bridgescribble | Planes, trains, automobiles

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Planes, trains, automobiles

The Traveling Meme

You're on your way from point A to point B, and you've chosen one of the many forms of communal conveyance to do so! Let's see what your trip looks like today.

Train: The Orient Express if you're feeling fancy, your standard intercity line if you're not, but no matter how humble the train there's always a little bit of romance to the rail.
Plane: It may be the type of travel we least look forward to. Go ahead and stuff your character in coach--unless they're one of the blessed few who can afford knee room in business class.
Ship: The heyday of the grand passenger liners, a tall ship (preferably with a star to steer her by), or the ferry.
Bus: Whether it's a school bus, a Greyhound, or your regular commuter ride... we know you're not wearing the seatbelt like you're supposed to.
Stagecoach: Some old-timey fun!
Airship: Listen, JRPGs had it right when they decided these should be a normal thing.
Spaceship: For that sci-fi feel! To boldly get Ubered where no one has Ubered before.

Scenarios

I brought a book for a REASON: You're just trying to make this journey in peace and quiet but for the person in the seat next to you....
Stalled: Well, now you're really not there yet, because your mode of transport has stopped working--thrown a wheel or can't get off the tarmac or lost the breeze. Better figure out something to do in the meantime.
Stand and deliver! Dammit, it's bandits, or robbers, or some other kind of ne'er do well--or maybe you're the one pulling the heist.
Running: Not literally, obviously, but you're trying to get away from something bad. Let's hope it's not catching up to you a few seats down....
Disaster! This isn't just inconvenient, it's catastrophic! Good thing you're here to save the day, right? ...Right?
Actually having a nice time: It's just pleasant to sit and look out windows while someone else does the steering, you know?

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[Maul bared his teeth at the clone commander in a snarl when he was spoken to. He'd been beaten, it was true, and taken back to Coruscant. It was far too close to the reach of his former master for his liking. He was certain Sidious would find a way to stick a knife into his hearts soon enough, so he would have to escape long before that plan was put into place.

The trial had been swift. The "kindly old Supreme Chancellor" mask his master wore in public had advocated for death since Maul was a war criminal but the Senate-appointed defense, who'd had a surprising witness in the form of Obi-Wan Kenobi advocating mercy for his old foe, had managed to talk down the jury into sentencing him to life in prison. He was offered a lesser sentence if he would talk but Maul refused. He stubbornly kept his mouth shut, refusing to say a word throughout the trial. Even now, he'd not spoke a word to any of the Jedi watching him. Only now did he finally turn to look at Rex.]

I may be imprisoned for now but soon I will be free. On that you can make a sure bet.

[ Maul is one with a presence that causes unease, even to those without The Force it's an eerie sensation. Rex imagines that in time, one could overcome the feeling with enough exposure, but he'll take the weary feeling down in his bones over seeing Maul every day.

Maul finally speaks after a long silence, and Rex snorts. Of all things to say. ]

Funny. That's exactly the kind of reply I was expecting. But thanks for confirming that you'll be attempting to make a run for it at some point. I'll be sure to let the Jedi know.

[ He raises a brow at him. ]

I'm surprised you weren't willing to speak at your trial. It was your big chance to yell at the entire galaxy, including General Kenobi, who you seem to have a thing about.

[Nothing had gotten to the Sith Lord yet. He'd been little more than a rock that blinked and breathed after he'd had his initial breakdown when Ahsoka had defeated him on Mandalore. But Rex said the right thing to get under his skin. His eyes narrowed.]

I don't have a thing for Kenobi!

[He hissed out. Now that was just a blatant lie. It was clear to anyone who spent ten minutes around Maul that he had an obsession with the Jedi Master he blamed for ruining his life. He continued to glare at the clone.]

No one ever cared to listen to what I had to say before. Why should they start now?

[ Rex catches the laugh in his throat, and thankfully his helmet hides his face when he reacts to Maul's insistence about Kenobi. Likely not a great idea, laughing openly at a Sith. What a reaction though. Definitely concerned with General Kenobi. ]

As I recall, Commander Tano said you were real talkative back on Mandalore. Something about other Sith. The Republic and the Jedi would listen to that- if there was any truth to it, that is.

[Maul dismissed that line of thinking with a brisk shake of his head.]

I gave her a chance to join me and change the fate of the galaxy. If she didn't believe me, no one else will.

[She'd been right there at the heart of the matter, knowing Anakin Skywalker as well as she did. Maul could see the future still barreling towards him in his dreams, one full of carnage, death, and pain that echoed throughout the entire galaxy.]

You really expected a former Jedi would be quick to believe that you're telling her the truth? Or to agree to become what, another Sith with you? When you've done nothing to earn her trust or done anything to prove you're not lying.

[ Maul was powerful and cunning enough to manipulate the Mandalorians, but his attempt at dealing with Ahsoka? Of course she'd see through that. Ahsoka was a smart one. ]

[Maul laughed, a sound with no real humor in it.]

The great problem I face is that I tell the truth far more often than people expect and yet people still think that I am lying when I do so.

[He paused before adding on:]

She almost still did join me.

[He was betting the Togruta Jedi (and she still was one as far as Maul was concerned) hadn't told her troops that particular part. How she'd honestly considered helping him stop his master until he'd mentioned Anakin Skywalker.]

Oh let me guess. That's another painful truth that you're generously telling, that nobody is going to believe.

[ Rex's voice is dripping in sarcasm. He cocks his head slightly. ]

And what exactly did you say to the Commander that would actually compel her to help you?

[ Ahsoka had seemed thoroughly shaken up after Mandalore, and while it's not exactly proper, Rex can't help wondering if there was something bothering her that she couldn't bring herself to say. ]

I offered her a chance to end this war. Together, we would have stood a chance of killing my master and stop the manipulation he has done of both sides.

[It was a tempting offer Maul had put forth. Ending the war would save millions if not billions of lives. Taking out the Sith Lord in charge would assure that the conflict wouldn't be prolonged as well as giving the Jedi much of the credibility they had lost back in the eyes of the people.]

[ Rex can understand the temptation of a way to end the war. But the rest has Rex puzzling over the words. ]

Manipulation on both sides? It's no secret the Sith influence the Separatists, but our army is led by the Jedi themselves. How would your Sith master manipulate the Republic?

[Maul finally turned to actually look properly at Rex, assessing the clone as if he was trying to figure out the odds he would actually be believed. He didn't think they were high.]

Who do you think ordered the creation of the clone army in the first place?

[ Rex scowls at the suggestion, a bitter taste in his mouth to say the least. ]

It's common knowledge it was Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas. What are you saying? That Master Sifo-Dyas had some kind of secret Sith connection? He's dead, you know.

This plan goes back further than anyone knows, back before I was even born. And one of the first pieces to be laid down was the creation of a clone army. My master has manipulated both sides of the war from the start. If he can do that, manipulating a Jedi and his motivations would not be hard.

Let me get this straight. You're saying the entire war was orchestrated by your master? That somehow both sides are controlled by a single person?

[ He can hardly hold back the instant scoff. His shoulders rise and fall as he reminds himself who he's talking to. He's still curious, somehow. Some part of him tells him it's because of Ahsoka's behavior; another part says it's something else but he can't put his finger on what. ]

Putting aside whether I should believe a thing you say, what's the purpose? How does the war benefit him? Both sides have lost people and resources to this war. Countless people lost their homes. I would hardly say benefitting is common.

[He had the attention of the clone now, he could see that. It wouldn't do any good to tell him all of what he knew. What could one clone commander do to influence the outcome of the war? But perhaps he could use this as an opportunity to find a way to start plotting his escape from his imprisonment.]

A single person with many, many minions. He's started planning for the end. Don't you find it odd both of the Separatist leaders ended up dead so soon one after the other?

[He'd heard talk while being held captive that Count Dooku and General Grievous were both dead. Sidious was making sure there would be no one left to be able to be traced back to him. That was why Maul knew his days were numbered if he didn't escape soon.]

He's positioned himself in such a way that no matter who wins or loses in the war, he will be the one to gain everything in the end. There will be no Republic. No Separatists. Only one Empire for him to rule over.

[ Behind his helmet, Rex's eyes start to wander as questions begin to drip into his head and quickly turn into a stream. He hates to admit it, but Maul has a point about the Separatist leaders. Something about it is odd. Or feels odd, at least. They had certainly lost out on the chance to gather intel from Dooku or Grievous, but... Rex shook his head to himself. Who is he to question the actions of General Skywalker or Kenobi? But then what is Maul saying? Is he just mad? This means the end of the war. The Republic is in position to win. ]

The Separatist leaders were both killed by the Jedi. Yet somehow that still benefits a Sith? Even with Dooku dead? The Republic is about to win the war, but your master is going to somehow swoop in and take over everything, even though the Jedi are with us?

[ Before Maul can answer that question, a sinking feeling hits Rex. He doesn't like how those words sound, now that he's said them. The Jedi are with us. The Jedi would stand between the Sith and power. If Maul was right about how well prepared his master was, there was a logical next step. Something that sounds insane, but familiar. Rex goes still, trying to fight the thought. ]

[He was surprised the clone was still listening at this point instead of shutting him up, ignoring what he was saying, or going to get one of the Jedi to take over. It was impossible to know what was going on behind that helmet. But as long as he still had Rex's attention, he'd on explaining.]

He's tying up loose ends. Dooku and his cyborg abomination knew too much. Dooku's downfall was thinking he was irreplaceable when in truth he was nothing more than a pawn to be used and discarded, the same way he once did to me. I tried to warn him, knowing this would happen, and he wouldn't listen.

[Maul wasn't that torn up about it. Dooku had a part in killing his mother, so losing his head was a just punishment in Maul's book. His own arrogance had been his undoing. If he'd believed Maul, the course of the war could have changed much earlier.]

I was never told the full scope of his plan. I don't know how the ending will precisely come about. But it will come. He'll shatter everything into pieces and then pick up what is left so he may rule over all.

[ Something in Rex feels wound too tight. He stands to keep himself from tapping his leg impatiently. What am I doing? Why am I listening to him? he questions himself. This is a game. A trick. If I step away, I'll see it for what it is. He should go ask one of the brothers standing outside to find one of the Jedi. They can handle this better.

And what would Rex tell them? He wants to speak to Ahsoka suddenly, or General Skywalker. He wants to know what Maul had told her, in case it makes something click, in case it's not some Sith mind game messing with him, making him want to ask more questions.

His hands curl into tense fists. ]

He'll only rule if he kills the Jedi.

[ He says the words bitterly, and they almost feel like they're not his own. Like it's- like it's Fives saying it. He said what he had discovered was meant to kill the Jedi. Rex wants to question his memory, but it's burned into his mind clear as the day it happened, along with Fives dead in his arms.

Against all odds, Maul is speaking to one of the only people alive who might see what he sees. ]

[Maul's yellow eyes glinted with a strange, triumphant light. He'd gotten in the clone's head by now. It wouldn't do much good for his present circumstances but at least someone was finally listening to what he had to say.]

That has been the foremost goal of the Sith for a thousand years. We waited and plotted in the shadows, weakening the Republic until it was ripe to fall, watching as the Jedi became more corrupt and arrogant, closed off in their echo chamber until they lost touch with reality. We have been planning for the day when the eradication of all Jedi can begin for a millennia. And it is close, very close, though I cannot see the full scope of it yet.

[But his dreams had shown him that was hurtling ever closer, the day when the purge his master had worked for his entire life was going to begin.]

[ Rex wants to argue on behalf of the Jedi, to defend their honor. But despite his loyalty, even from the outside looking in, he had become aware that they were not perfect. The way they didn't stand by Ahsoka. Krell's corruption. Whispers of other generals who were not respectful towards the brothers that served under them. He had seen Jedi wounded and dead countless times. They were powerful, but their judgment could be wrong, and their lives could be threatened.

Who do you think ordered the creation of the clone army in the first place? When he thinks of Maul's words now, with what Fives had claimed, it fits together too well. A plot to kill the Jedi using the inhibitor chips in the clones. Nausea hits him, and he turns away from Maul, trying to hide his distress. ]

Kriff. [ He mutters under his breath. He should really step out. Get some air and rethink this. But if he steps away, will he get another chance to talk to Maul alone before they reach the prison? He knows the answer to the most important question.

Rex grimaces and steadies himself against the wall. So much for hiding his unease. Fine then. Maybe Maul will let his guard down if he shows vulnerability. Two can play at this.

Rex rights himself and turns towards Maul again. ]

I... I believe you.

[It was hard to tell just what was going on in the clone's head with his helmet on. But he'd been talking with Maul for some time now and hadn't left yet. That had to mean something. He watched and waited, wondering if Rex would close off his mind to the possibilities the way so many others had and ignore the doom that was coming for them all. He thought for certain he'd leave and send in someone else to watch over Maul for the rest of the trip.

The last thing he expected was for him to stay and for those words to come out of Rex's mouth. This was the first time in ages anyone had actually believed Maul, to understand the absurd tale he told was the truth. The surprise showed on his face and he was caught off-balance.]

You do?

[But the clone had no reason to lie. Maul wondered if something had happened to him previous to plant a seed of doubt into his head. That didn't matter. What did was the fact someone understood what Maul was saying was the truth. The trust Rex was showing him caused Maul to put all his cards on the table.]

There is still a chance to avert the future I have seen coming. It is not yet set in stone. But we must act fast or it will be too late.

[ The show of surprise on Maul's face makes him look almost vulnerable, less of an unknowable, all powerful threat. Like the first time he'd seen General Skywalker actually trip on something. Immensely powerful, but still mortal. If that's the truth for one Sith, doesn't it mean even the master is mortal? He has no choice but to cling to that hope. The Jedi could rally, but they don't stand a chance if there are no Jedi left.

Rex closes his eyes at the sting of sadness, thinking of Tupp and Fives. ]

Who is he?

[ Disgust wells up inside of him. Who was the one who had manipulated them all from the start? Used the war like it was a game. Who did Fives try to expose, only to die? Who turned Tupp into an unwilling murderer of their Jedi ally? That could have been him, Rex realizes; it could have been him shooting down Ahsoka or Skywalker or Kenobi. ]

[Now came time to put forth the only card Maul had left. He'd tried to get this far with Ahsoka but he'd underestimated her loyalty to Skywalker. Perhaps if he'd told her when she'd said she'd help him, it might have changed things. Or perhaps not. The "kindly old man" mask his master wore in public was completely unbreakable. Even Maul had been fooled by it time and again in his youth, stupidly loyal to a man who never gave a damn about him in return.]

His name is Sheev Palpatine.

[Either Rex would believe him on that point or he wouldn't. It sounded absurd on the surface. The Supreme Chancellor, the man who had been so vehement about not letting the Republic be torn in two? The one who had always been so compassionate and selfless when it came to serving the systems of planets that were under his control? And yet...he'd stayed in office far longer than his term should have allowed. His power had grown substantially, always through the legal means of voting in the Senate, but nonetheless he controlled far more of the governmental body than any other person in charge ever had. The odd fascination he had with things that could produce great power or be turned into weapons. The cracks were there if one only knew where to look.]

What?

[ Rex stumbles back at the revelation. And yet, he believes it. Fives had said it- he only hadn't understood at the time. Still, the affirmation, the reality, drops on him like an overwhelming weight. Rex tears his helmet off, gasping, as if he can hardly get oxygen into his lungs. He looks back at Maul, shock on his face, but no trace of denial. ]

The Chancellor. He really is involved. I was warned about him, by my brother, just before he was executed, but I didn't understand.

The Jedi visit and speak to him all the time. How do they not know? I thought they can sense it in the Force.

[So the clone believed him. He hadn't been certain he would. Maul wasn't sure what good it would do for Rex to possess this knowledge. Palpatine had made certain all those who knew his true identity had their days numbered. He wasn't surprised whatever clone had learned his secrets had paid for it with his life.]

The Sith learned long ago how to conceal our dark signatures in the Force. We would not have survived if we remained out in the open. No one can tell anything is amiss with him, not unless he wants them to. Can you not tell the difference in mine?

[On Mandalore, Maul's signature had been muted, like trying to see what lay beyond thick smoke or fog, thinking what was being seen was merely a small campfire. Unable to access the Force right now, what had seemed small before was revealed to be more like a wildfire blazing out of control and consuming everything in its path. Even to one not sensitive to the Force, the difference was noticeable, given just how dark Maul's presence really ran.]

Planes, trains, automobiles

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sorry been very busy this week!

No worries!

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School finals finally out of the way

Woo hoo!!!

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