Posted by Civilian Caitlyn Dillon (Director, The House Sanctuary) in A Not So Surprising Visit

Posted by Civilian Kodek Vonn (Colonial Intelligence Agent) in A Not So Surprising Visit

Posted by Civilian Caitlyn Dillon (Director, The House Sanctuary) in A Not So Surprising Visit
Posted by… suppressed (23) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
A tingle of physical and emotional attraction unintentionally threaded it’s way from Kenzo’s hand to her. “I cannot say that you would be entirely wrong.” he said and then sighed a heavy sigh. “But please, do not let me keep you.” He held her hand but stood up, guiding her to her feet. When they both were standing, facing each other with barely a finger’s width between them; Kenzo started to speak, stopped, and then took a deep breath and said “I cannot wait till tonight, Caitlyn.” and he gave her the gentlest kiss on the cheek before stepping back and walking her slowly to the door. “When you meet with Ms. Hayden-Smythe, do tell her I send my regards and appreciate her assistance with the Kashir Gran issue.” Hyrushi knew that the name would give Caitlyn an edge in dealing with the realtor’s agency… as well as let her know that a particular Breen was-at least peripherally- attached in some form or fashion to the fledgling non-profit organization.

After all… this was Oed V. It wasn’t always about what you know… but who.

Kenzo

Caitlyn thought she would be glad to let him keep her from anything that needed doing. The sudden awareness of his attraction made her heart race. It wasn’t that she was surprised by it, but knowing he found her attractive and feeling it were quite different. The gentle contact of his lips on her cheek made her quiet, almost still, as he walked her to the door. It wasn’t fear or shock or trepidation. Quite the opposite, in fact. She was savoring the warmth, giddiness, and butterflies it caused. It made her acutely aware of her own attraction and anticipation of the coming evening.

There was something in his feeling with his final statement that she couldn’t name, but it made her feel like he was looking out for her. That created a whole different type of giddiness. “I’ll be sure to tell her.” She wished she was brave enough to kiss him, but she wasn’t quite ready for that. At least, not here, in his office, as she was leaving. “I believe I will count the time until dinner,” she said softly. She squeezed his hand warmly. “You will let me know the dress code for tonight?”

After the doors opened, she used her cane to make her way to Fen’s desk. She clarified directions to the financial administrative office and then made her way toward the lift. The meeting with the financial administrator was long and convoluted. Caitlyn had never dealt with Ferengi before, but she’d been warned. Luckily, Runa had met her at the office to assist just in case. The meeting hadn’t been long, but it felt like it.

Runa took her to the Colonial Realty office and then returned to her meetings. Ashran was going to meet her later to make a final viewing of the properties that Caitlyn was considering. She was nervous about going alone, but she had to try - it was time. She walked into the office and up to the desk, her cane sweeping slowly in front of her. “I have an appointment with Ms. Hayden-Smythe. My name is Caitlyn Dillon.”

Caitlyn

The receptionist said “One moment, please.” and verified the appointment. “Oh yes. If you would like to have a seat over there, you can- uh… um.. I mean… if you look to your… OH! I’m so sorry! If you go to your left- I mean my left… oh my gods above… If you would kindly turn to your left, directly in front of you is a chair. Ms. Hayden-Smythe will be right with you.” The flustered receptionist then got up and went (by went, she almost ran) to the door and into the office area.

“It’s alright. Really,” Caitlyn smiled gently in the woman’s direction, “thank you for the direction.” She tried to reassure her, but the woman was so flustered she hurried off. Caitlyn sighed softly and made her way to the chair, feeling for the arm and back of the chair and then making her way around to sit.

A few moments later, a pair of footsteps was heard coming into the room. A smooth and confident woman’s voice said “Ms. Dillon? I am Davivica Hayden-Smythe. Please, if i may, I can take you to my office.” The receptionist started to say something, but a snap of fingers cut her off. “Would you like me direct you? Or would you prefer an arm?”

Davivica Hayden-Smythe

Caitlyn stood, “It’s a pleasure Ms Hayden-Smythe,” and offered a handshake to Hayden-Smythe. “Direction will be fine, thank you.” It had been a long time since Cailtyn had used her cane this much. At the House she knew where everything was and didn’t need it. But the new environment meant she needed it. It came back easily though, and her confidence with it.

When they entered the office she moved carefully, making sure not to knock anything over. “Thank you for meeting with me.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“It is my pleasure, truly.” Davivica said with a smooth and sales-like tone. She waited for Dillon to be seated and then sat herself behind her desk. “Now then. How may I be of service? And if I may inquire, how did you get my name? My clientele list is somewhat… well, ‘exclusive’ has such an arrogance to it… but I do restrict myself to certain clients at their request.”

Hayden-Smythe, Senior Partner, Colonial Realty

“You handled the large purchase of land for the McKenzie-Edmans. They spoke very highly of you and of your discretion given the notoriety of the individuals involved. You also came highly recommended by Governor Hyrushi.” Dayden-Smythe was known for discretion, but she had no desire to release her personal relationship with Kenzo just yet.

Caitlyn straightened her posture just slightly, her gaze mostly direct. “I am the director for a refuge that assists survivors of domestic violence. I am looking for an office space for our more publicly seen location. Nothing flashy, but in an accessible location with multiple points of approach/egress.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Davivica listened and then smiled as Dillon finished. “Well, I am sure that our firm can be of assistance. I can introduce you to our commercial services department, if you like. They have a number of listings that I am sure will be able to fit your needs.”

Hayden-Smythe

Caitlyn wasn’t interested in meeting with someone else. Ms. Hayden-Smythe came highly recommended and vetted. She had a reputation for discretion and protecting the privacy of her clients. Caitlyn had been told the woman knew contractors and services that provided the same. That was something the House and Caitlyn were willing to pay extra in commission for. The property she was looking for might be a public access point, but that didn’t mean she was going to stop being careful and private. However, if Ms Hayden-Smythe wasn’t interested, she’d have to find someone else. Caitlyn shook her head, but smiled politely, “No, that’s alright, Ms Hayden-Smythe. I requested an appointment with you because of your reputation, not that of your firm. I was told that you are the only realtor on Oed that would go above and beyond to ensure the security and privacy of our purchase. Given the nature of our work, that is important to us. I am aware your services are quite exclusive, but I felt, given what I was told, that the extra cost was well worth it.” Kenzo had given her a message to give the woman, and Caitlyn had the feeling it would give her an edge in dealing with the woman, but she didn’t want to do that. She wanted to do this within her own resources. Another, and larger, part of her hesitation was she didn’t want the House to appear to be associated with any political figures. They had always been careful with that. She did not believe that Kenzo would ever harm anyway in that way, but so many of their residents were unable to trust officials.

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

The tone in Davivica’s voice changed abruptly from sales to apologetic. “Oh, Ms. Dillon, I am sorry if I gave you the wrong impression. It isn’t a financial matter that concerns me. But as you said, I do have a reputation for security and discretion. My clients desire, and sometimes even require, that layer of… let us call it anonymity. As such, I must be very careful who I take on as a client. And I have only rarely done any commercial ventures, especially public-facing one, because of that. And it is not that I do not wish to help you… I do. I, just like you, have to be very careful about who I deal with; and it what ways.”

Hayden-Smythe

“It’s alright Ms Hayden-Smythe. I understand. Truly, I do. I would not want your relations with your existing clients to be risked. It’s a very fine line to walk, and I appreciate your honesty. I have other avenues I can explore. I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me.” Caitlyn was disappointed, but she respected the woman for being concerned with how she could help others later on. “If you could just tell me if there is a coffee shop or such close by where I can wait for my friend to meet me.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Davivica was silent for a long time before she said “One moment, Ms. Dillon. Please allow me to make a quick comm, won’t you?” and she stood and walked out of the room. A moment later, the door opened and the voice of the receptionist said “Um, Ms. Dillon? Would you care for something to eat or drink? Davivica will be back shortly, but asked me to get you anything you need.”

Hayden-Smythe

Caitlyn’s head turned slightly toward the sound. She paused typing the message to Ashran she was composing. Asking him to come get her. “Oh, just cold water please. Thank you.” She wasn’t sure what Ms Hayden-Smythe was doing or who she was calling. Her words had not been meant to force the woman’s hand, but she had no desire to waste her time or Caitlyn’s own. She really did understand. No matter the reasons for her clients’ desires to privacy, Caitlyn respected the woman for being discrete and loyal to them.

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

A moment later the receptionist said “Here you are, ma’am. I set the water on the desk in front of you.” and she left. A moment later the door opened and Davivica said “My apologies, Ms. Dillon.” and she took her seat. “I commed a particularly reclusie client of mine and discussed your needs and your references. They were comfortable with me working for you on this. And if they are okay with it, I doubt any of my other clients would take issue. So… where would you like to start?” There was a warmth and smile in her voice that carried through.

Hayden-Smythe

Caitlyn felt very hunted at that moment. She was not comfortable at all. She knew that feeling was because of her own past experiences, but she also knew that though she needed to respect how she felt it might be out of proportion. She would never ask Ms Hayden-Smythe for the name of her client. Caitlyn wasn’t like that, but now some unknown person, who apparently had access to the kind of elite information that was valuable in certain circles knew her name, her associations, and her purpose in coming to Colonial Realty. She understood why Davivica made the call, but she wasn’t comfortable with it at all. She sighed heavily. She knew for herself she would be tempted to let just leave.

She couldn’t do that with other people’s lives. She need a space for people to access their services, but she also had to be cautious. Caitlyn wanted to make use of the woman’s services, but she wasn’t sure how to proceed from there. She had clearly expressed, she thought, how important Ms Hayden-Smythe’s discretion and concern for privacy and weighed in her decision to seek her services. The first chance she got she had, if only slightly, put aside Caitlyn’s need for that. “I don’t know if we can, Ms Hayden-Smythe. I appreciate the trouble you have gone through, and I hope this client was a person you trust immensely. However, I do not know them, nor their associations, and I am not comfortable with the amount of knowledge they now have about me and my business. Especially, without being informed.” Some days, like today, it was hard to push the habit of withdrawing aside, and stand up for herself. She had to express her concerns though. Perhaps she should have Ashran handle this. He wasn’t wary around strangers and he knew how to spot trouble. She was quiet, still, no trace of the anxiety she felt showing before she spoke again. “I very much want to make use of your services.” At the very least she could give the woman the benefit of the doubt and see what she had to offer. If it didn’t work out, she would avoid those properties and look elsewhere. “When could you have properties ready to show me?”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“Ms. Dillon, you are aware of my reputation.” Davivica said with some tiny bit of offense. “I most certainly did not share your particulars. I merely inquired of my client if they would be comfortable with me taking on a more public facing client on a commercial basis, and that that potential client’s business had the potentiality of doing much good for the colony, but that it could draw attention- at least peripherally- to myself. That is all I said. That is all I will say. My clients- even potential ones- expect and receive my fullest confidence and privacy. If they didn’t… you would not be sitting here speaking with me, now would you?”

Hayden-Smythe

Caitlyn took a moment to collect herself. “My apologies, Ms. Hayden-Smythe, for the offense. I am relearning how to be in the public eye again. I have a ways to go it seems.” She gave an unhumorous self-admonishing sound. “You are correct, I would not be here.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Davivica took a moment for herself as well and then said “May I suggest we start again, Ms. Dillon? I am happy to be of help to you and your organization. Now if you can give me an idea of what is in your mind when you think of the perfect space for you and your organization, I can start seeing where we can begin.”

Hayden-Smythe

“Thank you,” it was sincere. Caitlyn let out a breath as she thought about it. “It doesn’t need to be big, just a handful of offices. Stand alone. Not office space within a larger building.” She may have to compromise on that, but that had been one of Ashran’s requests. “In an area that anyone, no matter their background, would be comfortable going. Near the government block is fine, but in the edges would be preferable. Oh and no floor to ceiling windows that would replace whole walls.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Davivica thought for a moment and then said “Stand alone office space for just a handful of offices would be a proverbial unicorn here on Oed. Almost all stand alone office buildings will be multi-story and have lots of windows.” She was quiet as she thought for a moment and then said “Who do you utilize for your safety and security planning? Perhaps we could bring them into a conference call and get their input?”

Hayden-Smythe

“Well larger is fine, just what we need isn’t much.” Caitlyn took out her comm, “I can call him.” She dialed in the signal, “Ashran, Ms Hayden-Smythe would like to speak to you about our security needs. … Yes, okay.” She set the comm down carefully after feeling for the desk. “Ashran, I have you on speaker.”

[O]Ms. Hayden-Smythe, I am Ashran, head of Security. What can I do for you?[C]

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“A pleasure, sir.” Davivica said warmly. “I am sitting with Ms. Dillon and we are discussing your needs and what property characteristics your organization requires. She has stated a small office group, single-tenant, with not a lot of windows. I explained that such properties are almost unheard of on Oed. Space had been such a finite commodity for so long before the dome came down that almost everything is going to be much larger than your initial needs. I do, however have a local contact who is an expert in physical security and has intimate knowledge of many facilities and structures around the city. They are discreet, professional, and I trust them with my life. If we can find a place that will fit your needs without the constraints indicated by Ms. Dillon; I would be happy to introduce you to my acquaintance and I am sure they would be interested in assisting you in securing whatever space you choose. I would also be willing to ask them to meet with you prior, Mr. Ashran, so you can conduct your due diligence. That would make finding your location much easier and open up a myriad of more options. Would that be acceptable to you and Ms. Dillon?”

Hayden-Smythe

The line was quiet a moment and then, [O]What do you think Caitlyn?”

“I’ll defer to your judgement, Ashran. This is your particular area of expertise. If you are comfortable with it, I trust you.” Caitlyn knew they needed a secure location, but she had no know how on how to make that happen.

“Very well. That will work just fine for me, Ms Hayden-Smythe. Caitlyn will give you my contact information and, for the moment, my schedule is open. So feel free to schedule a meeting at whatever time is convenient.[C]

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“Thank you. Mr. Gran will be in touch. Thank you for your time. Ms. Dillon and I will continue our discussion and come up with a list of locations for you to look over and visit.” She looked at Caitlyn and said “Is that acceptable, Ms. Dillon?”

Hayden-Smythe

[O]It was my pleasure, Miss. I’ll be on the lookout for his contact.[C] Caitlyn nodded, “Yes, it is, thank you.” The connection when quiet and Caitlyn gently reached out and returned her comm to her pocket. The name tugged at her memory. Kenzo had mentioned a Kashir Gran. “Gran? Would that be a Kashir Gran?”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Davivica’s eyebrows rose in surprise; a surprise that carried through to her voice when she said “It would be, yes. I am curious, Ms. Dillon, how you know that particular name? Master Gran travels in… well… particular circles. And few outside of those circles know of him.”

Hayden-Smythe

“Oh,” Caitlyn, of course, had no way of knowing that. “I don’t. When I met with Governor Hyrushi, he asked me to send his regards and appreciated your assistance with the Kashir Gran issue. The name was just told to me in passing, but nothing about the person.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Davivica nodded to herself and said “Master Gran is a… very well connected individual. He will be a good individual for your organization to know, actually. Especially if you are intending to be a presence in the colony to aid those in need.” She paused for a moment and then decided against delving into the matter. Her benefactor and his partner had done much for Davivica. She had zero interest in stepping over any boundary.

Hayden-Smythe