A Second Opinion

[Hazel Zanteres]

Location: Dosuun, Blackwater Reach​

​

Hazel was terrified.

In the wake of the incident on Hoylin, nothing had been particularly going her way. Or rather only one, pretty significant thing wasn't.

Her ailment, her disease, her...poisoning. It had been twenty or so years, and she still never settled on an actual term for it. Though in the bigger picture of things that was nothing, there was still something in her body - in her blood, that had the very real potential to kill her if she wasn't careful. For all those years Hazel had been lucky that her training with the Jedi; the healing, had kept it check. Stifled its progress through her body, and always pushed it back from her heart if she were to ever slip up. Even her good nature nearly saw her dead a number of times, the latest being not that long ago. When the Sacred Lotus had brought the Ren to Monastery to tend to their wounds. Where she had nearly keeled over to successfully bring one of their number back to life.

Then Hoylin happened.

Hazel still didn't have any solid idea of how it happened. All she could recall was passing by someone and then it just hit her seconds later. It was the most violent episode that had ever struck her, damn well nearly killed her even. Thankfully Bethany had been with her at the time, had helped reinforce her healing to ensure she recovered and pushed back its sudden advance. After that, it was fine - for a while. It was only when they returned to Monastery that it got into Hazel's head; the paranoia. So she ran tests, as best as she could with what the Sacred Lotus had, and not wanting to reveal it to everyone else. It was probably irrational, but Hazel just simply didn't like people knowing.

It had mutated or something along those lines. She wasn't sure, but whatever had happened had altered it. And Hazel had no way of knowing just what it was capable of now. Well, aside from leading to her death obviously. Amongst all of her panic to try and figure something out, Hazel remembered a name, one that had came up a couple times during the Ren's stay on Monastery.

Doctor Ven

She had looked her up, discovered she lived on Dosuun and was working for the First Order - which made sense why the Ren were familiar with her. But the fact was it was just a name, Hazel didn't know who she was or if she could even be of any help. But Hazel was deseperate, she needed a second opinion on this and someone who could run better tests on her condition. So she took the gamble, and took a period of leave from the Sacred Lotus to track down the doctor.

Hazel arrived to Dosuun, checking to the hospital she knew the woman he worked in, only to find she no longer was. That she had apparently up and dissappeared one day, only to return a sometime later and suddenly took up residence in the Blackwater Estate. Doctor Ven was apparently Baroness Ven now. To Hazel that was certainly an interesting development, but more importantly it meant she had a specific location to go to. So she took her ship towards Blackwater Reach, utilizing the nearby landing pad to get as close as possible. It did immediately cross her mind that the place lacked any signficant security presence, especially given the fact she was able to go right up to the front door.

She did take a moment to admire the scenery, which was a simply stunning and gorgeous view. Hazel certainly couldn't fault anyone for wanting to live out here, it was incredibly peaceful.

Hazel was dressed in a number of layers, her general work attire covered by her white lab coat which in turn had a long dark brown coat over it. It was a bit of a cold, windy day after all.

With a sigh, the Hapan raised her hand and knocked on the door.

[member="Irajah Ven"] | [member="Samson"]​

 

[Kuzo]

A small, almost birdlike man greeted her a heartbeat after she knocked. It was so swift he might have been waiting there, specifically for her. Terin had done no such thing, however the fussy Seneschal ran Blackwater Reach with a stunning efficiency that never ceased to amaze Irajah.

He bowed neatly at the waist, opening the door fully, the invitation inside the manor house as clear as if he had spoken it. The entry way was bright and well lit, dark wood and pale walls contrasting. Terin moved back, allowing [member="Hazel Zanteres"] space just within the foyer.

"My deepest apologies, but the Baroness is not here at the moment," he said, his voice clipped and maybe just a touch prissy. He seemed accustom to strangers arriving, unannounced, at the door.

"I have not been made privy to her current whereabouts, but if you would care to speak to her..... assistant.... perhaps he can help you?"

[member="Samson"]

 

[Hazel Zanteres]

Hazel had a plan. She knew she was nervous, as she had been fidgeting with the sleeves of her coat ever since she had stepped off her ship. The plan was to use the time waiting for just work it out of her system. Just let it flow so it didn't rear itsel-

Then the door opened the moment she finished knocking.

A 'hello' was on the tip of her tongue, but her mouth quickly closed when the man that had greeted her spoke. She could hear the inflection in his words, as if he had either rehearsed the sentence or had repeated it often to the point of annoyance.

Not trusting her voice right now, she gave Terin a polite nod of thanks as she stepped into the foyer. Hazel showed no real dissappointment that [member="Irajah Ven"] wasn't present, she sort of expected she wasn't going to be in - it wasn't like she was actually going to get a lucky break was she?

Her eyes wandered around the place, a slight awestruck look in her eyes. Though she sharply turned to look at Terin near the end of his sentence, just about catching what he had said.

"Y-yes um, that would be great. Thank you."

"Wonderful. If you would follow me, I'll show you the way to the library."

Again, Hazel said nothing just merely nodded her and followed as the Seneschal led the way through the manor to their destination.

Her eyes practically lit up when she stepped into the library, the lighting striking a nice contrast to the dark wood theme that flowed throughout the room.

"This is where the Baroness recieves her guests, I shall go and see where her...assistant is and inform him you are here."

"Thank you." Hazel said, another grateful nod to the man before he dissappeared. A brief, curious look wondering what it was about this assistant that got such a reaction.

Left alone, Hazel began walking around looking. She didn't dare touch, but she was certainly going to have a look at least. Briefly peering into solarium as she passed its doors.

If this library was anything to go by, Hazel imagined she'd probably come to like Doctor Ven quite quickly. The Hapan wished she could have something like this, or even the time to sit down to read a book or two.

[member="Samson"]​

 

[Itash Mecetti]

[member="Hazel Zanteres"]​

[member="Irajah Ven"]​

Terin would find the 'assistant' back in his room.

It was a spacious affair and Samson was still less than comfortable with the arrangement. His first assumption had been that of a small room adjacent to Irajah's, but instead he had been given leave of the entire guest wing, which was made for a whole family by the looks of it.

But his Master knew best and the clone never argued against it.

There was a certain sense of comfort, to simply be able to rest easy in a chair by a large window and read a book. Irajah was gone for the day and would only return by the end of the week, very busy with her research on Maena by the sound of it. In the meantime the clone was spending his time reading and receiving some lessons from the Senechal. For some reason the good man Terin grew fond of Samson from the first day they met.

Always kind, pleasant... the clone liked him.

A knock on the door broke his concentration.

"Yes?" He called out over his shoulder, while those eyes roamed across the pages of a cooking book. Perhaps Irajah would be more pleased with him if he learned how to cook?

It was worth a try.

 

[Kuzo]

Down stairs, a tall, slender woman dressed in black wheeled a cart with drinks into the library for [member="Hazel Zanteres"]. Not more than three minutes had passed, but the tray was well laid out with a tea pot, a carafe of wine, water and of course, glasses. The speed with which it was a assembled was a testament to Irajah's staff- and while it certainly reflected well on the Baroness, she'd be the first to tell someone she had nothing whatsoever to do with that. She credited the smooth way her household ran entirely to Terin.

Upstairs, said Seneschal stepped into [member="Samson"]'s room. The official 'guest quarters' occupied most of the two highest levels of Blackwater Manor's tower.

He bowed, as low to Samson as he ever did to Raja- he had been instructed to treat the man with the utmost respect. But the kindness he showed him? That was entirely Terin.

"I was hoping you could speak to the young lady in the library," he said, fussing with an invisible piece of lint on his already impeccable jacket. "Our lady did not inform me of her current whereabouts," he raised a hand to still any response just yet, smiling at the larger man. "And if she did not, I am sure she had her reasons. But if you would decide if she would tell the young lady in question? You know the Baroness's mind better than I."

 

[Darth Metus]

A message had arrived.



-- [[Message: Start]] --

TO: D0ctaLuv12
FROM: Banana_Hammock
SUB: Uhh...
-------------------------------------

Raj,

Did I leave my datapad at your place? I cannot find the damn thing for the life of me.

Also, what filter did you use on your SpaceBook avi? It's gorgeous.

-Malok

([member="Irajah Ven"])

 

[Kuzo]

[member="Malok"]

Meanwhile, on Maena.....

Irajah looked down her nose for a moment, the low ping from her console distracting her from the scrolling genetic code in front of her. Reaching over, she picked up her cup of caf to take a sip- her nose wrinkled at the cold sludge at the bottom of the cup. Kicking back with her stool, she went rolling across the office backward. Setting another pot to brew, she turned, pushing off of the counter and rolling back to her desk.

Might as well see what it was while she waited for her caf.

Tap tap click.

Reaching up, she rubbed the bridge of her nose slightly.

To: Banana-fofana
From: Wassup Doc
Re: Uh.....

I didn't see it. But what are you sending this to me on if you lost your data pad? We both know you can't type on a regular keyboard without hitting extra buttons.

And that filter is called 'out of focus and I'm too lazy to fix it'. But I appreciate the flattery nonetheless

I'm super busy right now, but if you can't find your pad before I get back to Blackwater, I'll have Terin look for it. See you for Sabacc night next week though?

-Raj

 

[Itash Mecetti]

[member="Hazel Zanteres"] ​

[member="Irajah Ven"]​

Samson looked up from his book, closing it gently as Terin walked up.

The bow left him uneasy.

Part because the clone inherently knew that it wasn't his role to accept such gestures, but part because some deep, deep part also enjoyed the sight. It was a foreign feeling, almost as if it was inserted into his optics from the deepest recesses of his being and latched onto his behavior. It was a disturbing feeling, but Samson did not let it influence his outward behavior by any stretch of the imagination.

"One day I will get you to stop bowing for me, Terin." He responded with an amused edge, before pondering deeply about their guest. It was true that Irajah had been quite specific about her intent - almost as if she was worried about leaving him alone for too long, which was another amusing thought. But that did not mean that he could not listen to the goals of this visitor.

"I can speak with her, but what is your first impression of her?"

Terin was a good judge of character, that was the first thing he had noticed since his stay at the estate. But he rose anyway, pushing himself off the seat and carefully placing the book on the table.

When you were large... you needed to be extra careful with your actions.

 

[Hazel Zanteres]

Hazel had been meandering around, her hands not really staying still and just either pushed into her coat pockets - brushing against the datapad in one of them. Or tried to keep them awkwardly to her side.

Then the door suddenly opened again and Hazel practically jumped in reaction, turning to see the woman walking in with a cart.

"Oh...." Her cheeks reddened slightly from embarrassment. "Hello?"

The woman said nothing, just gave the Hapan a polite curtsey, then waited as she looked at her.

It took a few moments for Hazel to realize she was waiting on her to ask something. Hazel shook her head, and the woman left.

She sighed once the door was closed behind her. I seriously can't be this bad can I?

Hazel walked over to the cart and eyed the drinks that were available. The wine was tempting, but not something she wanted to drink right now. And the water was just a bit too plain.

So tea it was. She picked up the tea pot carefully, only for it to immediately begin to shake the moment she held it.

Her hands were shaking.

Hazel placed the tea pot down and took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. It was only after that, did she manage to pour the liquid into one of the glasses. Then swiftly bring it to her hand and drank.

Hopefully the hot tea would calm her down.

[member="Irajah Ven"] | [member="Samson"]​

 

[Kuzo]

"Ah. One day perhaps," Terin replied with a warm smile. What he really meant of course was never.

He looked thoughtfully at [member="Samson"] for a moment before replying. Terin never gave his opinion unsolicited, but when asked, his replies were always careful and thoughtful.

"I think she need here," he said after a moment. "Unlike some of our lady's visitors, I believe she hopes the Baroness can help her, rather than in hopes of taking something from her. I don't know what it is, but if I can to gamble, and I am not a gambling sort, I would say it has to do with her profession, rather than her title or.... hobbies."

Terin's mouth thinned slightly, but the smile didn't vanish, it just became tense.

"Be gentle with her, Master Samson. I think she needs kindness."

[member="Hazel Zanteres"]

 

[Itash Mecetti]

[member="Irajah Ven"] | [member="Hazel Zanteres"]

Samson thought about it for a moment, before inclining his head in acceptance.

Terin's judgement was always sound as far as the clone knew and he did not have a reason to suspect it would be different this time around. It didn't take long for him to decide that if there was anyone who would wish to be helpful, it would be Irajah and as such helping this woman would presumably be what his Master would want from him as well.

"Very well, Master Terin." Samson responded stoically with a blank slate for an expression. "Lead on."

The clone was fully aware that Terin felt uncomfortable whenever he used that honorific himself, but if there was one Master in this household that was not Irajah? It would be the Seneshal Terin, whose guidance kept this estate from descending into madness and ruin.

It only seemed logical to honor him for this.

 

[Kuzo]

Terin led the way to the library as asked, though he was fairly certain [member="Samson"] knew were it was. Only fairly. It was never helpful to make too many assumptions about what the clone did, and did not, know. Sometimes, the Seneschal was surprised what things the Baroness had chosen to flash train into the man, and what had been neglected. He was a quick study, but since Terin had never actually seen the young man in the library, it was simply sensible to lead.

He didn't stay however. After all, if Irajah had wanted him to know where she was, she would have said. In every action, everything he did, his behavior was impeccable, and this was no exception. Irajah wasn't always certain it was possible to be that perfect, but Terin persisted in proving her wrong.

He bowed neatly to them both, gesturing to the tray of drinks and catching Samson's eye, before turning smartly and exiting the library.

[member="Hazel Zanteres"]

 

[Itash Mecetti]

[member="Irajah Ven"] | [member="Hazel Zanteres"]

Samson had an ambiguous concept of where the library was.

After all, they only arrived some time ago and the sheer size of the estate was still boggling his mind on a daily basis. It was true that some of the servants had let him know that this was nothing and that he should one day visit Dosuun or Serenno or even Galidraan to see true opulence, but while this place seemed frivolous... the concept of even larger estates seemed completely and utterly useless. More like large museums to walk around, instead of places where you could truly live. Perhaps this was Irajah's attempt to instill courtesy and diplomacy in his being, where the pendulum swung the other way and colored his perspective with false humility.

Eventually they did reach the library and Terin left them alone.

He frowned slightly when he did - he had hoped that the Seneschal would stay and provide him with some measure of support, but it seemed that the man was quite eager to leave him to his own devices.

The lady was not paying attention to the new occupants in the room. Too busy studying the various books that made up Irajah's library.

The clone coughed softly, before speaking.

"Welcome to the Reach." His voice hummed more than that it spoke in truth. Low, scratched and slow in its intonation it drifted on the air, instead of traversing the space as it should.

"How can I help you?"

 

[Hazel Zanteres]

Left to her own devices Hazel had taken to browsing through the various books that lined the shelves. Sipping at her tea, eyes falling across every spine, sometimes tilting her head slightly for the more longer titles. There was certainly a variety of reading material in arms reach, and Hazel wondered if this was all Doctor Ven's, or whether it was simply left by the previous owner. Though given the familiar pattern of what books were left alone and those not - she assumed the latter was the truth. That and the two shared similiar taste in literature it seemed.

Hazel had been about to turn around, to again refill her glass that she had been doing intermittently since being left alone.

Only for a cough and the voice that followed it to suddenly echo across the room.

Hazel wasn't sure whether she was expecting a quiet voice or a loud one, but either way it had the same effect.

She jumped, the cup almost flying out of the hand though she managed to catch it deftly. And luckily it was empty so nothing was spilt.

"Oh, sorry, sorry!" Hazel fumbled, now clutching the glass with both hands as if fearing it may just slip away. When her eyes fell on Samson, her head tilted slightly as she took him in. But was quick to shake that out of her head.

The Hapan did not want that side of herself to crop up right now.

"Yes-um, thank you for the welcome." She spoke as she slowly walked towards him, taking a moment to place the glass back on the cart as she passed it. "My name's Hazel. I take it then that you're Doctor Ven's assistant?" She held out a hand for Samson to shake.

"And well, I was looking for the doctor. There's something..." Hazel's words drifted off, biting her bottom lip as her nervousness began to heighten. "I just need her help."

[member="Irajah Ven"] | [member="Samson"]​

 

[Itash Mecetti]

[member="Hazel Zanteres"]

His own head cocked slightly as she fumbled with her glass.

Luckily enough Hazel regained her composure and managed to catch Irajah's prized porcelain, before it broke. That would have been an awkward situation and make it increasingly more difficult for him to explain the matters to her. Then she tried to smoothly transition from her own reaction towards a more diplomatic approach in the moment and that amused Samson to a degree.

"She is my Master, yes." the clone acknowledged with an inclination of his head, but then she walked over and extend her hand. Samson eyed it for a moment without knowing what to do with it.

Then he slowly extended his own.

It was a large hand, but the nails were neatly trimmed, the fingers long and graceful. Three of the fingers carefully took her fingers and gave it a soft shake. It looked awkward, because it was awkward.

The scale of his size was still a source of annoyance for him.

"What can my Master do for you exactly?" Help was help, but Samson needed the specifics, before he could determine if he could simply give her access to her.

 

[Hazel Zanteres]

Hazel's nervous state gave way briefly to confusion and a degree of trepridation, especially once she was up close to Samson. The fact she had to look up, the man being a foot taller, and the size of him both contributed to it. His physical profile easily gave off a sense of intimidation, evident by the fact his hand could probably crush hers. And yet once he spoke, how he held himself, it gave her the impression he wouldn't hurt a fly. Especially given how awkward the handshake was, and the fact he had failed to give his name.

It confused her.

Not to mention the whole 'Master' thing. Surely something like 'Boss' would be more suitable right? Or perhaps she's apprenticing him?

Her mind wandered back to the Seneschal - also noting she never got his name either, and how he seemed to have a underlying affection when he spoke of the man before her.

Hazel mentally shook her head again. This wasn't a topic that should be on her mind right now, especially so given her own state was likely messing with what she was picking up.

Once Samson had let go of her hand, Hazel slipped both into her coat pockets once more. Hoping that it would keep her from being fidgety while talking.

"I-I have an...ailment, but...a no ailment isn't right, that's more for minor-" Hazel paused before she rambled on. Already one hand was out of a pocket and was used to pinch the bridge of her nose for a few seconds. Her eyes shut as she obviously tried to find the correct words. Pondering on how detailed she should be, or rather to just rip the band aid off in one go. Either way she didn't continue until she opened her eyes. "I have an illness, a deathly one. For years now it's been manageable, but a few days ago something...changed. And I fear what exactly that is."

Hazel took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.

"I mean I'm a doctor myself, I have access to stuff but...it's not enough to pick up whatever has been altered. That's why I need Doctor Ven's help, I need someone to help my find this out and I don't know...find something to stop it?"

She'd be happy just to learn what had happened, as Hazel already knew it was close to impossible to be completely rid of it. And that was before Hoylin happened.

[member="Irajah Ven"] | [member="Samson"]​

 

[Itash Mecetti]

[member="Hazel Zanteres"]

Oh, Samson could hurt a fly and presumably rip a person in two, but only when he was commanded to.

Alternatively if Irajah or anyone else in his charge was in danger.

But barring those two situations Samson saw no reason to be intimidating, aggressive or approach individuals with anything like malice in mind. It did not seem polite or diplomatic, after all, and if there was one thing that Sam had learned in all his time within the clone creche it was that a soft word could sometimes accomplish more than a fist.

"I see." Sam responded, filling the awkward void of silence, before she continued to speak again.

In the meantime his mind went thinking and wondering what Irajah would want in this situation. His instinctual reflex was the consideration that Ven would be sympathetic with this person.

After all, her own battle with Gideon left her close to the brink of death herself.

Was this so much different than that? The clone studied Hazel next, trying to assess if there were genuine feelings of worry and resolve behind the publicly expressed words and feelings.

Samson could not sense any deceit.

Could she be dangerous? Yes, but that did not have to mean anything.

"I think my Master would want me to tell you where she was." But Irajah was dangerously naive and emotional. Most of her reactions were guided by those strong feelings, where the logical and pragmatic ceased to exist. "But I think it is safer if I bring you there myself."

This way he would be there, if this Hazel attempted to do harm onto his master.

 

[Hazel Zanteres]

Despite her current mess of an emotional state, Hazel could identify when she was being looked at - or rather scrutinized.

Albeit that was probably too harsh of a word to describe it, but she knew Samson was trying to discern something about her.

Was it how she was speaking, or acting? Maybe it was to figure out if she were a threa-

Hazel once again stifled her internal debating, and very nearly let out a sigh of relief when Samson had spoken again. She couldn't help but smile, a look of relief in her eyes that he agreed to tell her were Doctor Ven was.

Though it did falter when he added in the fact he'd have to take her there himself. Not out of a fear of the man, but rather a concern why she'd need someone with her. She was fully capable of getting their herself, but was the reason for it because the planet or place was dangerous to travel to?

So many questions began filtering through her mind, but she pushed them aside and gave Samson a small nod.

"That sounds perfectly reasonable. Is now a good time?" Hazel visibly winced at how deseperate that sounded. "I mean, that is provided I'm not interrupting something you're doing."

Now her feet were shifting about, out of habit. Her hand had returned to her coat pocket, but at the same time was silently drumming her fingers against the datapad within.

[member="Irajah Ven"] | [member="Samson"]​

 

[Itash Mecetti]

[member="Hazel Zanteres"]

Samson snorted.

If only she knew how little was happening in his life.

Say what you want, but being the assistant and clone made by Irajah was not exactly an exciting life. Early on he had realized that Irajah had not actually thought this entire thing through - when asked what his objective was, what his entire reason of existence was... she had just looked at him with more questions than even he had.

It was a troubling idea that his Master and Creator knew even less about what he was supposed to do than him.

"We may go now. Would you like food or something more to drink, before we go?" But that did not mean that his loyalty was wavering. It simply meant that his life would be more challenging than he hoped it would be.

"It will be a long journey."

Not very long.

But most definitely a couple of days, before they would be able to arrive there.

In fact, it reminded him that it would be best to message Irajah, before they traveled there. This way she would know to stay put - she had mentioned she would stay there for a week at least, but maybe she would want to return home sooner. It would be quite annoying if they missed each other because of this.

 

[Hazel Zanteres]

Hazel raised an eyebrow at Samson's snort, curious at what had caused such a reaction from the man.

But it was quickly squashed by the mention of food. It immediately reminded the Hapan that she hadn't eaten an actual decent meal in some hours.

Which in truth was a few days.

Hazel certainly hadn't starved herself, but with both her workload and this latest development she had never managed the time to actually sit down and eat. It was always just snacks or something more sizable that she could grab along the way and eat on the move.

She could practically hear her stomach preparing to make an audible sound, anticipating for the moment she would say no.

Hazel had no intention of being further embarrassed right now.

"Yes, some food would be lovely, thank you."

[member="Irajah Ven"] | [member="Samson"]​