defies_reason | ⚔ i thought we might have a little chat.

[It does not escape his notice that the young man seems on edge; it's an attitude that doesn't sit so easily on him. Which means Isaak shall have to be on guard as well. Luckily that doesn't show, really; he is nearly always on guard.]

Fortunately I didn't succumb. [His brow furrows a bit in concern.] I hope you've been well yourself?

Good... I had hoped that you would call if you needed something. [Chekov frowns in return.] I've been well, yes. Several friends and some superior officers from home were sick, and there's--maybe I shouldn't tell you this, [so he'll lower his voice, okay?] but there is someone dangerous in the City.

[The City is full of dangerous people. Not for nothing is this bar called the Wolf's Den.

Isaak just raises an eyebrow, waiting for the young man to elaborate.]

[After one more look around, Pavel whispers:] He calls himself John Harrison. I haven't been told everything; I only know that he is dangerous enough to worry my superiors.

Hmmnn. [Not much of a reaction, but that can't be a surprise. It's habitual for Isaak to play his cards close to his chest, and really, it's not as if the name means anything to him.

But he does take Chekov's concern seriously.]

Dangerous in what way?

[He doesn't expect much of an emotional display from Isaak. If there was ever a man who seemed incapable of being afraid...]

Dangerous in a way in which he is an exceptionally strong, fast, and intelligent product of genetic engineering and, before he was frozen, he was a genocidal tyrant.

[Most of this is conjecture. Even though Chekov has not been briefed thoroughly (he can only assume that this is to protect him from knowing too much about the future), everyone who receives an education on Earth in the twenty-third century knows about the Eugenics Wars.]

[Only a fool is never afraid. But he'd have to be a fool to be in the habit of showing it.]

Well, certainly a worrisome new neighbour.

Yes, very. I don't think that he will attack unless he is provoked, I only want you to know about him.

Do you think a genocidal tyrant's likely to bother with a little bar?

[That's good humoured; and meant, really, to reassure the young man. He smiles slightly.]

I'll keep an eye out. I do appreciate the warning.

[He conveys a nonverbal I have no idea with a shrug that manages to include his hands. Isaak's good humor isn't reflected.]

Perhaps. I can't guess at what he would do; the conflict with him is after my point in time and I know nothing about his current motives or frame of mind. [FRUSTRATION.] The prevailing sentiment among the others from my world is, I think, that the less I know, the safer I will be. Maybe they forgot that a tactical officer is useless without information.

[Well. With that off of his chest, Pavel brightens considerably.]

You will be fine, I'm sure. I have been led to believe that this genocidal tyrant only wants to destroy Starfleet, not bars.

[He might almost feel bad about that, being somewhat inclined to the same-- keeping things from Chekov for his own good. Of course, there's a significant difference; and really, it's not as though the younger man has asked, exactly, what Isaak did at home.]

Well, the best we can hope is that they don't come to regret it, hmm?

[You look like you need a drink, Pasha. Luckily Isaak has already noticed, and sooner or later in the lull of conversation the bartender will unobtrusively slide one your way. Friends in high places and all that.]

I'm certain they mean well but I agree, it seems... inefficient.

[It's different with Isaak. What Isaak has done at home is irrelevant; there's nothing Pavel would be able to do with any knowledge he might gain. His crewmates are withholding information that would help him do his job.

Ah, Uncle Isaak, you are a wonderful human. He takes a grateful sip.]

Thank you. I only wanted someone to agree with me.

[He arches a brow slightly.]

I don't see I've much choice, if you're going to insist on being sensible.

That is something that I can't do.

[This is why Isaak is his favorite.]

Then there's no help for it,

[he says quite gravely, without an ounce of actual seriousness, and has a sip of his drink.]

[Isaak may not be serious but, after a contemplative drink, Pavel is.]

I think that they may not trust me because of all the time that I have spent in the City.

Do you think they have reason to be so suspicious?

[It's an honest question. One cannot help but be shaped by one's surroundings; and the City is a strange place. His colleagues would not trust him after seeing this, but that's rather a different matter. Still. Pavel has been here much longer.]

In some ways, no. They have no way of knowing if my loyalties have been compromised.

[That's the objective evaluation. He clearly doesn't buy it.]

But if they knew me better, they would know that there is no reason to be concerned.

Again, I'm inclined to agree.

[It is, perhaps, the highest compliment he could pay the younger man. Isaak puts more store in loyalty than, perhaps, any other currency.]

[Oh, it's taken as a compliment. There are few things that Chekov appreciates more than approval from people he holds in high esteem and even fewer that are more important than loyalty.]

Thank you. [He reaches over to squeeze Isaak's hand.] I'm lucky to know you.

Don't give luck too much credit, there aren't many sensible people about this place. Рыба́к рыбака́ ви́дит издалека́.

[Yes, but he's clearly pleased.]

And that is the only reason you tolerate me.

[His good humor is restored and he's not obsessively looking over his shoulder. Some of this is due to the vodka, but not all of it.]

[Well, that's time well spent, then. Isaak has few real friends, but he does try to look after them.]

I hadn't realized so many of your colleagues had come to join you.

Nearly all of the senior officers are here now, yes. [The last of his vodka receives a contemplative look before being polished off.] The captain believes that escape is possible.

Do you believe he's correct?

⚔ i thought we might have a little chat.

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