| Alyn_Stark | Date: Tuesday, 08 May 2012, 9:03 PM | Message # 1 |
 Generalissimo
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| Ana_Riley never liked going to Imperial Center, not for anything, but she did when she had to. She preferred the sweet serenity of Naboo. That day she was carrying a rather large box from Artemis' office to put in the speeder that was waiting outside. He would have been a hot mess with out her, she was convinced, whether it was true or not. Once outside, she dumped the box unceremoniously into the back of the speeder before she made sure that the lid was secured and nothing would fall out if it fell over. She was not the best driver on the planet, or any planet, after all.
-= [Alyn Stark] Stark had just come from a brief meeting with Senator Ordan, discussing the matter of Azure Durasteel backing Vigilance Technologies. As such, it placed him in the halls of the Senate Building when Ana was making her way out to her speeder. Stark, unfortunately, was not in time to assist her with her box, but he did catch up to her in time to see her place her package in the rear of the speeder. "Where are we going in such a rush, miss?" He kept a smile on his face as he asked the question. She was one he'd not seen around before, and coming from the offices of Artemis Vanden, being the Artemis Vanden of Naboo and Naboo being a place where Stark had a vested interest in, or more specifically, Citadel had an interest in, Stark was more than willing to strike up a conversation. Of course, not all his aims were for business; the woman was quite beautiful from what he'd seen and more than pleasing to the eye. Stark, although he kept his affairs of a sort discrete and quiet, was a playboy of sorts. It tended to help when one could blend the words 'providing aid to the less fortunate' and 'I own a massive yacht' in the same sentence, nonetheless, and wealth was something Stark was never afraid to flaunt.
Ana_Riley pursed her lips briefly as she looked at this man who had approached. she had no idea who he was, and he did not even look vaguely familiar. "Not rushing, really. i just have a great deal to do." She explained with some hesitance. There was a sense of flighty nervousness about her, as usually when she came to this planet, she was able to just do what she needed to do and leave without making a fuss or meeting too terribly many people. Especially strangers that seemed a bit forward. None the less, she remained polite and pleasant.
-= [Alyn Stark] Stark could be a tad forward at times; it was a portion of his outgoing nature. "If you don't mind me saying, I spotted you coming from Representative Vanden's office. How is the old chap doing? It's been a minute since I've had the chance to drop by and speak with him." This was something of an exaggeration as he was not necessarily good friends with Vanden. Nonetheless, the man had supported Stark's GalacticAid proposal and as such, he had respect for Vanden as a person, both for his views and for his manner in the Senate. "Forgive me, though, where are my manners? My name is Stark. Alyn Stark." He extended a hand to her, keeping the friendly smile on his face. She had the look of a sort who was unaccustomed to the busy nature of a world like Imperial Center and as such, one did not often have a stranger come up and strike up a conversation. Stark, though, being an amicable sort, was more than willing to do such. It was what let him speak with all sorts of types, from the wild and unpredictable Senator Cerra to the more subdued and thought-provoking Senator Thanatos; from the oily Senator Ordan to the uptight and stuffy Senator Cambrist. No matter who they were, Stark was able to coax some type of conversation from them.
Ana_Riley paused for a moment and looked him over briefly. The name Alyn Stark did seem somewhat familiar, though she had no idea who he was (or of his wealth, charity, and huge yacht). for a moment it almost seemed as if she was unsure if it was safe or proper to talk to him. Finally, she took his hand and shook it in a rather delicate manner. "Ana. Ana Riley." She said before she withdrew her hand. Where had she heard the name Alyn Stark, she thought. Probably at some point when she was taking a peice of cake to Artemis when he was burning the midnight oil, or she saw it on some paper or something when she was cleaning up the office. Perhaps on the holo. She rarely paid attention to it, however.
-= [Alyn Stark] Stark was more than a little amused, and a tad pleased even, that not everyone knew his name. It placed him exactly where he wanted to be on the social scale: enough in the light that the big names knew of him, but not so much that the holonews crews were always mucking about in his business. "Well Ana, it is certainly a pleasure to make your acquaintance this fine day on Imperial Center. I daresay the good Representative of the Naboo has you running yourself ragged with the workload he has." A nod was given towards the box in the back of the speeder. "I do so hate to feel as if I'm holding you up, so I must ask, if you don't mind a bit of company, might I escort you to where ever you happen to be going? My schedule happens to be quite clear for the day, minus a meeting with the zoning and construction office later, and it seems too nice a day to simply remain inside."
Ana_Riley shook her head. "Hardly. I enjoy my work." In fact, she worked pretty much round the clock and it hardly bothered her at all. "Senator Vanden is a good man and he just..." She stopped there, and left it at that. "I was just heading back to the hangar bays to unload these boxes onto our ship. I would hate to detour you. I am sure you are a busy man." She was unsure if he was or not though. And she had also given up on trying to recall where she heard his name.
-= [Alyn Stark] "Not busy at all, I promise." Stark waved away her protest and laughed. "It's a good thing you enjoy your work as well. A job one hates is a job that soon becomes unproductive. I can agree that Representative Vanden is indeed a good man; up there with Senators Fowlkes and Thanatos in terms of being fair and just in the Senate. If you are going to the hangar bays, however, it would be fortuitous, for I must pay a visit to my ship briefly. I assume, of course, you're referring to the senatorial hangar bays?" Though Stark was neither senator nor diplomat, he did utilize Roman Lekpin's hangar spot from time to time, much to Lekpin's great annoyance. It was Stark's way of tweaking the man's nose in exchange for the issues House Garth caused House Malos back on Lorrd. So far, Lekpin had not filed any protest with the docking control, so Stark could only assume the man took it in stride in the greater game.
Ana_Riley nodded. "I am, yes. The ship is in three, I believe." She had it written down and the note with the keys were laying in the front seat of the speeder, which she climbed into. "Yes. Three." She said before she dropped the note into the center console and started the speeder up. Driving in the country was certainly different from driving in the city, so this would certainly be interesting for both of them, should he decide he actually wanted to risk life and limb. Personally, she was having a hard time believing that she was trusting a complete stranger, who, for all she knew, was an axe murderer or worse. But he knew people she knew and trusted, it seemed.
-= [Alyn Stark] Stark was certainly no axe murderer, at least as axe murderers went. That wasn't to say there wasn't blood on his hands, both during the war and after, but it wasn't something he advertised, so to speak. Hopping lightly in the passenger seat, Stark relaxed, prepared to see her drive. "Not too far from my vessel in thirteen. Not quite my normal parking spot, I'll say. I've borrowed the good Lorrdian Representative's for a few hours. I don't think he'll mind much. Then again, he and I have never truly seen eye to eye. So tell me about yourself, Ana. How did you come to work for Representative Vanden? He must be much more fun to work with than, say, Ordan or Cambrist or even Oriel."
Ana_Riley would put her foot on the accelerator and the speeder jerked forward and then stopped just as abruptly. "Oh." she said before she looked under the dash for a moment, perplexed, before she realized she had not removed the parking brake. "So sorry." her nervousness about it was pretty obvious. "Ah, well, it was simple really..." she started to accelerate, that time without causing whiplash to both parties. It wasn't a smooth ride either, and she was white knuckling the wheel the whole time. "I started working for him when I was in college, my aunt worked for him and needed help, and I just ended up staying." she said. She had graduated, of course, but had never put that degree to use. "And he is quite lovely."
-= [Alyn Stark] Stark grunted as she first accelerated, being jerked forward and then back against his seat. As she eased into traffic, he slid the restraining straps over his shoulders, just to be on the safe side. It seemed that her skills as a speeder pilot left a little to be desired, but as long as they survived the trip, Stark would be happy. "No harm, no foul. I've done it myself a time or two. So you've been with him for quite some time? Not bad, not bad. Are most of your family involved in the political sphere, or just you and your aunt? Not being from Naboo, I can't speak much of the populace, but from my visits I must say it must be quite hard to be away so much. Imperial Center is a far cry from the lush hills and grasslands of Naboo, after all. It's even so much different from my home, though I daresay Naboo is much more pleasant than Lorrd."
Ana_Riley was actually horrible at driving, so if a crash didn't kill him, a heart attack might. "I would not say I am part of any political sphere, I imagine. I just run his household." she admitted. But that hardly meant that she was just a maid. "I do have a degree in political science." Ana said as she took a rather hair raising turn, though. she did signal, so that was at least something. "And my aunt has since passed." It was not difficult to speak of any longer, as it had been a few years. "I've not been to Lorrd. Or anywhere aside from here and Naboo, to be truthful."
-= [Alyn Stark] Stark enjoyed the thrill of the dangerous ride, and though he held tight to the edges of his seat, he laughed as she cornered in such a manner. "I'm sorry for the loss of your aunt. A degree in political science, though, is a useful thing. I dabbled in politics for a time when I was younger; Lorrdian politics though; different in many ways from those found in the Senate and on other worlds." Settling himself slightly, Stark changed the course of the conversation. "So you manage his household affairs, then? That must be an extremely busy task. No busier than some though, I can guess. You're not missing too much by not visiting Lorrd. We're well known for our schools, but the terrain is largely desert and ice, broken by a few pleasant spots. The Kinyov Province where I am from is one such place, though not nearly as beautiful as your homeworld. It's hard to imagine you do not travel much, being a close aide to a senator."
Ana_Riley jerked the speeder to a stop a few moments later. It had been rough, to say the least. She looked at him pitifully. "So sorry about that. You hardly know me, and I've nearly killed you. I rarely have to drive back home." she explained before she slipped from the vehicle and took a moment to straighten her bodyhugging twill dress and her dark, chestnut curls with her fingers. "I did not say I was his aide...I run his household. I imagine I would travel more if I was his actual aide." She said as she leaned over the back of the speeder and lifted out one of the boxes.
-= [Alyn Stark] "No need to be ashamed at all, Ana. I enjoyed the ride, and a little rush adds to the spice of life." Hopping out, he retrieved the second box for her, figuring that aiding her in her carrying of heavy items was only the gentlemanly thing to do. "So when you said you ran his household, you literally meant his actual home. That must be quite an interesting life. So does that make you a majordomo of sorts? I imagine you must have quite a bit of people under your charge to supervise. A man like Vanden doesn't strike me as having a lot of material needs. He comes across as a minimalist, at least in the Senate. I know he's not fond of arms and weapons." Stark chuckled at the last part. He and Vanden would not likely see eye to eye because of the companies Stark ran.
Ana_Riley shook her head. "A few, just a necessary staff. A couple of maids and a chef and a gardener. The maids are part time though." she said as she shifted the box in her arms as she walked at his side. "Mr. Vanden does not require a lot and we have a good, quiet life there. most of the time." Idly, she cast a sidelong glance at Alyn. "I am curious about something, Mr. Stark, if you do not mind me asking so much. Why are you being so kind? I was under the impression that everyone on Imperial Center was in a rush and....well....rude."
-= [Alyn Stark] "Please, call my Alyn. Much less formal and I see no need for formality. I deal with that enough as it is, and I'm not very fond of titles." As they approached the hanger, he considered the job she had. It was obvious wealth and power were not very impressive to her, so he felt it best to downplay what he did have, at least for now. Perhaps her lack of travel would allow him to show her around the galaxy a bit more, if nothing else. "It does indeed sound like a nice, close-knit life. Very quiet; a bit too quiet for my tastes if I do say. I tend to be out and about more often than not these days. And kindness is rare it seems, Ana. An unfortunate thing to have in such short supply. Imperial Center is known for its business and politics and I fear kindness and generosity have no place in such things. I simply saw an opportunity to speak to someone I'd not conversed with before and lend a helping hand. No harm in such, and as I did say, I have nothing going on until later. The zoning commissions are truly a pain here."
Ana_Riley allowed a small smile to cross her lips. "I hardly fit in here, it seems." She admitted as she passed the box off to one of the ships crew once in the hangar. "I am anxious to return home, unfortunately, it seems that it will be some time before I will be able to." Another admission. she was not sure why she was just telling him these things, but it was just easy to talk to him. It was her turn to change the subject. "What is it that you do, Mr. Stark? I am having a hard time placing you, and I usually remember those that Mr. Vanden does business with."
-= [Alyn Stark] "I feel the same at times. Imperial Center is no true home for those who still have a soul. I imagine that is why Representative Vanden spends more time on Naboo when he can than here. As for being anxious to return home, it is a sentiment I share. The valley where I live is not unlike Naboo in appearance; a small bastion of greenery on a world where such is hard to find." Handing off the box he carried as well, Stark clasped his hands behind his back. "I do a bit of this and a bit of that. I own a few small companies out in the Kanz Sector. I tend to dabble here and there with a few different industries; nothing too important. Most of my work these days has been in assisting the less fortunate. A dear friend of mine was able to pass a bill in the Senate that I wrote up and Representative Vanden was one of those who supported it. It's aim was to assist the refugees and unfortunate who suffer from natural disasters and war."
Ana_Riley nodded some. "He does like to be at home. I worry that Imperial Center stresses him out too much." It was true, she did worry for him and his health, purely in a familial manner. As he spoke, she nodded again. "Galactic Aide. I do remember hearing him speak of it now." a small smile crossed her features. "You are a good man as well, Mr. Stark. Charitable." She liked that in a person. Though Ana had rarely encountered a person that she did not like. "I appreciate your help this afternoon, though unnecessary, I did enjoy the company."
-= [Alyn Stark] Stark was a little surprised she'd actually heard of it, but with her connection to Vanden, he supposed he should not have been truly surprised. "I appreciate that, Ana. Though I beg you still, please, call me Alyn. GalacticAid was indeed a worthwhile proposal; I felt such was long overdue." Giving a short bow and one of his infectious smiles, Stark accepted the compliment. "It was my pleasure to help, and I enjoyed your company as well. Perhaps in the future, I might call upon you while you are on Imperial Center in the hopes you may have more boxes you need carried?"
Ana_Riley shook her head as she watched him. "No, Alyn, that was the last of them. I do appreciate the thought though. For now, I just wait until he is ready to return home." That could have been weeks, like the last time, which was fine as long as she was able to keep herself occupied. She was sure that it would not be a problem. "Though I could return the favor and carry something for you?" She asked, smiling some, very kindly.
-= [Alyn Stark] With a wry grin, Stark shrugged, showing empty hands. "I fear I have very little to carry. When there is need of such, I find myself often tripping over my shadowguard. They tend to cluster when I'm out in public and oftentimes I feel as if they are all overprotective parents. It's a wonder I was able to slip away for a while. However, if it is not too forward of me, I would be delighted if you would allow me to offer you dinner some night when you are free. I know a wonderful Lorrdian chef who happens to cook a wide variety of foods from the more notable planets; one of them being dishes from Naboo, I believe, though I'll have to ask him for specifics."
Ana_Riley hadn't expected the offer of dinner, not at all. a flush spread across her cheeks for a moment. "I...would love to, actually." She said softly. "Perhaps tomorrow evening?" Off of the top of her head, she knew she was free. Actually, she would be for most of the remainder of her trip, unless Artemis needed her, which was unlikely. "I do like to try new things, so anything would be fine." She said before she pushed her fingers through her dark curls.
-= [Alyn Stark] "Tomorrow evening then, Ana, I shall call upon you. Is there a particular time you wish my transport to be at your residence?" Stark shook his head for a moment. "Forgive me, I don't actually know where I should call upon you at. I can't quite invite you to dinner if I cannot find you, can I?" Laughing Stark clasped his hands behind his back again. "Well, I am glad you are willing to try new things. It will be a very mellow evening, I can promise you. Hardly any crowds and a beautiful view, if nothing else."
Ana_Riley "Oh." she reached into her handbag and fished out a business card that belonged to Artemis, which she wrote an address and a number on the back of. "Whatever time you like." she said as she handed it to him. "Is there a dress code?" Ana inquired, hating to be either over or under dressed for any occasion.
-= [Alyn Stark] Stark accepted the card with a flourish, tucking it into a pocket. "Shall we say seven, then? And there is no dress code. I assure you, be comfortable however you wish. The accommodations may be quite posh, but I know the atmosphere will be as relaxed as you can think of." He hadn't quite mentioned that the chef, expert as he was, happened to be in Stark's employ and the place was Stark's C-3 liner Viridian Sky. After all, what better accommodations and view were there, outside of the spots afforded to the richest Moffs and Imperial lackeys, and Stark would bet any day that his custom liner would blow most of them out of the water.
Ana_Riley offered a small smile just before she felt the hand of one of Artemis' security team on her shoulder. He whispered something and she nodded in response. "Seven, tomorrow, then. I look forward to it. Will you excuse me for now, though?" she said politely before she turned and walked to the ship with the officer.
Alyn Stark
Lord of Kinyov
Senior Captain, Retired, Republic Navy
Head of House Malos (former)
Licensed bounty hunter
Majority shareholder, Lorrd Engineering
Owner, Stark Defense Conglomerate
Civilian Medal of Honor recipient
Representative, Lorrd (10 BBY-9 BBY)
Message edited by Alyn_Stark - Wednesday, 09 May 2012, 11:38 AM |
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