Posted by Civilian Jezem (Upstanding Citizen) in Summer Heat Can’t Stop Me (Tag Eryn)

Posted by Civilian Eryn Romanov (Colonial Intelligence Agent) in Summer Heat Can’t Stop Me (Tag Eryn)

Posted by Civilian Jezem (Upstanding Citizen) in Summer Heat Can’t Stop Me (Tag Eryn)
Posted by… suppressed (48) by the Post Ghost! 👻
One night, several minutes before midnight, Eryn’s comms chimed with a new message. It read:

You’re the worst person I know on this rock, so let’s meet up and drink wine because Sisters you are the only person I can tolerate right now. Pick a time and a place and I’ll be there.

Jezem

Eryn looked at the comm and laughed. Oh wow. What was Jezem up to? It had taken longer than she expected.

Russian Tea Room. Half an hour. Eryn dressed in something much more elegant than usual. An ankle length oriental style dress with a mandarin collar and a slit to her thigh. She took her private slider after leaving a note for Vonn and headed to the Tea Room. She parked and made her way inside the opulent establishment. “Ms Romanov,” the maître d’ greeted and looked around. “Is Gran not joining you tonight?”

Eryn smiled, “No, he is indisposed. I have a companion arriving. Name of Jezem, please show him to my usual table.” He nodded and led her toward the back of the main room.

Eryn

Shortly after Eryn took her seat at her usual table Jezem arrived at the Russian Tea Room. Dressed in fine white silks that tightly wrapped his body, held in place by bands of gold and white leather. He was decorated from head to toe with glittering gold jewelry inlaid with pearls and smooth white stones that turned pink in bright light.

He gave his name to the maître d’ who lead him through and into the back where Eryn waited. Jezem slid into the seat across from here, “Eryn,” He said by way of greeting, “What wine do you recommend?” The orion seemed like his usual self, impassive and indifferent to the world around him but there were signs that not all was well. There were subtle dark spots under his eyes and he seems to have lost some weight since Eryn last saw him.

Jezem

She knew of course that Shivan had been ill. She had checked when he had disappeared for a few days. Given the look of Jezem those two were up to their usual sibling rivalries. “I have ordered a bottle of Veinas Demi-Sec.” It was a very expensive and smooth wine. One of the few wines produced Aldebaran. Known for their spirits and beer, their wines were equally impressive, but difficult to make and very rare.

Eryn

Jezem paused, considering the selection of wine. Expensive and rare. Perfect. “Good choice,” He said, leaning back into his chair to regard their surroundings with poorly masked contempt, “This place a personal favorite of yours?” Jezem asked in the tone of someone unimpressed. All part of the game, of course. He hated that this was the kind of restaurant he would have chosen on his own.

Jezem

“A friend introduced me. I enjoy zhe atmosphere. Zhe service is also exceptional.” She gave him a pointed look, “And perfectly discrete.”

The waiter approached with the bottle and two glasses. Eryn waived at Jezem to inspect the wine.

Eryn

Jezem caught that look. Interesting. Perhaps he will have to bring Argam here some time. Jezem studied the label when presented to him and nodded to the waiter to pour his glass. The label and color are correct, Jezem thought his mind automatically catelouging details and recalling various tidbits of information such as the best markets for a buyer and who would pay extorbanant fees for such a bottle. Hells, he still read economic reports for fun. He smelled the bouque before taking a small sip, letting the wine play across his tongue and mouth.

“This will do,” He said, and took another small sip of the wine. After the waiter left Jezem casually said, “Sèan Ivan. . . what do you know of him?”

Jezem

Eryn chuckled as she picked up her glass and then took a slow savoring sip. “Thyr’s new would be savoir?” She shrugged. “Highly trained and skilled in his position. Spent some time on Earth before being assigned to Oed. Takes his work seriously and willing to help anyone. Over all one of the few decent people in the universe.”

Eryn

Jezem hummed. None of that was new information to him. He doubted Eryn would spill his secrets or gossip about skeletons in closets. “You know that if Thyr’s old employers find him that the good counselor could be in danger as well?” Jezem thought back to his conversation with the man. Though he hadn’t realized the extent of the danger surrounding Shivan, neither had he backed down when he did. If he had cut all contact with the andorian then he would have been far safer. “I would assume you have a plan in place in case the man needs needs to take a sudden vacation?”

Jezem

Eryn swirled her glass, “Of course he is. If he went into counseling Thyr after saving him from a bar fight and didn’t seek necessary background information, Iven is a fool.” She shrugged to the other. “Should Thyr’s old employers find him, warning will be given and assistance will be offered. He can take it or not. It isn’t my job to protect Star Fleet when they are wreckers. I assume you and your husband have an out in place?”

Eryn

“Is that even a question?” Jezem said, “Argam and I know their games and when we cut ties with the criminal world we kept a few within the organization itself. There are certain individuals that owe us favors. With a few calls I can ensure that it will be a long time before they catch a single glimpse of us.” It wasn’t his exit strategy that he was worried about. Those favors could keep him and Argam safe but they were useless for Shivan. This wasn’t the conversation he wanted to have with Eryn, however. “It was the counselor I was concerned about, he’s playing a dangerous game and he didn’t seem to appreciate my warning about setting up an exit plan.

Eryn chuckled darkly, “He is Fleet. Zhey zhink zhey are invincible and protected by zhe synthetic material of zheir uniforms. ‘We signed on for danger,’ and other drivel from drinking too much of zhe kool-aid. If he is an idiot zhat is not our nor Thyr’s problem.”

“There was one other thing. Tandra Mika. What do you know about her?”

Jezem

Eryn seemed to process the name. She was remembering what Gran told her about his outing with her. “She has been all over in her short time in Star Fleet. Only a few years. Zhe moves vere not because of discipline or lack of skill. Quite zhe opposite. She is very good as a doctor and a counselor. She has advanced degrees in both. A bit of…she sees zhings black and white. Zhere is no gray areas. It is wrong or right. She holds herself to zhat standard, and she is extremely compassionate. Vhy?”

Eryn

“She interrupted my meeting with the counselor, and she’s his superior. Should Thyr do something stupid like break the law the one he’ll report to is her.” She could either be a non issue or a pain in Jezem’s rear. People who saw the world in black and white were the absolute worst. So caught up in their own moral superiority and lust for authoritarian control they were blind to all else. Jezem will keep her within his peripheral.

Eryn shrugged, “Maybe not. He is treating Thyr on his own time and Thyr is not a Star Fleet officer. Thyr should make zhe best use of zhis opportunity zhat he can and not break zhe law.” She sipped the wine. “At least not for a little vhile.”

Jezem sipped on his wine, relishing in the the initial burst of flavor that mellowed into notes of ripe fruit, smoked wood and a third alien flavor he could not quite describe. Mint but redder? Peppermint but warmer? “So what have you been up to?” Jezem asked her, not really caring about her life but asked to keep their little conversation going. After a week of being bedridden he missed being social.

Jezem

“Do you really care Jezem?” She grinned and then shrugged. “Vatching and listening. Creating art and selling it. Must keep up my life style some how. And you? You and Argam have made quite zhe change.”

Eryn

“Argam’s business has taken off. We’re fully staffed now and the market has been more than favorable. I’ve been filling in as his secretary since his usual one is on maternity leave and Argam forgot about training her replacement. So of course I’m picking up the slack but what can you do?” Argam had an excellent mind for the big picture but not so much the little details. Blessedly for him, that’s where Jezem shined, “We’ve been discusing investing in local businesses. Argam also wants to patronize an artist, said it was always his dream to be an art patron. I don’t suppose you know of any starving artists suffering for their art?”

Jezem

“Vhere I set Thyr up is a vhole arts district. Many different artists and styles zhere. I vould also suggest zhat Argam speak to a man named Turner. Runs Turner’s gallery. Very good at vhat he does, honest and knows how to make a profit. He knows all zhe artists.”

Eryn

“Turner of Turner’s Gallery. . . I’ll pass that on to him.” That will make Argam happy. A sappy smile somehow slid onto Jezem’s face before he could hide it behind a sip of wine, “What sort of art do you do again?”

Jezem

“Metal sculpting. Not quite unlike zhe vork Thyr does. At least in zhe basics. I find zhat hammering and twisting zhe metal is zheraputic.” Eryn nodded and waived to the waiter that was standing off waiting for permission to approach. He placed a charcuterie down with a variety of cheeses, fruit, bread, and crackers. Bowed slightly and left without a word.

Eryn

Everyone says art is theraputic. Oh, go paint you’ll feel like a new person! Go scuplt clay to work out your aggression and make Christmas gifts in one go! The only kind of art Jezem stood behind was the art and craft of food. Mostly because he cooked and since he does it then it’s valid and correct. Everyone else is weird and wrong. He picked at the offering of foods, creating little stacked combos for taste and complexity of favor.

“I can’t imagine Thyr doing art.” Jezem said, trying and failing to imagine Thyr twisting some metal pieces together and alling it the ‘inner turmoil of the sad ex criminal who can’t commit crime anymore’. “He needs a hobby though, something that isn’t punching and fighting.”

Jezem

Eryn laughed. “No, nor can I. I do not zhink Thyr vould do vell ‘doing art’.” She took a small slice of the bread and some of the cheese. She ate for a moment, then wiped her fingers and mouth. “Yes he does. He vill get into trouble. Normally I vould suggest he tutor or take up a new type of martial arts. Zhat could be bad for him. It also vould not hurt if he tried to meet zhe other artists and vendors on his block.” She shrugged. She wasn’t suggesting Thyr be social, but it was good for business and for safety.

Eryn

Jezem popped bites of sour fruit and hard cheese into his mouth before giving Eryn a flat look, “I’ve told him that. I also told that counselor. Thyr needs to build his business reputation and make some casual friends but noooo, that’s not a ‘realistic’ goal.” The counselor had asked for his expert opinion and Jezem gave it. Shivan’s survival hinged on him controlling his anger and building his fake identity. “Meeting the local vendors would be a good start but when he’s not at his shop working then he’s begging me for food and coming over to my place to watch the next episodes of our soaps. And he never, never fails to fall asleep to three episodes in.”

Jezem

Eryn shook her head as she swirled her glass slowly. “It vould be a shame if Thyr vere to squander zhis opportunity. He has to get past zhe anger and commit to zhis new life. Otherwise…” Of course Jezem knew. If Shivan didn’t commit to being Thyr, then he would be noticed, people get curious, and then he would be caught.

Eryn

He scowled, “Speaking of squander. . . You’re welcome, because Thyr had no idea how to run a business until I sat him down and made him learn.” From everything to managing inventory, arranging suppliers, calculating cost of sale and break even point. It was a grueling few days of intense lecture and study but Shivan passed Jezem’s test. The rest was up to Shivan to actually follow through. The Federation wasn’t perfect but by the Sisters did they love their free and expansive access education and learning tools.

Jezem

“Zhere is a finance advisor at zhe bank at his disposal. Of course he is too stubborn to make use of it.” Eryn smirked, “He should be zhanking you, zhough you have mine as vell. Zhough I am not surprised. He is still your crew is he not? And you, Jezem are one of zhe most loyal people I have ever met.”

Eryn

“He won’t even see a doctor, what makes you think he’ll go talk to a bank?” Jezem grumbled, ignoring Eyrn’s other comments for the moment. “He doesn’t trust anyone except me and Argam.” Shivan couldn’t walk down a street by himself without looking over his shoulder. Jezem would know, he’d followed him a couple times in secret to gauge if the Andorian’s paranoia had improved. It hadn’t. “We served on the same ship for six years. You don’t work alongside someone for that long and not have it mean anything.”

He shrugged, as though it wasn’t as big or meaningful as was and took another sip of wine.

Jezem

Eryn had followed him too. “Paranoia isn’t a bad thing, but he’s very obvious about it. He’s going to have to get over the doctor thing if he keeps getting hurt and sick. Especially if it keeps him from the shop. It will affect his income and…” she waved her hand. Jezem knew all that, no need to repeat it. She took a piece of the fruit, ate it slowly, savoring it. She knew all about serving with people and the connections that made. Jezem didn’t know about that though.

Eryn

“Or get him to learn advanced first aid. Thyr is used to only having to do his one job, play his one role. Being on his own doesn’t suit him or his strengths.” Anyone could thrive when apart of a good crew, but fail when separated from the supports that made up for your weaknesses and failings. Their ship may not have been the biggest or the most infamous, but they were a damn good crew. “He’ll make friends or else,” Jezem grumbled darkly between bites of meat cubes and fruit, “As for his business I can step in now and then when needed. Enough to keep him afloat so I can at least make his payments to you.”

Jezem

Eryn nodded. It was more important that Shivan do this, to learn he could than to give him a free pass. She had taken quite a risk shelling out the money, but it was one she thought would pay off. “His other creditors vill not bother him. Zhose debts are gone. I can do nozhing about zhe syndicate. In zhe grand scheme zhey lost very little money on his…mistakes. He is not a huge priority yet. Zhey vill come for him zhough. Sooner if someone recognizes him and vants zhe bounty. He has reason to be paranoid.”

Eryn

Jezem practically growled as he reached for a cold-cut of sweet meat. “I wasted a whole week learning what I could about Syndicate activity in this sector. Barely came up with anything at all.” A process that would have been indefinitely more easier and quick had he maintained any of his non-Syndicate criminal contacts. “They’re not active in this sector is about as much as I could learn. There isn’t much that would interest them out here anyways. That could change though,” He mulled, “If the colony leaves the Federation. . .” He didn’t think he had to say much more on that to Eryn.

“It’s the bounty hunters we should watch out for. All the more reason Thyr needs to focus on building his identity. What do boring people do? Community service? Go read to the elderly? What about those, ugh, beer and trivia nights at the nice bars?” Sisters, that would be hilarious to watch though.

Jezem

A smirk crossed her face. “Zhat vould be interesting to vatch. Zhere is zhe farmer’s market. He could set up a booth zhere to sell pieces. He could also look for suppliers and food and anyzhing else. It is a good place to be seen regularly.” She tapped a finger against her glass for a moment and then began to laugh. “Zhe Director of Education is alvays looking for people villing to take an apprentice. Zhere are also classes at zhe community learning center.”

Eryn

The Farmer’s Market could work, though he didn’t think weapons, even show weapons, alone would do well. He’d have to expand his offerings for wider customer appeal. Buckles or bracelets would be a good choice and make use of scrap metal. Jezem made a face, “Thyr? With an apprentice? No way, not until he has his temper under check. Classes at the community center could work. He could handle demonstrations or small classes.”

Getting him to agree to do them in the first place will be a challenge but nothing Jezem couldn’t handle. Shivan, like anyone else, was not immune to the right manipulation.

Jezem

Eryn grinned, “I didn’t say zhey vere good ideas. Just zhings zhat boring people do. But zhey are also zhings that members of zhe community participate in. If Thyr,” she emphasized the name, meaning Shivan’s new identity, “vants to be recognized and make a life here, zhen he needs to do zhese zhings. If people in the community recognize him, know him, zhey are more likely to help him, even in small vays.”

Eryn

“I’ll get him to do it,” Jezem said, “He has too much free time anyways and he’s starting to wear a spot into my couch.” Thyr may never be a pillar of the community but he’ll be someone that can at least be recognized and leave a positive impression upon some people. It will be a headache and a half to ‘convince’ Shivan to go along with this, given how resistant the man has been to all suggestions. Jezem scowled into his glass, “Sisters, I hate boring people. The average,” He made a face, “Mundane.”

Jezem

Eryn chuckled. “And being a simple househusband is not? Compared to your previous life, I vould zhink it is very average.”

Eryn

Jezem made a face, “Oh please, that’s just what I want people to think. Housework only takes a quarter of my day, and once I’m done with that I’m either saving Thyr and Argam from their problems, trading on the open markets, or I’m socializing. . .” That couldn’t all be it, right? Jezem considered all the things he’s done the past week. Between helping Argam with his business, Shivan with his, reading market reports across the sector for legal trading, all the people he met with just to toy with them. . . buying food and house supplies, cooking, cleaning. . . There was watching the soaps with Shivan. . .

“The pirate life wasn’t all that,” Jezem finished with a huff, “Especially when you were the captain and dealing with everyone’s problems and whining. They wouldn’t even remember to pay their dues if I hadn’t taken care of it for them!”

Jezem

Eryn was smart enough to hide her smirk where Jezem couldn’t see it. “Being in charge is a zhankless position. I do not have zhe patience for it. I vould likely kill zhose that I vas responsible for. I do much better on my own.” Well that or with a single partner. Now that she had found the right partner, things were quite different.

Eryn

“Oh, there were plenty of times I was tempted. There were days I fantasized about sealing myself on the bridge and cutting life support across the rest of the ship.” But fantasies they were on those stressful, thankless days when work slow, money tight and tempers at their peak. Really, it was a testament to the respect of each other’s skills and strengths that kept their crew together even through the worst of times. Six years with the same crew was no small feat. “You prefer to be much more direct and hands on,” He idly noted. Though why she would choose to work for a colony alongside Starfleet was beyond him.

“How did you end up out here anyways?” Jezem asked.

Jezem

Eryn lifted a shoulder that was particularly elegant in the dress she chose. “I vas finally able to buy my freedom from zhe Korda. My life, such as it is, is now my own. Zhe payment was exorbitant. I needed a place zo stay for a vhile, so zhat I could rebuild my income. I have a new partner and zhey suggested Oed. So far it has varied out.”

Eryn

Jezem smirked and said, “So we both found ourselves freed from that life.” Though, in his case he supposed he never expected to be free. Jezem, back then, had always assumed he would remain in the Syndicate until death. “Argam wanted to move here. After we cleaned our money and scrubbed anything criminal from our pasts we weren’t sure where we would go. Argam did his research and made the case to move here with a proper presentation complete with a market analysis, cost breakdown and profit predictions for his new business. Now here we are,” He said with a wave of his hand.

Jezem

“He sounds very zhorough. Oed is not a bad place to be. Zhere is alvays somezhing going on zhat is interesting. Profit of all types to be made if one is shrewd enough.” Eryn swirled her glass again as she leaned back in zhe chair. “So, other zhan Intel on two fleeters to vhat do I owe your late night company?”

Eryn

“He is,” Jezem said with a soft smile before it vanished in favor of staring pensively into his near empty wine glass. “Wasn’t my message clear enough? Your’s was the only company I could tolerate and I was in need of tolerable company.” Argam was busy with an unexpected emergency at work, and Jezem too furious with Shivan for poisoning him with Vidathal’s Kiss of all things and putting him out of commission for an entire week. Oh, he respected Shivan for pulling it off, but Sisters did he hate the man right now. “We’re a cut above the Federation types you find everywhere around here. And the non-Federation folk too earnest and sickeningly honest or too dumb. I hate them. I hate you too but I respect you.”

Jezem

Eryn shrugged, though inside she was smirking like a cat. “It never does for one vith our particular backgrounds to take anyzhing at face value.” She waved the waiter over, refilled both their glasses. “Would either of you care to order anything else? Another tray perhaps?”

Eryn

“Oh please,” Jezem said, “I’m not some amateur, Eryn. I may not be in that life anymore but you don’t forget that kind of training. You know what I mean, you’re one of the few that do in this place.” The universe was a cruel and cold place, and far too many took their peaceful lives for granted. He considered for a moment, “What sort of desserts does this place have? Order something good for us.”

Jezem

Ery nodded slightly conceding the point. Though she wondered what exactly it was Jezem was hoping to get out of this meeting. They were far from friends or colleagues that made idle chit-chat. What was so wrong or upsetting to him that he felt the need to seek out her company. “Bring us a saffron and Tellar rum cobbler with yuciddia whip.” The waiter nodded and moved away. “It is a special of zhe chef here.”

Eryn

Something sweet and slightly boozy, Jezem inclined his head to indicate he was satisfied by her choice. Jezem pursed his lips, seemingly deep in thought before turning his gaze back to Eryn and asked , “Are you happy with all this? Being here? Doing your work and your art?”

Jezem

Eryn shrugged. “Happy? It seems a foreign concept. Can anyone like us ever be happy? It is a mundane state of being.” She chuckled darkly. “Or perhaps ve can be hapoy, but vhat ve are seeking is contentment and peace. I am free. I get to make my own choices and choose if I go or if I stay. Oed is rough, and zhat is familiar. Zhere is vork that I am good at, and I am compensated handsomely for my services. I have alvays enjoyed my art. I like it here. How long I stay is yet to be seen.”

Eryn

How could she be so unbothered by this? Her words reflected Jezem’s own feelings and fears yet she spoke with such nonchalance. As though the answer wasn’t important. Was it enough that they were free and held the reigns to the path going forward? Could it be enough for him? To find contentment and peace in the moment and let the future come as it may? Are people like them even capable of that mundane and ignorant state of being? To be happy. Jezem settled back against his chair, and disguised his somber thoughts by watching the sparse crown of people seated at the adjacent tables.

People dressed in their finery, laughing and smiling like they didn’t have a care in the world. A pleasant veneer that disguised the truth. They were no better or happier than anyone else. Jezem pursed his lips, “Is contentment not also painfully mundane? Can we truly know peace after all we have done and seen?” He questioned.

Jezem

“No idea. I am not a psychologist. I suppose zhey,” she nodded at the crowd, “vould say yes. Zhey need to believe zhat. I may have peaceful days, but finding peace,” she shrugged again, “doubtful. I do not believe contentment is mundane. Zhat implies it is everyvhere and easy to obtain. Ve both know zhat is not true. Is it boring? Most likely.” She picked up her glass and sipped.

Eryn

Burn marks and scars. Lessons learned and never forgotten. Jezem hummed, as though Eryn told him some interesting piece of trivia or stated some news item of note. Inside he burned. “So in short, we take what we can get while it lasts.” No, that was not a depressing thought. It was how the universe worked. Jezem knew the way of things, understood what it took to survive. Worrying about the future is pointless because nothing lasts. Good things don’t last. Some day either sooner or later his time on Oed V will come to an end and he and Argam will move on.

Jezem

“For now,” Eryn said. “Maybe zhey know somezhing ve don’t.” She laughed at that. Eryn didn’t believe that, but she did. Deep where she hid someone else away. “Ve control how ve react to zhe situations zhat happen around us. Ve don’t control others, except in very specific situations. Zhings alvays change from moment to moment. Try enjoying it, see vhat happens.”

Eryn

“Oh, I’ll get right on that,” Jezem said with sarcastic cheer. Their desserts arrived and Jezem indulged in the sweet treat. Focusing on the various tastes and textures before him instead of those nagging annoying and ultimately meaningless thoughts that clung to him like polluted debris. After getting through half of his dessert he said, “This is quite good. The saffron and rum is a good combination.” Which is high praise coming from one who prefers heavily spiced foods.

Jezem

“Jezem, you have Argam. Zhat is a rare zhing. People vho have lived like ve have, rarely get zhat. You are both free. Embrace zhis new life for a time. Zhen if it does not vork, re-evaluate.” Eryn ate the dessert slowly, savoring the thebtaste and texture. She nodded, “I am glad you enjoyed it.”

Eryn