The Shadowlord is unavailable at this time. I am Phen Varak, his right hand in these endeavors. The Shadowlord agrees with your course of action on Alurion, having followed the news lately. He is willing to commit forces and monies to aiding Alurion in gaining their independence. It is indeed the time to form a civilian infrastructure, and the Shadowlord stands prepared to offer whatever aid and succor he can to these good people.

Regards,

Varak

I am very pleased the High Commander is broadly supportive of my agenda. You know though, I was presenting your message to some of my associates, and they did point out that perhaps "the Shadowlord" is not the best name for a movement which aims to foster an end to Imperial oppression.

A. Because shadows imply darkness, darkness implies evil and mistrust.
B. Lord is a feudal rank, and one which seems odd in a movement that seeks to overthrow a despotic monarchy.

Perhaps it would be a better move, (with regard to public relations) to adopt a name which would distinguish our movement from the previous CIS movement and also from tyranny. To me it seems that it would be more prudent to assume the role of the common everyman, working hard to fight against tyranny? Certainly, I think it would be a struggle to recruit the people of Dantooine to the banner of a shadowy lord, it seem only likely to engender hostility from proud anti-monarchists.

If you adopted a name by which you could not only be identified but also be seen as a plucky underdog, this would seem to be a good idea. For example, if you suggested that you were not in fact one individual, but a coalition of people taking upon your concealing hood, this might be desirable? That you are an anonymous group of people from across the galaxy, that you can be everywhere because you are everyone.. and there isn't one hell of a thing the Empire can do to stop the movement.

Also if rumours were spread that you wear the head to protect your family, and you are just a hard working person with whom the common man can identify?

These are just thoughts, but to me it did seem that it would be a good idea to help reinforce a positive image in the minds of the people we are liberating. Perhaps we ought to consider symbolism also? A new flag and colour scheme for our vessels could perhaps be advantageous?

Regards
The Fat Man

The Shadowlord understands the necessity of a public-relations campaign; understands fully that being presented in a negative light can hurt his aims, and yours, just as much as the needless murder of civilians. To this end, he is willing, for the time, to relinquish the title of shadowlord, understanding that the populace may not understand it as it was bestowed and may instead associate it with Palpatine's despotic reign.

He has distanced himself in recent months from the CIS, realizing that its actions and ailed movement cast a pall of mistrust over those who served within its ranks. Utilizing their vessels and droid soldiers is not something he plans to shy away from though.

The rumors and reasons you speak of I shall pass up the chain. I foresee that he is likely to adopt this 'faceless' gesture of a man who is many and hides for a good cause. As always, he is pleased to hear from you.

Regards,

Varak