[Tela Vasir/Councilor Tevos] - A Few Personal Favors (Beyond Regulations) - 1b/?
anonymous
April 17 2012, 02:03:37 UTC
The documents, released on the extranet for all to see, was uploaded none too long after the populist movement had begun, turning an already tense situation into an outright firestorm. Councilors Valern and Tevos, both hailing from affluent backgrounds, took the worst of the backlash from the press-- accused of everything from class warfare by those who were feeling the worst of the economic downturn, to a range of ludicrous conspiracies. Though Sparatus was not without his share of bruising, his military background served as its own shield against harsh criticism; though he was being taken in by the fiscal elite, he was, at least, less likely to be behind the measures taken.
All the while, the threat of more documentation being released on the extranet was a very real one. In the end, not one, but several Spectres had been assigned to dredge up intel on whoever was behind the leak, and, true to form, Vasir had been the one to pinpoint the origin. It was one of the many occasions where cutting corners had truly paid off, and the sense of relief among the councilors was, she wagered, likely to be a palpable force unto itself.
It came as a surprise, then, that in the case of Councilor Tevos, she couldn't have been more wrong.
Invited to the councilor's office to turn in her report-- a non-standard practice, but it was understandable that none of the councilors wished to have the information delivered over the airwaves-- she found herself looking at a woman who was, at best, preoccupied. Even from across the ornate desk, Vasir could see the pinch in the matron's shoulders, the slight furrow in her brow, as she poured over the details of the arrests. Supposedly, anyway; there was some doubt as to whether or not she was reading so much as a single word, rather than simply making a show of it.
"I didn't miss anything, did I?" Vasir asked, finally, breaking the uncomfortable silence that had fallen between them.
Tevos glanced up, but didn't raise her head, her eyes going back down to the data-pad in-hand. "No, not at all. I'm pleased this was dealt with so quickly. I'd ask how you did it, but... it would probably be for the best if my curiosity didn't get the better of me."
"Probably."
"In any event," Tevos said, offering a forced smile, the data-pad set down in front of her, "you have my thanks. And if that's all...?"
"It is," Vasir replied, knowing better than to accept the gratitude-- forced or no-- with anything but modesty, adding, "and thanks aren't necessary. I'm just glad I could help." Pausing, she afforded the councilor a curious look, taking the opportunity to add, "Judging by your expression, though, I'm not sure 'help' is the right word."
Tevos canted her head slightly, feigning ignorance in tone and expression as best she could. "Pardon?"
"Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to pat my own ass for a job well done, but I assumed you'd be a little more relieved. This is a hell of a breakthrough."
"It is. There's no denying that. That said--" Tevos paused for a moment, her expression easing somewhat. "Well. As you well know, when one fire is extinguished, another is quick to take its place."
"Sounds about right," Vasir said, smirking lopsidedly. "What flavor of crisis is it this time?"
Another hesitation; it was like the councilor had been waiting for someone to ask the right question, but even when given the opportunity, she was hesitant.
"It's--" The councilor paused again, brow furrowing slightly. "Nothing that warrants mentioning. Really, the less said about it, the better."
"Whatever it is, it's making you treat a big win like an exercise in futility. I wouldn't call that 'nothing.'"
Tevos managed a weary look, lips pursing slightly. "Is there any particular reason you're so interested in hearing about it?"
"Blame it on my curiosity getting the better of me," Vasir replied dryly. "You didn't bat an eye when you were taking heat from the press for being 'too elitist for your own good,' didn't even seem to take too poorly to getting a slew of anonymous threats-- which, by the way, was pretty impressive. I'm pretty sure I would've come out swinging under those circumstances."
[Tela Vasir/Councilor Tevos] - A Few Personal Favors (Beyond Regulations) - 1c/?
anonymous
April 17 2012, 02:15:49 UTC
"I don't mean to sound impatient," Tevos said, a tinge of exasperation in her voice, "but is there a point you're attempting to make with this?"
"That this is getting to you," Vasir said simply. "And if I can see it--"
"--The press is just as likely to see it," Tevos completed for her, shoulders slumping just slightly, "and misinterpret the reasons for it." She shook her head. "You sound like Ms. Tinos."
Arching an eyebrow at the mention of the Council press secretary, Vasir said, "Please, councilor. I realize all these questions might be a little annoying, but is this really a time to sling insults?"
Tevos cracked a faint smile in response to that, her expression seeming to relax slightly. "Forgive me. I sometimes forget that you two aren't what one would term 'friendly.'"
"Oh, I like her just fine," Vasir replied mildly. "And if she could take a little polite criticism, the feeling might even be mutual."
"Telling her that she's terrible at her job isn't what I'd call 'polite,' but-- fair enough." Tevos paused for a time, considering whether or not to move on, or keep stalling-- when, finally, she said, "And I suppose it wouldn't hurt to mention what's recently come to my attention. In truth, it may end up being little more than a nuisance, but if it isn't... then I fear I'll be taking some of the blame for it. Makes it difficult to maintain a healthy distance."
"I've got a little downtime coming to me," Vasir replied, settling back in her chair. "Maybe there's some way I can help."
Loosing a soft chuckle, the sound bearing little in the way of humor, Tevos said, "I'm fairly certain putting spectres to work on what may end up being a personal matter constitutes abuse of power-- but thank you." A pause. Then, "Do you... by any chance, recall a turian by the name of Soros Vinckeia?"
"Sure. He's your head of security, isn't he?"
"Was, yes. He retired a few weeks ago, claiming he was going to return home to Palaven."
"I take it he never made it back."
"I'd assumed he had. It wasn't until today that I came to learn that he hadn't-- and that it has a great deal to do with a manuscript he intends to publish... one that offers details about his tenure aboard the Citadel. Specifically, the years he spent working with me."
That got the spectre's attention, her eyebrows arching in a show of mild bemusement. "Where did you hear about this?"
"From Ms. Tinos, actually." Tevos shot a chiding look in Vasir's direction at the sound of a light snort, though the derision was more a point of levity than anything. "'Polite criticism' aside, Vasir, her sources are credible-- at least, in this case."
"You should be able to say 'in all cases,'" Vasir replied mildly, "but please. Go on."
Clearing her throat pointedly, though she let the interruption slide, Tevos continued. "They weren't able to get us an early copy of the manuscript, but they did give us fair warning that it was scheduled for release in the upcoming months... and that Soros has been granted what passes for asylum by a community outside of Council space."
"It's likely he expects to be prosecuted for releasing it, yes. And this, of course, means sending anyone out to either locate a copy, or deal with him directly, would lend him credibility. Without knowing what the manuscript contains, that's not a risk I'm willing to take, though it leaves me in a rather unfortunate position."
"Doesn't have to be a risk, you know," Vasir replied, considerate. "At least, not the kind you're making it out to be."
"I take it you have something in mind?"
"A couple somethings, actually. If word's already gotten out that someone from the Council staff has access to sensitive records, then you can bet there's a small battalion of information brokers trying to sniff him out, which, of course, means they've probably got their hands on an early release. They won't be looking to sell it off, of course-- they'll be more interested in combing through it so they can figure out what he didn't publish."
Tevos's expression turned grim at the implication, another glance cast out over the Citadel tower. "I suppose I should be grateful I was never that forthcoming with him, or his staff."
"Considering what their definition of 'forthcoming' is? Yeah, I'd say you dodged a bullet on that one. But that's the kind of thing they're gonna be after. Means the book itself won't be that difficult to acquire."
"And normally, I'd tell you that contacting one of these brokers might be worth the possibility of being discovered," Tevos replied, sighing gently. "But in this case, any attempts we make to purchase it--"
"Will fly under the radar," Vasir interrupted calmly. "There's plenty of conspiracy theorists who've probably heard about it by now, and they'll be just as interested in getting their hands on a copy as we are."
"Wouldn't that be more expensive than purchasing it through normal extranet channels?"
"Not according to them. They'll want the early version so they can run a comparison, see if anything's been redacted from the final, published copy."
"Nothing I shouldn't be surprised by, I suppose," Tevos said under her breath. "Or know already." Beat. "In any event... if you're certain that you can manage this without it being traceable--"
"I'm positive. Wouldn't bother to offer if I thought it'd leave a trail." Noting the uncertainty in the councilor's expression, Vasir softened her tone, and said, "I wouldn't go sticking my neck out if I thought it'd do more harm than good. Trust me-- I won't be taking any chances, and neither will my contacts. I get so much as a sneaking suspicion that someone's on to us, and I'll call the whole thing off."
Tevos watched Vasir's expression carefully for a time, again assessing whether or not to concede-- when, finally, she said, "Then-- I admit, I would be grateful to get an idea of what's been said. It'll allow me a chance to prepare answers for any press conferences, in the event he has gotten his hands on sensitive information." Beat. "Well. It's already clear he has, for reasons I've already mentioned. Whether or not it's accurate remains to be seen."
"We'll just have to hope it isn't," Vasir said, raising from her chair. "Take care of yourself in the meantime, councilor. It's been a pleasure, as always."
"Of course. And... thank you, Vasir. For everything."
We'll see how long I drag this flimsy plot out for, but I have an idea of where this is going eventually, soooo~ Hopefully there won't be too much exposition. Heh.
Re: [Tela Vasir/Councilor Tevos] - A Few Personal Favors (Beyond Regulations) - 1d/?
anonymous
April 19 2012, 04:29:15 UTC
Oooo, keep writing anon! Never thought I'd see this pairing before. Never even occured to me. But I like it! And also, this is well written. Can't wait to see where it goes.
Re: [Tela Vasir/Councilor Tevos] - A Few Personal Favors (Beyond Regulations) - 1d/?
anonymous
April 20 2012, 15:11:10 UTC
OP here. I'm sorry I took so long to respond. Thank you for filling this so wonderfully, A!Anon! Can I admit right now that I love fills / fanfics in general that build characters (and romance) around intriguing plots, rather than begin straight with sex, so this was a great read. Also, I really love how you've written the dynamic between Tevos and Vasir; it's really close to kind of steamy intellectual and political intrigue I had in mind when I thought of this prompt. Looking forward to reading more!
All the while, the threat of more documentation being released on the extranet was a very real one. In the end, not one, but several Spectres had been assigned to dredge up intel on whoever was behind the leak, and, true to form, Vasir had been the one to pinpoint the origin. It was one of the many occasions where cutting corners had truly paid off, and the sense of relief among the councilors was, she wagered, likely to be a palpable force unto itself.
It came as a surprise, then, that in the case of Councilor Tevos, she couldn't have been more wrong.
Invited to the councilor's office to turn in her report-- a non-standard practice, but it was understandable that none of the councilors wished to have the information delivered over the airwaves-- she found herself looking at a woman who was, at best, preoccupied. Even from across the ornate desk, Vasir could see the pinch in the matron's shoulders, the slight furrow in her brow, as she poured over the details of the arrests. Supposedly, anyway; there was some doubt as to whether or not she was reading so much as a single word, rather than simply making a show of it.
"I didn't miss anything, did I?" Vasir asked, finally, breaking the uncomfortable silence that had fallen between them.
Tevos glanced up, but didn't raise her head, her eyes going back down to the data-pad in-hand. "No, not at all. I'm pleased this was dealt with so quickly. I'd ask how you did it, but... it would probably be for the best if my curiosity didn't get the better of me."
"Probably."
"In any event," Tevos said, offering a forced smile, the data-pad set down in front of her, "you have my thanks. And if that's all...?"
"It is," Vasir replied, knowing better than to accept the gratitude-- forced or no-- with anything but modesty, adding, "and thanks aren't necessary. I'm just glad I could help." Pausing, she afforded the councilor a curious look, taking the opportunity to add, "Judging by your expression, though, I'm not sure 'help' is the right word."
Tevos canted her head slightly, feigning ignorance in tone and expression as best she could. "Pardon?"
"Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to pat my own ass for a job well done, but I assumed you'd be a little more relieved. This is a hell of a breakthrough."
"It is. There's no denying that. That said--" Tevos paused for a moment, her expression easing somewhat. "Well. As you well know, when one fire is extinguished, another is quick to take its place."
"Sounds about right," Vasir said, smirking lopsidedly. "What flavor of crisis is it this time?"
Another hesitation; it was like the councilor had been waiting for someone to ask the right question, but even when given the opportunity, she was hesitant.
"It's--" The councilor paused again, brow furrowing slightly. "Nothing that warrants mentioning. Really, the less said about it, the better."
"Whatever it is, it's making you treat a big win like an exercise in futility. I wouldn't call that 'nothing.'"
Tevos managed a weary look, lips pursing slightly. "Is there any particular reason you're so interested in hearing about it?"
"Blame it on my curiosity getting the better of me," Vasir replied dryly. "You didn't bat an eye when you were taking heat from the press for being 'too elitist for your own good,' didn't even seem to take too poorly to getting a slew of anonymous threats-- which, by the way, was pretty impressive. I'm pretty sure I would've come out swinging under those circumstances."
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"That this is getting to you," Vasir said simply. "And if I can see it--"
"--The press is just as likely to see it," Tevos completed for her, shoulders slumping just slightly, "and misinterpret the reasons for it." She shook her head. "You sound like Ms. Tinos."
Arching an eyebrow at the mention of the Council press secretary, Vasir said, "Please, councilor. I realize all these questions might be a little annoying, but is this really a time to sling insults?"
Tevos cracked a faint smile in response to that, her expression seeming to relax slightly. "Forgive me. I sometimes forget that you two aren't what one would term 'friendly.'"
"Oh, I like her just fine," Vasir replied mildly. "And if she could take a little polite criticism, the feeling might even be mutual."
"Telling her that she's terrible at her job isn't what I'd call 'polite,' but-- fair enough." Tevos paused for a time, considering whether or not to move on, or keep stalling-- when, finally, she said, "And I suppose it wouldn't hurt to mention what's recently come to my attention. In truth, it may end up being little more than a nuisance, but if it isn't... then I fear I'll be taking some of the blame for it. Makes it difficult to maintain a healthy distance."
"I've got a little downtime coming to me," Vasir replied, settling back in her chair. "Maybe there's some way I can help."
Loosing a soft chuckle, the sound bearing little in the way of humor, Tevos said, "I'm fairly certain putting spectres to work on what may end up being a personal matter constitutes abuse of power-- but thank you." A pause. Then, "Do you... by any chance, recall a turian by the name of Soros Vinckeia?"
"Sure. He's your head of security, isn't he?"
"Was, yes. He retired a few weeks ago, claiming he was going to return home to Palaven."
"I take it he never made it back."
"I'd assumed he had. It wasn't until today that I came to learn that he hadn't-- and that it has a great deal to do with a manuscript he intends to publish... one that offers details about his tenure aboard the Citadel. Specifically, the years he spent working with me."
That got the spectre's attention, her eyebrows arching in a show of mild bemusement. "Where did you hear about this?"
"From Ms. Tinos, actually." Tevos shot a chiding look in Vasir's direction at the sound of a light snort, though the derision was more a point of levity than anything. "'Polite criticism' aside, Vasir, her sources are credible-- at least, in this case."
"You should be able to say 'in all cases,'" Vasir replied mildly, "but please. Go on."
Clearing her throat pointedly, though she let the interruption slide, Tevos continued. "They weren't able to get us an early copy of the manuscript, but they did give us fair warning that it was scheduled for release in the upcoming months... and that Soros has been granted what passes for asylum by a community outside of Council space."
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"It's likely he expects to be prosecuted for releasing it, yes. And this, of course, means sending anyone out to either locate a copy, or deal with him directly, would lend him credibility. Without knowing what the manuscript contains, that's not a risk I'm willing to take, though it leaves me in a rather unfortunate position."
"Doesn't have to be a risk, you know," Vasir replied, considerate. "At least, not the kind you're making it out to be."
"I take it you have something in mind?"
"A couple somethings, actually. If word's already gotten out that someone from the Council staff has access to sensitive records, then you can bet there's a small battalion of information brokers trying to sniff him out, which, of course, means they've probably got their hands on an early release. They won't be looking to sell it off, of course-- they'll be more interested in combing through it so they can figure out what he didn't publish."
Tevos's expression turned grim at the implication, another glance cast out over the Citadel tower. "I suppose I should be grateful I was never that forthcoming with him, or his staff."
"Considering what their definition of 'forthcoming' is? Yeah, I'd say you dodged a bullet on that one. But that's the kind of thing they're gonna be after. Means the book itself won't be that difficult to acquire."
"And normally, I'd tell you that contacting one of these brokers might be worth the possibility of being discovered," Tevos replied, sighing gently. "But in this case, any attempts we make to purchase it--"
"Will fly under the radar," Vasir interrupted calmly. "There's plenty of conspiracy theorists who've probably heard about it by now, and they'll be just as interested in getting their hands on a copy as we are."
"Wouldn't that be more expensive than purchasing it through normal extranet channels?"
"Not according to them. They'll want the early version so they can run a comparison, see if anything's been redacted from the final, published copy."
"Nothing I shouldn't be surprised by, I suppose," Tevos said under her breath. "Or know already." Beat. "In any event... if you're certain that you can manage this without it being traceable--"
"I'm positive. Wouldn't bother to offer if I thought it'd leave a trail." Noting the uncertainty in the councilor's expression, Vasir softened her tone, and said, "I wouldn't go sticking my neck out if I thought it'd do more harm than good. Trust me-- I won't be taking any chances, and neither will my contacts. I get so much as a sneaking suspicion that someone's on to us, and I'll call the whole thing off."
Tevos watched Vasir's expression carefully for a time, again assessing whether or not to concede-- when, finally, she said, "Then-- I admit, I would be grateful to get an idea of what's been said. It'll allow me a chance to prepare answers for any press conferences, in the event he has gotten his hands on sensitive information." Beat. "Well. It's already clear he has, for reasons I've already mentioned. Whether or not it's accurate remains to be seen."
"We'll just have to hope it isn't," Vasir said, raising from her chair. "Take care of yourself in the meantime, councilor. It's been a pleasure, as always."
"Of course. And... thank you, Vasir. For everything."
We'll see how long I drag this flimsy plot out for, but I have an idea of where this is going eventually, soooo~ Hopefully there won't be too much exposition. Heh.
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