3rd Oration – Video

[dun_moch]

[Count Dooku stands straight and tall in front of the camera, wearing his customary tailored black clothing and long brown cape. The nighttime skyline of Maurtia Falls spreads out behind him, visible through a large window that frames him. Dooku smiles, and when he speaks his voice is quite distinctive: deep, cultured, and sonorous.]

Hello once more, my fellow imPorts. I am Count Dooku, and I am campaigning to represent you as Ambassador for Maurtia Falls. I address you today to ask for your support in the elections taking place on June 27th.

Why should you support me? To begin with, because I already possess significant experience in democratic politics. In my own Galaxy, I have the honour of serving as the elected Head of State for the Confederacy of Independent Systems, an alliance of many thousands of worlds working together to seek a better future. I gained this position after travelling many worlds during a long and distinguished career in peacekeeping, diplomacy, and scholarship. Finally, during the six months I have lived among you, I have done all in my power to contribute to safety and progress within our community.

[He presses a hand to his heart as he says this, and his next words are spoken in particular earnest.]

I have served as a probation officer to rehabilitate arrested imPorts. I have worked to spread imPort generosity abroad with the Stark-Xavier humanitarian initiative. And I am proud of the diplomatic role I have played in swaying allies to the aid of imPorts in a time of war: namely, the people of Mexico, who so gallantly provided a desperately-needed safe haven to our community during the Soviet occupation crisis in February.

On a more personal note, during my time here I have come to know my fellow imPorts... and, I am happy to say, consider many of you my friends. I strongly believe that we are not a burden to resent, nor are we weapons to be feared or tools to be used. We are a community of exceptional people, capable of extraordinary things. We can be justly proud of what we contribute to this society we have been taken to. Working together, we can further those accomplishments to build a better world: both for ourselves, and the natives we live alongside.

With that in mind, my platform for Ambassador can be expressed in a single word: reform. We all know that there are many serious issues which challenge us. Violence in our streets, light sentences for mass killers, intolerance against those who do not conform, employment seemingly assigned at random, a perpetual war which many want no part in, nanites placed in our bodies without any permission, abduction by a rogue machine, secret trials and censored histories... We should be able to speak about these matters freely and without fear, and with the expectation that we can take action to change things for the better.

[The Count slowly sweeps a hand in front of him as he goes through his list in a somber, serious tone, as though indicating a slew of troubles stretching before him, then pauses a moment for impact (and a breath) before continuing:]

If elected Ambassador, I promise you the following: I will establish a fully-funded Employment Centre in Maurtia Falls, so that any imPort wanting a new job may easily find a fulfilling position, and imPort employers can easily connect to fresh talent. I will work with my fellow Ambassadors to lobby the government to grant imPort scientists research access to the Porter at Cape Canaveral. I will continue to promote the best possible image of imPorts both at home and abroad, so that we will always have allies in times of crisis. I will oppose criminal chaos and official corruption alike, wherever they threaten innocent lives. And I will hear and support all imPorts who speak out for positive change, provided they act within the boundaries of the law.

[Dooku makes his promises with a stern, level face, but then breaks into warmth again as he goes into his closing. He smiles and bows slightly, holding his hand out to the audience in an inviting, offering gesture.]

On that note, I will close by welcoming any questions or requests my fellow imPorts may have regarding my campaign. If you do not feel safe speaking freely upon this Network, a private channel or a personal meeting can easily be arranged. My campaign is also accepting any volunteers and donations with the greatest appreciation.

And last but certainly not least, I extend my strongest endorsement to Hierophant Anastasya Griffin, my friend and ally who is campaigning for Ambassador in De Chima. Anastasya is wise and courageous, and I know that imPorts shall benefit greatly from her leadership in that city.

I encourage all imPorts, whatever their beliefs, to vote on June 27th. We are fortunate that we are able to exercise this freedom, and I ask you all to make the best choice by voting for Count Dooku.

[ooc: New players can learn more about the Ambassador elections here and here. If this is your first time tagging Dooku, you may want to drop by his permissions post!]

Comments

[ voice // locked ]

[hostage]

How do you feel about anonymous donations?

[ voice // locked ]

[dun_moch]

[Interesting.]

I appreciate all donations from my valued supporters... provided that the government could not find any indication of impropriety in them. I imagine they would be happy to find an excuse to eject me from the contest. I cannot afford accusations of funding irregularities, you understand.

[ voice // locked ]

[hostage]

Clean money, yeah. Of course.

[That's what criminal lawyers are for.]

[ voice // locked ]

[dun_moch]

Perhaps it would be more acceptable if it came from an imPort who recently gained some unexpected yet well-documented wealth.

[Not that the Count is suggesting fraud or money laundering or anything like that, goodness no.]

[ voice // locked ]

[hostage]

I've gotten a lotta gifts. You know, from people I've helped. Mostly cash. But I don't like to show off. Usually when I donate to something, I do it through my LLCs. I'm sure my lawyers can clear up any issues with it.

[ voice // locked ]

[dun_moch]

I see. What a modest hero you are, to earn so much gratitude so quietly. And a successful one, to operate multiple companies.

[Stuff like this is why he has kept a discreet eye on Pinkman since they met at the Seminar. He is more than he appears, that is clear.]

Very well, then. I will accept this generosity with the deepest of gratitude. And once elected, I will see to it that you do not regret it. What words and actions would you wish to see from the new Maurtia Falls Ambassador?

[ voice // locked ]

[hostage]

I think it's important to take a real tough stance on crime. There's so many gangs fighting over territory in Maurtia Falls. It causes all kinds of chaos for local business. Somebody's gotta go after those gang lords once and for all, create some stability and peace. That's the first step to a strong economy, right?

video;

[helpline]

[ blah blah blah politics, LET'S TALK ABOUT THAT ONE SPACE BIT. ]

Good on your planets for making a confederacy! That's harder than it seems, even harder to maintain it.

video;

[dun_moch]

[Oh merciless stars no, not this guy. But Dooku nods sagely, using this as an opportunity to plump up his credentials as a guy who knows how to run massively complicated things.]

Indeed it is. Arranging the initial agreement between the many interested species and factions was one of the great challenges of my career. And maintaining our rights and prosperity as Head of State would be a vast task even without the enemies we face. Nonetheless, I bear these burdens gladly, for the sake of our cause and our future.

[He half-smiles, making a little joke:]

If nothing else, serving a Confederacy of over ten thousand star systems has left me with ample experience dealing with a diverse community that sees no shortage of conflict and crisis.

video;

[helpline]

You don't have to butter me up with talk about how being Head of State's hard. I've been president about four or so times on two or so planets.

[ it's complicated and boring. But next question! ]

How long had the Confederacy been in place before you showed up?

video;

[dun_moch]

Four times on two planets? Perhaps you should be entering the race as well.

[This is a joke please do not enter the race Dooku would much rather be doing this unopposed as it is.]

The Confederacy formally declared its independence a little more than three galactic years ago. We are a young power, but I have no doubt that a long and storied history lies ahead of us in the future.

video;

[helpline]

[ DOCTOR FOR AMBASSADOR aka like half the imPorts worst fears. ]

Understandably, you've got more faith than I do in these things staying together.

[ voice // locked ]

[dun_moch]

[Dooku would legitimately rather vote for Komasan.]

I take it that you are no longer Head of State on any of your former planets. Did things end poorly, then?

[lightandglory]

My, you're just as good at this as Lord Baelish! That was a splendid speech! You have the regal bearing of a true leader.

[Regal bearing is totally important okay.]

[dun_moch]

[It totally is important, and Dooku has had it drilled into him since childhood. The Count smiles.]

Thank you, your Highness. Your praise is especially heartwarming, coming from the Princess of the sacred realm, Rausten.

[Not only has he memorized her title, he pronounces it in his deep voice as though he were introducing her at court.]

The support of someone with your grace and righteousness would be a great boon to my cause, L'Arachel. I would be eager to hear about any issues which concern you that I might address as your Ambassador.

I always forget to say [video]

[lightandglory]

My support will depend upon whom the gods favour, and that still remains to be seen! Oh, but I'm certain you'll fare well! These democratic elections are really very exciting, aren't they?

And I shall naturally tell you of any concerns I may have, but I'm quite untroubled at present! There is crime and corruption, of course, but you already mentioned those.

[video]

[dun_moch]

[Dooku nods, an understanding expression on his face.]

Indeed they are. They are the highest form of contest, where the prize is bestowed by the will of the people themselves. It is an honour to participate. And I am most pleased that this evening finds you well despite all this political maneuvering. You are always a source of buoyancy and good cheer through all troubles.

I will tell you this, however, that I hope you will consider. I am fully in support of your brave decision to protest the government's massacre in Debrecen earlier this year. But as I recall, Lord Baelish was rather critical of your stance. He is concerned with native opinion. Yet I know that you are concerned with what is just. Is that not so?

[video]

[lightandglory]

Of course! It has always been my sacred duty to fight for justice, and I'm delighted that you agree! It's true that Lord Baelish did not seem to understand that at first, but I believe he's starting to come around. He is from a very backwards realm, you know, but I have shown him the light.

[She taps a finger to her lips thoughtfully.] ...As an ambassador, you would be in a very good position to bring the government's poor judgement to their attention, would you not?

[video]

[dun_moch]

[That gets an encouraging (and secretly amused) smile from the Count. The image of L'Arachel hectoring Lord Baelish on matters of ethics in her inimitably insufferable manner is a pleasing one. Better Baelish than Dooku, after all.]

I am so pleased you have been able to sway him. It is hardly surprising, though. Animated by your holy duty, I am sure there are few who can withstand your resolve.

But you are fully correct. There are some who believe the Ambassador should serve the native government and regulate the behaviour of imPorts, but I believe it will be my duty to serve the imPorts and challenge the status quo. I do not wish to alienate our gracious hosts in this world, but nor will I accept unconditional silence and cooperation as the price of their hospitality. Not while the need for change is so great.

audio;

[irassible]

[ Most of these campaign messages he has let slip by on his daily read of these posts, but this one in particular catches his eye.

He actually listens in on the whole thing, even though he'd be the very last person to call himself political. ]

Your resume is a great deal more impressive than I expected, though perhaps I should have had some inkling after our last conversation.

I'm a little too preoccupied at this time to volunteer, but I'll make an effort to vote when the date comes.

audio;

[dun_moch]

[Yes, excellent. Six is exactly the kind of voter Dooku wants to attract with his platform: someone who is ordinarily (and justly) skeptical of politics and authority, and more than a little cranky to boot.]

You flatter me, sir. Although in truth I have not spoken very much about my past since I arrived here. I wanted my fellow imPorts to know me through my deeds, not my status in a Galaxy far, far away.

At any rate, I fully understand your busy schedule, and am grateful for your support. I would be even more grateful if you would be so kind as to spread the word of my campaign to your friends. I am aware that not all imPorts follow these political matters, after all.

audio;

[irassible]

I can understand that approach. [ For different reasons, but. ] But I can do my level best to see that your name is heard.

Not much in the way of news reaches me and mine where we live now, so I'm not certain the others have even given though to the upcoming elections.

audio;

[dun_moch]

If that is the case, then your associates are precisely the kind of voters I need my message to reach. Apathy is often a problem in democracies. Yet as dull as they are, these politics are vitally important. This election may shape the future of all imPorts, and of the natives as well.

audio;

[irassible]

We've had ambassadors before now, have we not? Is this election exceptional in some way?

For it to be so important.

audio;

[dun_moch]

There are two ways in which this election is exceptional. The first is its scale. Never before have two cities been contested at the same time- and by so very many different candidates. In fact, it is my understanding that the majority of the first Ambassadors ran unopposed- that is hardly the case today.

As for the second way... This is the first election in which our gracious hosts have allowed the Unsettled imPorts to run as candidates. Previously, they were barred from seeking office. A sign of progress, wouldn't you agree?