Money Talks: The Sullustian Convention

[Kae'Leigh Tameris]

[fancybox2]

SULLUST
2000 Hours

The heads of Sullust’s major corporations have agreed to meet with us. Helping liberate their home world really paid off. Nonetheless, don’t underestimate them. They’re not Nemoidians but Sullustans can drive a hard bargain. Use your wits and whatever else available to win them over. Of course be on the lookout for possible assassins and keep our hosts safe.

Mission Thread ; Self DM ; @Minuteman75
@EmilyHuene ; @Raydo [/fancybox2]

War is expensive in more ways than one. There is no denying it. In order to strengthen our Alliance we need hard earned currency. This would require seeking out regional corporations, companies and other financial institutions to support the war effort. Of course it won’t be easy given how their type do not tend to be won by ideals. However, if our coalition can provide useful services to them or appeal to their self interest these businesses will be more open to make deals.

This was the mission. Meet with the head executives and strike a bargain to unite their planet with the Galactic Alliance. It was Kae'Leigh's first mission where she'd be going in as a Jedi Knight, and not as a slicer. And she couldn't be more thrilled. But that didn't mean she wouldn't be prepared for both jobs. She was cunning that way. Growing up on the streets of Nar Shaddaa will do that to a girl. Especially a Twi'lek. And this particular damsel was always prepared to get her hands dirty.

Kae'Leigh was a slicer by trade. She'd grown up learning the ways of the computer and the inner mechanics sung to her in a way only a prodigy could understand. Binary might have been a second language to her, but she spoke it so fluently she half forgot than she wasn't born with that knowledge. As such, she'd become quite skilled at manipulating her target. She was rather good at sabaac -naturally- to the point men were practically throwing money at her. It was as if they wanted to get rid of the credits.

Though she hadn't known of the Force at the time, that probably played a good part in her upbringing. She had a knack for knowing when she was in too deep, and also for knowing just when to play her hand. It was a second nature, but she'd always attributed that toward her fear of the streets on Nar Shaddaa. Being a Twi'lek -a female no less- she was always looking over her back in caution of slavers and thugs who could sell her for coin. That paranoia kept her safe and she carried it wherever she went; never forgetting to bring it along for business.

Today though, she had little to fear. She was coming to these corporate heads as a peace offering. She was coming to them an agent of the Galactic Alliance and of the Jedi Order. She was part of a lonely few that still remained in the G.A. Sadly, her master and several others she had come to know left the alliance to seek exile. There, they would train and raise the Jedi as they ought to be, not soldiers fighting a war. But Kae'Leigh could not follow them. She knew her duty was to help people, and being away from the fighting would not sit well with her soul. That was the promise she'd made herself when swearing to be a Jedi: she would not sit back and let tyranny hurt innocent lives.

That promise grew inside her and sparked within the very thing that she carried around with her everywhere. On Kae'Leigh's hip she carried with her a brylark lightsaber hilt cut from the Life tree on Kashyyyk. Inside this wooden hilt was a Kyber crystal she'd taken from the icy cavern on Ilum. And with it, a vision of her future. A vision she shared with very few, not even her own Padawan. It was a secret she kept dear to her heart for fear that if she told too many people, the dream would not come to fruition and Kae'Leigh could not bear that in her soul.

Entering into the grand hotel of Sullust's capital city, the blue skinned Twi'lek looked around the lobby. She was wearing her usual Jedi Knight outfit, only she'd taken to dawning a gray cloak over it from the rainy weather outside. The outfit was tailored with black leather and had durasteel plates woven into the fabric for better protection and lighter dexterity. The armor zipped up in the front and came all the way down to her ankles, but not before tucking into heavy duty boots. Over her head was a simple leather headdress common to the Twi'lek people that wrapped around the ears and held her lekku in place. On her left shoulder was a heavier looking duraplast plate that had adorned in the leather a symbol of an eagle surrounded by some sort of angelic light. The symbol was that of Kae'Leigh's last name translated in Basic: Lighthawk. It was the one thing she knew in her language of Ryl; she still had no one to teach her the language of her people. But she'd been taking lessons from a protocol droid while on long journeys to and from other systems. When not training her Padawan learner of course.

Along with her saber clipped to her belt, Kae'Leigh also was carrying a custom built slicing deck, a trademark tool for any would-be slicer. The design of the deck -as it had to be concealed for legal purposes- was a mere metal briefcase design that would serve as a host for the documents she was bringing along for this meeting. It would secretly allow her to copy any and all electronic devices within the room once activated; a spoofer tool was a handy little gadget of any slicer's arsenal. How it worked, was one end opened up like it appeared and could slide files and/or papers inside. But with a well-placed thumb print scanner, the long edge panel would slide off allowing the entire top to open up and fold out from itself. Inside was her personal data pad (one of several) and a code-breaking platform with a dozen or so nobs to change frequencies, copy wavelengths, or even shut off sensors. It could do a host of things for any run of the mill slicer all in one convenient carrying case.

As she stood in the entryway drying off, the blue skinned Twi'lek felt no fear of showing off her title here. Though she looked like a Sith, she was far from menacing. She even had a smile on her face. Kae'Leigh wiped away some of the rain from her forehead that had dripped down from the headpiece of her lekku and onto her face. She gently brushed her head tails off so as to not let any more rain drip from them, and then proceeded further inside. They might get a few off looks from any passerby, but Kae'Leigh knew they were welcome here. That was the prestige a Jedi carried about them. In certain places of the galaxy at least.

"That rain cannot be good for your fur, my dear Padawan," she'd say to the Kushiban trotting along beside her.

 

[Firen]

Firen was accompanying his Master, Kae'leigh on a diplomatic mission today on Sullust. When they had arrived, it had been pouring down rain. By the time they had reached their destination, Firen's fur was soaked through, along with his plain Padawan robes.

He hated wearing traditional Padawan clothes. He just wanted his good ol' trusty jacket, but noooo. At least they let him walk barefoot, he didn't know what he would do if they made him wear shoes!

He shook himself, sending water flying everywhere before realizing he had probably got a fair amount on Kae'Leigh. "Sorry, Master." he said with a grin as he scratched behind his head. "I will need to brush it forever later!" he said looking up at the Twi'lek woman. He dried himself off as best he could before following Kae'leigh inside.

He wished they would have been sent on a more exciting mission. He would never learn how to his new lightsaber, he talking to a bunch of old people! He needed action, adventure! His mind started to wonder, picturing him fighting off a hundred thugs, wielding the leather hilted lightsaber that now hung from his belt.

He couldn't help but let out a lawn as they came into a lobby of sorts. It wasn't his fault! This place was not very exciting...

 

[Kae'Leigh Tameris]

Her furry companion did what any animal would do, shake off. Not that his master would ever go so far as to call him an animal. But Kae'Leigh was not the least bit surprised in the action. She let it happen almost as if she expected it; most of it just splashed on the rain coat anyways. Even still, he apologized and then commented that he would have to brush it later. A fact that seemed like a chore for him.

"No I feel it is I who owe you the apology, my dear Padawan." Kae'Leigh gave him a gentle smile and then explained, "I simply did not have another jacket that might have shielded you from this weather. I shall make it a point to start carrying clothes more suited to yours size."

She then started to move further into the lobby when she stopped again. She pondered something a moment then looked at him again. "And if you'd like, I'd be happy to brush out your fur for you. I imagine the task would be rather calming for me. Like braiding a child's lekku." As Twi'lek's didn't have hair like humans, the girls of the species would often braid ribbon around their head tails as decorative fashions.

Starting for a third time now she walked up to the counter where a receptionist droid was waiting to assist them. It had put down its current task and had been staring at them since the moment they'd come in. Had it been a human, it would have been much more annoyed. Rightly so as Kae'Leigh and her Padawan learner were taking forever to approach the desk. How could it do its duties if the customers were going to lollygag and loiter!?

"Can I assist you?" the droid spoke in nonchalant tones.

The Twi'lek smiled at the droid even though her mannerisms would not change his/its view of her, "Yes. We are here for the Sullustian convention upstairs. You'll find the name under Lighthawk."

The droid would turn away from them and look down at its computer screen. After typing in a few things it would reply, "Ah yes. Light hawk. Party of two." Reaching under the desk it came back out with two passes on lanyards. Old school. "Here are your badges. Please wear them at all times. Proceed to the lift to floor 26. There your weapons will be checked and you will leave any electronic devices behind. Is there anything else I can assist you with?"

Kae'Leigh looked to Firen for a moment before taking the passes from the droid, "That's all, chum! Enjoy the rest of your day!"

"How can I when I am stuck behind this desk?" the droid replied off hand. His voice was rather quiet as he didn't want others to hear him. It seemed the droid was at that state of starting to grow a personality. As soon as the owners found out they'd wipe him for sure. Kae'Leigh pitied the droid a little, but she had not come here to liberate machines.

Handing a badge to Firen, Kae'Leigh would leave the reception desk and walk around the lobby to the back where a hall of lifts were waiting for them. There were a dozen at least to choose from. Kae'Leigh would have been impressed, but she'd seen the hotels and casinos of Nar Shaddaa. Those were impressive displays of pointless spending. After calling a lift, they were taken to the twenty sixth floor (stopping twice for guests to get off and on) and then departed for the weapon check gal. She was sitting behind a small out cove in the wall with a good haul of weapons behind her. Standing guard were two armored soldiers with what looked like stun rods at their hips.

"Surrender your weapons and electronics," one said to them through the visor of his mask.

The blue skinned Twi'lek would give her Padawan a gentle nod as if it was ok to have them search him. He'd have to give up his saber for this meeting, but he could get it back later. Kae'Leigh didn't seem worried, and maybe that was enough for him. She even motioned for him to go first; subtly moving her other hand behind her back in the cloak.

 

[Firen]

"Oh thats okay." he said with a grin, patting her leg. "You'll learn." he said with a snicker. She then offered to help brush his fur. He normally took care of it himself, but if she wanted to, he wouldn't mind. He did hold up a single furry finger as she stopped. "You're not braiding my fur!" he said with a spark of defiance in voice.

They walked up the counter, which Firen had no way of seeing over, even on his tippy toes, which he did try. He remained quiet as his master spoke with the receptionist. His mind wondered as someone passed by with some type of animal in a cage. "Ohh." he said turning to it. "Hey there little guy." he said with a smile. While he marveled at the cute little animal, he looked up to see a wealthy woman look down at him in the same way. His furry fist clenched.

He turned and his master was already walking away. He hurried to catch up, hoping she didn't ask him anything about the exchange because he hadn't heard a word she had said. Other Jedi teachers had said he needed to be careful of his "Wondering mind" whatever that meant...

She handed him the badge and hung it on his tunic. They climbed in the elevator and Firen was distracted again by his reflection. He made silly faces, snickering at himself. The scene caused several in the lift to laugh as well but Firen didn't pay them any attention, off in his own world.

They walked up the desk and a woman asked for their weapons. He had just got his lightsaber!! He didn't want to give it up, he wasn't gonna take it off his belt. He almost protested before looking up at the Twi'lek who nodded her head. "Ughh." he said grumbled taking the lightsaber off of his belt and handing it to the woman. He never got to do anything fun!

 

[Kae'Leigh Tameris]

To his comment about her not braiding his fur she would laugh and giggle and then respond with something in the manner of his fur wouldn't be long enough, so he needn't worry. She didn't tell him though that she could probably curl the most adorable little ribbons around his ears or give him a bow around his neck. She figured she best not antagonize him too much. She wasn't that heartless.

While she worked with the receptionist, Firen was getting lost in his own world. She didn't feel his aura shifting as anger took over him for a moment. Maybe she should have been more vigilant as his Master. Then again, he'd done a rather impressive display of quelling that anger even if it was simply by getting distracted from Kae'Leigh's sudden disappearance.

In the lift, Firen was apparently having a joyous time humoring himself with his reflection. It caused a good few others in the lift to laugh, but now it was Kae'Leigh's turn to be in her own world. Her eyes were closed and it seemed like she was just waiting patiently. When in reality, she was planning her next moves like a game of ches. Her analytical mind of the slicer within her was thinking of several different ways this whole event could go. Separating them all into tasks and goals, she made battle plans for each scenario. This is how her slicer brain worked and this is what would one day make her a Master Jedi.

Now, as the guards came to take Firen's lightsaber, another would hold out his hand to Kae'Leigh, "Surrender your weapons, Jedi."

"Oh you have us mistaken," she said as she raised her hands. "I myself left my saber behind. I wouldn't dream of bringing it along with me to such an important event. My Padawan here has kept his more my protection, naturally. One can't be too careful can they?"

She was currently holding the briefcase in one hand, the other was empty. And as her cloak raised, Firen would see her saber was no longer on her person. Where had it gone? The guard would come up and take the case from her, opening it from the top as it was supposed to be open.

"Careful with those. They are precious documents needed for the convention."

The guard then brought the case to the girl at the counter and she would take out the documents and inspect the case for any sort of traps. Naturally, she found none. Had they given this girl any kind of training, she would have found Kae'Leigh's thumb print scanner with ease. But this girl was simply bait. If there was a trap and she found it...boom! They'd find another girl. Once she finished her failed investigation, she returned the papers back into the case and gave it to the guard who returned it to Kae'Leigh.

"The case is clean, but I will have to inspect you first."

Kae'Leigh gave him a heart-warming smile like she expected nothing less of the guard, "Oh of course. You'll find nothing of danger on me, I promise."

Firen would be able to watch as the guard then patted Kae'Leigh down under her tight outfit. There really wasn't anywhere she could hide something in that outfit, what with it being so form fitting. But he did what he was supposed to do, knowing the Jedi would have a trick up her sleeve. Still, he found no traces of the saber that the Twi'lek had on her person down on the lobby. Where had it gone?

"You're clean," the guard said to her and handed the case back to her.

"Thank you so much," Kae'Leigh replied and gestured for her Padawan to head into the next room. "We'll just be going then."

 

[Firen]

A guard patted him down, his clothes still damp from outside. They had already taken his lightsaber, what more could they take on him. The guard heard a crunching noise as they patted down one of his pockets. "What is this?" he asked the Kushiban Padawan. "Oh?" he said looking down. Without thinking, Firen plunged his hands in his pocket causing the guard to stumble backward and place a hand on his blaster.

The small Jedi pulled out a handful of lettuce. "In case I get hungry!" he said innocently before taking a bite before offering it to the guard. "Want some?" he asked. The guard groaned as several of the other guards off to the side chuckled. "Get out of here." he said waving Firen through.

Firen replaced the lettuce in his pocket and met up with other Jedi. She had somehow gotten her lightsaber through, though he had no idea where she was keeping it. "You gotta teach me that sometime!" he said, quiet enough where only she could hear him.

 

[Kae'Leigh Tameris]

Firen's little antics were enough to make Kae'Leigh smile and laugh quietly under her breath. Her little Padawan seemed so innocent, but he had the nature about him to be a little prankster. If she wasn't already committed to teaching him the ways of the Force, she might have seen if he had the proficiency to be a thief. People already overlooked him due to his size. She imagined he'd make a good pull without anyone ever noticing. But alas, that was not the Jedi way.

The two were then dismissed and allowed entry into the room before the checkout. Kae'Leigh nodded her head and took the lead down the hall to where the large doors were waiting for them. A protocol droid would be standing by in wait to open the door for them giving them access. As they headed over, Firen would whisper to her, asking her to teach him whatever trick she'd done to hide her saber.

Turning her head she patted the briefcase and replied, "Hidden pockets. I'll cook you dinner again if you can guess when I made the switch."

The door would not be open and the two traveled into the adjacent room. There was a large table enough for about twenty people to sit at. Only there were six chairs total. Two on one side; four on another. There was no one else in the room, save for the protocol droid who followed them inside. The silver robot turned to the right side of the room and would begin making drinks for the two Jedi. It hobbled over shakily and set the tray down on the table on their side of the room.

While the droid was making the drinks, Kae'Leigh had come in to explore the room. She walked calmly about, eyeing the wooden walls and the glass windows. Her eyes checked out the view and tried not to worry about how the negotiations would go. Keep her mind on the present, and not to dwell on the future.

"Please help yourself," the droid asked to them both.

 

[Firen]

"Hrrmmm..." he said tapping his chin as he thought over the hint he had been given. Food was one of the best ways to motivate the young Kushiban and as such he was thinking quite hard.

They were ushered into the empty meeting room and given drinks. Firen picked up the glass and smelled, it smelled awful to him. "What is this stuff.." he said, his nose wrinkling after the droid had left the room. He put the glass down, most of the things people ate and drank made no sense to the Kushiban.

Firen crawled up into a chair as the older Jedi went to examine the room. He was barely tall enough to see over the table. He feet swung freely as he went back to thinking about his problem. "In the lift!" he blurted out in the silence. "No...before...no after!" he said trying to remember when the last time he saw the lightsaber. If he was honest, he wasn't the best at paying attention.

Before the Jedi could respond, the doors on the other side of the room opened and four stone-faced Sullustians entered the room and moved to the side of the table with four chairs. They sat down, one looking at Firen with a look that conveyed annoyance before turning to the Twi'Lek. "We are grateful for the Alliance and what they have done for our people, that is why we have agreed to this meeting. What may we help you with." the Sullustain in the center said and he interlocked his fingers together and rested them on the table between them.

 

[Kae'Leigh Tameris]

His first guess was accurate. Only then he second guessed himself. Now he really had no idea and it was showing. Too bad. He should have went with his gut. A Jedi's instincts usually were clues as to the truth and the correct way to go. This would be another lesson for him in his training. She was about to respond with some form of mild discipline when the doors would open and their hosts would arrive. They would each sit while Kae'Leigh moved closer to the table to take her seat as they had.

The speaker of the group would say they were grateful for the Alliance's assistance lately, given that the only reason Kae'Leigh was even here right now. Not a good way to start things off, a back-handed compliment. Shouldn't the people want to do something good? Not just as a favor for service? It made Kae'Leigh feel a little off about the whole situation, but she still responded with a smile on her face.

"I am thankful to hear your kinds words. And let me say it is an honor to be welcomed under your hospitality today. As you know, since we're getting down to business, the Sith Empire is growing ever stronger. They had unified their ranks and as such are a more powerful war machine than ever. And the Mandalorians have seemed to lost their fuel in this war. I fear it is only a matter of time before the galaxy sees another outbreak, or worse, complete submission done by the Empire."

Kae'Leigh would spread her hands out on the table as she continued, "I am ever so happy to hear that things have gone over well on your planet since the Empire was sent packing. Trust me it brings no further joy but to see them running with their tails between their legs. And I wish to give this same feeling to other systems too. But sadly, as I'm sure you might know, war is expensive."

She would turn to her Padawan for a moment and give him a worried look. He would need to pitch in his thoughts too here in a minute. "What I am asking for is help. Help from you and your people to spread peace across the galaxy. The Galactic Alliance is spread too thin and I fear without the help of liberated systems such as yourselves we will fall short and worst case scenario lose all the good work we've put in."

 

[Firen]

He didn't get a great feeling for this group. His nose twitched slightly as he could sense their...apprehension? Maybe that was it, this was a new experience for Firen. He had always thought he was relying on his gut when he met someone, now he realized what he had called "gut feelings" were the subtle pulling of the Force. Those pulls were getting more easily recognizable, or at least Firen was growing more skilled at listening to them.

"We understood the cost of war can be high. You can appreciate our apprehension at becoming more involved in such matters." the leader spoke, others nodding in agreement. "We put our own people, our own businesses at great risk should our involvement be discovered." he continued. "What will the Alliance do when the Empire shows back up on our doorstep?" he said clasping his hands together on the table.

Firen watched on. It wasn't his place to speak. He wanted to tell them they wouldn't even be here but for the Alliance coming in the first place. He thought better of it, deciding to listen and watch as the meeting progressed. Whiskers twitched subtly on his face as he fought to remain silent.

 

[Kae'Leigh Tameris]

Their opposition would be understanding of their plea, that was a good thing. They had that much going for them, but the rest would be where the challenge was. They would in turn hope the Jedi, or rather the Galactic Alliance as a whole, would understand that the Sullstans were hesitant to get involved against the Sith. Pondering further, they asked what would the Alliance do for them if the Empire were to return.

"I can assure you," Kae'Leigh would start with a promising tone. "The Alliance will not allow one of their own planets to fall again. We would retaliate just as quick to ensure they don't get their way. But we can't do that without money. The credits you give us will allow the Alliance to build better ships, have more defenses, and increase our platoons. We're working on building temples and bases even. All these things will make it better to protect not just you but the rest of the verse. We just need someone to help pitch in."

She hoped this would be enough to at least get the idea in their head, if not inspire them to do the right thing. How could they say no to a beautiful little thing like herself though? It was too bad she was doing all of this nobly, for if she wished she could have sliced all their bank accounts and gone from there. But...that would do nothing but solve a temporary solution and ruin everything for them down the road.

 

[Firen]

Firen looked back and forth between Kae'Leigh and the Sullustians as they spoke. He coughed quietly. hoping he didn't get in too much trouble. The Sith are going to come regardless of what you do here today." he said honestly, meeting the leaders gaze.

"We can help prepare you, help defend you, and if it comes to it, fight with you but to do that we need your help too." he added, just barely able to see over the table.

The Sullistans looked back and forth to one another as they considered. "We can offer some financial support to the cause in exchange for the Alliance's promise to lend military support should it come to it." he said with a slight nod. "We will have a formal contract drafted and sent to your superiors." he said as the group went to stand.

Firen had expected more of a fight, but it seemed the meeting was a mere formality. The Sullustians got a good deal out of it. They had plenty of credits, they could buy a mercenary army anywhere with those credits, but using it to purchase an alliance with the Rebellion all but guranteed an army that couldn't be bought out by the Empire.

 

[Kae'Leigh Tameris]

Firen would speak up again, showing a considerable amount of wisdom with his words. He was gentle, but made sure to address the larger truth of the matter. The Sith were ruthless and they would come here one way or another. He assured them that they, well the Galactic Alliance, would be there to defend against the Sith while also preparing them for the battle that would likely come. And it seemed the Kushiban Padawan said just the right words. The council would talk for a moment and then agree to support the Alliance. Kae'Leigh grew a large smile, but restrained herself from her usual gleeful shriek. She'd save that for later.

"Oh you won't be disappointed!" she assured them with a bow of her head. "We shall leave and report to our seniors then. Thank you for your hospitality, my friends."

Standing up the Twi'lek would then give another bow and say her remaining goodbyes before the both of them were heading out of the room and off to collect his saber. The process gave him no issue and soon they were descending the lift down to the main floor. Kae'Leigh waited a moment for the lift to start moving before letting out a cheery squeal.

"We did it, Firen!" Kae'Leigh bent down and patted him on the head. "I'm so proud of you!" She gave him a warm smile and then would ask, "So...what sounds good for dinner?"

~END THREAD~
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