deernet | 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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Odd thing about sheep: they might be wooly-headed creatures, yet they have enough intelligence to differentiate faces, even the faces of persons, making them stupidly loyal if one can earn their trust. Much like many people. It's a tricky flaw to exploit, but with patience and persistence, it can be done.

In time, perhaps our hosts will show their hands. Though humans in particular require a firm, perhaps even a harsh hand to keep them in line. My world of origin could have used something like them to keep humanity from continuing to misuse and abuse their planet's resources. But that's a moot point since I've left that place behind, albeit there's plenty of humans here.

[The fire has finally caught on. He slips a few larger sticks into the flames, glancing at the weasel.]

Ah, this little chap is my Omen, Cypher, a small weasel. As little as he is, his kind are fierce fighters and hunters, adept at hiding from their own predators and blitz-attacking their prey.

[The creature sits up and bows to the device. 'Hallo!' it calls to the device. It's master side-eyes it.]

Except this one is irritatingly cheerful, though polite. I suspect they project this behavior as a ruse.

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.]

It's an idea, though it's for you to decide to utilize it or pass it by.

['Oi! I resemble that remark!' Cypher calls, tail bristling and whiskers twitching, but otherwise seems pleased with Maul's assessment. Wesker sighs soundlessly, shaking his head as if to say 'What am I going to do with this Omen?']

That noodle-like suppleness lends their kind the flexibility to twist out of an attacker's jaws. Also, they're known to hypnotize their prey by darting and twisting about in a mad war dance that leaves the creature stunned and confused until the predator lunges in for the kill. I've yet to see this little beggar in action, but so far, I've not had anything challenge me that I can't handle alone.

["Wouldn't want to go up against yer friend's pet, not when I'm only this size," the weasel comments, skittering back from the screen. Wesker, on the other hand, smirks dangerously.]

Your Omen is magnificent. [From the slight hush of awe in his voice, he's clearly impressed.] Force-sensitive: I take it that means they have some manner of what's sometimes called extra-sensory perception, in my world of origin?

I'll have to consider such an idea.

[Knowing Maul, he'll find a way to use it sooner or later. Despite his hot-headed and generally psychotic nature, he's got a brain and it works to. He hadn't had two of the cleverest people in the galaxy as his parents for nothing after all.]

What a fascinating creature. I am sure he will prove his usefulness soon if he hasn't already.

[He sounds like just the sort of creature Wesker needs to keep an eye on him and help watch his back.]

Yes. In the same way I can use the Force because I am Force-sensitive, Maalraas can use the Force as well in a limited capacity. In their case, they can use the Dark Side to cloud themselves in shadows and darkness until you can no longer see them.

[He nods to Venge who goes very still in concentration. As they focus, they seem to be getting harder and harder to see until they suddenly disappear from sight entirely. Though they are still right by Maul's side, they are invisible to the naked eye.]

Video; un: darkness

[CW: Misanthropy toward humans]

no subject

((DW, you need to let people have their notifs.))

Kicks DW on your behalf!