Davros (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
lord_and_creator) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
sixwordstories2015-07-27 11:29 pm
lord_and_creator) wrote in sixwordstories2015-07-27 11:29 pm
Entry tags:
(no subject)
I wonder at nature versus nurture.
[Not you. First the Master and now, you.]
You've done everything to remove every emotion but hate, so I find that hard to believe.
You've done everything to remove every emotion but hate, so I find that hard to believe.
[There is a smile and a chuckle]
You mistake me for my creations, Doctor. I am still separate from them, I still have thoughts, and feelings. They are what I created them to be. I was born, raised. Knew people, and society.
So am I a creation of my nature, or did the course of events have everything to do with it? An academic question, perhaps, but questions deserve answers.
[He turns his gaze, finally, on his old adversary]
I also wonder about which it was for you.
You mistake me for my creations, Doctor. I am still separate from them, I still have thoughts, and feelings. They are what I created them to be. I was born, raised. Knew people, and society.
So am I a creation of my nature, or did the course of events have everything to do with it? An academic question, perhaps, but questions deserve answers.
[He turns his gaze, finally, on his old adversary]
I also wonder about which it was for you.
[The Doctor raises an eyebrow. Perhaps a Davros from before the Time War? The last time he met this Kaled, he was quite unstable. This one - not so much. He must be cautious.]
An academic discussion. All right.
[This version of him is good at that.]
Nature vs. Nurture isn't really a question though. A proposition, perhaps, but not a question. And since that in and of itself is not a question, I can jumps to another proposition: it is not 'either/or' but 'both/and'.
An academic discussion. All right.
[This version of him is good at that.]
Nature vs. Nurture isn't really a question though. A proposition, perhaps, but not a question. And since that in and of itself is not a question, I can jumps to another proposition: it is not 'either/or' but 'both/and'.
[Oh, he remembers it. He remembers everything. But his madnes has always been something that comes and goes. the basic level of evil, the darkness of his soul, is ever there - but he can almost sound sane.]
An interesting point of view. In that case, I was predisposed to creating weapons of war, to creating my Daleks. But the course of events ensured that I would. Ensured that I would become...what I am.
[He chuckles, slowly]
It raises interesting questions about you, Doctor. The arrogance must always have been there - though I will admit in the past you were better at concealing it. Less open, perhaps. But then events made you what you are.
Ironic. You met my Daleks long before you arrived at their creation. You were predestined to oppose me before you ever knew I existed.
An interesting point of view. In that case, I was predisposed to creating weapons of war, to creating my Daleks. But the course of events ensured that I would. Ensured that I would become...what I am.
[He chuckles, slowly]
It raises interesting questions about you, Doctor. The arrogance must always have been there - though I will admit in the past you were better at concealing it. Less open, perhaps. But then events made you what you are.
Ironic. You met my Daleks long before you arrived at their creation. You were predestined to oppose me before you ever knew I existed.
If you believe in such things as destiny.
[The Doctor has been standing very still. His authority comes from knowing when to move and when not to.]
Are you accusing me of being prejudiced?
[It wouldn't be the first time. He shrugs the question off, it was more rhetorical than anything.]
Incorrect. I learned to despise you in spite of any prior knowledge I held.
[It's one of the reasons why he couldn't - never could - be the one to destroy the Daleks himself.]
[The Doctor has been standing very still. His authority comes from knowing when to move and when not to.]
Are you accusing me of being prejudiced?
[It wouldn't be the first time. He shrugs the question off, it was more rhetorical than anything.]
Incorrect. I learned to despise you in spite of any prior knowledge I held.
[It's one of the reasons why he couldn't - never could - be the one to destroy the Daleks himself.]
[And here he has met someone who will never acknowledge it. His intelligence, yes, but even though the man towers over Davros, Davros is determined to overshadow him, in the end.]
No. No. Not prejudiced. But the course was already determined by events. Whereas, for me, time had until then been linear. Was I ruthless? Perhaps. But it was all a consequence of a war.
Yet...it was in my nature to act as I did. You are the only being in this universe, Doctor, who is a creation of predestination. Your TARDIS means that you can be the cause before the effect, can be at the right moment at the right time, while the rest of us are cursed with the limitation of linear time.
You, alone, are predestined. A fixed force, a constant in the universe. No wonder you have always been arrogant.
No. No. Not prejudiced. But the course was already determined by events. Whereas, for me, time had until then been linear. Was I ruthless? Perhaps. But it was all a consequence of a war.
Yet...it was in my nature to act as I did. You are the only being in this universe, Doctor, who is a creation of predestination. Your TARDIS means that you can be the cause before the effect, can be at the right moment at the right time, while the rest of us are cursed with the limitation of linear time.
You, alone, are predestined. A fixed force, a constant in the universe. No wonder you have always been arrogant.
[The Doctor chuckles. It's not quite a kind sound. More self-depreciating.]
Hardly. Travelling within one's own timeline is a dangerous thing - especially for a TARDIS. Do it at the wrong moment and the entire universe could collapse.
[He tilts his head. Davros is... philosophical right now. He remembers this from the Crucible. It is only something that covers the madness that lies underneath.]
I'm a Time Lord, Davros. What you call a 'fixed force', I call responsibility.
[He might even call it a burden, especially after all that's happened recently.]
Hardly. Travelling within one's own timeline is a dangerous thing - especially for a TARDIS. Do it at the wrong moment and the entire universe could collapse.
[He tilts his head. Davros is... philosophical right now. He remembers this from the Crucible. It is only something that covers the madness that lies underneath.]
I'm a Time Lord, Davros. What you call a 'fixed force', I call responsibility.
[He might even call it a burden, especially after all that's happened recently.]
Ah, there. The arrogance of the Time Lords. Or, at least, one of them. I wonder, Doctor, why you decided to take up this...responsibility when the rest of your people were content to live in indolence regarding the rest of the universe.
And yet, you were just like my Daleks, at the end. Turning back to your creator, despite such severe disagreements with what he was. Rassilon was more like you, Doctor. He did what was necessary, albeit more directly. You use...what is the human expression...ah. Cat's paws, I believe.
The voice becomes darker] Yes. Pawns.
But such an irony, Doctor. My Daleks. Your Time Lords. At the end, they were the same.
I have not, however, forgotten the point. If I am the product of events, if my injuries, if my crippling made me into what I am - and if I was always prepared to be this, then I cannot pretend. I cannot act as others do. I must go on, as you do - without limit, or hesitation!
And yet, you were just like my Daleks, at the end. Turning back to your creator, despite such severe disagreements with what he was. Rassilon was more like you, Doctor. He did what was necessary, albeit more directly. You use...what is the human expression...ah. Cat's paws, I believe.
The voice becomes darker] Yes. Pawns.
But such an irony, Doctor. My Daleks. Your Time Lords. At the end, they were the same.
I have not, however, forgotten the point. If I am the product of events, if my injuries, if my crippling made me into what I am - and if I was always prepared to be this, then I cannot pretend. I cannot act as others do. I must go on, as you do - without limit, or hesitation!
[The Doctor has had hundreds of years to think about his last encounter with Davros.]
You think I'm without limitation or hesitation. Oh I would love that to be true.
[He laughs again, this time there's a darker edge to it.]
I've lived a long life, Davros. You think you have the upper hand in this psychological game.
[He steps closer.]
You are not telling me anything that I don't already know.
You think I'm without limitation or hesitation. Oh I would love that to be true.
[He laughs again, this time there's a darker edge to it.]
I've lived a long life, Davros. You think you have the upper hand in this psychological game.
[He steps closer.]
You are not telling me anything that I don't already know.
[He looks up at this towering figure, and smiles.]
Good. Very good, Doctor. I see this version of you has removed some of the self-justification. Finally, at long last, we are coming closer to the core of you.
I was not aware it was a game. The possibility never occurred to me - after all, when have you known me to play at things? Musing, perhaps. Thinking. To think I played some part in nurturing this.
[A metal hand waves, dismissively.]
More like me than I ever could have imagined.
Good. Very good, Doctor. I see this version of you has removed some of the self-justification. Finally, at long last, we are coming closer to the core of you.
I was not aware it was a game. The possibility never occurred to me - after all, when have you known me to play at things? Musing, perhaps. Thinking. To think I played some part in nurturing this.
[A metal hand waves, dismissively.]
More like me than I ever could have imagined.
[The Doctor has learned a great deal about himself over the past 300 years. His TARDIS is right: getting emotional leads to mistakes. So he closes his eyes and takes a breath - calming himself.]
I must have that effect on you lot. Your creations say I would make a good Dalek and now, I have the Creator himself telling me that I am like him.
[He opens his eyes.]
There is one difference - you seek to destroy. I travel. That's all. Just passing through. Learning. And if I can help out now and then, I do. You think I fashion people into weapons.
You steal their home from it's place in orbit, you kill their loved ones in front of them, you seek to destroy the entire universe, and you honestly think they won't try to fight back?
Davros, they would have done that anyway.
[He now glares down at the smaller creature - or what's left of him at this point.]
If you think that's what haunts me, you're wrong. The only question I have is this: Would that insignificant planet ever have caught your attention had it not been for me?
I must have that effect on you lot. Your creations say I would make a good Dalek and now, I have the Creator himself telling me that I am like him.
[He opens his eyes.]
There is one difference - you seek to destroy. I travel. That's all. Just passing through. Learning. And if I can help out now and then, I do. You think I fashion people into weapons.
You steal their home from it's place in orbit, you kill their loved ones in front of them, you seek to destroy the entire universe, and you honestly think they won't try to fight back?
Davros, they would have done that anyway.
[He now glares down at the smaller creature - or what's left of him at this point.]
If you think that's what haunts me, you're wrong. The only question I have is this: Would that insignificant planet ever have caught your attention had it not been for me?
Edited 2015-07-28 05:26 (UTC)
[He watches, impassively, cocking his head]
Yes, you are new. And how little you know me, after so many encounters! I seek to create! If that means removing the detritus that is previously there, then I do it. I innovate, and create, and in my way learn as well.
But I am honest, Doctor. I will kill without a second thought but I do not hide what I am! I tried once, oh I did try, but as we have discussed - I am what I shall always be. My purpose is open. My Daleks, their purpose is honest. Terrible to you and others, but honest.
You hide and 'travel' and lie, above all to yourself because if the people of the universe knew you, truly knew you like I do, your faces would be next to mine on the sheets for the most wanted galactic criminals!
[And then he just laughs, that sickening, electronic laugh]
What haunts you is immaterial to me, Doctor - and I respond with a question of my own: which planet? There have been so many on which we have matched wits? Skaro? Lethe? Your own Earth? Though if you are referring to the reality bomb, well.
[He chuckles]
For once, that was not my design. It had the right mass, the right composition. An accident of the universe in the engine, as it were.
And with each regeneration, it appears you are becoming more like me. We are fated by our natures, Doctor, and by our paths, to oppose each other forever. An excellent balance, my friend.
Yes, you are new. And how little you know me, after so many encounters! I seek to create! If that means removing the detritus that is previously there, then I do it. I innovate, and create, and in my way learn as well.
But I am honest, Doctor. I will kill without a second thought but I do not hide what I am! I tried once, oh I did try, but as we have discussed - I am what I shall always be. My purpose is open. My Daleks, their purpose is honest. Terrible to you and others, but honest.
You hide and 'travel' and lie, above all to yourself because if the people of the universe knew you, truly knew you like I do, your faces would be next to mine on the sheets for the most wanted galactic criminals!
[And then he just laughs, that sickening, electronic laugh]
What haunts you is immaterial to me, Doctor - and I respond with a question of my own: which planet? There have been so many on which we have matched wits? Skaro? Lethe? Your own Earth? Though if you are referring to the reality bomb, well.
[He chuckles]
For once, that was not my design. It had the right mass, the right composition. An accident of the universe in the engine, as it were.
And with each regeneration, it appears you are becoming more like me. We are fated by our natures, Doctor, and by our paths, to oppose each other forever. An excellent balance, my friend.
[The Doctor is stoic. Because he doesn't interpret Davros as taunting him this time. Oh he was far too emotional last time.]
What makes you think I'm not on the "most wanted" lists?
[In the Doctor's own mind he has committed atrocities that he dare not speak of. And then committed several more to somehow undo the others. He had one time said to Jack, "You can go back twice, the second time to apologise." But isn't that what he had done in the end?]
If all you say is true, then be careful how you name me. For you will also be naming yourself.
What makes you think I'm not on the "most wanted" lists?
[In the Doctor's own mind he has committed atrocities that he dare not speak of. And then committed several more to somehow undo the others. He had one time said to Jack, "You can go back twice, the second time to apologise." But isn't that what he had done in the end?]
If all you say is true, then be careful how you name me. For you will also be naming yourself.
[Well. Every Dalek knows that voice.]
I obey.
[Trundling forward to renew his allegiance.]
I obey.
[Trundling forward to renew his allegiance.]
Edited 2015-07-29 22:27 (UTC)
[He turns, breath almost hissing. It's difficult to tell which sort of Dalek he'll get. A loyalist, or one that will betray him, over and over.]
Ah. The greatest argument for nature over nature. My creation.
Ah. The greatest argument for nature over nature. My creation.
Caution, Doctor? At this stage? No, it is far too late for such dissembling. I am aware of what I am. I have committed acts that others would call...atrocities. The question is whether you have become self-aware enough in this regeneration to acknowledge your own.
[The smile comes again]
Which makes us two war criminals, does it not? Perhaps...perhaps it is time, Doctor. Perhaps it is time to put our efforts to a common purpose.
[The smile comes again]
Which makes us two war criminals, does it not? Perhaps...perhaps it is time, Doctor. Perhaps it is time to put our efforts to a common purpose.
[The Doctor raises an eyebrow. He doesn't need Davros to tell him of his crimes. He's quite aware of them, thank you.]
Oh, do you think so? Enlighten me. What purpose could we possibly have in common?
Oh, do you think so? Enlighten me. What purpose could we possibly have in common?
[Ah but he delights in reminding him. Part of him, no matter his current objectives, will always enjoy that.]
I had always felt that I represented order and you, chaos. I sought to rule and you sought to de-establish - perhaps we can...guide. Without direct control. You have the experience and equipment, and I...well. I have the technical knowledge and scientific acumen.
[He had, after all, created Daleks powerful enough to defeat the Time Lords - the oldest and most powerful beings in the known universe. His knowledge and abilities could challenge such tin gods.]
We have always operated as opponents, and as such have devastated world after world after world - what if it were otherwise? Oh, a plan would need to be devised, of course. But could any force oppose our knowledge? Experience?
I had always felt that I represented order and you, chaos. I sought to rule and you sought to de-establish - perhaps we can...guide. Without direct control. You have the experience and equipment, and I...well. I have the technical knowledge and scientific acumen.
[He had, after all, created Daleks powerful enough to defeat the Time Lords - the oldest and most powerful beings in the known universe. His knowledge and abilities could challenge such tin gods.]
We have always operated as opponents, and as such have devastated world after world after world - what if it were otherwise? Oh, a plan would need to be devised, of course. But could any force oppose our knowledge? Experience?
There is one vital difference between you and me: I don't do what I do to conquer.
[Oh good Lord, please reveal your own arrogance, Davros. Because the Doctor would have a field day with that bit about the Daleks defeating the Time Lords.]
I travel. Learn. Help out a bit, usually when asked. That's all I do. And if that makes me an idiot or a coward, fine. I choose those any day over what you offer.
Because the greatest gift I find when I visit place after place around the entire universe... There is one thing people desire when they beg for my help... And both of those can be summed up in one word: freedom.
[And yes, he does hear a slight swell of music in his head when he says rubbish like that. But don't tell Clara.]
[Oh good Lord, please reveal your own arrogance, Davros. Because the Doctor would have a field day with that bit about the Daleks defeating the Time Lords.]
I travel. Learn. Help out a bit, usually when asked. That's all I do. And if that makes me an idiot or a coward, fine. I choose those any day over what you offer.
Because the greatest gift I find when I visit place after place around the entire universe... There is one thing people desire when they beg for my help... And both of those can be summed up in one word: freedom.
[And yes, he does hear a slight swell of music in his head when he says rubbish like that. But don't tell Clara.]
[This one seemed very generic. A carbon copy of the others. But he had a report that needed a leader to hear.]
The Doc-tor, he has been seeeeeen.
The Doc-tor, he has been seeeeeen.
[That is what was so unsettling. They were always so loyal. Right until the moment they turned on him, again and again.]
Of course he has been seen. Which one?
Of course he has been seen. Which one?
[He laughs, whole-heartedly. That sickening, depraved laugh that means he is, for once, genuinely enjoying a moment.]
You are a liar, Doctor. Such a good one, too. "Help out a bit"? How many races have you exterminated in that calling? How many mass slaughters have you inaugurated under the name of 'necessity'? You are neither idiot or coward, Doctor, but you are a very practiced liar.
But yet, you still apparently know me not. Conquest is meaningless. It is a means to the end, and the end is always progress. Experimentation. To re-order the nature of things by any means necessary!
[There is a sickly grin at the end]
Freedom. Really, Doctor. You are the god that comes to the worshippers, deigning to hear their pleas and give them their freedom. I am sure they do beg. That is what one does when faced by power they cannot comprehend or hope to match.
You are a liar, Doctor. Such a good one, too. "Help out a bit"? How many races have you exterminated in that calling? How many mass slaughters have you inaugurated under the name of 'necessity'? You are neither idiot or coward, Doctor, but you are a very practiced liar.
But yet, you still apparently know me not. Conquest is meaningless. It is a means to the end, and the end is always progress. Experimentation. To re-order the nature of things by any means necessary!
[There is a sickly grin at the end]
Freedom. Really, Doctor. You are the god that comes to the worshippers, deigning to hear their pleas and give them their freedom. I am sure they do beg. That is what one does when faced by power they cannot comprehend or hope to match.
Edited 2015-08-01 17:01 (UTC)
[They were helpful like that. And sinister.]
Number Fiiiiive.
Number Fiiiiive.
[The Doctor's expression turns cold at the taunting.]
Oh, I am quite the liar - to none more than myself. And you are equally so. Your desire to reorder the nature of things by any means necessary usually means the destruction of the entire universe.
[He tone sounds almost regretful.]
I can't save everyone and sometimes sacrifices must be made. But I have always sought to save as many as I could.
[He again comes closer.]
To what purpose do you seek to reorder the nature of things? Humm?
[He shakes his head, he already knows the answer. He's already lived this once.]
I said once many long years ago that I would make a terrible god. If you are trying to rattle me, Davros, then you should understand that I accept the titles you and your creation have given me: "The Oncoming Storm", "The Destroyer of Worlds", "The Good Dalek".
But I wonder if you understand what those titles mean.
Oh, I am quite the liar - to none more than myself. And you are equally so. Your desire to reorder the nature of things by any means necessary usually means the destruction of the entire universe.
[He tone sounds almost regretful.]
I can't save everyone and sometimes sacrifices must be made. But I have always sought to save as many as I could.
[He again comes closer.]
To what purpose do you seek to reorder the nature of things? Humm?
[He shakes his head, he already knows the answer. He's already lived this once.]
I said once many long years ago that I would make a terrible god. If you are trying to rattle me, Davros, then you should understand that I accept the titles you and your creation have given me: "The Oncoming Storm", "The Destroyer of Worlds", "The Good Dalek".
But I wonder if you understand what those titles mean.
[He hisses. Ah, that one.]
Why are you telling me this? Exterminate him, if you can. I somehow doubt you will be successful.
Why are you telling me this? Exterminate him, if you can. I somehow doubt you will be successful.
Page 1 of 3