Ask Little Shocks

[Rishe Vakren]

Triumph and victory should have flared within the Padawan as her bluff clearly hit the mark. The Neimoidians were aware of their position, and it was made clear that the Jedi would not be afraid to bend them even further if the need came to it. Rishe had started strong, and she could keep going strong.

Her gaze hardened behind a stony, impassive visage. She should have seen the consequences for the guide coming. She knew enough to recognize the sterile language for what it was, yet she didn't consider the risk earlier. For her disdain with the guide earlier, it didn't deserve whatever fate waited for him, especially not when his orders were used as a bargaining chip by an overzealous padawan.

A miasma of disgust and cold fury mixed with her confidence, evident through the Force. These were the important trade partners the Jedi wanted to work with? Really? She tried to shroud her own culpability with those emotions and thoughts. Or distracting herself with what was happening - was Xiann playing into the son's interest? Concern for the apprentice blossomed along with the uglier emotions.

"Are you sure about this? We should be at an advantage already." Rishe muttered softly, her lips barely moving as Xiann handed the datapad over. It was only a brief moment for her to share any words without making it too obvious. Maybe Rishe's own disgust with these three was too strong, but she couldn't fathom playing into it like that, even without considering the risks of a spurned noble after their negotiations are done.

Either way, she could launch herself forward from Xiann's observation. She gave a cursory look at the datapad before passing it to Max as well. Rishe had a lot to her credit, but she wasn't speaking to the viceroy to take advantage of the rank difference - that by her and Xiann taking initiative, it made Max look more important than the viceroy. No, she was taking the initiative to drive them to the wall in the only way that was currently possible.

"It sounds like a public relations nightmare." Rishe added to Xiann's own statement. "The profit from the garnished wages might cost more later in optics management. That is, assuming all reporters can be bought - and I hear Johnson's got a habit for twisting things to look much worse than they are."

"It would make a good headline. For sale: One Charity, to the lowest bidder." She finished. It might actually be effective to being up J.J. Johnson. Force knows he likes to exaggerate about the Order, so it can make her suggestion actually seem like it's coming from a mutual position of understanding. Plus, reminding the Neimoidians that they're inheriting a charity might help. Not that they'd feel guilty, but that they're aware they can't have their cake and eat it as well. They won't be able to profit much from good, free press.

Force also knows the Viceroy could suffer the complete indignity of taking a financial loss once in a while for a good thing. She didn't want him to benefit from this. And whether or not the cautious tactic worked, Max would be able to recognize the padawan's intentions, that she was going to push the envelope for no other reason than she felt the Neimoidians deserved it, not for the refugees. Jedi self-righteousness.

@Nefieslab @Xian

 

[Maxims Tionson]

Xiann could have had the subtly of a bull rancor when it came to flirting or acting sultry and she still would have had an effect on the son. Worse for the Neimoidians was that she actually had something approaching an idea as to how to use it, which meant she was almost effortlessly able to cause the son’s crush to worsen. Not enough for him to start shaking or stuttering but enough that he wasn’t really even trying to hide the fact that he was watching her now.

Max himself made a mental note to give the son a mind trick if he decided to try and push his affection onto Xiann if she wasn’t into it. If she was? Well that was a whole different matter – he wasn’t her dad.

The son, Brakkan, coughed ever so slightly and nodded, staying closer to Xiann.

“O-of course. My name is Brakkan by the way Miss Xiann…” he replied before making an attempt to look like he was looking at the datapad, ready to impress her with his knowledge before she brought up a good point about the fact that the cost was going to be 40% for the five years, “Ah well… the 40% is to pay toward the upkeep and running of their homes.”

Max took the datapad and took the opportunity to check over the extras section – looking into the small print as it were. He appeared to tune the rest of the room out as he did so but he was still keeping an eye and ear open to the proceedings. Indeed, the son was telling the truth that the 40% would pay for rent and utilities equivalent.

The viceroy took exception to Rishe’s insinuations, of course.

“That is outrageous! We are building pre-fabricated homes and powering them for that 40% and only charging that for half of the time they are contracted to work with us. These terms are to cover costs, not make a profit.” The Viceroy declared with a glare at Rishe, “We are here to provide homes and work in exchange for dedicated workers for at least ten years – this will help them integrate with the core and colonies.”

Max leaned in slightly to whisper to Rishe.

“Usual cost of rent and home running in the colonies and inner rim is between 30 and 40 percent… it approaches 50 in some of the nicer core worlds. Drop it… and ask instead about protection for the refugees.” He pushed her without letting the Neimoidians hear him, “After the first 5 years the small print says they continue to charge 20% for ‘protection’ – push for details, you’re doing well.”

@Xian @Stick

 

[Rishe Vakren]

Between Xiann and Tionson, Brakkan's fumblings weren't going to be Rishe's focus. Instead, she replied to Tionson with surprise, "People can spend up to fifty percent of their income on rent?" It was probably telling that Rishe herself might not have paid rent before, or truly experienced the hardship of life. If anything, it'd explain her familiarity with this environment. "At least they're not paying rent in addition to having their wages garnished." A moment of hesitation. "Right?"

However, the slight correction didn't give her pause. Instead, the one worry she had was dashed. The Knight was giving her the go-ahead, and she'd happily reorient her aim. She stepped forward, not up to their elevated dias, but keeping in motion, maintaining physical momentum as she similarly plowed past that earlier misstep. "Most things that Johnson would claim are outrageous, Viceroy. That's why we only sought to bring it to your attention." Rishe replied, rebuffing the Viceroy's outrage.

Now, to focus on the required twenty percent. She leaned heavily on Max's and Xiann's interpretation of the datapad's text. "Perhaps it's as you and your son say, and it's reasonable. But what kind of threat is going to wait five years for those workers to finish covering your costs?" She points out, motioning outwards to the doors, "They'll be paying a fifth of their wages for the latter half of their employment for... protection, right? What do they need protection from?"

@Nefieslab @Xian

 

[Xiann]

Xiann tuned to look at Rishe and her shock at the prices, giving her a look to focus again. Luckily she did and went straight back to diplomacy with the Viceroy, the loss of composure only momentary. The Twi’lek had heard the price of living could get high in the core worlds, but didn’t think such high prices would extend to here, especially if the Neimoidians were looking for workers to prop up their dieing economy.

She returned back to Brakkan, “Well then, these houses must be quite comfortable. Though I’m sure nothing compared to your own manor. Perhaps I could tour it another day, when we don’t have such formal business to attend, hmm?” She straightened herself up, pulling on her suit to resettle it, “Though I too am concerned about this security risk. I wouldn’t want to put myself, or these refugees, in any unnecessary danger. And I’m sure feel the same way Mr. Brakken.” She continued to beam her smile at him. She was hoping that he may let some detail slip that his father wouldn’t, but at the very least she was keeping him occupied and out of the negotiations, making her fellow padawan's job a little easier.

@Nefieslab @Stick

 

[Maxims Tionson]

Max could very much understand Rishe's concern about how much rent and living costs were in the Core. He was from the Tion Cluster himself and he had been very upset upon learning it as well but it tended to only be that much when they were closer to some places of outstanding beauty or if they were in the middle of the heart of a planet's citiscape. Max shook his head discretely and whispered his reply.

"No - it's 40% for rent and utilities such as power and water. It's a decent deal."

Which probably, more than anything, showed just how desperate the Neimoidians were for a good PR win. They needed to be seen as the good guys because they weren't seen as anything other than the remnants of the CIS at this point even hundreds of years after the Clone Wars had ended. Honestly, they needed a win and the Jedi were here to help them do that - so long as they didn't screw themselves over.

The Viceroy calmed slightly as Rishe deflected his ire toward Johnson, a figure known for being prickly at the best of times. It was a blatant technique that wouldn't have worked on someone who wasn't already in a bad position but it worked here and that was what mattered. The question about security was pointed enough that both father and son squirmed, though the daughter merely looked away to one side.

"Ah the trip from Ryloth to Cato Neimoidia is rather straight forward however it is... also well known and well traveled." The Viceroy explained with a small frown as he worried over his answer, "There are those who would... take advantage of even refugees."

Brakkan picked up the thread left by his father, eager to impress Xiann as he continued.

"Pirates, he means. So after five years we are reasonably sure we should be able to um... well to purchase and maintain a dedicated escort of one CT-Q Auto Command Frigate, two CT-P Auto Picket Corvettes and the accompanying eight CT-0 Auto Pursuit Starfighters."

Alarm bells should be ringing for both Xian and Rishe as they were for Max. Pirates along the route were to be expected but for the Neimoidians to not be able to provide any protection against it for five years was outrageous. It was clear, to Max at least, why that was though; because the protection they were offering were automated. Droid ships built with war capabilities - it would take at least five years of good PR and lobbying for the Neimoidians to earn the right to have such ships at their control.

And all they needed to help push public opinion to allow them to do it was five years of refugees being picked on by pirates with impunity.

@Stick @Xian

 

[Rishe Vakren]

Rishe looked upwards, thanking the Force that Xiann had convinced the dumb boy to say more than he was meant to. Then she'd look across to the apprentice, searching for recognition in the twi'lek. It was probably there, Xiann was clever.

Her hands tightened around one another as the Neimoidian's own blatant ploy was made obvious. Her prejudices had been proven, and she was already maneuvering as aggressively against them as she could, physically advancing with her walk towards their dais just as she pushed them verbally.

"Perhaps we should discuss this more candidly." Rishe replies, her words icy. "The Jedi would grant you the credit for the charity, which would include responsibility. That does not mean they would sit by as refugees are preyed on. Would that not ruin the purpose of this arrangement? The goodwill that was meant for you would instead go to us, or to another FWA planet who steps up to protect them. Thus you may get a handful of ships in the short term, but long term, who would give you opportunities to earn more?"

The best way for the Neimoidians to actually reach their larger goals would be to do the charity right, and earn political power through respect. Though Rishe had little respect to give, and definitely wasn't going to be the one to suggest it. Her gaze flickered over to Xiann for a moment, her brow arching as she nonverbally handed the torch over. The twi'lek apprentice was in a better situation to alleviate their frustration at Rishe with her less confrontational manner and hold over Brakkan, and to represent similar points in a kinder package. It made Rishe think of the good ranger, bad ranger technique she'd seen in holo-serials.

@Nefieslab @Xiann

 

[Xiann]

Xiann let out a whistle when Brakken listed off the ships they wanted to purchase, “That’s some hefty security. A bit overkill for a few pirates, don’t you think? That kind of fire power could hold off the empire for a time. Well, assuming they have exactly zero skilled slicers.”

Her brow furrowed and her smile faded, “Wait, so going by these numbers and your future plans, you won’t be providing any form of security for the refugees for the first five years? Isn’t that the whole point. After five years it’s probable the Refugees will be able to provide their own security.” She turned to look at Brakken again and took a slight step backwards away from him, “Perhaps you aren’t as impressive as I thought. Letting a commodity as valuable as these go unprotected for so long only shows that you lack the resources and foresight to invest in a good future.” She felt a little odd referring to people as commodities but it was a word the Neimoidians could easily latch onto.

Xiann turned on her heels to look towards Max, “It seems my assumption that the mighty Neimoidians could help us was incorrect, Master. I apologise for insisting we come to them first and wasting all of our time.” Was she pushing to hard? Maybe. But this wasn’t her strong suit and was flying mostly blind, hopefully her play combined with Rishe would push the Viceroy to a more agreeable setup.

@Nefieslab @Stick

 

[Maxims Tionson]

Between the two of them, Rishe and Xiann were doing their best to apply pressure to the Neimoidians through one of their great weaknesses; their pride. The son practically bristled (quite a sight on a species without hair) and almost instinctively went to defend the greatness of his people before he caught sight of his father shaking his head. It was with great reluctance that the son stepped back away from Xiann.

If either of the Padawans knew a lot about Neimoidian physiology they would be able to make out a vague pout.

“We shall… take a few moments to discuss this further between the three of us. If you could please, ah, allow us a moment by stepping outside?”

Max reached into the Force, sensing through the door behind them and sensing the emotions available from the Neimoidians. There wasn’t any deception and he couldn’t feel any life from behind the door so he nodded his head.

“Of course, Viceroy. We shall take a moment to allow you to gather yourselves.”

The Jedi would be escorted outside the room, at which point the door would close behind them and Max would rub thoughtfully at his beard. No battle droids waiting for them, which meant that the Viceroy and his family really were just shaken.

“Good job so far guys.” He was quick to point out with a wide smile, “Seriously. Good work indeed – you’ve been pushing their pride hard but don’t be afraid to bring their greed into play too. Remember, this could bring them a lot of credits from the goodwill and from having such a dedicated workforce. Any thoughts on how you’re going to get them to budge on defense? Or if you even should?”

He wanted to hear their proposals so he tried not to lead them too much.

 

[Xiann]

Xiann bowed her head slightly as the Viceroy asked them to wait outside and followed Max out the door. She was surprised to not see any droids there guarding the door anymore. Were they only there to start with to try and intimidate the Jedi? Or pretend to show they have more resources than we expected. She smiled at Max’s praise, “Thank you. We try our best. Though I wasn’t expecting Rishe here to be such a hardline, I’m impressed.”

The twi’lek thought for a moment, “Those ships they mentioned are very powerful. And expensive. Definitely overkill for simple guard patrols. I would suggest talking them into a smaller fleet and lower costs or suggest starting to buy the ships earlier to provide at least some security and spread the cost. Perhaps both? But we definitely need to put a section in saying the fleet can only be used in defense of the refugee routes else the contract becomes void and or they require to pay the refugees. If they have no intention of using the fleet elsewhere, they should have no problem, right?”

She was more just thinking out loud at this point but caught herself, “Oh sorry. Bad habit. What about trying to get the first year at a lower rate so they can buy some comforts. Happy workers are efficient workers. What do you think, Rishe?” Xiann turned to look at her fellow padawan, curious about her thoughts.

@Stick @Nefieslab

 

[Rishe Vakren]

Rishe merely nodded at the praise, her back placed firmly to the doors that led to the Viceroy. "The hardline appearance is far from an act, and while you might have been bluffing back there - I actually agree with what she said. Can't we consider any other candidate?" Rishe says, before pointing out, "They've been slavers, they have a history of war, of holding Sith sympathies, and they clearly don't act in any good faith."

"I don't think they should be allowed any ships. The good press to encourage business should be enough for a charity they have to do nothing to establish. With new ships, they'll outgun their Neimoidian neighbors, and then it'll become a 'defensive' arms race, and they'd still probably find some way to get refugees killed for their goals." Rishe replies. "Make them dependent on another planet's military. They can pay Ryloth to protect the refugees on their way here, and the cost will still probably be less than what they'd ask to field an entire fleet, so they may not be able to argue against it."

To Xiann's second statement, Rishe gives a nonplussed wave of her hand, the deeply-restrained hostility she'd been fermenting against the Neimoidians sliding away as she talks directly to the apprentice, "Don't be sorry. If we're discussing, everything should be on the table, no? But, to improve the refugees' quality of life, the Viceroy needs a concession like what you offer. Ships that aren't as good. Or, if we deny them ships, we might need to be content that the refugees won't be living as luxuriously as they might like."

@Nefieslab @Xian

 

[Maxims Tionson]

Xiann and Rishe were their own people with their own minds and Max was not there to do anything more than guide them and give their words an air of authority by being present and not disagreeing with them. What he was noticing, however, was that Rishe seemed to have a strong stance on the Neimoidians based on their history and their character. It wasn’t undue criticism of them as it was based on past actions but it was something that might put a dampener on negotiations.

The Viceroy and his family might be desperate but even they might not ignore it if Rishe further let her opinions of their species color her interaction with them. Reaching out, he placed a gentle hand on Rishe’s shoulder to look her in the eyes.

“Rishe – be mindful of your feelings.” He told her gently, “Yes, their species has a very troubled history and that cannot be forgotten but we can’t allow ourselves to tar every member with the same brush; mush less one several hundred years old. Are they morally and financially close to bankruptcy? Probably far closer than any of us would like.”

He smiled ruefully.

“But that is why I have selected them. Hiding the Jedi involvement in the formation of this charity is perhaps one of the greatest tools at keeping it from being a target of the Sith.” He shrugged, “And who would believe the Jedi could stomach working with people who they fought in the past? We’re not trusting them with our secret so much as we are trusting in their naked self interest.”

Squeezing Rishe’s shoulder with the same hand, he smiled brightly at the young Padawan.

“But your argument and reasoning skills are really shining through.” He assured her before switching focus to Xiann, “You’re right Xiann; what they’re planning in terms of defenses seems like too much. Think about what you would counter with in detail – what ships would you counter with? What numbers? Remember that Ryloth is unable to spare warships themselves as they are currently on the front-line.”

@Xian @Stick

 

[Rishe Vakren]

It was an effective reminder for the padawan. While she was stiff and unfamiliar in response to Max's kinder affection and his hand on her shoulder, she listened to what he said, albeit with a short, jerky nod and an averted gaze. She tried to hold herself those sorts of emotional decisions and actions, and it was clear she was realizing that her approach had been more than risky. Xiann and Max both were aware of everything she was saying, leaving the padawan screaming into the void for no reason when there was still a task to be done. And it was an embarrassing pill to swallow.

It dampened some of her momentum for sure. Even if the Knight had ultimately praised her, she habitually warped his words to receive them as rightful criticism. With her arms folded, that pesky anger bottled and shipped away on the slightest of sighs, she looked to Xiann. There was no better time to hand off the initiative since she didn't know anything about the ships, so she only added on to Tionson's questioning. "And what kind? Automated or manned? Because I don't think I've heard of Neimoidian pilots."

@Xian @Nefieslab

 

[Xiann]

Xiann shrugged slightly, “I have no inherent problem with their ships being automated, it’s more an issue of firepower. In my opinion the frigate is definitely overkill, so take that off the table.” She looked up to the ceiling and bobbed her head from side to side slightly as she did some rough calculations, “I’d say either one corvette and eight fighters or two corvettes and six fighters. The former is all they’ll need to cover the route from the average pirates. The latter does have way more firepower, so if they go for that we know that we should probably keep a closer eye on them for a while.”

Chuckling slightly at Rishe’s comment, “From what I understand, their ships have a bunker like command centre.” She gestured to the door behind them and the room beyond, “They can issue any order from there and never have to leave. Everything else is either automated or done by droids. Machines are cheaper and more efficient than most organics.”

@Nefieslab @Stick

 

[Maxims Tionson]

Neimoidians traditionally had armored command centers and a lot of automation when it came to this ships but those were their own design of ships. Max wasn’t going to be the one to say that the Neimoidians were going to start being allowed the, frankly, monstrous ships they had had during the Clone Wars. Though they weren’t talking about the massive ships of the trade federation at this point, even if they were automated.

They were talking about a more modern ship design and AI design.

A corvette with some fighters suited him fine but it was up to the Padawans to make that decision and they needed to reach their conclusion quickly. Something told him that they wouldn’t have much longer to discuss before the Neimoidians were ready to resume their discussions and concrete answers and alternatives were required.

But Max had faith that they would find exactly what they needed going forward – he had faith that the Padawans could pull this off without him needing to step in.

Spoiler: OOC

One more round of discussion before the Neimoidians bring us back in - make sure we got specific unit types and numbers for them hard answers!

@Xian @Stick

 

[Rishe Vakren]

"No frigates, so then one corvette and eight fighters should be enough." Rishe affirms. "I would think fighters are better against pirates, and an extra corvette might let them scare their neighbors too much."

She adjusted the collar on her suit, plucking a few locks of her hair that had bunched under it when she was adjusting the jacket. It was a nervous tic of hers, constantly checking herself over, trying to present the best possible face. "We act quick and offer them a squadron of fighters initially. It's a lowball, they'll get flustered. And from there you can override me, and let them argue up to the more reasonable single corvette and fighters. They might think it's a win with how hard I've been pushing them." She proposes to Xiann, wanting to get the plan in order now that she felt sufficiently informed, probably because she was also realizing the Neimoidians would have prepared by now.

She was being more careful now, but recognized that her previous behavior could benefit them. Maybe to make up for her lapse in judgement, or maybe to act like it was part of her plan all along and save face, she was willing to pretend to be the unreasonable negotiator and let Xiann be the hammer to actually finalize the deal.

"Reasonable plan, Xiann?" Rishe asks the apprentice, but flicks her gaze towards Tionson for a second. He was clearly being hands-off, but she wondered if she might find some approval or lack thereof in his own visage, nonverbal communication indicating to her what might be tweaked.

@Maxims Tionson @Xiann

 

[Maxims Tionson]

Max gave Rishe and Xiann a heads up, tapping them both on the shoulder with the Force rather than doing so physically. Rather he turned to face the door, alerting them to the fact that the Neimoidian family were ready to see them again before the doors opened and the son stared at them. His gaze lingered on Xiann for a moment longer than Rishe or Max but he bowed his head slightly.

"Please, come back in and we may continue the discussions."

The son moved ahead of them, stepping back up to the dais to stand with his father and sister. Max was the one who closed and locked the door behind the Jedi group. He bowed his head once back at the Neimodians.

"Viceroy - my group has a counter proposal they wish to share."

Then he took a step back for Rishe and Xiann to take a step up and start with their counter proposal.

Spoiler: OOC

Skipping Xian to keep it moving

@Stick @Xian

 

[Rishe Vakren]

Here it goes. Rishe stepped forward as indicated. "The refugees will require protection for the entire duration of the program. To this end, and taking into consideration the financial and political situation, you will be permitted a squadron of automated fighters to purchase for their immediate protection. Eight of those starfighters will be enough to prevent piracy on the route to your planets, since the risk of encountering them would far outweigh any reward harassing the refugees could provide.

She left it at that, matching her gaze to the Viceroy's. Honestly, her proposal seemed like it was already generous. Despite Tionson's gentle rebuke, part of her hoped that this initial offer would just be accepted, and that Xiann wouldn't have to placate with the better offer.

Because really, would pirates risk engaging brand new, lethal starfighters in order to secure what meagre possessions the refugees had, or barely recoup their costs in slaves?

@Nefieslab

 

[Xiann]

Xiann nodded along to Rishe as she expressed her thoughts and plans to move ahead., but before she could respond verbally she felt the tap on her shoulder and the doors to the chamber began to open to welcome them in once again. Brakkan was the one to greet them and gesture the group inside, she noticed his eyes linger on her for a moment longer than the others. The Twi’lek responded in silence with a smile and a wink before entering with her comrades.

She bowed her head slightly as Rishe stepped straight into action with her proposal of only the fighters. She really was an aggressive negotiator. Perhaps coming on more of these missions wouldn’t be so bad if other Jedi took the same stance.

Xiann waited a few moments for what Rishe had said to begin to settle but spoke up before the Viceroy had chance to chime in, “Though we are not completely aware of the precise schematics of all of these ships, so we are willing to review said schematics and adjust this proposition accordingly. We are also aware that this could take a little time which, as we stated earlier, we are short of today. So if you wish to make a major change in your counter offer, we will have to take those schematics with us as well as the offer and see how they square up to the other negotiations we have lined up.” She kept her smile throughout, though it was more trouble than usual as she didn’t have to be this serious on a day to day basis.

@Nefieslab @Stick

 

[Maxims Tionson]

Max didn't need to be a Jedi Master to see how the Neimoidians in the room bristled at the idea that the Jedi were permitting them to do anything. While the Jedi didn't have any real political authority over them, the court of public opinion held the Neimoidians in contempt even higher than the Jedi. Without the Jedi, the Twi'leks would never agree to the motion and the Neimoidians would be right back where they started. So as much as they bristled against the choice of language, they were not able to bite back against it.

They were, however, able to bite back in other ways to counter the lowered amount. The father, the Viceroy, was the one to counter.

"Forgive me, Jedi, but starfighters alone serve as little deterrent." he argued, "These pirates come armed with fighters of their own, patrol boats and armed freighters capable to outgunning, outlasting and outflying said fighters. Droid fighters are tireless, hence our preference for them, but sentient pilots in stronger ships would demolish them."

Skewed facts but facts none the less - pilot droids were good but they would be beaten by skilled enough sentient pilots in ships suited to the fight. Max himself stroked his beard a little bit and gave both Rishe and Xiann the faintest of nods, letting them know he would back them if they wished to push to revise their numbers.

The son spoke up quickly when Xiann did.

"Lady Jedi there is no need for such delays... I'm sure we can come to some agreements shortly."

Neither side could really afford to back away at this point, the Neimoidians because no better deal would come along. And the Jedi because every meeting made the chance of being discovered more likely.

@Stick @Xian

 

[Rishe Vakren]

As she knew nothing about the combat capabilities of most ships, Rishe was again outclassed. Though to say she was suspicious of the Neimoidian's claims was unfair in her favor - she assumed anything they said had to be skewed in some way or another, but she knew that her pushing was finally meeting resistance. Xiann had added to the bluff that the Jedi were just going to walk right past them, but eventually, the Neimoidians were going to start demanding evidence to the Jedi's claims, and call their bluffing out of frustration or by eventually realizing the strategy.

Delaying this further could hurt the Jedi. And maybe Rishe was starting to doubt her own strategy. She stared at the Viceroy for a while, letting the tension hang between them, assisted by her natural patience. And, well, Rishe didn't know much about ships, but would one corvette be such a loss? They were prepared to be bargained up to that point anyway.

"Then a corvette should serve as suitable backing for those fighters." Rishe finally replied. "Again, risk versus reward. Dedicated military ships, backed up with the sturdiness of a corvette should easily deter pirates from impoverished refugees. It is ideal for your purposes... and requires no significant change to any plans, which I'm sure my companion would be very thorough in examining. Your son speaks the truth, I'm sure you can't afford further delay."

Did Rishe really know that a corvette was sturdier? She didn't know what a corvette was, other than the fact it was bigger than a fighter. And if it was bigger, maybe it'd be stronger. And even with a corvette added to this fleet, she was sure it wouldn't be much of a threat to other planets or merchant lords on Neimoidia, so her concerns of growing military tension would hopefully be avoided.

The padawan's posture remained no less formal, though she did take a step back, punctuating the offer as if she was drawing backwards and implying that it was common sense to accept. Even if Tionson would have backed them through harder negotiations... well. She had been cautioned against being too aggressive earlier, and the lowball offer gave them ample opportunity to take a step back and look more reasonable. Hopefully the Neimoidians would snatch it up.

@Xian @Nefieslab