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

I have yet to see anything that would give me reassurance that people are going to obey any rules, provided they even know what they are.

[Manabu is going to feel so very tired after this conversation. Welcome to the wonderful exhaustion that is trying to talk to Maul about anything.]

[tired later, confused and indignant now!!!]

Maybe...um, what rules, specifically? Because everyone's been awful polite and helpful to me so far. I kind of consider that a good sign that things are working the way they ought to for the most part?

Oh, of course they are....for the moment. But when I first arrived in Deerington, the natives were nice and helpful too. I thought surely the reports of them hating Sleepers was exaggerated. I let my guard down. Do you know what happened? I ended up being drugged, sewn to a deer corpse, and would have been burned alive were it not for a timely rescue.

No, I will not trust things to be alright around here until proven otherwise.

Okay... [there's a vaguely clear indication Manabu's rubbing at his face right now, despite there being no visual.] I mean, setting aside that...that this isn't Deerington, that...I really don't think what you went through is normal. I, I mean, I've...I've visited a dozen or so planets? And the bad and lawless places are mostly an exception to the rule.

[beat. hamster wheel in brain spinning...

quickly:] A-and not because of some harsh rules or anything, either!

[Sorry, Manabu, you are now getting a taste of what everyone else encounters when they first talk to Maul for any extended length of time.] This may not be Deerington but the similarities are there. Or have you failed to hear talk of the Pthumerians roaming about? They see us as little ants to perform for their amusement.

[Such is the thoughts of a cynical Zabrak.]

Most planets are full of cruel people who think only of themselves and what they want. They are the rule, not the exception.

The talk of the--what now? Wait-- Waitwaitwait-- [huff.] Okay, never mind that, look. I-I'm not gonna say you didn't see or hear what you did, I'm just saying. It's a bit much to jump right out the gate to trying to take over a place we...honestly, don't know how it works! Right?

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?

I, I mean...I'd like to think that's not so sudden an issue? Like...nobody's running around crazy right now, are they?

Give it time. I'm sure within a week or two it'll happen.

[look Maul, just because you're clairvoyant doesn't mean you get to be a BUMMER about it NOW]

I mean--that's just speculation. And I guess I just hope...most everyone else is okay with taking things slow here? And...not trying to make things hostile between ourselves and the locals.

[He's so much fun at parties.]

Everyone here is so optimistic. Am I not allowed to have some pessimism to balance it all out?

[quickly:] Oh, y-you can be pessimistic all you want! It's just the...the acting upon the idea we gotta start subjugating people is what I'm more concerned about.

I've yet to hear any better ideas. Being passive and waiting around for things to happen has never been my favorite option. Best to strike first and sort things out later.

O...okay, um...so...maybe...striking first in the sense of...learning how things work around here is better? I mean, maybe some things are done the way you like already and you just don't know. Right?

[Hmmmm, that makes him think. This foolish man might have a point.]

Perhaps. But this shall require more investigation. And if things are not run to my liking, what then? Should I simply stand back and let them continue as such?

Then you! [exasperated:] You do what you feel is right, and...and so does everyone else! I can't predict the future, you know!

Well, you never know. Some people do possess that talent, you know, myself included.

[Though that's one aspect of Maul's powers he's never been able to control no matter how hard he's tried.]

[a drawn-out, dubious sound.] If that's the case, you knew waiting and seeing's the way about it, huh?

[wh...why is he...in a childlike back-and-forth with this guy? and why can't he stop. WHAT IS THIS BITEY FIGHTY COMPULSION.]

Actually, the future is always in flux. It's best to focus on the here and now instead of what might come. Be proactive instead of waiting around.

[Poor Manabu, he's going to end up a broken mess by the end of this conversation. Maul just brings out this compulsion in people.]

Then wh--[he cuts himself off, smearing his hand against his face. jeez. JEEZ!!!!!

after a huff:] Okay. Okay, okayokay. Sure! But. Yeah. My point still stands! A little investigation first is better than running straight into things blind. Okay?

If you say so.

[He certainly sounds like he doesn't believe Manabu at all...]

Video; un: darkness

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