Fwurg

[Empress Saret Neferti]

The empress, still protected by her handmaidens, and her entourage started walking towards the ship.

[Ariana Danacia]

Ariana follows the empress to the ship. Watching the guards to make sure she notices it when they change their mind.

Protection is our main duty, we are not here to fix such deep rooted cultural issues now, said Ariana in herself.

[Shaedys]

Shaedys follows the empress as well, being wary of the guards changing their minds again but not expecting it.

Protection was the first priority but diplomacy was second and that seemed to have failed up till now.

[Jedi Master Screetor]

Soon the Jedi arrived at the Star Destroyer, moving inside to the hangar bay where the Pratenik was located. The ship was intact and they could enter, but they would find that docking clamps had locked onto the vessel to prevent it from taking off. Normally these were used to prevent on board fighters from drifting off if gravity generation failed, but they made a quite effective lock-down.

Moving inside, the Jedi had to take stock of their situation but before anything could happen there was a bleep on the ships communicator.

"This is Jedi Master Screetor. What in the name of the Force are you doing down there? We're getting messages from the Slave Rebellion that they want to negotiate for the Veolian Empress!" Though the Jedi Master did not show any anger in his voice, his choice of words and the stern look on his face made it quite clear he was not too pleased.

((OOC: I moved us ahead a bit. Also yes, I thought this more dramatic than a mask.))

[Ariana Danacia]

"It seems their were some cultural issues that we could not overcome. Apparently they compared the Veolians to the Hutt and demanded us to release the two slaves that the Empress brought with her. After trying to explain the cultural difference they lined up to execute us and gave us one more chance. When the Empress declined their offer once more they hesitated but let us leave to our ship.

They did not tell us that we were hostages. Our ship is docked in the Sacred Vendetta and it looks like they don't want us to leave. It seems that either the Slave Rebellion seems to do fine on their own against the Hutt invasion or they rather perish against the Hutt than accept the help of slavers from the Veolian Commonwealth."

Ariana looked like she was rushing her response. It seemed like she had the idea she was forgetting something.

"How should we proceed master?"

[Empress Saret Neferti]

The empress had opted to go to the relative luxury of her quarters, instead of waiting around in the cockpit of their rusty vessel. She took both her belongings with her, and two of the four handmaidens were once again standing guard at the door to her quarters.

The other two handmaiden followed the Jedi to the cockpit. They remained silent, and even though both handmaidens had neutral expressions on their faces, the Jedi could pick up that both handmaidens carried a lot of anger directed at the padawans.

[Shaedys]

Shaedys heard Master Screetor and Ariana but then put a stern look on his face, directing himself at the equally between Master Screetor and the other Jedi.

"I think it is time for action! Paying some kind of ransom has no guarantee of them letting us go. Worse they have double crossed us at every point they could so far and we are far too valuable to have as hostages to let us go. Thus there is a strong indication they would keep us anyway. Now they may have a crew manifest, but they do not know what this ship is capable of. I propose we leave one or two padawans to guard the empress, using every means to do so. This is so the other one or two padawans can set about to disable this Star Destroyer in some way. Necessarily the weapons must be disabled but it would be great if we can cripple the engines and communication. Master Screetor, if the union has any further information on this ship, the Sacred Vendetta, that would be great.

There is the issue of the crew which, undoubtedly numbers in the thousands. They would probably try to enter the ship and stop the external Jedi by holding us at gunpoint however this ship still has guns we could use as defence, guns and Jedi.

If we can then disable the weapons we can leave this ship shooting and return to Union Space.

Master Screetor, if you have any objections or foresee problems advice is appreciated."

[Darones Rei]

"Sounds like an excellent suggestion, I'll stay here and make sure the Empress is safe and the ship ready to go. Why don't you see if there is a way to get us out? "

[Jedi Master Screetor]

Master Screetor remained silent a moment after the Jedi had spoken.

"Rewind."

He finally stated.

"You allowed slaves to come on a delicate political negotiation with the Slave Rebellion?"

There was an awkward pause that lasted a little bit too long and it was quite clear this was not something that pleased the Mon Calamari.

"I was counting on you all to -prevent- any intergalactic incidents! Did none of you think that a faction that calls itself the slave rebellion and that names one of its warships the 'sacred vendetta' might possibly be offended by bringing slaves into their territory?!"

Contrary to what some of the texts read, there was a lot of emotion and very little peace of mind for the Jedi Master.

"And now you want to fight your way out and destroy one of their military vessels and ask if I foresee any problems!? I do not doubt that you have the physical power to do it, but I don't need the Force to see how it will still end badly!

Clearly it was my mistake to send you lot out alone. We'll talk about a remedial course in diplomacy after you get back! For now, just... just sit there, and try not to start a war!"

The Jedi Master needed a moment to calm himself down enough to find a solution for the conundrum, giving the Jedi a chance to respond.

[Shaedys]

Shaedys observed the anger in Master Screetor and tried his best to reply calmly, he put his hands behind his back to give himself a moment to gather his courage.

"Sir, the slaves were obviously a mistake and should not have been taken with us in the first place. We have failed to take appropriate action in this matter and this has undoubtedly led to an escalation and our current problem. We however cannot fix this any more and must focus on that current problem.

I wish to resolve this as diplomatically as possible, but my first priority is to protect the Empress. We were not lured into this ship under any explicit false pretences, but the admiral back there did seem to have a wish to kill the empress.

However not at this point, most likely because she makes such a valuable hostage. I do fear that if any bargain is struck they may double-cross us and attempt to take the life of the empress given their animosity and possibly disorganised nature. That is why I proposed to fight, but sir, if you have a solution that allows us to not escalate this further whilst keeping the empress safe I am all eyes and ears, sir."

[Empress Saret Neferti]

Just after Shaedys was done speaking, the Jedi could see the two handmaidens' expressions darken. Master Screetor might even be able to see this, if the holonet recording contained the handmaidens.

Even though they remained silent, it was clear that they were not at all amused by the current turn of events, or its explanation.

[Ariana Danacia]

Ariana stepped towards Shaedys and whispered. "We are completely blind here. Let's see what we can do outside our little ship. Lets try to sneak towards a console and check the destroyers manifest. Maybe we might even be able to hijack their communications to listen in. If you can find us a way to a console, I will see what our options are."

Ariana waited for Shaedys to scout ahead and find a console.

[Jedi Master Screetor]

"I agree, we need to find a solution to this problem, we will discuss blame at a later point in time.

However, if you start scouting around in their systems, they might think you are spying on behalf of the Hutt and who knows how they will react." he paused a moment "Can you convince the Empress to change her mind with regards to her slaves? That might appease the Slave Rebellion."

[Ariana Danacia]

"Fine, we will stay here."

"I am afraid that the Empress was pretty clear on her oppinion about the two slaves. Frankly I have to agree with the Empress that releasing the slaves into the care of the Slave Rebellion would not give us any guarantees on how they will be treated and what it will change to our situation since they already threatened to kill us."

Ariana paused for a moment.

"If you believe that we have to hand them the slaves as a token of good will we will try to convince the Empress to join in this plan. "

[Jedi Master Screetor]

"Regardless of how bleak the situation may seem, we must try to be diplomatic. What happens here can have consequences for millions of lives. Trust in the Force. It may guide you to see what you cannot observe with your eyes."

At least the Jedi Master had become cryptic again - cryptic was better than upset.

[Shaedys]

"I see the wisdom of this, and so we will try to appease the Slave Rebellion." Shaedys said before making a bow to master Screetor.

Shaedys then walked off in direction of the quarters of the empress, greeting the two handmaidens standing outside and then moving to the door and knocking on it. If it would not be indicated then that he should not enter he would open the door and enter.

"Greetings, we have conferred with jedi Master Screetor on the situation and we believe the best course of action is to appease the Slave Rebellion by liberating the slaves. They have at this time not demanded the slaves themselves, just their liberation. You could keep them as commoners who work for you."

[Empress Saret Neferti]

As Shaedys approached the quarters of the empress, the glare the handmaidens gave him were most unfriendly. However, they did not interrupt him.

After knocking, the door was opened by the twi'lek girl. Just as the door opened, Shaedys could hear the sounds of a sword fight. Upon seeing that it was one of the Jedi, she quickly moved aside to let him in.

Shaedys walked inside, and saw what caused the sounds: the empress and her human slave were engaged in an intense practice match. As soon as Shaedys walked into the room, both the empress and the slave stopped their mock battle. The empress had clearly changed clothes, as she wore a red sports bra and a loose-fitting red sweatpants. Both women were sweated from their exercise.

Addressing the slave first, the empress stated: "Thank you Shandryss. Please inform Cauthā that we will make use of our personal equipment."

While the slave left the room, the empress splashed some water from a bowl in her face and accepted a towel handed to her by the twi'lek. After drying her face, she put the towel on the table near the bowl and turned to the Jedi.


"Padawan Shaedys", she started, "would you give up your right lung and your left arm because someone with a large gun demands it? Do you think this person would accept that you have liberated your organs when they are still inside your body, or do you think they would only be satisfied when you are bleeding, and the organs lie on the ground before them?

We have been taken hostage by the Slave Rebellion, which apparently lacks the civility to recognize the status of foreign diplomats. If we yield to their wishes now, what would prevent them from demanding even more outrageous things? Should we trust their honour, or their word?

And even when they take hostages they lack the civility to offer us adequate quarters, or the spine to actually inform us that we are hostages. Regardless, we do not negotiate with hostage-takers whether they be civilized or barbarians. That would only validate the strategy."

The empress' voice grew harsher while she spoke.

"Instead of coming here to propose that we surrender to their ridiculous demands, and thereby open ourselves up to even further demands, you should think of a way to actually protect us!"


The twi'lek girl stepped towards the empress.

"Mistress. You should not be too angry with these brave Jedi.", the twi'lek girl interjected.

"You are right Shanora. Their inexperience can only be ascribed to a serious failure of their superiors. We shall concentrate on getting back to the Union, after which I shall inform my husband of the events that perspired here."

The empress directed her attention back to Shaedys. "Get out.", she stated brusquely. "I wish to change."

[Ariana Danacia]

Ariana waited at the bridge for Shaedys to return with an answer from the Empress.

[Shaedys]

Shaedys bowed before the empress and apologised "I apologise for the brusque way I phrased the question. I shall leave you alone now."

He then left the room and headed back past the handmaidens, making small bows to apologise. Heading back to Ariana and Master Screetor.

"The proposition did not go over well. This was partly due to my undiplomatic phrasing but she also raises a valid point. Regardless of their trustworthiness, if we negotiate over hostages then nothing stops them from taking more hostages. I do not at this time have another plan that might help this situation." Shaedys announced, scratching the back of his head at the last part.

[Ariana Danacia]

"I am afraid that you could not have changed her opinion. With the current death threats and hostage situation she does not want to appear weak and is probably waiting for us to fight our way out of this.

I guess we should focus on the individuals in the Slave Rebellion that listen to reason and are not trigger happy. I will contact Admiral Efy'arn to ask if he is aware of the current situation, he seemed like a reasonable person who was capable of controlling his emotions."

Ariana opened a communication channel to the bridge of the Star Destroyer Sacred Vendetta.

Greetings,
I am Ariana Danacia on board of the Praternik. We would like to speak to Admiral Efy'arn. Admiral you looked like a wise and reasonable person that understood the importance of our diplomatic mission.
It appears that we are currently hostages on board your ship and your faction is dealing with the Union for ransom. Could you confirm this and tell us your position on this matter?

We would still like to resolve this conflict in a diplomatic matter. I have to admit that the aggressive attitude was not one sided, I apologize for this. Could you bring us in contact with one of your leaders that is still behind a diplomatic solution?

[Darones Rei]

"I agree," Darones said, "The admiral seems most reasonable and I doubt that all of the Rebellion's leadership would risk an all out war with the Union. They will want to do something about this situation if we are indeed hostages."

[Shaedys]

Shaedys stood around, nodding in agreement to the decision Ariana made, standing in the background and remaining silent so Ariana could communicate clearly.

[Mercury]

"A ransom?" the admiral raised his eyebrow "I find that hard to believe. The Slave Rebellion does not trade in people, under any circumstances."

Taking a moment to think, the admiral sighed.

"I may be able to help... You Jedi are well connected. I would consider your respective factions to owe me a favour. One I may call upon in the future, should I need assistance."

He looked intensely at them.

"Also, it won't be pretty and it'll take me some time to arrange. I'll start the preparations, but you'd better come through for me, cause this is going to cost me heavily! Let me know when you agree to my terms."

[Ariana Danacia]

Ariana paused the transmission to discuss the situation for a short moment.
"I am personally willing to grant him this favour from us. Both the Union and the Slave Rebellion will be in his debt if he succeeds.

I do want to know what he actually wants to do know because we are not good at steering blind.

What do you guys think? Shall I agree to his terms?"

[Darones Rei]

"What other option do we have," Darones answered, " currently we can go nowhere, and the prospects aren't good if nothing is done. I would like some more information on the exact nature of the favor, but I can understand that he currently doesn't know what it could either, nor would i answer that in his position. You can ask, but I don't expect an answer.

Either way, we should take him up on his offer regardless."