Blind to the People

[Vosrik]

Ryloth​

It is a badly kept secret that the slave trade is alive and well on Ryloth. Twi'lek civilians are being captured on a regular basis and sold across the Galaxy, ruining families and demoralizing the population. This must come to a stop.
The leaders of Ryloth in their fortified cities have nothing to fear from slave traders that plague the planet. As such, they have ignored the woes of the small villages that dot Ryloth's surface. The Accord takes issue with this, and has sent a small group to confront them and make further investigations.

Austin's Nimbus Courier Vessel streaked through the sky above Ryloth. He, along with two members of the Crucible, were on their way to Lessu to have words with the leaders there. Hopefully, their eyes would be opened to this serious issue.

Austin opened up the comms to his comrades for the mission, "Alright, we'll be landing at the capital soon. Fang, Hezron, I'll reiterate our orders again. We don't know how they will react to us, and might become hostile to our purpose. On our part, we will stay calm and not return their hostility or resort to threats. Are we clear?"

(@ctrocks307, @Cainhurst Crow)

 

[ctrocks307]

Fang nearly cut himself as Dr. Wolfe spoke over the comms, he had been absentmindedly twirling a knife in his hand. "Yes, we know the drill doc," Fang replied, he slipped the knife into the bottom of his gauntlet. Fang had only brought the gear he thought was necessary; five throwing knives (two concealed, three visible), a blaster pistol, his long coat that was laced with light armoring, and a few other misc. items. Knowing that there will be Twi'leks at the facility, he went over the language of Ryl in his head, other wise he would rely on basic or his translator earpiece. He reached into one of his coat pockets and checked to make sure that his foldable katana was there in case things escalated.

 

[Cainhurst Crow]

Hezron looked up as his comms activated, nodding as he sat in his seat, his unique weapon resting in his lap as Wolfe spoke. "No Hostility. I understand..." Hezron said, his voice sounding uncertain for a moment as his fingers tapped on his only gear aside from his clothes. His saber, whose odd appearance was a reminder of what he had been, and what he hoped not to be again. He didn't want to use it, but he had a feeling he might need it.

After a few seconds of silence, he spoke up, "Suppose they try to fire on us...do we keep from fighting back, or just use non-lethal force?" He asked, not sure which he was supposed to do if they showed hostility first.

 

[Vosrik]

The landing pad was in sight. A voice echoed through the trio's comms, "You are clear to land. Please observe planet laws and regulations during your stay."

In response to Hezron's question, Austin thought for a moment. "Hopefully, it will not come down to that. They have no reason to fire on us." He sighed audibly into the comms. "But I suppose you're right...if worst case scenario we're attacked, defend yourself as you deem necessary. We'll be making our exit quickly I presume."

With his courier vessel dipping down and gently dropping onto the platform, gas hissed out as the ramp extended out onto the ground. The doctor, wearing a thick wool jacket, stepped out onto the pad with an air of determination. A Basic-speaking male Twi'lek stepped up to the trio and began, "Welcome to Ryloth. What business might you have on our wonderful planet?"

 

[ctrocks307]

Fang looked around as he walked out of the ship, he bright green eyes glinting in the sun. A Twi'lek walked up to them and asked them a question, Fang looked down and nodded to the man, hoping that Hezron or Dr. Wolfe would reply for him. He was definitely on edge, having experienced 200 years of disgusting practices like slavery and have nothing be done about it, he was ready to shut down the business for good.

 

[Cainhurst Crow]

Hezron looked to his two companions, seeing if any of them would speak and not seeing that, decided he'd probably need to take the initiative himself. He closed his eyes, taking a breath as he worked out the butterflys in his stomach over trying to do this. In his mind, he kept repeating the same words over and over, 'Stay Clam. Don't get Angry. Stay Calm. Don't get Angry...' Finally, he opened and tried to smile as he spoke, not used to the movement as his smile came off as a small grin. He still made sure to bow in respect for their greater before he began.

"It is a wonderous planet, isn't it? Thank you for allowing us to visit." He said, using the same words and inflections he'd needed to back when he lived as a slave for the Arkanians. The pale skinned and white haired arkanian offshoot did his best to remain respectful as he spoke, "Me and my companions have come to offer our services, in helping to solve a problem this world currently faces."

 

[Vosrik]

The Twi'lek bowed back to Hezron with equal respect and gravity. He smiled with Hezron's initial comment, but then a concerned demeanor passed over his face. "A problem on Ryloth?" He sputtered for a bit before continuing, "What problem do you think needs solving on our world?"

Austin stepped forward, hand held up defensively. "Please, we mean no offense. My associate is correct, there is a grave issue that is rampant across Ryloth. However, it is one that we solely wish to bring up with your Governors and Senator. If you would direct us to them, we would like to arrange a discussion."

The doctor's explanation seemed to appease the Twi'lek, at least for the time being. While still not looking completely convinced, he motioned the trio to follow him and began walking to a nearby speeder. Stepping onto it, he sat at the controls and waited for the others to follow. Austin stepped in and sat in the passenger seat, taking the time to remember where his ship was docked before they left.

 

[ctrocks307]

Fang smirked as the Twi'lek seemed surprised that there would be a problem on a world that is famous for it's slave trade. He followed the doctor and the Twi'lek man down to the speeder, "What is your name, sir?" Fang, not waiting for an answer climbed into the speeder and waited for the Twi'lek to bring him and his companions to the world's leaders.

 

[Cainhurst Crow]

Hezron walked to the speeder, passing by the passenger seat as he paused and glanced towards austin, "Thank you." He mouthed to the man, hoping not to get the other twi'lek's attention as he proceeded to take a seat next to Fang instead, in the back of the speeder. He glanced over to the fellow accordian as he gave a simple nod to the man, before waiting for them to take off.

 

[Vosrik]

Austin nodded in response to Hezron's silent thanks as the speeder zipped through the streets toward the city hall. The Twi'lek maintained his focus on piloting, but replied, "My name is Aarak'kuvel, ambassador of our leaders. I shall accompany you to the hall, and I may escort you back to your ship if you wish."

Austin leaned forward slightly. "We don't know how long our discussion will last, and we might view the city by foot after we've finished. Thank you, though." While his second statement wasn't entirely true, he didn't want to be restricted to a schedule set by their gracious Twi'lek.

Aarak nodded in silent acknowledgement, and their trip continued without incident or much discussion until they reached the doors to the hall. Stepping out, Austin stood serenely before the great doors. "Alright Hezron and Fang, our next step must be made with tact. Hopefully they don't belittle this issue. If either of you have any suggestions or warnings, then now is the time to speak."

 

[ctrocks307]

"Nope, I just want to get this over with," Fang looked up at the doors, trying to figure out their week point if he needed to force his way out of them.

(OOC: sorry for the the crappy post, I am on my phone and at a family gathering)

 

[Cainhurst Crow]

"I'll try and keep myself under controlled." Hezron said as he looked to Austin, contemplating what their next move would be. "But if they really don't decide to hear us out, there will have to be someone who does. Even if they do it for personal gain." he said, drawing from his own experiences as he thought of what their next move could be. If they could find someone trying to win over the people, they might find a more sympathetic ear to their plight.

 

[Vosrik]

Austin nodded in response to Fang and Hezron. "You're right, I'm sure there's someone we can convince. I'll be appalled if we're outright refused, though."

Making their way inside, the trio were announced in Ryl by a secretary to a few rather rounded and obviously well-fed Twi'lek. The hall was large and well-decorated, clearly the jewel of the city's wealth and a figure of great societal status. Guards were positioned at the doorway and a few stood off to the side in case the important figures were in danger. Staying in their seats, one of them waved a hand and began, "Greetings, strangers. I hear you represent the Accord. What are your names and what is your business with us today?"

 

[ctrocks307]

Fang marveled at the technique out into this hall. When the more, important Twi'lek spoke to him and his friends, Fang replied, "Yes, we are from the Accord. I am Fang, and my companions are Dr. Austin Wolfe, and Hezron Vyrantus. We have come here to speak about the growing problem on Ryloth, the massive slave trade."

 

[Cainhurst Crow]

Hezron was smiling politely while inside he was cringing to himself. Even with his lack of social knowledge and skills, he knew enough to know that was quite blunt. The force sensitive quickly worked to compose himself and shush his sudden spike of fear as he jumped in. "I-It's an honor to have you host us on this planet, it really is. Thank you for your generosity...." He said, giving a polite bow as he spoke. "My partner in the accord however, does speak the truth. We've come to help put an end to the slave trade, and we hope to work together, for ryloth, to put an end to it."

 

[Vosrik]

The prestigious-looking Twi'leks coughed loudly and shifted uncomfortably in their seats. One of them sputtered as his face reddened, "Slave trade? What slave trade? Ryloth is a respectable and honourable planet, we would never allow such horrendous acts to continue." The others' heads bobbed weightily in agreement. "Proof! We demand proof of such a bold statement."

At this, Austin scowled and spoke, his voice firm. "Sires, I can personally attest that there are Twi'lek fleeing to the Void to escape these traders. I have met them myself. They are terrified for their women and children's safety. With all due respect, you need only look past the walls of this city to see proof. Villages are suffering and civilians are going missing every week. Do you not care for your own citizen's safety?"

A deathly silence fell on the hall as the doctor's bold speech ended. After a few seconds, one of the leaders quietly replied, "Leave this place immediately. Unless you bring us solid evidence, we do not wish to see you here again."

With that, Austin spun on his heels and walked briskly for the door, beckoning his accomplices. As he exited and walked down the stairs, he pulled his hair and growled in frustration, "How can they be so....utterly blind to their own people! This is madness."

 

[ctrocks307]

"Now you know how I felt for the past 150 years. Now, if we want to give them solid proof, I have a few Ideas. But, we may or may not have to break a couple rules," Fang looked towards his colleague. He had done things like this before, but not to this magnitude. As he formulated a plan, he looked over the city, trying to figure out where he might find a public place to gather information from.

 

[Cainhurst Crow]

Hezrons eyes narrowed, and a deep frown set on his face as he looked to the twi'lek's currently decided to bury their heads in the metaphorical sand about the plight of their people. He took a silent step forward, then another, stopping his stride as he glared at each of the members before he spoke.

"As you wish...You will have your proof..." He said through gritted teeth, turning to leave with his companions as he took a very deep breath, working hard to let go of his growing anger as he just stood, walking with the others and his hands shaking from the effort.

"...I thought some would hear us out but...it's the same story, wherever you go. The rich and well off don't care for others. Not unless it interrupts their own lives first..." Hezron stated bitterly as he looked between his two accord members, "I feel the best proof would be slavers themselves, and their victims. That means stopping them, and capturing them, where Ryloth's elite will not."

 

[Vosrik]

Pacing in circles, the doctor furrowed his brow as he thought. "I'll hear your idea Falcon, but I would rather avoid breaking rules if we can avoid doing so."

Turning to Hezron, he replied, "As much as I agree, we need the sanction of the leaders before operating openly on Ryloth. Not only that, we have no information on where there are the slavers are operating. It could take us weeks or months to find them."

Stopping and looking down the lengthy street, Austin's eyes rested on what he thought was a marketplace some distance below. He began walking in that direction at a brisk pace. Perhaps they could find some information from the townspeople below.

 

[ctrocks307]

"Well, that pretty much shuts down every plan I had," Fang replied to Austin's comment. "Looks like you have a plan of your own, Doc," Fang jogged to catch up with the determined man.

(OOC: Sorry for the short post, Final exams are next week, and I have been studying for a long time.)