Posted by Civilian Eryn Romanov (Colonial Intelligence Agent) in The Not So Odd Couple

Posted by Civilian Kodek Vonn (Clandestine Associate) in The Not So Odd Couple

Posted by Civilian Eryn Romanov (Colonial Intelligence Agent) in The Not So Odd Couple
Posted by… suppressed (3) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
“Agreed on all counts… but first we should eat. Come. I know a place.” He led them out of the market and through the streets turning left and right in the crowded midday traffic. Soon, they found themselves in front of a somewhat out of place building. This one was clean, well-maintained, and was opulent for the surrounding area. A deep red carpet led up to two large marble doors with silver hardware. Above the door was carved ‘The Russian Tea Room, OED V’. “One of only two in the galaxy. The other is in on Terra. This has been here since before the dome.” and Vonn opened the door for Eryn.

Vonn

Before the dome? Eryn felt vastly uneducated about this place. There had to be public access library computers on a colony this size. She would have to do some research. She stepped through the door Kodek held open for her. It was a very human gesture and one that she couldn’t remember anyone ever making, not since she was a very small child. She moved through and into a small entrance hall. They were approached by a well suited maître d’. “Welcome to the Russian Tea Room. Will it be just the two of you?”

“Yes, and a corner booth, preferably.” The man nodded and led them toward the back of the main room. The unique first-floor welcomed guests with intimate leather banquettes in Russian red, golden samovars, Christmas-decorated chandeliers, period paintings, and shining green walls. The lush red carpeting had an exquisite 29th century Russian motif, while the ceiling glimmered with gold leaves and the exotic firebirds decorated the walls.

The man led them to a large circular corner booth across from the bar. The bar was empty and the rest of the dinning room held only an occasional patron. The booth was large enough that both Eryn and Vonn could sit to face the room at large while still facing each other. Eryn sat and slid almost to the middle, leaving the outside empty for Vonn if he wished the extra space for his rather large frame. The space seemed confining, but Eryn’s movement would be barely hampered. The man handed then a set of actual paper menus and left. Eryn didn’t need long to peruse the menu.

The bar tender having nothing keeping him, “We at happy to have you at The Russian Tea Room. Have you been here before?”

The helmet nodded as Vonn pulled the cables from his belt and felt along the edge of the booth until their gauntleted fingers found something and they pressed, popping open an concealed power port. They plugged in the cables and a soft hiss could be heard in the suit.

“I have not, but I vould like to start vith an St. Petersburg tea (Citrus, red fruits and caramel), and zhen Côtelette à la Kiev.” Noting the accent and the choice the man smiled slightly and gave a brief bow of the head. He turned to Vonn, ready to take his order or answer any questions he might have.

Eryn

“Breen Special.” Vonn said and he made a fist and held it towards the man and the bartender nodded. “As expected, Breen. Welcome home.” and he took the menus and walked off, heading through an archaic swinging door into the kitchen. The helmet swiveled to look at Eryn. “My clan assisted the original owner in the building of this establishment. There are few such places that are friendly to my kind, and understand our needs.”

Vonn

Eryn could have surmised as much when Vonn pulled the cables out and so easily found a power port. But confirmation was always welcome. Despite their friendship and how much Eryn did know about Vonn and knew about the Breen that others didn’t, because of Vonn, there was much she didn’t know. Perhaps it was her old self’s species tendency, but she was glad there was such a place here for Vonn. “Does zhat include facilities to care for yourself and your suit?” Though she intended where ever they chose to call ‘home’ (that word seemed so foreign but was as good as any other) would have rooms altered for his needs, like he’d had on Leviathan, it would be good if there was a secondary location, should they need it.

That brought her right back to where they should find permeant accommodations. Anonymity wasn’t going to be a thing for them. Vonn was far too noticeable. Or that fact he was Breen was. But that in itself could be used to their advantage. It was all convoluted and required thought and a solid plan. Honestly, she never said but she’d always hoped she would never need to be Eryn. That if she ever managed to get out of S31 she would get to go home, but at the same time she always knew that was never going to be an option. So that would be the last time the thought occurred to her. “You have obviously been here before, vhat is your recommendation?”

Eryn

“They are known for their borscht. I understand the pickled herring is quite good as well. But I am sure they will bring you caviar to start.” As if on cue, a silver tray was brought forth with dark crackers and a small bowl in ice… caviar. Real, unreplicated caviar. A tall bottle of clear liquid with two small glasses accompanied the dish. “Eat. I have never tasted it myself, but it is supposed to be some of the best.” and he poured the glasses full and handed one to Eryn. “Za zda-ró-vye.” the voice said and Vonn pulled down a tube from under the helmet and held the glass up to it. The liquid drained in an instant.

Vonn

Eryn sat up slightly as the tray was placed before them. The presentation alone was enough to indicate it was real caviar. She picked up the glass, “Nashey druzhbe,” and she downed the glass. She hated Vodka, hated drinking, it messed with her telepathy, but Eryn loved the stuff. It would be unacceptable, given her origins, to not have a fine opinion and appreciation for Vodka. She refilled the glass, but one only take small swallows from it, to accompany the caviar, not drown it. Eryn picked up one of the dark cracker and the mother of pearl spoon and delicately scooped half a teaspoon onto the cracker. The cracker added a light grain flavor to the combination. The caviar itself was only lightly salty and had a wonderfully natural buttery element from the fat. As an appetizer caviar was consumed delicately and in small amounts. After, just short of two full spoonfuls, Eryn sat back finishing the vodka in her glass. “Excellent. You really should take some home, Kodek, vhere you could sample it.” Oh, she knew he had very specific dietary needs, but it was a compliment to the establishment.

Eryn

Vonn shrugged. “Perhaps when we find a place with the suitable environment. Speaking of… I have been thinking.” and the Breen leaned back. “Many Breen live their lives entirely in their suits… my people do not. And I have now been in this thing for seven months straight. I would like somewhere with a view. And I think we have earned some luxury for our combined services. You are an accomplished artist of some reputation; it would look somewhat eccentric if you were to ‘slum it’, as the humans say. Your thoughts?”

Vonn

Eryn leaned back as well, seeming relaxed, but her eyes taking in the people and building around them, constantly assessing. “Zhis is true. If it had room for a vorkshop…” Vonn would get the idea that she meant more than just for art, well sculpting art. Fighting technique could be just as artistic as any other form. Thoughts for later. “It vould ensure a stable power grid for your needs. I have no objection, and as you say we have earned it. Any thoughts on specific neighborhood?” Her tea arrived and the caviar cleared. Eryn picked up the cup and sipped from the steaming hot mug. Better than she remembered.

Eryn

There was a pause and then Vonn said “Yes, actually… The Presidio neighborhood. It is very exclusive, well patrolled, and many there value their privacy. There is also a good deal of ‘private security contractors’ who work the area. A monthly stipend just for extra eyes and ears would go a long way there.”

Vonn

“We could arrange for zhat. My artistic endevours have padded my bank accounts vell. And extra eyes to ‘vatch over’ my unfinished vork would be beneficial.” Not to mention the information such ‘contractors’ gained from simple observation. If they were willing to part with it. “I suppose we should acquire it through mundane means and contact zhe property developer. All ready furnished. If I have to attempt interior decorating I vill pull my hair out by zhe roots.”

Eryn

“Doubtful something there is pre-furnished but we can ask. One moment.” and Vonn fell silent. As they sat there, another tray was brought out as the first was cleared. on it, the St. Petersburg tea. Additionally, there was a canister that was so cold it was frosted on the outside and vapor wicked off of it like smoke. The bartender left and a few moments later Vonn spoke. “The realtor will meet us here in an hour. That should give us time to finish up. Will also let them know that we are capable of buying, not wasting there time.”

Vonn

Mostly Eryn would prefer furnished so there would be fewer people in an out of the house, but ‘artist Eryn’ wouldn’t be so paranoid. “Let’s set that in motion now. If you are wiling to access it. Citadel Holdings Bank, account number 28987380. Authorization Romanov Omege 591. You can then send the financial background statement to the realtor.” Eryn wasn’t too worried about using that particular account. The money there was only deposits for her artwork. It wouldn’t lead anywhere else.

“Financing isn’t an issue. We will figure that out as we go.” Vonn replied cryptically.

She picked up the tea and savoured it for several moments. “Before the realtor gets here, what do you think of Mr. James?”

Eryn

Von was still and silent as their meals were set before them. Once the bartender had left, they replied “I think he is capable in the field, but whether or not he is able to lead is a wholly different matter. I have to say his approach and style of recruiting leaves much to be desired so far. But the proposal is… intriguing.”

Vonn