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| Details |
| Author: | Alli |
| Summary: | Slicket comes by Ironforge HQ and finds exactly the man he was hoping to find, Sir Elohad Ference. Advice is had on several topics, and new plans are devised. ~3200 words. |
| Rating: | T for Teen |
The door to Ironforge HQ creaks open, but who is entering might only be clear from the red mohawk poking up above the railing as the gnome makes his way down the stairs.
[Elohad]: Evening, Throttleblast!
Elohad says this loudly and warmly when he spots the mohawk.
[Slicket]: Sir Ference, hey! Hello! Um, good evening!
Slicket skips a few steps on his way down the staircase and makes his way over to the chairs and the familiar rug.
Elohad does not rise to greet Slicket the way he usually would an arrival; he remains seated, but straightens his posture with respectful attention.
[Elohad]: What brings you into the office today, my good man?
[Slicket]: Glad to find you here, I was hoping I could talk to you about… uh, a tiny little problem.
[Elohad]: That's what I'm here for. Have a seat. Grab an apple if you like; we've got plenty.
[Slicket]: Oh, sure, yeah, I love apples. *Slicket wanders over to grab one of the fruits and then hoists himself up into the chair next to Elohad's*
Slicket takes a bite of apple before he gets into things, but then he looks over at Elo seriously. "I talked about this already with Birdie and Nat, and they said you might be the person to bring it to. It's not like, trouble with the law or anything."
[Elohad]: Even if it were, I'd appreciate you coming to me with it.
Elohad smiles.
Slicket smiles back with a touch of nervousness and straightens his very straight mustache. "It basically comes down to a business decision I made right before the salt flats flooded in the Thousand Needles…"
Elohad leans in a little, as though this is about to be a spectacular story.
[Slicket]: So yeah, you know I was a rocket car racer, right? I wasn't the star of the gnomish team, but I think I was rising in the ranks. I'd been trying out all sorts of tricks with my car, different fuel, different boosters, driving techniques, the whole thing.
[Elohad]: Nice. I remember seeing that on your application and thinking how unique it was. At least, among us. Probably not among your social group.
Slicket grins. "Yeah, I knew a lot of racers. I'm hoping that'll be something I can leverage sometime, when we've got trouble in a mission that involves engines, but… anyway, that sets the scene for when the trouble happened."
[Elohad]: Got it. *He makes a slight gesture in the air, as though framing something.*
[Slicket]: I finally found what I thought was gonna give me the edge, to really start winning races. It was this prototype engine developed by an engineer in the Steamwheedle Cartel. You should've seen the efficiency, it was unreal.
[Elohad]: Even a stopped goblin is right twice a day, I guess.
Slicket shrugs. "Sure! Like a pocketwatch on the bottom of a lake. But really, they do make some cool stuff, as long as you keep an eye out for skimps in quality."
[Elohad]: That would not be something I'd be qualified to do for sure.
[Slicket]: Rough thing was, it was a little out of my price range. No biggie, right? I was gonna win the next race, against odds, and I could pay it back.
[Elohad]: I think I see where this is going.
[Slicket]: Yeah, so. I was careful about the contract. I read over it carefully. I know what was in there. But uh… then the salt flats flooded. That took the engine, my copy of the contract, and pretty much everything I had. *Slicket shrugs. It happens*
[Elohad]: Extremely impolite of that flood, if you ask me.
[Slicket]: Definitely rude. I blame Deathwing. But yeah, I've been bouncing back. I usually do.
[Elohad]: Rising from the ashes, like a true hero.
Slicket grins at Elohad. "Something you and I have in common, from what I hear."
[Elohad]: Oh yeah. You don't wanna even hear about my rock bottom.
Slicket nods sympathetically. "Maybe we can trade stories someday, if you'd be in for it. But this was probably my rockiest bottom. That was when I just… decided to come back and help with Gnomeregan. Which is where I heard about Cobalt, and… you know."
[Elohad]: And you lived happily ever after. Except… *Elo gestures for him to continue*
[Slicket]: Except then some enforcer from Steamwheedle tracked me down the other day, claiming I'd skipped out on a debt.
[Slicket]: I am like 99.95% positive that contract said void in case of natural disaster or act of the Titans. I'm a sharp gnome. I admit there is that 0.05% chance I remembered wrong, though.
[Elohad]: Saw the twist coming, but it's still a gut-puncher.
Slicket nods sadly at Elohad.
[Slicket]: Or maybe they're just claiming it's Deathwing, so it's not natural, and he's not a Titan…?
[Elohad]: I could argue in court that Deathwing is natural, I bet. But you said you lost the contract.
[Elohad]: So the wording's a bit irrelevant.
[Slicket]: Yeah. Only, they claim they've got their copy. And they're saying I agreed to all sorts of $%&^, like a massive fee for fleeing.
[Elohad]: And you have absolutely nothing but your word against their "copy" of the contract. Classic goblin malarkey.
Slicket nods, his mohawk bobbing gently. "Yeah, you got the whole thing. If I could get hold of that "copy", have somebody check it for forgery…"
[Elohad]: Problem is, they wouldn't even have to forge it if the contracts all come from the same hand.
[Elohad]: They just have the same damn hand write up a new one.
[Elohad]: I'm assuming it's the same guy or institution scamming you that originally loaned you the money, right?
[Elohad]: So the contract will look exactly the same as any of theirs.
[Elohad]: You'd really need your original copy in that same hand for it to work. And they know that.
[Slicket]: Yeah, yeah, it should be. It'll have my signature on it, but they could've lifted that from their actual copy.
[Elohad]: Oh, hm, yes, the signature could be examined for sure. Good call.
[Elohad]: Unless it's just like, on the last page of it with one paragraph they left the same.
[Slicket]: I think there's ways to lift ink and put it on a new paper, but maybe there's signs of that, right? Oh, hm… I… I don't remember.
[Elohad]: Worth looking into.
[Elohad]: But yeah, if the signature page has been redone as well, that could be a lead.
[Slicket]: Yeah, if we can get that contract. If I knew somebody stealthy-like who could get a peek.
[Elohad]: We know lots of stealthy types, for sure. You can go through the files if you want, and I can make it an official Cobalt Company job offer, foot the bill for it.
[Elohad]: Pick any of our sneaky types you like and I can offer them the job.
Slicket looks relieved. "Really? You'd do that? Thanks, Sir Ference. I'll have a look."
[Elohad]: We'll also need a paper and/or ink and/or handwriting expert.
[Elohad]: So keep an eye out for that as you rifle through. People list their random talents and expertise usually on their apps.
[Slicket]: Alright, yeah, I'll look through. I don't know anybody who's a handwriting expert, but we're a big company.
[Slicket]: Birdie gave me a card for an Incunabulum Kettleblack for law advice, so I figure I can give everything to them once I get what I can get collected.
[Elohad]: One person to find and swipe the document, one to examine it. I bet we can find both in the files, and if not, someone will know someone. I can put you in touch with all sorts of people, indirectly.
[Elohad]: Ah yes, Inkie! They'd be just the lawyer for the job if it comes to court proceedings.
[Elohad]: Absolutely unflappable, that one. A little inscrutable, also. Or is that unintelligible? Anyway, they know their stuff.
Slicket nods. "Sounds like a good gnome to know."
[Slicket]: Seriously, you're a lifesaver, Sir Ference. I dunno what I'd do if they escalated from damaging my mechanostrider. And I don't really have the connections here you do. *Slicket makes an 'oh' sound* Right, yes, I was also gonna ask if there was a safe place I could store my mechanostrider?
[Elohad]: You can keep it here at HQ if you like. Door's either locked and warded or there's someone here.
[Elohad]: We always take care of our own.
[Elohad]: We've had people living here for months at a time, so, your mechanostrider should be no trouble.
[Slicket]: Alright. *Slick relaxes a little* That'll set my mind at ease. It's my first ride since I lost my rocket car, so I might… uh, don't tell anyone… but I think I might feel kind of sentimental about it.
Elohad winks and gives him a warm smile.
[Elohad]: Your secret is safe with me.
Slicket grins. "Glad to hear it."
[Elohad]: And, you know, don't feel embarrassed about it. The full story can wait for another day, but the nutshell version of my own rock bottom is that I assaulted a priest and got kicked out of the army, and a few months before starting Cobalt Company I was begging for booze in an alleyway. So… there's no rock bottom too deep and too rocky that you can't rise up out of it and end up on the House of Nobles. Or equivalent.
Slicket 's eyebrows raise, but he seems more impressed at the rise than judgmental about the fall. "Wow, really? That's one heck of a turnaround. I doubt I'm bound for the House of Nobles, but… yeah. I'll take that in mind." He pauses. "Can I ask, what inspired you to make Cobalt Company, from there?"
[Elohad]: My daughter. I'd thought she'd died in the Third War, and I heard her singing as I walked by a tavern doorway. She helped patch me up, and once I had even half my brain back, I knew it was time to help people again. The Light moves in mysterious ways.
Slicket looks a little awed. "Whoa. That must have felt like… unexpected hope… unlooked for happiness. Imagine finding your daughter after all those years…" *Slicket's face turns thoughtful*
[Elohad]: Yeah. It was… nothing short of miraculous. Changed my life, and by extension, a lot of other people's.
[Slicket]: Changed mine, that's for sure.
[Slicket]: Can I tell you something, in confidence? It's somebody else's thing, but maybe you might have some kind of insight.
[Elohad]: I'm always happy to listen, and you can be sure I'll respect any sensitive information.
Slicket nods. "Somethin' tells me you will. It's about Nat - Natlee, the priestess I've been workin' with. She's a good friend. And speaking of fathers finding daughters, well, she's in kind of a similar situation."
[Elohad]: Oh yeah?
[Slicket]: Yeah, turns out this 7th Legion guy who's marrying the Captain is her dad.
[Elohad]: Wait, wait, wait… Q is Natlee's father??
[Slicket]: Yeah, for real. I wasn't expecting that reveal when it came either.
[Slicket]: Uh, assuming Q stands for Quarterflash, anyway. If it stands for Quatrain, then no.
Elohad laughs.
[Elohad]: Yeah, yeah, sorry, lot of the 7th call him Q and I guess I picked that up.
[Elohad]: Well neither he nor Jo has breathed a word of this to me. Does Jo know?
[Slicket]: I am not entirely sure. *Slicket tilts his head, diagonal mohawk* Q sent her a letter, but that might be like, trying to confirm?
[Slicket]: She'll be like, Jo's stepdaughter, right?
Slicket picks up casual address very easily.
[Elohad]: I mean, in theory. If everyone's fine with it.
[Slicket]: Yeah, that's the thing. Nat's in kind of a state about it. Thinks maybe her dad would want to leave her in the past, make a new family. I don't think so, but I mean. I don't know the guy.
[Elohad]: Nah, that doesn't seem like Q's style. He's a real romantic. And I don't just mean in the sense of lovers and whatnot. A poetic soul, sees everything through rose-colored… well honestly fog at times. But it's cute.
[Slicket]: Then Natlee might be… I mean, not exactly the same feeling. But similar to what you felt, when you heard your daughter sing.
[Elohad]: It really depends on the relationship, I suppose. Every father and daughter are different. But if they could have that kind of happiness, that would be wonderful. A real blessing. The wars take so much from us. To get something back… that's rare.
Slicket nods. "I don't really know why they fell out of touch. She was with her mom up until, you know, Cobalt. But she's never met him that she remembers, her whole life."
[Elohad]: That's definitely a bit of a different situation. No telling if they're even compatible as people, you know? But it's worth a try.
[Elohad]: And I know that Jo would be delighted to have a stepdaughter.
[Elohad]: I've never known anyone as accepting as she is.
[Slicket]: Yeah, you think so? So like, I should probably encourage Nat to go see him, and maybe her too.
[Elohad]: Definitely. I can promise you that at least neither of them will be anything but kind to her. They don't have an unkind bone between them.
[Slicket]: Okay, that's good to know. There's not any trick in it, or probably any ulterior motives.
[Elohad]: I… am not sure either of them are capable.
[Elohad]: It's not that they aren't smart! They're just… the opposite of devious, let's say.
Slicket raises his eyebrows. "Alright, that's uh… different from how Nat describes her mom. I bet she'll like 'em."
[Elohad]: I would honestly be more concerned she might pull one over on them. They're both… goodness. How do I put this…
[Elohad]: Uh, they default to trust and belief in people, to an extent that sometimes strikes me as unwise, and I once let a Defias spy right into Cobalt Company.
Slicket laughs.
[Elohad]: One of Jo's best buddies is a blood elf. *Just imagine. The ultimate proof of gullibility.*
[Slicket]: Whoa, for real? How'd she manage…? Oh, probably Dalaran, huh? Mage stuff.
[Elohad]: Yep. Mage stuff.
[Slicket]: You don't need to worry, though. Natlee's not gonna do anything like that, she's made a lot of vows. She wouldn't even scam the goblins tryin' to scam me.
[Elohad]: Oh, that's a good sign. Revenge would be very tempting.
[Slicket]: Yeah, I think she's on the up and up.
[Elohad]: I would not have expected her to be the type to honor a vow. That's… an interesting dimension to contemplate. Wonder if I can make a note in her file without it being obvious what I'm talking about… *he scratches his beard thoughtfully.*
[Slicket]: You'd have to be kind of tricky yourself, for that. *Slicket grins*
[Elohad]: Oh, I have my moments. *He winks.* I prefer to think of myself as… a master of strategy.
Slicket grins. "Strategy's always good to have. Can't win a race without."
[Slicket]: But uh, on the scam thing, that was another thing I wanted to ask, which is kinda embarrassing. If I can't get this whole thing cleared in a legal way - is there any way, maybe, Cobalt could like… assume the debt? I'm not going anywhere. I'd pay it back.
[Elohad]: Hmmmm.
Elohad scratches his beard again.
[Elohad]: You know, I've never done anything exactly like that, but I don't see why it shouldn't be a service we offer in extreme cases like this.
[Elohad]: For proven members.
[Elohad]: Might be worth actually writing it in as a benefit for a certain level of status with us.
[Elohad]: Providing or assuming loans at low interest rates.
Slicket looks at Elohad with hope. "Thanks. I bet more than one person would appreciate it. Still, I hope it won't come to that. With the contract and the forgery investigation and Kettleblack and everything. But it means a lot to know you'd have my back."
[Elohad]: Because I am not going to lie, I have access to a staggering amount of gold. Not only a fair share of my own, but also people I could call on and get to invest.
[Elohad]: So now you've got me thinking a bit about more ways I could use that. The fact that I could help people and open up another type of investment for my portfolio… I am intrigued.
[Slicket]: Most of mine's in the flame chicken… uh, the mechanostrider… right now. But I'm gonna save up again.
[Elohad]: Heh. Well so long as you're working for us I expect a steady stream of gold in your future.
[Slicket]: Yeah? Glad to bring in new ideas. *Slicket smiles*
Slicket nods at Elohad. "It seems like Azeroth's gonna keep needing Cobalt."
[Elohad]: Yeah. I'll have to consult with specialists on every aspect of this situation, but that's kind of what I do. I find people to do things. I used to also occasionally do things myself, but I'm getting old.
Elohad winks.
Slicket winks back. "Knowing all the right people is its own kind of skill. I think that's still doing things, in a certain way of thinking."
[Elohad]: And these days I know a lot of people who know a lot of other people. I'm starting to think I'm probably no more than three degrees of separation from everyone on Azeroth.
[Elohad]: Or in the Alliance, at least.
Elohad is quick to remove the implication that he might know Horde People. Ew.
[Slicket]: Whoa, now that's something. Well, and through me I guess you know Steamwheedle too, if in a less friendly way than I'd like. *It's okay, Steamwheedle are neutral.*
[Elohad]: Heh. Doubt I'll be pulling on that thread anytime soon.
[Elohad]: Maybe I should extract a promise from you that, in exchange for my help, you keep clear of goblins in the future aside from pleasant small talk. Hm?
Slicket winces. "They've got some really good… okay, okay. Gnomish engineers are good too. I'll… I'll agree to that. It's a promise."
[Elohad]: Especially these days, you can never tell for sure which of them are Horde sympathizers. And yes, gnomish engineering is the best in the world, as you should well know, as you took the tram here. What have they done that compares to that, hm?
Slicket murmurs, "Prototype engine…" But then he looks up at Elohad and nods. "You're right, sir. That tram is a feat."
[Slicket]: I'll keep on the gnomish side of the screwdriver in the future.
Elohad laughs.
[Elohad]: 'Atta boy.
Slicket rises, holding out a hand for Elohad to shake. "I shouldn't take too much more of your time, Sir Ference. But I'll let you know if anything new crops up with the goblin thing or the Nat thing. And I'll have a look at the files and send you those names."
Elohad reaches out to shake his hand, his large human mitt likely almost swallowing the smaller four-fingered one. "You know how to reach me, anytime. Be safe out there."
[Slicket]: You too *Slicket winks* Have safe connections.
Elohad chuckles at Slicket.