Are You A Patriot?

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Spoiler

Mid-flight, a message was to the woman in question via the holonet.

The flight from the Reach was a long one, and so he had already set out with a contingent of guardsmen when the message was sent.

Miss Cardei,

My name is Graxin Rade, Lord of the Reach and Patriarch of my house. I have heard little of you save for your being one of our own: a child of Naboo. I am not one for dramatics, but I would very much like to meet you face to face. There are matters I wish to discuss with you, if you will receive me.

The future of Naboo and its people is my paramount concern. I hope it is yours, too.

​

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Signed, Graxin Rade

Theed had always been overwhelming. The city his ancestors had called home always felt foreign to Graxin. It was a stark contrast to the rolling countryside where he would have been raised had circumstances permitted.

It was rare for him to venture out beyond the Reach. The business of keeping the people of his lands safe and employed was challenging enough without the semantics of the higher echelons within Theed. The aging lord only ever left on matters of grave importance.

Naboo had only been free for a very short time, and there were rumors that such was going to change soon. It was a common one among the average folk. Everyone knew of the Galactic Alliance's crusade - knew of their need for resources and soldiers to continue that ill-fated mission.

Graxin knew better than most. He'd fought beside them. He'd seen the futility of the war. His duty was to serve the people who had sworn themselves to his house, his children, and to the greater Naboo people as a whole. Allowing them to be dragged into a war that was not their own would be the antithesis of what he had sworn to do.

His mother had given him a duty before passing on. His children had been dragged into the conflicts between the Techno Union and the Omega Protectorate, the alliance's parent in all but name, and suffered for it.

Not again.

​

[member="Ajira Cardei"]

 

[Ashin Varanin]

[member="Graxin Rade"]

The times they were a-changin'. Her Majesty Andromeda Versai, though young, could not rule forever. The fall of the Techno Union had created the largest power vacuum the Southern Systems had seen in years. Versai, whom some called a Techno Union figurehead, might not be able to stay the course. And Her Majesty's Office was making decisions from a security perspective. Wagons were circling.

Lord Rade-

I apologize that Lady Cardei could not return your note in person, as she is incommunicado at the moment. However, I assure you that she will be delighted to meet with you as soon as practical. She will be available to receive you in her office at the hangar of Her Majesty's palace.


Lady Shambleau
First Secretary, Office of Lady Cardei
Theed Palace Space Vessel Engineering Corps
Theed, Naboo

Lady Cardei, secretly Ashin Varanin, was currently demolishing a major One Sith temple while wearing a mask. Ideally, she'd be home soon. Shambleau did tend to worry a little, and for a carnivorous tentacle monster, that little was kind of a lot.

 

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And that was that. Graxin sent a cursory reply confirming his journey to the capital and allowed himself to drift off into slumber.

A day and a half later he arrived in Theed. The speeder had stopped twice on the journey: once to speak with one of the Nerf herders at the southern edge of the Reach, and a second time to let the pilot rest. This journey, while important, was not yet urgent. There wasn't much point in cracking the whip when no clock was ticking.

He was clad in a fur cloak and the leathers he'd often worn in past confrontations with the Sith. The cloak made things a bit too hot, but it was as much a symbol as an article of clothing. The Reach was located at the far northern end of the planet - even Naboo's temperate climate gave way to the cold at its highest peaks.

He was flanked by two warriors of the 501st identified by the Obsidian Sigils upon their pauldrons. They stood at either side of him in dutiful silence. A quick word with one of the dock workers led him to the office in Theed. The two men took up places on either side of the wall outside as Graxin knocked.

"Lady Cardei," he paused, "One of your assistants said you would be available to speak?"


[member="Lady Shambleau"], [member="Ajira Cardei"]

 

[Ashin Varanin]

[member="Graxin Rade"]

The door swung open gently at his knock; it had been unlatched, probably. Inside, at an art deco desk facing a panoramic glasteel window, sat a dark-skinned Naboo noblewoman. She typed a final couple of words and shuffled a holographic display. A wireframe starship schematic vanished. "Yes, of course, Lord Rade. Please, come in."

She made no comment, verbal or tacit, about the troopers. If he felt the need for armed escort, so be it. This section of the Theed Hangar offices, though technically adjoining the palace itself, saw frequent enough visitation that they lacked the palace's security. Armed troopers, honour guard or not, wouldn't have had a prayer of getting inside. But here, they passed almost unnoticed. Signs of the times, she supposed.

Her Force presence, as ever, was minimal, thanks to Qey'tek meditation and Force dispersers -- the Palpatine combo. Ajira Cardei of House Cardé was on public record as a low-wattage, untrained sensitive who'd been known to use the Force for party tricks in her youth. Ajira Cardei wouldn't know enough to sense Rade's strength in the Force, but certain details about him were a matter of public record too. She smiled and gestured expansively, signaling toward the available seats. The gesture might have included the single chair on the opposite side of her desk, or the low couch nearby. The latter had room for both Rade and his escort.

"So. What can I do for you?"

 

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The soldiers were sent to wait outside with a nod from their liege. Neither hesitated at the command, though Graxin knew they disliked being sent away like ill-mannered children. The men of the 501st had come under his command in a rather unfortunate series of events that culminated in the death of their former lord. They did not wish to see history repeated.

He'd heard enough about the women to feel he could manage himself. This was, after all, Naboo -- it's capital no less. There would be little threat within these walls. It was not as if he couldn't handle himself if such problems arose; even before taking his mother's old title he'd always been capable.

"M'lady," he bowed his head ever so slightly as he settled into the chair opposite her, "I thank you for receiving me. This is a busy time for all of us. I know how inconvenient these little meetings can be when you're on a tight schedule."

He flashed her a warm smile and shrugged off his cloak. The leathers he bore beneath were short-sleeved, and he had not bothered to sheathe his right arm in synth-skin. He examined the cybernetic limb with feigned interested, pulling at one of the components along the forearm as he spoke, "I had meant to contact you sooner, but time flew away from me. I'm afraid I don't know much of your family's history -- have never paid much heed to the families beyond the Reach. Never my business."

He paused.

"You live in Theed, m'lady. The heart of our world. I'm sure you've seen the damages it's suffered over the past few years," he looked up to meet her eyes. Theed had been sacked by the Techno Union's predecessor in recent history. Though not taken, the city had suffered terrible damage to ancient structures and thousands were killed in the cross-fire. "The result of allowing ourselves to be dragged into wars that are not our own. A shame, really, wouldn't you agree?"

[member="Ajira Cardei"]

 

[Ashin Varanin]

[member="Graxin Rade"]

"It might interest you to know that I served in the ODF, Lord Rade -- the Omega Protectorate navy. I was stationed here, in orbit, during the battle you mention." Ajira had been, anyway. Ashin had only a portion of her cousin's memories -- the memories of the stolen body. The rest, she'd learned from journals and other records. "As such, I've seen that issue from all sides. Suffice it to say, I don't believe Naboo would have been such a target if the Protectorate hadn't made it a critical part of their overall strategy. Then again, we stood alone when the Techno Union took over, and the Gungans suffered for it." Mass torture and execution for a non-negligible fraction of their population, to be precise.

"Compared to those atrocities, a little urban defacement isn't much of a concern to me. At a galactic level, we operate in an anarchic system: the strong do what they will, and the weak do what they must. That's one reason I've worked so hard to expand Theed Hangar's production capabilities. Self-sufficiency. While I'm not averse to finding friends abroad, I do feel that Naboo has too often been seen as that which is acted upon, rather than that which acts. Due to certain recent developments in Her Majesty's Office, I believe I'm not alone in looking to the independence of Naboo's security. After all, with the Techno Union gone...we do as we must."

 

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"It does actually. You've firsthand experience with these matters; it's a refreshing change from the majority of our kin." The Naboo were a peaceful people. Unfortunately, being a peaceful people in this day and age often meant being the galaxy's punching bag. There were too many people content to simply go with whatever happened within the upper echelons. "We did stand alone, but then we weren't prepared to do so either."

His lips pressed into a thin line as she spoke her peace. In truth, he'd been unsure whether Ajira might share his sentiments or not. Those he had met with outside of his own house had been content to fall into the embrace of any galactic power that had Jedi backing. As Graxin knew it, having Jedi backing tended to throw you into on of their wars.

It was part of the reason why he'd left the greater order as a whole.

"Too often our friends throw us into the fire for purposes not our own, Lady Cardei," he smiled, "There are those among us that would give Naboo away so that they might feel like they serve a greater cause. It's no secret that we're a prize to be taken. We've resources, political importance, and young boys and girls that would make for wonderful soldiers." The smile faded. "We want the same thing, I think. Naboo should be strong enough to stand for itself. We can't afford to be pulled into a war not our own. House Rade is prepared to dedicate its resources to preserving our independence."

He paused.

"I am looking for others who might do the same."

[member="Ajira Cardei"]

 

[Ashin Varanin]

[member="Graxin Rade"]

"Understand, Lord Rade, that while I am a Lady Cardei of House Cardé, I'm not the head of that house, nor in sole control of its resources. Likewise, while I have a certain cachet in the Theed Palace Space Vessel Corps of Engineers -- Theed Hangar -- I'm not the Hangar's most senior administrator. I flatter myself that I have influence and resources, and some power of persuasion. I'm a voice in the Palace, but I'm only one voice. Understand, too, that this isn't me angling for greater power. I'm not implying that I'd like to be higher in rank or station; I'm comfortable where I am. What I'm saying is that you have my personal support, and I'm not in a position to speak for others at this time.

"Now of course, it's impossible to talk of Naboo's independence without speaking of the Galactic Alliance. They're the closest power by far, they're militaristic and somewhat assimilative, and I've had...call it a premonition...that they'll move to include Naboo in their territory, likely by friendly means. I'm sure you have a similar feeling. How do your plans fall in relation to those eventualities?"

 

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"Your personal support is all I ask Lady Cardei. I only need more voices when the talks begin. Naboo is a peaceful world, as is our tradition, and I've grown tired of leading armies. I believe we can make the Queen see the light of things if we speak the truth. The more that tell her of such, the more likely she is to see our way of thinking," his brow furrowed, "But then she did jump into the Techno Union's bed, didn't she?"

He shook his head. Everyone knew why she had done it, but it did not sit well with Graxin. His mother had died doing everything in her power to keep Naboo afloat. He had no way of knowing if their young monarch did the same.

"I served in the alliance when it began. I saw what it was - a crusade, nothing more. They will claim they come for the betterment of our people. In the process, they'll make us an enemy and a target of the Sith, take away the power of the crown, and draw us into their dogmatic lifestyle. I will speak with our leadership when the alliance arrives. If they do not listen, then I will take matters into my own hands."

He sighed.

"I would never touch our people, but if the alliance comes to occupy us, I will take action. My children will not become targets of the Sith again."

[member="Ajira Cardei"]

 

[Ashin Varanin]

[member="Graxin Rade"]

"I confess, in confidence, that I've always had conflicted feelings about the traditional youth of our monarchs. Youth have the luxury of uncomplicated commitments and moral stances, but in moments of crisis, untried metal is as liable to bend as it is to hold firm. Then again, one does what one must, I suppose -- and in fairness to Her Majesty, I might have made similar choices with multiple Sith Lords breathing down my neck."

That, of course, wasn't true. Ajira Cardei might have made such choices, but Ashin Varanin would have found a way to avoid bowing to the students of her students' students (a category that included pretty much every senior Sith Lord alive). It was possible that Rade might sense the hint of dishonesty, despite her mind's layered defenses -- perhaps in her voice, if he had that kind of talent. If so, he might attribute it to a desire to moderate her statements on the Queen through self-effacement.

"On all counts, your analysis agrees with mine. The most likely futures fit the pattern you describe. That said, I'm a proponent of proportion." Ajira Cardei was, anyway. Ashin Varanin had razed the One Sith's most celebrated temple earlier this week. "What kind of action do you have in mind?"

 

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"Naboo needs experienced leadership now more than ever. Moral platitudes are lovely until you consider what they bring with them. The child made a difficult choice, one quite a few of us would have resisted while others would have done the same."

He knew his mother would have tried to worm her way out of the situation. If that were not possible, then she would have garnered the Techno Union's favor rather than allowing its corporate lords to do whatever they wished with Naboo and its inhabitants. Then again, Graxin did not have the full story. It might have been that the girl simply had no choice in the matter, though the Lord of the Reach did not believe so. Naboo's neighboring systems had always paid some level of fealty to the Jewel of the Outer Rim, and many of the lords who lived upon it sported private armies.

He did not answer her all at once. The walls had ears and innuendo was the language of the highborn. It was a game that, though Graxin did not particularly enjoy, he'd grown to be quite good at. However, he needed to get his message across as clearly as one might.

He extended his senses into the ethereal realm; invisible tendrils etching out to touch the minds of those nearby. He felt none other than Lady Cardei and his warriors outside. Fitting.

"I have been gathering allies from the other houses and calling upon old allies. You may know my history, you may not, and I will never brag, but a great many men swore fealty to my family. Our guests will likely come with a cursory fleet. I've one of my own, and the men to crew it. I host one of the most elite fighting forces in the galaxy - the 501st. Not one of the pretender groups taking claim to the name; these men have battled in a dozen wars across a thousand worlds."

He frowned.

"I mean to protect Naboo by any means that are available to me, Lady Cardei."

[member="Ajira Cardei"]

 

[Ashin Varanin]

[member="Graxin Rade"]

"I see." She thought of Theed Hangar's own fleet, a considerable one; she thought of Ke'dem, even if using them would shatter her cover. "I'm not without resources myself, but using them would be an irrevocable step. As I said, I'm fond of proportion. Not for its own sake, but in terms of consequences, you see. One victory at the wrong time can sow the seeds of a dozen defeats. To call on my resources, I would need to be assured that alternatives had been explored -- and that a viable long-term plan was in place. Tell me, Lord Rade, and generalities will suffice: in this possible future, where Naboo repels outside interests through force or the fear of force, what happens next? And after that, and after that?"

 

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"You and I are of the same mind. I do not mean to rely on the military to secure Naboo unless necessary." A partial lie. Graxin knew the Galactic Alliance would not stand down, nor would any other galactic power. They claimed to be about peace and understanding, but they would not hesitate to swallow up any world so long as it benefited their cause. If Naboo asked for its independence, it would not be given. The only way to secure the planet as its own entity was by force. It was a sad truth, but even if the faintest, tiniest flicker of possibility to resolve the issue through words rather than blades, he intended to take it.

"However, we both know the alliance will find one 'corrupt' reason or another as to why we are not fit to rule ourselves. If we resist, they will attempt to topple us because we are 'evil' and do not serve their purpose." He shook his head. Naboo was set on the guillotine. The only way to save it was to break the blade. "We might try and protect our autonomy and pledge ourselves to the alliance as allies rather than one of their territories, but then they can still pull upon us for resources. They can still seed our people with propaganda. We're still a target for the Sith."

"The surrounding systems have always looked to Naboo for guidance. If we stood up for ourselves they would join us. If we join the alliance, they will as well, and there will be no hope for independence. If we manage to beat them back, I am positive those systems will join us. We could unite our fleets and form a bulwark against incursion. Militarily, we would be taken care of."

"As for leadership, democracy is a good thing, but in doses. We've both seen how well the Republic fared. The people should choose their ruler, but they must choose someone with a good head for it, and just as importantly, a spine. The nobility already run Naboo. The Queen and her administration speak for us on galactic matters, yes, but we keep the planet breathing. I believe a council of people: both commoners and highborn worthy of the lord title, elected by their peers and approved by their predecessors, would protect us from ill-made decisions."

"My people are prepared to deal with whatever damages might incur should violence break out. We've stocked our coffers over the many years. We will fund new industry and protect the rights of our people until a new leadership can be decided. With the Techno Union gone, we've a chance to rebuild our own way."

[member="Ajira Cardei"]

 

[Ashin Varanin]

As [member="Graxin Rade"] outlined his dreams and plans, Ajira rose from behind her desk. She opened a small cabinet, removed the only bottle, and poured two glasses of R'alla mineral water. Returning to her seat, she placed one before him and sipped from the other.

"A state-building project in line with the values of our nation, or at least it can be seen that way. Naturally, the Alliance will paint such an initiative as an oligarchic, rather than democratic, project." She shrugged. "And they wouldn't be wholly wrong, though an oligarchy can be as functional as any other form of governance. What matters is that, even if all goes perfectly, such a course will come down to the will and consent of Naboo's people. That casts a harsh light on how and when we use military presence, whether or not shots are actually fired." A faint and humourless smile. "In civilization, victory depends on image, and we may have some potential vulnerabilities in that department."

She set the glass aside. "Your past with the Jedi Order and the Alliance is, of course, a matter of public record. I understand this is a personal question, but put yourself at the head of a new age in Naboo and it will be asked, by those who deserve an answer. Lord Rade, are you a user of the Dark Side of the Force?"

 

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He sipped from the glass with a furrowed brow. His past was no secret - the change of name was purely political in nature. Graxin Rade had razed worlds for his emperor. Cyril Grayson had raised a force mighty enough to carve out the heart of the One Sith, all while under the public pretense that he'd wanted the position for himself. In truth, he had accomplished all he'd set out to do. The Dark Lord of the One Sith was dead by his hand: his sisters avenged, his legacy safe, and the Sith splintered. People could say he failed; say he'd strayed from the path, but he had results.

That was more than most could say.

"A very to the point question. I like that." Graxin said as a heavy sigh fell from his lips, "In the past, I was. I, like so many other young men, was pulled into the thrall of the Dark Side not by choice, but because my master forced me. When I came of age I cast off that mantle and killed him. Fought the Sith whenever I could. Did what I thought was right."

He set his glass down and folded his arms over his chest. "I grew older. I came to understand that dogma is what's set the galaxy on fire. The force is light and dark, and then it's neither. It just is."

"I did what was necessary to end the Dark Lord. I do not regret my actions. Now, if we want to be specific; if you're asking whether or not I shoot lightning from my hands and dabble in the arcane sorceries, no. I am my own man. The dark does not hold me."


[member="Ajira Cardei"]