Madame, all my life I have dedicated myself to remaining just. You understand it is very easy to be a kind man. To be just is a difficult thing indeed, but suitable for a member of the police.
[A pause, his gaze growing distant, distracted.]
I insist that I am to be given the same treatment as I judge others. You have done well enough by that with your investigation.
[She cocks her head to the side slightly as she studies him. Her tone is even and void of any real emotion when she speaks.]
I don't doubt that you have. But 'just' is a relative term. Is it not? What is considered fair to one person may not be so apparent to another. Here, justice is blurred by cultures, time and worlds. Who will be the one to define it so that it is comprehensible for everyone?
[Her tone is only slightly accusatory, if only for the conviction that is present in her eyes as she speaks.]
Even so, my earlier point should, once again, be brought into question. The people residing here are from different worlds, places that do not share the same rules for governing societies. Are you going to let something that may or may not be applicable dictate our justice system? We should be cognizant of who this law code will affect. Have you scoured the land and are you confident that this documentation will support and protect the number of civilizations that are present here?
Either way, I will take a look at it myself and hope that we share the same opinion.
[Javert meets her accusatory tone with an extremely unimpressed expression. The corner of his mouth deepens into a scowl the more she speaks.
It is clear he is on the verge of losing his patience... if he hasn't already.]
See here now: country of origin has no meaning!
The legal system was written by a higher authority of this country than you or I. Do you say that we must treat each immigrant to this country like a countess, catering to their beck and call? How capital, to rewrite the law at every dandy's whims! You propose a botched mess of a system! We are to adapt to the rules of this nation, not the other way around.
I certainly come from a different set of laws than these! I tell you, I am here to enforce, not muck up what has already endured proper process.
[Her lips purse and her nose flares. Cornelia takes a deep breath. This is not the time to let her emotions get the best of her. She needs to do what she wholeheartedly believes is right. Not because someone told her to; not because she wants control. But because this is the world she lives in and it gives refuge to several people that she loves.]
Are you so daft that you haven't realized that this justice system did not work for the people living here prior to us?
[She pauses, her gaze lowering for a moment so that she can gather her thoughts.]
They are all gone. Wiped out. No longer in existence here. Why shouldn't we question it? Why shouldn't we try to improve it? A document does not dictate what is best for this world and its people. With the overlord’s approval, WE DO!
Science has taught us that we can be wrong. Things are constantly being proven and dis-proven all the time. Technology confirms that there are better ways to achieve our goals if we take the time to ‘think’. Are you such a conventionalist that you are unable
( ... )
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You spoke with M. Edgeworth, then. [Mirthless hint of a grin] Have I passed?
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He has kept dutiful watch. That should please you.
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Furthermore, it is customary to do a thorough investigation of newcomers that wish to hold a position of power in this world.
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He gave a aearly imperceptible titter of his head. It resembled a nod.]
I would expect it. That is just.
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Madame, all my life I have dedicated myself to remaining just. You understand it is very easy to be a kind man. To be just is a difficult thing indeed, but suitable for a member of the police.
[A pause, his gaze growing distant, distracted.]
I insist that I am to be given the same treatment as I judge others. You have done well enough by that with your investigation.
Reply
I don't doubt that you have. But 'just' is a relative term. Is it not? What is considered fair to one person may not be so apparent to another. Here, justice is blurred by cultures, time and worlds. Who will be the one to define it so that it is comprehensible for everyone?
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[He flashes a wry, terrible grin.]
The law of this country, Madame. You have a copy like the rest.
Lisez. Read it.
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Even so, my earlier point should, once again, be brought into question. The people residing here are from different worlds, places that do not share the same rules for governing societies. Are you going to let something that may or may not be applicable dictate our justice system? We should be cognizant of who this law code will affect. Have you scoured the land and are you confident that this documentation will support and protect the number of civilizations that are present here?
Either way, I will take a look at it myself and hope that we share the same opinion.
Reply
It is clear he is on the verge of losing his patience... if he hasn't already.]
See here now: country of origin has no meaning!
The legal system was written by a higher authority of this country than you or I. Do you say that we must treat each immigrant to this country like a countess, catering to their beck and call? How capital, to rewrite the law at every dandy's whims! You propose a botched mess of a system! We are to adapt to the rules of this nation, not the other way around.
I certainly come from a different set of laws than these! I tell you, I am here to enforce, not muck up what has already endured proper process.
Reply
Are you so daft that you haven't realized that this justice system did not work for the people living here prior to us?
[She pauses, her gaze lowering for a moment so that she can gather her thoughts.]
They are all gone. Wiped out. No longer in existence here. Why shouldn't we question it? Why shouldn't we try to improve it? A document does not dictate what is best for this world and its people. With the overlord’s approval, WE DO!
Science has taught us that we can be wrong. Things are constantly being proven and dis-proven all the time. Technology confirms that there are better ways to achieve our goals if we take the time to ‘think’. Are you such a conventionalist that you are unable ( ... )
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