dun_moch | IC Contact post for Mask or Menace

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[ Iwai had to spend a long, long time deliberating over whether or not it was right for him to get in contact with the Count. He wouldn't say he was scared of Dooku, exactly, but he doesn't know how the old man works - if Iwai disappointed him, or made him angry, how would he react? He didn't want to believe the Count would use violence against him, not when he still believes in The Constellation, but five people are dead and he's been roped back into having connections with the mafia, a life he left a long, long time ago. He needs reassurance that this is still... an honorable organization. So. His face is on screen, tired but determined, guarded as ever. ]

I've gotta talk to you. It ain't about anythin' bad. Not really. I've just got some questions, and you're the only one who can answer 'em. Are you free to talk?

[Dooku smiles to Iwai in the video. His voice is pleasant and welcoming. Behind his face though, his mind is dark and suspicious. Has the new recruit's resolve weakened already?]

Certainly, my friend. What is on your mind?

Edited 2017-09-06 01:05 (UTC)

[ Ah... too late to back out now. ]

Five people are dead. That... woman killed 'em. I'm sure you already know what I'm talking about. And I ain't... [ he hesitates, but he barrels through. ]

I ain't saying it's wrong that they died, necessarily. I knew I'd be gettin' my hands bloody when I signed up for this. If you order me to hurt someone, I'll hurt someone. But I've got my honor, and one of the guys who died looked... terrified. I don't wanna get anyone hurt if it ain't strictly necessary, and I don't wanna make people suffer like that guy did, at least not needlessly. We're supposed to be doing good for the world, right? I dunno how torturin' a stranger unconnected to the government was supposed to be good.

[The Count nods sympathetically, and holds up a hand as though offering it to Rocinante. Inwardly, he huffs mightily. What a soft heart this supposed criminal turned out to have- and so quickly, too.]

Poltergeist's methods can be somewhat... unsettling to those encountering them for the first time. She is one of our strongest and most dedicated members. But like everything else our group does, her actions are not without reason or cause.

Remember that those five lives were not stainless or harmless ones. They were in the business of death... dangerous individuals. We at least have our cause to justify our actions. They had nothing but their own greed. Strong measures must sometimes be taken with such despicable people.

The lives of five arms dealers are a small sacrifice to make in the larger scope of our mission. Once we succeed, we will have freed hundreds of imPorts, and brought justice and truth to millions of natives. Casualties are inevitable... But such exchanges are a rare thing. The Constellation does not carry out acts like this regularly.

[The Count lowers his hand, and frowns softly toward Iwai.]

I must admit, I am surprised at you, being shaken so quickly. You told me you had the resolve to do what was necessary. I thought you were a man of nerve and conviction. Was I wrong?

... 'Course you weren't wrong. [ Iwai seems irritated by the question, though given how quickly he's run to Dooku for reassurance and how easily shamed into submission he is by Dooku's tone of voice, it obviously touched a nerve. He clicks his tongue, annoyed, and tries to explain himself in a way that might put himself in a better light. ]

Like I said - I ain't accusing her of doin' anything wrong, exactly. If this is what had to be done, this is what had to be done. I just thought... I guess I figured we'd be keepin' death count at a minimum. Killing when we had to, rather than just because it might be useful, or because we think it might be "just", or... I dunno. [ he hesitates. ] I grew up in the yakuza, man. I've head death in my life at every corner, just like the guys that ended up dead for me. I'm the same as those scumbags she murdered. Hearin' 'em written off as just "despicable people"...

[ He pauses, runs his hand over the back of his neck and looks off into the distance. It sounds, now, like he's talking to himself more than Dooku. ]

But you're right. About all of this. I'm only shaken up because I can see myself in those guys. But that's not who I am anymore, yeah? I left that life behind me a long time ago, and even if I didn't, you've given me purpose. Somethin' to lay my life down for without hesitation. There's honor behind everything we're doing here, and I can't forget that just because I see some dead bodies and some girl tries to fuck with my head. I've gotta remember that I'm doin' all this for my kid.

Sorry. I shouldn't have bugged you about this. It just - surprised me. I didn't expect to get thrown into the deep end so soon. But you're right, and I shouldn't be questionin' you. I won't waver again.

[The Count listens patiently as Iwai talks himself into doing what Dooku wants. This is more like it. He nods with understanding.]

Very well, then. Just remember: that part of your life is over now. You have nothing in common with those people anymore. You are no longer an ordinary criminal. You are a champion of a better world.

I believe your child would be proud of you, to know what you are doing for their sake.

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IC Contact post for Mask or Menace

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video, apologies for the delay