The Commoner Noble

Wein's eyes widened, he rattled his mind of the possible scenarios as to why he would be in the residence of the baron. He had no connection to him and most importantly nobles treated commoners, the ordinary man less favourable as they would treat each other. Wein wondered what the possible reason was for the baron to bring him along from the alley he was dying in and stich him back to normal.

"Why am I here?" he uttered. "After saving the baron he had you brought here for healing and instructed me to treat you" replied Astra, her robotic, cold voice ringing in Wein's ears as the memories of what transpired the night before came rushing back. He attacked the two criminals who were responsible for his friend's death, in search of revenge he had been stacking them and waited for the opportune time to pounced.

Wein realised that the baron was that old man he indirectly saved, and he was a man who held great power and influence within the vast space that was the galaxy. "I did not know he was the baron, I just…" he spoke incredulously. He tried to get off the bed and try to open the door only to feel a stinging pain on his arm that was cut not too long ago.

"Warning sensors indicate, there is pressure on your wound, suggesting you remain on the bed" flared the AI who immediately rang an alarm.

Wein clenched his teeth, he was in a huge amount of pain. He remembered his cut arm and how he was able to see his bone and bone marrow leaking out in the pool of blood. The thugs did a number on him, not only did they almost take his arm away, but they also gave him a severe beating that he could still feel even after this time.

Using his other hand he pushed himself back on the bed and laid on his back, there was no getting away now. He had to face the baron which was something he did not want. Based on how nobles treated commoners, Wein feared the baron would be offended that his reason for stepping in was not to save him but for revenge.

He could lie but that would be far worse if his lie was discovered, so Wein needed to confront this head on.

"Vitals are returning to normal," said Astra. Wein still facing the roof contemplated his bad fortune, he had planned on seeking revenge even if it cost him his life, but he never would have guessed that the action will end with him in the baron's residence.

"Notice! The baron is on his way to the medical room" spoke Astra after some time. Wein's heart jumped, he was going to meet the baron in person, something he a commoner would rarely be able to do. He had never seen the baron in person before and only seen him on screens and heard about him from word of mouth.

He was well aware of the history of House Voss, the power and influence that came with that name and he, even though unintentional had saved the head of that house. Wein could not help but be anxious.

"Opening door" spoke Astra, the silver door opened with a quiet hiss and just as quietly it slid, retreating to the inside. A figure emerged from outside followed by two others who were wearing identical clothing. The two other figures were bodyguards belonging to the baron, being unmistakable in their black suits reminiscent to what bodyguards wear in the 21st century. Their hairs were tightly made, both human and both wearing identical black glasses.

On the other hand the baron, old as he were, was wearing casual clothes you would expect for a galactic noble. Wein was unable to mistake the baron for anyone even though he was not wearing his house's insignia. His heart skipped, the man before him paled in comparison to the man who was dying at the streets that he did not spare another glance at. This man just as he had seen on the screens exuded authority and prestige.

As the baron came to a stop before Wein, he though still reeling from the agitated pain, opted to bow his head, in reverence of the baron. "I greet you my lord" he spoke, his voice without confidence and being low. For a moment, there was silence between them but to Wein's surprised the baron Neilson placed his hand on Wein's shoulder directing him to raise.

"Lift your head, you saved my life and for that I owe you a great debt" said Neilson, his tone soft and light-hearted. It came as a surprise to Wein who always pictured the baron as a tough person with no warmth or softness.

"I am unworthy, my lord" Wein finally manged to say, his voice slightly trembling. "Forgive me, my lord but I did not interfere last night to save you, rather it was for selfish reasons. I wanted to get revenge against them who killed a friend of mine. I apologise for the confusion" he said speed running through the explanation, his voice was trembling from fear until he finished what he had to say. Nielson smiled and let out a small chuckle after hearing the confession. He could see Wein was scared.

"Regardless, you saved my life with your actions that feat alone deserves compensation," said Neilson.

Wein did not want to argue with the man, why would he? It was true he did not save him from the kindness of his heart but rather by chance and he was to be compensated because he did save him. The baron's life was valuable more valuable than his so in a way the compensation was ideal even though his action were unintentional. Wein's mind whirled with conflicting emotions, he was torn between returning to his simple life and the underwhelming sense that he was not deserving of the baron's generosity.

"I will accept your generosity, my lord" he finally replied. Neilson smiled, relieved for Wein accepting his gift. Now he only needed to find out what Wein would want. "Name what gift you would want if it is within my power I will grant it to you" he said. Wein had a hard time thinking what he would want.

"Of cause you cannot wish for the eradication of the members those thugs belonged too, I have already taken care of it all" added Neilson, there was a hint of anger in his tone. That was the conclusion of his revenge, he in his carelessness ventured out from his safety to the world to meet his old friend in secret without bringing his guards, and that led to him displaying an unsightly look of being beaten and nearly killed. He believed the world was safe based on the last time he dared to venture into the cities. But he was wrong, after awakening he ordered his men to purge all the known associated of that gang as his retribution which he was famously known for throughout the galaxy.

In a way Wein would not have to worry himself again for them seeking revenge against him for the lives of their members given they were annihilated. He was surprised but was grateful, now all that he had to do was think of a fitting gift, that the baron would be pleased with and then he would leave for his simple life once more. Wein could not merely ask for some small thing and insignificant, that would insult the importance of the baron's life, so he needed to ask for a fitting gift however he had nothing to think about.

"I cannot think of anything, my lord" he confessed after thinking. Neilson placed his hand on his shoulder and smiled back. He could guess why it was so, a normal man being asked to ask for anything on the spot. "I understand, say what. You can take your time in deciding" he replied. "Until then, you may stay here for as long as you want" he added as he stood up. "Thank you, my lord," replied Wein.

"Astra will lead you to where you will stay." The baron left and Wein was left with only silence and his thoughts. He retreated to the bed he was on and rested atop it, thinking about what he could possibly do in his situation.

He did not want to be there, being with nobles, it was a danger itself. Because they were so removed from normal people, he was afraid the baron would want something from him, something he could not give. He took a deep breath and soothed the pain on his arm that had begun to ich him. What ever the baron wanted, he would deal with it later, for now he had to recover.

The baron followed by his men walked past across the hallway. "Astra, look into his past for me" instructed Neilson. "Yes, master" she replied, after a light bleep sound was heard from the wall. On the side up the walls were panels with linear patterns flowing over them. When Astra spoke, the patterns reshaped to zigzags and were similar to a heartbeat sign on a machine.

Neilson and his men went to his office where he immediately sat on his chair while his men stood behind him. The office itself was more modern than expected, there were few if any futuristic equipment to be seen. It was spacious enough to fit many individuals at once and had smooth walls in a white colour. The office had a wide brown desk with curved patterns that distinguished the Baron as a man with prestige. On top was a holo-interface built that enable projection of documents to the screen and up in the air like a 3D projector. Over the desk were stationary ranging from pens and other gadgets the Baron used in his everyday office work, along with small plants and statues that added more prestige and decoration. On the sides were larger plants put on stylish pots that were from different species and types. They ranged from exotic to clearly alien looking plants.

Behind the desk where the baron sat was a large black chair that was comfortable yet firm that was able to turn on wheels at will. The décor in the room was fit for a noble, on the white walls were many relics along with artwork placed for decorations but also to show how wealthy of a man Nielson was.

Behind him was the window that led to outside that offered him the best view that could be found on that planet, encased behind the glass made from the best technology in the galaxy that could reflect light, dim, and ensure privacy while also sturdy to survive a direct attack.

"What did you find Astra?" asked Nielson as he sat on his chair. Almost instantly charts were projected in front of Nielson, right above from the ground in front of the desk specifically. The source of the projection was from Astra who as an AI was deeply integrated in the barony's systems and could manifest what she wanted wherever the systems she had access to were.

"Subject Name: Wein Serin, Species: Human, Age: twenty three, Status: Commoner, origin unknown, Criminal Activities: none found in galactic database" replied Astra in her concise and systematic voice while projecting documents of Wein for the baron and his men to see.

The documents included Wein's identity record and scanning results of Astra's search through the galactic database.

"Birth Data: No formal data found. First traceable event: Subject appeared as stowaway on a merchant vessel that was attacked by pirates. He survived and escaped to Velmora where he had been living doing manual and odd jobs. He has no significant affiliations or done any suspicious activities" added the robotic voice.

"He escaped pirates, how?" asked one of the men beside Nielson. Astra displayed a holographic projection of footage that was found on the ship Wein was first recorded on. The footage showed his younger self at most twenty-one realising the danger of the pirates that were attacking. The footage was interesting that raised Nielson's interest in Wein even more, from there Wein displayed exceptional skill even though they were faulty and unrefined.

Wein was a survivor, a fact that was cemented in that footage of him, where he was avoiding the pirates' attacks by mere seconds. The decisions he made, though lacking in the situations he was in were smart and got him to survive with the limited knowledge he had about the technology of the vessel.

He was cautious and skilful being able to think of effect actions no matter the stressful situation he was in. At times it felt like he knew the whole area, or he saw into the future of what would happen and prepare for it.

That was made possible thanks to his skill, and gift partial photographic memory. It was an ability which when used with his critical thinking skills allowed him to have an overview and idea of the layout of the vessel. By remembering how the floors were laid out on one section of the vessel, he was able to guess and know about other sections without having seen them prior. That helped him, plan out how to conceal himself from danger and escape to Velmora without much trouble.

"Based on the footage, there are signs that the subject has photographic memory, though it appears to be limited compared to the recorded cases in the database. The subject is able to excel under stressful conditions, being able to make remarkable decision making though lacking and displays basic survival instincts" said Astra as she continued in her report.

Nielson and his men watched the screen of Wein as he did just as the reported said he was capable of. Neilson was more intrigued with the footage and Wein's potential as he sat there watching.

"Recommendation: The subject may have more hidden innate abilities and capabilities, he may prove to be a valuable asset in the future" added Astra. Nielson stood up, a grin on his face. "It is decided then, bring him in" he spoke, and he left the room. "My lord where are you going?" asked one of the men clearly worried.

Nielson had been exuding an aura that paled in what he had in the past. At present, he was a lazy old man who had given up on life and his subordinates knew. He did not care, at present he was just living and waiting for death. There was no more joy for him to enjoy in his life anymore, in fact it was that reason why he recently snuck out to look for his friend, to reconnect with someone even if it was one person.

"Do not worry. I won't sneak out. I will be in my room" he spoke as he walked out the recently opened door.

****
The door to Wein's new quarters was slid open, a soft and smooth hiss was heard where a uniformed man entered. He was tall, with an imposing physique and an aura that distinguished him as a man of discipline and order. His uniform was the barony's officers' signature uniform, one worn by most of the officers under Nielson's control. It was deep blue with black and gold patterned edges over his neckline and arms, along with buttons going done the chest. On his heart along with minor medal tokens, was the silver insignia of House Voss positioned, that gave the man pride to wear.

Upon entering the room, the man scanned through and laid his eyes on Wein who was rested on his bed. Wein was alarmed when he saw him and forced himself to stand much to the irritation of his wounds. "Ah..." he grunted as he held his hand over where the wound was.

"Mr. Serin," the officer began, his voice was steady and commanding. "I am Lieutenant Commander Bollian Grus, an adjutant of House Voss. I have been sent to relay the lord's decision about your situation and his hopes for you."

Wein was alarmed, he had feared that the baron would want and expect something from him. Finding it hard to swallow he readied himself.

"The lord has reviewed your circumstances and your actions" continued Bollian. "He has decided that based on the severity in saving his life, he will gift you with the opportunity to improve your life by taking you in as one of his people in the House of Voss. As such you will remain within the baron's services for the foreseeable future. Also note that it is separate from the request you could ask from him."

Weins thoughts were jumbled, he was aware what a great opportunity it was for a baron to sponsor and support him, but he also knew there was nothing that came that easy in life. It would have been safer to reject the offer, but Wein knew that refusing the baron would have consequences that he could not endure.

"I understand" he replied tilting his head down in submission. Bollian smiled as he nodded in approval. He pulled out a device from his pockets, a small metallic watch like device. It was silver and smooth with a clear screen on it. He handed it to Wein who accepted immediately.

"That is a good decision. Register yourself by pressing on that screen with any finger. From there you will find details about your new arrangements and what will be expected of you in your stay in House Voss. Go through the details if you want, and if you have questions Astra is always around, she will be able to answer whatever you want" spoke Bollian. "Thank you" replied Wein.

"Additionally, remember this. The baron is a man who values discipline and order above all. House Voss is a noble and respectable house in the Empire. Make sure not to sully this great house."

With that Bollian turned and left the room. As the door slid shut before Wein, he retreated to his bed, wondering what he had gotten himself into.

While leaning on his bed, he examined the watch given to him. It was stylish and futuristic. He felt it and could feel the smooth and cold surface while remembering what he was told to do. Taking his right thumb, he pressed it on the screen and a slight beep sound was heard as a green light emitted from the watch.

After seconds of pressing and scanning the light turned off and he was alarmed. He saw a text that read "wear the watch" and he wrapped it around his left hand. He pressed on the screen and from there a projection was pulled with a profile, his.

"Character Profile: Wein Serin, Status: Provisional Member of House Voss's forces. Assigned Role: To be determined, Species: Human. Age: 23"

That was what Wein was able to read from the projection. Seeing his status, he could only accept that he was now a part of House Voss's forces, a person of the baron. That was his life from then on.