maskormenace | [Video] Arrival

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[Video] Arrival

[Was that a mask? The visual shows what appears to be some sort of skeletal alien mask and the voice that accompanies it sounds oddly mechanical. Some here may recognize the cyborg General, even if just from historical records. While arriving as human, he'd quickly discovered his powers of transformation from the files he was given then after some brief experimenting he settled on the one he'd last been most familiar with. At least for now.]

Citizens. Heroes.

[The emphasized word seems to catch in his throat and there's a brief cough before he continues with an underlying growl to his tone.]

This is an unfortunate development. I was interrupted in the midst of a critical battle. I do not have time to deal with your little world's problems.

[The words are interrupted again by more coughing then an annoyed growl before the video cuts out abruptly.]

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[He stalks inside with his long strides, echoing the Count's words.]

As well as can be expected.

If you are here then there must be very little chance of leaving.

[He's sure that Dooku would not be held in such a place willingly if he had no wish to be.]

Unfortunately that is the case. Our comings and goings from this world are at the mercy of the machine called the 'Porter.' And the Porter is in the hands of the government which presumes to control us.

[Here, with Grievous, the Count doesn't have to hold back his hatred as much as he does other imPorts. His scowl is deep as he speaks, and his eyes are cold. He guides Grievous to his sitting room, dimly lit and decorated with antiquities and morbid art, but remains standing.]

Tell me, what city have they placed you in? And what employment are they wasting your talents with?

[The General also remains standing but will sit if Dooku asks. In this cyborg form the adjustments and manipulations to his brain are still very much intact, making him more compliant and loyal to the Count's wishes and orders. There could be more resistance to things he doesn't agree with when he's transformed into his other incarnations - that of human or alien - but for the moment he's preferring to stay as the cyborg they made him.]

Currently, I am in the place they call Heropa. The work... sounds like a joke at my expense. It is an Advocate for Organ Donations.

[He sounds almost offended even if in some way it's sort of appropriate. The weakness of this form are indeed his failing organs and that troublesome cough. Those stayed upon his entry to this world and will give him incentive to switch to other forms at times, even though they also have their weaknesses for him to contend with.]

[The Count snorts gently. It's exactly what he has come to expect from job assignments: idiocy and squandered resources, blended with nasty little jokes.]

Of course. Such poor humour is rather standard for their policies. Fortunately, I have been here long enough to have made certain connections. Should you wish a new source of employment, you need only ask and I will arrange it.

[Not that Dooku expects the General to devote himself to any kind of mundane job. Not when there are Jedi he might be hunting.]

That would be appreciated, my Lord.

[He speaks respectfully. Grateful. His particular set of talents would indeed be squandered on such charity work. He was a warrior and a tactician.]

Think nothing of it.

[Dooku makes a dismissive gesture. Then his face hardens once more, as he moves on to more important topics.]

Now, then. As for the Jedi.

[From the disdain in his voice, one would never guess he used to be one of them.]

Thus far, they have not yet meddled in my interests. If they do, I promise you may take their lightsabers, as well as their lives. But until then, I expect you not to create any unnecessary conflict. Is that clear, General?

[Asking Grievous to not kill Jedi goes against the entire reason he was created. Dooku can only hope his hold on the cyborg is strong enough to compel proper discipline in this matter.]

[His own alien eyes narrow at mention of the Jedi; the usual spark of anger flashing through the rewired circuits in his brain. This is counteracted by Dooku's following orders, which he is compelled to obey.]

Yes, Master.

I have spoken to some who talk of a future with no Jedi. They say only one remains. Is this true?

[The Count nods, clasping his hands behind his back. His composed posture belies his inner conflict.]

I have heard the same thing, from those who come from the future of our Galaxy. It is the culmination of Lord Sidious' grand plan: the fall of the Jedi Order, and of the Republic with it.

But I have also heard that the future holds doom for the Confederacy. Things are more clouded than I would prefer.

[Particularly the part where Dooku himself is said to have perished in the Clone Wars.]

[He has been hearing similar stories although he already did know of Dooku's demise. It was more of a surprise to find out he was alive here. He didn't bring this up. He's also less concerned about the Separatist downfall. His focus had always been the destruction of the Jedi and he let others deal with the politics.]

Since we are here, plans will need to be ... adjusted.

Correct. The Republic is no longer our enemy. Even the Jedi are a secondary concern. Our new focus must be on this foolish government that presumes to control us, and its 'Porter' which has brought us here.

[The Count raises a fist in the air, and clenches it. Dramatically.]

I have already begun taking steps to teach them the full consequences of their arrogance.

What would you have me do, Master?

[While there's the urge to obey Dooku, there's also some simmering internal rage at having to put aside his quest for destroying every Jedi. The conflict overridden for now by his compliance.]

['Master.' It has been far too long since Dooku heard that kind of respect and submission... the proper way he should be addressed, in his view.]

I have founded a covert action group among sympathetic imPorts, to take action against our enemies. We are called 'the Constellation,' and our reach is growing with each passing day.

I want you to join the Constellation as one of our warriors. You will help to train and lead other operatives, and destroy those who threaten us. With your skills added to our ranks, we shall be stronger than ever.

As you will it, my Lord.

Is this the job you would have me do or is that a more private matter? I take it I still need some public display of work here, unless that title they already gave me - however mockingly - will suffice as a cover.

[The Count shakes his head and holds up a finger.]

No. You will be compensated for your services, of course, but this is a secret position. You will require something else to occupy yourself in public...

[He moves the finger to stroke his beard for a moment, thinking.]

Perhaps I could arrange for you to become a combat instructor. You have been one of my most promising pupils: I am sure you would have much to offer others seeking to learn the arts of war.

[He nods his agreement.]

It is what they want from us, isn't it? Heroics and power. Training others would not seem so out of place.

Precisely. You will be doing a public service for the people of this 'Earth.' And who knows? In time, the public may acclaim your heroism.

[The Count smirks. In Grievous' presence, the expression is allowed to take on a crueler edge than Dooku would usually show.]

And if some of your students should happen to end up using their new skills in ways that benefit the Constellation... You can hardly be held accountable for that, now can you?

I will do what I can for this cause.

[Especially if he could somehow get his hands on a Jedi or two. He doesn't take the same sort of glee in these potential plans otherwise but he is ready to fight against their oppressors and kidnappers, if need be. However the Count wanted to do so. But he did want more information, if it could be given.]

What action do you ultimately plan to take?

Ultimately? The Porter which brought us here must come under our control. Only then will we be able to regain command of our own destinies. But that will not be possible as long as the government holds it in their custody.

[The Count holds up his communicator, and sends the General the OOC equivalent of this form.]

I am transmitting to you the necessary codes for you to join the Constellation and access our secret communications. Then, our work can truly begin. In the meantime, I will see what I can do to establish your new career as an instructor.

[He examines the document from his own screen and nods.]

Very well, my Lord. I will await your word.

[He waits, expecting a dismissal but in case there is anything else he doesn't yet turn to leave.]

Excellent. That will be all for now, General. Contact me at once if there are any developments.

[And then the Count motions toward the door. This feels good, it feels right. To dismiss a subordinate, instead of having to treat people as friends and allies as he so often must.]

[He bows his head respectfully and departs.]

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[Video] Arrival

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