Video, UN: Puppetking

[throneaway]

[ The video cuts in to a very plain assigned apartment room, and a tall, reedy-looking individual who smiles to see something light up or turn on on the device. Success!

Maxwell doesn't look too worried about all this 'saving the world' jazz.

Neither does the little floating eyeball that nuzzles up to his shoulder. He pets it absently. ]

Say, pal. How many of you 'randomly chosen' otherworldly visitors were already heroes in your own worlds? How many of you were ... Less heroic?

I don't mean to be suspicious, you understand: I'm sure they actually do need help here.

But I have some prior experience with kidna--err--this kind of selection process.

Comments

[gleaner]

Then, I would suggest you go to the Research Center. They are always looking for more.

[He wasn't surprised by the question and merely shook his head.]

My race is Shetona. Although, you may hear others call me Viera, as well. They are the same for what I am, although regional and cultural differences will naturally be present.

[throneaway]

I may just do that... I appreciate the steer.

[ At least he doesn't seem offended by the question, and Maxwell takes the race correction silently without further inquiry. ]

It looks like this place is nothing if not egalitarian, at least. It wasn't just curiosity, I like to be able to accurately refer to others.

So there are many from your world here?

[gleaner]

A fair few, yes.

[Erenville wasn't easy to offend, at least.]

Mostly Warriors of Light from alternate versions of our Star, oddly enough. But some who are not, such as myself. An acquaintance of mine from my homeland just arrived not too long ago and there is another from a land called Ishgard. Both dignitaries in their own rights.

[throneaway]

On a symbolic level it makes perfect sense to recruit something called a Warrior of Light to fight the corruption of darkness. It doesn't make as much sense to recruit someone who specializes in darkness already, especially if you find their allegiance suspect.

You've been forthcoming, however! [ Just, a few questions he's not sure he wants to ask Erenville yet, or maybe at all. ] I owe you one.

[gleaner]

And is that what you do, Maxwell? Specialize in darkness?

[It wasn't questioning with any particular tone, a simple question based on what he was just told. His face did not give much away to what he thought, either.]

No need. Knowledge is meant to be shared, especially in a situation like this.

[throneaway]

Precisely that. [ And there's a certain refuge in audacity, too? But he's not getting any terrible vibes. If anything, that last comment makes him feel more warmly disposed; it feels like something Wilson might say. May as well be honest. ] Darkness also specializes in me.

I had hoped to more subtly unearth if there were instances of our kind being called upon to assist and ending up a liability. I don't think it's inevitable, but if the darkness here corrupts, and spreads... [ Well. ]