(Jedi Mission) Descovery: State Dinner

[Sirocco]

Lamaredd is now a secure and complete outpost, open to all Jedi seeking to safely train and operate. The work of security is never done, however, and the Jedi have been called to keep the peace in the water world.

The Jedi's allies within the government tipped them that an Imperial dignitary is coming to a state dinner on the water world of Lamaredd. With the shadowed Jedi hunts and the restart of the Imperium expansion all too real, the order has been tasked to look into the matter. In a diplomatic mission or the beginning of a planet wide jedi hunt, the Empire's dealings in Lamareed cant be ignored. A Jedi knight and his padawan have been dispatched to look into the matter undercover. The Empire must not know the Jedi hide in the water planet!

_________________________________________________________

Lamareed was a nice and soothing change of pace then Naboo with its crystal blue waters and tropical islands that doted the planet's surface. Wile Lamareed did feel like a more refreshing ambiance then Naboo and it was here that mission called the jedi. Raleigh learned through his life that it was best to not stay in one place too long, specially now that he had a padawan under his wing.

Never did Raleigh thought that Khalsea's background would serve them well in a mission of such importance but the knight embraced it. Knowing that every advantage and skill in one's person was vital to success in the mission, he questioned how Khalsea would take this. Knowing she hated how people treated her like a porcelain doll princess, being called to express her knowledge of higher customs would be rather interesting. Would she be spiteful of her role, would she reject it? Her knowledge of how to be civil and high status would play a critical role in their infiltration of the dinner as a Naboo noble and her bodyguard. They needed to find out what the sith needed in Lamereed and to ensure the Jedi remained hidden to the empire.

Little did they expect that Raleigh had trained her in the force for just that event. It had been almost a month sines Raleigh had trained Khalsea hard; meditating for long hours on the force and her abilities to ready for her for the daily drilling of training he put her in. His training was bitter work and he worked her hard and long to condition her body and strengthen her mind with his training to hone her abilities. With careful but determined training and well earned resting, Khelsea had learned and honed in almost a month which took a padawan to do so in years. Raleigh knew that his basic training was harsh and back braking work and he kept her safe and energized all the time but his training paid off. With his bitter and never ending training with blending life with training, Khalsea had been honed to catch up with padawans of her age that had developed their abilities in years. Keeping her in her toes all the time and with her knack for learning, she made tremendous advances that she could have not done otherwise. She sure had earned a well deserved brake and she would get it once her first real mission was finished, this was almost like a test to challenge her on what she advanced in the scope of weeks.

Raleigh was sitting in a room inside the jedi safe house on Lamareed meditating on their mission and what had happened the past weeks as he waited on his padawan. Raleigh had grown up in a world were freedom and happiness ruled over all else and no one, not even the king were as formal as other planets. Having to high class customs under his sleeve, Raleigh was effectively becoming the padawan and Khalsea the master as she would teach him. The main idea behind the mission was for Raleigh to pass as he guardian as she acted as a noble but he was confident that she would know best how to go about in their infiltration. She was literally most of the brains behind this op and so Raleigh entrusted his faith in her wisdom and knowledge in how to go about this dinner. With borrowed vestments suitable for their roles ready in their beds, Raleigh simply waited for her to arrive so that they could meditate together.

It sure would be interesting and maybe even fun to be at the other end of the master and follower spectrum.

 

[Veloster Turbo]

Arriving on Lamaredd separately for security reasons, Khelsea left Naboo a few hours after her master. It was not her first off-planet trip, but every time she found herself admiring the uniqueness of the various locations she'd traveled to, and enjoying the change of scenery. The first thing she noticed as she disembarked from her flight was the humidity in the air. While Naboo was by no means dry, Khelsea had always found its fair weather to be agreeable. Lamaredd's surface was almost entirely covered by water, resulting in its unique climate. Water was almost like a second home to Khelsea, and outside of training or competition, she had always found swimming enjoyable and relaxing, which helped her think clearly. She would hopefully have a chance to test the waters of Lamaredd after the mission was completed, but the first order of business was to meet Raleigh.

It was as if the Force willed it, this mission was tailor made for the pair. Raleigh approached her with their first mission together and her first mission as a Jedi, implying that he was satisfied at the results of his intense training sessions. She was ready. Raleigh had in fact left much of the mission for her to improvise and plan, telling her that she would have to take the lead while acting as a Lamaredd noble during the mission. He also felt she knew more about nobles and how they act, which was probably true. While she wasn't of royal descent on Naboo, she was part of an upper-class family; attendeding many social events in the upper echelons of Naboo's population. Her social skills were trained, honed, and perfected from a young age. It was quite the coincidence, but she had even taken a class on how to mingle in high society with ease and grace mostly as a light break from training with Raleigh. There were some different perspectives learned, since Murielle had come from a different planet and social background as her parents. She found it humorous that he should approach her with this mission just a day after her lesson with Murielle. On the other hand, while Khelsea knew her Jedi skills were far from perfected, it felt nice to be recognized as a capable body and useful to the Jedi Order. More importantly, it felt good her master felt she was ready for some real action. While it would be unlikely and not recommended for full scale fighting to break out, having adequate training would help her protect herself and those around her if the situation called for it.

Entering the room in which Raleigh was waiting, the pair meditated, discussed, and filled each other in on any last minute details and changes to the mission. Unless there was something Raleigh had not told her yet, all that remained was for the clock to reach the correct time, and they would begin.

 

[Sirocco]

"Today, you will learn that even the things you do not care for may serve you well in the long run. As I have told you, you will put your knowledge as some one from the high class to pose as my master wile I pose as your servant and protector. Your training has leaped bounds in just a month and your strength of will and dedication is testament to you victory over my harsh training. I am proud of you you know that? You have the potential to be a powerful and wise jedi if you follow the code and the Eightfold path and remain in the light. I know your jedi training will serve you very well" Raleigh said softly as he looked straight at her eyes with his sapphire blue eyes with joy. She would see that her progress would not be as fast now that she has basically caught up in her training due to her mindful wisdom and his strict training but that should not discourage her from continuing to take her chosen path in the light.

With their new desguises to match the nobles and servents that would surely be there in the Dinner, Raleigh wore no shirt and instead chose to use traditional tribal warrior clothes that matched Lamaredd perfectly: boots, thight shorts with a long war skirt over them covering his utility belt with his lightsaber, no shirt meditation beads with fangs on them wile adorning his arms and wrists with armlets as well as a reed circlet. Raleigh would not admit it but deep down he was enjoying it a little, made him feel a little younger again. He how ever did not think what Khalsea would have thought of his garbs as his large toned and tested muscles were in plain view, flexing with every movement as his chosen garbs were perfect for combat and movement in the water planet. Modesty, something he never truly learned beyond his jedi training was another thing as he saw nothing wrong in donning the traditional garbs with a bit of modern spin to it.

 

[Veloster Turbo]

"Thanks for your confidence. I'll prove to you it's not misplaced." Khelsea smiled, anticipating the task at hand. "It'll be interesting for sure. I'll try to give you chances to point out areas of concern if you notice any, but the most important thing is to keep our identity safe."

They continued the conversation and meditated until it was time to head out. Khelsea changed into her new attire, and it was nearing the time to leave. She concealed a hold-out blaster inside her clothing, in case it was required in a dangerous situation. Not having a personal lightsaber yet, it was the best option available. In any case, having a lightsaber detected in the presence of an Imperial would likely produce much more severe repercussions. A tiny hold-out blaster could be concealed more easily, and even if it were detected it could simply be passed off as self-defense.

"Is there anything else you'd want to say before I get to order you around for the rest of the night?" Despite the meditation Khelsea couldn't help being both nervous and eager at the same time. Joking around and keeping a casual demeanor before leaving on the mission would help keep her nerves at bay. And she knew from competition experience that once everything started, the nerves would leave and her natural instincts would take over. She was confident that this would be the case, and pretending to be a noble shouldn't be too hard.

 

[Sirocco]

Second guessing his choice of lightsaber, Raleigh instead would leave it behind in favor of a more improvised weapon like a bamboo spear, something that would allow him to strike hard and fast. If it come to it and he would need a blaster, Raleigh would make due with what his opponents dropped if any. It was times like this that he loved having a padawan around, specially some one as smart as Khalsea.

Raleigh smiled warmly to her words as it was he who was appreciative of her training and her outstanding progress despite his training. Training her to the bone every day on the force and lightsaber, bone being figuratively, Raleigh's goal was to push her to her limit and to catch her up with her peers. And she did but with a wisdom and grace he knew she had in her, she was powerful and determined and her progress was so outstanding that she deserved a brake after this mission. It was master that was grateful of the student for her determination and mettle in the face of bitter adversity, she had earned the rest that was coming to her. He was proud of her.

"Just remember your training both with your family and as a jedi and we will be fine....and don't get too cocky, I am still your master so enjoy ordering me around but don't let it effect you" Raleigh grinned at the statement before taking a deep breath to get into character. If they did things well in this mission and she showed skill ill in her lightsaber executions for the next mission, they would go crystal hunting where ever the force guided her to. She earned it. "My mistress" Raleigh said in character as he showed her the way to the dinner as he bowed to her.

They arrived to a rather typically built but lavishing beach mansion of large proportions were foreign and local building techniques were mixed into one. The floor of the mansion had been outfitted with marvel and polished fossils found on the waters of the planet combines with metal plating covering the cables and machinery powering the house's electronics. The walls had been adorned with bamboo and ancient Lamereddian artifacts like traditional weapons, shields jewelry and other artifacts of the planet's past simple life. Hanging from the sealing were candelabras with candles that were lit instead of the artificial lights for the sake of atmosphere as a band of traditional folk musicians played all kinds of drums, flutes and strings native to Lamaredd for the entertainment of the dinner's guests. In the kitchen they were preparing all kids of traditional foods which consisted of fish, fish and more fish spiced very well and served with rise, fruit and many ways to prepare sea weed.

Nobles from all over Lamaredd, how ever few, were their with their respective entourage as they mingled among them selves, many being loyal to the jedi as their guards dressed similarly to Raleigh. Some wearing traditional garbs wile others opting for the more modern attire with fake medals of honor to adorn their chests, the nobles were well dressed no matter what they chose to use and they carried with them fresh perfumes. The imperial ambassadors stood out from the others like a mutilated thumb on vinegar and salt.

Wearing their uniform as a sign of superiority to this barbarians cleaned perfectly with no trace of anything on them and with their polished boots so shiny one could use as a mirror. caring with them blasters even when it was stated to not do so, they did not care as they kept airs of highness above all others. The lead ambassador was rather skinny man with well trimmed black hair and no facial hair, he could have been a perfect model of imperial etiquette if there was such a price. With 6 storm troopers keeping him guarded, they wore the best of the best that the empire could give with their polished armor and their blasters so as to protect their guard well. It was the seventh man that stood out the most; sporting the typical sith attire of a black cloak covering his face, black armor and two lightsabers in each hip, his strength in the force gave the impression that he might be a powerful acolyte or one that had just become a crusader. The empire sure showed its instinct in coming in well armed and in force as they loved to do, always in the ready to spill blood.

Raleigh marched beside Khalsea as he sensed the disturbance in the force pointing out to their enemies, sensing the 6 storm troopers and the crusader among the guests. Looking at Khelsea, he hoped she was ready for this although he would insist on taking the crusader by himself, he still wanted to make sure she knew "can you sense it?" Raleigh whispered as they approached the mansion with the imperials sticking out from half a mile away. Raleigh knew Khelsea's inexperience as a jedi would not give her signature out so easily but he was something different. Using the force to try and erase his presence in the force as best as he could, Raleigh knew the cover in the force was far from perfect but it would have to do as he thought keeping a distance would help a bunch. Still the crusader was a surprise as the intel did not say anything about the sith in the planet, how ever, Raleigh was trained for this situations so he knew how to improvise pass this. Khelsea's training would be put to the test if conflict would arise, even though she would not confront the crusader, she would still need to use Sokan to fight the storm troopers. She would be fine if she kept to her teachings.

 

[Veloster Turbo]

The mansion was quite nice. Different from Naboo residences, but nevertheless beautiful in its own right. The water was calm with a very small hint of a wave, the faint evening light reflected over the glimmering waves beautifully.

Playing her part well, Khelsea found herself strolling through the mansion casually with her master shadowing her. She greeted a few other nobles, and copied activities other nobles partook in. Most importantly, she did not stick out or look out of place, but rather she found herself easing into her role nicely.

Spotting the ambassador, she slowly headed in his direction while keeping up her facade, zigzagging through different crowds and smiling and greeting everyone she came across who wasn't occupied with other conversations.

"Can you sense it?" Raleigh asked her. She gave a short and barely noticeable nod and responded nonchalantly, without letting emotions show, as if she was merely talking to a security guard. "I saw him. I don't think a fight is the best idea." She kept her conversation short, keeping her eyes on the surroundings as they came within several hundred meters of the Imperial party. She had the feeling he would love to engage in combat with a Sith and test his strength, but Raleigh didn't have his lightsaber. Secondly, she hoped her words would remind him of their conversation during briefing earlier in the day. They had decided that a peaceful approach to the whole affair would be ideal. Leaving bodies behind would lead to more Imperial concern, as would the assassination of the Imperial ambassador. It would be best to leave things alone and not draw any more Imperial attention to the planet. However, they didn't account for a Sith bodyguard to show up alongside the ambassador. "Did they already know about the Jedi base? Are they suspecting? Or is he just here for a show of power?"

She thought as quickly as she could.

Deciding the best course of action would be to keep their cover, she continued acting normally. Even if the Sith did know there was a Jedi Outpost on the planet, they would have attacked already if they knew the location and details of the outpost. There was no reason to delay and let their presence be know. Therefore, she concluded that he was here as either a show of power or to gather information. To be safe, it would be best to assume he was here to do both.

She strategically moved towards a young butler serving drinks on a platter. He made eye contact with her, and stepped forward, offering her a drink. Accepting the drink, she turned around to face Raleigh and give him a chance to talk. Hopefully he had been thinking as well, how best would they complete their task?

The first and most important thing was to investigate the reason for the Imperial visit, and she had been making casual conversation with the guests hoping to dig up some news. However, most people were either not supportive of the Sith and wanted nothing to do with them, or they did not know...

She glanced expectantly at Raleigh while sipping her cocktail, staying aware of the surroundings and waiting for him to say something.

 

[Sirocco]

Raleigh listened intently to Khelsea with out looking at her as his eyes were straight, only diverging t'words the sith once in a wile to see how they....behaved. Raleigh could feel the great tension in the air as some nobles were worried and put off by the empire's choice to bring weapons and even more ludicrous, a sith. Raleigh inspected the sith once in a wile wile maintaining his stealth meditation and gave the idea his padawan brought a thought "I dont sense much of a conflict....I think its all to put on airs and to flex their muscles, I doubt the sith would be here in the party if they knew." Raleigh spoke with out braking his posture.

The sith acolyte walked around with airs of superiority as if he owned the place as the imperial delegate rolled his yes at such a display "why did the masters have to spare me the academy idiot when I requested a sith? this is absurd..at least he can fight" the imperial officer commented out loud as he made his way to the prime minister of Lamaredd. exchanging pleasantries, the commander when straight to the point "I would like to begin by thanking you for inviting us to this lavishing party were we can joy our talks in peace. I would love to ask you about the offer of imperial protection in exchange of secretly joining the empire, this planet would be a perfect staging point for a grand Knightfall operation in this sector. You know how barbaric those jedi are, they would lop of your head as soon as look at you! hahaha....well we already know of rumors of jedi in Naboo and I would love to see if the surrounding planets harbored those insufferable criminals. I can assure you that this is for your own protection, I am sure they are building conclaves with criminals and scum as we speak but here? don't worry about the sith roaming your planet, its impossible for those insurgents to build anything here...no offence of course" the imperial rambled as the Lammireddian blinked almost overwhelmed.

it was at the end when the imperial finished speaking that the islander spoke "I am sure we can think of an arrangement at the dinner table sir. there are many matters to be discussed" the Lamereddian spoke before politely excusing himself.

As time passed and the guests ate their share of snacks, a bell rank as the parties host spoke to all "Thank you all for coming! please find your seats and feel at home, your meals are ready to be served!" the Lamereddian leader spoke as all nobles made their way to the table. Raleigh was tempted to follow but he knew his role and as much as the food smelled great, he would stand as Khelsea's guard and maybe even eat in the kitchen with all the other servants. He did wander if his padawan got to overhear what seemed like a conversation between the empire and Lameredd.

 

[Veloster Turbo]

"I was thinking that as well. Glad we're on the same page, but how do you plan on getting closer to the target without arousing suspicion?"

Overhearing tidbits of the conversation, Khelsea responded to Raleigh, wanting to see if there was anything important she had missed. It was ridiculous how the Jedi were being described as barbaric and dangerous when they were the peacekeepers of the galaxy. Even when she wasn't part of the Jedi Order officially, she had always appreciated their work and respected their morals and goals.

"I heard most of it. They're trying to turn the locals against the Jedi, but he's much too blunt about his intentions. Assuming he's truly on our side, I hope the Prime Minister keeps his cool and stays safe. He did say there were many matters to be discussed, we really need to check whether he's loyal to the Jedi or if he's turning against us..." Her voice trailed off as she tried to gather her thoughts and map out different possibilities and outcomes from the Prime Minister talking to the Imperials privately.

Hearing the announcement requesting the guests to return to their seats, Khelsea returned to her seat. She found herself within a hundred meters of the Imperial ambassador, with a clear path of vision. Many tables and guests were in between, and it would be far too noisy to overhear their conversation. Keeping her cool, she sat and dined with the guests at her table, making small talk and getting along with everyone. However, her attention was focused elsewhere on a far more important task.

 

[Sirocco]

"I am too weak in force stealth so I could jeopardize the mission if I moved closer to them, we will have to rely on proving them of answers through careful diplomacy and talks. Good thing I have you here, your the superior talker anyways." Raleigh almost grinned as he followed Khelsea to her table and helped her to her table before bowing down to all royals before making his way out of the large dining room. Knowing he needed to pit Khelsea on the imperial ambassador indirectly with out the presence of the sith as a factor, he needed to lure the sith away from the imperials so that Khelsea could comfortingly prove them of information with her expertise.

With all guards out of the dining room, Raleigh scouted out the rest of the mansion for the sith who was flexing his privileges in front of every one else. Telepathically connecting with Khelsea, he needed to inform her of the plan he had thought of as she was the crucial aspect of this mission "Khelsea, try to indirectly probe the imperial ambassador of information, ill make sure to lure the sith away so he those not play a factor in this. Try to figure out what we need to find out and if you can, work with the others to persuade him to back off the sector. I know you can do it and I have faith in you, may the force be with you" Raleigh spoke in her mind as he went to do as he needed to do.

Knowing he could not reveal he was a jedi, he needed to indirectly gather the sith's attention away from the party were Khelsea could calmly work her magic. Perhaps a little slight of hand would work, influencing the mind of some one to lure the sith's attention away, he first needed to know how the sith thought so he decided to watch him from afar as he continued to mask his presence in the force safely from far away.

 

[Veloster Turbo]

"So, this is his way of telling me he trusts me. Throws me into a fire and expects me to not burn."

Despite the situation, Khelsea couldn't help but smile to herself. She wasn't too sure of the plan, but she knew that there was no way to have predicted the outcome of the evening to begin with. There were too many variables and not enough known about the mission. Just seeing a Sith show up was surprising, although now that she had time to think it would only be natural that they brought one along for protection and likely other purposes too.

Khelsea listened as Raleigh communicated to her, reminding her of the facts and updating his current situation. As the meal got underway, Khelsea waited for Raleigh to give her an opportunity to get closer to the target.

 

[Sirocco]

"Stay calm and focused, I know you can do this" Raleigh spoke before making his way to one of the guards before making a subtle hand gesture as he spoke "you are the sith's number one fan, you are a raving fan boy..." Raleigh spoke as the guard echoed "I am a raving sith fanboy..." with one more wave, Raleigh continued as he hoped this would work "you want to show him a rare crystal you found in the beach of the neighboring island and something interesting" "I want to show the sith a rare crystal I found in the neighboring island...." the hypnotized guard echoed before grinning and walking off to the sith acolyte with an exited face to him face on him.

The scene that began next was ridiculous as the sith easily took the bate as his ego got the better of him. flexing and spinning his saber hilt on hand, the sith boasted of his abilities as his attention was directed to the guard who told him of the crystal. fascinated for the prospect, the sith followed behind in search of this crystal. Knowing that they would spend Hours try to find the crystal in the afternoon's darkness, Raleigh was confident he could join Khelsea now.

The prime minister of Lamaredd sat across Khelsea as he wanted to talk about what was going on with the imperial's sudden interest in Lamaredd. He knew full well the empire could not be trusted and if Lamaredd were to be captured, it would mean the death of thousands of the islanders. knowing they sat in a table with trusted allies, the minister was confident he would talk "miss Khelsea, I am happy you and your....friend could join us in our time of crisis. We must plan together to figure out how to convince the imperials to leave Lamaredd for good. The ambassador will likely come to talk very soon so we much figure out how to convince him that Lamaredd is a dead end of resources for the empire. I believe convincing them that a space station so far from sith space would be difficult and costly and that we have searched ourselves for jedi with no luck. Any ideas?"

 

[Veloster Turbo]

Completely unaware of the Sith's departure, Khelsea reminded herself continuously to stay calm and focus.

"I am here to obtain information, and find a possible solution. That is all."

As the meal progressed, the Prime Minister eventually privately summoned Khelsea and Raleigh to join him at his table. Intending to discuss a possible solution to removing the Empire's presence from Lamaredd, the Prime Minister extended the invitation to Khelsea for input and advice. Having already considered several outcomes and possibilities, she was able to provide a confident answer with several options to consider.

"Well the most important thing is to convince the Imperials there is nothing of value for them on Lamaredd, if that is actually their only objective. Judging from what their dignitary spoke to you about, it is also a Jedi hunt. The Jedi Order and Lamaredd's residents share a collegial responsibility to share the usage the planet and its resources. The Jedi have always done their best to stay out of everyday affairs of the locals, but have also watched over the safety of the planet. If Imperials were to take over, or if they somehow stumbled upon the Jedi Outpost, it would cause massive repercussions. A likely mass execution event would take place, targetting the population, even though they are mostly unaware of the Jedi's assistance on their planet."

Khelsea paused and drank half a mouthful of water, giving herself time to organize her thoughts.

"The best solution I can offer is this. I believe this will work, seeing as the Imperials have likely scouted the world and are already unaware of the Jedi Outpost. You lead them to an abandoned building formerly used by the Jedi, offering it as evidence that you were unwelcoming to the Jedi Order and removed them from your planet. This will firstly convince them that you and your people are no traitor to the Empire, and you have no intentions of harboring Jedi on the planet. This will hopefully eliminate the threat of the Empire seeking payment for disloyalty. Secondly, it should also convince them the Jedi are elsewhere, leaving them free to search other worlds. If they do try to convince you that the planet is needed for the Empire's profit, I'm sure you know your planet's economical strengths and weaknesses better than I do. But the way I see it, the planet is not known to many, and is no longer part of the Corellian Run. It's removal from the trade route has likely hurt the planets gross domestic product ratings, and the health of the economy must have suffered compare to times prior to the adjustment of the Corellian Run's routes."

Khelsea looked at the Prime Minister, hoping to see confidence in his face and ready to answer any questions he might have. "Perhaps my master Raleigh has something to add to the discussion?"

"It's really up to you Prime Minister," she added. "You will have to convince the Imperial, since you have already engaged in discussions and it is you he wishes to collaborate with."

 

[Sirocco]

Raleigh nodded in agreement to the points of Khelsea as she spoke with him and the prime minister on how they would go about dealing with the empire's suspicions. Wile all of her points were valid and true, making it seem like jedi were here in the first place seemed like a risky wild card in their plan. Wile making it seem like the jedi were hiding in the planet only to be run out by The locals was a smart idea, it could just as easily turn into suspicion in the minds of the imperials. The empire could not find out that the underwater base of the jedi existed or there would be hell to pay.

"Very good ideas Khelsea and very well thought out. However, I am apprehensive about the plan to stage fake proof of the jedi having been run out because of how much of a wild card it seems. If the sith find out there were jedi here, they might search the planet just in case if they choose to be absolutely careful in their search. They already suspect Naboo to be a harboring planet, something we must report as soon as we can, and this cant happen with Lamaredd. Perhaps I am just being overly careful but I don't like risking it" Raleigh spoke almost with a whisper as he contemplated their choices carefully.

Perhaps convincing them of the waste of resources that would come in building an outpost with no trade in it might be sufficient to scare away the empire as unlike Zeltros, Lamaredd would be difficult to keep supplied so far from the imperial border. Then it hit him as he contemplated his choices "Moving to take over Lamaredd might actually spark a situation with the Hutt cartel, I sure know I wouldn't like it if some one seemed to threaten my businesses with their militarized presence" Raleigh offered another point, suggesting action from the Hutts if the empire began to encircle their territory by taking Lamaredd and neighboring planets. Conflict with the cartel in a location difficult to supply would prove costly for the empire.

 

[Veloster Turbo]

Khelsea thought and responded to Raleigh's suggestions as soon as her master finished speaking. She felt quite strongly about her viewpoints, but perhaps Raleigh had the advantage of experience. Either way, it was better to leave no stones unturned than to have massive regrets later. She spoke respectively, so that those involved in the conversation would understand this wasn't an usurping of power, but just discussion for the well being of all parties involved.

"You are right of course, but I think the Imperials wouldn't have came here if they didn't already suspect Lamaredd. Perhaps someone tipped them off, or for whatever reason, they are hear to hunt Jedi. Which is why they approached the Prime Minister on the pretense of friendship, and quickly moved the conversation towards their anti-Jedi views. Either way, there will be risks involved. I suppose its still good to have several options to pursue, rather than being backed into a corner. But honestly, I doubt the Empire is stupid enough to consider this planet to be a prosperous trading area, with all due respect. It's just too far out of the way and many areas of Lamaredd are underdeveloped and too rural. In terms of the Hutt Cartel, the threat of that conflict might be a viable path to removing any Imperial presence here. They haven't established any significant outpost or developments here, and I doubt they'd move a significant portion of their fleet in order to protect a planet far out of their way."

Raleigh made a good point about the Hutts. Involving them without actually involving them would most definitely be helpful to their cause.

 

[Sirocco]

Listening to Khelsea, Raleigh nodded and agreed that hinting that the jedi were here was a risk they had to take but if they did it right then there was little to worry. The hutts never liked the empire and had just ended a war with them a few years ago that ended with a stalemate, there was no doubt both sides were growing their strength but it was doubtful the empire wanted a war in two fronts with the re-surging rebels fighting them off in the core. Going about Khelsea's plan along with Raleigh's threat of stirring the hutts seemed like their only hope in not only drying the empire's interest but scarring them off making a take over of Lamaredd a waste of resources and diplomacy between empire and cartel. The results that would come of this were temporary, it was possibility the empire would come back years later for blood, likely as a staging point against the hutts but it was the jedi's diplomatic move that would buy the planet several years in time before that happened if it were to happen.

"Ok, you have my full approval after weighing our choices Khelsea. If we do this right then any doubt of jedi still being here will be cleared in our favor wich would buy the planet sufficient time until the empire trys Lamaredd again which would hopefully be against the hutts and not a second go in this jedi witch hunt. Any further ideas?" Raleigh asked as he felt confident enough to go through with this mission with out the counsel's consent, a message might be intersected by the empire so the jedi had to do what was best in their situation.

Sensing the imperial ambassador stir from his sit, it seemed it was soon going to be show time.

 

[Veloster Turbo]

Khelsea caught the imperial ambassador's movements in his seat, and realized there wasn't much time left to plan.

"I think it may be time for action soon. With any luck, he'll buy into what you're saying Prime Minister, and leave the planet with no thoughts of returning for a long time. In summary, you must firstly convince him that the Jedi are no longer here, and were never welcome in the first place. Secondly, inform the imperials of the threat of the Hutts. He will likely tell you he'll return to protect your planet, but if our suspicions are correct and he's just here to hunt down Jedi, he will not actually return. Your safety is of utmost importance and we'll watch over the proceedings."

Waiting with the Prime Minister, Khelsea observed the ambassador getting out of his seat. She hoped the Prime Minister would be up to the task.