Northern Targu Province, City of Velyki - Home of Dragon Corporation and Temple of Abraxas : Kerrigan Lokir's POV
Kerrigan hated winter. The three months of deep cold drug by slowly and the snow made travel outside of Velyki challenging, if not impossible. The local mayor did a decent job of keeping the roads in town clear and salted, but any of the routes out of town became very hazardous to travel. The trains were about the only thing that could get in these days, and it was increasingly rare for them to have a passenger car. Most of their cargo space was reserved for bringing in the essential goods to keep the city alive. Even the airport shut down for most of the winter, with only occasional flights on the clearest of days. The rest of the time, the runways were just too hard to maintain, and the planes could easily freeze in the misty ice that blew across their city's mountain home. How such a large city had grown in this area, Kerrigan would never know.
The one good thing about winter was she could dress in her heavy leathers, and no one would call her out on it. It was great because the additional layers meant she could always keep a blade... or seven, hidden around her person at all times. These long winters couped up near Prima Zadok made her feel like she would need to slide cold steel between the ribs of more than one person in order to survive. She did her best to spend her days at Dragon Corporation where she knew her staff were loyal and many of her aids and assistants were even willing to kill to protect her if it came to that.
This cold morning, she made her way to Dragon Corporation, sitting in the back of her corporate car. That was one of the nice perks of being CEO, Kerrigan thought. She didn't have to focus on driving, instead using the few minutes of peace to organize her thoughts before the drudgery of the day began. When she walked into the Dragon Corporation tower, she pulled off her face mask that she had taken to wearing to fight off the cold and was greeted by cheery waves from many of the staff, and a few more formal bows. As she reached the elevator her personal aid Natalie Hassell greeted her with a packet of papers.
"Your schedule is on top. Today we have a meeting with the merchant's union at 10, there is a lunch with the mayor at noon, and this afternoon at two, representatives of Velyki Cosmetics want to meet to discuss our partnership. 4pm there is a representative from the mines that wants to complain again about the expenses of transporting our goods to the coast. The rail lines have increased their fees again."
"Is that all? And here I thought winter would keep all the misers home for once." Kerrigan signed, resigning herself to the endless meetings.
"No." Natalie said
"No? What else can I possibly fit?" Kerrigan asked bewildered.
"Well, there is a Kelan Benedict waiting for you outside your office. He is quite handsome. Perhaps make some time for him?" Natalie batted her eyes at Kerrigan suggestively.
"No, and don't ever let people like him up to my office," Kerrigan snapped harshly.
Natalie puffed up her lower lip in a pout, "Come on Kerri, you haven't been on a serious date like, EVER. You know all the guys flock around you. Besides, I need to live vicariously through you. PLEASE?!"
"Kerrigan stared for a second before cracking a grin, "Why don't you go out with him if he is so handsome. It may have been before your time, but Kelan has come around before."
"He HAS?! What happened? Tell me everything?" Natalie begged, grabbing Kerrigan's arm as the elevator started its assent to the top floor.
"It was a few years ago, but I shot him down. I was hardly 18, still fresh in my role as president, and the youngest person to lead Dragon Corporation in like 1000 years. Besides, Abraxas wouldn't hear of it." Kerrigan brushed it off as nothing.
"What does Abraxas have to do with anything?" Natalie asked, perplexed.
Kerrigan laughed, "I have told you before how jealous he gets! Besides, I had too much to learn at the time." Kerrigan got serious then, "Natalie, I have heard rumors about him. He may seem nice on the outside, but if even a fraction of the tales are true, you would do best to keep us both away from him."
Natalie was about to respond when the elevator doors opened and they stepped out to see Kelan Benedict sitting on Kerrigan's secretary's desk, dangling a silver necklace before Katie Cartright. As they walked over, Kerrigan frowned as she watched her secretary blush at the attention. "Mr. Benedict, I would appreciate it if you didn't hit on my staff. If you are here for business, then let's talk, otherwise..." she let the statement hand in the air.
Kelan straightened, his leering gaze roving over Kerrigan, "Of course, Miss Lokir. So formal. Just think of me as an old friend come to discuss some opportunities."
"We are not friends, Mr. Benedict. We are competitors at bes..."
Kelan cut her off, "Kerri, you know my name. It's Kelan."
Natalie frowned at Kelan's antics and glanced at Kerrigan for instruction.
Kerrigan waved them both into her office, giving Katie a disapproving glare. "Let's talk in my office."
"Kerri, if you want me, all you had to do is ask. I will make my bedroom available any time, but if you are that desperate, I promise it will only take five minutes" Kelan said with a wink as he tried to close the door before Natalie could follow them in.
"Then you only get five minutes to explain what you want with dragon Corporation." Quipped Kerrigan, "I have many things to do this morning and you are not on that list. Besides, any 'task' I undertake that is worth my while never lasts 'just five minutes'. Now, let Natalie in so we can discuss why you are really here."
"We don't need her, unless, well I mean if that is your thing, I suppose I wouldn't complain."
Natalie shoved the door open, smashing Kelan's heel with the force of the solid oak door.
"Ouch, you little bitch!" Kelan spun on Natalie, but Kerrigan cut him off.
"You will not speak to me or my staff in that manner. You now have three minutes left, so speak quick, and get out," Kerrigan thundered.
Kerrigan was pleased to see Kelan blanch at her words. He was likely not use to women standing up to him. She watched as he collected himself and slid into a chair before her desk. Natalie sat into her usual spot behind a smaller desk to the right of Kerrigan's desk.
"Now, Mr. Benedict. What brings you to Dragon Corporation?"
"Kerri, I thought we could get lunch. If today is not good then I suppose I can schedule something. After all, I will be here for the next few months."
It was Kerrigan's turn to blanch. "Months?"
"Yes, I decided to winter here in Velyki. I hope over that time, you and I can become better acquainted. Besides, I have business with the Prima."
"What business could you possibly have with Prima Zadok?" Kerrigan demanded.
"Jealous much? Hmm I wasn't aware you were so protective of the good Prima Zadok. I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting him in person, though we have talked often. You have come up on more than one phone call."
"Out with it, Benedict. My patience wears thin and your welcome here expired a while ago."
Kelan's face went blank, "Fine, we will do this your way. I am here to discuss some troubling business in Jinstain. There is a new company that is gaining power and I want to put an end to it. It would be best to join as a united front."
"Someone other than Dragon Corporation is giving you competition?" Kerrigan asked incredulously.
"Not competition per say. Just being a thorn in my side. I don't like thorns. I would rather clear this briar before it becomes something serious." Kelan said through gritted teeth.
"And what does that have to do with the Prima and Dragon Corporation?"
"Oh, I don't know. Perhaps there are rumors about this corporation using jargon reserved for the Dovari priests and making deals that only a dragon blessed would dare attempt. Perhaps I can tell you more after my meeting with the Prima." Kelan stood with a smirk, preparing to leave, "Why don't you bring that sweet peppery little secretary with us, and we can all have a nice meal to discuss things over." Before Kerrigan could retort he strode to the door. "Don't worry, Kerri dear, I will be sure Katie has my contact information." He slid out the door as Kerrigan sat fuming.
"The nerve of that man." She blustered. "Natalie, make sure Katie shreds anything he gives her."
"Right away."
When Natalie returned she said, "We do have to get you ready now for the meeting with the merchants union."
Kerrigan rubbed her temple, already feeling the day's stress. "Right, what do they want again?"
"They mentioned wanting to discuss spice import and pricing."
"Fine, make sure to get me a list of whatever it is they are talking about with the relevant figures and projections, find out which of our subsidiaries handles it, and please have the VP of that department join me in the meeting."
"Already done ma'am. The charts are in the red folder on top. VP Martin Reeves will join you in the conference room, and I will have a car waiting for you after to take you to lunch with the mayor. I am on speed dial if you need a quick exit excuse."
Kerrigan sat back with a sigh, "Thank you, Natalie. I don't know what I would do without you."
"Likely be married off to some rich princeling, wallowing in self-pity about your newest dress not having enough lace," Natalie quipped and they both laughed at the absurdity of the comment.