Another song for Jon Chess

And now, on the Chess Cheesemonger Entertainment Channel - a song that describes Jon's psyche pretty well!


Theme to Covert Affairs
=======================

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaP0tnORkJI

When I collapse, will you forget?
When I’m dead and gone, will you regret?
All of the constant, mocking bitter slang
And pokes when you were so upset
When you grabbed your keys, said you were gone
Helped myself out, passed the gun
And bombed my friends and family I did well
It’s just my choices

They were wrong
They were wrong
They were wrong
They were wrong
They were wrong, wrong, wrong

[Chorus]
Can you save me?
From this nothing I’ve become
It’s just something that I’ve done
Never meant to cause you worry
Don’t you blame me
For this nothing I’ve become
It’s just something that I’ve done
Never meant to show you my mistakes

When “us” collapse, break bonds, when you forget
All the months we spent on loneliness
Long nights, short days with conversation
That’s nothing more than arguments
I’d fix this if I could
I’d change this… you know I would
It’s been a long time coming
A long time baby
Say that you misunderstood

[Chorus]

I don’t know
I don’t know
I don’t know where I am heading
All I can tell is that you’re gone!
All I know
All I know I’ve become a disappointment
Sorry if I’m always wrong!

All your perspectives stand
I’m not the same creature that I was back then
A slight touch hitting on its mass
I’m never coming back
Never going back there again

[Chorus]

The Wall of Thorns

"Scout Chess? May I speak to you?" Captain Delaryn Summermoon said, her Darnassian accent thicker than a wheel of Telmor-Aruuna Hard Cheese. Delaryn had been charged with the defense of Darkshore against the incursions of the Horde. The Horde forces had gathered at the Zoram'gar Outpost - their goal to capture the World Tree. Malfurion had sent Captain Summermoon to gather the Kaldorei defenders. King Anduin Wrynn had gathered and sent the Alliance fleet to help blunt the Horde offensive, but certain freelance elements had been asked to travel by portal to attempt to forestall the Horde advances until the Alliance fleet could arrive.

Matthias Shaw had, through Elling Trias, met Chess in Stormwind.  "Jon, Master Tiras has... postponed your trade mission to Kul Tiras,"  Shaw had said.  "I need for you to put your...discomfort working for SI:7 by the wayside, and take a team of reconnaissance scouts to Darkshire, and operate as a detached unit, like you did in Northrend.  I am re-activating in Anduin's name your Northrend commision, Commander Chess."  Jon's rank when he had left the Alliance Military had been the courtesy rank of Commander, even though his team of scout specialists had been less than a dozen men, which normally only rated a Sergeant - but detached scouts were granted rank out of the chain of command so that others would not try to give them orders that they would likely disobey or disregard; Recon scouts where notorious for their penchant for independent action.

Chess' reputation had been worse than most.  Chess thought that it was the true indication of how desperate measures were that they had reactivated his commission for the current emergency.

Jon had done what Recon Scout commanders often did when they needed to recruit a crack team of operatives in the haste engendered by the Horde offensive.  Jon went to the Stormwind Stockade with writs of absolution, and permission to recruit a team of the kind of people that it was impossible to train. 

And Stormwind Stockade prisoners were ultimately disposal.

He left without having recruited a single prisoner; Jon was not going to lead a team that he considered disposable. Instead, he sought out Lorixie "Mouse" Lunafare, a gnome cat burglar who had trained with Jon at Ravenloft, and with whom he had served in Northrend. Even with Jon's use of Shadow magic, she was so stealthy that she mad Jon feel like a stomping elephant on a rampage, and while she was not particularly violent, when she did use a weapon, the intended victim was dead before they know they had been dispatched. He had recruited Dane Greyhawk on the recommendation of Doctor Horatio Feldspar, who had described Grayhawk's defense of the Doctor against ravenous dinosaurs in Un'goro.  Finally, he had recruited a Ren'dorei named Telcontyr, who was wanted by the Stormwind constabulary in connection with a dozen thefts of expensive jewelry; he had made no secret about the fact that he had stolen the items in question, and had challenged the authorities to apprehend him.  The constabulary had not been able to find him, but Jonathan Chess had been a private investigator before he had renewed his employment for Elling Trias as an Agent of Cheese.  He had located Telcontyr, and had traded filing a Writ of Absolution with the Stormwind constabulary for Telcontyr joining his team.

Jon had lost Dane Grayhawk when his team had been asked to "confiscate" a large supply of Azerite crystals from Bligewater goblins at Nazj'vel, located south off the coast of the Twilight Shore in Darkshore.  Bilgewater gyrocopters had dropped firebombs, and Grayhawk had been rendered to ash.  The next morning a dozen Bligewater pilots had been found dead of "steel poisoning" but vengeance had not restored Grayhawk to Jon's team.

Jon shook his head to clear it of the memories. "What do you need, Captain?" 

The Alliance fleet was still days away.  There was more work to do.

Daughter of the Sea

Jon at in the Pig & Whistle, his face as stony as a Titan automaton as he listened to a mistral sing a new song from Kul Tiras.

"Beware, beware the Daughter of the Sea."

"Beware," I heard him cry.

His words carried upon the ocean breeze,

As he sank beneath the tide.

Those blood-soaked shores of Kalimdor,

Where sailors fought and died.

The admiral fell at Theramore,

because she left his side.

Why this? Why this oh Daughter of the Sea?

Why this? Did you forget your seaside days?

Always the pride of our nation's eyes,

How could she go astray?

When she did flee across the ocean deep,

the admiral followed west.

What else but sail to save a daughter's life,

and pray she still drew breath?

But there he found on the Western shores,

Enemies 'on the rise!

But when he faced those savage foes

His daughter stood aside.

Buried deep beneath the waves,

Betrayed by family.

To his nation, with his last breath, cried,

"Beware the Daughter of the Sea."

Jon had mixed feelings about Jaina, like so many people after Theramore.  Like Jon, she had survived the destruction of Theramore.  Unlike Jon, she might have been able to prevent it if she had been there.  

Once, Jon had spied and killed for Theramore, and then for Kul Tiras.  Now, Trias was sending him back to Kul Tiras, to "open up new customers and new supplies of cheese!".  That he would be sending intelligence reports and building an espionage network there for Trias' use was clearly of secondary importance to the Matters of Cheese.

It should be an interesting assignment.

Removing Pieces From The Board

"I have to do this, Lynesia.. you know I can't not do this," Jon Chess said.  The spectre of Theramore, the deaths of all those he had let himself come to care about and love, still haunted him. He had spent a lot of time after the destruction of Theramore hunting and killing Horde orcs and Bilgewater Cartel goblins, trying to assuage his guilt at having survived when everyone he cared about had perished.  Only being called to the Northrend campaign had stopped his depredations... officially. After the war in Northrend, he had been afflicted by a sickness of the spirit, thinking that his only use to anyone was as a spy and assassin.  He had settled in Hearthglen, doing scouting for the Argent Crusade, and had met a paladin lady who had thought him redeemable - until she had sent him away in disgust when she had discovered some of the truths of his past.  Broken in spirit, Jon had returned to Stormwind, and begun his career as a Private Investigator, trying to help the people of Old Town, using his skills and abilities to protect rather than destroy.

Now, there was a need for him to dust off the mantle of the Rook.  The Legion had developed a new type of undead pawn of dreadlords, undetectable, or nearly so  There was one in Silvermoon, in Ogrimmar, in the Undercity, and in Thunder Bluff.  Others were also located in Alliance capital cities as well, but hunting and killing - "taking the pieces off the board", as Jon called it - was someone else's assignment. 

Elling Trias knew that Chess had stopped operating as an assassin for te Alliance military - but need was a harsh mistress.

"I know you have to go, Jonny. I know what it costs you, but I also know how you are about doing what you think you need to do.  I even know that Trias wouldn't ask you except in dire need... I just..." Lynesia Deh'lorei turned away so Cjess would not see the tears that threatened to escape from where her will had them constrained. "Promise me you won't despair.  Promise me you'll not run down that dark road as 'Rook' again.  Promise me... promise me you will come back, safe and still Jon Chess."

Jon could hear the worry and anguish in Lynesia's voice, and softly said: "You always told me you were never worried when I went out in the field on missions, Querida."

Lynesia turned back, tears welling in her eyes and a guilty expression on her beautiful Ren'dorei face.  "I lied." 

Lynesia Deh'lorei

Mage Lynesia Deh'lorei

Draenei Foreplay

Chess opened the small kit for Draenei grooming, which consisted of several nine-inch long steel picks with wooden handles, a stiff-bristle hoof brush, a set of three file rasps for trimming and shaping hooves, and a bottle of slightly blue-tinted enamel protective liquid.

Instructing the Draenei to lie down on the bed face-down, he sat between her spread legs, facing away from her; Jon would have a difficult time focusing on the task at hand if he was constantly looking at her shapely legs and ass.  Jon took her hoof in both hands, and pulled her leg up and onto his lap.  Holding one of the picks so that the hook was positioned below his hand, he used the leverage to get it into the hoof, cleaning the ground earth and stones.  Jon was careful not to dig with the point, except to pry some of the larger stones loose.

Jon ran the pick from the back of the hoof to the front, along the "frog", the inner part of the hoof shaped like a "V". Gently but firmly cleaned out the debris in the sole of the hoof.  Jon put the pick down and started using the
stiff-bristled brush to continue, brushing away the smaller small bits.  He continues until the sole of the hoof is clean and clear, with the frog, the sole, and the outside wall of the hoof finished.

Putting the brush back in the case, Jon then examined the hoof edge, to see if it was properly wearing down. If needful, he would use the large-grain and then fine-grain rasps to grind and shape the hoof properly.  Finally, Jon would apply the clear protective coating, to protect and reinforce the surface of the hoof to prevent splitting.

Once one hoof was completely finished, Jon would work the other hoof.  Finally, he would clean files, brush and steel picks, putting them back in the case.

Draenei foreplay was strange...

((Developed when a Draenei friend asked if Jon would help her with grooming, in the same way that a friend might ask someone else to brush their hair if their arms couldn't do it themselves))

Chess' Last Case, Part I

The fellow known as Jon Chess was sitting int he Pig & Whistle tavern, away from his usual table.  The Pig & Whistle was exceptionally busy, and every table on the ground floor was occupied.  Jon was just as happy to ascend to the upper story to in some measure escape the chaos and noise below while he wrote the final sets of bills and client reports before he metaphorically shut the doors to his private investigation business.

Rumors of war were rife, and anyone with half an ear to the ground was nervous.  The defeat of Argus in Antorus had resulted in Sargeras plunging the sword Gorribal into Azeroth as he was sealed away from Azeroth forever.  Gorribal landed in Silithus and destroyed most of the region - not that Jon would miss the open camps of the Twilight Crusade nor the hives of the giant insects.

Jon had joined a small army of operatives assembled by Mathias Shaw, the head of SI:7 and Jon had been part of a team that had - in Jon's case, gladly - killed Bilgewater Cartel goblins and used high explosives to destroy their shredder units to stop them from obtaining Azerite.

Champions had worked with the carbonized Magni Bronzebeard, and pulled the corruption from Gorribal at the Wound - the place where the sword entered the world.  The immediate threat was contained.

Now both the Alliance and the Horde were preparing for war, lest either side use Azerite make a weapon that would make the Mana Bomb that had destroyed Theramore look like a cheap Goblin firecracker.  The Alliance was once more on a war footing, and Jon's old boss had asked him to return to his service as an intelligence agent and provocateur.  To become a spy... an assassin... to dust off his old uniform as the Rook... to become once more an Agent of Cheese.

And one did not say "No" to Elling Trias, once the leader of SI:7 and since his "retirement" the shadow head of a co-ordinated espionage force for the Alliance.  Jon had recruited his former fiance Lynesia Deh'lorei as his partner in this, introducing her to the spy service - with her at his back, Jon would be much safer.

He just hoped it wouldn't get her killed.

A Ren'dorei sat down at the table behind him, and the slur in her voice indicated that she had already indulged in the drinks available at the tavern.  Jon recognized the voice, which sounded distressed and disturbed; it belonged to Countess Thessalia Dharkgrove. Jon had canvassed her fro another case, and she had been courteous and chipper at the time.  Jon had checked her SI:7 file - Shaw had given orders that Jon was to be given access as an Agent of Cheese, as a professional courtesy, and as a reward for helping Shaw clear the demonic imposter who had imprisoned Shaw and impersonated him.  Her family had been scandalized when their perfect priestess had been discovered studying Shadow magic and had concealed her real name when she was exiled from Silvermoon as a Ren'dorei.

Jon rose from his chair went to stand beside her at her table.  "You are Countess Thessalia Dharkgrove, yes? You sound distressed."

"Mr. Chess?  How did you find out my full name?"

"SI:7 has files on every Ren'dorei - they are very nervous that a few Horde spies might slip through hidden among you."

"I have a file?  How interesting..." she responded.  "And yes, I am a little...disturbed.  I think someone is trying to kill me, Mr. Chess."

"Why do you think that?"  Jon asked.  Perhaps he might do one last bit of good, to end his career as a private detective on a high note before wading back into the sewers of espionage and assassination for Trias.

Thessalia sat there for a moment trying to think on how to describe the feeling she's had. Biting her lip then brushing her hair behind her ear, she swatted at the void tendril that clung to her fingers. "Ever wake up in the middle of the night and feel like someone was watching you? I've looked all through my room in the inn and there's nowhere one could hide. I don't even have that big of a window."

Jon nodded, refraining from telling her that for him, paranoia was a lifestyle choice. He noticed that Lynesia was coming up the stairs, and called over to her.  "Lynesia, join us?  I may have one last case."  Jon turned to Thessalia. "Countess Thessalia, my partner, Lynesia Deh'lorei"  Jon turned back to Lynesia.  "Querida, the Countess thinks someone is trying to kill her..."

Thessalia turned towards Lynesia, and noted her style of robes.  "Greetings Magister," she said, nodding her head politely.

Lynesia spoke a short spell under her breath and conjured a cup of tea to drink. "Good evening.. and is that so? Ah.. well. Do not let me interrupt."

Jon turned back to the Countess.  "Well, if someone is trying to kill you, let us see that we give them an irresistible opportunity?  Do you ever go to Darkshire, Miss Thessalia?"

"I've been there once, it reminds me far too much of what's now the Ghostlands." Thessalia shuddered at the memory of the undead that infested part of her homeland.

"Well, maybe Lakeshire, then... Lakeshire is perfect."  Jon looked over to Lynesia. "Do you want to be hammer or anvil, partner?"

"Lakeshire is lovely," Thessalia nodded, laughing a little and taking another sip of the liquor she had bought herself.

Lynesia took a sip of tea, and looked thoughtful, considering.  "Hammer," she said confidently.

Jon smiled. "Excellent.  I will be the Anvil, and escort the Countess to Lakeshire, then.   I will get a ...something-tronic shield from Phred ...no, two of them.

"Hammer, yeah that might be a better way to off me," Thessalia mumbled.

"No, Thess... to quote a very wise fellow - who taught me the tactic - "You musr either hammer or anvil be".  Jon refrained from mentioning that Jorach Ravenholdt has probably stolen it from someone else. "Will tomorrow be soon enough?"

Thessalia had no idea about which Chess was talking, but nodded.  "It may very well be good enough."

Chess nodded.  "Good.  Shall we meet at 6?  Lynesia, is that good for your teaching schedule?

"Ah, wonderful." Lynesia finished her tea and recrossed her ankles, sitting up tall like the noblewoman she was. "I am able to reorganize things as required, this will take priority, sir."

Jon chuckled.  "..sir? You do me too much honor, mi Encantada."

"This is your misson, darling," Lynesia said, nodding at him before looking at Thessalia.

"Wait I know this "sir." thing. Military talk," Thessalia nodded, having heard several men in her family called that.

" Countess, meet me at the bank fountain at 6.  We will move fast, and head for Lakeshire.  Let anyone - and everyone - at the inn know you intend to be in Lakesire shortly after 6.  Make no secret about it."  If there was an assassin, the would welcome the news that after traveling under the trees of the Elwynn forest, that their target would be exposed. "I will see you upon the morrow."

Thessalia nodded absently watching the waitress rush past their table with hardly a pause to see if they needed more drink. "6 will do. Good lord that woman moves fast some days."

Jon chuckled.  "In the Pig & Whistle, it is best to be a moving target to keep your ass from being bruised..." 

Thessalia laughed.  "Reminds me of the tavern in Murder Row!"

Jon noted Lynesia faintly smile at the memories the mention invoked.  He did not mention that he was also familiar with that street in Silvermoon... and had taken many Blood Elf pawns off the chessboard there.

"Countess, there are preparations Lynesia and I need to make.  Good night, and be ready tomorrow"

Agent of Cheese Once More!

Jon Chess stared at the message he had received from his old mentor and employer.

"Jonny,

I have a problem - I have just received an order for a very large, ongoing supply of cheese from several parties in Boralus.  As our resident expert on the merchants of Kul Tiras, I am asking you to return to my employ for awhile, at least until we get matters well in hand.  I know you have an ongoing business as a private investigator, but I am hoping you will put that business on hold for now, so you can assist me with this matter.

As I know you once worked for the <Azeroth Ale Society>, I understand that you know Master Craft Ramsey.  I would be beholden to you if you could arrange a meeting with that fellow and myself so we might discuss further commerce activities together.

Please let me know if you will be available to help me with this, my friend. 

I remain, as always,

Your respected friend,

Elling Trias
Master of Cheese"

There was no question in Jon's mind; he would resolve his current caseload, and then report to Elling Trias as his Agent of Cheese.