8th Oration // Video

[dun_moch]

[Count Dooku addresses his communicator with wide, staring eyes. The view is shakier than usual: instead of levitating his phone with his powers for a steady, professional-looking shot, the nullified Count is holding it up with a trembling hand. The room behind him is small, stark, grey- the cell of a prison. Those who follow the news may know that Dooku was recently caught red-handed leading a bloody raid on an arms contractor to steal technology. Instead of his black clothes and cape, Dooku is wearing orange overalls. And his face is wet.

Count Dooku is crying.]

I... have been reborn.

[His voice is hushed, almost shaking.]

Now that I am forced to face the consequences of my crimes, I find my heart can no longer bear the stain of the terrible things I have done. After too many years of neglect, my conscience is awakened once more. The time has come... for the truth to be spoken. And for me to beg forgiveness for the many lives I have harmed.

[The Count tries to hold his head higher as he makes his confession, recalling his long practice and experience of giving speeches, but it only lasts a few seconds before he bows his head in shame once more.]

For more than two years, I have presented myself to you all as an advocate of freedom and justice... Promising a better future to those who followed me. Nothing could be further from the truth...

The truth is, I am a murderer and a traitor. I betrayed my comrades for a dark power based upon rage and hatred. I arranged the creation of not one, but two armies of slaves to wage a war based on lies. I ordered the killing of the best friend I had without hesitation, as part of this terrible conspiracy. I schemed with the Dark Lord of the Sith to plunge thousands of worlds into a war in which millions perished. I plotted the purge of the Jedi Order that raised and trained me. The blood of entire worlds is upon my hands... all to create an Empire where humans ruled and aliens served, where the strong oppressed the weak in the name of 'order.' An Empire in which I thought I would have supreme power to shape the universe.

[Dooku's voice breaks. He sobs.]

So many dead, because of my lies and ambition. Even after this dark path led to my own death, I did not abandon it! Even here in another world, I spread the same lies and schemes. In my arrogance I set myself above the law, and viewed the natives as beneath me. I attempted to turn people against one another, to create conflict, to use their dreams of progress as stepping stones for my own advancement. My protests and podcast have only ever been propaganda for my true effort... as leader of the Constellation.

This team was nothing but another collection of secrets and deceptions. While I preached about reform in public, I recruited as many criminals as I could to seize what I thought was rightfully mine. My mad dream of controlling the Porter drew in many who wished to make a difference, and I tainted them with my crimes. Even when Porter research harmed others, I would not relent in arguing for it. My selfish goal was to use the Porter to prolong my own life and expand my powers. I pretended friendship while harbouring contempt, treating people's hopes as my tools...

I funded my network with drug money like a common criminal. Theft, espionage, murder, human experiments, and torture were carried out at my command. It was I who ordered the killing of Obi-Wan Kenobi, and the erasing of his memories! A member of my own lineage, ambushed and brutalized, not for any high-minded protest against the Jedi, but because he was on the verge of interfering with my underworld profits.

[The view suddenly sways and shakes as it drops lower. There's a soft thump noise. Count Dooku has fallen to his knees.]

This is only the beginning of the terrible crimes I have perpetrated. I know I have no right to forgiveness or mercy for what I have done. I am only a deluded, arrogant wretch. The plain truth is that the Galaxy would be a better place if I had never existed.

All I can do now is tell the truth, and confess the evil that has stained my heart. If you wish to know the true extent of my actions, you can ask your questions here, or come to my prison cell to hear my words in person. I am ready to unburden myself of my corrupt secrets. And... I am sorry for all that I have done.

[OOC note: Due to his incarceration, the Count cannot currently receive private messages!]

Comments

not here.

[ewenique]

( but a quiet mix of angry and fascinated.

She would reply; there are things to be said. However, Dooku is wearing orange, and she doesn't imagine any communications would remain confidential. Locking it to Dooku would not guarantee it could not be read by those who hold him in custody. )

[dun_moch]

[He would be really sorry for everything if she did respond. So sorry.]

[Video]

[generalgrievous]

[Many things stick out to Grievous - lies to allies; funding through criminal means; an army of slaves; aliens serving under human rule. All of these were troubling words, especially the latter. Himself being arrested and on probation, Grievous was temporarily cut off from his cyborg version which also makes his mind clearer, more able to focus and less inclined to unquestioning loyalty. Now he wants to truth.]

You will explain yourself to me further.

[His tone, even in human form, was grim. He wants answers most pertaining to himself, of course. For a while, he's felt that something was wrong but he could never pinpoint it.]

[Video]

[dun_moch]

[If possible, Dooku's face falls even further at the sight of the General.]

Qymaen Jai Sheelal. You do not know it, but you have been one of my greatest victims for years.

[It is the first time he has ever used Grievous' original name- his real name.]

It has all been a lie, from the very beginning. The Republic and the Jedi had nothing to do with the shuttle crash. I saw your courage and skill as nothing but another tool to be fashioned.

[Private]

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Most attorneys would advise against this sort of thing.

Video

[dun_moch]

[A brief error message flashes- the ability of Dooku's communicator to send and receive private messages has been disabled during his prison stay.]

I am sorry Mister Gold, but I need no attorney. There can be no defense for what I have done. My guilt is beyond any question or redemption.

[ video ]

[nightmarist]

[ ]

Yikes.

[ video ]

[dun_moch]

You were right, young man. To fight fate is an act of selfish arrogance, nothing more. I should not have spoken to you so disrespectfully.

[He looks a bit less tearful as he says this. Since, you know, compared to all the murder...]

text

[therewillbeorder]

How pathetic.

You're a disgrace and would have been unfit to serve the Empire.

text

[dun_moch]

Helping to create a regime as monstrous as the Empire is the greatest of the shames I bear. I should never have even contemplated bringing such evil into the universe.

voice;

[aberrant_type]

[Nothing could be a starker contrast against the distinguished gentleman she spoke to on the moon. Well, he's still well-spoken, but that's about all the resemblance that remains.

Yikes, Dooku. A thorough yikes from this quarter. Above all else it's the death of millions in an orchestrated war that shakes her.]

That's quite the list. It's tragic when great ambitions turn to the bad.

voice;

[dun_moch]

Ambition can easily dull the conscience, Hange. I convinced myself that anything was justified in the pursuit of my goal. My heart grew cold and hard to the horrors I inflicted.

If nothing else, let my example serve to teach others: such a path leads only to catastrophe.

video;

[alcheregis]

[ Well this is all Very Highly Concerning and Haen's not entirely sure what to do with this. On one hand it's appalling, but on the other... well, she probably cares less than she ought. ]

Would you like someone to talk to, dear? It doesn't have to be about all of this.

video;

[dun_moch]

[Dooku looks like he's trying to hold back a fresh burst of tears at the sight of her.]

I do not deserve your company, Haen. Please understand: our friendship has been a sham from the beginning, like so many of the other connections I have made here. I only ever held interest in you for your scientific powers and political connections.

[Video]

[sleight_of_hand]

[ Adachi just looks... disappointed. He's silent for a moment, mouth opening a few things like he was going to say something, before he decides against it. Finally: ]

...you know, I thought I'd be happy hearing you spill your guts. But I'm not. Under all that grandstanding and posturing, you're just a sick old man that saw what he was doing and didn't want to stop.

[ The parallels make him sick. ]

[Video]

[dun_moch]

[Dooku nods. For once, he is not trying to spar with Adachi or assert any kind of control over him. He's happy to just take it.]

It is true. My heart has been hollow and empty. I knew it was wrong to try to fill it with power by harming others. I had every opportunity to turn aside from the dark path, yet I continued walking into the shadows.

I am sorry, Adachi. For all the many ways I have hurt you.

[Text]

[lastofthebog]

You have one thing right: you've no right to forgiveness or mercy. From what you say, it will be tremendous luck if you receive either.

However, I am curious to know what you will do now. You have confessed your sins, and you cannot simply end your existence here. What amends do you plan on making? Or is wallowing in your own misery and regret your preference?

[Text]

[dun_moch]

My fate from this moment on is not in my hands. I will submit to whatever judgement is passed upon me by the laws I have broken and the people I have harmed. Whatever is asked from me, I will give. If I spend my remaining years in servitude or imprisonment or humiliation, it will still only be a fraction of the suffering I have brought to others.

text;

[pillz]

hello count dooku.
how did they rebirth you?
i think we all cry when we're new so you'll stop soon.

text;

[dun_moch]

Hello Kavinsky.
I do not know how my transformation was achieved. It does not matter.
My tears could flow until my body was dried out, and it would not be enough. I am filled with horrors, and cannot imagine being emptied.

video.

[functusofficio]

[ There's a calm certainty on her face that nevertheless does not lack compassion, her clothes reflecting the gravitas of such a confession from such a person. ]

Count Dooku. [ It's the first time she's used his title for some time now, and it is not a slip of the tongue that she has allowed it back. Nor is it on accident that her voice favors strongly the formal accent of the Queens of Naboo. ]

Your crimes have indeed been grave and extensive, both in our own world and here. I am pleased to see you finally openly admit to them and feel for the extent of the harm you have caused.

I hope that you will remain firm in your new found convictions and seek to repair and make amends for what you can, while accepting that some things can never be fixed.

video.

[dun_moch]

Senator Amidala.

[He pulls himself together a little bit, if only in body language, out of long-ingrained habit triggered by her own regal bearing. He gives her a courteous nod that, for once, is not fake.]

I will do all that I can. I... can start by telling you I am sorry, for ordering the death of your friend. Senator Bonteri was a noble soul who genuinely desired peace and justice. Her only error was believing the lies of a corrupt manipulator like me.

[Mina's death is only an item on the list of things he has done to Padme and those she cares about, but it's the first thing that comes to Dooku's mind. The secret understanding between Bonteri and Amidala had been as close as anyone had come to derailing the Sith Plan and ending the Clone Wars. If only they had succeeded...]

video;

[cognitivism]

[ And so he falls like those before him -- publicly admitting his misdeeds. Will he follow the trend and work forward or will he return to his former self? That was the mystery. ]

What will you do now that you have confessed? Have you any plans once you've been released?

[ He was curious. What will happen now? ]

video;

[dun_moch]

[The Count almost winces at the thought of regaining freedom.]

I can hardly imagine why the authorities would grant freedom to someone like me. Perhaps if I implore them enough, they will make an exception and keep me where I belong.

[He pauses, then adds:]

And I must apologize to you as well, Goro Akechi. You are a fine, intelligent young man. I attempted to manipulate your concerns with my words to serve my own dark purposes. I am sorry.

[video; threadjacking highly encouraged]

[carbonfrozen]

[Han's reaction isn't directly addressing Dooku, since, well. He'd worked for the guy one time as a courier, and he is thoroughly regretting it now. But he keeps quiet on that front, and instead projects an image of cool, casual unconcern. It's helped along by the fact that he's sitting on the hood of his taxi, munching on a hot dog.

But he's replying to the guy's post instead of making his own, which means he's at least open to a talk.]

So. [He swallows.] How long do you think this new Dooku's going to last? I'm taking bets.

video;

[photophobic]

[ Kylo looks... frankly, disturbed by this display. It isn't right. ]

This isn't Dooku. Someone has altered his mind. A torture of some kind, perhaps. Who can say how permanent the effects may be.

Video

[articulations]

Back home, on Coruscant, there is such a thing known as the Emperor's Museum. Are you aware of it?

Video

[dun_moch]

I perished before the Emperor could ascend, Your Highness. But I can imagine it: a monument to Palpatine's ego, no doubt.

I regret ever having aligned with that terrible shadow of a man. I should have brought him to justice the first time he revealed what he truly was.

[Not here]

[cadbane]

[But the bounty hunter is watching all of this with great interest.]

[Not here]

[dun_moch]

[He's also sorry for setting you up, Cad Bane, even if you are terrible.]

text

[h2no]

does this mean i don't owe you anymore

text

[dun_moch]

Indeed, Archie. If anything, from now on I owe you.

I am sorry for attempting to turn you back to your criminal ways. Again and again, I have tried to encourage the ruin of all the progress you have made, to make you another weapon to aim against my own enemies.

Video

[drivesadesk]

I saw your conversation with Grievous. Weren't you the one who said to me how you were so offended by the nanites because 'our minds and bodies are our own'?

[Then, his eyes revert to their natural, yellow state to emphasize his next point.]

I guess you only feel that way when it's your own body.

Video

[dun_moch]

[Dooku sobs again, ashamed.]

It is true. I am a great hypocrite among my other crimes. For all the times I have complained about the government's policies here, the truth is that I have always supported far more oppressive ideals. So long as the power was in my own hands, the dignity of others was beneath my concern.

[Video]

[beautiful_monster]

This is better than you deserve, you sick, greedy fuck.

[Video]

[dun_moch]

[Dooku nods without protest or hesitation.]

Far, far better. If only my deeds could be wiped from history and my victims restored to wholeness, the scales could begin to be balanced. Here, all I can do is prostrate myself before those I have harmed and confess my terrible actions.

[itcanwait]

I don't...understand. I thought you were a good guy.

[dun_moch]

It was all a lie, Tailgate. A mask I wore to sway others. I am sorry. For you, I harboured only disdain in my heart, simply because you are different than me. I only encouraged you for my own purposes.

[ Video ]

[ghoulking]

Are you really sorry, though? [ because Kaneki highly doubts he is feeling sorry because he wants to. Which makes the apology and this whole "show" useless apart from the confession of the crimes. ]

[ Video ]

[dun_moch]

[If possible, Dooku's face falls even further when he sees Kaneki responding.]

Kaneki... to you, I am especially sorry. You have trusted me to provide guidance, and I have repaid you by teaching you hatred and rage. All this time, I have shown you false courtesy while secretly thinking of you as a disgusting monster. You deserved so much better than the cheap lies of a hateful, corrupt fool.

Voice;

[foralways]

Count Dooku...

[What can be said for this change? She had her doubts that it could have been achieved, even following the calling card posted on the network. There is a minor worry that such a change will not last, but for now...Former adversaries or not, compassion would be the best course.]

These crimes you have admitted to are grave, indeed. However, if you are honest in your conviction to seek change then you have taken a decent step forward with such an admittance. I earnestly hope you find what redemption you seek, but there are some things that cannot be forgiven...These are things we all must work to move past.

Voice;

[dun_moch]

You are too gracious, Duchess. But I thank you for your courtesy. And I beg your forgiveness for the crimes I visited upon your peaceful, neutral world. I regret ever having supported such vicious fiends as the Death Watch.

[Video - Private to Dooku.]

[prophesiedone]

[Someone isn't buying it. Anakin's gaze is hard and there is a hint of gold within the blue depths of his eyes.]

You're a good actor. The only reason I would visit you in jail is so I can throttle you through the bars.

Video- NOT private

[dun_moch]

[A brief error message flashes- the ability of Dooku's communicator to send and receive private messages has been disabled during his prison stay.]

Your efforts would be in vain, I am afraid. I am quite well-guarded, and powers here are dampened by technology.

If you truly wish satisfaction upon me after I am released, I will not resist. I know I have done terrible things to you as well, Anakin.

[Possibly the first time Dooku has called him by his first name instead of 'Skywalker.']