Posted by Civilian Jeannette Mathis (Federation Ambassador) in Shadows of the Past

Posted by Civilian Jeannette Mathis (Federation Ambassador) in Shadows of the Past

Posted by Civilian Jeannette Mathis (Federation Ambassador) in Shadows of the Past

(snip)

And yet, there was that warning voice in the back of his head that told him that he could be making a huge mistake pretending it didn’t exist. The threat was very very clear. In that same breath though he also knew that to acknowledge it any way was to concede they had a point and invite them into his life. To hell with that. He should say something to someone, but that would put himself in a tricky position that could derail all the good work he was doing. He sighed. He’d figure out what to do later.

Closing out his terminal, Jones finished getting ready for work and left his apartment, tucking all that frustration far away. He was not bringing it to work with him.

Café Delray

Another message came through after he had his usual morning meeting with Jean. She had taken one look at him and smiled softly to herself. Mathis had never been flamboyant with her emotions, but he knew her tells- when she allowed them to be seen. She was amused but also happy for him and she never even said a word about it.

This new message was different than the one earlier this morning, but equally surprising. An old friend was here and wanted to meet for lunch. Could he spare the time? Given the person and the timing? He might have to. He gave a quick reply back, stating a location of a café serving beach house type fare, and a time.

At 1pm, Dash stepped into the café and looked around. It wasn’t hard to find the man he was looking for. Taller than him by a little, his old friend hadn’t changed much. He still wore his dark hair short and a very subtle goatee. Rafael Torres looked up and in his brown eyes the smile surfaced first before it hit his mouth. He stood up as Dash approached.

The two clasped hands and leaned in to each other with a couple pats to the back. “Man, look at you all suave in your fancy suit and tie,” Torres said, entirely teasing but also noting the changes in Dashiel.

Dash chuckled. “It comes with the job.” He gestured for him to sit and sat himself. “It’s good to see you Raf. Good, but also surprising.” He folded his arms on the table. “What brings you all the way to Oed?”

“Oh, you know, just trying to figure things out,” Rafael said. “Keeping out of trouble.”
“Good. We’ve had enough of it. How’s your dad keping?”
“He’s good, man, real good. How’s the fam on your end?”
Dash grinned. “Real good. Chelsea is in high school.”
Raf’s mouth dropped open. “No way! Little C? Damn. We’re getting old, Dash,” he said with a laugh.

“Speak for yourself!” Jones said. “I’m enjoying this time.” But even as they joked, Dash felt unsettled. He and Raf had only limited contact. Quick chats just like this over the years, but he had kept himself a bit distant for a reason. The past was the past and he wasn’t interested in reviving anything. He held no ill will for his childhood friend, but it was weird that he’d show up now of all times. “Raf, what’s this about? Really.”

Raf leaned in. “Look, not gonna lie man, it’s been rough at times. Had a bad spell last year and…” He paused and sighed. “Look, you know I wouldn’t ask you for anything unless it was important. You and me, we were all squared up, I know. But I don’t know who else to ask. Who else would get it, you know?”

Dash nodded. “I do. But what is it that you think I can help with?”

Torres sighed. “I’m not sure exactly. But I need work. I’ve got qualifications as an engine tech but you know how it is when you’ve got a record. If you want a legit job, no one wants ya, but I can get all the work I want for those that don’t care who they get jobs from. That’s not the life I want.”

He studied Rafael for a long moment and frowned slightly. “I get it and I agree that it’s not always fair, but I’m not sure what you think I can do.”

Raf flashed a grin. “Dash, Dash, come on. I’m sure you know someone. You’re a big diplomat man now. You’ve got connections.”

Jones shook his head. “Not in the way you think.”
Anger flashed through Torres’ eyes. “Seriously?! After everything? You won’t even try?”
Dash took in the eyes that were now on them. “Keep it down, will you?”
“Or what?”

Concern touched his face followed by irritation. “Raf, don’t start with me. You know I would help if I could, but I work with governments. You couldn’t even get security clearance to go half the places I go.”

“Yeah, and whose fault is that?”
His vivid blue eyes darkened. “I thought we were good.”
“So did I,” Rafael said, slumping back in his chair.

The two stared at each other seemingly at an impasse. Finally, Dash spoke again. “Look, even if I had strings I could pull that might actually be useful to you, your timing sucks. Right now things are tenuous and I’m under a lot of scrutiny. I can keep an ear open for anything that might be what you’re looking for, but I’m afraid I can’t do more than that,” he said before he rose to his feet.

Raf glared. “So that’s it?”
Jones gave a rueful smile. “I’m afraid so. But, I’m glad you’re doing better, Raf. I knew you could, if you gave yourself half a chance.”
Torres shook his head. “Save it for someone who cares.”

At a loss for words, Dash shrugged his shoulders and left the café, more confused and frustrated than he had been even earlier. What the hell was Raf thinking anyway? He wasn’t, that was clear, and the norm. With a sigh, he walked away.

~Dashiel Jones, Attaché

Quill & Parchment

Dash had to head back to the embassy but he knew he needed to clear his head before he got there or else he’d been dealing with Jean shooting him intense looks all afternoon until he told her what was wrong. Right now, that was the last thing he needed. They had high stakes priorities that required everyone to be at their best.

He took a detour to his favourite place to grab coffee. Eela had been bang on about bringing him and Jean there that day. It had become a place where he could just enjoy a bit of peace before he jumped back into the fray of work. Karilan also was a joy and he understood why Eela had become such good friends with them.

Approaching the door, Jones took a deep breath and let it out slowly before he stepped into the serene place, taking in the smell of books, coffee and baked good. It helped, but the usual sparkle he went about life with was dimmer, even as he smiled. “Good afternoon,” he said to Karilan, smiling.

~Dashiel Jones, Attaché

Karilan was behind the coffee bar and smiled at Dash. “Mr. Jones.” they said and set a cup in front of him. “I am assuming the regular? Double roast dual bean with a shot of cream?” and they smiled, and then their eyes narrowed slightly and they said “Are you okay? You don’t look happy.” softly, so as not to be overheard.

Massat, Owner, Quill nd Parchment