————
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 4:
Heading back home
"Talking"
'Thoughts'
————
Location: Theed Main Boulevard
Year: 32 BBY
Time: 2:05 P.M
Standing beside Padmé at the bottom of the Theed Royal Palace stairs at the beginning of the main boulevard, Cade glanced around at the nearly two hundred guards standing in orderly rows. Fifty of them were Theed Police Officers. While the other one hundred and fifty were Royal Guards, some fresh recruits from just the day before, when the new head of RSF security, Mariek Panaka, had organized a recruitment drive and received over three hundred volunteers in a single day.
To his left stood Padmé. Beside her were Mariek, Sio Bibble, members of her cabinet, and several handmaidens. To Cade's right was Obi-Wan Kenobi, with young Anakin Skywalker standing beside him. Cade lifted his gaze as the CSS-1 Corellian Star Shuttle slowly descended, its two Z-80 interceptor escorts peeling off and shooting back into space to rejoin the rest of the Republic Judicial fleet.
Over the past two days, he and Padmé had grown close. Whenever she was not acting as queen, attending meetings with her council, or entertaining officials from surrounding cities, they spent time together. That was not to mention greeting the Gungan procession the other day. 'What a mess that was,' Cade thought, giving a small shake of his head.
Sometimes they sat in the library, reading and talking. Sometimes they walked through the gardens, taking in the sights of Naboo while they talked. Other times, they simply sat together in silence. The longer they spent together, the harder it would be to leave. Cade knew that. Still, it was not as though they could not stay in contact. A private holonet channel could always be arranged.
For Cade, Padmé was the first person in a long time to treat him like a normal human being, and he appreciated every moment of it.
Out in front of Cade and the rest of Naboo's leaders stood Viceroy Nute Gunray and Rune Haako. All two hundred guards, along with the few civilians peeking out from alleyways and side streets across Theed, shot death glares at the two Neimoidians. Even Padmé and her advisors glared at them. The most troubling was Mariek Panaka, who looked twitchy, her hand flexing just inches away from her holstered S-5 heavy blaster pistol.
"Now, Viceroy," Padmé began calmly, "you're going to have to return to the Senate and explain all of this."
Mariek stepped forward, tension filling her tall, muscular frame. "I think you two bastards can kiss your trade franchise goodbye. I'll enjoy watching the news as you're thrown in prison for your crimes!" she growled as she and a pair of Royal Guards led the two Neimoidians toward the now-landed Corellian Star Shuttle. Obi-Wan followed a few paces behind, with young Anakin at his side.
Descending down the shuttle's ramp came the newly elected Chancellor Palpatine, flanked by eight Senate Guards. Behind them followed seven members of the Jedi High Council: Grand Master Yoda, Master Even Piell, Master Ki-Adi-Mundi, Master Plo Koon, Master Eeth Koth, Master Mace Windu, and finally, Master Saesee Tiin.
Mariek and her guards escorted the two Neimoidians off to the side as the Chancellor and his guards made a beeline toward Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin. Both bowed as Palpatine approached.
"We are indebted to you for your bravery, Obi-Wan Kenobi," Palpatine said with an easygoing smile. It made Cade's skin crawl, knowing Palpatine's true nature: a ruthless, sadistic man devoid of morality, who viewed all life as pawns in his ambition and possessed an insatiable hunger for power. A master manipulator, who concealed his true evil behind the façade of a harmless, elderly statesman who only wanted what was best for his people.
Turning his gaze to young Anakin, a sparkle entered Palpatine's eye. "And you, young Skywalker. We will watch your career with great interest," he said, patting the boy on the shoulder before moving past him toward Cade and the Queen.
Cade kept his face straight as Palpatine stopped in front of Padmé and smiled down at her. Padmé smiled back up at the older man and said, "Congratulations on your election, Chancellor."
"Your boldness has saved our people, Your Majesty. It is you who should be congratulated. And together, we shall bring peace and prosperity to the Republic," he said with a charming smile.
'Yeah, totally. Not like you're going to murder all of the Jedi with the secret chips implanted into the clones' brains and then install a militaristic, authoritarian empire that you have complete control over thanks to your influence over half the representatives in the Senate,' Cade thought to himself with a sneer as Padmé, he, and the rest of the leadership led the Chancellor, his guards, and the Jedi Council members into the palace. Meanwhile, behind them, Nute Gunray and Rune Haako were placed in stuncuffs and loaded onto the Star Shuttle.
————
2 Days Later...
"I will miss you, Cade. I've come to grow fond of your company," Padmé said, her voice forlorn.
Cade smiled at her as his hair ruffled in the wind, the descending Pelican behind him, its thrusters sending rolling waves of air down across the floor of the Theed hangar. "Hey, this won't be the last time we talk or meet. You can contact me any time, and I'll answer."
Padmé's serious but melancholic expression softened, slowly turning into a small, sad smile. "I hope you know you can do the same. I'll always do my best to respond."
"Of course, it doesn't always have to be about something serious or urgent, right? Surely the prestigious Queen of Naboo can afford to have a few words with little old me." Cade made a show of his words as he pointed at himself and put on a smaller, innocent, child-like voice when saying, little old me.
Padmé giggled. "I'm sure I can squeeze in some time for the young lord of House Atreides."
Cade chuckled. "I'm sure you can," he replied, his smile lingering. For a brief moment, neither of them spoke, simply standing there and looking at one another, both clearly reluctant to let the silence end.
The eight Winged Shields behind Cade all exchanged looks with one another as they observed the conversation, their thoughts all following the same line of thinking: 'Surely not, right?'
Meanwhile, the four Royal Guards behind Padmé, unaware of the Winged Shields, had the exact same thought: 'Surely not, right?'
The heavy thud of the Pelican's landing gear touching down echoed through the hangar, the vibration traveling up through the floor and breaking the spell the moment had cast.
"I guess this is goodbye," Cade said, still smiling, though the feeling behind it was heavier now. "For now!" he added quickly, as if trying to correct himself before the words fully settled.
Padmé either did not notice or chose not to comment. "It would seem so. I wish you well, Cade, on your trip back home. I'll do my best to get in touch with you when I can."
"Not if I get in touch with you first," Cade replied, his tone smooth and confident despite the reluctance he felt.
For a brief second, time seemed to slow, as if neither of them wanted to be the one to end it. Then the Pelican's ramp began to lower, metal shifting with a hydraulic hiss. With visible hesitation, Cade extended his hand toward her, offering a simple handshake as a farewell.
However much to his shock, Padmé surged forward and wrapped him in a hug.
For a heartbeat, Cade froze, his mind scrambling to catch up. Then instinct took over. He returned the embrace, arms settling around her with careful restraint, yet unmistakable warmth. 'Fuck decorum, I guess,' Cade thought with a wry grin as the weight in his chest eased, replaced by something lighter, steadier, and dangerously close to happiness.
Pulling back just enough to look at him, Padmé spoke softly. "You know you'll always be my friend, right?"
Cade's grin widened into a full, radiant smile, bright enough that it felt out of place for his usual angry self. He nodded once. "Yeah. Thank you, Padmé."
She nodded in return as they stepped apart. A small tear welled in Padmé's eye as she practically whispered, "Goodbye, Cade."
"Hey." Cade smiled, a sudden spark of certainty rising in his chest. "We'll see each other again. I know that for a fact." He reached out and gently wiped the tear away, careful not to smear her queenly makeup. "Goodbyes aren't forever. They're not the end, even when they feel like it. They just mean I'll miss you until we meet again, Padmé."
"Until we meet again, Cade," Padmé whispered, giving a small, shaky nod.
Cade nodded back, offering her one last smile before turning toward the Pelican. Each step felt heavier than the last, as if he were carrying the weight of a Star Destroyer on his back. All it would take was a single turn to make that weight vanish, but he didn't allow himself to stop.
He had a job waiting for him on Caladan, a future system to run, and possibly rebellion to quell if Acheran continued down his current path. Just as Padmé had a planet to govern and people depending on her. Maybe, someday, there could be something more. But for now, Cade's path was set, and he would be damned if he didn't do everything in his power to stack the chips in his favor.
Striding up the ramp of the Pelican, Cade paused at the threshold as the Winged Shields moved past him, taking their seats and strapping themselves in with practiced efficiency. He remained where he was, framed by the open ramp, his attention fixed entirely on Padmé below as the heavy metal door began its slow ascent.
She stood unmoving, hands clasped in front of her, watching him until the last possible second. Cade smiled, lifting one hand in a small, restrained wave. Just before the narrowing gap finally cut her from view, he mouthed the words until we meet again.
The ramp sealed shut with a dull thud.
Moments later, the Pelican's engines roared to life, the vibration thrumming through the deck as it lifted off and surged out of the hangar, climbing hard into Naboo's sky before breaking toward orbit and the waiting Gladius beyond.
Cade's chapter on Naboo was over, for now. A new one waited ahead, unwritten and uncertain. Whatever it demanded of him, whatever trials lay in his path, Cade knew one thing for certain.
He would be ready.
————
A Day Later...
"What do you mean, my father wants to see me? Personally?" Cade asked, his voice sharp as he stared at the official standing between two Winged Guards a few paces from the ramp of the recently landed Pelican.
Rain hammered down across the Atreides Center of Military Research, drenching the shuttle landing pads and sweeping over the sprawling island chains the facility called home. Beyond them, the coastal city of Caracas was barely visible through the sheets of rain. Caladan was no stranger to storms, but this was a full torrential downpour. Dark, storm-colored clouds choked the sky, refusing to allow even a sliver of sunlight through their thick cover. Every so often, faint flashes of bright blue lightning illuminated the clouds, followed by distant rolls of thunder.
"It is as I said, my lord. Your father requests your presence at Castle Caladan immediately," the official replied, clearly uncomfortable but maintaining his composure. "He has already sent a transport ahead for you." He gestured toward a neighboring landing pad, where an Atlas-class shuttle sat idling, its engines emitting a low, steady hum.
Cade scoffed. "Why in the hell wouldn't he just contact Shipmaster Savage, then? Surely that would have been easier than sending you here to stand around waiting for me."
"My lord, I don't..."
"I don't care." Cade cut him off, irritation bleeding through his voice. "When you see him, tell him he can shove it, for all I care. I have far more important things to deal with."
He moved past the official, boots splashing against the rain-soaked deck as he headed toward the central spire of the research center. He had barely taken a few steps before a familiar voice stopped him cold.
"You will do no such thing."
Cade halted. Two Winged Guards stepped into his path, forcing him to stop as he turned his head toward the source of the voice. Standing just beyond them was the tall, armored figure of his Mandalorian mentor, Kellan Moone.
Kellan wore the same armor as his brother, the current Warmaster, but where his brother's helmet bore yellow markings, Kellan's were red. Rain slid off his beskar-durasteel plates in steady streams as he stared at Cade through the visor.
"You will get on that transport and meet with your father," Kellan said firmly. "Is that clear, foundling?"
"Foundling?" Cade repeated, genuine shock flashing across his face. "You said that once I came back from the Battle of Naboo, I would be a full-fledged warrior!"
"A full-fledged warrior does not get most of his men killed," Kellan snapped, his voice sharp and filled with barely restrained fury. "And don't think I didn't read the reports. I read every single one of them. You did not even formulate a proper plan of attack. You charged straight in, relying on momentum and brute force, expecting everything to simply fall into your lap."
Kellan stomped forward, rain splashing violently beneath his armored boots. The two Winged Shields reacted instantly, stepping aside without hesitation as their former Warmaster closed the distance and loomed over Cade, his visor inches from the young lord's face.
"Do we really have to do this here?" Cade asked quietly, his voice smaller now, stripped of its earlier edge.
Kellan glared down at him, anger radiating from his stance. For several long seconds, he said nothing. Then he inhaled deeply, forcing himself to steady his breathing. The tension did not vanish, but it tightened into something colder and more controlled.
"No," Kellan said at last. "You are right." He straightened slightly and gestured toward the waiting shuttle. "Get on that transport and go see what your father wants."
He paused, then leaned in close once more, his voice dropping into a low growl. "But when you return, this conversation will continue, foundling. Make no mistake about that."
"Yes, Mentor Moone," Cade replied stiffly. He turned sharply and stormed toward the Atlas-class transport, rain plastering his hair to his head as he went.
"You two, follow him," the official ordered, gesturing to the Winged Shields.
As they moved to comply, the official turned back toward the towering Mandalorian. "Thank you, Lord Moone. Without your intervention, I fear things may have escalated further."
"Oh, they would have," Kellan replied flatly. "That boy hates his father with a burning passion. It is one of the reasons I took him on as my student. Without me, he would have had no one. He would have grown into a reclusive, hatred-filled boy, looking for any excuse to take his anger out on the world around him."
"Yes, well, I suppose we have you to thank for that, then," the official said, forcing out an awkward chuckle.
Kellan slowly turned his helmeted head toward him. Even through the dark slit of the T-visor, the weight of the Mandalorian's stare was unmistakable.
The official felt it immediately. His smile vanished as he looked away, instinctively rubbing the back of his neck as unease crept in. "So, uh… thank you again. I appreciate it."
"I did not do it for you," Kellan replied coldly.
He turned away and began walking across the rain-soaked landing pad, the downpour hammering relentlessly against his armor. "The Duke lost his son's respect a long time ago. And while mine is not as full as it once was, he still has it. For now."
A shiver ran down the official's spine at the blunt finality in Kellan's tone. He wasted no time after that. Turning on his heel, he hurried toward the Atlas-class transport, boots splashing through puddles as he went.
Once aboard and strapped in, the shuttle's ramp sealed shut. Moments later, the engines roared to life, and the craft lifted off into the storm-darkened sky.
Cade kept his gaze fixed on the plated floor of the shuttle, water dripping steadily from his hair and striking the metal with soft, hollow taps. Each drop echoed in the otherwise suffocating silence. The interior of the shuttle felt oppressive, the quiet hanging over him like a domineering overlord.
Three long minutes passed before the pilot's voice finally broke the stillness. "We are nearing Castle Caladan. Landing in one minute."
Cade let out a slow breath, caught somewhere between relief and dread. Relief at the thought of finally escaping this cramped, suffocating transport. Dread at what awaited him at Castle Caladan. He had not spoken to his father face-to-face in two years. Since then, every interaction had been reduced to documents, reports, and sterile messages. His father had never visited. Never appeared live on a holoscreen. The only time Cade ever saw him was through local news feeds or one-way holocommunications, where Tyler would deliver him orders or informative statements, while Cade himself remained unseen and unheard.
The shuttle touched down with a heavy thud.
Cade immediately unlocked his harness and rose to his feet, making a direct beeline for the ramp. The two Winged Shields moved quickly after him, while the official unfastened himself at a measured pace and stood.
When the ramp lowered, Cade hurried down it, his mind set on getting indoors, out of the rain, and through this meeting as quickly as possible. That momentum died instantly.
He stopped short.
Standing before him were two DT-015 series wardroids, forty Winged Shields arranged with rigid precision, and at the head of them all stood his father.
"Father…" Cade breathed, the word slipping out before he could stop it. Shock rooted him in place.
"Come," his father said, his voice cold and clipped. "The Council wants an explanation for what happened on Naboo."
Without offering a greeting or even sparing Cade a second glance, Tyler turned and began walking toward Castle Caladan. The DT-series droids and Winged Shields closed in around him, forming an escort as they moved.
Cade clenched his jaw, anger and frustration burning hot beneath the surface. Swallowing it down, he fell into step behind them, dutifully following despite every instinct telling him to do otherwise.
The massive double doors at the fortress's front entrance cracked open with an audible groan, pushed apart by two equally massive DT-015s. Beyond them lay a long, ornate hallway, its high ceiling adorned with opal chandeliers that cast a soft, prismatic glow across polished stone. Hanging potted plants trailed gently from alcoves along the walls, adding muted splashes of green to the otherwise austere space.
Talons lined the hallway on both sides, still clad in the older standard-issue gear worn before Cade's recent armor designs. Their A270 rifles were held firmly and professionally, fingers resting near triggers but not upon them.
No one spoke. The only sound as they advanced was the steady rhythm of boots striking the marble-like floor, each step echoing faintly through the corridor.
When they reached the doors of the council chamber, Cade glanced toward his father. He felt the weight of that familiar, iron-hard gaze settle on him. It lasted only a moment before his father turned away and pushed the doors open without a word.
The guards accompanying them dispersed as they entered. The two DT-015s continued after Cade's father before peeling off and taking up positions on either side of the chamber. Ten guards were already present inside, five lining the left wall and five the right, standing rigid and silent. Several seats in the gallery were already occupied by scribes and a handful of local holonet reporters, their attention sharp and expectant as they waited for proceedings to begin.
At the head of the room sat a wooden crescent-shaped table. The council members were already seated, leaving the central chair empty. Cade's father moved to it and took his place with practiced ease.
Including him, thirteen council members sat at the table. Three represented Caladan itself, one each from the coastal city of Horizon, Atreides Landing, and Nightsong. The remaining nine spoke for the other worlds under Atreides rule: Sharls, Alprezar, Kef Bir, Vix, Sanyassa IV, Zorbia II, Trindello, Qina, and Thonner.
The majority of the members were human, with some outliers such as the Bothan representative from Sanyassa IV, the Ayrou representative from Thonner, the Zabrak representative from Alprezar, and the representative from Zorbia II, the rare and once-in-a-generation seen Gen'Dai.
Cade marched down the aisle and stood beneath the Falcon logo of House Atreides at the center of the room, acutely aware that every eye in the chamber was now on him.
"We are gathered here today to hear testimony from the heir to the Atreides Dynasty, Cade Atreides, regarding the invasion of Naboo," Tyler Atreides began, his voice carrying easily through the chamber. "The outcome of this operation resulted in ninety million credits, as well as enough refined plasma to power every city on Caladan for a century."
His gaze sharpened as it settled on his son.
"However, no gain, no matter how great, erases the fact that forty-five men lost their lives. Three more will require extensive bacta treatment if they are ever to return to anything close to their former condition. Cade Atreides, you will explain to this council what occurred that day, from your perspective."
Tyler leaned forward slightly, his tone hardening. "We demand the truth, and nothing but the truth. For House Atreides, our word is our bond. Our contracts are iron, never to be broken. There is no oath that we betray."
Every council member and every guard in the chamber answered as one.
"Atreides!"
Cade drew in a deep breath, the sound loud in his own ears as silence fell over the room. "Where would you like me to begin?"
"From the beginning."
"When we exited hyperspace," Cade said, steadying his voice, "we found a squadron of Naboo N-1 starfighters engaged in a brutal dogfight with Trade Federation droid fighters. Given the circumstances, Shipmaster Savage moved to reinforce the Naboo pilots while I led a ground force to the planet's surface."
"And what did the Naboo hope to gain by attacking the Trade Federation directly?" asked Q'euzt Talred, the high-pitched voice of the Ayrou representative cutting in.
"Because they were targeting the control ship," came the slightly distorted reply of Karnath, the Gen'Dai representative. His black, dark green, and gold armor shimmered faintly under the chamber lights. "Destroy the control ship, and the entire droid army on the surface shuts down."
"Ah, I see," Talred replied, nodding slowly. "Please, continue."
"At the time, a Gungan army was engaged with the Trade Federation's droid forces on the plains outside the city," Cade continued. "Given that situation, I directed my forces toward the capital itself in an attempt to capture the Viceroy and bring the conflict to an immediate end."
Several of the representatives nodded, while scribes and holonet reporters quietly recorded every word.
"After securing the hangar," Cade went on, "the two other squads and I split up to search for both the Viceroy and the Queen. I ordered one squad to move toward the palace entrance and cause as much disruption as possible. Their objective was to draw droid forces away from the inner sections of the palace."
"And the second squad?" asked Abelard Horne, the representative from Sharls. His tone was casual, but his narrowed eyes remained sharp and attentive.
"I sent the second squad straight toward the throne room," Cade replied. "Their task was to locate and capture the Viceroy. Based on available intelligence and the palace layout, that was the most likely place for him to be. That assessment turned out to be correct."
Cade paused briefly before continuing. "My own squad was tasked with locating and securing the Queen."
Abelard gave a small nod, as did several of the other council members. "Go on."
"From that point forward, we faced continuous resistance as we advanced through the palace," Cade said. "Eventually, we encountered the Queen, or more accurately, she reached us first."
At the council's questioning looks, Cade elaborated. "While my squad was pinned down and taking cover, Queen Amidala and a group of her guards ascended the exterior of the palace using ascension cables, passing directly by our position."
He continued steadily. "Afterward, I learned that Bravo Squad had successfully reached the throne room, but they were pinned down just outside its entrance. Charlie Squad had linked up with several Royal Guards and local police officers and were holding back advancing droid forces elsewhere in the palace."
Cade straightened slightly. "Once I received confirmation that the Viceroy had been located, I ordered Charlie Squad to fall back and regroup. I also informed Bravo that reinforcements were on the way in the form of the Queen and her guards."
"And what did you do next, young Lord?" asked Terrance Hood, former Fleetmaster and representative of Vix. His tone was respectful, his posture attentive.
"I authorized the use of heavy ordnance and advanced toward the throne room as quickly as possible," Cade replied. His jaw tightened. "However, before we could make meaningful progress, my squad was ambushed and cornered by two forces of droidekas. During the engagement I... I was knocked unconscious."
A flicker of concern crossed Tyler Atreides' face. "And you were taken captive? What happened?"
Cade looked up at his father, uncertainty briefly surfacing in his expression. 'Is he worried? No. Impossible.' He pushed the thought aside.
"Yes," Cade said. "When I regained consciousness, I was in the throne room with Viceroy Gunray and Rune Haako. Gunray took pleasure in taunting me. He boasted that he would emerge from the conflict wealthier and untouched by any form of consequence."
"Tch. Typical Trade Federation behavior," Karnath muttered, clicking his tongue. "No better than pirates and scum."
"He informed me that my men who surrendered were placed into labor camps," Cade continued quietly. "Those who resisted were executed." He paused before adding, "Shortly after, Queen Amidala was escorted into the throne room under heavy guard."
Talred leaned forward slightly. "Then how did you secure the Viceroy? From your account, it sounds as though you were defeated."
Cade's irritation was immediate, though he held his tongue.
"Obviously, they overpowered their captors," Icard Vutere, the Bothan representative, said sharply, a sneer tugging at his expression.
"It was a legitimate question," Talred snapped back, feathers ruffling. "I am not as versed in military affairs as some members of this council."
"That is enough," Tyler said firmly, his voice cutting through the chamber and silencing them both. He turned his gaze back to Cade. "Continue."
"With the assistance of Charlie Squad, who had regrouped with the Queen's body double and her guards, a vital distraction was created," Cade continued. "While the decoy drew attention, the Viceroy redirected a large portion of his remaining droids to intercept them."
He drew a breath. "With the Viceroy distracted, the real Queen opened a concealed compartment built into the throne itself. Inside were several blasters. She tossed one to her captain of the guard, Quarsh Panaka. Together, they neutralized the few droids still guarding the throne."
Talred tilted his head. "I assume, then, that you were able to force the Viceroy to draft and sign a new treaty?"
"No," Cade replied flatly. "He had a contingency in place. Two grapple droids breached the window behind the throne and immediately engaged in melee combat, killing several of the Queen's Royal Guards."
The room grew quieter.
"I took the Queen and one surviving guard and withdrew," Cade said.
"You ran?" Karnath asked, his voice low and dangerous, sending a chill down Cade's spine.
"Yes, Representative Karnath," Cade answered evenly. "I lacked the firepower necessary to penetrate their shields, and the Viceroy was within immediate proximity. If he had been accidentally injured or killed, we would be dealing with a far worse situation right now, likely open conflict with the full Trade Federation fleet."
He continued without pause. "My intention was to regroup with the decoy and attempt a second capture. However, every route we attempted was blocked. Either by additional droid forces or by the Jedi and the Sith."
"The Jedi Order has issued a statement," Tyler Atreides interjected coolly. "The individual you encountered was declared to be a malpracticing Force user. The Sith remain extinct."
"Whatever he was, it doesn't matter," Cade replied, irritation creeping into his voice. Irritation at his father's interruption and irritation at the idiotic Jedi Council. "While escorting the Queen, we encountered deactivated droids throughout the palace. That was when we learned the Naboo N-1 starfighters had destroyed the control ship, disabling the Federation's entire droid army."
Cade straightened. "Once that confirmation came through, I immediately redirected to the control center with the Queen. With the droids offline, we secured the area and captured the Viceroy without further resistance."
"And when Fleetmaster Acheran came to retrieve you, you refused," K'hari Biari, the Zabrack and representative of Alprezar, said. "Why?"
"I believed it would improve relations between our two peoples if the heir of House Atreides showed sympathy toward their suffering," Cade answered evenly. "Additionally, I was able to establish a personal rapport with the Queen, something that could prove useful in the future."
The words were only partially truthful.
Cade had not stayed for profit, political leverage, or the promise of future gain. He had stayed because it felt right. The same applied to his friendship with Padmé. He had never set out to cultivate an alliance or build influence through her. It had simply happened, naturally and without intent.
That, however, was not something the council needed to know.
They needed to see him as a legitimate heir. A composed one. A capable one.
If and when he inherited the title of Duke from his father, their support would matter. And if Cade's suspicions about Acheran proved true, if the Fleetmaster chose rebellion after Tyler's death, then the council's confidence in Cade would become decisive.
That was a concern for the future, but the moment Cade had stepped into the council chamber, he understood the correct course of action. He had to present himself as educated, disciplined, and measured. A young lord who embodied the values of House Atreides.
Someone worthy of command.
Someone who inspired loyalty.
So that when the mantle finally passed to him, none of them would even consider the idea of betrayal.
"Thank you for your testimony, son. You may return to the research center," Cade's father said, giving a single, measured nod.
Cade's gaze swept briefly across the council chamber. Several of the representatives were already looking down at their datapads, reviewing the notes taken by the scribes seated in the gallery behind him. None met his eyes for long. Taking that as his cue, Cade inclined his head, turned on his heel, and walked toward the exit. As the heavy doors closed behind him with a dull thud, two guards immediately fell into step at his back, escorting him through the fortress toward the landing pad.
The ornate hallways of Castle Caladan stretched on, beautiful in their craftsmanship yet worn by centuries of use. As Cade rounded a corner, he nearly collided with Shipmaster Savage, who was himself being escorted by two Talons.
"Lord Cade," Shipmaster Savage said, offering a respectful half-bow.
"Shipmaster," Cade replied, returning the gesture with a nod. "I take it they intend to question you as well?"
"Indeed, Lord Cade," Savage answered calmly. "And I would rather not keep them waiting."
"Of course," Cade said.
He stepped aside to let the shipmaster pass, then continued down the corridor toward the landing pad, the steady echo of boots following close behind him.
————
A/N: Welcome to the fourth chapter of my fic: Star Wars: House Atreides!