[OOM] Mirror plot III.

[stuck_mynock]

The city which Will and Atton land in looks almost deserted. A closer look, once they get out of the shuttle, reveals otherwise - it's not deserted, it's just that everyone's locked themselves up in their houses.

"This place stinks of fear," Atton says, brightly, sniffing the air.

Comments

[will_scarlett]

"Are they 'fraid o'ye?"

This feels oddly familiar once again so Will keeps his hand close to his sword.

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

"Maybe. At least it means we won't get any hassle from them, right?"

[will_scarlett]

"Aye but also might be 'arder to find what ye're lookin' for."

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

"I wouldn't worry about that."

[will_scarlett]

"Ye know 'ow to find it?"

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

"Yep."

[will_scarlett]

Will just nods and keeps looking around the city.

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

"This isn't the first time I've been here. When I came before, they hadn't found what I was looking for, so I told them to keep searching until they did."

[will_scarlett]

"Did they say they've found it then?"

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

"They did."

[will_scarlett]

"Aye, that's good."

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

"For us."

[will_scarlett]

"Why's it na good for 'em?"

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

"It's not necessarily bad. I did promise them safety if they found it for me."

[will_scarlett]

"That's good o'ye."

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

"It's practical."

[will_scarlett]

"Oh aye, tis."

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

"Otherwise, they probably wouldn't have bothered searching for it."

They reach a small, metal bunker. Atton peers at it, then heads inside.

By now, Will's key to Arcadia is getting rather warm, and rather bright.

[will_scarlett]

Will pulls it out before following Atton then puts it away quickly.

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

Inside the bunker, Atton plucks up a wrist band with a greenish, glowing display on it.

"That's the thing. An old Rakatan device - perfect for me, since my ships operate through the Force. Using this, I can send out ionic interference into the air, not only knocking out any machinery on the planet but rendering it impossible to get any technology, old or new, to work."

Tilting his head at Will: "It doesn't sound especially impressive. But with no machinery, there's no water purification, farming is more difficult, space flight and planetary transport is almost impossible, as is calling for help. By pressing a few switches, I can ruin a world without even having to fire a shot."

Beat.

"Which is a lot less fun, but very efficient."

[will_scarlett]

"Why'd ye wish to shut down a planet that way an for 'ow long?"

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

Atton looks a little confused.

"S'just good sense. Leave a planet defenseless and unable to function, and you can take whatever you like from it." Pause. Grin. "Not to mention, word soon spreads, and everyone knows to fear you."

[will_scarlett]

"Oh aye an then na one will challenge ye an ye'll 'ave control o'whate'er ye wish."

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

Brightly: "Now you're getting the idea. Control is power, and fear is respect."

[will_scarlett]

"Aye an ye're good at creatin' both."

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

"I am. I like you. You're like an endless compliment dispenser."

[will_scarlett]

"Well I do wish to stay alive."

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

"True, true." Atton grins. "So. Should I test it out?"

[will_scarlett]

"Tis why ye're 'ere."

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

Atton tilts his head, slightly.

"That a yes?"

He may be testing Will, a little.

[will_scarlett]

"Oh aye, tis."

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

"Good. I did worry, a little, that you weren't cut out to be a pirate. That that'd cause trouble later down the line, so I'd have to deal with you now."

By now, the key in Will's pocket is rather hot - perhaps even painfully so.

[will_scarlett]

"Thank ye, always thought well o'bein' a pirate. So ye goin' to turn it on then?"

He can feel the key but needs Atton to turn his back to him before he can take it out.

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

"I suppose so," Atton says, flicking a few switches on the band and stepping past Will to exit the bunker and look over the city. "This'll be interesting."

Another flick, and every light in the city goes out, eliciting a small, quiet laugh from Atton.

[will_scarlett]

As he walks out, Will takes the key out of his pocket, its quite hot to the touch now.

[stuck-mynock.livejournal.com]

Almost as soon as he takes it out, it glows brighter, crackles momentarily, and then the temperature around Will drops abruptly as a flash of purple flame spreads out from the key.

When Atton returns to the bunker, Will's gone.