(2023-10-15) A Proto-Welcome

Details

Author:	inkie
Summary:	Captain Jo and Lieutenant Ben interview Taeavon Noonshade of the Silver Covenant for a role with Cobalt Company.
Rating:	T for Teen

[Ben]: Hey, Cap'n. *Ben brightens at the sight of Jocoza.*

Ben salutes Jocoza with respect.

Jocoza grins and pushes back her goggles. "Ben! It's good to see you."

Ben grins back at her as he drops comfortably into a chair.

[Jocoza]: It's been a while since we've done one of these interviews.

[Ben]: Yes'm, has.

[Ben]: What is this fellow's story?

[Jocoza]: This guy… he seems qualified. *Jo hands over the application letter.* Silver Covenant type, which is a first, but we do value diversity.

Ben accepts the letter and scans it. "Silver Covenant? Like…" He looks up at Jo a little warily.

[Jocoza]: Yeah. I mean, they are part of the Alliance. They run the whole Alliance side in Dalaran.

[Ben]: Yeah. That is fair. I mean, I ain't got a real problem. You reckon Sir Elohad will, though?

Ben folds the letter up and offers it back to Jo.

[Jocoza]: Probably not? I think his whole problem is betrayal, which is a sin'dorei thing.

[Ben]: Okay.

Taeavon makes his way down the steps and looks around until he sees Ben and Jo.

Jocoza shuts up immediately when she sees Tae enter.

[Jocoza]: Welcome! You must be Taeavon Noonshade? Have a seat. Want an apple?

Ben sits up and squints at Taeavon.

[Taeavon]: Good morning, *he says with a smile.* And I'm full right now, but thank you very much for the offer. *He makes his way over to a vacant seat and sits down.*

Ben nods politely to Taeavon, still studying him.

[Jocoza]: Well, then, let's get to it. I recall what you said in your letter, about your fondness for the Cobalt Players, but what prompted you to apply to our mercenary company at this time?

[Taeavon]: Well, I've really admired the work Cobalt Company has done for years now, but with all the struggles with rebuilding Dalaran and keeping the undead at bay I didn't really have a chance to check things out for myself. Now that we're on the offensive up north, I've been working up the nerve to join myself.

[Taeavon]: I'm proud of the work I've done with the military, but I find it a bit stiff at times. I was hoping Cobalt Company might be a bit more flexible and personable while still allowing me to lend a helping hand.

Jocoza smiles. "It's good to hear we've been noted, even over in Dalaran."

[Ben]: What is some examples of the work we done that you have admired?

Jocoza looks to Taeavon, waiting patiently for his answer.

[Taeavon]: Well one of the big ones has got to be uncovering the plot of the Black Dragonflight in Stormwind. There was so much intrigue and mystery behind all the things that were happening in Stormwind before King Wrynn came back and you got to the bottom of it.

Ben nods.

[Ben]: Lieutenant Ben Hazan, by the way. Sorry.

[Jocoza]: Oh, right! *Jo giggles* Captain Jo Sparkwire. You can call me Jo. Or Captain. We're really not terribly formal. Or at least, I'm not.

[Ben]: We ain't, mostly, yeah.

[Jocoza]: And yes, that was a whole situation. A black dragon in Stormwind! I can't imagine how she kept it hidden for so long.

[Taeavon]: Nice to meet you, lieutenant, captain. I'm Taeavon Noonshade. I guess I never really introduced myself properly either. *He chuckles to ease the tension.*

Jocoza smiles. "So, I have to ask, is the Silver Covenant alright with their people joining mercenary companies?"

[Ben]: We have had people from our outfit join up as hires with other ones, like loaning out a scout to the 7th Legion or whatever, hirin' out is what mercs do. We have mostly not had people from other outfits join us proper. Liaisons and adjunks and whatnot, is what.

[Jocoza]: Though, I suppose, we do have a few people who concurrently hold positions with the Sentinels. Like Auralind and Larawen.

[Taeavon]: Yes. I made sure to run it past my superiors. Some were a bit hesitant at first but in the end they hoped it could help make the high elves a more common sight across the Alliance.

[Ben]: Auralind is still active duty with Sentinels, ma'am? I did not realize.

Ben knits his brows.

[Jocoza]: Oh, is she not? I thought she was still affiliated, but maybe not active duty.

[Ben]: Yeah, affiliated I feel like is a different thing, it is like the backwards of what I was sayin', like she is Cobalt but an adjunk with Sentinels or a meritus or whatever.

[Jocoza]: Ah, I see what you mean, yes.

Taeavon sits and smiles patiently.

[Ben]: Anyhow, sorry, that is not to the subject at hand really.

Ben nods to Taeavon. "High elves is not all that common a sight no more, it is true. How are you gonna handle if people give you hassle on account of the sin'doreis?"

[Taeavon]: No, they aren't really outside of Dalaran these days… *He frowns.* But I pride myself on always trying to remain positive and professional with my work. I'll do my best to pay it no mind and carry on helping in spite of it all.

Ben nods again.

Jocoza nods. "That's always the best route. Don't escalate things. And related to what we were discussing before, would you see Cobalt Company to be your primary employment?"

[Taeavon]: I might not be able to commit to that right away with the war still going on, but that's my long term goal. I'd love to join on full time as soon as I'm able to.

Ben glances at Jo.

Jocoza tilts her head and considers that. "So what you're looking for is to be a kind of a part-time contractor?"

[Jocoza]: Because we do, also, have a lot of operations up in Northrend concerning the war.

[Taeavon]: For now, yes. I'm still ironing out all the details, but like you said with all the operations going on in Northrend I am hoping I'll be able to join more or less full time.

[Taeavon]: The Silver Covenant was never a long term thing for me. I just wanted to help out with fighting the Scourge for real this time around. *His smile shifts to a more somber expression.*

[Ben]: I just got to iron out the terminology here for my own understandin', if you ain't mind —

[Ben]: When you say 'join' full time, you mean just pitch in? Or enlist up full time with Cobalt eventually? Or what? Because joinin' Cobalt I feel like means, you know. Joinin' Cobalt first and foremost. But you say you want to stay Silver Covenant for now.

[Ben]: Which is fine, we have had other liaison and adjunk types, I am just tryin' to sort out what we are talkin' about right here and now.

[Jocoza]: Or if it's, you'd like to be primary Cobalt, but you've got to sort out the transition and not just leave them hanging at a moment's notice. But yes, just sorting out what sort of position you're looking for.

[Taeavon]: I guess what I'm saying is that I do still have some obligations to attend to in the Silver Covenant. I was made an officer for my skill as a ranger, so I don't want to just up and leave my comrades without finding a replacement first.

[Ben]: So it is a transition kind of thing.

Taeavon nods, "That's right. As soon as I finish sorting out the details I'd like to make Cobalt Company my primary obligation. However, I'm planning on keeping some ties with the Silver Covenant until the war is over."

Ben glances at Jo again.

[Jocoza]: Keeping ties is fine, naturally. Like Ben said earlier, some people do work with other groups from time to time as well, 'loaning out'.

[Jocoza]: So that discussion is really a matter of start date. *Jo glances at Ben to confirm.*

[Ben]: Yeah, I think? I think what we are talkin' about is a kind of adjunk position until you are finished your duties as a officer with the Silver Covenant, because I do not think you can be full-time Cobalt and an officer somewhere else, that is too much divided responsibility. But when you are replaced with Silver Covenant and ready to shift responsibility, we can move to full member here.

Jocoza nods. "Assuming all goes well, we can discuss the start date."

[Jocoza]: Then perhaps we should get on with the usual questions, now we've got intentions cleared up.

Taeavon nods and smiles, waiting for the questions.

[Ben]: Anyhow, yeah. Questions time.

[Jocoza]: So. I think your letter indicated you were a ranger, and those are the skills you'd like to bring to Cobalt?

[Jocoza]: Fighting at range, and various survival skills, yes?

[Taeavon]: That's right. *His ears perk up and there's a sparkle in his eyes.* And don't forget animal handling. That's my real passion there. I've spent decades studying different animals and I work with them too. They've saved my hide more times than I care to count. *He chuckles.*

[Jocoza]: Oh, we've a number of people fond of animals in the Company. *Jo smiles.* I bet you'll get on well with them. Oranna, for instance? And I believe Rae's fond of horses, at least.

[Ben]: Rae an' Mr. Atley. Sir Atley, I mean. Both real into horses.

[Ben]: Miss Oranna is great with animals though, all kinds. Most kinds. I cannot say all kinds I guess. That would be a lot of kinds.

[Taeavon]: Oh hey, would you look at that then. I'm partial to wild animals myself, though.

[Ben]: That is Miss Oranna's department mostly, then.

Ben nods.

[Jocoza]: Oh, and there's that new dwarf, Maisha? I don't know her all that well, though, but she seems to keep animals, too.

[Ben]: I mean not her department. We do not got departments.

[Ben]: I mean metaphorically a department.

Jocoza giggles. "Yes, metaphorical department."

[Jocoza]: So is there any type of work you wouldn't do? Or that you would especially prefer?

[Taeavon]: Well… I guess I'd rather not participate in any hostilities against the Horde. I have some family in Quel'Thalas still. And the Scourge is our real enemy anyway. That and it sounded like the whole situation with the Forsaken got sorted out.

Jocoza glances at Ben again. "He was there for the sorting, actually."

Ben grimaces and folds his arms. He doesn't comment.

[Jocoza]: But our primary focus these days is the war against the Lich King, and we're working together with the Argent Crusade and others to that end.

[Jocoza]: But we'll keep that in mind.

[Taeavon]: That's good to hear. Thank you.

[Jocoza]: And on that note, is there any sort of people you wouldn't work with?

[Jocoza]: Because we do have all types in the company, including warlocks, which is a 'no' for some people.

[Taeavon]: I mean… I don't think so. I guess I still don't think that being a warlock is a good idea, but I don't think I'd have any issues working with one.

[Jocoza]: Alright, well, that's very open-minded of you. And we do keep a close eye on our warlocks — they're all required to be part of the Warlock Ethics Bureau now, and we make sure they stay on a good path.

Ben nods firmly.

[Taeavon]: That sounds like a good idea.

[Ben]: Our warlocks are all real good people.

[Taeavon]: I'm glad to hear that.

[Jocoza]: Ben, do you have any particular questions for Taeavon?

[Ben]: I do not really, I guess. Well — you say you ain't want to engage in hostility against the Horde. So my question is, we are a Alliance mercenary company. Full stop. We have done as you know work for the King and whatnot. None of us is after a war with the Horde, especially not now, but sometimes we are doin' another job and we run into trouble with 'em. If that happens, how are you gonna handle it?

[Ben]: Like in Howling Fjord we run into a situation where Forsakens was working on this new plague, and we was obliged to put a stop to it. In Grizzly Hills we got attacked by orcs. So on like that.

[Taeavon]: If trouble comes up then I won't hesitate to deal with it. I just don't want to be taking any offensives against Silvermoon or anything like that.

[Ben]: Yeah I do not think that is likely. We have also worked collaborative, like at the Sunwell.

[Ben]: Just, it does happen, and we are clear what side we are on when it does.

Jocoza nods. "You'd have your comrade's backs, is what we're looking for. Not preferring to fight sin'dorei is one thing, but you've got to be willing to do it, if the matter is forced."

Ben nods and gestures at Jo. What she said.

[Taeavon]: Yeah. *He puts on a strained smile.*

[Jocoza]: I know this is a bit of a weird situation, with the elves. *Jo smiles sympathetically.* And with King Wrynn and… well, who knows? Maybe things will get better.

[Taeavon]: I hope so.

[Jocoza]: So, Taeavon, have you any particular questions for us?

[Taeavon]: Hmm… Well what sort of plans do you have for after the war is over? It seems like your goal is pretty set for the time being, but what about after that?

[Jocoza]: There's always problems everywhere. *Jo gestures around, like problems might appear right here in Ironforge HQ.* We're not solely focused on Northrend even now. We have teams working around in Eastern Kingdoms and Kalimdor.

[Taeavon]: Oh wow. You must have quite the roster.

[Jocoza]: The war against the Lich King is a major concern, but we have people working on all sorts of less prominent work. Clearing out bandits, pushing back gnolls or stray demons… anything people need help with.

Jocoza nods. "We're about seventy members strong or so, all told."

Taeavon nods, "Well I know I for one would be happy to travel more and help where I can."

[Jocoza]: That's always a good attitude to have. I love traveling, these days. *Jo smiles.*

[Jocoza]: If the work in Northrend settles, and you're not sure what to do, Elohad Ference keeps a good track of requests we've gotten and can point you in a direction to help.

[Ben]: We been to Northrend, to Outlands, all over the place at the forefront, but we started out doin' small jobs in Elwynn and Westfall and we keep folks workin' wherever there is need. It is what has kept us expandin', too. To make sure we can answer folks where help is called on.

[Jocoza]: Not just at the front, but at the farmstead or the village.

Ben nods.

[Taeavon]: I'll keep that in mind. I've wanted to go to Kalimdor for years now. It sounds like there's so much interesting wildlife there.

Ben perks up.

[Ben]: They got devilsaurs and sh*t.

[Jocoza]: Did you know they have these creatures with super long necks, and they… *Jo coughs.* Sorry, not the point, I know.

[Ben]: Giraffes! I drawn some.

Jocoza nods eagerly and points to Ben, smiling at Tae.

[Ben]: Also the stripey horse fellows. Zevers.

Taeavon is beaming

[Jocoza]: Just the coolest animals.

[Taeavon]: I've read about those! I've just been waiting for a chance to see them for myself.

[Jocoza]: I hope you get the chance, because it's just… amazing.

[Jocoza]: Alright, anyway, I think that's all our questions. Ben, would you be in favor of bringing in Taeavon, pending the determination of a start date?

[Ben]: Yeah, I am okay with that.

[Jocoza]: I am as well. *Jo smiles.* So you'll get back to us on the transition? It'll be interesting, having a quel'dorei on the team. I do have friends among the si– the elves.

Ben eyes Jocoza up and down.

[Ben]: To be real up front, Sir Elohad, who is our founder an' all — he is real hostile about sin'doreis. Like, he takes it pretty personal, them turnin' on the Alliance.

[Ben]: So that is a thing to be aware on.

Ben might be reminding Jo as well as advising Taeavon.

[Jocoza]: Oh, yeah, like I said, I think he's fine for quel'dorei, but don't take it personal if he's a bit chilly before he gets to know you.

Ben nods.

[Taeavon]: Oh yeah. I remember Kalindra told me he was– *He cuts off.* That he was a little touchy at first.

[Jocoza]: He's an amazing person, really, so it's worth getting through the chill, if there is any. *Jo smiles warmly.*

Ben folds his arms again and his expression flattens a little at mention of Kalindra. But he nods again at Jo.

[Ben]: He is my dad.

[Ben]: Just to be up front on that, too.

[Ben]: It is not nepertism, though. I got made a officer before he was my dad.

Ben isn't defensive at all, nope.

Jocoza says in a stage-whisper. "Adopted."

[Jocoza]: But yes, it was not nepotism, Ben was suitable for the position and continues to be an excellent lieutenant.

[Taeavon]: I'll keep it in mind. He's always seemed like a good, upstanding man from what I've heard.

Ben nods firmly at Taeavon.

[Ben]: He is about the best fellow you will meet.

Taeavon smiles nervously.

[Jocoza]: Well then, I think I can say welcome to Cobalt Company, in a little bit of advance?

[Ben]: Proto-welcome.

[Jocoza]: Proto-welcome! *Jo stands, like she might give him a hug, then holds out a hand to shake.*

Ben rises too. He does not look like he plans to give anyone a hug.

Taeavon gets up to shake her hand, "Thank you. I'm happy to help."

Ben offers a handshake as well.

Taeavon takes Ben's hand also.

Ben shakes his hand, nods, and steps back.

[Jocoza]: If you need anything, or have any more questions, please do get in touch with us or the other officers. And HQ is often open with snacks and other things.

[Taeavon]: Will do! I hope I can start working with you as soon as I can.

[Jocoza]: I do hope we'll see more of you sooner, rather than later!