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

(snip)

The house was the most ornate location Eryn had ever considered living in, even with as run down as it was. The ivy on the gate could possibly stay - depended on how tightly it grew and how strong it was. It blocked the view into the property and that was a plus, but where it grew on the wall would have to go. Where the tritanium fence-work topped the wall was aesthetically pleasing and functional it didn’t appear to have been used to reinforce the wall. Where they ivy was growing the wall was crumbling. During the short stop at the gate, Eryn had already mapped 7 ways to scale the wall and there were gaps every so often between the fence work that would be easy to squeeze through. She liked the walled drive, it funneled anyone approaching directly.

Eryn took his hand and stepped out and nodded at the brief but accurate assessment. She glanced around taking in areas of easy access and the balconies. It would be easy to sight from there and watch. The fountain was okay. She supposed as an artist she would have to do something personal with it. She strode around the courtyard seemingly interested in plants…something she had no interest in at all. Her thumb was not only black but apparently was cursed. The foundation seemed solid enough and the yard from this side, seemingly promised a view that Vonn wanted. She made her way up the steps and waited as Davivica rushed to unlock the door. It was a poor security system…one Eryn could easily hack…which was saying a lot about the poor quality of the system and her limited skills.

The door opened to a large entry way leading down a hall lined with doors. The stairs started at the far end of the hall moving upwards and back towards the front. A door under the stair well facing the entry was probably a coat closet. Another, about half way down, she would guess led to the basement. She moved directly towards the back of the house and into a large open room, wood floors, and huge glass doors and a wall of windows. Plenty of light and a view.

Eryn

Vonn moved in and began moved with a speed that was somewhat surprising given their size and build. Doors opened, rooms were scanned and mapped, and views of the property put into the vid file they were composing. In a few minutes, the downstairs was scanned and mapped and the door to the basement was opened. A flight of stone steps to the basement led Vonn to their first surprise: a wine cellar complete with tasting room and a cold storage room. Scans of the dedicated power to the room were done and soon Vonn was walking back up the steps.

Eryn made a more leisurely stroll through the house. She never went anywhere that Vonn had not already gone into. It was all done very purposely for Davivica’s benefit. To imply that Vonn had very strict rules when it came to her safety and that Eryn was smart enough to follow the rules. There was no ‘accidental’ wandering off or attempts to appease or placate Vonn. Eryn heard the hiss of the cold storage from the basement, that was good, that was very good.

The second floor was six bedrooms and three baths. The views on one side looked out over the drive and trees and wall separating the street from the estate; the other side looked out over the back yard, a sprawling expanse complete with pond and gazebo. The third floor was a single master bedroom and a huge bath with deep soaking tub, sonic and water showers, and two sinks. Everything done in marble and bronze and very high end when it was installed apparently many years ago.

The second floor could be turned into a veritable maze of traps for anyone not welcome. Hmmm or she could let Kodek turn it into another crazy obstacle course, like the one from Levi’s holodeck. It would certainly get her back in shape. The top floor was over the top, and simply too much. But the view was wonderful. If it could be converted for Kodek’s environmental needs he should take it. All Eryn would do would be to pace the massive room over and over again and throw knives at the walls. She slipped down the stone steps into the basement. Over all it looked smaller than it should be, to someone trained to notice such things. She had some ideas, but hidden rooms in the basement were so obvious. A deflection most likely.

After they had reconvened, Vonn looked ta Davivica. “How long ago was this built?” the voice asked. “This is a pre-dome build which puts it on the colony’s period for historical preservation… although I cannot find any record of anyone actually applying for that. The last owner waaaas…” and her voice trailed off as she looked at the PaDD for a moment, “… a Darkanian Vorsul. Um… no record of him in the colonial database.” Vonn looked at Eryn and made a sign familiar to black marketeers, smugglers, and spies: ‘Syndicate’.

Eryn recognized the name, briefly. She had no dealings with him nor had the family. But if the house had been previously owned by the Syndicate that meant there were surprises in the construction. That also meant that someone might come snooping later. A small flick of her hand, and a sign they’d used in RTF conveyed her understanding to Vonn.

“History is irrelevant to my employer. We simply want to know if there are any outstanding legal or financial obligations attached to the property.” Davivica tapped the PaDD… and then her talent shone through. “No, nothing that… wait… no, there was a deed claimant filed by an anonymous party eleven years ago, right after the previous owner… disappeared. But there was no further action taken and the colonial court… here let me look that up… yes, here… the Colonial Court ruled that since no party had filed a claim concerning right to successorship, and since the one party refused to be identified for the purposes of executorship, then the property was deemed abandoned and all successorship claims past and future were null and void. And since it was abandoned, no taxes are attached. And before you ask, it has been on the market for six and a half years and hasn’t sold because the law firm holding the deed is asking far too much. But that’s good, because that means they would entertain a lower offer than wha-“

“We will pay asking price.” the voice said flatly and the helmet swiveled to look at her. “And we will pay in cash. I trust that will acceptable to you and you can handle the discussion with the law firm?” Davivica stammered in shock and then quickly recovered. “Yes… of course. I absolutely can do that.” and she blinked a few times and then smiled and blushed slightly. “And I just won a strip of latinum. No one at the office has been able to sell this place. Too many rumors about shady characters and hauntings.” and she laughed softly. She then looked at Vonn and Eryn. “And since it’s cash, I can put whatever name you like on the deed and sale documentation.” and she raised the PaDD and took up a stylus. “And what name would that be, and when will you be paying?”

If the helmet could have smiled, it would have right at that moment. Oh yes… she gets it. Vonn thought.

Vonn

Eryn turned a suddenly focused gaze on Davivica and then turned to Vonn, “Haithe thoe ziodc woakg oakdco.” Absolute nonsense to indicate whatever opinion Vonn though Eryn should express at the question. “Ysoh aosh oskeogt mskao rqosivpwa vc woic,” then she pointed at the front door with more of the nonsense. The eccentric artist was ready to see the other property even though they’d just said they would pay full asking price for this house. The name would depend on which property they decided to make their primary. That one would carry the name of Eryn Romanov. On purpose. Eryn’s reputation as an artist could not be ignored so it was better to have some public location…of course that could be one of the business properties she’d marked.

She waited for Vonn to proceed her out the door and went straight to the car and slipped into the seat. The second house wasn’t directly across the dome but far enough to be a useful secondary location.

Eryn