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+--- Thread: Curacao Meeting (/showthread.php?tid=210284)
Curacao Meeting - "Raven" - 12-12-2025
» Cortez System – Planet Curacao Orbit
The blue sphere of Curacao filled the viewport as the EX-registered vessel decelerated out of the corridor.
Raven adjusted his comms panel, switching to the civilian identifier OS&C had requested.
Quote:“Curacao Traffic Control, this is Rabe Interstellar Shipping, vessel ‘Raven’, approaching under prior arrangement.
Requesting confirmation of reserved flight corridor to Samson Resort and permission to proceed with landing.”
Several seconds passed before the channel opened again, crisp and professional.
Quote:“Rabe Interstellar, we read you. Your approach has been logged.
Stand by for verification…
....
....
…Verification confirmed.
You are cleared for controlled approach via Corridor C-7.
Maintain designated vector and do not deviate, repeat, do not deviate from the corridor.
Samson Resort Airspace will authorize descent once you reach the perimeter beacon.”
Raven acknowledged, guiding the vessel into the designated path.
The no-fly-zone perimeter lit up across his scanner, exactly as heavily protected as Stephanie had warned.
Moments later, another transmission came through.
Quote:“Rabe Interstellar, Samson Resort welcomes you.
Proceed to Landing Pad Three.
Security will meet you upon arrival.”
» Curacao Surface – Samson Resort
The landing gear touched down with a muted thud.
Warm tropical air and the faint scent of the ocean drifted in as the ramp lowered.
Raven stepped out, carrying a sealed case containing the “samples” promised, rare artifacts, relics and a carefully selected collector’s firearm, per Stephanie’s suggestion.
He was greeted by Spa-Sec personnel who gestured him forward. Moments later, Stephanie Cross-Fleischhauer and Chairwoman Caitlyn Cross awaited at the resort’s entry hall, composed, guarded, but unmistakably curious.
Raven inclined his head politely.
Quote:“Chairwoman Cross, First Officer Cross-Fleischhauer…
Thank you for receiving me.
As agreed, I’ve brought examples of the goods we discussed and I’m here to negotiate the formalities of how our group can serve OS&C interests in Vespucci and beyond.
Whether it concerns discreet trading, specialized escort services…
or the removal of certain problematic elements,
we’re prepared to talk terms.”
He placed the sealed case on the small glass table beside them.
Quote:“Whenever you’re ready, we can begin.”
RE: Curacao Meeting - "TheSparrow" - 12-13-2025
It is the 13th of December, 835 A.S., 1:10 AM.
"The Sparrow" begins her descent toward the jewel that is Planet Curacao.
Quote:
“Curacao Traffic Control, this is Rabe Interstellar Shipping, vessel ‘TheSparrow’,
approaching under prior arrangement of 'Raven'.
Requesting confirmation of reserved flight corridor to Samson Resort and
permission to proceed with landing.”
A few seconds of static hang in the air before the channel opens, crisp and professional.
Quote:
“Rabe Interstellar, we read you. Your approach has been logged.
Stand by for verification<<<
>>>
>>>Verification confirmed.
You are cleared for controlled approach via Corridor C-7.
Maintain designated vector and do not deviate, repeat, do not deviate from the corridor.
Samson Resort Airspace will authorize descent once you reach the perimeter beacon.
Be advised, one of you has already reached the Samson Resort.”
The landing was a delightfully relaxed affair,
especially compared to the adrenaline of the smuggling run out of Omega-52.
It seems the Coalition forces simply lack the finesse to intercept a singular vessel such as mine.
A pity for them.
Upon disembarking, "The Sparrow" found the landing pad empty of any welcoming committee. It seems they are busy already. She was quite happy about it, avoiding the center of attention from the very start is a delight. It implies efficiency, knowing they are already meeting to begin the business approach. She decided to rectify the situation by visiting the local bar for a touch of... 'relaxation'.
Once settled, she ordered her usual poison - brandy, with a splash of soda. When the glass slid across the counter, she sprinkled a pinch of shimmering purple powder into the amber liquid. She took a slow sip, lit a cigarette, and through the curling smoke with light violet accents, sent a comm to "Raven".
RE: Curacao Meeting - Lord Helmchen - 12-23-2025
![[Image: BfythOV.jpeg]](https://i.imgur.com/BfythOV.jpeg)
~~Samson Resort ~~~ Planet Curacao ~~~ Curacao System~~
Samson was a beautiful place. It was once an Exclusive 10 to 20-person Resort that was rented for CEO Meetings and high-profile negotiations. But after the Gallic war, it had stood empty for many years; it was too expensive to run such a Small Place for only the occasional business negotiations. Especially when they could have it cheaper with a Conference room in one of the main resorts. So Samsondidn'tt didn't have high Priority for renovations and Rebuilding. That was till Cait had to evacuate Stephanie's family from Rheinland during the Civil War, and Samason was still this Sleeping Beauty that was perfect for her needs. So Cait did make an offer for the Resort, of course, Orbital does not sell its Precious Lands into private hands, so Cait and her family had a Lease on the Land for 100 Years, with the Option of Renewal by her Children and Grandchildren. Today, Samason was a Jewel of Orbital and the unofficial seat of the Chairwoman of OS&C. There were even some thoughts among the Board of Directors to make Samson into the Official Seat of the Chairwoman/Chairman of OS&C. After all, Samson was one of the most secure places on the planet. It was not visible with the Naked eye or standard Scanners, but the Resort was full of Hidden defenses and other Security installations.
The Buildings themselves were modern and built with lots of glass and open elements to let in the sun and the warm Seabreeze. It was quite the architectural Marvel to see. The resort nestled into the island's natural surroundings. It was a Classical Orbital Spa and Cruise Resort built that had everything a Tourist would love to have for their holiday. Cait and Step h would wait in the main building. This Building was now used for Offices and Administrative duties, but it also kept some of its Original Resort Charm. Especially the Bar and the Lounge area where Cait and Steph waited for their Guests. Cait was a ca 1.67 Meters Tall Redhead. She had a Sporty Figure and the look of a woman who knew what she wanted. Cait preferred Pants over Skirts or Dresses, and also the rest of her clothes were Casual but high-quality. On her hip, she had, as usual, an old Plasma Revolver, well, it wasn't really a Revolver by Function and more one by Looks. But nevertheless, the Inventor had called it the "UC-75 Plasma Revolver". Steph, on the other hand, did not have a need for such a thing; after all, she was a weapon of her own. The Woman of Rheinland Origin was over 2 Meters Tall and had the Figure of a well-trained soldier that could not even be hidden by the long Dress that she was wearing. Her movements were elegant and graceful, and showed that she also had some experience as a dancer. She was clearly the more dangerous of the two, but she was not here to fight; she was simply the right hand of her wife.
Cait: Welcome to Samson Resort, I am Cait, and the beautiful giant Next to me is my Wife Stephanie. We are happy that you are here. Would I say we should go to the lounge and take a Drink, and have some of the first talks? Here on Samson, we can talk freely and don't have to worry about prying eyes or ears. The whole Resort Gets Scanned for Bugs and surveillance devices several times a day. And the Staff is all hand-picked and screened by our best Spa-Sec Agents on a Regular Basis.
Steph: We have also prepared the Guest House for you. You can stay the night as our Guests and get the best Treatment, of course. Our Staff is informed about your stay, and apart from the Family Residence, you have full access to the Resort and its features.
They said and smiled and would lead their guests to the "Cruise-Drive," the local Bar of the Resort. It was quite a nice place with comfy Armchairs and Sofas, a large panoramic window would give a great look over the waves and the Landing Pads. Cait and Steph would take a seat on one of the Couches and would use the integrated Computer in the Table to order their drinks. Cait did order her Favorite Rum, and Steph did take a Classic Rheinbeer. They would wait till their Guests had Drinks and were relaxed as well.
RE: Curacao Meeting - "Raven" - 12-24-2025
~~ Cruise Drive Bar ~ Samson Resort ~ Planet Curacao ~~
Raven followed the two women into the bar with the measured pace of someone who never truly stopped being on duty. The atmosphere was calm, almost disarming, warm light reflecting off glass and polished wood, the distant sound of waves brushing against the shoreline below. Too calm.
His eyes moved regardless.
Reflexively, Raven scanned the panoramic window, the corners of the ceiling, the seams between wall panels. Old habits from a life officially declared dead. Even here, even after assurances of layered Spa-Sec countermeasures, the feeling of unseen eyes lingered like static on his skin.
Once inside, he allowed himself a short nod toward Caitlyn and Stephanie.
"Thank you for the welcome. Samson lives up to its reputation."
As they took their seats, Raven gestured lightly to the woman who had entered alongside him.
"Allow me to introduce my commander,Miss Brenner or better Known as "‘The Sparrow". She oversees the operational and financial aspects of our endeavors."
A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as he added dryly,
"And before you ask, yes. She has a well documented tendency to be… enthusiastic about local spirits."
Raven reached the table interface and ordered without hesitation.
"Rheinbeer. The classic kind."
Old taste. Old memories.
As the drinks arrived, Raven leaned back slightly, resting one arm along the couch, posture relaxed, at least outwardly. With his other hand, he tapped a control on his datapad. The tabletop display shimmered to life, projecting a clean, organized list of cargo manifests and sealed container visuals.
"Let us get to business."
He tapped the first entry.
"Xeno Relics."
"Rare. Dangerous. Highly sought after by private collectors."
"Handled with care and delivered sealed. Their origin is… irrelevant."
Another tap.
"Artifacts."
"Pre collapse, post collapse, and everything in between. Items with history, the kind your guests pay obscene credits just to display."
The projection shifted again, crystalline blue glinting softly.
"Azurite Gas."
"Highly volatile, difficult to harvest, and nearly impossible to source in quantity without the right people."
"Industrial, scientific, and… recreational interests alike seem to appreciate it."
A pause, then the next line.
"Kernwer Technologies."
"High end experimental hardware originating from Order adjacent research."
"Not something you buy on an open market. Not something most people even know exists."
His gaze lifted briefly to Cait, measuring her reaction, before continuing.
"And yes…"
One final flick.
"Nuclear Devices."
"Not an offer, merely a statement of capability."
"If something exists, we can acquire it."
He looked up at Caitlyn, meeting her gaze evenly.
![[+]](/forums/images/collapse_collapsed.png "[+]")
Cargo Hold![[Image: OS-C.png]](https://i.ibb.co/JWmpg1s6/OS-C.png)
"These are merely samples. Proof of capability, not limits."
Raven then turned his head slightly toward Sparrow, one brow raising.
"And speaking of goodwill…"
A pause, deliberate.
"You did bring the weapon, yes? The relic you mentioned. I believe it would make quite the first impression."
As the conversation settled into a more relaxed rhythm, Raven accepted his Rheinbeer, lifting the glass slowly. For a moment, he simply watched the golden liquid catch the light.
He took a measured sip.
The taste pulled him back, to parade grounds, cold hangars, and a Rheinland that had once stood for something he believed in. Something worth serving. Something worth surviving.
Those days were gone.
But the discipline remained.
Even as Cait and Stephanie spoke of security and discretion, Raven’s eyes continued their subtle sweep of the lounge. Old soldiers never truly trusted walls, no matter how thick, no matter how often they were scanned.
Still… for now, this place felt solid.
For now, this was ground worth standing on.
He raised the glass slightly, a quiet gesture.
"To profitable cooperation."
And silently, to the hope that this time, when ghosts returned from the dark, they would find a place ready to receive them.
RE: Curacao Meeting - "TheSparrow" - 12-28-2025
Sparrow watched Raven’s toast with a quiet, knowing calm,
her fingers resting lightly on the stem of her glass. The amber brandy,
swirled with the dissolving shimmer of the purple powder she’d added earlier,
caught the warm lighting of the lounge. She took a slow, deliberate sip,
letting the silence stretch just long enough to assert her own rhythm in the conversation.
She set the glass down, the faint clink cutting through the ambient sound of the ocean.
"'Enthusiastic' is a polite way of putting it, Raven,"
she murmured, her voice carrying a warmth that belied the sharp intelligence in her eyes.
She turned her gaze to Caitlyn and Stephanie, her demeanor shifting from the observer to the Matriarch.
"My associate deals in samples, capabilities, everything resolving around navigation.
He establishes the ground zeros' to work from, relations to landing zones, you name it.
But I...", She tapped her own datapad, and a new list overrode the previous projection on the table,
scrolling with efficient, brutal precision,
"...I organize the manpower that will win wars from the shadows."
The holographic manifest resolved into clear, undeniable lines,
displaying the "extensive list of exquisite items" she had secured for this meeting:
- Ageira White Boxes - Scanner-proof, tamper-proof sealed components for Jump Gate construction. Secured with complex biometric keys, they are designed to detonate if opened incorrectly.
- Gallic Enfer Blasters - Restricted military hardware, difficult to source outside the Gallic Union's tight grasp.
- Military Surplus - Standardized, reliable, and in bulk.
- Nox - A volatile commodity with... specific recreational and medical applications.
- Volgograd Ordinance - Heavy munitions that speak a universal language.
Sparrow gestured to the scrolling list, then met Caitlyn’s eyes.
"These aren't mere goods, my dears. Consider this a masterclass in the supply chains we can weave.
Consistent. Reliable. And delightfully untraceable.
You may have heard that the Sirius Coalition isn't exactly in a 'diplomatic' mood these days.
Bless their hearts. But it truly does not matter. We whisk these treasures right out from under their heavy noses.
They simply cannot match our finesse in the cockpit.
Honestly, with the way they fly, one might suspect they’ve been indulging in a bit too much of the Cardamine themselves."
Sparrow chuckles while sipping at her amber brandy.
She then leaned forward slightly, her expression hardening just a fraction as she addressed Raven’s lingering question about the 'relic'. She reached into the small, armored satchel at her side -
not the sealed case Raven had brought, but something personal she had carried with her.
She withdrew a heavy, ornate object wrapped in dampening cloth.
As she unfolded it, the alien geometry of a Xeno Relic was revealed - ancient, visibly damaged,
yet resonating with a strange form of energy that seemed to hum against the room's quiet.
She placed it on the table with a heavy thud, the instability of the object palpable.
"The 'weapon' you asked for," she said, acknowledging Raven's request.
"Banned across the Colonies and sourced from the deep Omicron Worlds. It is more than a lethal curiosity -
it is the catalyst for a technological arms race, soaked in the blood of those who failed to control it."
Sparrow paused, her gaze shifting to Caitlyn and Stephanie to gauge their reaction,
before she reached into the satchel once more.
"But that is merely a tool. This..."
She placed a second, smaller heavily shielded containment unit on the table beside the relic.
It hummed with a low, dissonant frequency. Sparrow deactivated the seal.
The box did not contain a gun or a bomb, but a jagged, glowing shard of crystalline circuitry -
an incomprehensibly strange amalgamation of human and alien technology that seemed to shift when looked at directly.
"Artificial Personality Fragment," she explained, her voice dropping slightly. "A salvage from a Gammu AI, representing eight centuries of technological divergence.
Such vessels typically self-destruct to protect the secrets of 'true' AI,
making this shard priceless to groups like The Core. In the right hands, it's a supercomputer.
In the wrong hands... it's a localized apocalypse."
She slid the containers gently toward Caitlyn.
"Consider it a personal gift from the Expendables. A guarantee that we are not merely smugglers, but partners who understand the value of leverage."
RE: Curacao Meeting - Lord Helmchen - 12-30-2025
~~Samson Resort ~~~ Planet Curacao ~~~ Curacao System~~
Cait would listen to the Proposals he brought to the table. She would watch everything closely and raise an eyebrow for some of the positions, nodding for others. She had to keep in Consideration what her customers wanted and what would rather clog up her warehouses. And then there were, of course, the more exotic things like the Nuclear Devices; they were quite rare, but they would also not really give Cait a good feeling to keep close to her family.
Cait: Well, most of these things can find a customer. But others give me a headache, and one of these products even causes a fully grown migraine. The Relics and Artifacts are basically our Bread and Butter when it comes to Barely Legal Goods. We have experience with those and know how to use them. As for the Azurite, I have to say I have no idea what the hell we shall do with that. Maybe I could find a Customer for it, but that is far from our Expertise. But we could offer to act as a Marketplace for it on Barbados. Like this, everyone who wants it knows where to get it. And I could talk to our R&D Department if we can use it for something.
She said and would take a sip of her rum. She was now coming to the thing that would make her more nervous, and that would be a bit of a headache. Cait believed in the Self Defense of Curacao. The Occupation of the Gallics during the war was a thing that Cait never wanted to experience again.
Cait: These Nuclear Devices are pretty hard Stuff. Weapons of Last Resort and Mass Destruction. Something to strengthen our defenses against a possible new Invasion. But also weapons that could mean the Destruction of Curacao´s beauty if they ever fall into the wrong hands. Thankfully, we have so far prevented any attempts by the Gaians to smuggle such a device onto the planet. That you were able to bring these devices here shows that we have some Gaps in our Security Net. I will have to speak to the Director or Spa-Sec about this once we are done here.
Cait would push some buttons on her arm device and would let the Security know to bring the nuclear devices to some Secure Place where they would be no danger to Cait or her Family. Cait did everything she could for those she loved, and that meant that she would protect them with everything she had at her disposal. Still, there were some Limits that even Cait would not break. She smiled at them and tried not to let them notice too much that she was disturbed by how easily they could access these Devices.
Steph: Well, you really seem to have a lot of contacts with people who seem to be able to organize everything someone on the grey market could desire. Especially on a ship like the Barbados, this could be a valuable market for sure. We have some "Friends" who would be highly interested in these sorts of things. And we would of course get a nice commission fee for these kinds of deals.
Cait would look over to Sparrow and think about the things that she would offer. She was quite intrigued by the things they had to offer. The Artifact was something that she had never seen before. Sure, she had seen some Artifacts before, but most of them were damaged and not Active. So to see an Active Artifact like this ways something rare even for Cait. This would be something that would be stored in her Vaults deep down under the Resort. There, she had a Secure Facility that would allow her to store all kinds of Dangerous and illegal things and gadgets. She also had some secret hangars full of Rare Ships and all kinds of specialties that would make the Officers of the LSF or other Law Enforcers have a Heart Attack. Cait was quite the Collector, and after all, Curacao was an independent planet where neither the Laws of Liberty nor Bretonia counted.
Cait: Wow, this is truly something special. I won't ask how you got your hands on something like this. But this is really more special than any Boomstick you could have dug up somewhere.
She would take the Container and look at the Shard inside of it. It did truly capture Cait's Imagination and curiosity. She knew how rare these shards are and how much the Gammu are Protective over their Technology and especially their circuits. This would be the wet Dream for every Scientist, but it would belong to Cait now, and she would surely like to have another Diamond in her Collection. The Chairwoman was like a little Kid at Christmas who would look at her present. She knew to keep this Shard better in the Container, as Gammu Tech had the nasty Tendency to take over any other tech that it came in contact with. After all, there are no better hackers than an AI.
Cait: I won't ask you how you got your hands on this Beauty. But I can tell that you definitely have impressed me with it.
RE: Curacao Meeting - "Raven" - 12-31-2025
~~ Cruise Drive Bar ~ Samson Resort ~ Planet Curacao ~~
Raven let the moment breathe.
He remained seated while Cait and Stephanie examined the items, his posture relaxed on the surface, yet every muscle beneath it remained coiled. Old habits. His eyes followed the nuclear devices as Spa-Sec discreetly removed them from the room, noting routes, timing, faces. Filed away. Always filed away.
When Cait finished speaking, Raven inclined his head slightly, not a bow, but a gesture of acknowledgment between equals.
“Your concerns are… reasonable,” he said calmly. His voice carried the unmistakable weight of Rheinland discipline, softened by years of exile. “The nuclear devices were never intended as commodities. Consider them proof of reach, not intent. A demonstration that if something exists in Sirius, it can be acquired. Nothing more.”
His gaze shifted briefly to the panoramic window, the ocean beyond reflecting sunlight in calm, indifferent waves.
“Curacao’s beauty is not something we wish to endanger. Quite the opposite. Stability creates profit. Profit creates continuity. Continuity creates safety.”
He turned back toward Cait, allowing a faint, almost nostalgic smile to surface.
“As for the Azurite Gas your proposal suits us well. Acting as a marketplace aboard the Barbados places the burden of visibility where it belongs. Those who seek it will come quietly. Those who don’t need to know, won’t.”
Raven reached for his glass, lifting the Rheinland beer Sparrow had ordered for him earlier. He took a measured sip, savoring it longer than necessary.
His eyes flicked, almost imperceptibly, to Sparrow, a silent acknowledgment of the escalation she had brought into the room. The relic. The shard. Leverage incarnate.
When Cait voiced her intrigue, Raven leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms on the table.
“That is precisely why we are here,” he continued. “We do not offer volume without value. We offer selectivity. Control. Discretion.”
He gestured subtly toward Sparrow’s presentation.
“Trading. Escort work. Asset recovery. Target liquidation should a situation arise that cannot be solved with contracts or conversation. We operate in the margins where official solutions fail. The Independent Systems will require that kind of… flexibility.”
For a brief moment, his eyes narrowed, scanning the lounge again. Corners. Reflections. Staff movements. Even with the assurances given, the sensation of being watched never fully left him. It never had, since the Valkyrie vanished.
He exhaled slowly and looked back to Cait and Stephanie.
“Orbital Spa & Cruise retains its neutrality. We retain our deniability. The Barbados becomes a point of convergence, not a flagpole. In return, you gain access to markets most only hear rumors about and partners who understand that silence is sometimes the most valuable commodity of all.”
Raven raised his glass slightly in a restrained toast.
“To mutually assured discretion,” he said quietly. “And to business conducted far from the eyes of those who believe us dead.”
He drank, and for just a second, the past and present overlapped, a Rheinland officer, a declared casualty, and an exile building something new in the shadows of Sirius.
RE: Curacao Meeting - Lord Helmchen - 01-13-2026
~~Samson Resort ~~~ Planet Curacao ~~~ Curacao System~~
Cait nodded as she listened to his words and enjoyed her drink. She was relieved that they would be of the same opinion when it comes to Nuclear Devices and the Beauty of Curacao. Even when Cait was once born as a Junker, she now loved this Planet Dearly and did her best as chairwoman to protect it. She was sure that, for what she would not be able to sell directly, she could organize some Contacts that would be able to buy the Goods. After all, the Orbital Planets and Liners were full of people from all walks of life. These were the places where a Starlett could meet a Pirate and have a hot affair. Or a CEO could fall in love with the Room Cleaner, and they would fall in love for the rest of their lives. So Cait was sure she could organize some Customers for some ill-gotten gains.
Cait: Glad you see the whole Nuclear thing in the same way I do. I can tell you that we can definitely have a use for your more hands-on Services from time to time. It's not often that this happens, but sometimes a pirate annoys us enough that we are willing to pay the Big Bucks to make them disappear between the stars.
She said with a devious little smile as she would sip from her Rum. She would be sure that this could be a very Profitable Relationship that would bring both sides loads of Profits. And as everything happened in the Remote and hard-to-reach Vespucci System, they should be almost safe from the Prying eyes of those who are a little too curious about what happens in the shadows.
Cait: Well then, as we have agreed on so much, I would say we can offer you some secured Storage Space on the Barbados. Maybe we can create a little Secretive Show Room in the Bowels of the Ship, where no Normal Tourist will ever stumble upon. You know some Fake Walls and all. From the outside, it will appear to be any other Storage Room for Spare Parts and items you rarely use. It will have a Coat on the Walls that will make it look like a Fuel Tank for any Scanner. It will be a great little Hideout.
Steph would listen to all of this and make some notes about what would be needed. To convert a Storage Room, preferably near a Fuel Tank, where a little Extra Fuel Tank would not be too Suspicious. She would make sure to armor up the Walls, too. Just in case a deal ever went south, and someone tried to shoot their way out. After all, they would not want a Wall Breach or even a Fuel Explosion in such an area. Even a Little Spark in Such an Area could lead to Disaster After All. So she would make sure that this would be as safe as humanly possible. She knew the Right Engineers for a project like this. Engineers who would forget everything in the end for a couple of Stacks of Money and some Bottles of Good Booze.
Cait: Okay then, is there more to discuss? If not, I would say it's almost time for Dinner. I told the Cooks that we have guests from Rheinland tonight. I am sure they will make something Great from your Homeland. I have to say, over the years, I learned to love the Rheinland Cuisine; my wife taught me all the good things.
RE: Curacao Meeting - "Raven" - 01-15-2026
~~ Cruise Drive Bar ~ Samson Resort ~ Planet Curacao ~~
Raven listened without interrupting, his expression composed, attentive.
Cait’s words confirmed what he had already suspected, OS&C understood exactly how the grey markets of Sirius breathed, shifted, and fed themselves.
When she finished, he allowed himself a slow nod.
“I’m glad we’re aligned he replied evenly. “Nuclear devices are leverage, not merchandise.
Their value lies in what they prevent, not what they destroy.
Curacao remains untouched, that’s in everyone’s interest.”
At the mention of “hands on services,” the corner of his mouth twitched, not quite a smile.
“If someone becomes… disruptive enough to threaten your operations or reputation,”Raven said calmly, “we can ensure they fade out quietly. No martyrs. No headlines. Just empty lanes where a problem used to be.”
His gaze drifted briefly, instinctively, to the space Cait had indicated, the idea of a concealed showroom already forming in his mind. False bulkheads. Scanner-dampening coatings. Traffic patterns. He approved before she even finished speaking.
“A hidden compartment masked as a fuel tank is elegant,”he said.
“Simple.
Boring.
Exactly what no one looks twice at.
We can rotate stock in small batches to avoid patterns.
Anything too volatile stays mobile until a buyer is confirmed.”
Raven glanced at Stephanie, acknowledging her notes with a subtle nod.
“Armored walls and redundant safety measures are appreciated. We don’t intend for deals to go south, but we plan for it regardless.
Preparation keeps accidents theoretical.”
For a moment, he leaned back, taking in the atmosphere of the lounge again.
The sea.
The glass.
The staff moving with practiced discretion.
Still, that old sensation lingered, the feeling of unseen eyes, of histories that refused to stay buried.
He pushed it aside.
When Cait mentioned dinner, something softened in his expression.
“Rheinland cuisine,” he echoed quietly, lifting his beer once more.“That’s… unexpected. And appreciated.”
He took a measured sip before continuing.
“I don’t believe there’s much left to formalize tonight.
Storage aboard the Barbados, market access in Vespucci, and a mutual understanding of services rendered when diplomacy fails.
That’s a solid foundation.”
Raven inclined his head toward Cait and Stephanie.
“For now, let’s eat. Business always tastes better when it’s shared over a proper meal.”
And for the briefest moment, as the word Rheinland lingered in the air, he allowed himself to remember a time when it meant home, before ghosts, before exile, before everything he believed in, became classified as dead.