressing and speaking and knowing the right thing to say at the right time were valuable tools in her trade. The Mandalorian would be another asset, though one she felt was at least amiable when he did chose to speak. His company was by far preferred to that of some unknown hire.

Assuming of course he said yes. That remained to be seen and was the entire reason she'd summoned him to the First Light for this meeting. Her future, and possibly her life would rest in what the outcome was.

Comments

One Million Years Later

[aleifr]

A year ago, if you have told Aleifr that he'd make his way to the First Light twice in as many months to do business, he would have called you a liar.

The Crimson Dawn were powerful, yes, and they had the credits to afford his services, but Dryden Vos was a madman. Cruel, capricious, prone to fits of violent rage that could be lethal to allies or innocents alike, no regard for life and even less for honor unless it gilded his reputation ... Not the sort of man that Aleifr had anything but contempt for, and so Aleifr had stopped taking contracts with the Crimson Dawn.

Qi'ra was a different matter. She had steel in her, and the willingness to ruthlessly leverage power and shed blood that it's impossible to rise to her station without, but the violence she commanded wasn't purposeless. Heads weren't lopped from shoulders on a whim, and the people that she wanted found or killed had earned what was coming to them.

She did business honestly, or at least as honestly as their business allows for, and that he does respect. It was why he had resumed doing business with the Crimson Dawn, and it was what brought him here, to the First Light now.

One of her assistants met him upon entry, guiding him inside and through the throngs of petitioners, hired hands, and hangers-on that filled the well-appointed lounges that spread across the yacht's main promenade and straight to the turbolift that would carry him to her personal quarters on the highest deck. The doors whooshed open to reveal the now-familiar interior of her offices - decorated with a somewhat restrained tastefulness than the more opulent common spaces below.

"Qi'ra."