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Video; un: darkness

[The video turns on and it's everyone's not-so-favorite Sith Lord. He looks better than he did upon arrival though he wears the usual expression of just barely contained fury he's known for. Sitting next to him is a creature that might be the stuff of human nightmares given how they're all teeth. They could have easily been mistaken for a monster in this place were it not for the fact they're remaining perfectly still, Maul's right hand resting along their back.

If you're all done fooling around with these devices like the children half of you are, perhaps we can turn our attention to more serious matters. Oh, and for those of you who had hoped I wouldn't find my way here, so sorry to disappoint.

[Though he sounds anything but.]

For one, I recall a lot of bleating about organizing a government and such during your charming little witch hunt of me. I assume for most you that was all talk but surely there has to be a few enterprising souls that were serious. If so, let us talk more. I am most curious given I have some experience with running an entire planet. [Venge, the Maalraas sitting by Maul, paws him gently.] Oh and has anyone else found themselves suddenly with an animal companion?

[Then, having blithely insulted a good three-fourths of the population, the video is turned off.]

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[ interesting shit, maul. fortunately, katherine's not really interested in the whole witch hunt against him. of all the things people could be focusing on, hunting down a guy who wears red better than most is a waste of time. (witch hunts never work.) ]

I already had two animal companions before Deerington went to bits. Does your friend have a name?

[ your very... pretty friend. ]

Uh huh.

[It's said with an air of disbelief. She's caught a glimpse that there's far more going on under the surface than he lets on. He's capable of being thoughtful, at least, and that there are those who recognize underneath at all, somewhere is a good person. She has also very briefly seen him express remorse for at least some of the wrongs he's inflicted on those around him.]

I'm not much of a political person, and admittedly most of my focus was on the person who was threatening to kill me and broadcast it on the network instead of on the people who thought up and were talking about the idea of a Sleeper Council. But I can tell you at least some of them are very good people.

The system was already breaking down long before my master came along. He just took advantage of it. The Separtists were being led around by the nose by Dooku but they had a point in believing the Republic no longer stood for what it once did.

[Now that the talk has turned to politics they'll be here all day.]

[ firmly. ]

There is no "just" in taking advantage of something. Something you should be well aware of.

Thing may fall apart. Or splinter. That does not mean it is beyond hope.

Okay- Okay. Good point. But sometimes a little light heartedness can do some good. I managed to reconnect with a handful of people with that and I've got a better idea of how many of made it out of Deerington to here.

Some of them might not have responded to the super seriousness, you know?

But it was great.

So- Mayor Maul? Council Man Maul. You think people are going to go for that?

I'm sorry, Maul, but people rarely want to be ruled. Do you?

[ Wu shakes his head. He hasn't figured out the rest of it, but this part he feels very strongly about ]

Many people want stability, they want to feel safe, and that often comes with being governed, but people don't simply want to be ruled.

Whatever happens, if we do create a governing body, it needs to be fair. Fair for you, and me, and everyone who would be under its jurisdiction.

[ He lets out a sigh, tapping his fingers on his knee ]

Asking the people is a great idea. But, please, don't take this into your own hands, either. I don't think that would end well. It, people really don't take well to people simply seizing power. I believe that the people should choose who governs, and if we do do this, I hope we could hold an election or something to make it fair.

[Varian's already pretty stressed out and this is not helping matters at all. ]

Maul, we've just got here, c'mon. There are people living here, they've probably got their own government anyway and it's probably best not to start a coup with them immediately.

[Can you just not, Uncle? Just this once?]

I've still just got Ruddiger, but he's made of smoke magic now for some reason? Is that one of those terrifying dog-creatures from your home planet?

[ At least Flynn's gotten a crash-course in diplomatic arguing over the last few months. He steels himself, frowning at the screen. ]

While ordinarily I would agree with you, I believe I'm correct in thinking that we are all new to this society. Coming into an established society and attempting to establish order is a recipe for exploitation, corruption, and failure. Initiative has its place, and that is after research and immersion. Otherwise, unjust structures—the kind that result in witch hunts—are hastily put into place.

It's not that I don't understand. I want to protect my loved ones too. But you could have all the power in the universe and it doesn't stop your loved ones from getting hurt. Sometimes it just makes them a bigger target.

I know you're joking. [She offers, so she does, in fact understand that. ]

But please consider that you can and would be overthrown talking like that.

[She smiles.] And I would lead the revolution. [While she's smiling, she is most assuredly not joking. She's dealt with enough royalty who would see her and her loved ones, if not outright dead, then groveling at their feet. In stark contrast to Maul's all black and red, a certain prince decked all in white came to mind.]

Somebody who isn't impressed by your performance. After that show, you expect people to have serious conversations with you?

"I know I've just insulted the lot of you, but has anyone else woken up with an animal near them?" Honestly.

This is just how I am.

[Maul was of the opinion people could take him or leave him at their leisure.]

Clearly, you're one of those that's already made judgments about me listening to idle gossip, so I'm rapidly losing interest in continuing this further.

Perhaps not. [But he doesn't really believe that.] But power does help achieve goals like that.

[Hence why Maul is so adamant about seeking it out.]

Perish the thought. I'd be doomed.

[He knows very well Usagi could and would kick his ass if she had to.]

Some others I've been talking with have suggested a council. While I'm sure most Sleepers would object to an unsavory sort like myself being on it, that's all the more reason to give me a spot. I'm not the only person aligned on the dark here that others don't understand. They need representation too.

[She's... not going to point out that who he's talking to and just how much experience she has in that NOT being true.]

Just be careful about how you go about getting it, Maul. [Technically, she is capable of granting his wish. She can transfer power to him and let him feel infinitely more powerful than just what holding her crystal in his pocket could do. Her power willingly given is an entirely different sensation than taking it by force. But he's not... there yet.]

If that was something not just us but the people of this world wanted, then... I actually don't think it would be a bad idea for you to be on it. I think it would teach you to have to compromise with someone other than me or Obi-Wan to start.

[She remembers how scared Varian and Fern got during the whole talk of the government, that they came to her with those concerns and that she'd protect both of them with her life before she ever let that witch hunt touch them.]

But I think you would also need to be reminded you can't Force Choke a council member you don't agree with.

I've never even heard of you before.

My first impression of you is a self-important man taunting the masses about how you dodged whatever fate awaited anyone who wasn't able to escape the child's collapsing dream.

If you want to win me over to your side, you're doing a poor job of it.

[Venge paws at Maul again before he can say whatever comes into his mind. They stare at him with a look that's decidedly scolding in nature and whatever telepathic conversation passes between them makes Maul rein in his temper a little. His words come more slow and measured like he's actually thinking of what to say.]

I've never possessed much of a talent for being able to get along with most people.

[Gee, now why could that be?]

How are you at giving people a chance to make a second impression?

It is always a pleasure to see you.

[She speaks truthfully, a smile brightening her often cold features.]

That sounds like quite an ordeal. I... don't believe I encountered such dreadful creatures, myself. And popularity will not keep us alive when something eventually goes awry here. It is not something to strive for, in my experience.

[ At running an entire planet, his attention is piqued.

The Emperor of the Nine Houses does not know what he's looking at, here; he would have guessed 'a necromantically modified human,' but this place would never be that intuitive. And he can't begin to guess at the species of the pet.

Still, for someone who didn't live through Deerington, this is all remarkably informative. It's a tragedy that this world is so lacking in popcorn.

He's taken note of this one. ]

You weren't either. You were raised by Sith. [Very indignantly. You can't pull that one over on him.]

[Sorry, Redemption Sponsor. You've already got your work cut out for you here.]

The people here may not need law and order but the Sleepers certainly could.

[He's gonna be a little stubborn about this.]

No, Maalraas aren't found on Dathomir. They're from Dxun.

Their name is Venge.

[Venge looks at Maul and paws him roughly, taking umbrage with not saying their full name. Maull looks back at them.]

No, I am not telling her your full name. It sounds ridiculous.

[Maul chuckles at Will's reaction. Good to know the kid is still on the ball.]

It's called a joke, my young friend. And it was about the same thing. If you think my master had anymore desire to teach me how to talk with people in a pleasant and charming matter than spinewolf would have, you are sorely mistaken.

[ now, you know you just have to tell her, right?

katherine cocks her brow—partly because she imagines "venge" might be short for "revenge" or "vengeful", but mostly because anything related to maul is bound to be a pleasant surprise. ]

I'll be the judge of that.

[ with a smile, ] Spill.

Wow, so like... if you need some social media help, I can offer my services for a fee.

[ A pause and she looks into the camera with pity. ]

And you do need it. I promise.

[Maul, please, he already can't sleep and he's so very tired.]

Or we could just not do that and maybe not cause really divisive problems the week we arrive here.

[He's just pinching the bridge of his nose and sighing a lot.]

Ohhh okay, but still from your...well, home universe, I guess? Looks...toothy.

Oh. I guess you're not wrong about that.

[Then, more firmly:] You said you were gonna try to change, though.

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