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

[onerthes]

The enlightened dictatorship route only really works if the dictator is enlightened and doesn't suddenly disappear into the waters again. [That was the sound of a sigh.]

Some level of stability might be good, yes. The Authority aren't here. I haven't seen a single smoking cat or magical eye in the sky. And to be honest, I do not know just how involved the Pthumerians are in daily affairs yet.

[survivalthroughhate]

True. There are precious few candidates I could think of that would fit the bill.

If they're at all like the last Pthumerians we have encountered they'll see us just as ants beneath their boot.

[onerthes]

I'm almost some of them are exactly the same Pthumerians we encountered. Have you read a calendar? The Moss King features quite prominently. I have my suspicions that a few of those are still here. What that means is open to debate. Cynthia at least seems... content.

[She rubbed her forehead, kneading it.]

I think this is something that should probably be talked about among a few people. And with the locals. Perhaps something more in the "Council" model. So that if someone were to disappear, it would not cause an immediate collapse. And done in junction with the locals.

...

Assuming they stay friendly, which I am not currently assuming.

[survivalthroughhate]

So we are due for more reality-warping I am sure. How thrilling.

[Just look at that expression on Maul's face. He is not happy one bit. But since when is that new?]

Well, whatever happens, it might be good to have someone of a more dark persuasion helping things along. Not everyone here is good and sweet and on the side of light. They deserve representation too.

[He nods vigorously at Vira-Lorr's last words.]

Exactly! That is what I keep saying. These locals seem friendly now, but the first and only time I let my guard down around the Deerington natives, they tried to burn me alive. I won't trust these people until proven otherwise.

[onerthes]

Without question. They have their agenda, and their rather ham-fisted ways of ensuring it plays out.

[She rubbed at her forehead. For all that she was not sure of his intentions here, he did have a point. There was going to be a time that they needed a more ... firm hand.]

There will be a time when we need a darker method, yes. That is something some will have difficulty fully embracing, but I think the world will help them understand soon enough.

As for the natives, measure twice, cut once. Let's keep an eye on them and hope that there's no need to cut. Hopefully. [There was definitely a 'believe it when they see it' tone there.]

[survivalthroughhate]

I sometimes wonder if this is fun for them, putting us in various scenarios and then seeing what we will do.

[Julia Sodder had, on some level, seen Deerington's residents as playthings. Maul wonders if that is a common sentiment among them.]

Doubtful. Some people can be frightfully stubborn in letting go of their naive little convictions.

[Pot calling the kettle black right there.]

The moment they try anything, I will be ready.

[And also ready to tell everyone 'I told you so.' He was insufferable like that.]

[onerthes]

Probably for some of them. Wouldn't put it past the Moss King to enjoy it.

[She might be slightly biased right now, but she probably wasn't wrong.]

mmm, I might know a few like that. [She managed both a smile and not to mention he was definitely on that list.]

A good policy. I will likely be making preparations out of sight and in private. Just in case.

[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.

[onerthes]

I would absolutely not put that past a few of them. Him especially.

[That one, treating them like animals in a zoo? Totally on type for him.]

But they do seem to have strange differences in personality, so it may be unwise to paint them as all the same. their attitudes may vary somewhat, leading to different dangers.

[survivalthroughhate]

Good. Maybe some of them will have a sense of mercy, or if not that, then at least justice.

[onerthes]

Be wary what you wish for there. A being like them with a sense of justice might be rather absolu...

...

Actually, you know, I could see you liking a Pthumerian's take on Justice. Absolutism suits you in this sense, does it not?

[survivalthroughhate]

You know me well. Yes, such a train of thought from one of them is something I could agree on quite well.

[onerthes]

The Reckoning. I've heard stories already. They're an absolutist, and have a very extreme view of justice and an eye for eye. But I suspect they're a razor's edge to walk.

[survivalthroughhate]

Compromise can be such a dirty word in some cases. I shall have to examine all these Pthumerians closely to discover their thoughts, temperaments, and feelings towards the sentient beings here.

[onerthes]

On that subject, Maul, have you heard anything about the notion of a Patron Pthumerian? I'm almost curious if you know yours.

[She knew hers. She was trying to decide how she felt about it.]

[survivalthroughhate]

I have heard talk of it. I'm not sure I quite understand the notion but I have an idea of who mine might be.

[They didn't have things like star signs in a galaxy far, far away but he was quickly picking up what it meant.]

[onerthes]

It's similar to astrology. I don't know that the concept holds much merit for you, given that for your people constellations change their nature as you travel the stars, do they not?

I don't know that it means much here? But that one might take an interest in those closest to their patronage, for better or worse.

[survivalthroughhate]

No. Such a concept doesn't hold much weight when you can move from planet to planet easily with the stars above you always changing.

We shall have to keep an eye on them. Some might make for powerful allies if they are shown to have a benevolent or even kind spirit.

[onerthes]

I suspect that much of the power of such things is drawn from the culture itself that believes in them. belief has considerable power to influence the underlying energies of a race.

[Which was to say she might agree with Jung, slightly, but refuse to put it in scientific terms.]

Or at least one that can be worked with.

[survivalthroughhate]

It is an idea worth thinking about. At its most basic tenants and in an extremely oversimplified way, that is how the Force can operate with people unaware of its existence.

Keep me informed if you discover anything about our gracious hosts.

[onerthes]

Such is likely the way of all primal forces, whatever form they take in their world. Influenced by the unknowing as their belief in something impacts the world. Belief does have power.

I will do so. we will see in time how gracious they really are.