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 (5) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(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.

The helmet inclined in a slight bow of acquiescence, and then Vonn looked at Davivica. “First to the other property. We can discuss particulars once we have settled on which we are going to finalize purchase on.” Of course they were buying both, but she didn’t need to know that.

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

Another slightly quiet ride and the car arrived in the Park area of the domed city. They pulled up to a smaller, but well-maintained structure of two stories. The front was adjacent to the street, set back ten or so meters from the sidewalk. A small flight of stairs rose to meet a small garden and the front door set into the faux-stone facade. It was almost cottage-like, and blended in well both architecturally and with the cultivated botanicals around the property and it’s neighbors. All in all, it was a step above quaint… and easily overlooked.

Eryn liked the outside immediately. It blended well, easily over looked, with a myriad of ways to approach it unseen by nosey neighbors or random passers-by. That also meant there were endless ways to quietly maintain surveillance as well. Again she waited until Vonn indicated she should get out and then stepped out of the vehicle and wandered the front garden briefly before heading for the door and moving inside.

They entered the structure , and the change was slightly jarring. While great pains had been taken on the outside to make the house appear to be a part of the surrounding area, the inside was seemingly a statement on modern technology. No expense had been spared in the latest and best conveniences and entertainment.... when the place had been built. Now the tech was outdated and somewhat obsolete, but there was a private holosuite. There was a small basement and the upper floor was divided into four bedrooms and three baths; one of each being the master.

She loved the house, it was exactly the type of place they were looking for. It reminded her of her parents’ home. The Presidio property had quite a bit to speak for it as well. It was perfect for Eryn the artist who needed a body guard and room to ‘create.’ It also had the beginnings of accommodations for Vonn. Not that they weren’t going to do the same here. But the non-descript façade was perfect for a fall back, for a safe house. Given the high tech inside this one also had the power draw they needed.

Vonn repeated their actions from the previous house and then met up with Eryn and Davivica. The helmet looked at Eryn and waited.

Vonn

Eryn met his gaze and nodded. Either property would fit the artist’s need for space and isolation. The Presidio property would fit well with her connections to the Orion families and syndicates. She personally loved the one here in the Park. Presidio would make a great public residence while this one would be great permanent residence. But Kodek was more familiar with Oed than she was. She looked at Davivica being purposely vague, “You vill be paid vhen the sale papers are ready to be signed.”

Eryn

Davivica looked first at Eryn, then at Vonn. “Um, that is certainly doable. I just need to know what to put on the Purchaser entry… and of course which property you are settled on.”

Vonn’s helmet swiveled and the voice said “Anderjeen Holdings, Ltd. … and we will take both. Oh…” and he took the PaDD from her and tapped a few commands. “And these. That should, according to my calculations, make you a Senior Partner in your brokerage, yes? In exchange for these purchases… done discreetly, of course… you will be called upon by myself or my employer from time to time to perform certain tasks. Nothing illegal or illicit… but you will do them immediately and without question. Agree to this, and we will ensure you stay a Senior Partner as long as you wish. But under no circumstances are you to discuss me, my employer, or AH Limited… understood? Ever.”

Davivica, to her credit, took the PaDD and although her pupils dilated noticeably, she showed no real reaction. She tapped a few commands, waited a moment, tapped a few more and looked up, a small smile on her face. “Done. And the documentation has been signed by my dear second cousin… may she be remembered well. Now about that payment…” and she handed the PaDD to Vonn. The visor scanned the documents and then looked at Eryn.

“Oh… I like this one. She is clever.”

Vonn

A small trace of smile appeared and was gone. Eryn looked the PaDD over and scanned it, the grin returning. “Very clever indeed. Your associates’ reluctance and laziness has proved to be to our mutual benefit Ms Davivica.” She nodded to Vonn, the arrangement should work out well. “Ve shall pay you and then you shall revel in your chance to gloat. You shall be like zhe Cheshire cat. You know all, speak in a riddles, and leave zhe rest perpetually confused, yes?” Eryn turned away and then seemed to pause and turn back. “He,” she waved at Vonn, “Does not like vhen I am out in public. For a fee you vill find someone, equally discreet, to furnish zhe properties.” Vonn had already established the expectation that she would handle finding contractors to fix the properties. It would be quite easy to simply log into the colony’s computer system to do the purchasing, but Eryn would much rather establish a working and beneficial relationship with this woman early on.

Eryn

Davivica nodded and smiled. “I understand, and I am more than willing to do whatever you need… as long as I benefit as well..” Vonn’s helmet nodded once. “Smart and bold. A good combination. But fair warning… do not become too bold with us. We have buried many as bold and even smarter than you. But know we trust our associates very well. And should you ever need any kind of… assistance… your usefulness here and in the future will not be overlooked. Do we have an agreement?” The soon-to-be real estate mogul nodded and said “We do.” She looked at Eryn and said “Send me what styles you like for each. I can make arraignments. And how much do you want me to play up the ‘eccentric artist’? Because I don’t think that is all you are… but whatever else I don’t care. As long as the money is consistent, we have no issues.” Vonn produced a bag from a belt-pouch and handed it to her. “Down payment. The rest will be delivered to whatever bank you wish.” Davivika nodded and said “I’ll send the particulars.”

Vonn

Smart, bold, and astute. The woman missed her calling working as a realtor. Hmmm....a background check might be in order. Davivica read exactly as she presented. Eryn was one of the most skilled telepaths in the business, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t be fooled. “I am extremely eccentric, apparently it has something to do vith zhe fact I like to play vith fire.” Then apparently she was done talking directly to Davivica and walked toward the back of the house and then called out loudly to Vonn, “Zhe studio must be at Presidio. Zhere are too many trees here zhat could catch on fire.” Honestly, when one sculpted with metal and used a welder and a forge, fire safety was an upmost concern.

Eryn

Vonn inclined the helmet and then looked at Davivica. “You heard the woman. Now get me the information so the funds can be made available today. And if your new ‘partners’ give you any kind of push back, simply tell them that the funds have been exchanged. If they wish to re-purchase the properties in question, we will happily sell them… for five times the price we just paid. And they will, of course, have to pay in cash. That should give the them pause.” Vonn stopped speaking for moment and then stepped closer, looking down at the woman.

“And tell them you get the top floor office on the Southwest corner. If they balk, tell them your anonymous client will deal with you and only you going forward. If they don’t like it, you will take yourself to another firm and call your client. We will then ensure that the new firm understands your value. And we will do so by ensuring your current firm never sells another title on this or any other planet. We just purchased full fourteen percent of their entire portfolio. In a day… in cash. If they don’t want that relationship to continue, you will take us elsewhere. Understood?”

Davivica nodded and smiled. “Sir, rest assured that this will be handled according to your wishes. I may new at realty, but I grew up on Codos VII. If you know the place, you will know what I am saying.” and she inclined her head and walked to the door. “I will call a taxi. The car will take you where you need to go to get your funds. I will see you at the bank in an hour.” and she walked out.
Vonn