Posted by Civilian Karilan Massat (Owner, Quill and Parchment Books) in Shadows of the Past

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

Posted by Civilian Karilan Massat (Owner, Quill and Parchment Books) in Shadows of the Past
Posted by… suppressed (1) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

The mug in his hands allowed him to focus on the sensation on his palms. The heat didn’t burn but it was just uncomfortable enough to draw his mind away from his emotions, to steady himself. It still didn’t help him know what to do though.

“I told Eela that I made the only choice I could have at the time, that I couldn’t live with myself if I just did… nothing. I still believe that’s true,” Jones said before blowing out a breath. “It goes without saying that this doesn’t leave this room,” he said firmly.

He looked at Karilan, anguish hiding in the depths of eyes that normally were alit with much happier emotions. “Look, I had a rough childhood and I was an angry kid who did stupid things and got into trouble for it. Same goes for my friend. But the difference is that he took things a step too far, and I could walk away and let someone die. So… I stayed. And then we both got caught. He was older and went through the adult system, but I was still a minor and the social worker assigned to my case advocated for leniency. I got a chance to turn my life around and I took it, Karilan. Because if I didn’t, it would never end. So this friend showing up now, I think he thinks I owe him, because his options weren’t as good as mine. But he made his own choices afterwards, I’m taking taking the blame for that. But he knows too much. This sh!t would discredit me. And Jean. Hell, and even Eela tangentially. I will not drag either of them through my old mess. Mathis knows about it too, so don’t think I’m keeping it a secret from her. But we’re about to have a major diplomatic event here in just over 24 hours. I don’t need this crap right now.”

~Dashiel Jones, Attaché

Karilan was calm, sipped their coffee, and then slowly set their cup on the table and folded their hands in their lap. “I will never allow anything to negatively impact Eela, Mr. Jones. Even tangentially. So… what does this ‘friend’ want? What are they asking for? And how can I help you, so you don’t negatively impact my friend?” There was no judgement in Karilan’s voice, but it was patently obvious that the offer was for Eela’s sake… not his.

Karilan

Jones sighed. “He’s looking for work. I get it and I feel for him. People will judge him for having a record, even if he was a model citizen now. But he’s still had struggles and said he had a rough time last year. That’s code for him probably having relapsed with addiction. And I think it’s great if he’s managed to find his way again. He said he now has qualifications as an engine tech and he wants help finding a job. But that would mean vouching for him, and I don’t know that I can. But he needs legit work or he’ll just repeat the cycle. Hell, even then he might. We’ve only had very limited contact over the years but most of the time it’s been when he’s in trouble and looking for something. I told him I’d keep an ear out but I have to have some boundaries with him it’ll always be this drama.”

~Dashiel Jones, Attaché

“Sounds like it already is…” Karilan said. They took a breath and drummed their fingers on the arm of the chair, their eyes locked on Jones. Finally, after minutes of silence, they spoke.

Dash had snorted, sighed and then drank from his cup. All he could think was, Tip of the iceberg.

“Tell him you found him a job. It isn’t engines. Its a book store. He will be hired, no questions asked because you vouched for him. These are the conditions: He is always on time. He is polite, courteous, and efficient. He does whatever job he is tasked to do without complaint or hesitation. He will work open to close every day for the first three standard months. No time off. No holidays. No calling in sick. After that time, a new schedule can be discussed. Now… he will object, I’m sure. To convince him to take this opportunity, you can tell him that his first three months of rent will be paid in an apartment of the employer’s choosing; allowing him to save for a place of his own. He will be entitled to two meals per shift. And… he will be working for a Dyson Engineering Awarded. If he wants to learn machines, he will… if he does as instructed. And he must stay sober. He will be tested at random. If he fails, he is fired. No discussion. If he is involved with any police matters, he is fired. If he is fired, the owner will send him directly to Orion. He can see how well he does there.” Karilan’s voice was firm, but not harsh. They picked up their coffee and then said “Now. What else is needed?”

Karilan

Air filled Jones’ lungs and he held it for a moment before he slowly let it out. It was an elegant solution, but… what? He didn’t want Raf around? That wasn’t quite it. But he also wasn’t sure he wanted to deal with whatever the fallout would be from seeing him so frequently. He’d just have to suck it out and accept that the past and present were merging whether he liked it or not.

“It’s a very generous offer, and if Raf is smart, he’ll accept it. Not going to lie though, it makes me uncomfortable. Raf isn’t a bad person, not at his core, but he has to choose to change, no one can do that for him. But if this chance is what he needs, who am I to stand in his way.” Dash looked away for a moment, still troubled but he felt lighter.

When he looked back at Karilan, Dash smiled and it was much closer to his usual version. “I’m glad Eela has a friend like you in her life. She deserves that. And I will do everything I can to keep any of this from causing her any distress.” He chuckled. “But knowing her, she’ll show and just go introduce herself to Rafael Torres and suss him out for herself.” And there was something extraordinarily intimidating about getting the critical once-over from Eela Dasca, especially when she was less than pleased or was worried about someone she cared about. In this case he’d bet she’d be looking out for Karilan before himself and in all honesty Dash was okay with that.

~Dashiel Jones, Attaché