Highness,
Glory to yourself, your family, and the Empire.
I’m writing you today in the spirit of duty and as a humble servant of the Empire. Through service to the Empire, countless deeds and actions which are the truest calling of my heart, your family has seen fit to elevate my most unworthy person to the peerage of the realm.
It is humbling to find myself raised to this station through the Empire’s assessment of my actions. That a man born absent connection or station can rise to find status within the galaxy is a testament to the pillars upon which our society is built: any person can make something of themselves through talent and honest service.
Yet in my travels through the Empire, and into the uncharted space beyond, I have witnessed many individuals whose service to the Empire is little more than a means to the acquisition of possessions. Specifically, Your Highness, the procurement of Imperial starships.
Would-be peers offer token service to the Empire until such time as they can purchase an Imperial Clipper. I find I am unable to abide the shameless gall that sees those who should serve the Empire absconding to the banner of foreign powers. Imperial starships should be a symbol of ongoing service and fealty to your family. These commanders, who I hold as no peer of mine no matter their rank, bring shame to all Imperial citizens of standing. Indeed, their actions are an insult to the very principles at the core of the Empire.
I know Your Highness believes that the greater good of the Empire should not be subject to the traditions of the Empire. To that end, I would invite Your Highness to consider that title and standing within the Empire should invite greater service through feudal obligation, rather than simple material rewards. Let our titles come with the responsibility to serve. For it is this true service that separates an Imperial Citizen from the entitled man of the Federation or the apathetic man of the Alliance.
I am, as ever, your humble servant,
Lord Shaftoe
Glory to yourself, your family, and the Empire.
I’m writing you today in the spirit of duty and as a humble servant of the Empire. Through service to the Empire, countless deeds and actions which are the truest calling of my heart, your family has seen fit to elevate my most unworthy person to the peerage of the realm.
It is humbling to find myself raised to this station through the Empire’s assessment of my actions. That a man born absent connection or station can rise to find status within the galaxy is a testament to the pillars upon which our society is built: any person can make something of themselves through talent and honest service.
Yet in my travels through the Empire, and into the uncharted space beyond, I have witnessed many individuals whose service to the Empire is little more than a means to the acquisition of possessions. Specifically, Your Highness, the procurement of Imperial starships.
Would-be peers offer token service to the Empire until such time as they can purchase an Imperial Clipper. I find I am unable to abide the shameless gall that sees those who should serve the Empire absconding to the banner of foreign powers. Imperial starships should be a symbol of ongoing service and fealty to your family. These commanders, who I hold as no peer of mine no matter their rank, bring shame to all Imperial citizens of standing. Indeed, their actions are an insult to the very principles at the core of the Empire.
I know Your Highness believes that the greater good of the Empire should not be subject to the traditions of the Empire. To that end, I would invite Your Highness to consider that title and standing within the Empire should invite greater service through feudal obligation, rather than simple material rewards. Let our titles come with the responsibility to serve. For it is this true service that separates an Imperial Citizen from the entitled man of the Federation or the apathetic man of the Alliance.
I am, as ever, your humble servant,
Lord Shaftoe
