Domo Abregado, Mr. Roboto

[Beowoof]

Dozens of tourists and lovestruck couples flocked around the fountain in the center of the Capital Square, flicking all sorts of glistening, metallic currency into the fountain's pool for good luck. They were happy and carefree, leaving behind souvenirs instead of taking. Rook had been that once. With a faint smile hidden behind the cuff of her veil, she stood a few meters back and observed these little moments of joy.

Her smile was bittersweet, however. That many could so casually toss a single coin from their pockets while others had not even one to their own name was sobering. But she had learned to accept this. Rook had been that once. Though the tarnished money strewn about the bed of the fountain could have been gathered to benefit the poor, it was not her place to say what was to be. Money was a greedy subject. Indeed, maybe it was best for the others to know nothing of it.

While Rook may have been disenchanted with the things of this realm, that was not to say that she was not delighted to see the sights and hear the sounds of this beautiful trade hub. She had always enjoyed travel and mingling with distant cultures, so she was far from the brooding widow some might take her to be. The cloaked Togruta was a content woman. She still felt that overwhelming, childlike fascination as she stepped upon each new world. She had heard good things about this planet, and she had yet to discover anything contrary.

But there was always mystery in the air. She supposed it was a weakness of hers--seeking out curiosities and troubles. An invisible hand shapes the galaxy, but each being is a tool to the ends. Perhaps she could be of service to someone. If they were awaiting the hands of Justice, maybe she could be the extended arm. And who should know of these travesties better than the authorities?

Handing a credit chip to a small child who wished to contribute to the fountain's waters, the veiled vagrant set off towards the government offices, her cloak ruffling with each step as her bare red feet pattered about the pavement.

[member=HK-36]

 

[HK-36]

[member="Rook"]
//With Invasion of Druckenwell done I can finally reply Sorry for the wait//

Meanwhile,
In the Abregado-Rae Governmental Building

HK stood at the podium in a large dome hall, it was something akin to the Senate Building of the Republic but on a smaller scale. He was in the middle of the newly-built Seym Legislative Hall of Abregado-Rae. It was here that the heart of the new democratic regime would begin, steps towards HK stepping down as the Observer, and turning towards other duties, either as Exarch or simply as wandering guardian of the people.

Either way, he looked about all the seats in the hall, making sure the visibility was good from the central podium and it was easily seen from the seats.
"Testing, one, two, three, one, two, three, testing. [member="Cira"] sells sea shells by the seashore, Cira sells sea shells by the seashore."
The droid tested the acoustics of the hall.

Currently it stood empty and a bit barren, the construction was still finishing up, furniture and all the systems were being moved in and connected and such.

"So what do you think, m'lord?"
A Gados behind HK asked, he wore a little yellow hard-hat and over-alls over his lanky shaggy body, it was Bobrr, the Foreman and Architect that oversaw the construction of the Seym.

"I think you have done a great job, and I would like to commend you."
HK turned around to face the Architect and two other Foremans, one was a Herglic, other an R6 unit (Abregado had equal rights for droids who proved to be capable of Sentient-degree artificial intelligence).
Anyway, Droid Exarch would shake the hands of Architect and Foremans, giving them nods,
"Good work, soon enough Abregado-Rae will be able to elect its new Observer and no more shall their suffer my tyrannical rule."

The Herglic gave a deep chuckle, R6 unit beeped.
"But the people like you, sir, what if they will elect you to be the Observer once more?"
Bobrr queried HK, the droid tilted his head to him,
"I will call them morons and tell them to vote again."

Yep, hopefully Rook will be able to enjoy working with HK, if they end up working together

 

[Beowoof]

Well, naturally she would find the Seym Legislative Hall to be the most prominent landmark of government presence. Having heard of the mostly pleasant order of law on Abregado-Rae, then their leader--the Exarch--must indeed be a good soul with only the best interests of his people in mind. Or he was just the savviest politician Rook had ever known of.

While a vast amount of cultures abounded on a trading center such as Abregado-Rae and no one really stood out so much from the others, it still was rather peculiar to see a woman with all but her eyes and bare feet concealed walking up the steps to one of the capitol buildings. Some looked at her quizzically; others in disgust. Was she really expecting to step inside the headquarters of government and tread the halls with the dirty soles of her feet? And did she not know that the offices had yet to move into this shiny new building? The answers to both inquiries were Yes.

Where Rook had been raised, the offices of government were non-existent by this standard. Of course, the Togruta was well-traveled and knew exactly what these more 'civilized' cultures expected and the audacity she must be projecting to the masses at this moment. That is why, when she arrived at the door to the legislative hall, she knocked.

[member="HK-36"]

 

[HK-36]

[member="Rook"]

The droid Exarch, the architect, and the foreman have turned around at the sound of knocking on the Seym's door, the sound of Rook's knocking carried in the large but more or less empty building, echoing slightly in its dome structure.
"Is that.. knocking on the door?"
The Gados architect asked,
"Who the Chaos still knocks nowadays, hauuuum"
The Herglic foreman grumbled,
"One way to find out."

HK stepped forward in the direction of the door, knocking on the foremen and architect's helmets on his way past them, just to mess with them, it had gotten a chorus of grumbles out of the three men, especially the R6 unit who shook slightly, sending out curses in binary.
It would take a few seconds for the droid to walk through the hallway down to the entrance doors of the Seym, his three companions following in his steps as they were curious as much as him.

Finally,
The door to the legislative building would open slightly as HK looked through it at whoever was on the other side, Rook in this case,
"Yes? How can I help you?"
The droid asked simply,

Behind him the three men could be seen peeking from around the corner to watch what was happening.

 

[Beowoof]

The grand doors of the legislative hall cracked open, allowing a set of radiant 'eyes' to peek out at the stranger. Rook folded her hands and dipped her head to briefly bow to her greeter--even if he was a droid. She always gave everyone this courtesy. Even if it was a foreign custom to the majority of the galaxy, there were still those cultures that expected such formalities, and it was best to treat it as a universal practice. Besides, the Togruta had been raised to do so.

"Hallo," she began, "I humbly wish to speak to your official of the public, that I may learn of the needs of his people and provide assistance in the most desired element." Speaking to droids about important things could often be frustrating, and she fully expected to be sent away as her request might not register with its programmed obligations. "If he is unavailable, I ask kindly that you might direct me to the nearest police headquarters where I could be of service."

[member="HK-36"]

 

[HK-36]

[member="Rook"]

// Sorry for the pause in posting, there were some RL issues I had to face//

HK watched the masked Togruta speak, returning the bow to her, it was a dying custom in the Galaxy, but droid was an old being, he remembered the more chivalrous times of the Old Republic when he served alongside the Jedi Knights, a more elegant times in a way, it made his background more similar to Rook's than visible at first.

But he came to a choice then, the machine could either turn her away, for what good would she be if she didn't recognize one of the most ancient droids around to be the only one to hold a seat of a planetary head of state in current Galactic age, he could simply reveal himself as the First Baron Observer and continue the discussion. Or he could mess with her.
Guess which option he has chosen?

Yeah, he was going to mess with her.

"Indeed, of course I will let the Baron know and he shall speak with you."
HK pushed the door further aside so Rook may step through,
"Please, enter, they call me Unit 36-1 of the HK droid series."
The droid gave Rook a crisp military nod, somewhat redundant as they already bowed to each other, but it seemed appropriate with the introduction.

"And surely to learn the needs of the people it should be the people you query rather than a person."
HK quipped,
"Leaders often do have a tendency of being misinformed, or misunderstanding, or simply screwing over lives of others for their own gain."
Assassin droid motioned for Rook to follow him as he turned to walk back towards the main dome of the Seym, the future center of Abregado's rule and democracy.

 

[Beowoof]

[member="HK-36"]

((No worries, I'm obviously a little slow as well.))


She had never before heard a droid speak so philosophically about politics, and it intrigued her. Conversations with automatons tended to turn out humorous, but this one had already made an impression as one oriented on societal issues. Maybe that was required for centers of government. It would make sense. "If the leader does not know the needs of the people," she responded, matter-of-factly, "then perhaps he does not deserve his station, Unit 36-1 of the HK Droid Series." An odd thought crossed her mind, musing over old tales of droid insurrections. But it was a passing thought, as surely it was ridiculous to consider.

The new Seym Legislative Hall looked rather grand indeed, but the wandering Togruta had seen her share of architecture and was not awed in the slightest. Don't judge a book by its cover. Rook noticed out of the corners of her eyes a Gados and a Herglic, rather bewildered-looking and seemingly not too busy with anything. In fact, the whole building seemed mostly devoid of characters. "Tell me, why did the governing body require this new facility?"

 

[HK-36]

[member="Rook"]

"There is a difference between the needs of the people and the needs of a person. The people need to eat, they need shelter, they need protection, and education, Abregado-Rae takes care of all those things. Our agriculture has received a boost from the Iron Chef's Company and the MRE project, the Shelter project has established a network of homeless shelters combined with bunkers, police stations, and small hospitals for emergencies, this planet is the home of the Iron Company, a formidable mercenary company whose patrols keep the streets safe since the beginning of current regime, they are closely watched in turn by the current Baron, who makes sure the soldiers will always be protectors, and never become bandits to their own people, and we have the Military Academy, one of the greatest schools in martial arts in Protectorate."

The droid tilted his head to Rook,

"But a person needs more than that. They need a good job that will satisfy them, they need to be entertained from time to time so their life will not be completely dull. Perhaps tomorrow they would like some mojo fruits with their meal, maybe tomorrow a Corellian Star Fruit or some ale. If keeping everyone happy would be an easy task, there would most likely be no Sith around the Galaxy, for why murder and pillage if already you are happy?"

The droid turned to look at the dome of the new governing building,
"This new facility is required for the governing body is changing. The planet has been under the rule of Baron Observer for some time now, benevolent dictator who was given the rule over this planet by Protectorate after he has defeated a Dreadpirate Lord RC 212 and his band who attempted to raid the planet. But he does not want to keep the planet under his sole role, he has been working with other officials of the planet to create Abregado's first democratic rule, in this facility the legislative body will be meeting to discuss creation of new, or overturning old, laws."


HK would turn then to look at Rook,
"I still have not registered your name, miss."

Funny thing about the droid revolutions, HK will most likely take part in the upcoming rebellion led by Human Replica Droids Moira Skaldi and Maellion Lianes, however, the droid will be leading his own army of droids if so, and he will be aiding the organics against more cruel machines. First volunteer droid army to fight alongside organics as comrades in order to protect peace and safety of all.

 

[Beowoof]

"My apologies, Unit 36-1 of the HK Droid Series," the Togruta responded, realizing herself negligent for not introducing herself beforehand. She supposed she had never considered elaborate formality a necessity with droids, but this one had proven himself to be a strange--almost intelligent--automaton. "My name is Rook, of the Scisci line. I hail from the Homeworld, Shili.

"It is intriguing how philosophical you are, Unit 36-1 of the HK Droid Series. I have never met a one of your kind with such a mind." She paused, mentally reviewing the doctrines this robot escort had vocalized. Rook cared little for government issues and political ideals, but while they were still in search of this upright Baron Observer, she saw no reason for her mind to remain idle. "I have no qualms with your system. But one must always be mindful that the righteousness of the people determines the righteousness of their government."

Rook could not deny that her curiosity was swelling unusually. "You have mentioned your government's extensive security operations. Tell me, do you often accept foreigners into these doors on such short notice?"

[member=HK-36]

 

[HK-36]

[member="Rook"]

HK nodded, looking to Rook,
"My pleasure, Rook of the Scisci. And let us just say that droids like me are few and scarce."

He would look over the robed Torguta, giving her another quick scan,
"I have not detected any explosives on you earlier, neither nothing that would endanger me, should you want to cause chaos and destruction here-"
HK would look up at Rook's exposed eyes,
"-I would be able to quickly disable you."

The droid omitted brandishing the hilt of the lightsaber that hanged off of his belt, concealed beneath the grey material of a cloak that cascaded off of his shoulders.

"But let us talk more professional matters, what qualifications would you have to work with the current regime and what position specifically would you look for?"
He would cross his metal arms at his waist,
"If I may ask, of course."

He would slightly tilt his head,
"You know what the name of the current Baron Observer is?"

 

[Beowoof]

Indeed, droids like he were few and scarce. It was more than a little unnerving to behold his subtle gestures that only sentients could normally broadcast, especially when he made a point to look directly into her eyes for emphasis of a rather foreboding--though non-threatening--statement. My, they sure were building assistant droids with rather diverse upgrades these days.

"Qualifications?" Rook ran through her mental catalog of what would be expected of her to mention. "I don't generally consider my accomplishments to make me worthy of privilege, and I disdain proclaiming my achievements. However, I am regarded as an elder in my community on Shili, and I have provided pro bono aid to those in need and who have been victims of injustice." She had no references, if that was what Unit 36 was searching for.

"No, I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the politicians' identities on this world. I have only just arrived here two days ago."

[member="HK-36"]

 

[HK-36]

[member="Rook"]

HK just nodded slightly, sending out a silent signal on his built-in communications to summon the Greycloaks, his honor guards. It was finally time to give up the charade, it's not like he could keep it up forever anyway,

"He is called Hache-Khe of Rae, or the Iron Knight."

Soon enough footsteps would be heard down the corridor leading to the entrance of the Seym Hall as four armored figures appeared, clad in the armor of Iron Company from head to toe, iconic grey chameleon cloaks cascading off of their shoulders, arrays of weapons, including lightsabers, visible on their belts, their faces hidden behind their full-helmet masks.

"Behold, the visage of the First Baron Observer of Abregado-Rae."

HK announced glancing to Rook as the Greycloaks reached to their helmets, the full masks they wore hissed as they slid them off, revealing the identical faceplates of HK-series droids, at least identical to that of HK-36, the Greycloaks being just copies of his current combat body, resembling a cross between the vessel of General Grevious of Clone Wars and traditional HK droids rather than just the orthodox Hunter-Killer design. The Honor Greycloak Guards would bow to Rook in a greeting.

" 'Hache-Khe', by the way, is Mandalorian pronunciation of the letters 'H' and 'K', I used to serve as Mandalore the Indomitable's bodyguard and favored assassin during the Mandalorian Wars."

The droid would fold his hands behind his back, clamping the grey cloak he wore to his back, the only thing that set him apart from his honor guard copies were the commendations and medals visible on his chestplate.

"And I prefer to think of myself as a soldier and guardian rather than politician."

HK would turn around then to look at the semi-spherical structure of the Seym Hall,

"Welcome to Abregado, the planet under my protection."
He would quip.