(2025-05-08) Cobalt Company Interview: Baalun

Details

Author:	Alli
Summary:	The officers of Cobalt Company (Ben, Elohad, Jocoza, and Paluuva) interview a new applicant -- Vindicator Baalun. ~1600 words.
Rating:	T for Teen

Jocoza Sparkwire sits in a chair in Ironforge HQ, glancing over the latest Cobalt Company application as she swings her feet idly. Today, officers are gathering to interview a promising new applicant for Cobalt Company.

Paluuva sits with her hooves extended and crossed in front of her, the chairs never quite large enough for her tall frame. She takes a moment to feed Oona, the tiny nether ray hovering at her side.

Jo glances over to Paluuva and offers the application with a smile. "Today we'll be talking to one of your people! And recommended by Dane."

Elohad comes hurrying in a bit later than his usual 15 minutes early. "Sorry, sorry," he says, still tugging on his Cobalt Company tabard. He finds his usual chair.

Jo turns her smile towards him. "Little Dane, I hope, and not politics."

Paluuva takes the application to look it over, and her eyes widen. "Baalun? I wonder if…"

A tall, muscular, grizzled old draenei dressed in simple robes and carrying a heavy staff makes his way down the stairs. His left eye is a dull, milky white, no doubt related to a scar going across it, and he wears his hair in a high topknot.

"Archenon poros." He bows to the assembled officers.

She glances up at the arrival of the applicant in question, recognition lighting up in her gaze. "Well, this is a pleasant surprise. Archenon poros, Baalun." She dips her head respectfully.

Jo rises, which really does not increase her height at all, and reaches a hand up to shake the old draenei's. "I'm Captain Jocoza Sparkwire, and these are Lieutenants Elohad Ference and… Paluuva, you know each other already?"

"I know Baalun mostly by reputation," Paluuva explains. "But we were both on the Genedar. It was difficult not to know our fellow passengers."

"Pleased to meet you," says Elohad with a warm smile.

Baalun's stony expression cracks just a little at the sight of Paluuva, "It is good to see you again, Paluuva." He turns to the others, "We were both teachers, though I took on fewer students after fleeing Argus. Most of my time was spent keeping watch against the Burning Legion."

"I suppose we're still doing that now, in a sense," Jo says cheerfully, still holding her hand out to shake. "Though naturally Deathwing and the Horde are keeping us quite busy in the meantime."

Baalun nods, "It is true. There has been no shortage of battlefields requiring my services."

"Baalun was one of the first Vindicators," Paluuva touts the man's accomplishments. "He has undoubtedly taught many of the Vindicators you have met."

"Excellent," says Elo, sitting back comfortably in his chair. He looks pretty well sold already.

Jo steps back and returns to her seat. Maybe handshakes are just not a thing among the older draenei vindicators. "Well, have a seat! We have apples and other snacks, if you'd like anything."

The door upstairs bangs and then Ben comes jogging down the stairs. He lacks a tabard, is dressed in rumpled work clothes, and his hair is wildly unruly, almost standing on end. "Hey!" he says. "Hey, y'all, I was — oh, shit." He stops dead and his ears turn red at the sight of Baalun. "Uh. I was runnin' behind," he finishes sheepishly to the others. "Sorry," he tells Baalun, and goes quietly to take a seat next to Elohad. He sits, then stands up again and says, "Sorry. Lieutenant Ben Hazan." And then he sits again.

Elo gives Ben a wry half smile, his eyes warm.

Jo beams at Ben, and then turns back to Baalun. "So, can I ask what has prompted your interest in joining our Company?"

"A pleasure to meet you Lieutenant Hazan." Baalun takes a seat opposite the rest of the Cobalt officers, "It is a matter of the soul. The constant conflict that I have found myself embroiled in threatens to weaken my devotion to the Light. I have stepped down from my position in the Hand of Argus following the Scourge War in order to reconnect with my true mission in aiding those in need. I believe an organization such as Cobalt Company would be a fine opportunity for me to continue to use my skills for the greater good while giving my soul the respite it needs to remain strong and pure."

Elohad smiles at Baalun, the wrinkles at the corners of his olive-green eyes deepening. "I know exactly what you mean," he says. "It's all to easy to lose the balance."

"That is an excellent reason," Jo says, still smiling. "And we do try to aid those in need, as we can."

"I assume then that you'll be looking for duties away from the major warfronts, places where you can protect and serve the Alliance without unrelenting exposure to the darkest conflicts?" Elohad asks.

Ben folds his arms and listens intently, a line between his brows.

"Correct. Normally I would be wary of mercenary work, but Cobalt Company has an impeccable reputation for their generosity, valor, and integrity." Baalun goes on, "I am still a vindicator. Protecting the weak and punishing the wicked is my role in life, but I seek to reinvigorate my connection to those I serve."

"A noble impulse," Jo nods. "I think we can skip my asking what you bring to the Company — we are familiar with vindicators, and your reputation precedes you. May I ask if there are any sorts of people you would prefer not to work with? Or any particular jobs, besides away from major warfronts, that you would prefer not to take on?"

Baalun raises an eyebrow, "I am not certain I understand the question. The Light teaches us to respect all life, even those of our enemies."

Paluuva smiles, "There are those who find warlocks, for example, difficult to work alongside. It is a standard question. Not everyone is as devoted to the precepts of the Light as you are, Vindicator."

"I have fought the Legion since before this world was sundered. I am wary of those who would turn to their power as I have seen the destruction it brings," Baalun says calmly, "But I do not come to bring division. I come to bring unity. I would lead by example so that those tempted by darkness would come back into the Light."

"Well, then, I think that counts as a no, you'd be happy to work with anyone," Jo nods. She glances at the lieutenants. "Does anyone have questions?"

"I do have one. I have taken on several vows in order to keep myself free of distractions and strengthen my devotion to the Light." Baalun explains, "Namely I have taken a vow of poverty. The only items I own are those necessary to my duties. Accepting payment for my services would be troublesome, but I still require support to maintain myself and my equipment. I trust we will be able to work out an acceptable arrangement with your clerks similar to how I previously received aid from the Hand of Argus."

"Oh, usually our people are paid for their work, but we manage the contracts," Jo says, considering. "But if you prefer to be paid in support rather than coin, I feel certain we could work that out within our administration. Does anyone have any other questions?"

"Thank you for your understanding." Baalun inclines his head, "I do believe that is all from me. Your own reputation likewise precedes you."

Jo smiles. "I have no reservations, then — I think you sound like you'll fit in quite well. Anyone else?" Jo looks to the other lieutenants.

"I believe Vindicator Baalun will be a boon to Cobalt Company," Paluuva affirms, her accent getting a bit thicker. "He has my enthusiastic support."

Elohad gives him a warm smile. "I'm more than satisfied, and I'm sure we can arrange the payment contract to your satisfaction. Baalun, would it be acceptable to you if the excess payment beyond what you need to maintain your armor and meet your basic necessities went back to Cobalt Company itself, to help us procure supplies, do outreach, and so on?"

"I would ask to review some of your expenditures first, if that is permitted. I had originally planned on donating the rest to humanitarian aid, but if you have the means to make use of the payment for the greater good yourself, then I see no issue with it." Baalun answers Elohad. He nods to Paluuva in thanks.

"I'd be delighted to go over our books with you when you have the time," says Elohad. "In fact, if anything in our financials looks hinky to you, it probably needs to be fixed. I'm a paladin myself, you know, though I rarely go out in the field. But I founded the Company on certain principles, and I'd like it to stay between the lines of the Light, as it were. I'd welcome your feedback."

Jo smiles, seeing how well everyone is getting along. "Then as long as Ben has no objections — " she glances over for Ben's feedback " — I think we can welcome you into the company!"

"None. No objections, ma'am." Ben nods firmly.

"Then it's official! Vindicator Baalun, if you run into any other things you'd like to ask about, please do get in touch with one of us," Jo says. "We'll be happy to make sure everything is clear."

Paluuva gives Baalun a beatific smile. "Welcome to Cobalt Company, Baalun."

"You have my thanks." Baalun inclines his head again.