Strengthening the Fringe: With Class Edition

[Valik]

Dranok had lived most of his life as a slave to the Rakata, but today he stood with his head held high . . . as a servant to the Governor of Zaadja, Fringe High Councillor Lucien Cordel. Truth be told he was still a slave, but he had a much better standard of living, better clothes, better food, better everything. It seemed the High Councillor wanted even his servants to be the epitome of class and elegance, and as such his life improved. It wasn't like he was going up in life's social ladder, but he spent the large majority of the day in a palace and didn't have to worry about where his next meal came from, so it was about as happy a slave's life could get.

Ding Dong.

An echo resounded throughout the Hall. Dranok took a quick look at his chrono. The Governor didn't have any meetings scheduled for at least another hour. This was highly irregular. Heading to the door he found a simple looking man with a terrible gleam in his eye, not unlike that he'd seen on the High Councillor, but the man was wearing the clothes of a simple commoner.

"I must apologize sir, but you are not on todays list of meetings. If you'd like to apply for a timeslot to see High Councillor Cordel I'll can probably squeeze you in around six months." Dranok said to the man, before he replied with a cold, almost emotionless demeanor.

"Tell him my name is Warren Valik, and he will wish to see me."

"Sir, it doesn't particularly matter what your name is, you are not on the-" Dranok replied, before he felt his trachea compress and his breath left him.

"I didn't ask for excuses. I said talk to him. If he denies my presence than that is his business, but I will not be upheld by a common servant." The man continued coldy, before releasing his grip. It seemed he was one of those talented men. Perhaps his business was important after all.

"I'll speak with him." He said, before shutting the door and heading towards the Master's quarter. He knocked on the door softly to let him know that Dranok was on the other side before speaking.

"Excuse me sir, I am terribly sorry but there is a most insistent man at the door who wishes to see you. He says his name is Warren Valik and that he has some business with you, but I cannot find him anywhere on the list. Shall I call the guards High Councillor?"

[member="Lucien Cordel"]

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Lucien was just enjoying his afternoon tea when a knock ruined his peaceful tranquility. He had been stirring his tea but the noise had caused him to lose his rhythm. The entire cup was therefore ruined and would have to be thrown away.

Lucien was half tempted to pull his intruder through the locked door but then he would need a new door. All his servants knew that Lucien took tea at 3pm and was not to be disturbed, he rose and was about to go and pour the ruined tea over the servant at the door when dranoks voice resounded through the key hole.

Lucien was some what surprised to hear that warren valik was at his door. He smiled "I very much doubt that guards would hold back Lord Valik, don't worry I will see him" Lucien opened the door and stepped out "You are dismissed dranok go back to your duties" Lucien said through a smirk he still took pride in the grave wound he had done to his high and mighty ex student.

Lucien opened the door "Dr. Valik come in" Lucien said gesturing to the entrance hall

"I must apologies for Dranoks behaviour he is obidient to a fault but not terribly bright"

 

[Valik]

"As you wish my liege." Dranok replied, and began heading off to do the afore mentioned duties. Namely, polishing the various priceless pottery and displays around the main room, where the High Councillor Cordel had brought the man, apparently a doctor, into the manor. The High Councillor then, without quiet or restriction, apologized for Dranok's behavior, despite his obvious proximity to the High Councillor's voice. The remark to his incompetence was obvious, perhaps a sign that the High Councillor wished him to learn a lesson, or perhaps a hint that the High Councillor was going to punish him later. The very thought was terrifying, his Lord's ire was not something to be trifled with.

"One could do far worse for help I suppose." He heard the 'Dr. Valik' speak in reply. Hopefully the man's somewhat-of-a-compliment would save him from whatever punishment the Lord was concocting, if he could only be so lucky. "I have been wandering around in the Fringe for a while, uninterrupted and protected." The Doctor continued as Dranok listened curiously, but focused primarily on cleaning the vase in front of him. "I've decided that it's a good investment to stay, and keep good relations with the rulers. I'd like to create some things for you and the other High Councillors to show this." The Doctor continued. Sounded like he was just another man trying to curry the favor of the Governor. Still, it sounded like he had the means to back it up, unlike so many who thought they could get to the Governor's level. It would be interesting to see his response.


[member="Lucien Cordel"]

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Lucien had no incling currently to punish dranok, he wasn't even all that displeased dranok had done what he should have normally done ... However sad as it was one had to pander to ones own guests.Dranok close proximity was entirely circumstantial and would have no bearing on anything Lucien said.

Lucien ran his hand back and fourth across the arm of his chair. So he was to be bribed. Lucien thought that rarther qauint ... The last person to try and bribe him was currently trapped down a mine. Lucien only hoped Warren Valik lived up to his reputation and that his bribe would be somewhat better. Lucien listened to all Valik had to say before inclining his head slightly "I trust you are aware Lord Valik that the councillors are all elected meaning we may be out of office come next election".

Of course Lucien had no incling to allow some one else to take his position ... Not without a good dose of civil war anyway. " Of course I have no intention of losing my seat and even if I do my string of other positions should see that I still carry a degree of influence" Lucien readjusted in order to lean forwards "Your proposal interests me please continue."

 

[Valik]

Dranok put up a small smile as he moved from priceless vase to another, listening as the High Concillor voiced his absolute power in spite of the democractic system the Fringe. Though Dranok knew the Governor to be a man who didn't give in to the bribes of the hundreds if not thousands that seeked to curry his favor the Governor expressed interest in this man's proposal. Clearly he had to have some of reputation.

"The position is democratic yes, but thusfar we've had little turnover, save for the loss of a Dragon and an alchemist resigning. I do not believe I will have to worry about you losing your position." Dranok heard the doctor continue, in a rather matter-of-fact tone. Dranok reasoned he didn't seem a man of emotion.

"In any case I was thinking you might appreciate a Sith Sword, and perhaps a set of armor as well." Dranok heard the Doctor say as he polished priceless pottery proactively. "If I may, could I see your finest suit?" He said, and Dranok nearly gasped at the question.

[member="Lucien Cordel"]

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Lucien smiled all be it only a little [member="Valik"] spoke true. He was notably more impressed with the good doctors offer "I would certainly appreciate that. Dranok sounded as if he had just been punched in the stomach " Don't gasp Dranok its in becoming" Lucien said sharply before pondering on Warrens request you see his best suit varied depending on the occasion, his best day to day suit would be considered a travesty if he wore it to a white tie affair and likewise his dinner suit would be unsuitable for a buissiness meeting.

Lucien deduced however that Valik intended his best day to day suit and thus that is what he would see. Lucien could have taken Valik to the suit but he was at loathe to walk all the way to his dressing room in the east wing. He turned to face dranok who seemed to be fiddling with a statue "Dranok please go and collect suit ed 46, the one I wore to Darriens graduation" he said with a nonchalant wave.

The fact that he had a sorting system for his suits was telling of the fact that lucien possessed a large amount of clothing. It was nessiry of course that he have a suit for every possible occasion and that he had enough that he didn't have to deal with the taboo of always wearing the same thing to an event multiple times. And of course he didn't have lots of suits all in one place at the same time they were circulated amount his numoiras homes and his wardrobe changed with the season.

Dranok returned a short time later with the correct suit. "You can lay it on the coffee table then return to work" Lucien stood up unzipping the suit cover. His finest suit was a three piece charcoal coloured suit. " will you be staying for dinner Lord Valik? " Lucien said as he sat back down.

 

[Valik]

"Yes my liege." Dranok replied and then hurried off to find the master's suit. Edition 46, worn at Darrien's graduation. 46, 46, 46. The butler-slave thought to himself as he examined the sections of the man's walk in-closet, organized first by Formal/Casual/Dinnerware, then by tens. Quickly finding 'Formal 40's' he then leafed through the suits, finding 46 and pulling it off of the rack. Afterward he headed back down to room where Lucien and Dr. Valik were speaking. Lucien quickly told Dranok to put the suit on the Coffee table, to which Dranok complied with haste and precision.

He then returned to his task, polishing the forehead of Lucien Cordel. Or he forehead of one of Lucien Cordel's busts rather. "If it is not inconvenient, that would be most appreciated." He heard the doctor say, before the man put out a small hum, as if he were thinking. "If I may, I'd like to see this." the Doctor said, and Dranok didn't realize what he was doing until a moment later, when he turned to see the Doctor laying his hands on the suit, and some sort of dark energy permeated the air, that even a non-Force Sensitive such as he could feel. Though Dranok could not see the suit changing in one way or another he knew something was transforming. There was something there that wasn't there before.

[member="Lucien Cordel"]

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Lucien nodded "Dranok inform the kitchen that Lord [member="Valik"] is staying for dinner" he said before returning his attention to Dr. Valiks work. Lucien couldn't lay claim to understanding what was going on, he did nothing but watch however one must occasionally have faith in even that which they don't understand.

The force provided a heightened awareness the dark energy overwhelmed him,it was akin to the feeling he got when he first stepped onto korriban. From the look on Dranok's face Lucien reasoned that the dark energy must be strong when even a barely educated non-force sensitive could feel it.
Lucien felt he should say something but what to say. Thus he simply remained quiet and watched.

 

[Valik]

Dranok pulled a small comlink out of his right jacket pocket in response, whispering into it quietly after adjusting it's frequency. "The Governor is expecting a guest this even, please prepare accordingly." Once that was done he returned to dusting off the Governor's bust, making occasional glances towards the Governor, his guest, and his suit. The man continued to simply touch the suit, before letting it go, then raising a hand, pulling the suit into the air as if it were attached to some manner of wire, causing Dranok to shake a little. He supposed he shouldn't have been surprised at the display, what with him knowing of High Councillor Lucien's powers and witnessing a display of the Doctor's supernatural abilities already, but he couldn't help but still be amazed at the things they were capable of.

Snap-hiss.

A gentle humm then permeated through the air, causing Dranok to jump, nearly knocking over the Governor's bust. Nearly. That would have been bad. Dranok spotted a silver cylinder in the man's hand, next to a crimson blade erupting from it's tip. Dranok watched the humming blade slice through the air, bisecting the Governor's nicest suit. Except . . . the suit was still there. It had touched the edge of blade he was certain, but it didn't have a scratch or burn on it. What sort of tricks was this man pulling?

"I trust you shall find this useful?" Dranok heard the doctor say before the humm disappeared and the cylinder returned to a clip on the man's belt.

[member="Lucien Cordel"]

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Lucien was unfazed by [member="Valik"] lifting his suit. This was hardly shocking for a sith lord who had spend most of his life around force users. He did however nearly have a heart attack when Valik ignited his saber and sliced at the suit. Lucien shot up. The suit was unharmed Lucien breathed a sigh of relic. Lucien toached the fabric testing the whole suit for damage.

Lucien collapsed back down he breathed out turning to Valik. "Yes ... That will be very useful, can it resist anything else and can this be done to my other clothing?" Lucien asked. Dranok seemed to have become distracted, that was notably unsuitable "Dranok is there a particular reason that you have stopped work, I hadn't realised that you had done all of your assigned duties were completed"

 

[Valik]

"I have nearly completed the evening's tasks My liege." Dranok replied before heading back to work. He'd get himself in trouble paying attention to distractions like this if he wasn't careful.

"I don't really have the time to get your entire wardrobe done, but I could manage a spare rather easily, giving you a backup incase this one is damaged." He heard the Doctor reply as he moved over from the bust to a painting. There Dranok dusted off the frame and then began to apply a chemical to the glass protecting the painting, removing any fingerprints or any other such unwanted markings from the glass. He continued vigorously with his task until he felt a small buzz on his pocket, before pulling out a comlink and taking it to his ear.

"Excuse me my liege, but the cook wishes you to know that your meal is prepared, should you wish to adjourn to supper."

[member="Lucien Cordel"]

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Lucien nodded curtly in response to Dranok. His servant was obediant and cetaily did good work it was just a shame he had the attention span of a fruit fly.

Having reprimanded Dranok Lucien returned his attention to [member="Valik"] "A spare would be appriciated , a man in my position can never be too careful" Lucien replied. One could never be certain that a person was as harmless as they seemed, Lucien had known assassins conceal weaponry with their young. However now was not a time to be worrying about assassins. Dranok disturbed Lucien's rarther morbid train of thought to announce dinner.

"Of course, please inform the kitchen staff that we will take supper in the breakfast room" there was no sense in opening the grand dining hall for only two people. Had he been alone Lucien would probably dined in his study. Rising slowly Lucien turned to Valik "If you would like to follow me Dr.Valik I will show you to the breakfast room"

 

[Valik]

Dranok bowed at the man's command, then popped back up to his post and pulled a comlink out of his pocket as he watched the doctor follow Lucien to the breakfast room. "The High Councillor and his guest are on their way to the breakfast room. Please prepare the table there rather than the grand dining hall." Dranok said before finishing his cleaning of the main painting. With that done he decided to head back over to Lucien's closet, as the Governor had expressed desire in obtaining a spare. Heading into the jungle of suits he began trying to remember which one's Lucien frequented, and which ones he saved for special occasions. He was unsurprised that Cordel had picked Suit Edition 46 as his best suit, but finding his second best suit would be a nightmare.

***

Meanwhile in the breakfast room Alfred was setting the table, as the master and his guest would soon arrive. A napkin and two forks set to the right of the dinner plate, a knife and two spoons to the left, an unfilled wine glass to the top right, to be filled upon Lucien's choice for the evening, and a gourmet meal as the centerpiece. All placed with exacting precision, and while Alfred was wearing spotless white gloves, so as not to leave any prints on the tableware. Once that was done he stood off to the side at attention, awaiting Lucien's choice of drink for the evening.

[member="Lucien Cordel"]

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Lucien led the way from the drawingroom to the breakfast room. The rest of the house was dark and silent. The servants had long since learned to conduct their duties whilst causing minimal amounts of disruption. The breakfast room it's self was a simple enough space, containg a small wooden table it was a relatively plain piece of furniture by Lucien's standards. Of course the table was not cheap like every item in Lucien's multiple residences the table was far beyond the means of a plebeian family. Lucien seated himself at the head of the table and indicated [member="Valik"] at the opposite end. unlike in the grand dining all the occupants of either end of the table could hold conversation without exceeding a reasonable vocal volume.

Lucien silently investigated the place setting then gestured Alfred over "I think the time has come to open the fifty year old red" it was a gift from one of Lucien's more favoured advisors. The food was a first glance a rather simple affair a meaty broth to start followed by a rack of roast meat but such food was nessiry to bear the brutal weather of zaadja. All that distinguished Lucien's meal from that of the average citizen was the meat Lucien's chiefs used only prime cuts of meat whilst the lower classes relied commonly on off cuts. "I feel now would be a prime chance to determine what it is you desire in return for your ... Services. So Dr. What can I do for you?"

 

[Valik]

Alfred watched as the Governor bid his guest to the opposite side of the table. He could see why he requested the Breakfast Room rather than the grand dining hall in that case, as conversing with someone across such distances would be difficult, to say the least. He took a moment to examine the table settings, as he always did, but neglected to mention any significance with them. A sign he had set the table as the Governor wished he supposed, or perhaps a sign that he didn't want to admonish his servant in front of his guest. In any case he did request the fifty year old red, the drink of the evening.

"Of course High Councillor." He said in reply, before heading into the kitchen and then the winery. Everything was sorted with precision by the kitchen staff, so locating the bottle was an easy task. A benefit of serving such a high ranking official was that he had the money to pay for a well-equipped staff, and Alfred didn't have to manage the majority of such affairs himself. With the bottle in hand he headed back into the breakfast room, hearing the tale end of Cordel's question, before silently heading to High Councillor's side, popping the cork, and pouring him a drink.

"I wouldn't mind being allowed to study the Monitor Class ships we've acquired from the old Sith Empire." Alfred heard the doctor say as he poured him his wine. "But mostly I'd just like to keep me in mind." Alfred head the Governor's guest say. Not a favor specifically, but to keep a good word of him perhaps? Alfred wasn't sure. Then again, that's why he was the butler.

[member="Lucien Cordel"]

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Lucien nodded in thanks to his butler before returning his attention to [member="Valik"] "I'm sure that can be arranged" Lucien said before taking a drink of his wine. It was good, not the best but non the less it would serve. Lucien had very known a deal of the calibre at which Lord Valiks work resided come so cheap. He would be cautious of a catch, one could never be too cautious.

Lucien tore a chunk of bread dipping it into the broth " it just doesn't seem fair to give so little to you, when you seek to do so much for me ..." Lucien lifted the bread from the broth a dark red juice ran from the bread down his fingers. Lucien took a bite of the bread chewing quickly before swallowing "I am led to be live that in your line of work live test subjects are something of immence value and like all things of value they are some what rare ..." He lowered his tone leaning forward " I offer a solution in exchange for the services you have and plan to render I offer you every convicted traitor on Valhalla and trust me there are a lot" Lucien lent back wiping the stain from his hands onto the corner of is napkin leaving a blood like stain on the otherwise pristine white fabric. "Is this agreeable?"

 

[Valik]

Alfred watched as Lucien casually offered a deal to offer a score of felons to his guest, as 'live test subjects'. While Alfred understood the crimes that the felons had committed, the traitorous lot, the way Lord Lucien spoke, it implied that the testing was not something of a moral means. He knew his master was what many would consider a Sith, a man who valued practicality and efficiency over freedom, but what the master hinted at seemed to have a much more sinister undertone. He was glad he was standing as an attendant rather than eating, as he didn't have the stomach for such conversations.

"That is kind of you Lucien. I can assure you they'll be put to good use." The doctor replied, before finishing off a portion of his plate. "Tell me High Councillor, have you ever heard of the compound called Laminanium?" He said, before pulling reaching into a pocket and pulling out a block labeled '1.5 kg'. "An amazing material. A metal that can maintain a solid or liquid form in nearly any temperature. First used as an armor for droids that would heal itself." Alfred listened as the doctor began to move the metal, expanding it from a simple block into more complex shapes with the Force. "Imagine, if you will, a weapon that you could change the form of at will. A sword one minute, a whip another, a light shield the next. It could be anything you want, provided you had the mass." Alfred watched as the block was continually reshaped, until a long, thin blade emerged, and ornamental guard forming a it's opposite end. In his research Alfred had heard of Sith Swords before, and he had a feeling that was what was being formed in front of him, a rapier of the darkside.

[member="Lucien Cordel"]

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Lucien inclined his head in affirmation pleased to have solved the overcrowding problem in Valhalla's prison system. Shipping felons off to a morally questionable scientist was far suppierior to executing them all. The doctor Introduced a rather interesting material to their conversation. It look to be very useful. "I must confess I had nevered headed ofman Laminanium Dr. [member="Valik"] But I can't Deny its usfulness " an adaptable tool would save him so much time and a weapon that could be so easily disguised opened up several ... Possibilities. Lucien stood up moving over to Valik "may I" he asked opening his palm.

 

[Valik]

The High Councillor's eyes acted as Albert's own, following the melting and reshaping of the metal as it pointed into a blade, the cross-guard beginning to form as a handle stuck out of it's center. As the High Councillor expressed his lack of knowledge of the metal Alfred was a bit reassured, as he hadn't heard of the metal either. It was a curious thing, this flowing metal Lamininuim. As the flow solidified into a rapier a dark glow began to permeate around it, before the High Councillor put down his food and rose, heading over to receiver of the Val'hallan traitors, asking to handle the material.

"Of course." The High Councillor's guest said, before handing the blade to Lucien. "It's base form is that of a rapier, I figured a weapon of precision would suit you best, though though subtle manipulations of the Force you can change it to take whatever shape you desire, provided it has enough mass. It will probably take a bit of time to be able to learn how to properly use the weapon, it's the only one of it's kind after all, but once you've got it down it'll be something your opponents have never seen before." The Doctor continued, as Albert scooted himself a bit to the left, to gain a better view of the Master appraising the weapon. He was most interested in seeing how it would be handled.

[member="Lucien Cordel"]

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Lucien took the rapier turning it over and examining it. It was very much to his taste "A rapier is most suitable" Lucien said lunging in the opposite direction to Valik the weapon was perfect. Having looked over and tested the rapier form, Lucien reasoned that it was time that he attemptend to morph the weapon. Lucien willed the sword to morph into a dress cane. After all that was the item that best item to fit his image.The natural took shape for a moment then returned to its primary form "Perhaps I require more practice"

Lucien smiled and returned to his seat "This is most impressive, thank you" Lucien gestured Alfred over "please have a case made for this sword as soon as possible but in the mean time put it some were safe" Alfred nodded and moved swiftly to carry out his orders. "And serve the next course" Lucien added. Lucien took another drink of his wine. Dr. [member="Valik"] was certainly skilled that was undeniable. Perhaps Lucien could find greater use for him.