maskormenace | Intro

[ Not wanting anybody to see his face, Kylo switches the video off before pressing record. He takes a deep breath, not really satisfied with having to do this - he should be able to find out more about this place and find the people he is looking for without any assistance - but this place is large and this seems much more efficient. The technology is outdated, the small device similar to a datapad but much less useful and without a holo function. This must be something that pre-dates his parents, his grandparents, even. ]

This place, I'm not familiar with it. It's not where I'm supposed to be, not even in our galaxy, yet...

[ He pauses, taking a breath, giving himself a moment to gather his thoughts and center himself. There are Force users here, more than one, and he's certain of it. He'll search every city until he finds them, burn them down, kill them all until he finds what he's looking for. However, if anybody can give him any information, save him from traveling through each city until he finds them... ]

Tell me where Skywalker and Solo are. I know they're here, I can feel it.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ As much as he wants to broadcast exactly why he's seeking at least one Skywalker, Ren decides it's best to keep that information to himself for the time being. ]

How am I to know that you'll actually aid me should I tell you my purpose for seeking Skywalker and Solo?

[Smart.]

A good question. It is wise of you to be cautious. Is there some assurance I could provide you that would set your mind at ease?

[Time to find out how this new arrival handles matters of trust.]

[ Oh, this man is unlike anybody Kylo has had the pleasure of speaking with. ]

And it is wise of you to question me for I could be seeking Skywalker with ill intent. [ He is. ] What might I gain from placing my trust in you?

[The Count gestures with his palm up, as though making an offering.]

Knowledge. And through it, power and security. I have been here quite a long time, and there are many things I could tell you. Information that has an importance even beyond our shared acquaintances, Skywalker and Solo.

[ Oh, offering knowledge, power, and security to a man who wants to rule over the weak minded in the galaxy? The Count has said the right things. ]

I would be remiss if I didn't take you up on that offer. [ But he knows how people work, how easily lies are told. ] How do I know you'll stay true to your word? That you won't betray me or my trust?

[The Count gives a sly little half-smile.]

Then you cannot simply sense the truth, I take it. No matter. If you will not trust my word, then trust in my wisdom. Betraying you would gain me nothing, and cost me a potential ally. Knowing this, why would I turn upon you?

[ The Count's words rub Kylo the wrong way, but he maintains composure, continues on with the conversation. ]

You certainly have no reason to turn on me. You're so eager to gain my trust, become an ally... What do you know? Why the interest?

Because it is clear to me that you are from the same Galaxy as I am. And that the Force is strong in you. Both of which are matters of great interest to me.

[ Kylo frowns a bit, hesitates before responding. ]

Why are those things of great interest to you when matters of our Galaxy mean nothing here? What do you want with my ability to use the Force?

[Dooku frowns.]

Matters of our Galaxy still mean a great deal here. Our history guides our actions, and our actions can shape the world around us. This is especially true for those who use the Force.

Tell me this: is it truly caution that makes you question my intentions so closely? Or is it fear?

[ It's likely a bit of both, if Kylo is being honest with himself. He's never met somebody who is stronger than he is in the Force, who follows the Dark side, who has the potential to either be a threat or a mentor. ]

We've been fed lies since we woke up in this world, pulled from our own Galaxy not as a result of our own decision... Why wouldn't I be cautious? [ He pauses ] You didn't answer my question: what do you want with my ability to use the Force?

Our abduction is indeed a cause for caution, but I believe it is also a cause for action. As for what I want... Well, now. That would depend on just how powerful you truly are.

[ He's powerful! He's got Skywalker blood! ]

And what if I'm not as powerful as you hope for me to be? What then?

Then you will be a disappointment, and I rarely waste my time with disappointments.

Unless, that is, I believe I can teach them to increase their power. I have done this many times.

[ Kylo can't help but smile at that. ]

I should hope I wouldn't be a disappointment to you. [ He's disappointed enough people in his life, but they don't understand. They'll never understand. ] However, I'm young, and there is still so much for me to learn.

[The Count smiles back.]

It is wise of you to admit as much. There are some whose pride blinds them to opportunities for further learning.

I had yet to complete my training, so to have somebody willing to teach me and to help me reach my true potential is-- [ He pauses ] Well, I would be foolish to turn an opportunity like this down. I can assure you that I won't disappoint you.

Intro - [ voice ]

[audio]

[audio]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]

[video]