Swallowing Pride

[Austin Wolfe]

theme​

The hologram whirred to life in front of the two Jedi that embarked on this assignment. Austin Wolfe nodded to Knights Tynian and Logan before beginning. "Jedi, this mission is of utmost importance. While steps are being taken as we speak to bring the Order into good favour in the eyes of the Rakatans, this moment will be the most crucial to our efforts." Austin, clearly sitting in a seat somewhere on a ship, continued the briefing solemnly. "It is no small secret that one day, we may not have our temples to return to. It is with this knowledge that we act. The Order needs spaceships, and the Rakatans have some of the most advanced shipyards this side of the Galaxy. Your assignment today is to discuss a contract with the owners of these shipyards. We want them to build space craft exclusively for the Order."

The doctor exhaled slowly. "There is one major issue that you will face other than that of business discussion. Rakatans are a proud and arrogant race, believing themselves to be superior over all others. We have heard many things about how they treat outsiders, even other races that live on Rakata Prime. Be mindful that this does not turn to violence — you do not need to change their views of superiority, just have a contract signed." Giving the two knights a reassuring smile, he ended their briefing with one final blessing. "May the Force be with you."

@Nastalle @Dawyn​

 

[Logan Pryce]

Logan listened pensively, resting against the cool stone walls of the small, empty spaceport alcove both Knights had ducked into once they had received the transmission. He had the cloak of his dark brown hood up today, despite the tropical heat, its natural shadows making it difficult to discern his facial features or expression. He had not exactly been trusting of the wider galaxy outside of the Order, and his faith in the latter had been shaken a bit recently with the depressing news. Multiple dead masters and a Councillor, the one who had assigned him the first mission mere weeks ago. He wondered for a moment how Wolfe thought about that-if he even did. Some Jedi were so...serene...about death that it worried him at times.


Were you not about death, back in the mines? You had friends who died every day. Until it hurt too much to make them anymore.


But they were slaves, not Jedi.


Are we not all slaves to death, eventually?


Deciding not to head down that particular dark train of thought, he glanced over sideways at his companion for a moment. Knight Tynian, shorter than him by a smidge, with dark skin and long black hair. Human, or close enough that it probably did not matter. He did not know much about him, only that he had been recently “counseled” by those higher up in the Order over his application to the rank of Master. And had evidently been denied it. Why, he did not know, but it did not exactly inspire confidence in him...or in himself. He had learned a lot from his Jedi training, but some vestiges of his slave mentality still remained. See if the person you were with was reliable. An asset, or a liability. And prepare accordingly.


If Councillor Shai had done that, maybe he would still be alive for this briefing.


Wondering exactly how much of a human, let alone a Jedi, he was for even thinking such a thing, Logan nodded and replied respectfully, straightening himself as he did so.


“And with you, Master Wolfe.”


And hopefully you live longer than your predecessor.


Turning to face his companion, he decided it would be best to be blunt if they were going to survive.


“Knight Tynian…” He started, trying to be respectful and honest, as much as he could be, at the same time “I am glad that you are here."


True enough. Two is better than one, it gives potential enemies more targets to shoot at.

“I will be direct with you. I do not know how to conduct such negotiations and do not think I would do well. I believe it was the intention of the Order to have you handle that."

If they do not want this to end badly...

Pausing and taking a breath, and subconsciously shifting to a more defensive posture, he continued.

"I have heard rumors about you. You applied for the rank of Master not long ago. Yet you are still not one. I do not know why. I do not know how you feel, if anything, about it. Others seem fine to not ask questions about such...maybe they think it is rude...maybe they have been in the Order from birth and it is not so strange...but you have my back now."

He left the unspoken question hanging in the air. He knew that such directness could often cause others to be uncomfortable, but he found that was better than them being dead because of their own pride. Too many slaves...and more than a few Jedi...had died because of it, and he did not want to become a martyr quite yet.

 

[Tynian]

Tynian sat beside another Jedi listening to Master Wolfe brief them on what their mission would be... It was quite the task to broker a deal with the Rakatan and not let it get out of hand.

As the message shut off, the other Jedi offered the usual polite phrase in return and then addressed him.

The question on the Jedi’s mind was of Tynian’s recent trial for the rank of master, and if he could now be trusted with handling the mission at hand.
“I appreciate your bluntness. And yes I was not granted the rank of master, as you have so nicely pointed out. Which has no bearing on our mission or our ability to be successful.” Tynian offered a friendly smile. “What is done is done. The Coucncil have made their decision. And I will abide and honor it.”
He looked at the Jedi again. “But to focus on the task at hand is our responsibility. We are Jedi, you and I, and we have a job to do. You can trust that I will do everything I can to make sure we come out of this safely and with the Rakatan contract in our hands. Now... shall we get started?”

He stood up and waited so they could both head to the shuttle that would take them to their arranged meeting.

“Just so you know, I don’t mind the bluntness...And please call me Tynian.”

@Dawyn @Vosrik

 

[Logan Pryce]

He took that...we
ll. Logan thought, eyeing the other somewhat suspiciously, glad that his face was covered. Too well? Or is he one of those remarkably tranquil Jedi whose best friend could be shot to death in front of them and they would feel nothing but inner peace? If so, why was he denied the rank of Master?


Still...he seems composed enough to do the mission...so you should be okay. Should.


“Thank you, Tynian.” He replied simply, trying to not let the confusion seep into his voice as began walking towards the shuttle that waited for them in the nearest docking bay. It was a small, cramped, run-down old thing, more fit to be a taxi in a particularly skeezy city than a diplomatic shuttle. He did not have much experience in such matters, but he got the distinct feeling that the veiled Rakatan message was “be glad we are giving you a shuttle at all, or even allowing you on our planet”, than one of welcoming. They did not seem to interact with others out of any xenophilic inclination, more like economic necessity.

Sitting done on one of the suspiciously flimsy chairs, he waited for Tynian to do so, then turned to face him again, after making sure that the pilot’s door was closed and that the rumbling of the engines would conceal at least a quiet conversation from whatever spy cameras may or may not be listening.


“Do you have a strategy for how we should deal with them? I do not have much experience with the Rakatans, but they do not seem to be enthusiastic about our presence.”

@Nastalle @Vosrik

 

[Tynian]

Tynian thought for a moment. The look on Logan’s face indicated that the Jedi didn’t really buy that Tynian was “ok” in light of the recent trial. So he figured he would address it now rather than later.
“The trial was hard. And it left me questioning somethings that I need to work on and work through. But to assure you, it will not get in the way of what we are doing here.”

Figuring that was enough for now, he moved onto the next question posed to him.
“Well, the Rakatan hold honor and respect in very high regard. So I think appealing to them in that fashion would be a good start. And we have to be able to provide them a service that they would value. Which I’m still trying to figure out.”
He looked at his counterpart, “Any thoughts?”

@Dawyn @Vosrik

 

[Logan Pryce]

As Tynian spoke, Logan found himself much more at ease to know his partner actually had human...or close to it...feelings, and had not taken the trial’s failure with 100% perfect placidity. It was much easier for him to believe that Tynian had actually felt something, but was able to reflect on it and keep himself in control. From what he had seen of people, those who pretended that something did not affect them were the ones that eventually broke. Being a Jedi did not mean you were not supposed to feel emotions, only that you were supposed to process them in a healthy manner and not let them rule you and turn you into a power-obsessed psychopath hellbent on ruling the Galaxy.


Considering his partner’s question as the shuttle roared off towards their destination, he replied.


“That may apply to other Rakatans...but from what I have read, and seen, that does not necessarily include offworlders. I do not have much experience in diplomacy, but this” he gestured to the rickety shuttle, whose lights dimmed and flickered for just a moment before coming back on “is not what I would expect those who are held in high regard for an important diplomatic meeting are treated to if they cared at all about our opinions. They are not openly hostile...yet...but that does not mean they are friendly.”


Pausing to catch his breath, he continued.


“We cannot offer them great riches, the Order is not that wealthy. We cannot offer them greater clout in the Galaxy, the Republic isn’t exactly friendly to us right now. They have no interest in being altruistic or caring about what is going on-they care about their people and their people only. As I see it we have three types of services we can offer them-being healers, warriors, or infiltrators, perhaps a bit of all three. Perhaps a demonstration of one, or all of those aspects, to show that we can do it better than they can, would be in order.”

@Nastalle @Vosrik

 

[Tynian]

Tynian thought for a moment. Logan’s idea was quite good. Offering a service to the Rakata that would benefit them, and not challenge their honor, was a solid logical path to take in Tynian’s mind.
“I think you’re onto something my friend.” Tynian replied. “It may help ease their mind if we come as wanting to help them.”

He glanced out the viewport to see how close they were getting to their destination. The huge space station where they were to meet the Rakata wasn’t too far away...he just hoped the rickety old shuttle they were riding in would make it safely there.

“Before we land, is there anything I should know about you that pertains to this mission? Or more that you’d like to know about me?” Tynian asked Logan.

 

[Logan Pryce]

Logan thought for a moment, then offered a slight nod in return.


“I think that’s all I need to know...unless you want to volunteer something. As for myself...I am not particularly skilled with telepathy...but I do know how to muffle my voice in the Force to speak into a comlink discreetly if we are for some reason separated.”


Just then, the ship quivered and shook, and a low rumble reverberated throughout the entire ship. Logan thought he had a slight cracking somewhere, but that may have just been his paranoia.


“Looks like we’ve docked.”

@Nastalle

 

[Tynian]

Upon landing and exiting they were met by a single Rakatan. Tynian couldn't tell whether the being was male or female, and he thought better of asking. It wouldn't be a good start to offend whoever it was that had been sent to meet them.

As they approached the escort, the Rakatan gave a very stiff and impolite bow. "Greetings Jeedi. I was beckoned to meet you here and to escort you to the designated meeting site. Follow me."

Tynian looked to his comrade and gave a short smile. It looked like they were going to be treated as expected...with contempt.

The escort led them to a very nice open top speeder, which was used as their transportation to the meeting... and then through the massive space station. The shipyards that they passed were huge and very well organized, as the Rakatan went to and from their work places, much like an ant colony. Everything moved smoothly and in sync with everything else...

Tynian was quietly in awe of the station and what the Rakata were accomplishing there. "This is all very impressive." he mentioned to the escort. Their guide responded with a slight nod, but nothing more. "We are as we are Jeedi, nothing more and nothing less."

@Dawyn @Vosrik

 

[Logan Pryce]

Off to a great start, Logan thought, keeping his expression hidden in the shadows of his cloak, as the escort more or less outright stated that they had been the one who had drawn the short stick and thus had to deal with the two of them. He was glad he was leaving the negotiations to Tynian. He had a feeling it would be like trying to scratch durasteel with his nails.


In contrast to the rundown shuttle, the speeder that they were brought into was quite nice-likely some kind of power play. Show them how little they were valued, then impress them with might and opulence. He wasn’t quite certain, but that at least meant they willing to negotiate...if with them having the upper hand. And that is something they were going to have to reverse, somehow. To get an exclusive contract from beings who clearly thought they were superior…


You don’t ask a lot, do you, Wolfe? If you think this is a Knight level task...I shudder to imagine what you think Masters should be capable of doing.


Logan had to conceal a wince when Tynian admitted he was in awe of the shipyards and the Rakatan acted like as if it were nothing special. That would likely be reported to his superiors. Of course his fellow Knight could be playing into their hands so that he could surprise him later. He hoped. Otherwise this mission was going to be pretty damn difficult.


You should be more trusting, Logan, the final words of guidance he had received upon graduating the Academy echoed in his head. You can always trust in your fellow brothers and sisters.


He hoped those words were true.

@Nastalle @Vosrik

 

[Tynian]

The speeder stopped at the designated meeting area. It was a large office building that overlooked the massive shipyard. The building itself held the Rakata leader's and secretary's offices.
The escort led them to the top floor that belonged to the highest ranking Rakatan "CEO"... the entire floor was his office, and there were glass panels all around so he could see any part of the shipyard anytime he wished.

A large table sat in one corner, with the CEO already seated at the head of the table. Other Rakata were seated around him, with no empty chairs. Indicating the Jedi would be expected to remain standing during the negotiations. As the two Jedi were led into the room, all conversation previous stopped. All eyes, except the CEO fell onto the Jedi. The CEO kept reading from a datapad that was placed in front of him.

Once the escort had gone, the CEO finally looked up. "Welcome Jeedi. Let's skip the pleasantries. You are here to broker a deal for ships to be built for your Jeedi Order." The CEO folded his hands brought them up under his chin. "What can you offer us that would be beneficial to the Rakata?"

As the CEO spoke, Tynian used the force to sense if there was anyone in the room that would need help medically... and found none. So giving up on that idea, he stepped forward. "It is the hope of the Order that we could come to an arrangement that would be beneficial to both of our organizations. But please, if you would indulge me, we would like to see exactly what we would be getting in regards to ships. You do have a very fine and impressive facility, but we would like to take a closer look before we talk specifics."

The CEO paused and then nodded. "If that is what you wish, then we can oblige. But once the tour is complete, you will answer my question Jeedi."

Tynian didn't show it, but he was relieved. The tour would give him time to figure out just how to negotiate with the Rakata, and also to figure out what exactly they had to negotiate with. The Council didn't give the two Jedi very much to use as a bargaining chip, but Tynian wasn't going to go away without some sort of agreement.

He sent a telepathic message to Logan Act impressed during the tour, keep your eyes open for any opportunity to help and show them we are valuable as allies.

The CEO decided to lead the tour himself... probably to make it as short as possible. So he stood up and led them out of the room and to a turbo-lift that took them to the shipyard's main floor...

@Dawyn

 

[Marina Giulestei]

Force, this place was big.

And she knew if she'd been with her comrades from the revolution someone would have made a crack after a phrase like that but hey, what's a girl to do sometimes. Back in the day she would have to, though the Jedi had talked a bit more restraint into her these days. It was for the best of course, the life of a Jedi had shown her many things, some on her home planet would have considered unnatural. And that would go for the Rakatans too. While Sahmina had been a diverse planet, the Rakatans were something else.

But here she was, in the great shipyard of theirs, apparently with the idea to ally themselves alongside them. The galaxy could be crazy sometimes. And as her companion Tynian came down the turbolift alongside the Rakatan representative,

"An impressive facility" she offered the group as they passed over to her, though any further comments she might have had were quickly cut short as one of the fuellines across from them suddenly ruptured, sending the chemical liquid spraying across the docking bay as one of the ships was docked for refuel. Not a happy sight at all, and indeed a dangerous one, if anything happened a great deal could go further wrong,

"Hold it!" Marina called, gripping the fuel line with the force, holding back as much of the flow with the force as she could. Hopefully Tynian or the Rakatans could stop it fully before her powers gave way and something worse happened. Fortuitous though, if they could stop it a good example, if small, of why Jedi assistance would be valuable to the Rakatans.


@Nastalle

Spoiler: OOC

Heya! I'm jumping into this thread to help finish it off, let's have some fun :)

 

[Tynian]

As the line ruptured, and the chemicals began spraying everywhere, Tynian instinctively reached up and used the force to push the liquid away from the CEO and the rest of the group, effectively protecting them from getting harmed in any way.

Luckily a deck worker who had been working in the same area, ran over to the fuel pump attached to the line and shut it off. The line went slack as there was no more pressure from the liquid coming through it.

Tynian turned to the Jedi who had subdued the line and asked, “Are you ok? That was quick thinking on your part... well done.” Then he turned to the CEO and the group to see if they were alright.
The Rakata leader nodded his thanks as a deck officer and clean up crew arrived on site to begin taking care of the mess.

“You have our thanks Jeedi.” the CEO replied. “Our apologies that something like that happened while you were touring our facility. Usually was are very safe and take great care in making sure our equipment is working properly.”

Tynian just smiled. This could be the opening the Jedi were hoping for in the negotiations. But he wasn’t going to jump on it just yet... Theu would continue the tour and see if there were more opportunities to gain an even stronger trust between the two groups.


@Nightfall096

 

[Marina Giulestei]

With the fuel line out Marina breathed a sigh of relief, the Rakatan ceo nodded perfunctorily at them and went to continue. Marina took in the mans words, and yet apparently had not spent enough time around them to realise that a response like,

"Kriff happens mate"

Was not the one they were looking for. The Rakatan looked at Marina long and hard for a moment before replying,

"It does not. Mistakes. Accidents. Failings. All remediable. Not whatever you try to play it off as" he said with a grumble, clearly it would be better if Marina kept her mouth shut and let Tynian do the talking from here. Whether she'd blown any good will they'd made she couldn't know, but for now she merely followed the tour as they continued round the facility, she couldn't help but note the mans explanations were more curt than before.

Not that it seemed she would need to be speaking much more for now. Another ship, another fuel line, automatically filling the ship up for launch. And yet, as the man spoke, in the force she felt something, some note of ill intent, something... wrong.

It wasn't long before she found out why.

With a roar, flame tore up the fuel line and into one of the rakatan ships, rocking the yard in an explosion as the fuel chamber and hyperdrive went up in flame, sending debris and energy scattering across the room. The untoward intent of the saboteur leapt at her like a beacon in the force as the flames went up. A crazed looking Rakatan, sprinting across the room.

Marina leapt after them, her focus consumed in catching the criminal, hopefully Tynian could do something to help the delegation, her mind already elsewhere.


@Nastalle

 

[Tynian]

As they walked another explosion rocked the shipyard... Debris and flames flew out in every direction, and a large piece of the ship went into the air and came down directly toward the group on tour.
Tynian again used the force to shield the Rakata group from the debri, and the piece from the explosion fell harmlessly down, landing right in front of them.
As the Marina ran off after the saboteur, Tynian turned to make sure they were alright again.

The CEO, now livid at all that had transpired, brushed himself off, straightened his coat and tie, then stepped right up to the Jedi and looked him in the eyes. "It seems that someone is trying to keep us from dealing together. I don't like that. I want you to know, that we are not people who can be muscled or pushed around... And, to add to that, you have proved your worth in helping protect us from their attacks. So we have decided that we will be working with your Order. We will build ships for you, and you will have our support whenever you need us."

Tynain was speechless as the CEO continued. "We will be sending the contract to your superiors as soon as we get back to the office. I would also hope that your partner deals with the saboteur harshly. See to it that he will never breathe again. Good day to you Jeedi." With that the CEO led his group back to the turbo-lift, leaving the Jedi alone on the shipyard floor to wait until Marina came back.

But instead of waiting, Tynian went off in the direction that Marina ran.

@Nightfall096

 

[Marina Giulestei]

How they'd managed to sneak in and sabotage the kriffing ship Marina would never know, because their plan of escape was particularly wanting. Perhaps they expected more chaos, or they weren't expecting a pair of Jedi to be visiting that day, but no matter what she knew it herself that a getaway plan couldn't be simply "run and hope they don't catch you", because that's all this one was.

Bounding across the shipyard floor, she vaulted over crates and round cargo, catching the runner by their lapel, holding them firm as they tried to run. With her free hand she waved it over the criminals mind, dulling his senses until they passed into a deep sleep, long enough to get them somewhere safe and see what this was all about.

It wouldn't be long until Tynian caught up to her, Marina carrying the knocked out culprit in her arms,

"That's him" she said as she heaved him on top of a crate, looking round to signal some guards to take him away,

"What about our Rakatan friends? They on our side?"


@Nastalle

Spoiler: OOC

And I guess that's about it then, if you want to wrap it up :)

 

[Tynian]

Tynian caught up with Marina as she caught the would be saboteur. As she put the Rakata onto a crate she asked. "What about our Rakatan friends? They on our side?"

Nothing like getting to the point, Tynian thought with a smile. "It seems they are willing to work with us, they are sending a contract to the Council as we speak." He looked around and then looked back at her. "Our job is done here. Bring the prisoner, let's go home."


{nothing more to do. End Thread}

@Nightfall096 @Vosrik @Dawyn