Continuing from The Way Forward thread.
To the contrary, refusing to stand for the cause I had taken even if it meant going against someone I respected would have been hypocrisy. I don’t want to fight. I don’t want violence. I’d rather change happens peacefully. But hypocrisy would be standing down at the moment of truth and failing to fight for what I believe in. That is the thing about principles, Yassavi: Just because you do not want to do something, just because it pains you, just because you know and love the people you will be opposing, does not mean you do not do what you have to do. A rebellion occurred in my lord’s province, likely started by Khanid agents. But so started, and continuing to fight on even after the deathglow had worn off, I gave them as best a chance to succeed and win concessions that I could. Because I am fighting for change in the Empire, and I will not back down just because it is difficult.
It was a betrayal. It was a betrayal by Amarr for failing to live up to its responsibilities. It was a betrayal by Amarr for tolerating and facilitating the murder and abuse of millions of slaves. It was a betrayal by Amarr for allowing a Sani Sabik to stand in the Succession Trials. It was a betrayal by Amarr to allow a woman who had violated Shathol’Syn to ascend to the throne. It was a betrayal by Amarr to forgive King Khanid of his treacheries and allow him to not only return to the Empire, but given great concessions in being named an heir and allowed to be the only heir in history to compete in the Succession Trials twice. It was a betrayal by Amarr to allow a man who attacked my family and the families of other political opponents of his to not only continue holding his titles, but to gain more.
I regret what I have had to do. I regret the pain I have caused my former colleagues in PIE and my former friends in LUMEN. And above all, I regret letting down all of the Amarrian Minmatar and slaves who looked up to me and PAux and have rejected the course I have gone down now. I have, indeed, betrayed them and their trust, and I will live with that regret for the rest of my life.
But I couldn’t keep standing aside as I watched my home, my country, my lords, and the faith that I had sworn to uphold, be twisted into sin and evil. I will pray that God guides me always to do what is right, and that when I meet Him in the hereafter he will judge me mercifully.
You should ask Lord Lok’ri how I – and the Republic – came to this conclusion. Because it is not baseless.