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DISCLAIMER
The following is a fan-based FICTION
All Installations of Star Wars are owned by Lucasfilm and Disney. All Installations of Dune belong to Herbert Properties, Legendary Entertainment, and Warner Bros. And any other references to other works all belong to their respective authors/companies and whatnot.
Chapter 11:
A Step Forward
"Talking"
'Thoughts'
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Location: Castle Caladan
Year: 31 BBY
Time: 2:58 P.M
Cade absentmindedly rubbed the cheek Padmé had kissed as he stood before the massive double doors leading into the council chambers. Despite knowing exactly what waited for him on the other side, he found himself struggling to wipe the goofy smile from his face. His thoughts drifted back to his farewell on Naboo.
He had stood at the foot of the Condor's ramp with his arms wrapped around Padmé as they embraced. The Winged Shields aboard the dropship suddenly found conversations with one another far more interesting, while Padmé's Royal Guards and Captain Mariek seemed to discover anything else in the hangar worth looking at.
"Contact me more frequently, okay?" she mumbled into his chest. "I... I miss you."
A pleasant tingle ran down Cade's spine, and before he realized it, a smile had spread across his face. His heart beat just a little faster.
"Yeah, of course. It might take me a little while once I get back home, but I'll make time. Trust me."
Pulling back from the embrace, Padmé looked up at him with a warm smile.
"It's a promise," she whispered.
Before Cade could respond, she rose onto her toes and gently kissed him on the cheek.
As she settled back onto her feet, her cheeks had taken on the faintest shade of rose. She smiled—a smile so bright it could have rivaled the Naboo sun itself.
"Have a safe trip, Cade."
Then she turned and began walking out of the hangar. Halfway to the exit, she glanced back over her shoulder one last time before disappearing from view.
A contented sigh escaped Cade's lips as the memory faded. He instinctively reached up and rubbed the spot on his cheek once more before remembering where he was. Clearing his throat, he straightened his vest, squared his shoulders, and slipped his hands behind his back just as the massive double doors began to part with a deep mechanical rumble.
Seated along the far left side of the great wooden crescent table were the three human representatives from Caladan's largest cities. First was Alejandro Castelli, the older, bald, black representative from Horizon. Beside him sat the towering, broad-shouldered Roy Karshun, the fiery red-haired representative of Atreides Landing whose rugged appearance made him look more like a barbarian chieftain than a politician. Completing the trio was Darro Olphes, the elderly representative of Nightsong, a man now entering his seventies whose decades of experience were evident in the calm, measured way he carried himself.
Next sat Abelard Horne, the rugged representative from Sharls, instantly recognizable by the scar running across the bridge of his nose. Beside him, projected into his seat by a holo-emitter built into the chair itself, was K'hari Biari, the light brown, almost orange-skinned Zabrak representative from Alprezar.
At the center of the crescent table sat Cade's father in his formal ducal attire. Duke Tyler Atreides' expression was as unreadable as ever, his piercing gaze fixed squarely on his son. Cade couldn't shake the feeling that the man was trying to stare straight through his soul.
To the Duke's left sat Tiiona Antik, the strikingly beautiful, tall, and athletic representative of Kef Bir, her holographic form nearly indistinguishable from someone physically present. Next came Terrance Hood, the white-haired human representative from Vix, followed by Icard Vutere, the Bothan representative from Sanyassa IV.
Beside the Bothan sat the imposing armored form of Karnath. Having traveled back to Caladan aboard the Gladius alongside Shipmaster Savage, the towering Gen'Dai was present in person as the representative of Zorbia II.
The remaining representatives attended through holographic projection. There was Ronnis Finnall, the kind-looking, bespectacled representative from Trindello who carried himself with the warmth of a fatherly schoolteacher. Next sat the slim, enigmatic man known only as the Masked One, representative of Qina, whose featureless white mask had become as much his identity as his title. Completing the council was Q'euzt Talred, the Ayrou representative from Thonner, his holographic image flickering softly at the end of the crescent table.
For the next hour, Cade found himself being questioned about the events on Naboo all over again. This time, however, the council was far more understanding. Jask and Aurek Squad hadn't fallen because of a tactical blunder on Cade's part, but during a surprise assault after the insurgents breached the palace through the sewers. Once the questioning finally came to an end, several council members thanked him for strengthening the relationship between House Atreides and the people of Naboo. The matter was officially declared settled, and under the circumstances, they agreed he had handled the situation well. Hearing those words, especially after everything that had happened, felt... nice.
Leaving the council chambers behind, Cade made his way across the castle grounds toward the waiting D2 Condor. He had barely reached the foot of the boarding ramp before he came to a stop.
Standing at attention on either side of the ramp were two Winged Shields clad in the older pattern of Atreides armor. Their dark green and black cloaks swayed gently in the afternoon breeze, a welcome contrast to Caladan's usual cold, damp weather. Even the rare appearance of the sun seemed determined to make the most of the day.
Cade raised an eyebrow. "Why are you two here?" he asked as he approached. "And who are you?"
Both soldiers snapped crisp salutes.
"WS Private Haunun Mikel, my lord!"
"WS Private Rhan Valen, my lord!"
Cade blinked. "...You can stop yelling."
Both soldiers immediately glanced at one another before looking back at him, a hint of embarrassment visible even behind their helmet visors.
"Sorry, my lord," they answered almost in unison, this time in much more normal voices.
"Better," Cade replied with a faint smile. "Now, why are you here?"
Private Mikel waited for Valen to answer. When it became obvious his fellow Shield wasn't going to, he cleared his throat. "We've been ordered here by the Duke, my lord. We're your new protection detail."
"Protection detail?" Cade repeated before letting out a quiet sigh. He rubbed his forehead as though trying to stave off a headache. "I'm only going to the Research Center. The guards there are more than capable of handling security."
'Not to mention,' he thought to himself, 'Half the guards at the Research Center are loyal to me and already wear the improved armor and weapons I designed.'
"We're just following orders, my lord," Valen replied.
Cade let out a slow sigh. 'They're just doing what they've been told...' He rubbed the bridge of his nose. 'Ugh... fine, I guess.'
"Alright," he relented. "Hop aboard and strap in."
"Yes, my lord," the two Winged Shields replied before climbing into the Condor behind him.
Cade continued up the boarding ramp and stepped into the cockpit. The moment he looked inside, he stopped.
Both pilots were sound asleep.
One had slumped so far down in his seat that his head rested against the side window, while the other was reclined with his arms folded across his chest. Ration cracker crumbs covered his chin and had somehow found their way all over the front of his pilot's vest.
Cade stared at them for a long moment, completely deadpan. "...Seriously?"
Walking over to the pilot with crumbs plastered across his uniform, Cade reached out and tapped him firmly on the shoulder several times.
The man jolted awake.
"Argh! Shit!" he blurted, nearly falling out of his seat before his eyes focused on Cade standing over him. "...Uh..."
He froze.
Cade simply stared back.
"...Ha... ha..." the pilot laughed awkwardly. "...Umm..."
"Wake up, Yugo," Cade said flatly. "I'd like to be at the Research Center sometime today." Reaching over, he picked the pilot's flight helmet up off the console and casually tossed it at him.
Yugo caught it instinctively.
"Yes, my lord," he replied, his voice noticeably quieter than before.
"Good."
Shaking his head, Cade turned and walked back into the troop compartment, a small grin tugging at the corner of his mouth despite himself. He dropped into one of the seats and fastened the harness across his chest just as the two Winged Shields finished securing themselves opposite him.
Valen tilted his helmet slightly. "Was there a problem, my lord?"
"No," Cade replied with a faint chuckle. "No problem. Our pilots just weren't quite ready to leave yet." He leaned back into his seat. "Give them a minute."
As if on cue, the Condor's engines roared to life. The dropship vibrated beneath them as power surged through its systems, followed moments later by the familiar whine of the repulsorlifts coming online.
'I'll meet with Karnath once the council meeting is over later today,' Cade thought as the Condor's boarding ramp slowly sealed shut. 'Shipmaster Savage and Kylain are already waiting for me at the Research Center. First, we're meeting with the Principal Engineer, Marcus Vwallt, to try and convince him to back me completely. After that comes the Director of the Research Center, Blake Estrada. If both meetings go well, then all that's left is the Director of the Atreides Academy of Warfare. Karnath said that he would handle talking to the representatives in my stead. In the long run it would probably be better for me to meet with them personally and privately, but that will have to wait.'
Cade leaned back in his seat as the Condor's engines steadily built toward takeoff.
'Now that the Naboo chapter is closed, at least for the time being, it's time to focus on Caladan. I need to build my own power base, not just here at the Research Center, but throughout the entire Dukedom.'
His thoughts shifted to the political landscape Karnath had laid out for him.
'From what he's told me, Acheran already has several council members in his pocket. K'hari Biari, the Zabrak representative from Alprezar. Alejandro Castelli from Horizon. Darro Olphes from Nightsong.' Cade frowned slightly. 'Apparently, he's also on friendly terms with Ronnis Finnall of Trindello. I have a hard time believing Acheran could genuinely earn the respect and friendship of someone like Finnall, but stranger things have happened.'
Three supporters out of thirteen representatives wasn't enough to control the council, but it was enough to make Acheran dangerous. None of the three held insignificant positions, either. Each maintained strong ties to at least two other council members through trade agreements, long-standing friendships, or political alliances. Convincing one representative often meant influencing two or three more, making every vote carry far more weight than it appeared on paper.
'Then there's Ryan Matlok,' Cade thought. 'Director of the Atreides Academy of Warfare.'
That meeting would likely prove to be the most difficult.
Matlok had once instructed both his father and Acheran, making him close to both men. Fortunately, that relationship wasn't necessarily a disadvantage. From everything Karnath had told him, Matlok held an enormous amount of respect for Duke Atreides. If Cade could prove himself worthy of carrying on House Atreides' future, there was a real chance the old instructor would give him a fair hearing.
'One step at a time,' Cade reminded himself.
The Condor lurched gently as its repulsorlifts lifted it clear of the landing pad. Moments later, the dropship banked toward the western coast of Caladan, carrying Cade toward the Atreides Center of Military Research.
'After I show Acheran who the true heir to House Atreides is, the only real obstacle left will be that bastard Palpatine.' Cade's expression hardened as he stared out the Condor's viewport at the gray clouds rolling past. 'The Clone Wars are going to happen. I'll make damn sure of it. Even if Palpatine dropped dead tomorrow, they'd probably still break out eventually. They just wouldn't happen as soon.'
The coming war wasn't something he feared.
It was an opportunity.
'The Clone Wars will give birth to a new House Atreides. An empire of my making. One that won't bow to the Republic, the Banking Clan, the Separatists, the Hutts, or any damn criminal syndicate. And when the Yuuzhan Vong finally come knocking decades from now... they'll find a galaxy that isn't weak, divided, and unprepared.'
Cade folded his arms. 'Palpatine will die when the battle on Geonosis kicks off. I'll make sure of it!' That was the point where the timeline offered him the greatest advantage.
'The clone shock guards won't exist yet. He'll still be relying on Senate Guards for protection. Good soldiers, well-trained and loyal... but they're nowhere near as numerous as the clone Coruscant Guard.' A faint smile crossed his face. 'And they won't be prepared for what I'm willing to throw at them.'
The Condor banked through the cloudy skies of Caladan before descending toward one of the many landing platforms built into the Atreides Center of Military Research. A gentle thud reverberated through the hull as the dropship settled onto the durasteel pad, followed by the familiar hiss of hydraulics as the boarding ramp lowered.
Cade was the first one down the ramp, with Privates Mikel and Valen following close behind.
Waiting for him on the platform stood three familiar faces.
Shipmaster Savage stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his posture straight and composed as he watched Cade approach. Kylain Deova stood beside him with a datapad held against his chest, occasionally adjusting his grip on it as though uncertain what to do with his hands. Kellan Moone stood a short distance away from them, his arms folded across his chest while his helmet hung clipped to his belt.
Kellan's eyes moved over Cade carefully, lingering on his face long enough to notice the exhaustion he had failed to conceal.
"You look as though the council kept you in that chamber for several days instead of just an hour," Kellan said in a soft but serious tone as he unfolded his arms and stepped forward.
"They certainly tried their best to make it feel that way," Cade replied with a tired edge in his voice, stopping in front of his mentor before glancing toward Savage and Kylain. "They questioned me for more than an hour about everything that happened on Naboo. How the Anti-Armament Movement formed, why they targeted Captain Mariek, how Rhyul Ron became involved, and how we ultimately dealt with them."
"I expected the council would want a complete accounting," Savage said in a measured tone of voice, studying Cade with quiet concern while keeping his hands behind his back. "An organized terrorist movement operating on the capital world of one of our most important allies is not a matter they could afford to examine casually."
"No, and they didn't," Cade said with restrained frustration as he looked toward the Research Center entrance. "They went through nearly every decision I made after arriving on Naboo. They were especially interested in what happened at the casino."
Kellan watched Cade for a moment before speaking.
"They placed the blame for Estrange's escape on you," Kellan said calmly, his voice carrying neither accusation nor sympathy.
"They did, and they weren't wrong," Cade admitted in a low voice, his shoulders tightening slightly. "We had her trapped inside the casino. She was surrounded by her own people, Rhyul's guards, Royal Security personnel, and my Winged Shields. She still found a way out."
"Responsibility does not always mean incompetence," Savage said firmly, his eyes remaining on Cade. "From what you told me, you had every exit covered and under guard. Your plan was a good one. However, since you were the operation commander, the failure ultimately belongs to you. But that does not erase what you achieved before or after it."
"The council made that clear enough," Cade replied, his expression hardening as he remembered the hearing. "They criticized me for allowing her to escape, but they were grateful that I protected Queen Amidala and Captain Mariek. According to my father, the Queen and her Royal Advisory Council approved an increase in the next several plasma shipments because of what happened."
"How substantial of an increase?" Savage asked in a more attentive tone, his brows drawing together slightly.
"A twenty-five percent increase from the original amount," Cade answered as he turned toward the Shipmaster.
"That increase will significantly improve current production schedules," Savage said with quiet approval, his gaze briefly moving toward the distant shipyard facilities. "A twenty-five-percent rise in plasma imports could shorten several projected construction periods, particularly if Naboo maintains the increase long enough for our logistical personnel to adjust around it."
"I'm sure Karnath was happy to hear that," Kylain said, shifting the datapad beneath his arm before glancing at Cade. "The additional plasma could help with the reactor programs, the weapons projects, and the new shield generators. Assuming the purification teams can keep up with the increased volume, which they should be able to, although I haven't checked their most recent reports."
"The council's appreciation for the increased plasma did not prevent them from discussing Aurek Squad," Kellen said matter-of-factly.
"No," Cade said quietly, his jaw tightening. "They spent a good portion of the hearing reminding me that Master Sergeant Cooper Jask and his entire squad died while operating under my authority."
"Were they blaming you for the ambush?" Kellan asked.
"Some of them came close," Cade answered with restrained bitterness, looking past Kellan toward the edge of the landing platform. "They understood that Jask and the others weren't directly under my command when they were killed. Estrange's people ambushed them after entering the palace through the sewers. I wasn't standing beside them, and I didn't order them into that particular area of the palace, but they were still under my command."
Kellan stepped closer and studied Cade's face before responding.
"From the sounds of it, they were carrying out a patrol," Kellan said softly, his expression remaining serious. "Their deaths deserve to be examined, and any mistakes that placed them in danger need to be found. But you will not honor them by claiming responsibility for every blaster bolt fired inside that palace."
"I know that," Cade replied, although the lack of certainty in his voice undermined the words.
"No, you understand it," Kellan said patiently, resting a firm hand on Cade's shoulder. "That is not the same as believing it. You are sixteen years old, Cade. You have enough weight waiting for you without placing every dead soldier in the Dukedom on your back."
"They followed me to Naboo," Cade said more openly than he would have in front of anyone outside the small group. "Jask trusted me to lead the operation, and Aurek Squad followed every order I gave them. They should have returned to Caladan with us."
"They should have," Kellan agreed in a calm, almost gentle tone, keeping his hand on Cade's shoulder. "But wishing for a different outcome does not create one. All you can do is learn from what happened, remember the people you lost, and make certain the next soldiers under your command benefit from whatever lessons their deaths provided."
"The council still said they were glad I made it back alive," Cade said quietly, looking down at the platform beneath his boots. "They berated me over Jask, Aurek Squad, and Estrange's escape, but when it was finished, several of them said House Atreides could not afford to lose its heir."
Savage, Kellan, and Kylain all glanced over at Mikel and Valen. Cade followed their gaze toward the two Winged Shields before looking back at him.
"My father's put a restriction on my travel." All three sets of eyes locked onto him. "He said I've placed myself in too many dangerous situations and that it no longer made sense for me to travel beyond Atreides-controlled space," Cade said bitterly, folding his arms across his chest. "Before I could say anything, Castelli agreed with him. Then Olphes. Biari followed shortly after that, and once they started supporting the proposal, several others joined them."
"The decision was put to a formal vote?" Savage asked evenly, though the answer was already apparent from the presence of Cade's escorts.
"It didn't need to be," Cade replied with frustration, gesturing faintly toward Mikel and Valen. "By the time I was allowed to speak, most of them had already agreed. My father called it a reasonable precaution, and the council accepted it as though I wasn't sitting directly in front of them."
Kylain glanced toward the two Winged Shields before speaking.
"So they aren't only here to protect you," Kylain said carefully, lowering his voice as though reluctant to state the obvious. "They're here to make certain you remain inside the Dukedom."
"They're here to follow me everywhere, report where I go, and stop me if I attempt to leave Atreides space," Cade said flatly, his irritation aimed at the situation rather than the soldiers behind him. "My father managed to assign me guards and jailers at the same time."
Neither Mikel nor Valen reacted visibly, although Mikel's posture stiffened slightly.
Kellan noticed the reaction but kept his attention on Cade.
"They did not make the decision," Kellan said in his calm, serious manner, inclining his head toward the two privates. "Do not place your anger on men who were handed orders by the Duke and told to carry them out."
"I know," Cade said with a weary sigh, allowing his arms to fall back to his sides. "I don't blame either of them. They're just doing their duty."
"What troubles you most about the restriction?" Savage asked thoughtfully, his voice softer than before as he examined Cade's expression.
Cade looked at Savage without responding immediately. Around the council, he would have offered some carefully constructed argument about diplomacy, military operations, or his responsibility as heir. Around these men, there was no reason to hide behind any of that.
"I won't be able to return to Naboo," Cade said quietly, his eyes drifting toward the cloudy horizon. "Not unless Padmé visits Atreides territory herself."
Understanding passed across Kellan's face, although he did not smile or make light of the admission.
"You were hoping to see her again soon," Kellan said gently, his tone carrying the warmth he rarely showed outside their small circle.
"Yes," Cade answered honestly, rubbing the back of his neck as he looked away. "We said we would keep in contact, but that isn't the same thing. I had planned to return once matters here were settled."
"Your father knew that?" Kylain asked cautiously, his brows drawing together as he adjusted his hold on the datapad.
"I never told him," Cade replied, his expression growing colder. "I doubt he cares whether I wanted to visit her. All he sees is the heir leaving Atreides territory and placing himself within reach of people he cannot control."
Savage remained silent for a moment before speaking.
"Your father's concern is not entirely unreasonable," Savage said in his calm, authoritative tone, raising one hand slightly when Cade's expression tightened. "That does not mean I agree with the method he chose. You are the sole heir to House Atreides. From the council's perspective, allowing you to travel without restrictions after Naboo would appear reckless."
"I'm not asking them to ignore the danger," Cade replied with visible frustration, his voice becoming more animated now that he was among people he trusted. "I'm asking them to stop treating me like a piece of equipment they can lock in storage until it's needed. I protected Padmé because she was in danger. I pursued Estrange because she was murdering people. What was I supposed to do, remain on the Condor while everyone else fought?"
"No," Savage answered firmly, meeting Cade's gaze. "But there is a difference between refusing to abandon people and placing yourself at the front of every engagement. You are a capable soldier, my lord, but you are also a strategic asset to the entire Dukedom. Both of those realities must be considered."
Cade looked as though he wanted to argue, but after several seconds he released a slow breath and nodded.
"I know," Cade said reluctantly, his shoulders easing slightly. "That doesn't make the restriction any easier to accept."
"It is not meant to be easy," Kellan said quietly, removing his hand from Cade's shoulder. "You can hate the decision and still understand why it was made. Those things are not mutually exclusive."
Cade looked toward Mikel and Valen again before gesturing toward the Research Center entrance.
"We should get inside," Cade said in a more composed tone, forcing the council hearing and the travel restriction to the back of his mind. "Marcus is waiting, and I still have half the leadership of this facility to convince before the day is over."
Cade felt some of the remaining tension leave his body as they moved deeper into the complex.
Kellan noticed the change.
"You always look more comfortable here than you do inside Castle Caladan," Kellan said with quiet observation, walking beside Cade while keeping his pace steady.
"That's because everything here has a purpose," Cade replied in a calmer tone, glancing through an observation window overlooking a fabrication chamber. "People build things, test them, find out what failed, and then correct it. Nobody spends three hours arguing over what a sentence might mean before deciding whether they support it."
"Machines can be just as temperamental as politicians," Kylain said with hesitant seriousness, looking between Cade and one of the nearby workshops. "The difference is that a damaged reactor usually tells you exactly why it's angry before it explodes."
Cade gave him a sidelong look.
"That sounded disturbingly specific," Cade said with mild concern, raising an eyebrow.
"It happened once," Kylain replied awkwardly, pressing the datapad closer to his side. "Technically twice, although the second incident was related to the first, so I don't think it should count separately."
Savage glanced toward Kylain but chose not to ask for clarification.
"I reviewed the most recent Autumn-class revisions while waiting for you," Savage said in his measured voice, returning the conversation to more familiar territory as they continued through the corridor. "The new reactor arrangement is a considerable improvement over the previous design."
"But you found something wrong with it," Cade said knowingly, turning his attention toward the Shipmaster with a more relaxed expression.
"I would not describe it as wrong," Savage replied calmly, his hands still clasped behind his back. "The maintenance passage near the third reactor remains narrower than I would prefer. It meets the required specifications, but combat damage rarely respects engineering specifications."
"I widened it by thirty centimeters after your last review," Cade said with restrained disbelief, gesturing faintly with one hand as they walked. "Any more than that and I'll have to move the secondary coolant lines or reduce the armor around the compartment."
"Move the coolant lines," Savage said firmly, looking toward Cade with the quiet certainty of an officer who had already considered the alternatives. "A damage-control team carrying tools, replacement parts, and wounded personnel will need every centimeter of space available if that section is struck during battle."
Cade thought about the suggestion for several moments before nodding.
"I'll have Kylain and the reactor team look at the coolant layout again," Cade said thoughtfully, glancing toward the engineer. "There may be enough room to reroute them along the upper bulkhead without affecting maintenance access."
"There should be," Kylain said more confidently as the conversation moved into familiar technical territory. "The support braces would need to be repositioned, and the magnetic shielding might have to be extended, but that would be easier than redesigning the entire compartment. I'd need to see the current schematic before saying for certain."
"Then we'll look at it after the meeting," Cade said decisively, giving Kylain a slight nod before turning back to Savage. "Anything else?"
"The bridge escape routes are improved, and the revised fire-control stations are more sensibly arranged," Savage said approvingly, his expression softening slightly. "The ship is beginning to feel as though it was designed by someone who expects actual people to serve aboard it."
"I'm going to assume that was a compliment," Cade said dryly, although the faint smile on his face showed he appreciated the praise.
"It was," Savage replied with a restrained hint of humor in his voice. "Your earlier designs were excellent warships. They simply gave the impression that their crews were expected to become part of the machinery."
'It wasn't.' Cade thought to himself. 'But with the Star Wars tech that I've had added to the ships, such as shielding and other important systems that the Star Wars galaxy has that the Halo Universe doesn't, the ships unfortunately seem that way.'
Kellan listened to the discussion for another moment before looking between Cade and Savage.
"I've never understood shipbuilding," Kellan said in his soft, serious voice, shaking his head as the group continued down the corridor. The Mandalorian shook his head. "You naval officers spend six months arguing over corridors that none of you ever want to even visit."
Kylain glanced between the two older men before allowing himself a small smile.
"I used to think the same thing," Kylain admitted in a thoughtful tone, adjusting the datapad beneath his arm. "Then I spent a few months following damage-control teams around one of the older frigates during combat drills. Watching engineers crawl through passages carrying cutting torches, coolant hoses, and replacement parts while the ship was intentionally put under simulated combat conditions changes your perspective rather quickly."
Savage nodded once.
"Engineering decisions are easy to defend on paper," Savage replied in his usual measured voice, his hands still folded behind his back. "They become considerably harder to defend when frightened men have ninety seconds to prevent a reactor or hull breach."
The conversation gradually faded into a comfortable silence as they continued deeper into the Research Center.
Personnel moved around them with practiced efficiency. Engineers wheeled anti-gravity carts loaded with prototype components between workshops while technicians debated manufacturing tolerances over floating holoprojectors. Several researchers noticed Cade's group passing through the corridor and offered respectful nods before returning to their work.
Unlike Castle Caladan, no one stopped what they were doing simply because the heir to House Atreides happened to be walking by.
Most of them were too busy building the future.
Cade preferred it that way.
After another minute of walking, Kylain slowed slightly until he was walking beside Cade.
"My lord..." Kylain began hesitantly before quickly correcting himself with an embarrassed expression. "Cade... if that's alright while it's just us."
Cade looked over and nodded. "You've never needed permission before."
Kylain smiled sheepishly. "I suppose not."
He was quiet for several seconds, clearly organizing his thoughts before speaking again. "What exactly are you planning to tell Marcus?" Kylain asked in a cautious tone, glancing ahead toward the engineering wing. "You've said we're here to earn his support, but... Marcus isn't a politician. He's spent most of his career avoiding politics whenever possible. If he thinks someone is trying to manipulate him..." He trailed off before shaking his head. "Well... it won't end well."
Cade nodded slowly. "I know."
"So... do you have a particular approach in mind?" Kylain asked, curiosity gradually replacing his hesitation. "Some kind of proposal? A presentation? Something to convince him?"
"The truth," Cade answered simply, his expression becoming more serious as they continued walking.
Kylain looked at him for a moment. "The truth?" Kylain repeated thoughtfully.
"The whole truth," Cade clarified in an even tone. "Marcus has spent decades building this facility into what it is today. He deserves enough respect for me to tell him exactly why I'm here."
Kylain frowned slightly as he considered the answer.
"You're going to tell him about Acheran?" Kylain asked carefully.
"Yes."
"And your plans for the future?"
"Yes."
"The Academy?"
"Yes."
Kylain drew a slow breath through his nose. "That's... a tremendous amount to place in front of someone all at once," Kylain admitted, unconsciously tightening his grip on the datapad. "Marcus is loyal to House Atreides. I don't doubt that for a second. But asking him to choose between two potential futures for the House..." He shook his head. "That's not a decision anyone would make lightly."
"I don't expect him to," Cade replied calmly, meeting Kylain's gaze. "If Marcus supports me, I want it to be because he genuinely believes I'm the right person to lead House Atreides after my father. Not because I convinced him with half-truths or promises."
Savage listened quietly before adding his thoughts. "That approach carries considerable risk," Savage said in his steady command voice. "There is always the possibility Marcus disagrees with your vision entirely."
"There is," Cade acknowledged without hesitation.
"And if he does?" Savage asked.
"Then I'll respect his decision," Cade answered. "Support that has to be forced isn't support worth having."
Kellan looked toward Cade with quiet approval. "That's one lesson you've finally learned," Kellan said in his calm, fatherly tone. "People will follow a title because they have to. They'll only follow a man because they choose to."
Cade glanced toward him. "I learned that one from you."
Kellan's expression softened almost imperceptibly. "I'd like to think so."
They rounded one final corner before a pair of reinforced blast doors came into view.
Beyond them lay Engineering Hall Three.
The doors slid open automatically as the group approached.
The room beyond resembled a massive workshop far more than an executive office. Dozens of projects occupied nearly every available space. Prototype reactor assemblies rested on reinforced stands while partially completed armor systems hung suspended from overhead cranes. Engineers worked in small groups around holographic displays, debating tolerances, material stresses, and power requirements over the steady hum of fabrication equipment.
Near the center of the controlled chaos stood an older man with graying hair, rolled-up sleeves, and grease stains across the front of his work jacket.
Marcus Vwallt.
Rather than remaining in an office somewhere above the workshop floor, the Principal Engineer stood shoulder to shoulder with several project leads around a large holographic reactor assembly.
"...No," Marcus said firmly, gesturing toward one section of the projection with a grease-stained finger. "You're solving the symptom instead of the problem. If this manifold continues overheating after twenty hours of operation, redesign the manifold. Don't waste time compensating somewhere else in the system. Build it correctly the first time."
One of the nearby engineers noticed Cade's group approaching and quietly leaned toward Marcus.
The Principal Engineer turned his head before immediately spotting the four men. "Hold that thought," Marcus said to the assembled engineers in a professional but courteous tone. "I'll be back in a few minutes. Go over the revised coolant routing while I'm gone."
The project leads acknowledged the instruction before returning their attention to the holographic display.
Marcus crossed the workshop floor toward Cade's group, wiping his hands on a worn workshop cloth as he walked.
"Lord Cade," Marcus greeted warmly, offering the young heir a respectful nod before acknowledging the others in turn. "Shipmaster Savage. Kellan. Kylain. It's good to see all of you again."
"It's good to see you as well, Marcus," Cade replied in a polite but noticeably more formal tone than he had used with his friends only moments earlier. His relaxed demeanor had given way to the composed bearing expected of the heir to House Atreides.
Marcus noticed the subtle change immediately.
"What can I do for you, my lord?" Marcus asked in an attentive tone, studying Cade's expression. "Judging by the look on your face, I suspect this isn't a social visit."
"It isn't," Cade admitted evenly. "I was hoping we could speak somewhere private. There's an important matter I'd like to discuss with you."
Marcus held Cade's gaze for several moments.
Whatever he saw there caused the warmth in his expression to fade into quiet seriousness.
"Of course," Marcus replied with a slow nod, gesturing toward a frosted glass office overlooking the workshop floor. "My office is just through there."
He looked briefly toward Savage, Kellan, and Kylain. "I don't imagine this conversation is meant for an audience."
"It isn't," Cade answered.
Marcus nodded once. "Very well. This way," Marcus said in a more serious tone as he gestured for Cade to follow.
Cade started after him, but paused before crossing the threshold. He looked back toward Savage, Kellan, and Kylain. None of them spoke. Savage gave him a measured nod, Kellan held his gaze with quiet confidence, and Kylain tightened his grip on the datapad as though resisting the urge to offer one last piece of advice.
Cade understood what each of them meant without needing to hear it.
Savage trusted his judgment.
Kellan expected him to stand his ground.
Kylain hoped the truth would be enough.
Cade turned back toward the office and stepped inside. The door slid shut behind him with a soft mechanical hiss, sealing away the noise of the workshop.
Marcus moved behind his desk but did not sit. Instead, he folded the stained cloth in his hands and studied the sixteen-year-old standing before him.
"All right, my lord," Marcus said in a calm but guarded tone, his expression hardening as he waited. "What is this serious matter you came to discuss?"
Cade held the Principal Engineer's gaze.
"I came to ask you to choose what kind of future House Atreides is going to have," Cade said in a quiet, resolute tone as the machinery of the Research Center continued to thunder beyond the glass.
And then he told him everything.
Well... a version of it anyway.
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A/N: Welcome to the Eleventh chapter of my fic: Star Wars: House Atreides!