Open Aggressive Negotiations

[Alexandria Voran]

Noise sprung up from city streets. Unending, cacophonous noise. The boots of the Jedi thudded softly in the dirt streets. The market of the small outpost in the southern hemisphere of Ithor bustling with activity. Alex’s eyes were closed while she walked. She listened. The hum of the Darkside pulsing in the back of her mind. That sore 30 miles outside these city walls. They did not belong here. She clicked her tongue. Her Order managed to keep the Imperials at bay, but they remained a parasite. A growing infection on the planets surface. Alex longed to burn them away. Who could stop her? No one really. The garrison left behind was resolute but overwhelmed. They could not stand against her…but she knew this was not the way.

How many years ago was it now? A decade or more since she’d told Max negotiations were her strength. What would he think of her now? Itching to grab her lightsaber and lay waste to the Imperial Fortress. It would be so much easier than trying to talk their way into a resolution. Alex took a deep breath. Slowly, she returned to herself. The sounds of the market remained but the pulse of the Darkside was shut away. She had done as necessary, confirmed the Sith remained. There was no need to let the feeling linger in her mind.

Perhaps that was what colored her thoughts. She scanned the crowd. Padawan Unduli was meant to meet her here. Alex extended her mind for the young Jedi. He would be able to find her easily enough. First, they would try talking. She remined herself that every diplomatic victory was worth hundreds, thousands of lives. She did not need more blood on her hands. Not when they were already stained red.

@Scoobert

 

[Ki Jem-Taan]

It was considered that it might have been too soon to send Ki to Ithor, to a place where Dark adversaries still lingered. The padawan, quite old for a learner, had already known the ways of the Force. But from the Dark side. It was the ways of Light she now sought. The former Seyugi Dervish had renounced that evil sect, which had been dead for almost a century and a half. While the generations passed since then, Ki had been frozen in carbonite. The effects of such a long hibernation, and the anachronism of her awakened existence, had wreaked havoc on her psyche. A curious effect had been a spin of her moral compass, and a desire turn from the Dark. Ki had sought to remove the corruption. The Jedi, with some reluctance, had taken her in.

Perhaps her assignment to Ithor was a test, to try her against any allure the presence of Darksiders may pose to the padawan learner. Some thought it a dangerous ploy, others thought the former Darksider might prove an asset against their foes.

As the padawan stalked the market of the small walled town, Ki focused on the wares upon makeshift tables. Her delicate hands, hands that had killed many victims in the distant past, brushed over painted dura-clay pots and colorful woven textiles. Deep brown eyes studied those of the merchants of dried meats and kitchenware, to some offering the smallest of smiles. But she was ever aware of the imperial remnant out beyond the wall. Ki had caught the chafing of her fellow Jedi at the remaining presence of the Empire on Ithor. All would not be well until the surface was scrubbed clean of them.

It had been easier than Ki had thought, embracing the ways of the Jedi. Perhaps the distance in time from the ways of her old masters rendered their selfish, evil tenets empty in comparison to the very real values of the Jedi, lived out before her daily. That tangible demonstration of her new creed help silence those whispers that tried to lure her back.

As the padawan picked up a color-spattered sphere to ask what it was, Ki's gaze caught the figure of a woman nearby. Her face was recognizable in an instant, and a subtle thrill raced along Ki's spine. It was the Grandmaster herself. Setting the bauble down, the padawan made her way with agility through the crowd, her boots moving across the dusty ground without a sound, her passing like a quiet breeze among the noisy throng.

"Grettings, Grandmaster." Ki asked with assured sincerity and a subtle bow. "How does the work on the Temple go?"

 

[Dimetri Unduli]

Arriving late to the party, Padawan Dimetri Unduli was here to meet with Grandmaster Voran. This mission was, albeit diplomatic, at a high risk of problematic issues. One of which could be combat. The young green skinned Padawan was not so lucky the last time he had to fight, and now he has the scar to show for it. Hopefully this time it goes much more peacefully.

"Grandmaster, I'm sorry I'm late. The physical therapy session took a little longer than expected."

There wasn't any excuse for why he was late, but he didn't want the Grandmaster in a bad mood, so he stretched the truth a little, being he had a physical therapy session but it only ran as long as it was scheduled. A little white lie never hurt anyone, and it made him look less bad in the moment. Either way he was here now and ready to begin the mission.

@Valen Pelora @Tiglath

 

[Alexandria Voran]

Alex’s eyes fell slowly on the young Jedi. She did not recognize the girl. Once, Alex had been able to name nearly every Jedi. The Order had grown beyond her wildest dreams and her responsibilities made such efforts even more difficult. She briefly sunk into the Force to skim the Padawan’s mind. “Padwan Jem-Taan, I am surprised to see you here.” The mission was strictly restricted, but she would not turn help away. Shortly after the girl’s arrival she spotted Unduli. Alex arched an eyebrow. “Physical therapy huh?” Even white lies vibrated softly in the Force.

“Well…we should get going.” The Grandmaster turned and pointed towards the gates that lead from the city. “The Imperial encampment is 30 miles to our south. A speeder is waiting for us on the edge of the city.” Alex took a deep breath. “We have warned the Empire we are coming in an effort to negotiate a cease fire…we can only hope they are amenable.” Her eyes quickly swept over the Padawans. “You are not silent participants. It will take all of our efforts to convince the Empire to abandon this place.” Another deep breath. “If we fail, there will be blood.” The finality of her words hung in the air.

The Morellian Jedi began walking to the speeders. They could waste no further time. Every second wasted was another second the Empire sunk its claws deeper into Ithor.

@Scoobert @Tiglath

 

[Romeo Solus]

.

Romeo had already spent some time on Ithor last few weeks hunting down a criminal for bounty credits. As that job came to a rapid close, the Mandalorian sought else work. There was work to be done at home but for now he would spend some time in solitude, somewhat please to get away from the civil unrests that awaited them when he returned to Kotii. The badger still had difficulty wrapping his mind around his decision to abandon the Manda, not a single second went through where he didn't reconsider the decision but ultimately every time, his heart was content that he pursue the correct path.

Armored gloves ran a cloth through the surface of his Westar carbine as Romeo looked up temporarily, only to catch a shortened glimpse of the Jedi Grandmaster. Lofting a brow, he wondered what business the Jedi could be up to here on Ithor. Regardless, he had some time to spare and considering his hatred for Sith, enemy of my enemy is my friend. Romeo shot up into the air with his jetpack, a whistling noise echoing as he rapidly approached the trio. He was in his usual armament, the dual pistols strapped to his side while the blaster carbine hoisted over his back.

Hovering for a brief moment, Romeo lowered to the ground as feet touched the dirt gently. A courteous nod towards the three, "Grandmaster Voran, I'm surprised to see you outside the temple... Need a hand? Some eyes in the skies never hurt.." He said with a slight chuckle, his voice partially mechanized as it came from within his helmet.

@Valen Pelora @Scoobert @Tiglath

 

[Dimetri Unduli]

Dimetri could feel her disappointment through the force. That's all it took for him to realize the Grand Master really knows everything. As she explained what the reason for being here was, he would nod and begin to prepare for the negotiations with the Empire. It was likely something awry could happen during the discussion. He needed to be ready, not just for himself but for the Grand Master.

"Of course, let us begin the mission."

Dimetri would immediately check his equipment and then a deep breath before following Alex where she would lead. Just then a Mandalorian would arrive and begin to speak with his Grand Master. Odd enough they were going to willingly speak with Imperial forces, now they have a Mandalorian offering help to the Jedi. Something didn't feel right to him but it was up to the lady in charge on how to handle the situation. She was the one with rank after all.

"I'm sorry.. but who are you?"

The question slipped through the Padawan's lips immediately after the bucket head had offered help. Distrust does a thing or two.

@Valen Pelora @Faded @Tiglath

 

[Alexandria Voran]

Of course, nothing ever went to plan. Alex’s sense tingled as the Mandalorian flopped before them. Dimetri stealing the words right from her mouth. The Mandalorians had allied themselves with the Empire. She was nearly certain of that fact. It was only dedicated self-control that kept her saber at her hip. She sensed no malice in the armored figure, but his people were known for studious mental control. It would be possible to hind even from her senses. He did not appear to be actively working with the Sith…that was something.

“I usually start with introductions.” Her voice was light…calm as she spoke. “Since you know me, but we don’t know you.” Alex quirked an eyebrow. “I must confess, current political climates wouldn’t seem to put us on the same side.” Alex was vaguely aware of internal strife within the Mandalorian clans, but such conflict was tightly controlled. Besides, it was difficult to keep track of the changing alliances within the warrior sect. If the man could help, she would certainly take that help.

@Faded @Tiglath @Scoobert

 

[Romeo Solus]

.

Romeo nodded gently before chuckling, bending his upper torso into a courteous bow as he spoke towards the Jedi. "Ahh, my apologies, I frequently make the mistake of assuming everyone knows of the political climate in Mandalore. But, I forget often to realize that we are just a small part of the overall galaxy." He admitted honestly, thinking that perhaps the Jedi Grandmaster had known of the inner conflict and brewing civil war. However, why would she? The Mandalorians as a whole were just a fraction of the galactic powers and their internal fighting had not yet caused an upset on the global scale.

All of which though, he hoped would change soon.

"Romeo Solus, brother of the Justice Army, at your service Grandmaster. As you may know, our alignment is in conflict of the Mand'alor and the other Sith supporting factions.." He said. He hoped the increasing involvement of the Tor'la Akaan'ade in verious Jedi missions as well as defense of FWA planets from Sith invasions had shed a spotlight on the rebel Mandalorians.

@Valen Pelora @Scoobert @Tiglath

 

[Alexandria Voran]

The gears began to click in Alex’s head. Yes…there was war within the Mandalorians and she knew some of those ostensibly on their side. She briefly quested in the Force. The words felt true. She sighed. “Well, far be it from me to turn down help.” She waved for the Mandalorian to follow. “Odds are this ends in a fight anyways.” Her gaze flicked up and down Romeo. “I’ll trust you know what to do then.” A smile briefly crossed her face. “Now can get going?” A few short steps carried her the rest of the way to the speeders. In short order the group was headed towards the southern encampment.

Alex slowed a few hundred meters from the defensive lines. “I’ll walk forward alone. Cover me from above.” The Morellian Jedi took a deep breath and left the speeders behind. She walked slowly until she was close enough her Force enhanced words would carry. “You know who I am. It is time to go home. The people of Ithor will let you leave peaceful…if you leave now.” Silence met her words. Alex stood and waited. Her mind was calm. A seed in the center of a pond. She could wait as long as they needed. Five, ten, fifteen and then thirty minutes wicked past.

Then the shooting started.

@Faded @Scoobert @Tiglath

 

[Dimetri Unduli]

It wasn't his most ideal plan but when Master Voran said she would accept his offer of helping, the Mirialan would stay silent as he accepted the decision made by his superior. He would grasp his lightsaber in his hand and prepare to attack when necessary as stated by his Grand Master.

"Then it is settled, when it is needed I will come out of cover to help."

Dimetri would go forward as well but he would hide in the bushes with concealment that kept him out of sight. The Imperial forces would be smart to leave, when Alex made her way forward and spoke to them, they listened for a small amount of time before there were blaster being fired. Immediately recognizing the danger she could be in, he jumped out of the brush and landing right next to an Imperial soldier aiming at his Grand Master, and he ignited his blade. Dimetri made a slash at the rifle, splitting in two , and then force pushing the soldier into a nearby tree, knocking them unconscious.

The boy didn't want to kill them, but if it became necessary he would. For now it was only about defending his own and keeping the mission undergo.

"Surrender now and no harm will come to you"

He stood with a defensive pose blocking any blaster shots coming his way.

@Valen Pelora @Tiglath @Faded

 

[Romeo Solus]

.

Romeo was a bit unclear on the plan at hand, though he trusted the Grandmaster to surely come up with some wise decisions regarding their approach. As the speeder bikes came to a halt, the Mandalorian dismounted shortly after the two Jedi and slowly ambulated on the path set by Alex. Her force billowed words carried almost endlessly through the entire valley. Instead of heeding their words though, it appeared as the Sith just began wildly firing upon them.

Pressing a button on his wrist gauntlet, Romeo shot in the air with his jetpack in flight mode, using his HUD display to target several Imperial soldiers that were approaching onto their position, 5 in total. Scanners picked up the body forms before rectangular boxes flashed before his screen, locking onto the enemies within an instant. Shoulder cannons opened, releasing the whistling birds towards the group of foes. Its concussion mini-missiles smashed into the grounds at their feet, causing no damage but severely inflicting them with temporary incapacitation.

Romeo raised his rifle to fire but didn't just yet, waiting to see how the Grandmaster wanted him to do? He could neutralize the threats quickly but that may not be the best approach to diplomacy they sought.

@Valen Pelora @Scoobert

 

[Alexandria Voran]

Well…this was less than ideal. Alex wove her blade in a careful pattern. Blaster bolts send cascading into the ground. She was confident in their strange band but there was no denying they remained hopelessly outgunned. This would not do. Dimetri was young but still a Jedi. He had come on this mission. She could not treat him like a child. The Mandalorian could handle himself. Alex’s mind flashed out to her small team. “We have little hope of breaching the defenses. I have a plan, but I need time.” Her batted a few more blaster bolts away. “I can feel the Imperial Commander within. His mind his well-guarded but I should be able to break through. If I can…he will stop the fighting.” The blasting only intensified.

“I will be vulnerable while I do so. My thoughts will be in the mindscape. I’ll trust the two of you to distract the guards…good luck.” The Force well inside Alex. She sent a powerful Force blast towards the defense. Several cries sounded from behind the barriers. That bought them a fraction of time. She gripped the speeder with the Force and flip it. The speeder sat upturned before Dimetri and Alex to serve as a temporary barrier. She smiled at Dimetri. “May the Force be with you.” The Grandmaster took a deep breath and sunk into the Force.

Her mind floated free as she sought her target. Like a spear she slammed into the Commanders mind. His barriers were strong, but his power was greater. Slowly, she began to burry into his senses. It would not be so easy as simply breaking his defenses. Once within his thoughts she would need to convince him to standdown…the alternative was something she wished to avoid.

@Faded @Scoobert

 

[Dimetri Unduli]

The Grandmaster has a plan. No matter the situation or how bad it may get, as long as Dimetri was here he would not allow for her to be compromised. She was covered now by the speeder she flipped and placed in front of himself and the Mandalorian with them. She smiled to the young Mirialan before beginning her plan. Dimetri gave a nervous smile back and would return the the Jedi phrase,

"And may the force be with you Master Voran"

Now it was time to handle the likes of the imperial soldiers ahead. By himself this would be an extremely hard task, but he has help in the Mandalorian with them. It was likely that the fighting would not end if the Grandmaster failed, but knowing her power and determination this wouldn't be too hard of a task. The blaster bolts coming in would hit the speeder's side, as well as flying past the three behind it. Dimetri would look to the Mando and nod before getting back to business.

Standing he would have taken a deep breath and trusting within the force to guide his lightsaber in such a way to defer the blaster's shots at them and place in places that would miss all other life forms. It would be easy for a Jedi to lay slaughter to these troops and claim it as defense, but in reality it just shows there weakness in the their mission. Dimetri knew all lives had purpose and reason for being in the galaxy. Taking that away from them was wrong in his eyes. They were people too no matter how they thought. Who knows if they had families either. These were things not taken into account by the other Jedi. In some cases taking a life is necessary by their standards, but not to the Mirialan Padawan.

"I am not here to kill you, or hurt you. Seize fire and speak with us!"

It would be unlikely they work with him, but it was worth trying to get through to them.

@Valen Pelora @Faded

 

[Alexandria Voran]

Focus. Alex was gone. Her mind lost in the currents of the Force while Dimetri and Romeo hopefully protected her body. The Imperial Commander was easy enough to find in the gaggle of life bustling behind the defenses. A Captain with a rugged streak by the touch of his thought. Alex’s mind wrapped around his…she met resistance. Like all good Imperial officers, he had received training in resisting forces on his mind. Alex pressed on his thoughts again. His barriers were strong. As was his will. She had hoped to do this gently but there was no other choice.

Her mind became a spear and that spear hammered into the mental barrier. She slammed into his mind. Crude but effective. A method the Grandmaster had once sworn off but here she was. She drew the Commander out and flipped them into the mindscape. Her body sweating with the effort. They were in a room…all cold durasteel…sitting across from one another.

“What is this? Where am I?” Alex smiled as she put her hands on the table. “You are on Ithor. Your troops fire upon me as we sit here. I had hoped to have this little chat in person.” A sneer marred the Commander’s face. “Typical Jedi. You manipulate when you can’t get what you want. My mind is my own. You cannot force us to surrender.” She cocked her head to the side. The mindscape quivering. “Maybe. I would prefer not to try, Commander. You have must see there is no hope here. Your invasion failed. It is time to leave.” The Commander slammed to fists onto the table. “Our orders are to stay. You might not understand this, Jedi, but those mean something to us.” She felt his conviction in the Force. The sheer command of his will.

“I don’t want to do this.” The Commander met her stare.

@Scoobert @Faded

 

[Dimetri Unduli]

So much blaster fire happening, so many deflections being made.. Dimetri was becoming almost overwhelmed by the blaster bolts coming in towards him. He had to act quickly, especially since the Mando with them has been less useful than imagined. The Grandmaster was relying on Dimetri to keep her safe. Which was quite the thing.. a Padawan of all people protecting the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order.. what a thing it was.

With quick thinking, Dimetri used the force to push fallen tree branches towards the Imperials. Hopefully this would take out a good amount of them for a little while. They really needed it to die down. As he did, he was deflecting less and less. A blaster shot skimmed right by his ear. The heat almost grazing his skin. It was a close call but luckily he was still here. He ducked down for a moment behind the speeder. Looking back he checked on the Grandmaster to make sure she was still alive, luckily it seemed he's been doing well in his job.

You got this Dim, she's relying on you..

With a deep breath he stood back to his feet and began deflecting the shots coming in. There were less now but still seemed to be enough to be a major threat to their lives.

@Valen Pelora @Faded

 

[Alexandria Voran]

“Do it Jedi.” Alex scowled. She had crossed this line before. She regretted those actions then and knew she would regret them now. What choice do you have? The Empire would not leave willingly. Ithor would be in danger the longer the threat remained. Would she march to the gates and kill all who resisted? Would she subject Dimetri to such violence. No…she couldn’t. “Fine.” Her mind became a spear.

A terrible weapon wielded at her command. The Grandmaster brought her entire strength forth. She hammered through whatever meager defenses the Command put forth. He was strong willed, but his mind was nothing compared to hers. She could not…would not…slam a command into his mind. That was a step too far. A step towards the Darkside. Rather, she flipped through his memories. His life. To find the key she needed. Years of life flooded through her mind. In the physical world, sweat poured down her face. Her body shaking slightly with effort. Finally, a memory snapped into place.

The durasteel walls returned. “I see now.” The Commanders mindscape visage was visibly shaken. “I know you now.” He stepped back. “Stay out of my head.” Alex took a step forward. “Your mind is mine. No secret is safe. Surrender…leave here. No harm will come to you. No prisoners will be taken.” She took another step forward. Her face hard. Her voice harder. “This is your only chance. Take…it.” The Commander shuddered. “Just leave me alone.” The Morellian Jedi nodded. “Done.”

Her mind retreated. The pains of exertion immediately hit her body. Her robes drenched in sweat. Her every inch shaking. She nearly slumped to the ground, but she could hear the blaster fire ceasing. She quickly sought out Dimetri. “It’s over. They are leaving.” She sighed heavily. “See that they make haste, and we will report to Ithorian authorities.” She laid back in the grass. It was over.

@Scoobert

OOC: Wrap this sucker up.

 

[Dimetri Unduli]

Dimetri was growing tired from how many shots he had to block. It was becoming more and more difficult. The bolts seemed faster, and he felt more sluggish. Eventually he had to drop down below cover for a little to catch his breath. Then suddenly as he was resting for a second. The firing slowed down. The sound of retreat began. He looked up as he saw the imperials begin falling back towards their ships.

Then turning back, he could see Grandmaster Voran on the ground seemingly exhausted as she was drenched in sweat, like she had ran two miles straight on Felucia or something. The young Mirialan watched as the imperials fled to their ships and eventually taking off. He couldn't let the Grandmaster lie on the ground defenseless. "You did it Master Voran! I don't know what you did, but you did it!"

Then with the strength of his own and the force, he would lift her up. Carrying her in sort of a cradle hold. "Don't worry, you saved me. Let me help you until you heal up. I'll get us back to the ship." Whether or not she refused wouldn't matter. In the event she was still exhausted so much she could fall, it'd slow them down significantly. Plus who knows what else is down here on the planet. Could be some sort of beast or something. He had to get her to the ship and let her rest properly.

"Ithor would be proud to hear of your accomplishment."

/end thread possibly?

@Valen Pelora