At the behest of the Graaf

[sdrotar]

Caden reached for Savraan's hand and shook it heartily.
He didn't trust this fellow, but he sure wasn't going to show it.

"Name's Caden Whitesun of the merchant vessel Aegis," he said with a overly-wide smile.
"And this," he continued, motioning to his companions, "is my... crew."

"Nice place you got here," he said, nodding approvingly at the plush surroundings. "Business must be good."

[Jingo]

Kaida took his hand and smiled pleasantly up at the man. "Let's let bygones by bygones," Kaida stepped in close and gave him a warm, but enigmatic smile, knowing her perfume and the hair and makeup she had spent two hours on would help do the trick. Two hours! But she did do an hour of Jedi meditation as well, just to make up for the guilty feelings she had.

She gave the first names of everyone else and then concluded, "You may call me Kailene Takan. Thank you Graaf Saavran, for your most gracious hospitality and for providing such a splendid dinner party." Kailene was was her grandmother's name, and the Takan was a mere re-ordering of her own last name. She left it at that.  She had used the alias before and was comfortable with it.

She had briefed her companions that she would play the role of a daughter of a minor noble house in Commenor  by that name. She hoped Caden wouldn't spoil things with his constant "Highness" usage. Really, the man could be insufferable!

She would reveal who she truly was if the time felt right. Maybe he had already figured it out; a man with his connections could probably put two and two together, but if not, it didn't hurt to keep something from him as a bargaining chip.

Even if this Graaf were completely trustworthy, a man like him employed many servants and soldiers, any of which could be a spy for the ISB. She had reminded everyone to keep and eye and an ear open to vet this man to determine if he could indeed be trusted.

"I, for one, am indeed famished." she breathed in the wonderful scents deeply and let the excitement shine in her eyes. "And what a deliciously inviting home! Do you by chance share it with a Mrs. Saavran?"

[tomcat]

The Graaf returned Caden's vigorous shake and smiled at the Bestinian, as he spoke. His eyes never left him while Caden introduced his fellows, and he responded, "Yes, business is always very good. Salliche is centered in the Agro Union and our annual production assists in feeding a galaxy."

Kaida then began to speak. Again, Savraan studied her with his eyes which brightened at the noblewoman's last inquiry, "No, Kailene, there is no Misses... she passed ten years ago." The statement took the mirth from the moment and created an awkward silence. Savraan did not allow it to last, "But there is no reason for us to change the mood of our evening with sad events from the past. Come, let us have some wine. The vintners from which I procure my stocks have some of the finest wines that I have tasted in the entire galaxy."

Graaf Savraan led them out to the covered porch and to a bar that was already set with glasses filled with a rich, red wine. The bouquet was strong and the taste was tart in the mouth, but wonderfully sweet and heady. A toast was made and conversation turned to new topics, all of which seemed to be guided by their host. He was a master at speaking, they all could tell, which was a certain reason as to why he had the position and wealth he did. Farok knew that the one who guided any conversation ended up with the results. It was a method of reconciliation that he had oft used on Tatooine when he needed to bring the tribes together.

Kaida was also aware of Savraan's artful skill in conversation and so decided to drop the bomb early, "So...why yesterday?"

The Graaf sighed, and his face took on a truly regretful look. The companions believed that there was sincerity there, "Let me start again by humbly apologizing, but you must understand my predicament. When you first appeared and then my men began to observe you, there was fear, but I believe it has been assuaged. I am trusting my instinct here and going with the rationale that you are who you are...a group of nobodys." Savraan quickly added, "Now, please do not take that as disrespect! Anyway, since this Emperor has proclaimed himself I have been one of a small number of voices that have spoken out. I believe soon even the Senate shall be disbanded and the madman will overrule us all. If your politics are different, then with all due respect, I would understand your immediate departure. But in my business, we see it first. Government seizes the things with which they can maintain control of masses - food, communications, fuels, et cetera.

"So, I speak out. I rally our people. I speak truths so that the lies that come from above will hopefully fall upon deaf ears. By doing so, I have gained enemies - at least that is what my people are telling me. They fear for reprisals from this new Order. It is said that Palpatine's second-hand even now sweeps through the galaxy bringing the iron boot down on the necks of those that need controlled. Darth something... Vadus? Vadon?" He gave a dismissive gesture, "And so when you approached, young lady, my security decided to tag you as hostile. I allowed my senior protectorate to waylay you on the road, as we wanted answers. They... we feared that you were an assassin, or worse, part of this new division called the Imperial Security Bureau. These black and gray garbed bootjacks seem to have full autonomy and it is said that they make people disappear."

Ardana spoke, "So why do you speak out if there is fear for your life?"

"Because if we few in power do not, who will? If we are to step in line, which seems easy enough to do for we will not risk that which we have attained, then what happens to freedom?" Savraan drained his glass. "Would you like more?"

[Jingo]

"Thank you," she said, as he filled her cup. "And my sentiments strongly mirror your own, Graaf," Kaida said, sipping her own wine and enjoying the fruity savor. "I am likewise appalled with the direction our this Emperor is taking our galaxy, and those in power must speak out! But words have had little effect thus far on the systems that have been gobbled up under his rule. My own system of Commenor was taken over by Imperial Troops and the senate was powerless to do anything. I feel it is too late to rely on the senate, and words will not stop the greedy and power hungry. But words can install in others the will for more...direct action, wouldn't you agree?"

[tomcat]

"I believe that through words we can rally the support needed to make the Senate hear us," answered the Graaf. "I fear that if we cannot re-ground these elected officials - some of which have spent a lifetime in their jobs - than we shall see darker days ahead. Direct action can be a dangerous thing, young lady. Not only for those that take the actions, but also the retribution that could fall upon the innocent. Take your homeworld, the broadcasts said that there was an outright revolt against the Imperial Republic by the royal family. What followed was news of an Imperial garrison and change of leadership. I believe an Imperial Governor took rule over that world. How long has it been since you've been there?"

[Jingo]

There had been thousands of families, including many noble families, fleeing in the weeks leading up to the conflict. But the royal family had stayed to show solidarity at least until the palace walls started crumbling. She told him more or less when she had actually left.

"A revolt? That's rich. And a typical portrayal from the Imperial propaganda machine!" her eyes lit up with righteous fury. "We waited for the senate. And waited some more. Waited for them to act to take a stand, and while they dithered away in useless debates and ceaseless inaction, our freedoms withered and frayed.

"Nothing happened, as will be the case here, you can be sure! We put our foot down and drew a line in the sand, but it was the Empire who crossed it, not the people of Commenor. We only defended our sovereignty, nothing more. I hope and pray every day that things can be solved with words, but when honest people are driven from their homes, and planets are overrun by Imperial thugs, I only see the futility of relying on words. No Graaf, if freedom is to be retained, it must be backed by more than mere words."

[sdrotar]

Caden began to feel queasy and reached for another drink.
He was here to help Kaida get her sibling back, not start a revolution.

While Caden had no love for this burgeoning Empire, men like him were skilled enough at disappearing; and doing so tended to ensure a longer life.

He realized, now more than ever, that he wanted to get the job done and get off this rock as soon as possible.

[tomcat]

Savraan walked to the end of the dining table that had been set up underneath a trellis that had thick ivy weaving across it. Candles glowed and torches sputtered in the wind - only faint porch lights provided any other light. It was a very nice evening. The wind blew soft and cool and the stars shone above in a clear night sky. Save for soft music and the sound of the kitchen staff preparing food, there was silence. The shadows and quiet made it easier for such clandestine conversations.

The Graaf set down his wine. "Okay, let us speak frankly. You are a woman of office, or court, from the planet of Commenor and thus I must assume you are part of the royal family. You speak of words only going so far and actions to back them up, so you are on Salliche for a purpose. What is it that you and your friends want Kailene? You have sought me out for some purpose - perhaps my own rhetoric has spread throughout the Core. Does Commenor need food? Are you wanted and wish to disappear on one of the many agro-farms on this world? I promise you child, you may speak freely. Otherwise, we might as well just enjoy this meal and call it an evening."

[Jingo]

This Graaf was a shrewd discerning man. She inclined her head respectfully and nodded taking another sip of her wine. "You have judged appropriately, Graaf Savraan. My family does have some station on Commenor, as I have said, from a minor noble house, but the Royal House? I think not--though we do boast some small ties to the throne due to the marriage of my mother to one of the cousins of the queen. But, that is of little consequence." She set the glass down and tapped its rim idly with one lacquered finger, locking eyes with Savraan. "I seek the liberty of Commenor and the greater liberty of the galaxy. I feel you and I speak the same language of freedom though perhaps with different cadences. You speak of words, I speak of action. Both are necessary and both related. Your words can fuel action, can lead men to action." 

She moved closer to him idly spearing a piece of fruit from a tray and slowly biting into its succulent flesh. Delicious. She smiled at him. "I am planning a certain, shall we say, "action", against the Empire. This action behooves secrecy however, and so, the time, the place, and the target are to remain secret, at present."

She moved closer to him, and could smell the scent of the ivy, on the wind mixed with the scent of blossoms, the wine, her own perfume, the cheeses on the table. She spoke quietly so only he could hear. "I could use your organization in my plans for at least, but not limited to, a diversionary action. For starters, suppose a riot were to break out in the city at a predetermined place and time, something that drew the attention of the security forces for a time, my mission would become much simpler."

The candlelight flickering off her necklace and bracelets as she took his hand, the faint sound of music caressing her ears. "I need your aid, Graaf. Just think, if you assist this cause of liberty, you may well be instrumental in acting as a catalyst for something even larger, for a liberation movement that can fan the fires of freedom the galaxy wide, and restore power to the individual systems!"

Her face felt flushed from the earnestness of her request. There it was out. What he needed to know anyway.

[tomcat]

Kaida saw a sparkle glint in the man's eyes. Savraan did not take his hand from hers, in fact the woman felt his grip tighten. Not in a romantic way, more like a firm handshake coming together - a handshake that could symbolize two parties agreeing on a decision. The noblewoman kept her eyes on him hoping that she was right in her assumption.

Again the Graaf was silent, but she knew that his mind was awhirl with thoughts. Savraan began to vocalize his analysis, "A planned action that would need a diversion; the diversion is in town, so that means you would not be..." and then he brought it together, "the prison. You have dealings with the Imperial Re-Education facility, yes? But not an attack on the structure, your group is too small. So what then? An Imperial official? One that moves from the city to the facility? You wish to draw him out with my distraction?" Graaf Savraan took his hand back and lifted his wine for a drink, "A prisoner? Perhaps one being brought in...or out?"

The man was good, Caden thought. He hoped they didn't just deliver themselves to an enemy. The wine cup was set down. Savraan smiled at them all, "Good...that is enough for now. Let us eat this fine meal my people have prepared and we can speak of happier times." He rang a small golden bell and his kitchen staff began to move from the confines of the house where they had been waiting. Being a proper host, Graaf Savraan stood again and gestured to each of the companions to a seat. He helped each of the ladies to their own and then he took the seat at the head once more. Looking at Ardana, "I am not sure if Twi'lek's eat meat, Ardana, but if not we will have a wonderful arrangement of vegetables and some fruits. If any of you do eat meat, the Nerf-calf filets that my staff has prepared are amazing. They use just the right amount of seasoning to enhance the flavor and cook it to a near-rare color. It almost melts in your mouth."

Food began to spread across the table and wine glasses were re-filled. Conversation became lighter for awhile, as they dined. It was by all accounts a well-to-do dinner formal and both men from the Aegis felt completely out of place. The women on the other hand, they were eating it up.



You guys are all welcome to add more to the conversation just had, dialogue some lighter dinner conversation, or whatever. I will post again tomorrow if there is no activity.

[tomcat]

The evening wore to a close. The plates were cleared and the glasses were empty. It was still a good drive back into the city and Caden was ready to get a start on the trip. Kaida on the other hand sat at the table, keeping the coversation rolling, but filled with trepidation. The noblewoman wanted - no needed - to hear something more from the Graaf about her request. Not so much for the fact that they needed his aid, more so because she wanted to know that she had not opened up to a potential enemy. Savraan did not let them down.

With his staff having disappeared into the house, the man leaned back and crossed his arms. He looked at them all individually and then let out a breath. "You have made a calculated risk by divulging to me your purpose for being here. Not that you have given me any true details, but by your words I can determine a basic idea of what you are going to do. Because you have extended your trust, I will do the same.

"There are a number of us, landowners, that have become greatly concerned with the seating of Palpatine as Emperor. The garrison of troops that have been stationed on Salliche were originally for its defense during the Clone Wars. We know differently now that they are here to keep control of one of the galaxy's major food sources. Palpatine is no fool. I understand he has manipulated his way into the Banking Clan, the Corporate Sector, and the Trade Unions. The extent of clone production for the war has left him with enough soldiers to keep any threat in check. The wealth of the Core has not been taken by the Emperor, or redistributed, but left in the hands of those that had it and Palpatine embraces these high houses. By doing so, he wins them to his side and creates a base of supporters that do not question his rule. It is scarey.

"Well, as you have heard at my rallies, I am not a man to sit by and watch as the Republic I knew gets swept away. I cannot take a major public action against the Imperials, but I can offer covert aid. I will not be seeing you again, but my people will. Tomorrow you will be visited by a man named Kresh - he is a retainer of mine through channels that keeps our identities unknown to each other. He has resources to aid you in what you are looking to do and he will defer to your plans. Obviously these resources extend to him from me and like him, I will not question your plan, your reasons, or your altruism. I only hope that whatever it is you have planned on Salliche, it is truly for the benefit of the galaxy and its freedom. Please do not make our sacrifices in vain."

With that he rose, "I wish you good night and good luck." Graaf Savraan shook each of their hands and then his doorman was there to escort the companions back out to their waiting vehicle. Fifteen minutes later, they were back on the thin lane that led back to he city. In the distance, Netassa twinkled on the horizon. Ships could be seen dropping into the atmosphere like controlled shooting stars, their super-heated hulls creating a flash through the night sky.

They all sat quietly thinking about what tomorrow would bring and preparing for the violent action of rescuing Kaida's sister in less than five days.

[Jingo]

"Well," Kaida said to the others as they piled into the Arrow. This time she sat next to Caden up front. "What do you think? Are we in a big heap of bantha pudu or did we just sew up a pretty alliance? At least the dinner was nice."

There was always a certain amount of risk when you trusted another party with such things. She prayed their trust was well placed. There was nothing for it but to move forward with their plans. She suddenly felt very tired. Yawning into the back of her hand, she leaned her head against Caden's shoulder and let the drive back to Netassa lull her off to sleep.

[sdrotar]

"Well," Kaida said to the others as they piled into the Arrow. This time she sat next to Caden up front. "What do you think? Are we in a big heap of bantha pudu or did we just sew up a pretty alliance? At least the dinner was nice."

"Both," grumbled Caden. They were still renegades, in function if no longer in name, and their new "allies" were simply farmers.

He paused for a moment. "Dinner was nice."