5th Oration // Voice

[dun_moch]

[The voice on the Network is deep, portentous, and elegant. Like a Shakespearean lead speaking from the bottom of a deep, dark cave.]

There are questions I have been pondering, my friends. I have been learning more regarding the history and future of the Galaxy I hail from. The same divisions and mistakes seeem to occur and reoccur in a repeating pattern. Lasting peace and stability appear to be rather... elusive, shall we say.

[Count Dooku sighs for a moment at the tragedy of it all.]

Corruption. Conflict. Ignorance. Incompetence. Injustice. These and so many other challenges are inevitably found in any universe, and they often persist regardless of how strongly they are confronted. Which is why I am curious to hear stories of what you have done to change things for the better, whether in your own world or here as an imPort. What problems did you face? What successes did you achieve? What failures have you had to endure?

[The Count's voice becomes notably lower on that last question, intoning it like a ritual. It's called the Dark Side after all, not the Optimist Side. He pauses for a moment before adding, in a lighter voice:]

I am not thinking of these things purely for abstract reasons, of course. As some of you are already aware, I am organizing an... alternative event outside this month's Swear-In, in Maurtia Falls. While the government offers us the usual frivolous bribes and distractions in exchange for accepting their agenda, imPorts will show what we can accomplish with our Swear-Out. This rally will be a festival for those who desire another path, made possible through imPort food, imPort security, imPort entertainment, imPort organization, and imPort vision for a better way.

I urge all of you to attend, and to let your voices be heard. I am available to answer any questions you may have about this gathering.

[OOC: If this is your first time tagging the Count, check out his permissions post! Plotting for the Swear-In/Swear-Out on the 15th is here.]

Comments

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[knaval]

tl;dr summarise it in five words or less

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[dun_moch]

A protest against the government.

[There, that's five.]

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[dejerate]

What failures?

[Shinjuku comes to mind. He failed to stick with Mika, after finally finding him again. Or even years prior, with all but him failing to escape the underground city. But that isn't really what Dooku is asking, is it? No, he's...a success, which is why everyone is after him, with their precious seraph project. That's how he is -- or was supposed to change things.

Still, he shakes his head as he listens to the rest, not wanting to go into all that.]

Ah, I mean, this is new? A Swear-Out?

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[dun_moch]

Any you wish to talk about, of course.

[Dooku smiles.]

The Swear-Out is the first event of its kind. For too long we have complained about the situation we live under without taking action. Organizing with those who agree with us and speaking out is the first step.

I hope that I will see you there, Yuichiro.

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[bespin]

[ So far, Lando's only interaction with Dooku has been in regards to his newly founded business. He recognizes the name from Cassian's history, however. So this is the leader of the Separatist movement. ]

Most of the change I've accomplished has been pretty personally-focused, at least, until recently. Bettering myself, going "straight." I'm not exactly proud of the life I used to lead.

[ He sighs wistfully. ]

And I was successful, for a time. Until the injustice of my galaxy knocked on my door and I couldn't ignore it any longer.

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[dun_moch]

I see. Personal change is no small accomplishment, I believe. It is difficult to affect the Galaxy around you if you have not first mastered yourself.

[Dooku can respect reformed criminals. As long as their new sense of right and wrong doesn't get in his way.]

Are you perhaps referring to the Empire?

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[carbonfrozen]

we're WORKING on it

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[dun_moch]

And who is "we" in this context, I wonder?

[ Video ]

[ghoulking]

I believe you know most of what I've been doing here. [ you know, bills for imPorts to eat, digging information the government doesn't give away easily, or just going to a Russian allied country and steal stuff.

Even back home, Dooku is probably the only one who knows kaneki is actively trying to bring forth a revolution for ghouls. He doesn't hide it but he never advertised it either ]

I'll be there. If you need my aid for anything, count, I'd gladly help.

[ Video ]

[dun_moch]

I do indeed, my friend. If only all imPorts were as engaged as you are, perhaps events like the Swear-Out would be unnecessary.

[PRIVATE]

Thank you for your kind offer. We will require food and drink for our guests, to match what the government provides at the Swear-In. It would be helpful if your cafe could assist... if it is not too great an expense for your business, of course.

[Private video]

[generalgrievous]

My Lord, will this Swear-Out be only in rebellious name and ideas or is there a real rejection of the government's official path for the imPorts?

[Basically, he's wondering if they are actually unregistering or is this merely a protest, for now.]

[Private video]

[dun_moch]

For now, it will only be a protest, General. Outright rebellion will only be possible once our fellow imPorts realize how useless such weak gestures truly are.

We will use this as an opportunity to make new allies and to spread our message. And of course, if more imPorts become Unsettled it will only increase the pressure upon the authorities.

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[alcheregis]

If only the Equibates had a spokesperson like you, dear Count, I think the Codex system at home would have been stopped a long time ago.

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[dun_moch]

[Dooku favours Haen with a half-smile.]

Why thank you, Haen. I do not recognize the names you use, but your meaning is well-taken and your praise is well-accepted. May I count upon your attendance at Swear-Out, then?

[Hopefully it wouldn't create problems for Ambassador Baelish.]

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[lempereur]

[ Because he's outside somewhere with a paintbrush in his hand, obviously he can't put it down to type. ]

I think there should be an excellent turnout. My invitations have gone over well.

Can you share the petition yet? I wanted to print it onto handouts.

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[dun_moch]

Very good. I have also seen encouraging signs.

I am forwarding the petition to you now. You will be notified if there are any final changes to the text, but it is largely finalized by this point.

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[gitarre]

Some of us are taking steps to reform our flawed legal system back home. There's a lot of work to be done, but I contribute wherever I can as a prosecutor who works for the state.

[There is a time and a place to talk about failures, but this isn't it. Even if the wounds weren't so fresh, Klavier has always been very careful with what he shares about himself.

Vulnerability can be useful under the right circumstances, of course. In show business, you quickly learn that people like hearing about your personal struggles. They help you connect with others in a very relateable way. On the other hand, with no constructive purpose behind it, too much commiseration can carry a host of other problems.

Klavier just arrived here, and though the safest route would probably be to observe from a distance until he gets a better handle of the situation, he can't help but engage with other imPorts.]

Herr...Dooku, is it? I'm curious. Do you believe the act of registration is synonymous with accepting the government's agenda? Or do you consider the registration system itself to be a frivolous distraction?

voice;

[dun_moch]

Ah, a prosecutor. I expect you will be frustrated with the state of the legal system here, then. Light sentences for imPort criminals are a common complaint.

I am Count Dooku, sir. And I believe both characterizations of Registration are true. It is frivolous in that registration creates no true accountability for the government's heroes. But it serves as a symbol, that imPorts are willing to abide by the regulations of the authorities and help to protect this nation.

What I hope to create with Swear-Out is a symbol of a different message. That we demand justice and truth in exchange for our cooperation.

[Voice]

[hellrisen02]

Ahhh yes, the march of peace, armament and war... Almost like... some kind of endless waltz....

[Never doubt my Duo's level of commitment to shitposting, Dookie. Not like he's going to give you any real answers to those questions, right?]

So what's the vision? Or do we not get any teasers before the show goes live?

[Voice]

[dun_moch]

[There's a pause before Dooku responds because what the heck is this 'endless waltz' thing...]

All attendees are encouraged to bring their own ideas to this event, and to share them freely in conversation with others. We will not impose a central agenda on anyone.

However, a petition has been drafted incorporating some common principles upon which we can all hopefully agree. I could show you a preview of the current draft, if you wish.

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[therewillbeorder]

I ended a corrupt regime. It's difficult to continue a war when there is nothing left of the other side. Building lasting stability will be my next task.

[There are absolutely no qualms or any flicker of regret about destroying 5 planets and hundreds of billions of beings in the process.]

Not everyone is capable of doing what is needed to end that cycle, a problem which seemed to repeat itself in our galaxy until recently.

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[dun_moch]

[Dooku raises an eyebrow. This is the first he has heard of Hux's boasting regarding his 'accomplishments'.]

It must have been truly corrupt, if such drastic action was required. I must say, it will be surprising if you truly do manage to create the stability you speak of. I am sure Emperor Palpatine expected much the same after the Jedi were destroyed.

[Instead, apparently he got a Rebellion on his hands and a new civil war. Which had not been the Grand Plan at all.]

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[restingstitchface]

[Coming after their meeting, Crane makes sure to address Dooku personally. His voice doesn't quite sum up his approval, but it manages to sound mildly curious as he injects it with a little bit of emotion. Though he is anything but curious at his heart. What others would call him, he couldn't care less.]

What a lively speech. Injustice seems a popular word with any audience, but in our case is it throughly justified?

[Bane was quite fond of the injustice-oppression-liberation trifectera.]

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[dun_moch]

Thank you, Doctor Crane. Our personal situation could certainly be worse, but it could also be far better. Privacy, freedom of movement, safety... All these could be improved if the government would act upon the reforms we are calling for.

To say nothing of the suffering of the natives we live alongside. How many died during the latest round of fighting, I wonder? Dozens? Hundreds? Clearly something must be done.

[ret2go]

I've beaten up a lot of bad guys.

[dun_moch]

[The Count snorts softly, amused.]

Indeed. And did you ever see an end to your enemies? Or is yours one of the 'never-ending battles' which I've heard heroes must face?

[ Voice ]

[drivesadesk]

So what are you trying to accomplish with the swearing out? Even if we reject the government's 'bribes', what do we gain from that? It's not like they're asking us to do anything for them in return. If anything, we're more under their control if we unregister, because our movements will be restricted.

[ Voice ]

[dun_moch]

I seek to accomplish change, sir. The government has shown that they badly want imPorts to Register and to cooperate with their regulations. The Swear-Ins would hardly exist otherwise. By making it clear that there are conditions for our cooperation, we will give them a powerful incentive to compromise with our demands. By allowing us free movement regardless of our status, for instance.

We imPorts have power, fame, and influence in this world. It is past time that we used it.

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[codeoracle]

...Why should we trust this event exactly? Not that the government is any better but...

Where I come from adults trying to get power were the problem. It all starts to look the same. Some of us might need more convincing than pretty speeches.

[Feel free to recognize that user name up there Dooku. Kind of the point.]

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[dun_moch]

[Oh, he recognizes it all right.]

Your scepticism is perfectly understandable, I assure you. It can often be difficult to know who to trust.

Tell me, what evidence might you accept as proof of our intentions?

[Private Voice]

[prophesiedone]

Do you require anything of me, Teacher? [Anakin has considered calling Dooku his Master for now, but if Palpatine arrives, that could cause...issues. Still he is trying to be respectful. The Count has knowledge he desires; knowledge that cannot be acquired through sheer will or physical power.]

[Private Voice]

[dun_moch]

[It feels fairly strange to hear that term of address coming from Anakin's mouth, and in that respectful as well. Strange, but not unpleasant. Perhaps he will be able to get a 'Master' out of Lord Vader in time... And should Palpatine ever arrive, he will find that his apprentices no longer have any need of Darth Sidious' teachings.]

I want you to volunteer as security for this event. Keep a watchful eye for any attempt to disrupt our actions. This Swear-Out will prove what imPorts can accomplish independently, without government regulation. It must succeed.

And of course, your signature on our petition would be valuable as well. If you have any imPort friends, sway them to our way of thinking as much as you can. Persuade them to attend. Every voice that supports us is a victory.

[Dooku knows that Skywalker would be better employed carving a swath through his enemies than in playing politics. But for now, politics is the game they are playing. And the Hero With No Fear is not without his own crude form of charisma... He could be useful.]

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[lightinside]

What about the natives? How do they fit into this, if at all?

[She remembers the not so peaceful protest at last month's Swear-In.]

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[dun_moch]

Each of us have native supporters within our... 'Fan' communities. We will encourage them to join us, and take part in our festivities. Peacefully, unlike the last protest at a Swear-In. The metahumans will be welcome as well. Our issues overlap greatly with theirs.

[The Count sighs again.]

We are so often told that imPorts must be controlled for the sake of native safety. Yet we are their protectors. We must convince them that they will be more safe if we have greater freedom in which to act in their best interests.

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[aberranthubris]

For a long time I believed that peace was something we deserve and only be reached by peaceful means. [ Can you hear the bitterness? It's right there in the usually calm and thoughtful tone of his voice. ]

I feel that it's imperative to understand that there will always be forces that do not recognise a person's right to live in peace. It's a struggle, my friend, a true struggle... [ His voice is muffled for a moment because he's rubbing a hand over his face. ]

In truth, I believe the only way we can actually change the world, any world that we live in, is through the future generations.

[ There's a pause and a long sigh. He isn't done yet, but just shifting his gears. ]

A swear-out? I'd like to hear your reasons for this. I'll be honest, I'm not sure what to think about the whole registration business or the way the government deals with it.

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[dun_moch]

[Ah, bitterness. Always an encouraging tone to the Count's ears. Once someone has lost faith in the 'right' way of doing things, it is easier to persuade them to proceed along the 'wrong' path... And then to recognize how meaningless and artificial such distinctions were to begin with. Such was the process of Dooku's ascension from the lies of the Jedi to the truth of the Dark Side.]

The struggle is indeed vast and complex, Professor. But I believe the burden of action rests upon our own shoulders, and cannot be passed to those who will come after us.

As for my reasons... I have been endeavouring to change the government's policies for quite some time. In truth, registration is one of the least of my concerns with them. My political candidacy failed, and my voice in the media has largely been ignored. Perhaps a large and organized rally outside a public government event will be less easily overlooked.

[Voice]

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Capitol idea.

[Voice]

[dun_moch]

I am pleased that you approve, Mister Gold.

[Unless he is being sarcastic. Gold does do that. Still, Dooku presses forward with the more optimistic possibility-]

May I expect your presence at our gathering, then? Your perspective would be both valued and welcome.

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[cognitivism]

This protest of yours -- what do you intend to have it accomplish?

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[dun_moch]

I intend to persuade the government to shift its policies toward imPorts to grant us more control over our own lives in this world. Key issues we will raise include the nanites we are injected with, the lack of understanding of the Porter which brings us here, and the frequent chaos that strikes the cities we live in.

We shall show our hosts that if they want to have a positive relationship with us, they would be wise to compromise on these issues.

voice; private

[flowerette]

How many Centipede soldiers should I enlist for the task? Do you anticipate things escalating to violence?

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[dun_moch]

I would not be surprised if our enemies chose this moment to strike at us. They may imagine that an event outside the government's protection is vulnerable. If so, we will have to correct their mistake.

Six or eight of them should be sufficient, alongside any imPorts who volunteer. Let us show the world that imPorts can protect themselves, even when the government cannot.

[A good message to send, after the disgrace that was the security at last month's Swear-In.]

[Private | Text] (A million years later, I remember to tag this.)

[sleight_of_hand]

[ So this is what Dooku's been up to, hunh? Figures. ]

Take it I'm working security, BOSS?

[Private | Text]

[dun_moch]

Yes, you are. I want this event to go smoothly and without incident. Permit nothing and no one to disrupt our assembly.