maskormenace | 2nd Oration / Voice

[Dooku's voice on the Network is difficult to miss: deep, resonant, rich, and inexplicably British despite him being from space.]

Good evening, my friends. As his probation officer, I feel it is my duty to inform you that Death the Kid has departed from this universe.

[Pause]

A pity, really. He only had a few days remaining on his sentence. I was looking forward to recommending his freedom from government supervision.

Now then, there is another matter I wish to discuss. I have been considering the role of emotion in the matters of power. ImPort abilities often seem tied to how we feel. Passions such as anger and fear can threaten our control, yet they can also spur our powers to greater heights in times of need.

In my Galaxy, there are two philosophies which have debated these issues for many thousands of years. One believes in the denial of passion. They insist upon tranquility and harmony. It is their belief that only a calm heart, without attachments, can attain true wisdom in serving others. They do not even allow themselves to fall in love...

[The Count's voice drops slightly, becoming a touch darker.]

The other perspective calls this a lie. It accepts passion as the truth of all living things, and draws power from it. It teaches that even the strongest of emotions can be embraced, and disciplined, and used to great effect.

I would be interested to know what my fellow imPorts think on this matter. Are our feelings to be repressed, or embraced? Which path do you believe will lead to greater fulfillment?

[Talk to the Sith Lord about feelings, Network. Also, if you're tagging him for the first time it's a good idea to check out his permissions post!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Please, there is no need for apologies. It is my pleasure to share my experiences with my fellow imPorts.

What you have described is essentially the case, although in recent years matters have grown more complicated than they once were. Planetary governments are entrusted to manage their own affairs, within reason. The elected Parliament of the Confederacy is expected to take action to ensure peace and cooperation within our Alliance.

I suppose they would have to be. Even on a single continent, it's difficult for a central government to be equipped to deal with every local concern.

[Well, since the count had already given him the go-ahead for asking questions:]

More complicated? How so?

[The Count allows a sorrowful expression to cross his face.]

I am sorry to say that my Galaxy is presently at war. The Alliance I have the honour of leading sought independence from a corrupt government. We sought to negotiate for our freedom, but they responded with treachery and violence.

[He sighs, an old leader wearied by the horrors inflicted on his cause.]

We have been fighting for our existence ever since. Even Serenno has not been untouched by the chaos.

[There's a decently lengthy pause while Flynn organizes this in the context of what the Count has explained so far. War and corrupt governments are definitely things that strike a sympathetic chord with him, all else aside.]

I see. So Serenno and an Alliance of other planets are fighting for independence against the interstellar democracy you mentioned. [Assuming he has all the pieces there correct and there aren't even more moving parts to this.]

...This must be a difficult time for you to be pulled away from your duty there. The Porter really doesn't have much consideration.

That is indeed the case... on both points. Even knowing that time will not pass while I am here, I often find myself anxious to return to my duties.

I was taken to this place while on the verge of a major confrontation. One that may mean the difference between victory and destruction for our cause. It is my hope that very soon, our Galaxy will know peace once more.

But I am sorry to have diverted you, Flynn. You simply wanted to know about stellar governance, and here I have begun to ramble about wars you have no stake in. Please, forgive me.

Ah--it's fine. If anything, I'm sorry for asking about troubling things like that. I was fortunate with the Porter myself, but if it had taken me from a few months earlier, I'd be in a similar position. I think I can understand how worried you must be.

[It's his first real smile of of the conversation, and even without video the genuine sympathy carries over to his tone.]

Your understanding is appreciated... thank you.

[Achievement unlocked: gain sympathy for your plutocratic rebellion that ripped the Galaxy apart.]

You have also faced war in your world, then?

[Goes right next to the 'slightly less transparently cackling evil than Palpatine' achievement.]

Our last true war was ten years ago, before my time. But a few months ago the former Commandant of the Imperial Knights staged a rebellion and managed to seize control of the capital. We're just fortunate that it didn't escalate into full civil war.

[He only briefly considers trying to explain the eldritch abomination space octopus fiasco that followed. That wasn't really a war, that's just... Terca Lumireis.]

A rebellion... internal conflicts are always the most vicious and tragic, in my experience. I am happy to hear your people were spared the horror of full civil war.

Might I know what drove the former Commandant to such drastic actions against the people they formerly protected?

Probably the simplest possible motivation. He wanted more power, and he didn't care how many people had to die for him to achieve it. In terms of your philosophies you could say he had all passion and no attachments.

[His voice is wry but it's still a very sore topic. His own fault for letting the conversation end up here, though. He brightens his tone again with sheer force of will:]

I'm sorry, Imperial politics can't be of much interest to you. It was a very small conflict compared to what you're used to.

I see. A sad, yet truly common tale.

[Dooku thinks he might want to meet this man some day. It sounds like they might have had things in common.]

There is no need for apologies, I assure you. However large or small your conflict may have been, matters of power and those who wield it are always of interest to me.

Philosophy, or political habit?

[He makes a quiet noise of amusement and shakes his head.]

At any rate, thank you for humoring so many of my questions. You've been very patient.

2nd Oration / Voice

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