I'm Viola Tave, and I Approve this Message [Rebels/Selectivists]

[Geneviève Lasedri]

It was a nice day, partly cloudy and breezy--about the fourth time she had visited Ansion, and it was about time to make things happen. A rich farm world outside the boundaries of Republic and Mandalorian space was ripe for just about anything--food for trillions; pharmaceutical ingredients; base political principles. 'Viola' was here for just that.

Usually in black trenchcoat, 'Viola' opted for a red one this time, considering it prudent to distance her public persona from her actual identity. She had also applied a brown contact lens to her right eye to balance her features and hide her most distinguishing mark.

Eventually, things might be different. But, for now, keeping Rebel talk as the undercurrent instead of loud proclamations was the most beneficial. She was just here to distribute books, of course--and establish connections with the agricultural community here. There was much to be gained.

The Kander Region was the first stop. She waded through the wheat fields with an escort of two local farmer types that she had transplanted from miserable Jabiim and had committed to the Alliance some months back. Goodwill did marvelous things and opened doorways where none existed prior. That was how she had managed to attract the denizens of the region all to her selected spot, near the entrance to a seed vault that was currently being excavated at its subterranean levels. The emergency bunker would be given to the people today.

That was what Selectivism was all about.

As the landspeeders arrived with their human cargo, 'Viola' propped herself on a pallet holding several durasteel plates and awaited the official hour. Meanwhile, those who were gathered so far could help themselves to the bound plastifiber that contained her very own words. If her doctrines found favor with a significant portion of the populace, it would be the beginning of a unity she hoped would prove integral to the future.

"Thank you for coming," she said, her voice just rising above the wind. The smallest of smiles crossed her lips as she scanned the crowd so far assembled. "I'm Viola Tave."

Image credit

[member='Corruck Kazen"]

 

[Corruck Kazen]

Corruck watched silently from the crowd. He had been on planet for only an hour, but he had already seen the intelligence of setting up relations with the planet's people. With the amount of food that was produced solely on this planet the Rebellion could run for a considerable time, funding and armament aside. He was passed one of the books, apparently the fact that he was an outsider as well did not translate to being one of Viola Tave's people. Maybe that was due to him arriving on a different ship. He was here to support Viola in her efforts, as he had in the Rebellion. He hoped that they could come to a deal with these people, or maybe even more than a deal, maybe an understanding.

As he saw this negotiation, the Rebel Alliance could further the people's wish of neutrality in a galaxy where people in power forced lesser people to choose sides. Corruck knew that neutrality would never last forever, but he also knew that people who want to stay neutral tend to try almost anything to avoid being brought into the conflicts. If protection could be promised and the protection did not require them to choose a side, well the people would likely be more willing to help. It was akin to tricking them, for certainly while the people would wish and pretend that they were not taking a side, the fact of the matter was that they are always picking sides. Corruck saw neutrality as but an illusion cast by the mind of a person who was too cowardly to stand up for his or her own decisions. He admired the tenacity with which some people fought for their neutrality, however he still found it a futile gesture. He would take advantage of that if the person was not careful. And Corruck got the feeling that these people would willing accept the protection, if there was nothing said against their stanch neutralist views.

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

As more began to arrive, 'Viola Tave' proceeded with her speaking, voice still slightly impaired after what that Xiangu woman had done to her. But, perhaps for a paranoid person like her, it was a momentary blessing, considering the fact that her Chandrilan accent was thus disguised. Not that she enjoyed the strain on her larynx--or that she actually was one to dwell on the 'bright side' of things.

"Obviously, you have all willingly arrived on your own terms. So I thank you again for giving me your time." Geneviève paused to assess the collective mood of the people gathered--mostly farmers, as expected and targeted. Some already knew of her doctrines and were here for support or clarification--maybe even dissension in some cases--but the majority were simply inquisitive. She had their ears, and she should strive to retain them. "You have exercised your natural right to free choice, so we are already practiced on that, I can tell." A rare smile revealed itself.

"I'm here to help reinforce your right to free choice. I'm sure you're all aware of the significance of your world in the eyes of empires. You are the breadbasket of the galaxy. And my goal is to help you and all other free worlds to resist their devouring and polluting of your free cultures." A hawk interrupted, sounding off its argument amusingly.

"I'm going to be upfront with you," the secret Rebel leader continued, "The first step in maintaining your free rights is to weaponize."

[member="Corruck Kazen"]

 

[Corruck Kazen]

Corruck, from his view within the crowd, could hear sharp intakes of breath from a number of nearby people. He guessed it was the last statement, because it would be a radical idea for most of these people. He had read their history, one of apparently little conflict. While it had had its times in battle, as almost all planets do, this one seemed to be on the side where many fewer conflicts occurred.

He smiled as he looked around, certainly that first message would be difficult to push through. These people knew much less about fighting than they did about growing produce.

A few of the people spoke among themselves, obviously discussing the concept of arming themselves or simply to leave. Corruck had guessed that that first point would be the hardest to give to them. He was fairly certain that if 'Viola' could keep the crowd after this first statement then she should be fine. It was just a question of whether she could keep them. He didn't doubt her capabilities in that regard. All the same, even if she failed to convince the crowd, the worst that would happen is that they would disperse. These people obviously were not fighter and therefore were little danger to them.

Still, Corruck hoped that Viola knew what she was doing.

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

Oh, yes, the murmuring was quite evident. Perhaps paradoxically, most of the citizens of Ansion actually believed in weaponizing--to a degree. Nearly all of them likely owned firearms of some sort or another, but the notion of a full-scale initiative to weaponize the world was possibly alarming to them. There was nothing like establishing warhead launchers and turbolaser batteries to attract unwanted attention to one's peaceful world. But her point was that nothing would be peaceful at some point. The galaxy's wars never faded entirely.

"It's a little frightening--I'm sure," Gen picked up, trying not to lose the crowd while progressing her speech. "But--sooner or later--someone is going to see the value you have here. You've built up and preserved a precious world that is rich in resources. But armies do not support themselves.

"Do you want to be subservient to the empires that are only a short hyperspace jump away from taking command of this system? If they can't take you over by force, they will impose their will upon trade. You will be subject to their market, whether they have a foundation on the surface or not." Some people threw their hands up in indifference, finding the woman's ranting to be simply some political crusade. In truth, they were probably right, but there was still more to the underlying issue. "You'll find that they won't stop," she warned, shrugging as some of the farmers left. All would not agree with her. And she had not expected everyone to find common ground. But she believe in what she was preaching.

"Unity isn't about territory. You're going to have to ally with someone--your neighbor--in order to survive when the sky falls." 'Viola' pointed at the structure under construction. That was the queue, and the point when she began to walk away, unconcerned whether anyone noticed or not.

[member="Corruck Kazen"]

 

[Corruck Kazen]

Corruck for a moment tried to think through what was being said, tried to take it apart and reconstruct its deeper meaning. He was used to messages that were multipurpose, they would have one understanding that was simple and straightforward and then another that was hidden beyond view. He realized that such thought processes, while good for a man with his position in the Alliance, was hardly effective with people like these farmers. Sure there were those of them that were incredibly sharp and could understand hidden meanings of statements. However, most were simple men and women earning a living in the fields. Preaching with more than a simple message was mostly wasted.

He noted that a number of people were thrown off guard by Viola simply walking away after her statement. They seemed to wonder if they should follow for a continuation of the message or if that was it. A group split away and began following Viola, talking amongst themselves. They seemed to want to hear more, however they also appeared to be a little shy about asking. Corruck would make a quick walk towards the group, pass through it, and come up alongside Viola. He coughed just to let her know that he was there and then he turned to look at the group that was following. It was growing a little larger as more of the people from the main crowd decided they wanted to hear more.

Corruck thought to himself, "Well not quite as large a people as I expected, but better than a bunch of angry armed farmers."

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

Some people did indeed begin to trail behind the Selectivist preacher. It was not exactly what she expected, truthfully. Even the best calculations often rely on chance, and Gen had assumed that these people might remain comfortable in their solitary way, unaffected by the threat of takeover until it became reality. How they seemed to have accepted her ideals was intriguing. Perhaps her gamble was paying off; perhaps she had underestimated them.

Halting to turn around and face her 'flock', the woman known to them as 'Viola Tave' nodded at each of them--man; woman; child--who stood before her. "It's about this community," she resumed, noting how they were paying attention to all she said. "You don't have to abandon anything. You just have to make what you have work for the best." Like the Rebel Alliance.

[member="Corruck Kazen"]

 

[Corruck Kazen]

Corruck watched intently, it was not his job to speak here unless necessary. He did not think of himself as the type that would be helpful for speaking to large crowds. His speech abilities had been given up on quite awhile ago. As such he rarely saw his speaking as good. He preferred the battlefield to the debate room. He played security right now, or so he hoped. He didn't know what 'Tave' had in mind for him. He had assumed that when he was asked to join Gen that he would play backup gun in case things went south.

The people seemed very intent on Gen's words, and from what Corruck had seen earlier, there were no aggressive farmers to worry about. Hopefully it would be quiet.

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

"You see that over there?" she asked, again calling attention to the structure as Rebel workers proceeded to burrow into the ground with heavy machines and raise the practically impenetrable walls atop the sturdy foundation. "That is our gift to you. It's only achievable through work and willpower, and it's only defensible through care and firepower.

"Gryphon!" she shouted, closing off her speech. "Are you ready to work?" She glanced out into the fields, where another Alliance corvette was touching down. There were important materials aboard--handguns, blaster cannons, and materials for a planetary-based ion cannon. They had won this world, as far as Gen was concerned.

[member="Corruck Kazen"]

 

[Corruck Kazen]

"Ready when you say so... Ms. Tave." He took a moment to remember the name, it was interesting decision and not too bad. He certainly would not have come up with that kind of name, but there was absolutely nothing wrong with it in his eyes. It was strange, building such weapons on a planet that was for all intents and purposes neutral. If there was to be any trouble it would be once that ion cannon was set in place. Corruck bet that there would be some grumbling at that.

He had to think. These people, while placid right now, how far would they go to defend their planet from outsiders? Would they be willing to play the sacrifice card? Would they willing lay down their lives for each other? Corruck could not know at this time. The only way to test a man's courage was to give them tribulations. The only way to test a man's character was to give him power. He had learned the hard way that power was a corrupting vice, it was one of the greatest there was. He had fallen for it at one point, but he hoped that he had gotten over it.

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]