Fiction
"The attempt on my life has left me scarred and deformed, but I assure you, my resolve has never been stronger! In order to ensure our security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganized into the FIRST... GALACTIC... EMPIRE! For a safe and secure society!"
"Your majesty, men and women of England", the voice was a velvet snarl. "I am about to change the course of England's history." A pause. "In a few minutes' time the lives of all of you will be altered, in some cases, ahem, drastically, by the, er, impact of the Moonraker. I am very proud and pleased that fate has singled me out, from amongst all my fellow countrymen, to fire this great arrow of vengeance into the skies and thus to proclaim for all time, and for all the world to witness, the might of my fatherland. I hope this occasion will be forever a warning that the fate of my country's enemies will be written in dust, in ashes, in tears and", a pause, "in blood. And now thank you all for listening and I sincerely hope that those of you who are able will repeat my words to your children, if you have any, tonight".
— Hugo Drax from Moonraker - Book version.
"First there was a dream. Now there is reality. Here in the untainted cradle of the heavens will be created a new super-race, a race of perfect physical specimens. You have been selected as its progenitors - like gods. Your offspring will return to Earth and shape it in their image. You have all served in humble capacities in my terrestrial empire. Your seed, like yourselves, will pay deference to the ultimate dynasty which I alone have created. From their first day on Earth they will be able to look up and know that there is law and order in the heavens."
— Hugo Drax from Moonraker - Film version.
"The voice of the new Cardassia. So compassionate, so understanding. Almost makes you forget that 5 years ago he was working Bajorans to death in forced labour camps and shooting anybody who tried to stop him. Almost makes you forget."
—Razka, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine ("Indiscretion")
"A new era is at hand ... an era that will expose the concept of inter-species unity as an absolute and vicious lie. An era that will witness the advent of a human-centric consciousness that will place our world before all others. As of this moment mankind casts off the shackles of alien interference and now determines its own fate. Terra Prime...forever."
—John Frederick Paxton, Star Trek: Enterprise ("Demons")
"You have peace. This is my gift to you. I think you are all wise enough to accept it.
Your gift to me shall be obedience."
Your gift to me shall be obedience."
"The world outside these marvelous walls is a corrupt rotting husk. Reason is absent. Instead of order, there is only chaos. Chaos does not punish evil nor reward righteousness. Chaos cuts innocent lives short, and we're to accept this as fate. I beg to differ. You stand in the centre of a great instrument of change. With it, I shall remake the world, and my creation will be unrecognizable in it's perfection. But my will alone is not sufficient for such a monumental task. It is only through your toil, through your labours, through your conviction, that Albion will be transformed. Do not fear the sound you hear, the throbbing you feel beneath your feet. These sensations will soon be as familiar as your own heartbeat. And as long as your heart continues to beat, all that I require of you is obedience. Now... sleep."
— Lord Lucien Fairfax, Fable II
"You may rejoice, citizens of Iacon! Your new ruler, Megatron, has arrived! No longer will you be plagued by the burdens of freedom and choice. Henceforth, MY will is the only guidance you shall require. Embrace the Decepticon way, and reap its rewards... or resist, and face destruction."
"This country has been sick. This country needs healing. This country needs medicine. In fact, I'd go so far as to say...that what this country really needs, right now...is a Doctor."
— Harold Saxon/The Master, Doctor Who, "The Sound of Drums"
"Growing up in Zaofu with Suyin Bei Fong, I learnt that the idea of a royal family passing a title from one generation to the next was archaic, and that technology and innovation should be what drive a nation forward. It was the pathetic rules of kings and queens that caused the Earth Kingdom to descend in such incredible disarray. It's taken me three years to get it back on track, and there is no way I will allow it to slip back into the Dark Ages. I would like to make an announcement to the world: the Earth Kingdom is no more, and from here and out, this man has no authority. I have created a new Earth Empire, and I will continue to lead it into the future myself, bringing about a new era of prosperity for my people. And let me assure my fellow leaders of one thing: anyone who crosses our borders, or stands in our way, will be crushed."
"Alright, listen up, you one-lifespan, three-dimensional, five-sense skin puppets! For one trillion years I've been trapped in my own decaying dimension, waiting for a new universe to call my own. Name's Bill! But you can call me your new lord and master for all of eternity! [...] It's time we do a little redecorating. I could really use a castle of some kind! And how about some bubbles of pure madness?! This party never stops! Time is dead and meaning has no meaning! Existence is upside down, and I reign supreme! WELCOME, ONE AND ALL, TO WEIRDMAGEDDON!"
"Mufasa's death was a terrible tragedy. But to lose Simba, who had barely begun to live... For me, it is a deep personal loss. So it is with a heavy heart that I assume the throne. Yet out of the ashes of this tragedy, we shall rise to greet the dawning of a new era in which lion and hyena come together in a great and glorious future!"
— Scar seizing power over Pride Rock, The Lion King (1994)
Faithful... Enlightened... Ambitious... Brethren. In but a single decade, a mere few swipes of the pendulum, we have gathered a sacrifice to Khorne, that will be made legend.
Though it was a simpler, weaker voice, that first illuminated me during my centuries upon the Judgement of Carrion. It was Khorne's messenger, who showed me the true path to freedom, from our pathetic Corpse-Emperor.
And what is this path, this meaning, this purpose, to which we gather the skulls of our foes?
It is nothing.
There is no meaning. No purpose. We murder, we kill, it is mindless savagery, this, UNIVERSE is MINDLESS!
In mere hours, billions will die. Innocent, guilty, strong and weak, honest and deceitful, ALL OF THEM!
They will scream, they will BURN, and for no purpose, but that mighty Khorne may revel in their bloodshed.
And united, in this void of purpose, fear, or duty...
We, shall at long last, be FREE!!!
BLOOD! FOR THE BLOOD GOD! SKULLS! FOR THE SKULL THRONE! LET! THE GALAXY! BURNNNNN!!!!!
Though it was a simpler, weaker voice, that first illuminated me during my centuries upon the Judgement of Carrion. It was Khorne's messenger, who showed me the true path to freedom, from our pathetic Corpse-Emperor.
And what is this path, this meaning, this purpose, to which we gather the skulls of our foes?
It is nothing.
There is no meaning. No purpose. We murder, we kill, it is mindless savagery, this, UNIVERSE is MINDLESS!
In mere hours, billions will die. Innocent, guilty, strong and weak, honest and deceitful, ALL OF THEM!
They will scream, they will BURN, and for no purpose, but that mighty Khorne may revel in their bloodshed.
And united, in this void of purpose, fear, or duty...
We, shall at long last, be FREE!!!
BLOOD! FOR THE BLOOD GOD! SKULLS! FOR THE SKULL THRONE! LET! THE GALAXY! BURNNNNN!!!!!
— Chapter Master Azariah Kyras, Dawn of War II: Retribution
Citizens of The Pitt, workers of Downtown, traders of Uptown, and all fierce souls who do what must be done! I bring you good news! We stand at the dawn of a new golden age. Where others merely survive, we thrive!
Our industry is the envy of the Commonwealth! Our safety is the envy of the Capital Wastes! Our might is the envy of Ronto! And while I have led your efforts, it has been by your own strength that you have earned all of the envy of the world. They envy the steel shaped by the workers in our mills, and they envy the strength of our traders and raiders who wield that steel for The Pitt. And most of all, they envy our victories in the struggle for freedom. Because, yes, freedom is what we all work towards. Freedom from fear, freedom from disease, freedom to live as once we did before we were shackled by atomic fire!
And so, to celebrate this struggle, I ask my loyal workers: who among you is prepared to fight for your freedom? Who among you will risk your life in the crucible to create a new life of freedom in Uptown? Who will take this rare chance to thrive?
Our industry is the envy of the Commonwealth! Our safety is the envy of the Capital Wastes! Our might is the envy of Ronto! And while I have led your efforts, it has been by your own strength that you have earned all of the envy of the world. They envy the steel shaped by the workers in our mills, and they envy the strength of our traders and raiders who wield that steel for The Pitt. And most of all, they envy our victories in the struggle for freedom. Because, yes, freedom is what we all work towards. Freedom from fear, freedom from disease, freedom to live as once we did before we were shackled by atomic fire!
And so, to celebrate this struggle, I ask my loyal workers: who among you is prepared to fight for your freedom? Who among you will risk your life in the crucible to create a new life of freedom in Uptown? Who will take this rare chance to thrive?
— Ashur, Fallout 3: The Pitt
This seems like a good time for a drink... and a cold, calculated speech with sinister overtones. A speech about politics. About order. Brotherhood. Power! But speeches are for campaigning; now is the time for action!
— Evil Morty, Rick and Morty ("The Ricklantic Mixup")
"Hear me, and rejoice! You have had the privilege...of being saved by the Great Titan. You may think this is suffering. No...it is salvation. The universal scales...tip toward balance because of your sacrifice. Smile - for even in death...you have become children of Thanos."
— Ebony Maw, Avengers: Infinity War
Attention, humanity! I come to you with a message! And that message is - do not be scared. The Gamma Dome that has formed in the American southwest is no threat. It is a promise. It is going to change the world for the better! You are weak! You suffer with your small minds and fragile bodies! You have plunged the world into darkness with your faults. But I am here to save you. I will remake the world in my image! I will remake YOU in my image! You will be perfect - like me! And I will think your thoughts for you. The gamma energy will grow to envelop the earth, and you will be transformed. You power will be MY power. Accept your future, for I am your Leader! WELCOME - TO GAMMA WORLD!"
— The Leader, The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, "Gamma World, part 2"
Thank you, Headmaster, for those kind words of welcome. And how lovely to see all your bright happy faces smiling up at me. [No one smiles] I'm sure we're all going to be very good friends. [...] The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizard of vital importance. Although each Headmaster has brought something new to this historic school...progress for the sake of progress must be discouraged. Let us preserve what must be preserved, perfect what can be perfected and prune practices that ought to be prohibited.
"Our enemies, the Unscrupulous Chemical Corporation and its toadying government lackeys are in the Chem Building, sisters and brothers. We must smite them, crush them, kill them, smash them, mash them, gash them. They must be put out of our way if we are to grow as I think we know we must grow. Proliferation is what we are after now. And conversion. And transformation. We can latch onto this rotten, class-ridden iniquitous, inhumane society and eat out its fucking heart. They used to say we were powerless, walking around with ideals and hopes we'd jettison as soon as we graduated to the so-called Real World. Now is a chance to piss all over that. Once we've taken the Zombies out, we can spread, go into the places the Imperial High War-Bastards live and spread our loving kisses to them. We can change them, we can change society just as we have changed ourselves. We can remake the Real World. Are you ready to take what you need and do what you can? I think you are. I know you. Remember, we're the new humanity, and we've got something to say!"
—Cazie Bruckner, Bloody Students
"Citizens of Earth, lend me your ears and listen to me very carefully! My name is Dr. Eggman, the world's greatest scientist, and soon to be the world's greatest ruler! Now, witness the beginning of the greatest empire of all time!"
—Dr. Eggman, Sonic Adventure 2
"My generals...we prosecute a good war. In killing my wife, humanity has proven to me that they don't deserve Wallachia. Wallachia will now become our seat. We will scour them off the land. We will continue to use the night hordes, all the creatures of terror that humanity once drove away. Afterwards... I think I will give Wallachia to them. Perhaps that would be better..."
—Dracula, Castlevania (2017)
"All the important systems are yours to command, my Lady. Shall I set up a city-wide broadcast so you may begin your reign with a nice rant?"
"There are unknown forces that don't want us to realise what we are truly capable of. They don't want us to know the things we suspect are extraordinary about ourselves are real. I believe that if everyone sees what just a few people become when they wholly embrace their gifts, others will awaken. Belief in oneself is contagious. We give each other permission to be superheroes. We will never awaken otherwise. Whoever these people are who don't want us to know the truth, today, they lose."
— Elijah Price/Mr. Glass, Glass (2019)
"Attention. Your attention please. This is Chief Scientist Davros. I come to you now in this transitory moment of grief to assure you that the future of the Kaled people is secure: though the old council has fallen, a new governing body will soon rise. Until that time, I shall be working with Security Services to ensure that life within the dome goes on, and even improves! To that end, I am announcing a new mandatory child protection program to be implemented immediately: all children under the age of five are to be delivered to Pediatric Facility K99. Under this program, we will be providing the greatest care to help ensure the future of the Kaled race. Our children will be our tomorrow, and they must be cared for and protected: trust your government to provide that protection! Further announcements will be forthcoming. I thank you, and bid you goodnight!"
—Davros, Big Finish Doctor Who: I, Davros - Guilt
"I speak now to all of humanity. For too long have you humans relied on weapons and ordinance, transforming into a race of spineless weaklings. The rulers of this world are too frail and have forgotten what it means to fight. Why should we blindly abide by the rules and social conventions invented by such cowards? Foolish humans! Open your eyes! I shall rewrite the rules of this irrational world. Only those who show the depths of their mettle have any place in the world I shall rule! Toward that end, I announce the opening of the King of Iron Fist Tournament! Come to my tournament, if you count yourself among the strong! Seize glory in your hands — achieve it with your fists! But be warned: those who fail to prove their might shall be wiped from the earth, along with their country.
Come, humanity! Unleash the dogs of war!"
Come, humanity! Unleash the dogs of war!"
—Kazuya Mishima, Tekken 8
"You are liberators! You have freed the people of King's Landing from the grip of a tyrant! But the war is not over. We will not lay down our spears until we have liberated all the people of the world! From Winterfell to Dorne, from Lannisport to Qarth, from the Summer Isles to the Jade Sea! Men, women, and children have suffered too long beneath the wheel. Will you break the wheel with me?!"
"This momentous day, I pledge to you - I will unite the entire world! I will bring about an end to all poverty, hunger and war, and create everlasting peace! And in return, humanity shall kneel and accept me as the Great Khan of the world! I am here to bring all of mankind into a bold and glorious new era!"
"We are being forced to act swiftly. But this is no bad thing. We must keep to our decided course, whatever resistance we might meet. These are exciting nights, and we have a chance to lead the world. We are the wind from the East. We are the fury of the storm. In our wake, we will leave this country changed and tempered. Those who hesistate or stay their hands will be whisked away in the torrent. Like the Prince Consort, I intend to stand fast. Many will be destroyed utterly as the moon rises on our Empire. Mr Darwin was quite correct: only the fit shall survive. We must ensure that we are among the fittest of the fit."
—Prime Minister Ruthven, Anno Dracula
"Today is the end of the Republic! The end of a regime that acquiesces to disorder! At this very moment, in a system far from here, the New Republic lies to the galaxy while secretly supporting the treachery of the loathsome Resistance! This fierce machine which you have built, upon which we stand, will bring an end to the Senate! To their cherished fleet! All remaining systems will BOW to the First Order! And will remember this... AS THE LAST DAY OF THE REPUBLIC!"
—General Hux, Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens
"Hey all! Everybody listen up! What the fuck is wrong with you people? I just want to remind you all that today is a day of celebration. We must put aside all thoughts of death, and focus on birth. The birth of a new age. We mustn't mourn the ones who give their lives today. We should honor their sacrifice, and their role in saving the human race. We must put aside doubts and guilt. You are the chosen people. When folks tell their kids the story about Noah's Ark, is Noah the bad guy? Is God the bad guy? How about the animals marching two by two? Of course not! Yeah, that's it! Let's turn those frowns upside down. Eat, drink, and paaaaarty!"
—Richmond Valentine, Kingsman: The Secret Service
"Good evening, citizens of the world. Minutes ago, operatives working for Advance detonated nuclear explosives simultaneously in four major cities across the continent. We have similar devices in 58 other urban centres...and will not hesitate to detonate them if our conditions are not met in full and without delay. The people of our territory will no longer tolerate your illegal and genocidal blockade. You are to remove it immediately. We will accept nothing less than your unconditional surrender. Your territories will be taken under our control. We will install replacement governments to ensure that your citizens become part of the New Future. Your borders are now our borders. Your people are now our people. They will finally be fed, and clothed, and educated, and healed. But, for your privileged few...the moment that they feared is now upon them. Allow me to be crystal clear: If you fire a single shot at our territory, or harm a single one of our citizens, we will not hesitate to detonate further devices. You will not find them, though no doubt you are already searching for them. Our technology is decades ahead of yours. We will expect your complete acceptance of our terms by midnight tonight. Thank you."
—Julia Salisbury, Not for Broadcast
"This morning was the most glorious morning in the history of the Earth. Peace is upon us. A gift to every man, woman, and child from the Brotherhood of Nod. Victory, not just for our people, but for our species! The time for questioning is over. Rising from our trenches, our bunkers, our factories, we must all now partake in the technology of peace. One purpose, one vision! Tiberium is the way and the life. Today, the sun rises on a new world and a new people. The end... is the beginning."
"From the ruins of this fallen kingdom, from where the Snakes failed to bring ancient Eternia to its knees, I will usher in an era of brimstone and blight that will bless the modern age, and all ages yet to come, with the purity. Of. HAVOC! The time of Grayskull is passed. Welcome... to the age. Of. Skeletor!"
— Skeletor, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2021)
"I believe in honesty... Especially now, in what will be your final moments in this world. All the rumors... the human sacrifices... the Hell portal... the demons... it's all true. My sisters and brothers, be thankful. You will be the first. You will have a seat alongside them just as I will in what will become the new world that they create for us. Starting...now."
— Olivia Pierce, Doom (2016)
"Today, the Front embarks on a conquest. Here and now, we will eradicate the authority and influence of the Earth! Our world is just beginning. Theirs is dying! It is not enough to break free. We will break them! Their cities will burn along with the pages of their history. Mars aeternum."
— Admiral Salen Kotch, Call Of Duty Infinite Warfare
"Today, we rise again as one nation, in the face of betrayal and corruption! We all trusted this man to deliver our great nation into a new era of prosperity. But like our monarchy before the Revolution, he has been colluding with the West with only self-interest at heart! Collusion breeds slavery! And we shall not be enslaved! The time has come to show our true strength. They underestimate our resolve. Let us show that we do not fear them. As one people, we shall free our brethren from the yoke of foreign oppression! Our armies are strong, and our cause is just. As I speak, our armies are nearing their objectives, by which we will restore the independence of a once-great nation. Our noble crusade has begun. Just as they lay waste to our country, we shall lay waste to theirs. This is how it begins."
—Khaled Al-Asad, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
"Brave soldiers of Repliforce, we have all been wrongfully judged as Mavericks by the humans. We cannot suffer this indignity and live in disgrace. We will build our own nation of Reploids. But remember, this is neither about insurrection, or rebellion against our human creators. This is about our liberty and security. We must battle for our own individual rights, and our own survival. Together we will build our own nation, a sanctuary for all Reploids, our own Utopia. Let us forge onward towards a new golden era for the Repliforce."
— General, Mega Man X4
"I see a place where people get on and off the freeway. On and off, off and on, all day, all night! Soon, where Toontown once stood will be a string of gas stations, inexpensive motels, restaurants that serve rapidly prepared food, tire salons, automobile dealerships, and wonderful, wonderful billboards reaching as far as the eye can see! My God, it'll be beautiful."
— Judge Doom, Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Citizens of Detroit. I'm sorry to inform you that help is not coming. You've been abandoned by the police, by your politicians, and by OCP. They all promised you a better life and tried to give you hope. And where did that lead you? Into the cesspool. I feel your frustration. I empathize with it. But let's not stop there. Let us do the only thing we can. Let's burn this filthy city to the ground. And from the ashes let's rebuild something new, something better.
— Wendell Antonowksy, RoboCop: Rogue City
“I told Cath I would create an everlasting kingdom. Whether I am seen as a good king, or even a good man, is irrelevant.”
Merlin raised an eyebrow. “Where are you going with this—”
“If humanity cannot be safe from the machinations of demons, goddesses, and the other races without a shield, then I shall be that shield,” Arthur continued, his timbre raising in passion as his Chaos power began to warp the ravaged land around them. “Infinite and everlasting safety under the umbrella of an invincible king.”
“Okay, on paper I agree with what you’re saying but your tone makes me think you may have gone a bit mad with power about it—”
“I shall of course require an heir to rule after me with both the power of Chaos and Infinity,” he continued to exposit.
Merlin raised an eyebrow. “Where are you going with this—”
“If humanity cannot be safe from the machinations of demons, goddesses, and the other races without a shield, then I shall be that shield,” Arthur continued, his timbre raising in passion as his Chaos power began to warp the ravaged land around them. “Infinite and everlasting safety under the umbrella of an invincible king.”
“Okay, on paper I agree with what you’re saying but your tone makes me think you may have gone a bit mad with power about it—”
“I shall of course require an heir to rule after me with both the power of Chaos and Infinity,” he continued to exposit.
The late president, my father... single-handedly turned a small arms manufacturer into the greatest company the world has ever seen. And transformed all of our lives with the miracle of mako. So I invite you to join me in a moment of silence for a great man gone too soon. (Beat) We live in challenging times. Some may feel that I am too young— too inexperienced— to lead us. But to them, and to you all, I say this... The Shinra Electric Power Company will endure. The challenges we face can be overcome, if we summon our courage, and cut ties with the past. Yesterday is behind us. We must look instead to the promise of tomorrow. For today is a new day. And the first of a long, arduous journey which we must take together. Follow me, and we will reach our promised land. This I do solemnly swear before you all, as president of the Shinra Electric Power Company. My friends— place your trust in me, and together will we achieve our dream of a better world.
— Rufus Shinra, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Real Life
"They claim to be (depending on the moment) 'centrist' and 'conservative'. They are actually populist. Actually, their platform consists entirely of whatever Vladimir Putin says, come to think of it. They claim that they will remove the difference between the young and the old, the rich and the poor, etc. which sounds suspiciously similar to what communism is supposed to do."
— Rational Wiki on the United Russia party
"If Nixon's reputation as the litmus-paper man of American politics is deserved, his turning mauve instead of pink makes it plain that the affluent majority intend to do nothing at all in regard to the black and the poor and the aged, except repress with force their demonstrations... In short, there is no new Nixon, only the old Nixon experimenting with new campaigning techniques in response, as the Stalinists used to say, to new necessities."
— Gore Vidal, "The Twenty-Ninth Republican National Convention"
"Did you know that EA has repeatedly been voted 'Worst company in America' by Consumerist? That's impressive for such a competitive field. It's like being voted 'Worst human being attending the Grammy Awards'. So hats off to EA; all that grating kittens onto their corn flakes must be its own reward to a large extent, but it's nice to get the recognition now and then. But one of the polyps on the upper portion of EA's amorphous mass has recently made some gas expulsions vaguely reminiscent of human speech, stating that they don't want to win this award anymore and that the new goal is to be a 'Player First!'-company!'"
— Zero Punctuation, "'Player First' is EA's answer to the question 'Who wants this marrow up their arse?"
…Kate Winslet’s totalitarian official sits across from Tris in an immaculately tailored suit and exquisite makeup and feeds her the usual lines about peace, harmony, and “all things in their place” (surely the lorem ipsum of movie villainy)…
— Katy Waldman, "Everyone Knows Where They Belong
"
"''Once again there were the dreamy, grandiose pronouncements about peace and change. Once again there seemed to be scant regard for Israel’s legitimate security concerns. Once again Israel was being asked to make major concessions for what appeared to be little in return, and to an enemy Israelis did not trust. Once again Israel was being condemned for its supposed intransigence and obstructionism. Once again there were the assurances that the international community had Israel’s best interests at heart. Once again there were the admonitions that it was necessary to take risks for the sake of peace. And once again, there was the specter of an unfriendly American administration forcing Israel’s hand, just as George H.W. Bush forced Yitzhak Shamir into the Madrid conference in 1991, the first step toward the Oslo process."
— Benjamin Keirstein, "Betrayal in the Broken Places"
