"We're Jedi, like we said. You can call me Rynn if you wish. My friends," I say, indicating Vera and Xeth, "are my superiors, but we may all speak on behalf of the group. We represent our own interests, and believe that we have a mutual enemy on this planet."
-
So who thinks Malteen doesn't exist? I think the odds are still with him existing, but the Vegas line isn't as steep as it was a few pages ago.
"Not join so much as assist. We believe the Warlord Tarne is being supplied with advanced weaponry that can be traced to an old enemy of ours. Not only do we wish to stop him, but we also hope to discover the details of his transactions. If he isn't stopped, Malteen's forces, all of Respite, and much more could be endangered."
-
I figure we'll have to spill all of this eventually. The fact that it isn't to Malteen is unfortunate, but meh.
I did consider not having any sense of tact with Ti in diplomatic situations, but she does come from a background that would have made her familiar with these sort of dealings. There's no one to flirt with here though, nor to openly attack, so I figure she can be clear-headed.
I also realized I might be doing the talking sometimes and didn't want us in any more trouble than what Rexx has planned for us, so there's that too.
"Ah, Tarne. Our scouts have indeed reported that his power has grown... but nothing to match the power of Malteen!"
The crowd cheers at this before Zarjab quiets them.
"Still, it has caused us trouble. The machine men he sends, throwing flames as one would throw a ball. Immune to our simple weapons. We will prevail, as Malteen has shown us by giving us you Jedi."
Zarjab pauses.
"Are you ALL Jedi?"
Barker growls in a polite manner.
"It's very likely that we could draw him out. We do possess a certain...flair for such strategies. Or, perhaps, you could draw him out and we could strike at him personally while he is unguarded. All possibilities that we can consider, and which we would like to discuss with Malteen. Because, though you are his trusted chieftain, none of this can be set in stone without Malteen's approval."
"Tarne never leaves his fortress," Zarjab says. "He is safe there. Malteen has said that we must gather more power as his followers before we can overcome its defenses. Maybe you are a sign."
Zarjab turns to the wall behind him, the back of the stage where rotted curtains are strung up.
"Summon Malteen!" he says to the Maltites, and the crowd becomes to chant. You sense a wave of great joy pulse through them, though Vera picks up on a hint of fear.
The audience members have all risen from their seats and are chanting vigorously, including those that walked you. Everyone is pumping both fists into the air rapidly in anticipation.
Zarjab continues shouting for Malteen to be brought forth, and men are pulling the old curtains aside to reveal a figure seated upon a make-shift throne.
The Jedi stay silent and await the words of a mighty leader! The chanting reaches a feverous pitch as the audience is shown their leader and prepare to hear his wisdom...
Except for the fact that Malteen is a dessicated corpse, propped up upon his throne. He is long dead and simplistically preserved; dried out, eyes and mouth sewn shut. His bony hands, no longer well-muscled as they were in life, clutch paired machetes.
"Behold His glory, the ascended Malteen!" Zarjab declares with a crazed look.