Posted by Civilian Caitlyn Dillon (Director, The House Sanctuary) in Hyrushi Residence - Immigration of New Possibilities

Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in Hyrushi Residence - Immigration of New Possibilities

Posted by Civilian Caitlyn Dillon (Director, The House Sanctuary) in Hyrushi Residence - Immigration of New Possibilities
Posted by… suppressed (23) by the Post Ghost! 👻
The day had been busy for the Governor of Oed V. In addition to the usual meetings and negotiations; there had been an inordinate number of ‘fires’ to put out. Towards the middle of the afternoon, those dealing with him- and who knew him- could sense that he was more direct in his dealings with others than normal; as if the constant interruptions to the schedule (which were the norm) were a particular inconvenience that day. Only his aide, Dorma Fen, knew what was happening; and she had taken the role of gate-keeper to the next level so that the Governor’s official duities for the day ended precisely at four pm.

Governor Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi had a date.

That fact alone would have been enough to set the social pages aflame (if they ever knew, which they wouldn’t) but coupled with the fact that the date was with not only someone he had just met the day before, but also with someone who had literally just arrived on Oed V that same day? The whole gossip column industry on Oed would have collapsed under the weight of the activity.

So it was that at four-o-one pm, Hyrushi was standing in his private residence atop the Presidium Towers; a pair of thirty-eight story cylindrical residential buildings with pedestrian spans on the fifth, tenth, twenty-fifth, and thirty-second levels connecting the two buildings. The top of both buildings was a single three-story penthouse apartment that spanned the distance between the two towers.

The apartment itself was luxurious: formal dining room, professional kitchen, large seating area, six bedrooms and three bathrooms for guests, and a wholly separate office made up the first floor. The kitchen and dining room were separated by walls of transparent aluminum framed in dark wood that doubled as a wine cellar. Floor to ceiling racks of wine filled the walls interior and kept the bottles safe and cool. Sliding walls similar to the ancient Japanese style of Earth made up the rest of the floor.

Outside of the confines of the first floor was a truly immaculate and large garden-slash-grove of bamboo and fragrant flowers and shrubs with an infinity pool at the far end surrounded by a wide patio complete with chaise lounges and tables for entertaining. A small bar was also set off to the side. Inside the garden was a large pond filled with with koi, accented by a small natural stone waterfall and crossed by a wooden bridge over it’s center. Paths meandered through the garden and the entirety was bordered by transparent, ten foot high walls that provided both safety and security. Tucked away at the end of one of the paths was a small shrine.

A broad, curving staircase in the center of the first floor led to the second and third levels of the residence. The second floor was a few more bedrooms, each with their own baths, as well as a small communal seating area. The third floor was the Master Suite. A large bed on a raised section of floor was set into the corner where the floor to ceiling windows met, allowing for an almost two hundred and fifty degree view of the city. Walk-in closets off each side of the interior of the room curved to match the outside of the top floor’s curvature, making both closets into a kind of hallway to the Master bath. Dual sinks set into black Tellarite marble sat opposite a large bathtub capable of holding at least four adult humans set into the floor. Next to the tub was a large sonic and water shower separated by transparent (but capable of being made opaque for modesty’s sake) walls. The water fell from heads located in the ceiling, so the shower-ee was made to fell like they were standing in the rain.

The place was clean, well maintained, and privately owned by Hyrushi himself. It had been purchased through a multitude of intermediaries and shell companies the day he had been named Governor. Kenzo had a desire for privacy, and to that end he spent little time in the ‘official’ Governor’s residence. In fact, in the almost two years he had been on Oed, he had set foot inside the mansion exactly four times, and all for official functions. But everyday, a slider left the Government Tower and went to the Residence, giving the appearance that he stayed there.

Kenzo madebhis way to his bedroom, went into one of the closests, and pulled out a well-tailored but more relaxed outfit: a pair of gray slacks, blue dress-shirt, cufflinks, and a soft gray blazer. He set the outfit on the bed and then went back downstairs.

Entering the kitchen, he started to prepare the dinner for the evening. Sashimi was cut, maki ingerdients were prepared and set for assembly, miso soup simmering, and gyoza were all prepared and made ready for their meal. He then went out the sliding wall from the seating area onto the patio and set a table for two. Saki bottles, one warm and one chilled, sat ready. Tea was set and ready to be steeped, and small tea lights set the scene; even though he knew she would not see it, he still wanted it to be perfect. Taking a final look around, he nodded in satisfaction and went upstairs to shower. At 6:35, he walked back downstairs, made sure everything was ready, put on soft music ( https://youtu.be/lyieFu7BnHE?si=geLYnU38KuM-fnld ), and then closed his eyes and felt for her arrival.

Hyrushi, Nervous? Excited? Both?

Caitlyn was a Wreck. Alathide had made her a beautiful new outfit. Well actually she wasn’t surebit was beautiful, but everyone said so. It felt beautiful thought. Black satin harem pants with an overlay of blueblack chiffon and a midnight blue silk shirt that shimmered as she moved. Caitlyn wanted something pretty, but modest. The shoulders were chiffon and more flaps than anything. It had a low turtleneck, almost a mandarin collar. There was more scaring than just at her eyes, and she didn’t want it to show.

After a shower, Runa had done her hair. It was simple, put pinned up in a way that framed her face but was simple, so if it got messed a little, no one would notice. Runa did not tell Caitlyn that. But as Caitlyn sat and let Runa do up her hair she began to have a panic attack. They had to call Revna.

Revna sat beside her and held her hand. “What am I doing Revna?”

“You are going on a date. Don’t tell me you aren’t ready. You would have fled the restaurant if you weren’t rather than saying yes. And he very much wants to see you.”

“How do you know?” Caitlyn just wasn’t sure. It was so new and uncertain.

“Because he is very busy and he could use that as an excuse to cancel and he has not. Now if you don’t want to go, you don’t have to, but you do have to call and tell him.”

Caitlyn had expected her comm to chirp all day telling her he had to cancel, but he had not. “I don’t want to do that!” She blurted vehemently. Revna smiled, “Then let’s finish getting you ready. Would you like me to do your make-up.”

Caitlyn shook her head, “I hate make-up, but my lips are dry from the wind and dirt outside.” Revna gave her a softly pink tinted chapstick to put on. “You have your comm?” Caitlyn nodded and pulled it out of the pocket Alathide had made into the pants. “Good, I hear the shuttle landing.”

Caitlyn took her hand and picked up her cane. It was soft brushed metal gray with a rolling ball on the end. It would allow her to navigate on her own if necessary. “I’m so nervous.” Revna and Runa shared a smile and hugged her, “It will be alright.”

A short time later, the shuttle landed and she was helped into a slider that drove her through the city to his building. Before she exited the slider she sent Capall a quick note that she had arrived. She was checked in to the building and then directed to the private lift. She was an absolu t e bundle of nerves and butterflies and anticipation that Kenzo could feel from blocks away.

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“So it’s not just me.” he said to the no one else that was in the house.” and he smiled broadly, an expression few if any had ever seen. He walked to the foyer and waited for the lift doors to open. As they did, he said “Hello, Caitlyn. I am very happy you are here. May I take your hand?”

Kenzo

The sound of his voice eased some of the worry. Some of that was she was alone in the lift, and the worry that some stranger might get on with her (despite knowing it was a private lift), the other was that perhaps he had to rush out and wouldn’t be there, or she would get off on the wrong floor. All needless worries, she knew, but ones the flitted through her mind nevertheless.

The cane swept before her, judging the the width of the the door to the lift. She couldn’t suppress her smile though. She reached her hand out for his without hesitation. “I’m happy to be here also. I was worried you might have to postpone.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“A worry we both shared, then” he said as he took her hand in his and set it on his arm, his own hand resting atop hers. “Would you like a tour? I think you may find this space a pleasant one. At least, that is my hope.” and he guided her out of the foyer and into his home.

Kenzo

His blazer (and she knew it was because it was thicker than a shirt, but too smooth to be a sweater) was smooth and expensive. He smelled of a warm spice cologne. It wasn’t over powering, and it was unique, like him. She smiled at him, it made her stomach flutter, he hadn’t wanted to postpone. “I would enjoy a tour very much.” She pulled the cane upright, and pressed a button on the top of the handle, retracting it to about the size of an umbrella. She didn’t want it to get in the way, and she already knew, from the restaurant, that he was conscientious in guiding her. She flushed softly when she realized he was still holding her hand. She didn’t mind at all.

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“Excellent. We are currently just out of the foyer, and walking into the house proper…” he began, and over the next half hour showed her all around his home. He encouraged her to touch any of the art or memento he had seat around; and he was very slow and deliberate when walking her through the garden. They stopped at the koi pond, the shrine, and the pool. He led her to where they would be dining, and then back inside to the living room where he said “There is a couch, a love seat, and two large chairs; all around a low table in the middle. Where would you like to sit, Caitlyn?”

Kenzo

Caitlyn felt when he encouraged her to, though she declined doing so with the paintings. She knew the oils in her finger tips could damage it. Her touch was delicate and careful, but inquisitive. She asked questions about the things he shared with her. His penthouse was almost as big as the House and it was filled. She wondered if he got lonely in all that space.

She loved the garden and the scent of the flowers. She let her hand play across the rock waterfall and smiled at the soft undersound of the koi swimming. She couldn’t see the candles, but she smelled them. He had gone to a lot of trouble.

She paused a moment over his question, “The couch, please.” Maybe he would sit with her, but it wasn’t so small as the love seat. “You have a lovely home, Kenzo. The garden was a surprise.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

He guided her to the couch and, once she was seated, said “Thank you. Would you care for a drink? I opened a bottle of wine that I thought you might find pleasant. Or I have tea or anything else you might like.”

Kenzo

“A glass of wine, please.” Caitlyn liked wine. As a drink and to cook with. She never over indulged, she’d never had the desire to do so, and didn’t understand why people did. While he got drinks she reached into her small purse and brought out a tissue wrapped object and set it gently in her lap.

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

He came back took a seat next to her. He held out the glass to her, reached over and took her hand, and then set the glass in her grip. “I hope you like it. The vineyard belongs to a friend of my family.” The vineyard was, in fact, the famous Château Margaux (established on Earth in the year 1500); and did, in fact, belong to a friend of the Hyrushi family. And by friend, Kenzo was referring to Monsieur Mentzelopoulos, who’s family had owned the vineyard since the mid-twentieth century and whose land Kenzo played on during summer visits with his father.

Kenzo

Caitlyn swirled the glass and inhaled the bouquet. She sipped from the glass delicately. She closed her eyes and smiled. “Excellent. Unfortunately, I am not a sommelier. I can’t tell one wine from another. However, the tang of the citrus is very light but cleanses the palette all by itself.” She took another sip. “It is very unique. This is Margaux of Château Margaux isn’t it?” It was an exclusive, only served on the Château and to very private venues. “I’ve only tasted it once. I may be very wrong.”

“You are very correct, actually.”Kenzo said. “Although I cannot say that I am surprised. You pallet is truly impressive.”

“I studied very hard, but I remember this. My parents took me to Château Margaux to celebrate when I graduated.” She smiled at the memory. “And you are friends with the owner?”

“My family is friends of their family.” Kenzo said. “My mother introduced my father to them, and my father and Monsieur Mentzelopoulos hit it off. They were quite close, even after we left Earth. I used to play in the vineyard in the summers when I was very young.”

She held out the small wrapped object. “We agreed a sculpture for dinner.” She smiled, though nervous. She had no idea what it really looked like.

Kenzo took the object and gently opened the tissue.

Inside was a life size sculpture of a Siberian Wren chick. If he felt it, the texture of the feathers felt almost downy, the one wing was bent at an odd angle and he could even feel the broken bone inside it. There was no color, just the clay with a clear glaze. The beak was open and sharp, the talons tiny and pointy.

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Kenzo stared down at the sculpture for a moment. “Caitlyn, this… this is absolutely stunning.” he said softly. He felt along the lines and intricate details of the small bird. “I will keep this always. As a memento of our first dinner together.” His voice carried the unmistakable emphasis on the word. “And I know just where to keep it. Thank you, Caitlyn.” He set the bird on the table and said “I would like to propose a toast to you. To new friends… and newer possibilities than either of us knew of.” He waited for her glass to raise and he lightly tapped his glass to hers.

Kenzo

“You are very most welcome. I’m glad you like it.” It filled her with warmth that he did. She raised her glass and drank gently from the glass. The possibilities delighted her, and she looked forward to more. “Tell me about your hobbies, Kenzo? Though I suspect you don’t get much time for them.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

He snorted softly. “No, I do not.” he said with humor in his voice. That pause again. He took a breath and said “Ms.- … Caitlyn…you will have to excuse me. I am not used to speaking to anyone about myself. Quite the opposite, in fact. But I do not want you to ever think or feel that I am being defensive or you have overstepped. I am simply… unused… to speaking so freely.” and he chuckled softly again. “Although I hope to find my comfort in doing so with you.”

Hyrushi, Governor

The admission noticeably settled some of her nerves. There was a feeling of understanding. “Kenzo, will you give me your hand?”

There was no hesitation and he reached out and set his hand in hers.

She held it gently, but with warmth. “It’s okay. It’s not easy for me either. And not just with the things that Gavin did.” She had a steely resolve, clothed in velvet, to work past her own hesitations and be hinest with him. “I find I really want to be able to share them with you. And that scares me. So, maybe, we could work on that together?”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

He squeezed her hand gently and then said “I understand your fear, and I would not expect you to not be afraid. This is a sudden change… for both of us. And it will come with it’s own unique challenges; both from your history and from my position. I will also say that should you and I continue this for any amount of time… which is my hope, to be honest… then you will unfortunately lose a good deal of the anonymity you currently enjoy. And if that is going to be detrimental to your efforts with your organization or to your own peace of mind, then I would suggest that we enjoy our time this evening and get to know each other as best as we can; but then we would need to curtail any kind of… possibility.” He allowed her to feel the anxiousness he felt, but also the hope that they could maneuver the issues that could potentially face them as a partnership.

Hyrushi

Caitlyn breathed slowly, there was a sense of slight anxiousness over the loss of her anonymity, but over powering that was a sense of disappointment should this be all there was. Her fingertips moved across his palm before tightening around his hand. “I had already thought of that. I won’t pretend that doesn’t fill me with some trepidation, but my anonymity is something I have to give up. I will be the public contact for our organization. Although it has given me security, I am ready to let some of that go.” She smiled shyly, “But even without that, I am willing to face that for whatever possibilities we might have.”

She paused for a moment, “But you must think of your position. We are very careful and very strict about the laws, but that doesn’t stop people from attacking our organization and spreading lies. Gavin’s lawyer tried to do that to me. I would not want your image for the colony damaged.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

There was fleeting sense of amusement coupled with incredibly strong resilience. “I have been a politician for some time. Attacks on my image are constant. And if you can think of any reason why my association with you would be ‘damaging’ to my image, tell me what you think that may be and we can discuss it. I happen to be quite adept at ensuring that truth and accuracy overshadow lies and supposition… much to the chagrin of many reporters, I’m afraid.” and he chuckled.

Hyrushi

“Not anything in particular for the House,” she said. “Defense lawyers like to work with tabloid reporters or those with a political agenda. Since we tend to work with victims that are connectioned to people with influence. Not just the victim but the House has been targeted before. We work hard to make sure the truth comes out.”

Kenzo said “Well, know that the colonial government does not tolerate any kind of smear campaign against those that are providing assistance to those in need. That now includes the House.”

Caitlyn turned her face away. Whatever she was about to say hurt her deeply but also made her very angry. “Gavin’s lawyer tried to say that the reason Gavin acted the way he did was my fault. That I was a master chef and hid drugs in his food, fed him dangerous cuisine, to purposely drive him over the edge. That it was all a setup for his money.” She squeezed his hand hard, trying to convey her sincerity, “The only thing I ever sued him for was a divorce. The only thing I took from our home was the clothes on my back, my ID, my photo album of my parents, and my bank account he didn’t know I had. I didn’t even take half the shared account.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Kenzo held her hand firmly. “Even if you had done all of those things, which I do not believe you did or would, that would be no justification for his actions.” There was a undercurrent of something in his voice… a firmness when he spoke of certain things that lent a sense of… finality… to his words. As if him speaking it somehow made it a reality. He set his other hand on top of hers and said “This is not Earth. This place is barely the Federation. And our laws and justice system are not so entrenched in maintaining the status quo that someone with influence and power can place themselves above the law. Not even me. I harbor no illusions that should I do something to warrant judicial actions that I will not be treated the same as anyone else brought before the Judiciary. Here we value justice over reputation, facts over finances. And while it may not have always been this way, it is that way now.” He looked at her intently for several long moments before adding “And if anyone from that time of your life decides it to beneficial to them or your ex-husband to come here and try and stir that particular pot again? Well… they will find out for themselves of just how much a bad idea that is.”

Hyrushi

“Gavin’s lawyer has lost all appeals, and he will serve out his time. For now, I don’t have to worry about Gavin.” She hoped. He was the type of man who would make connections even in prison. “Thank you for your assurance. It means a lot.” She smiled, “I doubt very many people cross you, and they would only do it once.”

She visibly relaxed though there was still an anticipatory nervousness. “All that to say, that I would be very disappointed if tonight was the extent of our acquaintance, and you did say you would do your best to not be the cause of any of my disappointment.” She was teasing him.

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Kenzo’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “My dear Ms. Dillon… was that you poking fun at me?” he asked, the humor in his voice more than apparent. “If I had known that tonight would consist of you mocking my very sincere efforts to not disappoint you, I would have opened a less special bottle.” and he picked up his glass and clinked it against hers.

Kenzo

She grinned over her glass, but she was sincere. “Oh no, my dear Kenzo. I would never mock such a sincere offering of your word. It means far too much to me.” She sipped her wine. His voice teased her ears when he was amused. He sounded different, she liked it. “What other deep and life changing topics shall we discuss?”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Kenzo chuckled dryly. “I had anticipated leaving the deep, philosophical discourse until after we had eaten; but now is a as pleasant.” he said with a slight smile. “Do tell me… how did you feel when your people decided to come to Oed? What did you expect?”

Hyrushi

Using her foot to feel for the leg of the table, and judge the distance, Caitlyn leaned forward and set her glass carefully on the table. “Overwhelmed, I guess would be the best word. Opening the House here on Oed was just a comment in passing. It would be nice, but none of us were really sure we could. We were coming because we wanted to,” she paused finding the right word, “not start over, but move on. I was, I am very excited about that.”

She sat back against the cushions, still holding his hand. “I expected it to be hard, a lot of obstacles to overcome. Not because of Oed, but it’s a significant transition.” She smirked slightly. “I think I expected Oed to be a lot more ruged. The word ‘colony’ tends to evoke the image of a small group settling the wilds. We read all about the city and the population and such, but there is nothing wild or rustic about the city itself. We lived rustic, off the grid, self contained at the House. Oed is described as being on the edge of civilized space, barely within the Federation. I think maybe I expected Oed to be like that.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Kenzo said “The city is just that… the city. Where it stops, the planet is very barren. Yes, we have over a hundred mining operations going. The one blessing of the comet strike was it made finding natural resources and retrieving them much easier. But outside of those areas? There is quite literally nothing. The comet killed even the bacteria in the soil. I am quite excited about what your Mr. McKenzie… Seamus McKenzie, that is… will do as the Conservation Director. Between him and the terrforming efforts, it is a very exciting time to be on Oed.” He snorted softly. “I’m sorry. I know I sound like a tourism vid. But we are very proud of what has been accomplished here. And we are very excited about the future.” He looked at her for a moment and then said “And getting more excited everyday.”

Hyrushi