Video; un: darkness

[survivalthroughhate]

[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.]

Comments

[survivalthroughhate]

If we all sit around and wait for things to be perfect in order to start things, I will be an old Zabrak with cracked horns by the time that happens.

[Yeah, he's like a dog with a bone with this right now and won't be giving up so easily on the subject.]

No wonder he and I get along so well.

[survivalthroughhate]

No thank you. I shan't weaken myself simply for the comfort of others.

[Maul's obsession with power will be to his downfall one of these days. He just doesn't know how to be a normal person without holding on tight to his anger.]

......Are you done with your deeply misplaced optimism and naivete?

[He barely listens to his friends like Usagi or Michael when they tell him things like this. Trying to listen to someone he deeply despises is definitely a no-go for him at this time.]

[survivalthroughhate]

Perhaps. But putting aside the issue of the people here, shouldn't we have a body to govern ourselves at least as Sleepers? Or would you prefer to let chaos and anarchy engulf us all?

[survivalthroughhate]

I did notice that the people here dress very similar to what you've always preferred as your style of clothing.

[He was now getting a better idea of what Lucille's world had been like if this is what reminded her of home. Some things are starting to make a lot more sense.]

My sentiments exactly. Everyone would rather bury their heads in the sand and pretend that this is a better place than the last one. My experiences thus far do not give me that same opinion.

[survivalthroughhate]

Then how would you suggest it work here if we were to enforce it?

[survivalthroughhate]

Perhaps it is like the way some people enjoy watching animals run around in a pen and seeing what they will do next.

[He's becoming doubtful as to whether or not there are even any Pthumerians out there who are benevolent spirits at all.]

Then I shall be sure to turn to you when the time comes.

[survivalthroughhate]

It is how it shall work for me.

[Nope, she's not going to be able to convince him of anything else today. He's done enough growing in his own mind right now, he doesn't need to be doing anymore.

He frowns and folds his arms across his chest, looking sour.]

There is far more to what I do than simple luck.

At least a month. Maybe two.

[Which is a really long time for him!]

[kyley_b]

There's democracies with more than two parties, dude. You get like, parliamentary systems. I think that would work best. There's so many of us from different places, so I think it would be fairest.

You really don't trust people, huh?

[survivalthroughhate]

People have never done anything but let me down or stab me in the back.

[Granted, quite a few times that was because of Maul's own actions, but not always. He's learned not to trust people because it avoids him getting hurt.]

[survivalthroughhate]

Is that what you are suggesting I do? Gain the trust and loyalty of the populace here in order to gain power?

[It's food for thought at least. Maul has always been of the opinion that it's better to be feared than to be loved, but perhaps he should consider other paths as well.]

We shall see just what our hosts have in store for us. It wouldn't surprise me if they merely wanted more entertainment and were not done with us yet already.

[Maul doesn't trust the Pthumerians any farther than he could throw them.]

It looks like a furry noodle to my eyes.

[Venge lets out a chuff of laughter at the words, nodding their head towards the device by way of acknowledging the other Omen. They paw at Maul and glance towards the device.]

Oh yes. This is Venge, my Omen. They are a creature called a Maalraas from my own galaxy. Quite tough and Force-sensitive, called nighthunters on some planets.

[Not to mention very, very toothy.]

[kyley_b]

[Kyle looks SO sympathetic at that.]

Aw, dude. I'm sorry. Maybe some of us here will do better by you.

[survivalthroughhate]

I doubt it.

[He just expects the worst out of people even now, a year in after learning how having friends around could help him and be good for his mental health.]

[kyley_b]

Guess we'll have to prove you wrong.

[catchatting]

Yeah. You look like someone who's screaming for attention, actually.

[ And she would know exactly what that looks like. She used to date a man who wore a giant s'mores on his head. ]

[survivalthroughhate]

[His eyes narrow when she says he's screaming for attention. He is not! He most certainly is.]

You must be new. Any notoriety I have is, shall we say, for the wrong reasons and I have no desire to try and do better for the sake of people that already hate me. There's no point to it.

[catchatting]

Okay. I can work with that. Being hated by certain people can be part of branding. More Avril Lavigne, less Britney. A bit of edge and a "who cares" attitude.

[ Her brows furrow in thought. It's not how she brands herself, but she's seen this done well and if there's one thing she really does understand, it's branding. ]

I'm Zari, everyone's favorite Dragon Girl. We'll figure out your branding, too.

[jedies]

[ obi-wan is unmoved. ]

Perhaps they'll stop if you stop emulating him.

[royalfling]

Of course! That is how democracy works, after all. At least, representative democracy. Everyone should have a voice, someone they trust to represent their interests. If you can earn people's trust to represent them, you would be an excellent candidate!

[ He has the passion, at least.

At the quote, Wu's lips part, and he's struck by such wisdom ​]

Wow, that's very astute! I suppose you're right. Let's aim for the middle one, can't we? Help everyone get at least some of they want, even if everyone will never be fully happy with society at the same time.

[thinkfirst]

Perhaps reconsider your own behavior if you're finding that to be a consistent theme. We are responsible for our own actions, just as we are responsible for each other on a societal level. Of course Sleepers should follow the rules and laws of this city. We are living in this city, and therefore we are subject as much as anyone else.

[survivalthroughhate]

[Maul blinks a few times in surprise. He didn't understand half of what this woman had just said. Then she just surges on ahead and he's left even more confused. Wait a minute, what the heck is going on here?!]

I don't recall asking for your help at any point during this conversation.

[survivalthroughhate]

[That earns Obi-Wan another glare and growl. Watch it, Jedi.]

I'm working on it.

[jedies]

And I believe you.

But that proves my point. If it is worked on, then it is possible. Flaws and all.

Private

[survivalthroughhate]

I hate talking to you sometimes.

[The man is so damn logical that Maul's hard-pressed to find any way to circumvent it.

Yet he's still continuing to do so, taking a moment to private the conversation.]

It is always a terrible thing to realize I've turned out exactly like him in some ways. That's the last thing I've ever wanted.

[catchatting]

Maybe not, but I do love to give to my fans.

[ She winks. ]

See? Branding.

[survivalthroughhate]

Stop saying the word democracy. I've grown to mistrust such a system of government as that.

[He'd grown up hearing everything that was terrible about it and wasn't sure he believed in any form of it any longer.]

Doubtful. This does not seem like a place conducive to getting what you want.