A Personal Favour

[Uriel]

[member="Coryth Elaris"]

Omega Tower.

Uriel hadn't been back here for a very, very long time. It felt like an eternity since the Inquisition had... changed, for the worse. With Potteiger's insistence that a military unit in a mercenary outfit did not require any pseudo-religious connotations, effectively nullifying everything the Sergeant and all his brothers were taught to believe, they had moulded back into the normal forces. This was unacceptable to Uriel. For most of his more mindless brethren, this was okay, certainly; follow the orders of the Lord Inquisitor into wherever they needed to.

Unfortunately for Uriel, he had been in a med tank while the folding went down - meaning that he had time to consider the order for himself. With so much experience all across the Galaxy - and unlike all of his brothers, a march into Hell itself - Uriel had developed something Potteiger did not wish all of his Inquisitors to develop: pure free will. So, he had taken his rebuilt Crusader armour - the Redeemer, having redeemed his life once more - and left the Inquisition. Ironically enough, he'd not ventured far, though. He returned to his family - ironically, a cadet member of House Tyrae, taking up his mantle once more, pushing through the mental conditioning and erasing it. What he believed stayed mostly the same... but now he was free to live his way.

What brought him back to Fondor this time was a message he'd received from an acquantance, Coryth Elaris, Exarch of the Omega Protectorate. The Tapani sector as a whole was a member of the Protectorate and had been for a considerable period of time; therefore, most Tapani citizens listened to the Protectorate. Given that Uriel harboured no resentment or ill-will to the Exarch, he had no reason to ignore the message. Clad in yelow powered armour, sword sheathed on his left hip and bolt pistol on his right, helmet carried under his arm as he walked through the doors, Uriel went to find her and see what this message was all about.

 

[Coryth Elaris]

Coryth was midway through reading a report on the current situation with the border between Omega and the Fringe. More things than she truly wanted to know about, intelligence reports were hardly fun reads. It hardly was the kind of the the gentle healer really wanted to read on any day of the century, but especially now. A secretary would greet Uriel once he arrived outside Coryth's office. "Uriel, sir? The Exarch is ready to see you now if you are ready, now."

The redhead heard a light knock against her door, "Come in." She said with a sigh. At least she could get one thing sorted out today. She only glanced up for a second as she set the report aside. "Glad to see you got my message. Was a few things I wanted to discuss, if you don't mind and have the time, Uriel."

[member="Uriel"]

 

[Uriel]

"I have plenty of time. Something I seem to have a little more now that I am no longer directly serving," said the towering soldier, gladly sitting. Even in his power armour, the chair held his weight - it was nice to see these things happened. After all, chairs could hold obese people; why not someone of similar weight in metal?

Carefully, Uriel folded his hands. It was nice to see a familiar face here that wasn't going to judge him for his choice of leaving the Inquisition.

"So what can I do for you, Exarch? I'm surprised you even called on me at all."

[member="Coryth Elaris"]

 

[Coryth Elaris]

Funny how the tables had turned. Coryth once had been so free, with every ounce of time in the galaxy she wanted and now ... Now she had none. The irony in the moment, not lost on her either. How much she would have done to trade places with him in an instant to take on her burdens. But unfortunately it didn't work that way and in no way would Coryth pass her burdens onto another soul if she could avoid doing so.

"I heard. I'm sorry." She said softly.

"It was actually something on that note that I wanted to discuss." Said as she leaned back in her chair, neatly resting her hands in her lap. "It's come to my attention that I cannot be so ... How do I put this? Foolish. Yes. Let's go with that. I've made a few grave errors in judgement that nearly led to my death. One, I am no pilot. So, I never should be flying. Ever." Yes, there was a story behind that! "Two, I'm not a fighter. I never have been, don't have that in me I fear." Honesty from Coryth, probably more than she should ever be admitting but a part of her trusted Uriel given what she knew of him. "And there is a third reason but there will be time for that later. I'd rather get to my first proposal before I go into depth on the third matter."

Well, Coryth never was one for beating around the bush, too honest and good for that. "I need someone, to help look out for me now. Watch my back and so on. And make sure I don't end up generally dead. As I really am attached to this breathing thing." She just didn't want to phrase it as guard duty, aka babysitting the tiny redhead duty. "I don't want to call it ... guard duty. But really ... that's what it is. And it would be unkind to try and dress it up any other way." She sighed softly, "I know it's not the best job in the galaxy, but it would pay well. Certainly not what you would have dreamed of, but maybe it can lead to a better future for you and that at least I'd like to offer you. What do you think?"

[member="Uriel"]

 

[Uriel]

"A bodyguard," Uriel posited, and considered.

House Tyrae was now his. Technically, his full title was now Captain-Commander Lord Uriel Tyrae of the Household Guard. He had duties to his High Lord to administer the military might of House Tyrae back on Adax and in doing so ensure the protection of the planet's greatest leader. It wasn't too far-fetched to consider the fact that he was essentially a glorified bodyguard already. After all, his shoulder was emblazoned with the halo and laurel; the symbol of his House was a necessary thing for his identity - but fighting was still his identity, too.

Well then. Guard to an Omega Exarch, huh. This was more or less his prerogative - consider it his planet's token of service to the Protectorate, where he would not have to interact with his brothers.

"I accept your proposal. I see no reason not to," he explained. "My sword is yours. Do you particularly intend to throw yourself headfirst into danger, at the very least?"

Curiosity was writ on his face at the rest of the idea, all things considered; however as was standard for Uriel, he was going to let her do the talking and explain herself, as to not steal her own thunder away from him.

[member="Coryth Elaris"]

 

[Coryth Elaris]

"That, I am glad to hear." Reaching on her desk she fished out a datapad where she had laid the employment contract. "Terms are negotiable. If something doesn't look good to you, let me know and we'll fix that."

Then came a soft sigh and for a moment she rubbed at her forehead. "Not intentionally, not really. I do tend to rush off, without thinking through a plan in a hurry to aide others. Without making sure I could be as safe as possible. Or in the case of Sullust, without a proper pilot which got me in more trouble than I want to admit to. Truthfully that could have ended much worse than it did." It still had taken a certain blonde Eldorai pointing some of that out to her before she ever realized the danger she had been in. "Well intentioned, but foolish I know. Something that I'm trying to change."

[member="Uriel"]

 

[Uriel]

Uriel waved a hand away. "I am not a mercenary, my lady. I do not need terms and conditions to assist someone who is not only a friend to me and mine, but also for a task that is rightfully delegated to me as a member of the Protectorate. Think nothing of it."

And that was that - the... well, what was he now? The noble. Let's go with noble, because he sure ain't no inquisitor, even if he carried a bolter, wore his own armour and looked like a damn boy in blue.

At her claim, however, Uriel quirked a brow and considered her words. His steely gaze belied his quizzical nature at her words. "Should I invest in a dungeon ship for the sake of your well-being, Exarch? I feel it may be the safest option instead of letting you roam free. To your credit, it would be the best dungeon ship in the Galaxy. Luxury fit. But I feel you would be better served living and safe, than amok and dead."


[member="Coryth Elaris"]

 

[Coryth Elaris]

Coryth nodded "Of course. Thank you." Happy to have him on board without having to worry about anything else really.

A small chuckle escaped her lips as she rested her head in her hand for a moment, trying to hide the fact that she'd suddenly turned a nice shade of crimson. "Well, I'm sure some around here would also be inclined to agree with you." Just not for the reasons you think.... Hmmm, maybe I should have that conversation with Kaida. "Alas I do need the freedom to move about, to get my job done these days. And as I said, I'm working to change those habits. Plus there are a few people who would raise me from the dead just to murder me again if I rushed off into a really dangerous situation again. So, to avoid such hellish things I have to be better than I have been. I've been informed that contrary to my personal beliefs I matter to others and people depend on me. I cannot let them down, which is more than enough reason for me to avoid such things. Foolish and carefree days are over I'm afraid. I don't get such luxury any longer."

[member="Uriel"]

 

[Uriel]

It was nice to be able to say that he wasn't a mercenary - there was a certain sense of pride on accepting this task. It was an unfortunate reality that his brothers were now mindless mercenaries, as they were all programmed to follow the orders of the Lord Inquisitor... no, he no longer deserved that title. He was simply the Lord Protector now.

Uriel waved it all away, for the sake of the woman in front of him. Instead, he turned his attention to the fact that she posited her immediate need to not throw herself headfirst at murder.

"I assume you don't go looking for fights, at the very least," he said with a chuckle, the noble strongly considering himself actually amusing. Oh, wow, look, Uriel's growing a personality!

"Escorting you into dangerous situations is not a terrible idea. I feel that you possess more than enough common sense to know when to call upon me, regardless. At least Adax is not far from here that I can come and go at your request. What kind of dangerous do you typically encounter?"

[member="Coryth Elaris"]

 

[Coryth Elaris]

Coryth shook her head, "No, truly I don't. They still seem to find me anyway, despite doing my damnedest to avoid them." After all, the redhead was a trouble magnet to say the least. And it seemed like the more she actively tried to avoid such things, the stronger they seemed to be attracted to her.

She sighed softly, "Yes, I do." I long ago should have gained such sense and insight. Should not have taken me this long to figure it out. "Well, most of my work is in humanitarian aid. The normal kind of dangerous are people looking to interrupt such work for whatever reason. There have been a couple high level negotiations with other governments outside the Protectorate which can bring many unforeseen problems. And then there are the people I've pissed off over the years." Though she wasn't sure there were too many of those these days. "And Sith. I do have one bastard of a Sith that still keeps trying to kill me. One who has come back from the dead three times to haunt me." She sighed heavily. That was not something she wanted to think about but the danger was all too real.

Reaching down she lifted the sleeve of her business suit to reveal a tangled mass of deep crisscrossing scars that covered every inch of exposed flesh. She'd been fortunate that he had left her neck and face alone. "He did that to me, and let's just say these scars at hardly isolated to just this arm. The monster wanted to ruin me for everyone else from that day forward. And even now beyond death he still seems to be fascinated by me for whatever deranged fantasy he has. So, I cannot rule him out as a threat to me and mine... Even now as I was there the last time he died."

[member="Uriel"]

 

[Uriel]

There was a momentary pause at the mention of Sith, to which Uriel considered his next words carefully. "Well. Your Sith foes have yet to meet one of the finest warriors to be produced of the Inquisition." He would have said - and almost did say - something along the lines of 'well they have yet to meet an Inquisitor'. But that was no longer true, was it?

However, a Sith that continued to return from the dead was a more than slightly concerning issue. In fact, this was an issue that seemed to need a certain brand of firepower to deal with. Urield would have to, as the new bodyguard to Exarch Elaris, ensure that this creature could no longer rise from the grave. If this was indeed true, this was a foe versed in powerful Dark Side magicks. Uriel would need to be very much ready to deal with that threat. The scars across Coryth's body were testament to that fact; this was a volatile, dangerous foe that required killing.

Regardless, Uriel was most certainly on board for this task. She had a reputation as a good person, at the very least; she was a healer and doctor that contributed to the betterment of the Galaxy at large, no matter what affiliation she bore. That was a worthy cause no matter what.

"Regardless, we will deal with these hurdles as we approach them. I am curious about the other venture you mentioned, however. Do you care to elaborate?"

[member="Coryth Elaris"]

 

[Coryth Elaris]

Coryth nodded. Xerexes had met his fate when he met Siobhan, having his spine ripped out and his clones killed. Now, well, she had a feeling he'd be back eventually to try and claim her life. That much she was sure of. "It's just something we have to watch out for. Especially considering that there is nothing between he and I, aside from me being engaged to his nephew. Nothing else ever happened for me to bring his rage upon me. Still I'll be glad to have you at my side."

She smiles softly, "Yes that. I'm working to start a non-profit medical aid company. With the only goal to help those across the galaxy who need it most. I've been setting aside for it for some time. Years in fact. Aside from gathering my own personal funds, it's not off paper yet. But I'd need help, someone who could help ensure that things go well once it's up and going. People to ensure no shipments get stolen, guards for projects on the ground as war torn worlds would be a common place for us to go in and help the injured... So there is much danger in that. Being an Exarch isn't my dream job, but I took because I could help a ton more people with it, than I could on my own. This company would allow me to do the same without the politics. It would let me help those that truly need it without being attached to a government body. It's not a right now thing. It is my future and I could see a place in that for you, if you are interested."

[member="Uriel"]

 

[Uriel]

It was an interesting change of pace, to be a bodyguard. Uriel wasn't entirely sure he'd be there for everything, but with this sort of charge he'd be there for plenty. Besides, this duty was a little more pure than simply fighting as a mercenary. A better life than simply conquering in the name of the Protectorate, taking the fight to the enemy. A stalwart bastion, the shield - it was considerably a better choice for his lifestyle. Still on the battlefield fighting in the vanguard, though now with higher purpose. If that did not appeal to him, nothing would.

This, however, was an interesting proposal. A non-profit medical aid company meant a lot of projects, meant a lot of trans-galactic travel. Starships, medical supplies, high-risk situations. It would essentially mean a truly neutral Galactic medical aid organisation. Perhaps better and more efficient healers than the Jedi proclaimed to be, in a number of ways. Yes, they would need protection; the One Sith and other detractors typically did not respect the rights of the medic upon the battlefield and so warriors such as himself would be necessary.

"I see," he mused. Then considered. Could House Tyrae support this venture? Could he take some of the Household Guard and fight upon the battlefield with his new brethren? After all, a good cause was a better thing to crusade for than the notion of extermination. A new purpose in life. Things were coming together.

"Consider my interest piqued, Exarch," he stated plainly, resting his hands on the table. "I will see about gaining you some additional support within the Great Houses of the Tapani sector. Perhaps some more financial assistance would be beneficial, even if only from a small source."

[member="Coryth Elaris"]

 

[Coryth Elaris]

Coryth's entire expression lit up, excited that he was interested. "I'm so glad. It's a most welcome development and I'm happy that you are interested." The possibility of additional support, warmed her little heart, "That would be wonderful. I've worked very hard for a long time saving everything I could. Doing everything I could possibly do to try and make this a reality. It's taken me long enough just to gather what I have, and even then I know I'll still rely on donations and what products we make, to keep it going. Profit isn't the goal of course, everything that we make will go right back into the organization to help as we can. There are far too many needy people out there in the galaxy that are desperate for this kind of help. And of course neutrality is key to stay out of future conflicts.... Reasons when I do step away from the office of Exarch, that I want this set up, independent of any one nation. I can't have politics playing a role in it. Or that being why a planet turns our help away."

She then sighed, "Granted that is still a ways away, but it's a good future. Where I can offer to help just as many if not more people than I help now as Exarch." Coryth never imagined she'd be the one to have a desk job of any kind. But first Exarch and then this company .... Between the both they were forcing her to settle down into a more normal life. Less wandering, more helping, without all of the risks she previously took on a whim and without thought.

[member="Uriel"]

 

[Uriel]

Uriel offered her a nod of understanding. Money was always one of the key factors in any plan; things had to happen, first. Sponsors needed to be gathered. Funds needed to be distributed. Without the glorious assistance of wealth, so many brilliant ideas never took off the ground. This, however, was not going to be one of them.

"I will attend to what I can with the Lords of my House. Surely they would not be opposed supporting a goodwill trust that benefits the Galaxy and brings glory to House Tyrae," Uriel said. "I cannot promise the support of my masters, of course - but I will do what I can for you."

However, curiosity got the better of him. "Between now and then, what do you plan to do?"

[member="Coryth Elaris"]

 

[Coryth Elaris]

"Thank you, the help I most appreciate. Let me know what they say, as soon as you know. Any little bit helps with things like this." She nodded slowly, "Of course, I understand. I truly appreciate it."

A small sigh fell from her lips, "Between now and then I must continue my duty to the Protectorate and serve as I have been called to do. There are many people I can help now from this office and I won't stand aside and let them go unaided. It is my duty, to help as I can wherever I can. As much as I want this future, for now I need to stay focused on the present." She didn't mention the real reason that she took office and who she had really aimed to help. But a woman like her could not let two entire races of people be wiped from the galaxy from the impending disaster. Not if she could help it.

[member="Uriel"]

 

[Uriel]

"There will be plenty of people to help in the immediate future," remarked the noble. "With the destruction of Corellia so soon after it was razed plus the considerable... misplacement of people throughout the Netherworld, there will be an unending amount of work."

Uriel knew about that from experience. He knew what Hell was like; he'd seen it with his own two eyes and it was not a place he ever wished to visit again. However, it also posed the problem that there were millions missing or dead still, that there were so many misplaced about the Galaxy and what would likely be an eternal stream of problems cropping up from this little mishap of the Force. Damn Forcies. Always karking everything up for everybody else.

Uriel shifted in his seat, hand coming to his chin. "Well. Whenever you have need of me, you only need call. Beyond that... you will likely find me on Adax at any time you require my services. Fortunately I rarely leave the Tapani sector now."

[member="Coryth Elaris"]

 

[Coryth Elaris]

"I agree, completely." There were far too many people who had suffered and would need help getting back on their feet. And now, well at least she was in a position to do some good.

A soft smile formed on her lips, "Thank you. I will no doubt call. I have a feeling you'll be needed more often than not." After all, the redhead still had a habit of getting into trouble, especially when she aimed not to.

[member="Uriel"]