Posted by Captain Eela Dasca (Lt. Governor) in Dasca’s Apartment - Let Us Make Mr. Melvil Dewey Proud

Posted by Civilian Karilan Massat (Owner, Quill and Parchment Books) in Dasca’s Apartment - Let Us Make Mr. Melvil Dewey Proud

Posted by Captain Eela Dasca (Lt. Governor) in Dasca’s Apartment - Let Us Make Mr. Melvil Dewey Proud
Posted by… suppressed (3) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

Karilan looked at her for a moment and then set their cup aside and said “It had been nine for me before I met Kaili. And its been two since. I think you will be ok.” and they laughed, but there was a hint of longing in it. “Besides, I am willing to bet real money that Dashing Jones will be the victor at the auction. Even if he has to sell a kidney to do it.” and they laughed, genuinely this time.

Massat

Eela let out a loud laugh, and it honestly felt good. If he came, she had to admit that she really wanted Dash to win. Her outing and dinner was exactly the kind of thing she’d want to share with someone like him. Even the thought of a nice evening where there was no work to worry about and she wasn’t worried about the implications and fall out of any of the events swirling around her made her rather happy.

She reached out and rested a hand on their arm. “I know it’s hard to put yourself out there. I know it so well. So let’s make a little deal, shall we? Let us both go out there entirely as ourselves and be open to whatever comes our way. And if it goes badly, that’s what good friends and wine are for, right?”

They smiled and said “Right. And I have a wine cellar at my home that rivals the coffee bar at the shop.” with a wink.

Her mouth dropped open. “I shouldn’t be so surprised! But now I know where we’re going for that dinner and wine you suggested.”

Removing her hand, Eela gave a warm smile. “Now, let’s go see what’s become of my office. “

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

They led Eela down the hall and into the office.

The change was remarkable already.

A large hole was in the floor, and the frame of the brass spiral staircase was in place, leading down into the opening. There were holes in the wall where shelves would go, and Fek was busy 8nstalling wiring and isolinear chip arrays. “So as you can see… progress.” Karilan said.

Massat

Eela took in the room that already was so vastly different. She circled the staircase and grinned. “It’s fantastic. I’m already thinking of the first book I’ld like to enjoy down there. Though I’ve come to realize I am going to have to be mindful that I go down when I’m quite mobile and stretch periodically.” She turned and smirked at Massat. “Nothing more embarrassing than having to call for security to help you get up your own stairs.” It was why she had opted to take over this apartment because it was one floor. But the idea of having a reading nook was so charming she had to have it, to say yes to the unpractical option because she desperately needed a bit of whimsy in her life amongst all the formalities and duty.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

Karilan smiled and said “I thought that may be an issue. There is a comm station below for emergencies, but the stairs will be tracked so you can stand on one and it will carry you up.” They grinned and said “Daystrom awarded, remember? I can over-complicate anything.” and they chuckled. “Oh, I almost forgot. I have a surprise for you.” They peered down and said “Excellent. They have it almost ready.” They looked back at her and said “I am as aware of the dangers of your position as you are. So, in addition to being a reading nook and small escape from the pressures of your job, this will also serve as a safe room. When the stairs are complete, the part of the floor that was removed was sectioned out. That was turned into a reinforced barrier that will be installed after the stairs are complete. It will, hopefully-” and they chuckled,”- close like an iris around the top of the stairs, blending into the rest of the floor. Ahould someone manage to get past your security, you would be safe in there.” They held up a hand and said “I know, I know… its too much. But it is necessary, I believe. Oed does not have the best track record for keeping its Executives safe.”

Massat

Eela looked down at the nook and then back at Karilan, shock flooding through her. It was hard to explain her reaction, the overwhelming feelings of warmth and affection, but she understood it. Here they were, offering her not only a beautiful sanctuary in what could be a challenging life here on Oed, but they had also already considered her physical limitations and her safety. She was getting used to people around her being two steps ahead, but in this case is made her feel cared for, that all these tiny variables didn’t form a trap for her, especially in her own home.

She crossed the short space and promptly threw her arms around Karilan, kissing them on the cheek. It was entirely platonic but that didn’t make it less meaningful, at least to her. “Thank you,” she whispered.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.

It was Karilan’s cheeks turn to flush as the sincerity and unexpected contact brought the color to their cheeks. They hesitantly put their arms around Eela, and then embraced her tightly and returned the kiss. “You are most welcome.” they whispered back. “You are important. And I want you safe.” They released Eela and then moved awkwardly to the window. “The window displays will be last, and we won’t work on them until everything else is done.”

Massat