Dread Patricians

[Reeves]

It seemed as if every time Grey spoke, a little more of Morreti's patience eroded and revealed more and more of his outlook on people of his sort. But with a swift inhale, he carried on. "I already have a list of volunteers. But it's not just your borders, and it's not just your worlds, and quite frankly it isn't just about you. I don't think either of us would like to see Atka go the way worlds graced by Planetform do. But it could, and although we might be able to delay the process, we can't stop it. Not like this and not on our own." His tone of voice had unintentionally shifted from perfect politeness to something that actually revealed his commitment to the idea, it could almost be interpreted as aggressive.

"If a colony like Erie was allowed to self govern, free of the confines of its protectorate status, it would be free. I don't think I need to start defining what freedom is, or what it means to make things yourself. And since I need to spell it out, don't you think those people might end up grateful? Grateful for the fact you gave them a choice, unlike the Houses and their militaries do? It's all insignificant and dismissible by a hand wave until an entire system's population sees you as the best bet for preserving their way of life. With an emphasis on it being their way." With that bit of frustration caused by Grey disposed of, his tone reverted to normal again. At least to Morreti, this was a compelling scenario, humble beginnings in the present could lead to independent polities that govern their own systems becoming members. And if that were to happen, the growth of an organization like this would accelerate rapidly, more for every new flag willing to fight for its right to be displayed. This would in turn bolster the resilience and scope of their movements immensely. But it was still an incredibly ambitious investment, its boldness complimented by a certain natural confidence from the person proposing it, one that suggested experience with ambition.

Looking directly at Gellen this time, he figured there was more he could say, and some of the things the old man had mentioned caught his interest. "I know it's simpler to just keep doing things the way we've been doing it. I know we don't share the same vision, and I'm not asking you to give more than you can afford. But you're smart enough to understand that repetition's not a recipe for success. When push came to shove, your compatriots largely revealed themselves to be opportunists. So maybe it's time you chose differently this time around. At least I'll shoot you in the face instead of stab you in the back." The last part was clearly sarcasm, but it might have seemed quite literal if it had been addressed to Grey instead, it certainly was a tempting prospect.