In The Court of the Crimson King {Meira}

[Dutch]

It was a cold morning outside the Palace of Corellia this day. A lone small freighter slowly set down on the small landing pad behind the temple, well behind the palace walls. With a Hiss! the freighter's door opened, steam billowing from the hydraulics as it opened. On the freighter was Sleyan Machineworks in big, block lettering. From the loading ramp came a small group of men, all wearing olive green jumpsuits with the letters "SMW" on the back in yellow. There were four men total, three of them had hoversleds with large plasteel crates on them, each one stamped with the Sleyan Machineworks logo. The fourth and final man had a simple hoverdolley, with a single, smaller plasteel crate on it.

The men walked single file into the Palace, a few CorSec officers filing in next to them as they moved, making sure the King's package arrived unhindered. Their boots clopped in unison as they marched, their strides certain and steady. After a moment they arrived at the doors to the Advisory Chambers, where the King would be. The man with the smallest crate stayed there, where as the other three turned with CorSec and were led elsewhere in the Palace. A single CorSec officer stayed behind with the lone Sleyan Worker.

The officer hit a com button next to the door, the com buzzing before he spoke.

"This is Officer Mack, His Majesty's package has arrived."

And with that, the pair waited a response, and for the door to be unlocked.

[Meira]

Rook sat in his chair at the head of the table, his head in his hand as the advisers, one by one, admonished his lack of precaution. His trip to the coast with Queen Hyria was a disgrace. Not only did it overstep the bounds of proper interaction between Royal colleagues, it had put both of them at a great risk. Had he forgotten that both himself and Onderon's queen had gained their titles through the loss of family members? Did he believe himself immune to such attacks? The list went on and on, and it was early in the meeting that Rook had decided not to argue any more. It made no difference.

It wasn't until the adviser that replaced the terrible excuse for a living creature Creed spoke that Rook lifted his head from his hand and looked around. He had mentioned something about new protocol. That it had been wise that the Advisory Council had decided as they had. The new security measures would surely help with such an unruly king who showed blatant disregard for his own safety. As if on cue, just as Rook was about to ask about the new security measures, a tone sounded from the door and Officer Mack's voice came through. A murmur arose from the advisers and the door was unlocked, allowing Officer Mack and another man access to the chambers.

Rook stood and watched as the two men came in, his eyes trained on the plasteel crate. What is this? He asked, the question open for anyone to respond. His gray eyes were clouded and untrusting. He was fairly sure he would not like what was about to transpire, mostly because he had a feeling that he would have little say in the matter.

[Dutch]

After the doors slid open, Mack gestured for the SMW employee to enter before him. The pair walked in to see the King sitting at the head of the Chamber's table, world weary and regal. The SMW employee brought a datapad out and handed it to Officer Mack, gesturing for it to be signed. Mack signed it then bowed towards the King before leaving the room. The SMW man then lowered the hoverdolley to the ground. He started punching in some things into his datapad, a blank workman's look on his face. Turning his gaze to the plasteel crate, he took a weary breath before speaking.

"This here is the RA series droid you requested gentlemen, his designation is 1272."

And with that the door to the plasteel crate hissed as the pressure released from it, the door slowly sliding up. As it moved up, it revealed a shining, motionless automaton, his photoreceptors black, and his body rigid. His body was a gilded golden color, along with vivid green and gentle purple and silver highlights. The SMW man continued punching in something into his datapad before nodding and turning his gaze to the king.

"This is our newest droid type we've created, top of the line Anti-Assassination model. Doubles as a protocol as well, versed in over six billion forms of communication, programmed for etiquette, and deadly to any who try to kill your Highness. His backups are being installed as we speak, 2 on your primary transport, six throughout the Palace, and one in the throne room. Also, his Slaved Dedicated Wireless Source Server- or SDWSS- comes in three as well. One is being installed in the Palace's security office, one in your ship, and we have one for you as well, your Highness."

The man handed a small, rectangular, green object to one of the advisers, who then started passing it down the table towards Rook. After it had reached the King, the employee continued to explain.

"You'll see one of those panels can be pressed down on, if you feel you are in danger of any sort, that will activate up to three total RA's in your area to come to your rescue. Also, if Ra himself feels he needs backup, or he gets destroyed, more of him will activate, a constant flood until the assassin is detained or killed. Now, with the Sleyan Guarantee, for each RA that is destroyed, a replacement will be sent right away, the SDWSS automatically sends Sleyan Machineworks a notice of the destruction, and will send replacements asap. Any questions your Highness?"

As he asked that, he punched something into the datapad one last time before stowing it in a pocket. Not a second after that, a slight whir could be heard as the droid started its initial start up after being in storage for months. All three photoreceptors blinked on, glowing a rich purple as they stayed on. The droid's posture barely changed, now looking more fluid than before, but still very rigid. He stepped forward out of the container before bowing very low, even for a droid, before speaking for the first time.

"Good morning sir! I am RA-1272, here to serve and protect your Highness from those that may want to kill you! I am versed in all the major languages of the galaxy, as well as versed in over one million, five hundred thousand, three hundred and twenty-two ways of killing organics!"

The droid's voice was a very proper sounding one, snootier than some of the most stuck up senators of the Republic. Ra turned his purple gaze to the SWM worker and raised a hand.

"Cheerio then mate!"

Ra then moved quickly to stand at the King's side, standing stark still except for his middle top photoreceptor which visibly moved from each of the advisers' faces, to the door, to their faces, to the king, to the door, and so on and so forth.

[Meira]

Rook's jaw was set clenched as Officer Mack signed the datapad. When he bowed, Rook nodded his head absentmindedly to the man and he exited. Rook's eyes didn't leave the crate. When the man spoke, Rook tore his eyes away to look towards his advisers. Some were smiling as if pleased with themselves. Other's, those that were close to Rook throughout his life seemed to avoid his gaze. But none seemed to be as confused as Rook himself felt.

Who authorized...

He began his question, but never finished it. As the crate opened, the young King's curiosity got the better of him and his eyes were drawn back to it to see what might lie inside. The droid that came into sight was impressive looking, with all the colors dear to Corellia styled on it. The workman's voice didn't entirely register to Rook until the words anti-assassination were uttered. At that point Rook locked eyes with the man, paying closer attention.

Much of what the man said was beyond him. As the small device was handed along by the advisers, Rook's eyes were drawn back to the droid. He barely noted when the device was placed into his hand. The workman continued his descriptions and ended, asking if Rook had any questions. Rook's eyes again returned to the man, a sense of being utterly lost not hidden in them.

Wh...

But at that moment, the droid came to life, stepping out of the container and bowing. When it spoke, Rook simply stared. He watched warrily as the droid made its way over to stand by his side. Rook never moved, but tracked the droid's movements with his eyes, turning his head as the droid came up beside him. When it stopped, unnervingly motionless, a silence filled the room with the only sound being the motion of one of the droid's photoreceptors.

Finally pulling his gaze away from the droid, Rook turned his eyes on his advisors. Those that had seemed pleased with themselves looked back at him with innocent smiles, while those that knew him better held back chuckles. Rook didn't know if he should laugh with them or yell at them. Finally, after a few agonizing moments of silence, one adviser finally spoke.

Your Magesty, this droid is top of the line. Your safety is paramount to Corellia's stability.

It's a glorified nanny droid! Rook didn't bother hiding his frustration. The few chuckles in the room were quickly subdued when Rook's stony gaze enveloped the room. Who authorized it?

For Rook's right, an elderly adviser stood. His name was Arden, and he had known Rook's grandfather, served his father, and was one of the few men Rook trusted unquestioningly.

I did, sire. Please understand that we did not make this decision lightly. But I believe you will find that this droid is the answer to our dilema. You seek more privacy, which is understandable. But you cannot deny the need for your protection. Imagine the turmoil Corellia would face if you were harmed, let alone killed. I think you will find this droid more acceptable than a unit of guards. It has been deemed that it will only answer to your majesty. In the event that you cannot speak for yourself, he will then answer to the chief of security. Please, we emplor your Majesty, accept this droid and let Corellia rest easily.

Rook huffed air as if it might buffer him from Arden's words. But it was to no avail. The man spoke with frank senserity and a logic that was air tight. Indeed, one droid was much better than a full detail of guards. And if the droid reported only to him, he might have more freedom than he did now. With a sigh, Rook placed his hands on the table in front of him and finally nodded his head.

Very well. Are there any other matters to be discussed? When the advisers each shook their heads Rook dismissed them. No one lingered to speak with Rook. They had seen that they'd pushed their luck enough already. Very soon, the room was empty, spare the king and the droid. When there was no one left to look at, Rook finally conceded to turning his eyes to the droid. He watched it for a moment, eyebrows furrowed as he bit his bottom lip. It was a fine piece of work, that could not be denied.

So... Ra, is it?

[Dutch]

Ra's photoreceptor continued to click oh so slightly as it moved, continuing its scan as everyone spoke. It snapped to Rook as he spoke of Ra being nothing more than a nanny-droid, and despite the protocols within him saying to keep quiet, his months of not having a memory wipe over-rode it.

"I am no mere nanny droid sir! I am a highly advanced anti-termination machine specifically designed for you and your lifestyle! I will never fry flesh as long as I can avoid it in your presence sir!"

And with that the droid was silent once more, he cared not for the words these advisers spoke of, not a single "Die!" or "Down with the King!" to alert him for initiating anti-assassination protocols. That didn't mean he wasn't listening though, his audio recorder took in everything that was said- to be reviewed later of course. It wasn't long before the group got up to leave, the King more or less telling them to. As Rook turned his look to Ra, Ra turned his head to the left in a fluid, quick motion. These motions would make someone unsettled, had they not known the droid was there for their protection, but Rook had nothing to fear. Ra was 100% dedicated to the man, even if the droid had only been in His Majesty's presence for no more than an hour.

"Yes sir! My designation is RA-1272, but I feel it is too impersonal for someone of your caliber to speak as so, thus, I processed a nickname for you, to appease your flesh processor!"

Ra snapped his head from looking at the King, his receptors once more scanning the room. Ra really wouldn't be one to speak, yet, but as shown before a mere couple months of there not being a regular memory wipe would indeed work in interesting ways. Like all droids, it was only a matter of time before his "self" would show.

[Meira]

The way the driod had turned its head, so quick yet so seamlessly had caused Rook to step back and away from it. It was disconcerting, especially since he was alone in the room with the droid. Its speech too was a bit off putting, but Rook assumed it was something his 'flesh processor' would get used to over time.

Rrrrright.

Rook's eyes scanned around the room as if he wasn't sure what to do now. After a moment, he decided there was no reason whatsoever to stay here. The morning was on its way out, giving way to the afternoon and Rook's stomach was marking the time. Lunch time to be exact.

So... you're going to follow me everywhere I go?

As if to test the droid, Rook started to walk slowly towards the door, his eyes trained on the droid to watch if it would follow. Each step was dramatized and he pumped his arms in slow motion as if he were running away. When he reached the door, it opend and he quickly turned the corner and began to count the seconds in his mind until the droid appeared in the hall.

[Dutch]

Ra's photoreceptors never left Rook as he moved and spoke. He couldn't quite process why the King was acting so ridiculous, but then again, most things organics did didn't process. But, just to prove a point, Ra didn't move, instead, a little signal was sent out from Ra to his server. His vision split in half, and a little sensation of what could be called humor went through the droid.

"Yes sir, your Highness! Wherever you go, I will always be there at your side."

Just as Ra said that, the King left the room and quickly made his way down the hall. But just as he started moving, another Ra stepped out from another corner right in front of him- and if the King wasn't watching, would bump right into the droid. The primary Ra stepped forward stiffly, moving out of the room to follow the king. The secondary Ra raised a hand in a wave and said

"You see sir, I can be in multiple places at once! Jolly good for keeping you in my receptors!"

No doubt this news would frustrate the young King, but, Ra had also thought that maybe, just maybe, Rook would appreciate the company- and the protection.

[Meira]

Rook's mind didn't even have time to process the elapsed time from when he stepped out of the room, for as he moved along the short distance of the hallway, Ra appeared from around the corner. So abrupt was this unexpected appearance that Rook had been startled, even to the point of letting out a less than regal WHOA!

In his disbelief, Rook turned to go back in the room. But no sooner had he turned than Ra stepped out from the room. Rook now stood between two identical droids, looking back and forth between the two. When Ra spoke, Rook wasn't quite sure which one to address. The memory of the workman telling him and the Advisers about the multiple droids came back to him, and Rook settled a little.

Yes, well... I think just one will do for now. He turned to the second Ra that had appeared from around the corner. You can... umm.. you can go back to....

He waved his hand as if shooing the droid, unsure of where it had actually come from. He assumed somewhere dealing with Palace Security. A second growl in his stomach reminded Rook that he had an urgent meeting with lunch in the kitchen. He turned back to the... primary? Ra.

Right, well... come on then.

The king and the droid moved down the corridor until they reached the kitchens. As there were no large events planned for the day, the place was rather empty, with only a few staff moving about inside. As they entered, Rook was asked if he wished to have something made for him.

Oh no, please. I'd like to make my own lunch today.

Rook's smile was apologetic as the cook, looking slightly disappointed, nodded his head and turned away. But soon enough the kitchen was empty and Rook wasted no time rading the stores looking for the ingredients he would need for one of his favorite dishes... a sandwich.

[Dutch]

Ra's middle eye spun and focused on Rook in his confusion and shock, recording the expression and storing it. Some strange satisfaction trickled through his processor at the reaction.

"You see Sir, anywhere you go, I can follow and protect you from those that might want to see your inner meat on the floor!"

The two copies of Ra said in unison, both copies then crossing their arms in the same way at the same time. After the King requested that the secondary Ra leave, he bowed low and gracefully before spinning on his metal heel and calmly walking down the hall away from the adviser's chamber, reprimanding a servant for slouching as he walked. Right after Rook said for Ra to come with him, Ra bowed his head and responded with a

"Delighted to Sir!"

As they walked through the palace corridors, Ra's middle eye darted left, right, up, down, everywhere, snapping pictures and taking notes, recording every detail of the palace as he could, including the various workers that worked around them. The minute they entered the kitchen, Ra immediately recorded and noted the dangers to the King, his blaster in his arm priming to pop out and fry some flesh as needed.

His processor lagged for a nanosecond when Rook refused his servant's offer to make him some food, the droid not understanding.

"Sire, why do you keep these peasants around if you won't use them to attain organic substances for your flesh pocket?"

Ra turned his body to watch Rook as he forged for food, still quite confused at this situation.

[Meira]

Yes, Ra was something that would take time to get used to. Hopefully, however, the unsettling double-droids-speaking-in-stereo would only be an extremely rare occurrence. Rook wasn't sure if he could handle that for extended periods of time. But if anything, Ra did seem to have a positive spirit programmed into him, and Rook couldn't help but smile and shake his head at the droid's eagerness to do just as Rook told him to. And that accent... it just had to be some programmer's idea of a joke.

Rook was now pulling out the various food items that would serve as the ingredients to his most delicious recipe for a sandwich, arranging them on a counter and checking to make sure he had everything. What lay on the counter was an odd assortment of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and dressings, none of which really looked like common ingredients for a sandwich, but to Rook, it looked like the beginnings of perfection. He had retrieved a knife to begin cutting the vegetables when Ra asked his question. The simple oddity of how it was phrased was enough to stop Rook mid-slice and lay down the knife. His eyes turned to the droid and he didn't even try to hide his confusion.

Flesh pocket? Really? Six billion forms of communication and you choose the term flesh pocket?

Rook could barely finish the sentence for laughing. He'd picked the knife back up and continued slicing, shaking his head and chuckling still at the term. When he'd finished, he set the knife aside and began to assemble his lunch.

I don't necessarily keep them around Ra. I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm not the only person that lives here. The cooks and chefs don't just make meals for me. And besides...

Rook had finished compiling the sandwich now and had turned and taken a bite out of it. So large was the sandwich that he was hardly able to get a decent bite in. And his next words were muffled by a mouth full of delicious food.

... no matter how many times I explain how to make this, they never get it quite right. They always try to make it more than it is.

Rook walked over to a table where a few chairs were set. He put the sandwich and its plate down on the table and pulled out a chair to sit. In the middle of the table, a container held napkins, one of which Rook took to wipe his mouth. After swallowing his food, he continued.

It's just a sandwich. And sometimes, I'm just a man that wants just a sandwich. You know?

[Dutch]

Ra watched with amusement as the King foraged for the various ingredients for his food pile. He found it very odd, why stack these foods together? Was it for mass consumption? Was his food pipe too wide to eat these items one by one? He could only continue to ask himself these rhetorical questions until Rook's words snapped him out of his list of questions. His middle photoreceptor snapped to face Rook and Ra's head tilted to the right with a quick snapping motion.

"But Sir, what else is there to call it? It's a small malleable pouch within your meat that is made of flesh and stores your organic fuel, am I not correct Sir?"

Ra tilted his head the other way in confusion, why would His Majesty laugh at logic? He put his head back into it's proper position and whirred his middle 'eye' at the knife as Rook used it, watching to see if he was going to need to dive and save the King from himself. But, as it became apparent his flesh digits could handle the weapon, the 'eye' went back to scanning the room.

He watched as the King spoke about not being alone, but stepped forward in horror as the King's mouth stretched wide to bit into the food pile. But once more, as soon as he saw the King was OK, the droid stepped back into his earlier spot and tried to process what the King was saying.

"Oh Master, don't be ridiculous, I'd think anyone could make a pile of organic fuel like that. It's just stacking food isn't it?"

Ra walked with Rook as he moved to the table, standing next to it but not sitting, that wasn't very proper. His middle photoreceptor spun with curiosity as the King spoke again, his words cryptic to the droid.

"Do I know what? I know many things, what is it exactly you are querying about? Do be specific Sir, I can only work so much with your organic slang."

[Meira]

The Basic word stomach will do just fine I think.

Rook shook his head, chuckling at the droid as he continued on. He took another bite and relished in the wonder that was the sandwich. So simple, yet so delicous. Ra's comment on the sandwich made Rook wonder if maybe the chefs were droids. Ra seemed to reflect their sentiments exactly, though the chefs spoke more out of insult. It seemed a discredit to their honor and workmanship to create such a petty meal. Exactly why Rook simply stopped asking them to and chose to do it himself.

Don't worry about it.

Rook said, setting the sandwich down and crossing to a fridge to find something to drink. He found some fresh squeezed juice and poured himself a glass, taking a long drink before refilling it, and moving back to the table. He took the next few minutes to silently enjoy his meal before speaking again.

If you answer only to me, does that mean if I give you a command to not share certain information with certain people, you will comply? For example.... If I order you to not divulge my eating habits with the advisers?

The prospects of the droid were coming to him now. The advisers saw Ra as a means of keeping an eye on him, even when they physically couldn't. Well that was all fine and good. He did understand their desire to assure his safety. But Rook was now looking at Ra as a means of getting away without the advisers being able to say anything about it.

[Dutch]

{OoC: I see your new avatar! And I get the joke! XDDDDD}

"But sir, 'stomach' is far too simple to describe your meat pocket. However, I will do as requested."

Ra's middle eye spun as he spoke, focusing on Rook as he chuckled, saving the new data of his every move. As the King got up and told him to 'Not Worry' a mechanical laugh-track sounding laughter sounded from the droid, Ra placing a hand on his 'chest'

"Oh Master, don't be ridiculous, I am a highly advanced, finely tuned machine! We don't worry like your organic meat processor does."

The exact same laugh-track laugh sounded once more, the droid shaking his head to mimic organic disbelief. His eyes never left the King as he moved about the kitchen though, his circuits buzzing for a second at his final statement. On one hand, yes, he was directed to do anything that Rook said. However, anything that has been recorded by Ra could be easily accessed by anyone who downloaded his server. After a few minutes of silence while calculating, Ra then nodded and bowed deeply towards the King.

"Terribly sorry 'bout that Sire! I simply had to update and add a plasma-wall shielding into the software of my server, from now on, anything you say or command shall be unaccesable- the server will automatically fry if tampered with! So yes, your food stack shall remain a secret with me, your Highness!"

[Meira]

There was a span of time where the droid didn't move at all. This was odd. Rook was already getting used to the constant motion of the driod's eye, so to see the thing completely still caused him to pause as well. It was as if the droid had shut down. Rook stood from his chair, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand and stepped over to the droid. Leaning in close, he could hear the whir of the droid's inner mechanical workings, so he knew it was still on... but it was so still!

When Ra spoke, it caused Rook to jump back just slightly, startled. But Ra's confirmation that it would be able to keep Rook's secrets caused a smile to form on the young King's face. Stepping back over to the table, Rook grabbed the glass of juice, downing the last of it in one gulp. He then took the glass and the plate he had used for his sandwich over to a sink and then turned back to face the droid.

Good. I've got some work to do that I want kept private. You'll come with me of course, so be sure that whatever you record or... whatever, is accessable only by myself and certain individuals that I will determine. Understood?

Rook didn't exactly wait for the droid's answer. He moved quickly from the kitchen and began to make his way back to his private chambers. The question of how he might hold true to his promises was now answered. Without the necessity of a full security detail, Rook would be able to move about more freely. He'd be able to help Aunna clear her name. In the morning, he'd visit Mr. Borgonia. He'd recieved Aunna's message late last night. Aunna's father held the evidence that would be the first step in the process.