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

( video | un: kenobi )

[jedies]

[ dryly. ]

You have neglected to mention you ran the planet into the ground and started a civil war.

[survivalthroughhate]

[Maul seems completely unruffled by the accusations.]

I deliberately allowed that war to occur in hopes of enticing someone and his apprentice to come try and stop me. I was quite disappointed when you neglected to show up and sent a padawn in your stead.

[jedies]

[ in the mildest of tones because mandalore is still a sore point for obi-wan. ]

I heard she did a good job of routing you there.

[survivalthroughhate]

[There's a small, disgruntled growl from Maul.]

Only because I was sleep-deprived and distracted, knowing the end was drawing near.

[jedies]

[ without missing a beat. ]

Which doesn't speak well of your sense of governance.

[survivalthroughhate]

Then who do you suggest take over ruling here? You?

[jedies]

Certainly not. I have no interest in such a thing.

And I don't see why it's necessary at the moment.

[survivalthroughhate]

A court of law might be useful if only to prevent anymore justice being taken into individual hands.

[..... Did Maul actually just suggest something that could ultimately end up punishing him in the end? Possibly. He's playing the long game right now and is already plotting.]

[jedies]

[ hmm. obi-wan isn't convinced. ]

It depends on what "laws" are proposed and how democratic the process is.

[survivalthroughhate]

[Maul and Venge give identical indignant snorts.]

Democracy is a bad joke. It didn't work back in our home galaxy and it won't work here.

[jedies]

[ obi-wan gives him a flat look. ]

It didn't work because someone took advantage of the system.

[survivalthroughhate]

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.]

[jedies]

[ 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.

[survivalthroughhate]

Shatter a glass window into a thousand pieces and you'll never be able to put it back together. Such is the way things go when people try to make a system right and fair for everyone.

[jedies]

That's still not an excuse to stop trying.

And I would point out that the system worked for centuries until it came apart.

[survivalthroughhate]

If it could unravel at the touch of one man working doggedly for a few decades, how solid could such a system actually be?

[jedies]

It was more than that and you know that.

And blame should always be laid at the perpetrator. The abuser. Never on the other party.

[ another thing maul should know well. ]

[survivalthroughhate]

Oh? So everyone here should stop condemning me for the way I am because we both know it was my master that molded me into what I am?

[Maul's words are sardonic given the way most people here tend to act towards him. Sorry, Obi-Wan, but you walked right into that one.]

[jedies]

[ obi-wan is unmoved. ]

Perhaps they'll stop if you stop emulating him.

[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.

[jedies]

[ obi-wan hums softly under his breath. ]

The first step is recognizing it. We are always mirrors to those who come before us, but we do not have to remain that way.

[survivalthroughhate]

This is true. I see bits of your own master in you sometimes.

[He'd spoken enough to Qui-Gon to see some of what made the man tick and see where Obi-Wan had gotten some of his personality from.]

It took me thirteen years to shake off the loyalty I felt towards him. Is it going to take thirteen more to rid myself entirely of his ghost?

[Not Here]

[lightthedarkness]

[She and Obi-Wan are on the same wavelength, surprising no one.]