(2022-06-25) Bonk Interview

Details

Author:	Athena
Summary:	Parabolus interviews for Cobalt Company.
Rating:	M for Mature 17+

Chain: Cobalt Company Interviews

In CC HQ, the Captains and Lieutenants are seated, on Friday afternoon.

Parabolus Bonkladle shows up fifteen minutes early, and as the door is open, tentatively enters.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Auralind, let's talk later about the supervision thing.” Jocoza smiles at the young gnome guy.

Auralind Mistwalker nods to Jocoza. "Of course."

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “Oh. Pardon me.” Bonk takes a half step backward.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Hello! Are you our next applicant? Parabolus, I think?”

Ben Hazan turns and blinks. “… Bonk?”

Auralind Mistwalker's ears twitch. "Bonkladle, is it?"

Parabolus Bonkladle brightens. "Lieutenant Hazan."

Ben Hazan grins at him. “C'mon in, hey!”

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “Yes, Parabolus Bonkladle. But Bonk is acceptable.”

Colson Aspenwood stands politely, and nods at Bonk.

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “May I remain standing?”

[Auralind Mistwalker]: “If you wish.”

Colson Aspenwood sits back down gracefully. It helps with the height difference.

Jocoza Sparkwire looks at Ben. "Literally, every one?"

Ben Hazan's ears color. “I am a friendly fellow, ma'am. I meet people.”

Colson Aspenwood smiles faintly at Ben, before he turns his attention back to Bonk.

Ben Hazan is just glad Bonk is not a lady. Another lady.

Parabolus Bonkladle gives Ben a very warm, slightly shy smile.

[Ben Hazan]: “Me and Bonk done some time on the walls of Honor Hold together. Along with Tibbs.”

Jocoza Sparkwire smiles back at Bonk. "Pleased to meet you. I take it you know Ben, and I'm Captain Sparkwire. And these are Lieutenants Aspenwood and Mistwalker."

Colson Aspenwood inclines his head at his name.

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “Pleased to meet you.”

Jocoza Sparkwire grins at Ben. "I'm beginning to think you should have an official PR role. You and your father, seriously.”

Ben Hazan grins too but slouches a little in his chair, his ears very red. “I mean.”

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Anyway!” Jo says “Please do have a seat, Bonk. Let's commence the interview.”

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “Oh, all right.” Bonk clambers up into the chair.

[Auralind Mistwalker]: “Honor Hold? You served in Outland?”

Parabolus Bonkladle's feet dangle, which seems to embarrass him a bit, as he keeps trying to adjust them.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “I always like doing these seated, for um, obvious reasons.” Jo says quietly, assuming Bonk will understand Jocoza looks to Bonk for the answer to this question.

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “Yes, I served the Sons of Lothar as a cook and engineer primarily.” Bonk is visibly nervous. He tries subtly once again to find a place to rest his feet, to no avail.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Oh! Another engineer. I'm one as well. It's always good to meet a fellow practitioner.”

Auralind Mistwalker squints curiously.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “So what made you think to join our Company?”

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “A friend of mine, Tibbiah Shinbreaker, recommended you as a good place for me to get field experience in use of the arcane, a study to which I have come only recently.”

[Auralind Mistwalker]: “I am still curious about your service in Outland. You said 'the Sons of Lothar'…not 'the Alliance'. When, exactly, did you serve?”

Parabolus Bonkladle sounds like a person who has rehearsed his words before coming. “I had only recently come of age when the Sons of Lothar were formed, and I joined them directly.”

Auralind Mistwalker's eyes widen. "So…you were there. Trapped on the other side?"

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “Yes, ma'am.”

[Ben Hazan]: “Like Tibbs. Yeah. They was out there when we got there.”

Auralind Mistwalker sits upright, giving Bonk a slow nod.

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “Since my return, I have begun studying with Jennea Cannon at the Wizards' Sanctum in Stormwind.”

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Oh, wow.” Jo nods “I commend you for your service.”

Parabolus Bonkladle looks down at his hands and nods shyly.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “And she's pretty good.” Jo sits back and smiles widely. “Another mage-engineer, like myself.”

Colson Aspenwood looks mildly at Bonk.

Parabolus Bonkladle sneaks a curious little glance at Jo.

Ben Hazan smiles at Bonk and folds his arms, settling back in his chair. You got this, Bonk.

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “My studies are progressing well, I think. Though my polymorphs never turn out quite right. They function as intended, do not mistake me, but the aesthetic effect leaves something to be desired.”

Colson Aspenwood's brows rise slightly.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Oh, that I could work on with you. I can do pigs and sheep so far.”

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “Pigs?” Bonk's eyes LIGHT UP.

Ben Hazan smiles crookedly.

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “Oh, you must explain to me how you compensate for th — ahem. Er, that can wait.”

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Yes! They're quite adorable. There's a mage up in Azshara that teaches the trick.”

Parabolus Bonkladle takes out a small notebook and murmurs 'Azshara' to himself as he makes a note in Gnomish.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Okay, so on with the interview questions… is there any kind of work you're uncomfortable with, or people you couldn't work with?”

Parabolus Bonkladle considers carefully. “Define 'uncomfortable.' I am accustomed to working with all sorts of people, I can at least assure you.”

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “As in, you would protest, let's say.”

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “I would not protest.”

Jocoza Sparkwire looks at him carefully. "Unless you're the sort of person who would just be quietly miserable? What if that were the standard — you would be miserable."

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “I… would not say I am the best person to ask what sort of person I am. One's opinion of oneself is rarely accurate.”

Colson Aspenwood raises a single Aspenwood brow at that, but he says nothing, as he then looks at Ben. Ben knows Bonk. Ben knows everyone. Can Ben shed light?

Jocoza Sparkwire blinks. "But surely you can comment on your own feelings?"

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “You may consult with Lieutenant Hazan or Ms. Shinbreaker for more details on the sort of person I am. That is the purpose behind a list of references, yes?” Bonk shifts his weight.

[Ben Hazan]: “Bonk is a good and hardworkin' fellow. I can say that. And he is willin' to try new sh – stuff. Experiment for a result.”

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “I am capable of commenting on my own feelings, if that is what you mean. But I am not inclined to. It has not historically served any particular purpose.”

[Ben Hazan]: “That is also in my experience accurate of him.” Ben glances wryly at Bonk.

Parabolus Bonkladle nods shyly toward Ben.

Jocoza Sparkwire looks at Bonk with a trace a worry in the crease between her eyes. “Well, okay, then. You won't have any particular problems working with anyone, doing anything within the bounds of our Company.”

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “That is correct. No particular problems.”

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “I think you've already addressed what you bring to the Company, as a mage-engineer.”

[Auralind Mistwalker]: “Not to mention a cook.”

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “Yes.”

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Lieutenants, any questions for Bonk?” Jocoza smiles and nods at Auralind's comment.

[Ben Hazan]: “I have got none.”

Parabolus Bonkladle blushes slightly.

[Auralind Mistwalker]: “Were you stationed anywhere in particular in Outland?”

Colson Aspenwood shakes his head at Jo's question. Colson has none questions for the Sons. All respect, none question.

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “Honor Hold.” Bonk peers at Colson searchingly. “I believe I remember you, as well. Though we did not speak directly.”

[Auralind Mistwalker]: “And you had to feed those troops in that barren landscape? That must have required considerable ingenuity.”

[Ben Hazan]: “He can… sure do some things with fel pig meat.”

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “Yes, ma'am.”

Ben Hazan does not specify the things, or whether they are good things.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Have you met Mordecai Aspenwood? He's also a creative chef.”

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “Especially when they were still building the walls, it was quite a challenge keeping demons out of the food stores. That is how I acquired my current surname.”

[Auralind Mistwalker]: “Bonkla – …”

Jocoza Sparkwire giggles. Bonk ladle.

Auralind Mistwalker slowly smiles.

Colson Aspenwood smiles gently. "A baker, in truth, less of a chef. My husband." He clears his throat at the Bonkladdle. "Ah. I see."

[Auralind Mistwalker]: “I have no further questions.”

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “You are lucky to be married to a baker! I may have questions for him about cinnamon rolls. If he ever has the time.”

Jocoza Sparkwire smiles at Colson, the vague expression showing she doesn't really know the difference between the two.

Colson Aspenwood smiles wider, his eyes going soft. "Indeed, I am." He inclines his head to Bonk. "He would be happy to speak of it with you, I am sure. We are currently in Telaar, most of the time."

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Alright, then I think we're good on our side. Bonk, do you have any questions for us?”

Parabolus Bonkladle's eyes brighten, and he finally seems to relax. He pulls out a scroll and unrolls it. It hits the floor.

Auralind Mistwalker boggles.

Colson Aspenwood's brows jump up at the scroll.

[Auralind Mistwalker]: “Perhaps…choose a few of the most pertinent.”

Jocoza Sparkwire's mouth drops open for a moment, then she closes it. "Sure, yes, the most pertinent."

Ben Hazan blinks.

Colson Aspenwood's lips twitch.

Parabolus Bonkladle proceeds to ask a series of extremely detailed questions, most of which sound more like he's trying to write a book about Cobalt Company than trying to get hired by them. About their history, their pay structure, the balance of various skills, etc.

Ben Hazan settles in, stretching his legs out. He is just … going to let the Captain handle this.

Jocoza Sparkwire answers as many of his questions as she can, deferring to Lieutenants occasionally while she gets a drink of water. Bonk is very well educated about the history and working of Cobalt Company by the end of it, and Jo looks a little tired. But also happy.

Parabolus Bonkladle takes detailed written notes on her answers. He seems to have forgotten he is applying for a job, and is apparently now just trying to get a PhD in Cobalt Company. “Thank you so much!” He tucks away his notebook.

Auralind Mistwalker ponders shadowmelding to escape the tedium.

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “That's all my preliminary questions, I think.”

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Well, alright then.” Jo feels confident of the decision, but she looks around to her lieutenants to make sure

Colson Aspenwood inclines his head in agreement to Jo.

Ben Hazan yawns and sits up again. He nods, bright-eyed. "Yes'm."

[Auralind Mistwalker]: “Preliminary…? There are more?”

Parabolus Bonkladle nods, then looks closely at Auralind and says, "Yes, but I can address them to Captain Sparkwire at the appropriate time."

Auralind Mistwalker sighs with relief and smiles.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Sure, yes, we can set up a meeting. To talk about that, and the pigs. I see no objection, so we'd like to welcome you to the Company, Bonk!”

Parabolus Bonkladle blushes. "…Oh? you don't need time to…?" He looks around at everyone else in the room, his eyes slightly wide.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “We've reviewed your application, and we've listened to what you have to say. There'll be a formal letter, but there's no reason to leave you in suspense.”

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “The… the others are in agreement?”

Auralind Mistwalker clears her throat.

Parabolus Bonkladle looks to Auralind attentively.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Oh, I'm sorry, Auralind… did you have an objection?”

Ben Hazan looks at Auralind in sudden suspense.

Parabolus Bonkladle wrings his hands gently.

[Auralind Mistwalker]: “I do not. I just assume that we will be asked for our assent.”

Parabolus Bonkladle flushes as though it's All His Fault somehow. He studies his hands.

Ben Hazan winces slightly and checks Jo's expression.

Jocoza Sparkwire looks surprised. "I.. oh… sorry, Auralind. I'll make sure to ask explicitly in the future." Jocoza smiles reassuringly at Bonk. "Not your fault, my mistake."

Auralind Mistwalker nods. "Thank you."

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Then I take it you are satisfied with the suitability of the applicant?”

Parabolus Bonkladle tries to find purchase for his feet again. They just slip off the smooth legs of the chair.

[Auralind Mistwalker]: “I am more than satisfied.”

Ben Hazan smiles at Auralind, and then at Bonk.

Parabolus Bonkladle turns a different sort of pink this time. He smiles a little, but doesn't meet anyone's eye.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Then yes, we welcome you to the Company, Bonk.”

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “Very well, please let me know as soon as I might be of service.”

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “We'll be sure to do that!”

Parabolus Bonkladle slips down off the chair. He bows down graciously.

Ben Hazan approaches and bends to shake Bonk's hand.

Parabolus Bonkladle clasps Ben's hand in both of his, warmly.

Colson Aspenwood bows back. "Light be with you."

[Ben Hazan]: “Hey, welcome.” Ben grins at Bonk.

[Auralind Mistwalker]: “Welcome, Bonkladle.”

Parabolus Bonkladle nods, smiling at the floor.

Auralind salutes Parabolus with respect.

[Parabolus Bonkladle]: “Just Bonk is fine. Farewell until we meet again.”

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Farewell!”

Parabolus Bonkladle breaks into a sprint halfway up the stairs.

Elo comes back in.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: Welcome back, Elo!

[Elohad Ference]: “Everyone's asleep now. Mind if I join you again for a bit?”

[Auralind Mistwalker]: “I have a notion…with Bonk's extraordinary story, he might be a worthy candidate for Elohad's new – Aha.”

[Elohad Ference]: “Hey, you saved my chair!”

Ben Hazan looks from Auralind to Elohad and raises a brow.

[Elohad Ference]: “Who might be a candidate for my what now?”

Jocoza Sparkwire looks at Auralind curiously. "You mean, that local group thing?"

Colson Aspenwood salutes Elo on his way in.

[Elohad Ference]: “I'm going to call it…” he makes a dramatic gesture “THE COBALT BLADE.”

[Ben Hazan]: “What local gro— oh, shit. Is this that…’story squad’ thing Aunt Nir was goin' on about?”

Jocoza Sparkwire giggles, and then puts a hand over her mouth. "That is perfect. They could write novels."

Ben Hazan might have tuned Aunt Nir out to play with baby brother.

[Elohad Ference]: “Yep, it's Nir's and my baby. Uh… other baby. Because… we also have an actual baby, the human kind.”

[Ben Hazan]: “Yeah, you sure do.”

Elohad Ference grins.

[Ben Hazan]: “You need anything for it? Help, or?”

[Auralind Mistwalker]: “I'm afraid my time is growing short. I must return to the Expedition. There is a mission they need me for. Perhaps you can fill Elohad in about this new recruit.”

[Elohad Ference]: “I might need you to draw some stuff. We'll see.” Elohad Ference grins. “Send me a report later, it's fine, I don't want to slow things down. Stay safe, Auralind.”

Ben Hazan brightens. Draw stuff! He glances over at Auralind and gets to his feet again.

[Elohad Ference]: “I might join you out there later.”

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Alright. Thanks, Auralind.”

Auralind Mistwalker nods.

[Ben Hazan]: “Ma'am.” Ben Hazan nods respectfully, though not audibly, alas.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “I think we have one more applicant, but I can send you the materials before we say yes or no.”

[Elohad Ference]: “Sure thing.”

Auralind Mistwalker nods. "Very good."

[Elohad Ference]: “Sounds fine.”

[Auralind Mistwalker]: “Ishnu dal dieb, my friends.”

[Elohad Ference]: “Farewell.”

[Colson Aspenwood]: “Ande thoras ethil, Auralind.”

[Ben Hazan]: “Shnumutter.” Ben is trying.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “It's a mage-engineer, name of 'Bonk'. He was with the Sons of Lothar. I bet you'd like him.”

[Elohad Ference]: “Sons of Lothar? Wow.”

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Pretty young, seemed kind of easy to intimidate. It must have been a rough twenty years.”

[Elohad Ference]: “I bet you liked the gnome-mage-engineer part. Was he cute?” Elohad winks slyly at Jocoza.

Jocoza Sparkwire giggles. "Oh, I think he's too young for me. Looked kind of familiar, though? Can't quite place it."

[Ben Hazan]: “Bonk is a real good fellow. Maybe you seen him around the Hold, Captain?”

Jocoza Sparkwire shrugs. "Maybe. It could be that. Can't imagine where else I would've since he's been gone so long."

[Elohad Ference]: “He can't be too easy to intimidate if he was with the Sons of Lothar.”

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Well, maybe he was just a bit shy.”

[Elohad Ference]: “Hmmm… a shy veteran…” Elo looks like he is Dreaming Up Stories.

Colson Aspenwood 's eyes soften. "Yes, well. Shy does not mean he lacks inner strength."

[Elohad Ference]: “…Trapped on a hostile world for twenty years, returning to— uh, what's he wanting to do?”

[Ben Hazan]: “He is steady as hell, Bonk is. In his nerves. But a little bit bashful, yeah.”

[Elohad Ference]: “Faaaascinating.” Elo strokes his beard.

[Ben Hazan]: “He is doin' magery. Mage — ery?” Ben looks at Jocoza. Magery?

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Magic.”

[Ben Hazan]: “ — right. Magic.”

[Elohad Ference]: “A shy… veteran… gnome… mage.” He looks like a man Designing a Novel Cover.

[Ben Hazan]: “Captain is gonna teach him pigs.”

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Engineer, too!”

[Elohad Ference]: “Teach him… pigs.”

Ben Hazan nods gravely.

Colson Aspenwood's lips twitch.

[Elohad Ference]: “Yes, by all means, Jo, teach people pigs.” Elohad shrugs. Who knows?

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “To turn people into pigs, Elo.” Jo laughs, full on.

[Elohad Ference]: “Oh. Sounds fine.”

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Only with consent, or if they're enemies. Of course.”