4th // Projection

[smooth_sith]

[A projected image of Count Dooku appears above everyone's communication crystals, looking quite imperious]This is Count Dooku of Chaos. Many of you on Cosmos should know by now that several of your number are currently missing. I am speaking to you now to inform you of what has happened to them, and how you may secure their return

Comments

[voice]

[obsidian_chaos]

[Shadow was... yeah, not too happy about this. He didn't expect any less from a few of those on the side of Chaos. But he did listen to the entire transmission uninterrupted.]

Hn, and I'm sure your word is so easily trusted. Where are they, and how are we to know that they aren't harmed?

[video]

[smooth_sith]

I cannot reveal their location for reasons that I should hope are obvious, but if you wish you may be provided with images through their crystals to prove that they still live.

[video]

[obsidian_chaos]

Then that will have to do. Provide me the images. [If the images themselves are to be trusted, but he'll take what he can get at this point.]

[video]

[smooth_sith]

[Various images of the hostages in their cells, bound and sometimes unconscious but demonstrably alive, flicker through the projection.]

I trust that is satisfactory. I have no wish to hold them any longer than necessary. That is why I hope that the Crystal will be delivered shortly.

[Voice]

[radicaldevilarm]

Tch. You think we're gonna hand it over, just like that? You've got another thing coming.

[Video]

[smooth_sith]

Please, try be a little more mindful. Does the freedom of your friends mean so little to you?

[Voice]

[radicaldevilarm]

Off by a few years there, pal. I don't know anyone you've taken- but I sure as hell know they wouldn't want us to listen to you.

So, how about this deal- we find you and we kick your ass. And we don't give back the crystal.

[Video]

[smooth_sith]

That will never happen. Your anger is driving you to irrationality.

[Filter/Dooku]

[twistedjudge]

[Fang's voice is tight - she speaks very shortly, very clipped. She's holding something back.]

Who all've you got?

[Filter/Dooku]

[smooth_sith]

Does it truly matter exactly who we have in our custody? Surely you wish to retrieve all of them.

[Filter/Dooku]

[twistedjudge]

[A small heh, close to a snort but not quite.]

I admit I haven't been the most talkative outta the bunch here, but somehow I don't think that puts me over on that goddess' team.

[Filter/Dooku]

[smooth_sith]

...Ah. I see. My apologies for the error, Madam. Note to self, acquire personnel list for our faction. In that case, I am sending a list of our prizes to you now. I hope that you will see fit to aid us in keeping them. [A pre-prepared text summary of the captives is transmitted to her crystal]

[waterblade]

[He hasn't found Terra recently - and now there's an answer.]

You've gotta be kidding! You're not gonna get away with this!

[smooth_sith]

Such impulsive promises will accomplish nothing towards freeing your friends, boy. I suggest that you consider my offer more carefully.

[waterblade]

Yeah right, I'll consider it after we get 'em back.

[Crystal, power-off! Off to grab Cecil and plan!]

[video]

[hallowedlight]

Rosa is-- You...!

[This is giving Cecil the most awful sense of deja vu.]

What is the use in holding innocent people hostage?! Is the crystal you took from us in the last battle not enough?!

[voice | filtered]

[smooth_sith]

We are all combatants in this conflict, sir. There are no innocents. Under all the laws of civilized warfare, warriors defeated but left alive are to be cared for as prisoners by the victor.

[voice | filtered]

[hallowedlight]

Rosa is innocent! She's done nothing to harm you or your comrades, and deserves no part in this.

[voice | filtered]

[smooth_sith]

Rosa? I distinctly remember Rosa standing beside you during the battle. There is a great deal of power in her, power that she uses on behalf of Cosmos. That certainly makes her a valid target for capture.