One Step at a Time // [Kjlljk Protectorate Mission]

[Soup]

Another Protectorate mission to complete. This one was like most others. Get to a target planet, in this case Seren Tywyll, and try to make peaceful connections. Always a sinple concept, but the execution was always far more difficult than the idea. Xel hoped that this mission would be succesful, not only for the Protectorate, but for a bit of a confidence boost for his new crew member Jicelli.

As Xel's PCHF-3 heavy freighter came out of hyperspace, Seren Tywyll came into view. It looked nice enough. If all went well, that very planet would be under Protectorate control. Beside his ship came the Picketing-Class Corvette that Xel had asked for. It carried its standard operation crew, along with 50 armed Protectorate soldiers. If things went south, then those troops would have to be fully deployed and negotiations would be over. Xel didn't want it to have to come to that. As they came down to the planet's surface, Xel deployed his landing gear and touched down on a landing pad. Beside his frieghter was the Protectorate corvette. Xel unstrapped himself from his seat and went down to the main exit of the ship. He pressed a button on a panel beside the door and it opened, allowing a ramp to go down to the floor below the ship. He exited and pressed another button on his way out, closing the door behind his Pantoran partner. He had his usual black set on. Turtle-neck, cargo pants, and boots. On his back was his trusty FRAB blaster rifle, and in his right cargo pant pocket lied his BP01 blaster pistol. Two Protectorate soldiers exited the corvette and came to where Xel and Jicelli were. Xel then turned to Jicelli with a slight smile on his face.

"You ready for your first mission, Jice?"

 

[Kibbles]

"Oh, nervous would be quite the understatement right now.."

Indeed, she was nervous. Why wouldn't she be? Smoothing out the usual dark blue clothing, and adjusting the strap of her black bag across her torso, she'd give a quick smile. Next, she'd lightly move some of the light purple hair from her face. She knew what the goal ultimately was, and knew what would happen if they failed to get a peaceful resolution. You don't just casually bring troops and an armed vessel to a meeting unless there is a chance you'll need them. Brushing the thought of conflict away, she'd look back at Xel and speak with a more confident tone than before. Now is the time to focus and be serious, lives are potentially at stake.

"Sorry. Just...Seems like a lot to focus on. Don't want to mess this up for us. I'm as ready as I possible could be."

 

[Soup]

"Don't worry about it, everything'll be fine."

Xel patted Jicelli on her shoulder and started walking to the right of his parked ship. This eventually lead to the end of the spaceport and into a city. Speeders flew along the streets and people walked on the sidewalk beside several buildings. All sorts of them. After a short while of walling they arrived at a large building that was obviously of some importance. It was where most governmental things happened on Seren Tywyll.

The enterance was guarded by two well armed troops. One was a Human whilst the other was a Zabrak. Xel informed them of the Protectorate meeting and the guards granted the four outsiders access to the government building. Beyond the front door was a large reception room. It too had guards littered around at doorways. At the front desk sat a Dathomirian woman who was reading something on a holographic screen. Before approaching the desk, Xel turned to Jicelli.

"This is the main government building. Now these people value slavery quite a bit, but we can work around that in the future. First we need to become allies with the government officials here on Seren Tywyll."

 

[Kibbles]

For Jicelli, a few words and a pat on the shoulder could go a long way right now. At least Xel seemed confident about the mission..

She didn't expect much to be different here, the city living up to any expectations she might have had. Of course, the building that served as their destination was clearly serving for government use. It was one thing to stand out as just a building, but when the building has guards inside and out at most of the doors then it was obviously significant. Part of her was nervous seeing the security. Almost as if there could be a chance they'd be denied or detained for some odd reason. Though, to her relief, they'd be let inside without a hitch and unharmed. As Xel informs her of some details, she'd listen intently as he tells her the presenve of slavery on the planet. The thought of owning another person as property just seemed horrible to her. The thought of becoming someone's property was even worse.

"Well, I'm not gonna go against the security here and say this is just any other building. Also hope they don't value slavery as a requirement for this arrangement. Like you said though, it'll probably go well enough. Hopefully."

 

[Soup]

Xel nodded and turned back around to face the main desk and walked up to it. He gave a small wave to the woman working there and she looked up. She wasn't exactly elated to be there, but she didn't look upset or bored. Some combination between the two. She then spoke, mainly to Xel, but also to the others.

"How may I help you?"

Xel then responded in his usual cheerful voice.

"We are agents of the Kjlljk Protectorate here to discuss Seren Tywyll's safety and to offer protection from any outside, or inside threats."

The Dathomirian nodded her head and pointed to an elevator across the room to her left.

"Third floor, first room on the right."

Xel thanked the woman and led the group of four towards the elevator. Once inside, he pressed the button that would lead them to the third floor. The doors closed and the ascension began. Soft, lyricless music played from speakers that were not visible without proper inspection. Xel took a deep breath and held his hands behind him, one holding the wrist of the other.

 

[Kibbles]

Jicelli listened as the Dathomirian greeted them, then soon after told them where to go. She would have expected their arrival to be delayed by checks or searches. Oh well, as long as everything is going as planned. As they entered the elevator and sent it on its way, she'd listen to the music fill in. It wasn't that bad, and she found it relaxing. She'd look at Xel briefly, holding her hands together in front of her after shifting her bag. Sometimes she wished she didn't have it on her. Always seemed to get in the way.

"Well, things seem to be going well enough. Thought they would have checked and made sure who we were, but I guess they know we aren't dangerous."

 

[Soup]

"We wouldn't have made it through the front door if we weren't who we are. Everything was arranged prior to our arrival."

Soon the elavtor door opened, with two guards on the other side of it. The were opposite each other, both standing by the walls. Xel lead the way to the door on the right that was a short walk away from the elevator. The two guards that stood by that door pressed a button a panel by the door, and moments later the door opened. Xel lead the way through the door, somewhat nervous. The room was quite large for a meeting room. In the center it had a long table. At the head of the table furthest away from the Protectorate representatives sat three unarmed people. One was a Zabrak male who sat to the right of the center, one was a Dathomirian woman that sat to the left of the center, and one was a human male that sat at the very center of the table's head. The human intertwined his fingers on the table and spoke.

"Greetings. Please, sit down. I assume you are the representatives of the Kjlljk Protectorate here to discuss an offer?"

"Yes, sir. I am Xel Gand, a Kjlljk Protectorate Officer."

Xel glanced at Jicelli, hoping she got the message to introduce herself as well. He then pulled the head chair on their side and motioned Jicelli to sit in it. He knew she would probably want to stay away from the head of the table, but she needed a bit of a push if she was to be a good diplomat. He then sat down to the right if the chair he had just pulled. The guards stepped back to the doorway and stood. On either side of it. The door then closed at a press of a button on the table, done by the Human.

 

[Kibbles]

Of course. Arrangements before hand. Though, she still felt that it would have been smart for them to double-check. Not that she wanted to go through an extensive security check. As the elevator arrived to the proper floor and the four stepped out, Jicelli was not surprised to find more security. She figured then that they didn't need to do extensive checks for that reason. Following Xel, she began to feel as if she might back out. Her head buzzed with nervous questions.
How many people are waiting for us? Will they even take the offer as a kind gesture, or think we are calling them weak? Maybe I should have waited--Oh no, there's the door...
She'd cut her thoughts back as the door is opened, Xel leading the way inside. Taking a breath and following him in she'd notice the size of the room and table. Three people sat at the far end, which answered her question. She'd listen to them speak and confirm who they are, and then she'd listen to Xel introduce himself. With her hands clasped together in front of her, she'd give a slight bow as she in turn introduces herself to the three.

"I am Jicelli Masin, an agent of the Kjlljk Protectorate. It is a pleasure to be here.."
Oh don't overdo it. This is hardly a pleasure! You could have done better. Or at least waited and done some smaller things. Maybe this IS the small things.

Then, she'd notice Xel had taken out the head seat for her. That made her nervous, being centered at the table in front of the three government officials she had just seen for the first time. Plus the fact it's a meeting that involves the planet's protection by the Protectorate. As she sat down beside Xel, she couldn't help but ponder her position.
Great. Center of attention like you asked for as a diplomat. Good thing you didn't introduce yourself as that..Alright. It's not that bad, just don't make it obvious you are nervous..They are just people to meet. Forget about the impact this has on their government.
She'd smooth out her clothes, her hands resting on her lap as her bag remains beside her. She'd remain quiet as she waits for the other party, or some other cue to speak, her cheeks slightly giving an indigo shade as a nervous blush takes form.

 

[Soup]

After everyone was situated, Xel chose to start the comversation almost immediately. He did not want an akward silence. Befre speaking he glanced at Jicelli and noticed the shade of her cheeks. He sighed internally, but was by no means mad. Xel showed no physical signs of nervousness because he had been through things like this before, so he was very used to hiding his emotions. He cleared his throat before speaking and alternated eye contact between the three government officials.

"The Kjlljk Protectorate is offering Seren Tywyll full protection, inside and outside. We could keep the space around Seren Tywyll safe, and eliminate any gangs that lurk around here on Seren Tywyll. All we ask in return is control of your planet's security force to merge with our own for better protection of Seren Tywyll, and that you, as a planet, join the Kjlljk Protectorate. This also allows for better trading options with other systems that are aligned with the Kjlljk Protectorate. For the full safety of Seren Tywyll, we urge you to join the Kjlljk Protectorate."

After Xel's small speech, he allowed the other diplomats to think on the idea. Xel hoped he had propsed the idea properly, if not, there would be negative effects.

After the three looked to each other, the Zabrak responded.

"Seren Tywyll has been doing well in terms of security. Any outside threats are minimal, and do not need to be worried about. Any gangs that are here are small and irrelevant to the overall safety of our planet."

Xel glanced over to Jicelli for support. He hoped that she was prepared for proper negotiation between the Protectorate and the officials. If not, she would be of little use on the mission. Xel did have faith in Jicelli though, faith that she would pull through with a spark of courage like she did on their first encounter.

 

[Kibbles]

Silently listening to Xel propose their offer, she felt a bit better that he had started it off. At least she wouldn't be the one to put the cards down. It was a good offer, and he made the points clear. Maybe too clear. She would go over it in her head, thinking on how the three officials might take it. She didn't know them, but they probably like things to be theirs. After all, they are pro-slavery.
Control of their security forces and full pledges to the Protectorate is a lot for them. It's going to make them sound weak in our view, that or it's just gonna be a lot of pressure towards them. It's like how he asked me to join, too blunt..Hopefully they'll take it well.
She'd glance over at him as the diplomats across the table respond with slight disagreement, catching him look at her. Realizing he wanted her to speak up, she'd hesitate as she goes over what to say in her head. Clearing her throat quietly, Jicelli would face the diplomats with some slight apprehension and give her share of words. Her hands would gesture lightly at certain points, to emphasize it in a friendly manner.

"The Kjlljk Protectorate does not wish to dictate your people, and have full faith in your security and strength as an independent people. Our intentions are to simply lighten the load of work by providing a fair share of labor. This would involve our own security forces cooperatively working alongside yours, which would allow a reduce in your expenses and work stress. Your forces would still be considered yours, but we would like to propose that we handle most of the planning and deployments in general including some authority. The Kjlljk Protectorate is also here to help promote trade and economic growth as a whole. Connecting Seren Tywyll to our network would not only bring safe trade, but tourism and other advancements and luxuries to your society should they be wanted. The Kjlljk Protectorate will in turn make sure that any commerce or missions sent from Seren Tywyll will reach their destinations without delay or harm. Your government will remain in control of internal affairs, but the Kjlljk Protectorate will have primary control over external matters. This is all to help you prosper, as this is a meeting for the preservation of peace and security of Seren Tywyll..."

Finishing her explanation, she'd let out a sigh as she sets her hands back down. Some doubts would cross her mind as she begins to wonder if she said too much and doubled her words. Giving a nervous look to Xel, she could only wait for their response.

 

[Soup]

Xel was very pleased to hear Jicelli speak so much. Hopefully that would aid in the attempt to get Seren Tywyll with the Protectorate.

The three whispered to one another before the human responded with a stern expression.

"We see your points clearly, but what we fail to see is just how much better our planet will be doing with the aid of your organization. If we already face little to no threats, what good will turning over most of the control we have on our security forces really do for us? The only interesting point you've made so far is Seren Tywyll's trade network expanding. We have plenty to export, but we already have reliable business partners. Just how much better will we be with a few extra systems to trade with?"

The Human diplomat rose a good point in Xel's eyes. A small benefit that required dedication to a cause may not be the best move to make. Xel ran through his brain for anything to counter what the official had just said. Finally he took a breath and responded.

"The likelyhood of a large scale invasion is unpredictable with so many factions in the galaxy. There are some large pirate groups that have caused trouble for other systems, so why wouldn't they invade Seren Tywyll? Who knows how large an invasion by a group like that could be? That is why, with the Protectorate's help, Seren Tywyll would be unharmed by such a threat. In fact, I recently went on a mission to defend the planet of Gree from a small fleet of pirates. Anything could happen, so we think it would be best if you were to join the Kjlljk Protectorate, for your peoples' safety."

 

[Kibbles]

Somewhat put down by the stern denial, Jicelli would listen to the counter Xel made. Things were unpredictable in the galaxy. At any point in time something major could destabilize an entire system of planets. What makes these people think that can't happen to them? Before they could respond, she'd slightly lean forward with speech, hoping she isn't looking rash and demanding.
"As he mentions, threats lurk everywhere in the galaxy. The Kjlljk Protectorate only wishes to rid of those dangers and ensure peace for all within the galaxy. You joining the Kjlljk Protectorate would help bring peace to the galaxy. Is that not what you want for your people? Joining us would reduce the chance of a major threat hitting Seren Tywyll. You wouldn't have to worry about your forces being outmatched one day and your people enslaved, or killed. Wouldn't you want to guarantee your people peace and safety? Joining the Kjlljk Protectorate wouldn't make you seem weak, but stronger. You'd be among the ones to actually stand up to the evils of the galaxy, the fear of tyranny, and the fear of losing everything you hold close. Other groups would look up at your people for taking a stand against piracy and troubles outside of Seren Tywyll. Those who can't defend themselves would look up at you knowing you are working to make this galaxy a better place."
Once finished, she'd rest a hand on the table as she leans back. It's hard to think how someone young like her is helping shape a planet's future. If it was just her they wouldn't even have bothered with her probably. At least to her, she thinks that'd be the case.

 

[Soup]

Xel was grateful for the extra words that came from Jicelli. Perhaps this would alter their train of thought. However, this didn't seem to be the case. This time the Dathomirian woman spoke.

"This is an interesting proposition to say the least, but it seems like a bit much. I am confident that our security forces can handle any major threat that would come our way, which is not likely to happen. Those who know of this system know that we have plently of Credits and technology to fuel our security. Your grand plan for galactic peace is also unlikely to succeed. I do not mean to be rude, it is simply something that you must think about. There's too much out there to keep everyone in check forever. It's a hopeless dream, but we wont stop you. We will think on your offer. We will contact your base on Terminus when we have made a decision. Thank you for your time."

Xel nodded as the Dathomirian finished speaking and he stood up. He returned his chair to its original position and stood at the door. The human pressed another button on the table panel and waved. Xel returned the wave bitterly, but showed no sign of said bitterness. He hoped Jicelli wouldn't feel guilty about the outcome of the discussion.

 

[Kibbles]

Jicelli would listen to the woman, finding her response to be fair yet far. Jicelli did believe that one day everyone could live freely, and without two major powers fighting over the galaxy. However, to her it was clear these people cared for nothing more than themselves. She'd get up with Xel, pushing the chair back and straightening her pose as she turns away. She'd mutter quietly to herself "At least we're willing to try..." before following Xel to the door.

She would be somewhat put down at their decision and views, but she could understand it some. They were willing to consider it, which meant it wasn't completely over. Though, they might just be sugar coating a denial of the agreement. To her, they probably didn't care about the Kjlljk Protectorate or what she mentioned. Maybe they did and she's just being a bit upset over it.

 

[Soup]

As the door opened, Xel stepped out, followed by the two Potectorate troops. They made their way back to the lobby and to the spaceport where their ship's were located. Upon ariving at the spaceport, the two troopers went to the Picketing-Class Corvette that was beside Xel's PCHF-3. As he lead the way up to the door of his freighter, Xel turned to Jicelli.

"Well that didn't go too well. You did good though, Jice. It seems we'll have to implement plan b. We won't need to do that though, we just need to report to Terminus."

 

[Kibbles]

"Yeah, it would have gone better if they cared for more than themselves. Good thing we don't have to do anything else here, nothing else we can do about negotiating anyway.."

Jicelli would be glad they are leaving. Once she saw the ships she finally felt as if she could move and speak freely again. The truth was that she was disappointed with how things went, but she did her best not to show it. All she cared about now was getting on the way to Terminus, and focusing on better things. Like how the planet might end up accepting the offer proposed. With the thought, she'd face Xel by the door with her arms crossed, curious to see what his thoughts are on the possibility.

"This plan B won't be too bad for them will it? I mean...They did say they'd think about it. I'm sure they'll just kick the offer away but there is the chance they might come around still. Despite what I think of their choice, I don't want much harm to happen to any of the civilians here. After all, they didn't have a say in the matter."

 

[Soup]

"The civilians should be fine... As long as they don't walk into danger. There isn't any way they'll actually accept the proposition unless they have some... Incentive."

Xel turned back to the door and opened it. Leading he way inside and back up to the bridge after closing the door behind Jicelli. For once, a not so successful mission. The backup plan wold clean up the issue though. Xel sat in his pilot's chair and strapped himself in. Beside them, the Portectorate corvette was already taking off. Xel tried not to think about any possible casualties that could happen during the next step of getting Seren Tywyll on the side of the Protectorate.


OOC: If you don't have anything else to add, then we should be done.
@Mad Dog

 

[Mad Dog]

THE KJLLJK PROTECTORATE!​

[fancybox2]Mission Complete[/fancybox2]