Interview with Gratis Augustus Var

March 18, 2002

Diversity among people is the key to growth, evolution and sometimes political turmoil. The races in Earth and Beyond are no exception to this. Each has its own culture, beliefs and opinions. So how would some of the key leaders in the Earth and Beyond galaxy respond to questions about their cultural and political climate? We had a chance to sit down with some of these people (along with help from our dialog writer, Angela Ferraiolo!) and ask each of them questions surrounding these issues.

The second interview, in this three part series, is with Gratis Augustus Var. Var is the Legatus Magnus of the Progen Republic. Since the abolition of the position of Primarch, he has served as commander of the Progen legions and supreme military authority in the Progen Republic.

Can you describe a little bit about yourself?

It does not profit a warrior to describe himself. A warrior's deeds describe him or her. You will find mine in the records of the Cygni war. In addition, you should stand as straight as possible when you address the Centuriata.

How did you get to where you are today?

You do not know your history. I will correct this. In 2341, I received my first commission and served in the Bayanni colonies. My first call forward was a result of the Cygni wars. I continued to serve as part of the battalion enforcing the so-called Glenn Treaty. In that capacity, Progen warriors prevented several possible attacks by the Shinwa and by EarthCorps. For my vigilance, I was rewarded with advancement to the special legions of the Primarch Anjuren Kahn. Kahn taught there will always be war to keep the peace. Together we defended Progen systems. In 2346, I was given authority over all Progen gates. Now the Centuriata Amah is reported lost in Gallina and I have come forward to assume her command. I will relinquish that command when the Centuriata is rescued.

What qualities and criteria do you consider to be important for a leader?

A good leader wins the war he or she is fighting. There is no better quality than the winning of wars.

How have you met those?

You will withdraw the question. The travesty of the Glenn treaty cannot be blamed on any Centuriata, alive or dead.

What are your thoughts about the current political climate of the galaxy?

It's gone too far. Politics led to the loss of Cygni and the neutrality of Sol. This is not proper in any society. Perhaps politics can be used when and if warriors fail, but battle rewards the best and punishes the weak, and this is as it should be.

How do you feel about the other two races and their politics?

If they attack Progen or our interests we will fight them.

What are your future goals?

We will rescue the warrior Amah and her crew and we will recover the codex found in Aragoth.

Power, Influence, Financial Empowerment, Fame: If you could only choose from one of these, what would it be and why?

What is important is skill in the art of war and the determination to see those skills through to the end.

Do you believe other political powers share some of the same goals?

No. EarthCorps has allowed itself to become the police force of tradesmen and the Jenquai explorers have a firm hand over the Shinwa. The Centuriata is the only force that understands conquest in the crystal age.

What will the future bring to your race/political affiliation?

I believe humans will turn away from this unprofitable rule through words. The politicians will be asked to step aside. Action will once again equal destiny. Wars will be encouraged, the fittest will survive, and the future will be Progen.

Give us a sentence that best describes yourself.

I am Centuriata and I will not fail.

How seriously do you take the political opposition within your own race?

We must tolerate dissent from the Sabine. They are the keepers of the call forward and we must be patient with their concerns. The Primarch's exile is temporary. In the end, the Sabine will see the future as it must be seen.

What is the most serious obstacle to your goals?

We must find Amah's ship. The codex cannot be far from that.

What message would you like to send to the up-and-coming youth of your race?

Train hard. The age of the warrior is returning.

Considering the ongoing racial friction in the galaxy, is it feasible to consider forming a neutral galactic peacekeeping force?

When the other races recognize the superiority of the Centuriata, there will be no need for a neutral peacekeeping force.

If and when ancient artifacts are found, should they belong to the finder, to the finder's race, or to the galaxy as a whole?

Clearly they do not belong to the finder. Any individual is only part of a greater whole. Even the three races can be viewed as part of a greater whole. Therefore an artifact would belong to the race most able to preserve it. Since the Centuriata are most able, these treasures belong to the Progen.