(no subject)

This was the third time this week she's stood at this specific locked door in the mansion. Third time this week anticipating and waiting for anything to happen. Third time this week she sighs, realizing it's another long, boring night. Neomi Wescott wasn't known for her patience. She wanted action! Adventure! It's why she joined the IGP to begin with -- to get away from her lonely life on the mining station Kiparr and actually live. She taps her foot on the marble floor, listening to the echo against the vaulted ceiling. The mission was simple: guard the door, do not let anyone (not even staff!) through the door overnight, and report anything suspicious. Another sigh, crossing her arms, her mind wandering as to why she was even there. She could be out there doing something!

"Wescott." The crackle of the radio in her ear startles her. "Report."

"Nothing to report, sir." She laments as she taps her throat mic. "The door is locked, not a soul in the building."

"Good. We want to keep it that way." There's a distinct pause. "You have something more to say."

"Something more to ask." She says quickly. "Why are we guarding this book anyway? Why waste police resources on something Mr. A intends to sell?"

"That book is a priceless artifact of the Polari. The only copy of Advae and the Knight to have been bound by B'ita Vivor themself." He responds with a click.

"I understand that, Captain, but--"

"You should take in the news more often." He chides, then continues. "Advae and the Knight is a highly regarded text said to be one of the first printed epics for the Polari. It's studied to this day among academics through reprints and transcriptions. It's quite the read if you have the time."

"So, how did Mr. A get ahold of it?"

"How indeed."

Ah. How indeed.

She tries not to sigh again, her mic still on as her mind wanders. At least her Captain was a good conversational partner. He had taken roost on the roof, perched and waiting for any sign of attempted entry from above. Oh how she wished she was outdoors with him, but despite working closely for the last year, orders were orders. She taps her foot again, impatient with how slow the night was moving.

"Captain," She starts again. "Any sign of....well anyone?"

"No." He doesn't sound too disappointed, almost relieved. "Hopefully, it is another quiet night."

She certainly hoped not.

"Just continue to be vigilant, Wescott, and we will be fine."

The radio falling silent was his queue for her to get back to work. She groans, but gets back into position in front of the door and waits. And waits. And waits as the hours tick by, every uneventful minute causing her to drift off and wonder why she was even there. Neomi was built for more than this! She glances at her watch, frowning at the time and how much longer she'd need to be there. Hyyn A could have hired anyone to guard this book -- so why were the police involved?

Maybe there was a reason, but the auction was in the morning and she couldn't stand another night of waiting by the door for anyone to make themselves known. She was tired of nothing. She was part of the IGP, and sure, she was relatively new on the field, but she could still do some good! She stretches her arms above her head, groaning low before her arms fall to her sides and sway. At least she didn't have Bradford with her, grateful for the silence that came with being alone.

She shifts on her feet, scanning the hall for any signs of movement. Not surprisingly, nothing and no one. She takes a deep breath as she checks her watch.

"Two more hours." She says to herself. "Just two more hours. You can get through this."

Thankfully, time moves faster than it had all night, her mind occupied with thoughts of how Hyyn A managed to obtain the Polari book. It's possible it has passed into his family, from father to son, but as she scrolls through the history of the book itself (Captain Rhymr did suggest that she read up on it) it's clear that it's dubious as to how he came into possession of it. She frowns. Why would he then ask the IGP to protect the book if it's questionable how he obtained it? According to the most recent article she was reading, the book has been verified as authentic by several scholars. The Polari are demanding the book to be returned to them, saying it had been stolen, but Hyyn A has maintained the stance he acquired the book legitimately.

How legitimate was the acquisition though? Perhaps there was more to this than he let on when asking them to guard it.

"Wonderful!" Hyyn A walks up to greet Neomi, interrupting her thoughts. "Another night of no worries."

"Mr. A." She snaps to attention as she watches him approach. "Good morning."

He reaches out to clasp her shoulder, the blue Virew scales shimmer along his eyes as he grins wide. He was already dressed in a gaudy green patterned shirt and a pair of black trousers. Hyyn's lilac eyes take a good look at the door, checking for anything that would hint that someone had broken in. With a laugh, he releases Neomi and steps back, putting his long fingers into his pockets.

"Nice job, nice job! I knew the IGP would do well." He nods at her, motioning her to accept his praise or comment on it. "Had it been anyone else, well, that scoundrel would have found a way in."

"I'm glad that you're satisfied with our work." She says carefully. "Our team had the grounds covered. I'm sure Captain Rhymr will be happy to discuss the rest of the detail for the auction."

"Wonderful! Just wonderful." He nods before he grabs her shoulder to lead her away from the door. "Come, we have much to discuss. I'm sure your Captain will meet us in the drawing room."

"Shouldn't we wait for him to meet us here?" She hesitates, glancing back to the door.

"Nonsense! Captain Rhymr will be down from his perch soon and I've asked for tea to be prepared."

"All right. Tea sounds pretty good."

She allows herself to be led from the door.

*******************************************************************

Leaving the door unattended while she spoke with Hynn A had proven to be a mistake. She sits outside of Chief Barton's office with a worried expression. Nothing could have prepared them for what happened, she tells herself, nothing in the dossier suggested--

"Wescott."

She rises to her feet quickly, eyes darting from the floor up to Captain Rhymr as he goes to exit the office. He looms in the door, wings folded behind his back as he ducks to make it through the frame. He tilts his head to the side, clicking his beak as he wrings his hands together in thought. He reaches up to smooth the stark white feathers on his head - an attempt to not let on his nerves before he straightens himself out.

"Come on, we have much to discuss." He sighs heavily as he gestures her to follow him down the hall.

She nods, biting back her worries, her anger, as she follows behind him. She focuses on the tap tap tap of his talons on the floor as they make their way to his office. How much trouble was she in? Was she about to be let go? Was her career already over? Her mind is an endless field of questions when they arrive at his office, and he lets her inside. She moves quietly to the empty chair across from the desk, waiting for the captain to take his seat. He does, slowly, sitting down with a heavy sigh.

"You are not in trouble, Neomi." He says softly, using her given name. "This was a circumstance beyond our control."

"Oh thank f..." She trails off, before she coughs and nods. "That's a relief." She chooses to say instead. "So what does this mean? Did they find Hyyn A?"

It was luck that Captain Rhymr feathered - she's sure if he had eyebrows he'd raise them. "Yes, they found Hyyn A. Trapped in his closet. The panel was hacked to disallow access from his biometrics. Our cyber team is working to resolve this by restoring the panel to it's factory settings and re-engaging the biometrics." He clicks his tongue against his beak, then grabs the fountain pen on his desk. For all their technology, he still likes to hand write notes. "Hyyn A was not happy that we had "abandoned post", but it was our understanding we were speaking with him."

"How was I to know?"

"You weren't. The team who stole the book had spent time in Hyyn A's presence to be able to make a convincing double." His feathers on his head fluff up, clearly agitated. "We have a suspicion on who it is, but we cannot confirm. The camera feed does not show anyone approaching the door. Cyber is still trying to trace the finger print back to known work. If it's who we believe it is... they're long gone."

"Has anyone claimed to have orchestrated it?" No one would be so foolish, but she had to know.

"No." He clicks again. "No one has come forward with claims of now owning the book and no hints of who may be purchasing it." He shrugs, wings shifting against the chair to give him more room to relax against the back. "Currently we're playing a waiting game to see if it resurfaces."

She frowns, crossing her legs. "And if it doesn't?"

"Hyyn A is out a priceless piece of literary history."

"So that's it? We can't track them down and see if they have the book?" What more could they do but start tracking down the team responsible and retrieve the book.

"We will." He nods, tapping his pen against the glass desk. "For now, we wait until they resurface again and then we will trail them."

Neomi groans, frowning while crossing her arms. "I disagree with this course of action." She doesn't wait for him to respond as she continues. "We have a team of people out there with a priceless artifact and who knows what they plan to do with it! We should be digging through the black markets! Tracing their last known signal! What does it say about us if we sit here and do nothing?"

"Neomi..." It's almost pitying how he says her name. "We are doing what we can. And you and I are currently not to touch the file other than to report fully what happened."

"What."

"We were there when the event occurred--"

"All the more reason we should be the ones who are out there looking for them!" She gestures out his window, practically rising out of her seat.

"Our orders are to stand down, currently." Moments like this she wishes she could read his expressions better. His avian features not giving enough away as he tips his head to the side and clicks his tongue. He always seemed to do that when he was irritated, at least that's as far as she's gotten from his odd behaviors. "Unfortunately that's all we can do."

"It's ridiculous." She huffs as she takes her seat once more, tapping her fingers along the crook of her elbow. "But fine. I'll stand down. For now."

"Thank you." He sets his pen aside, folding his hands on his desk. "Have you heard from your family?" He changes the topic with ease.

"No." Neomi is quiet, worry creeping into her features. "Not since they mentioned that Televivi acquired the mining rig."

"Televivi Enterprises... I wonder what they want with a mining colony?" A rhetorical question, but he shakes his head. "Hildar Reinr has been more and more reclusive lately, so we can only speculate." A pause. "Ah, but I am sure your family is fine. Hildar's family is well known for their philanthropic nature. This is likely another project to aid the people."

"I hope you're right." She crosses her arms. "I should probably try calling them tonight."

"I think that would be best." His voice soft, caring. "You're dismissed. Take the day off tomorrow and get your mind off of what happened. Try to at least?"

"Captain." She rises from her seat and swiftly exits.

So much for doing her job. If she had stayed at the door until he showed up, perhaps they wouldn't be in this mess! Neomi stalks off down the hall, frustration rolling off her in waves. If the Chief doesn't want them working the case, that's fine, but it was an insult to let their Cyber division do all of the leg work. Hopefully when she turns in her report alongside the Captain, they'll change direction. There's only so much they can glean from a digital fingerprint.

She narrowly dodges a few bodies as she makes her way to the dormitory hall. Despite having graduated from basic, she has yet to move out of the dormitory. The on campus living has been easier for her, but she knew that she'd need to find something soon. Places that were close by to headquarters were hard to come by, and she's on a few lists in case something opens, but she didn't want to commute too much. Maybe if it was in walking distance of a bus terminal. Maybe she should expand her search outside of the 5 mile radius she was struggling to apply for. A heavy sigh passes her lips as she opens the door to her dorm and walks inside.

It's a simple layout - a small kitchen to the left just off the entry way, a living room, and to the right and the end of a short hall? Her bedroom. She takes in the sight of her home, and frowns. She should really clean up, she thinks as she bends down to pick up a sweater off the floor. It wasn't terrible and could really be much worse, but the clothing laying on the arm of her couch, the coffee table cluttered with paper and mugs - maybe taking the day to herself wouldn't be such a bad idea. She starts the meticulous task of cleaning, starting by tossing laundry into a basket in her room, organizing the papers on her coffee table, and moving the mugs (only two this time) to the kitchen to be clean. It doesn't take nearly as much time as she anticipated when she started, and takes another cursory glance around to see if anything else needs organizing.

With nothing jumping out at her immediately, she nods and moves to grab her data pad off the coffee table and practically flops over on her couch. What to do now? Her legs hang off the arm, swaying lightly as she loads the browser, slowly scrolling through the news of the day. Hyyn A's story is all anyone can seem to talk about - a tale of incompetence (which was far from the truth), and history. History, Neomi has decided, was interesting enough to read. What she's learned so far is that Hyyn A is one of the Empire's wealthy elite investing in the "preservation" of history. His own private collection includes several pieces from the Illiem empire (books long thought to be lost in the library of Vissus E, statues from various planets that span the empire, and a circlet that he claims was given to him by Nivya L of Gyyae), a Rachni egg (petrified, or so he says), and, until yesterday, the book that should belong to the Polari.

Hyyn A claims that he would donate many of the pieces to one of the many museums, but was holding an auction for B'ita Vivor's grand epic to "raise money for charity" the article explains. He never outright states how he came to be in possession of the book, expertly dodging the interviewer's questions regarding it with an air of ease. She taps on the embedded video.

"You see, I had several buyers reach out claiming that they would like to purchase the book." He says with a grin, his short, blue hair expertly styled to match the Virew scales that span the curve of his black eyes. "So I thought it would be best to hold an auction. C.A.R.E.S. is a wonderful program to help those less fortunate than I, and it would be an honor to help uphold Vissus E's legacy." He goes on to add. "Could you imagine how much money it would have generated? Why, it could help shelter thousands, or feed millions!"

"That's very generous of you." The interviewer, a young Mothina with her soft teal-green wings fluttering behind her as she sits on the edge of her seat. "The book is very important to the Polari, why wouldn't you simply return it?"

"I'm afraid it's not that simple." He sighs, looking distressed, but clearly isn't. "The Polari would need to bid through the auction like everyone else. Which, they had sent a representative to do so. I hate to disappoint everyone that we needed to cancel the auction, but despite the IGPs best efforts they were unable to keep the book safe."

"That's truly unfortunate." The Mothina tilts her head, her antenna bouncing as she does so. "Do you think you will auction off another piece of yours?"

"Perhaps! I suppose it would depend on interest and which piece I find myself wanting to part with - for a good cause, that is."

Neomi pauses the video, rolling her eyes as she sets her data pad aside. She was about to go down a very interesting rabbit hole if she continued listening to him talk. Hyyn A's acquisitions were looking more and more like black market deals than legitimately purchased. Which was infuriating, though she realizes she has no proof that he even bought them off the black market. It just was a gut feeling based on his actions in the interview and some of the quotes from the article.

She can't let it consume her thoughts.

Yet, here she was, chewing on her lip, scrolling through interviews and photos of Hyyn A's collection, trying to pinpoint a direction of how he could have acquired countless priceless artifacts from different cultures. How could they turn a blind eye to this? Could they? Another heavy sigh escapes her lips, swinging her legs to set her feet back on the ground. Neomi wasn't a fool - this went well beyond her pay grade, and if she had to guess, Captain Rhymr already had his doubts to the legitimacy of Hyyn A's philanthropy. Maybe he could sway the Chief into opening an inquiry against Hyyn A's business practices.

She sets the data pad aside, crossing her arms over her chest as she weighs the options. What evidence did she have to support her theory other than the dubiousness of his acquisition of Advae and the Knight? In the grand scheme of things, was this a waste of police resources or could this potentially shine light on a deeper issue?

The knock at her door startles her out of her thoughts, causing her to nearly jump out of her skin. Her brows furrow, rising to her feet as she quickly reaches her door and taps the button for the video screen. She blinks, then taps the button to open the door, curiously looking at the 10 foot lizard-like alien that stood before her.

"Can I help you?" She asks, leaning her body against the frame.

The alien blinks, slitted emerald-green eyes watching her movement. Forked tongue flicking out to taste the air, to get a better idea of -- well she's not sure. It was rare to see Mcavian's off their home world, so she was quite unfamiliar with their mannerisms. He's dressed in a simple vest, emblazed with the logo of the Philgrant Shipping company, holding a small brown box. He offers the box to her, and clear as day her name is listed as the recipient. Hesitantly, she accepts the box, putting it under her arm as the Mcavian quickly produces a data pad. Claws tap through the various screens, before he scans the barcode on the box, and offers her a small stylus.

"Sign please." He speaks, the translator picking up his rough tongue.

She nods, accepting the stylus and signing her name in the box he indicated. Once signed she hands him back his pen.

"Just that?"

"Yes." He hisses out before he nods. "Have a good day."

Box in hand, she walks back inside, the door swooshing closed behind her. She sets it aside on the coffee table, having not spared a glance at who sent it, before she makes her way into the kitchen.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was frustrating upon her return that she wasn't scheduled for field work. She wraps her hands with silver, polyester fabric to ensure she doesn't injure herself, and looks at her sparring partner. Captain Rhymr stands before her, talons sheathed and wings folded behind him as he stretches his arms. Ever since they were partnered up (something about a case he was on -- she can't recall the details now that she thinks about it) she's been dragging him more and more to the gym. Of course, this time all of her frustration and anger was about to be taken out on him, because desk duty was not really where she wanted to spend her time. Not that he was actually to blame for it, he was only the messenger, but she needed an outlet and here he was.

He slips on the hand targets, shifting his weight and testing his balance.

"Ready?" She asks impatiently, flexing her hands before she makes a fist.

"Yes," He raises his hands, "however, I don't see how this is going to help you."

She grins, bouncing on her feet as she readies herself to take aim at the target. He keeps his hands out, allowing her to hit the target as she throws each punch. He takes a swing at her and she expertly dodges the first one, but narrowly the second. It's times like these when she's on the offensive where she forgets that he's decent at hand to hand combat despite his focus being on aerial. He takes a step back, golden eyes watching her every move as she chases after him, hooking her left hand into the target with more force than necessary.

"You're angry." He takes another hit, shaking his hand as he states the obvious. He gets into a defensive stance once more and takes a swing at her.

"What of it, birdbrain?" Should she be talking to a commanding officer this way? Probably not. Was she going to anyway since they've become friends? Absolutely. "I'm allowed to be angry."

"At me?" He clicks, swinging again and nearly catching her off guard. She dodges it on the second pass, and then strikes the target. "At her."

"We shouldn't be tethered to our desks!"

"It's temporary, Neomi." He stops, dropping his hands, watching her closely. "We will be back in the field soon."

"When's soon? You know as well as I do that we're damn good at our jobs. It was one mistake! One we could not avoid." She groans, her hands falling to her side. "We shouldn't have been pulled off of the case."

"I do not disagree with you." Captain Rhymr sighs, removing the target gloves. "However, it is not my place to make that call."

"The Chief is wrong."

"Yes."

"Maybe we should talk to her. Tell her she's wrong."

"She's well aware."

"Aernis, please. I'm being serious." Exasperated, she rubs at her face, then turns away from him.

"I know." He clicks again, before he takes a step to stand at her side. He unfurls one of his wings, wrapping it around her. "Give it time. She will come around and put us back on the field. Hyyn A's commentary about our negligence has proven an effective tool. Don't let it get you down."

She pushes his wing aside. "Hyyn A's campaign against us is unfounded." She frowns, crossing her arms over her chest. "You know he's hiding how he got that book in the first place."

Aernis falls quiet, folding his wings once more as he seems to consider his words. "Yes, I'm aware." She turns quickly to face him, jaw dropping ready to say something when he continues. "Unfortunately, we have no proof at the moment. We are currently investigating him, however these things take time, Neomi. We won't discover how he's acquired his collection for some time."

Sure." She kicks at the ground, irritated that they couldn't find anything prior to the book being stolen. Aernis sighs, nudging her lightly.

"Why don't we take a break." From training, he means, "Grab some lunch?"

"You make me eat birdseed again, Captain, I'm going to mutiny." A smile cracks on her lips as he nudges her again, folding his wing behind him. "I'll meet you in the lobby."

Aernis tips his head, blinking before it sinks in exactly what she's saying. He laughs, shaking his head as he heads toward the locker room. "No birdseed this time, I promise."

It doesn't take them long to change and meet in the lobby. Aernis has opted to keep the sheaths on his talons, his white feathers in stark contrast to his dark casual wear. She wonders why he still carries the worn leather satchel when it clearly has seen better days (the patches in the main compartment were a clear sign it should probably be replaced) but he always told her it had some sentimental value. What, he never expanded on. Maybe today's the day she asks him that. Neomi runs her fingers through her long, black hair, half debating on putting it up into a messy bun. She stops before he catches her eyes, checking her romper to ensure that everything was in place before she wanders up to his side with a grin.

"I take it you're ready and no longer preening in a mirror?" Aernis quips lightly.

She laughs, and he looks quite pleased with himself for being able to prod back. "I didn't preen." She corrects, adjusting the strap of her duffle bag. "I just made sure I was decent."

"Decent." He chirps, starting off toward the exit. "Is subjective."

"Rude."

"Truthful."

There's a pause before they both laugh, walking together down the street. It was odd, seeing serious Aernis outside of the uniform on days like this. He was a lot more willing to joke (though he needed to be better educated on the finer points of a joke) and tease compared to when he was on duty. Which, of course, but outside of these interactions with her, he was a rather determined bird. Neomi pulls out her phone (a small, transparent device able to fit into the palm of her hand) and starts to scroll through locations in the area where they could both eat. They chat between themselves, watching as vehicles hovered past along the designated roadway, narrowing their choices between a human restaurant, and an Illiem cafe that Aernis claims has some of the best coffee (or coffee-like) drinks in this star system. He might be exaggerating a bit, she thinks, but he seem earnest.

"You like coffee, don't you?" He brings his hand to his beak, stroking the sides in thought. "You must. You get that coffee from your mother every year."

"That's different." Aernis gives her an incredulous look. "Okay, yes, I like coffee, but the coffee I get from home is more the sentimental smell. The flavor is terrible."

"Why do you drink it then?" Sentimentalities were often lost on him - though he had his things he kept on him for various reasons. Like the silver band on his ring finger that he refused to remove. or the book of poetry he claims was from his mentor.

"Helps me remember where I came from." She shrugs.

"How could you ever forget?" He's genuine in his question, worry written in his features as they turn the corner.

"I guess, being here sometimes makes me forget that I'm from a mining station. It's quieter there, less noise than the city. Lot less people." She smiles to herself, then glances up at him as he tries to understand. "I mean, do you miss where you came from?"

He's quiet at first, contemplating how to respond before he nods. "Yes, sometimes. There are days where I long to be back in the forests of Yuchil. I think I understand how you feel despite our situations being different."

"Yeah? Like I love where I am now, but man would it be nice to go visit my parents."

"You should." He gestures to the cafe across the street, a silent question on if she'd like to try it. "I'm sure they would appreciate it. You have not taken much time off for yourself."

"Neither have you." She says as she pulls up the menu for Cafe Rintali. "When's the last time you had a day off?"

"When I got married." Her eyes shoot up at him, surprised.

"You're married?!" She exclaims, motioning for him to follow her to the cafe. "To who?"

"My partner." As if he could weasel his way out of this! He seems to realize that as he holds open the door for her.

She walks inside, warm air wrapping around her, inviting her in. It was a cute little establishment. Paintings from local artists are hung on the walls (price tags underneath for those interested to buy), the lights bright and welcoming, and the smell of coffee floating through the air. It's calming, gentle, and very much in her captain's wheel house, which would explain why he recommended it. He nods, taking the lead once he's inside and approaches the counter. He orders something herbal, while he motions for Neomi to look at the board while he decides on if he'd like something to eat.

"Just coffee, for me." She says with a smile, and Aernis relays the rest of his order.

They find an open seat quickly, Aernis tapping his fingers against the table idly. The flash of silver metal catches her eye, and she's immediately reminded for their earlier conversation.

"Tell me who you're married to."

"Why are you so... invested? Curious?"

She sighs. "You're my friend! I'd definitely tell you if I was seeing someone, let alone married."

"Are you?"

"No! Not the point though." She leans against the table. "I promise I'll get back to work once you tell me."

If only he had eyebrows, once more he gives her a quizzical look, almost disbelieving before he signs himself. He fusses with the silver band on his finger, twisting it one way than the next as he considers his words.

"Chief Barton." He says quietly, fondly, his expression soft.

Neomi can't help but stare, barely managing to keep her voice down. "You're married to her?" Stunned by this revelation, she wants to ask a million questions. Her thoughts cut in by his voice--

"Yes. She is my partner." He nods, before glancing at her. "You couldn't tell?"

"I don't think I've ever seen you with your ring on." She admits sheepishly.