Private A Delicate Matter

[Tigris Aphra]

Tag: Kahlil Noble


The matter was a delicate one. An expert Bothan genetic scientist with wavering loyalties was enroute to Belazura to enjoy the planet's luxurious resorts. The scientist, Dorwyn, had been working under the benefaction, and heavy thumb of, the Imperial Confederation. His work in genetics was ground-breaking, with the potential to be beneficial, to either virtuous or nefarious ends. But he chafed under the IC's demands. Having contacted Alliance agents with intent to defect, Dorwyn was to travel aboard an unremarkable chartered transport, disguised among other unremarkable passengers, to Belazura. There he would meet with SIA operatives and 'disappear'.

But an unfortunate starship malfunction and a diversion brought the transport to Nar Kagga, a world run by a minor Hutt crime lord of the Shell Clan named Dagoon. The clever Hutt discerned that Dorwyn had some value to the GA, though the true significance of the Bothan were unknown. While the other passengers were permitted to leave once their ship was repaired, Dorwyn was detained as the Hutt's 'guest.'

The daring Hutt contacted the Alliance, and with great pretense and feigned good-nature, Dagoon offered to negotiate for the safe passage of his 'guest' to GA space. But there was also a subtle threat that other entities might be offered the same boon if the Alliance appeared 'uninterested'.

The GA's response was measured. Alliance negotiators would not be engaged, to avoid political entanglement. A single, or in this case, a pair, of Jedi would go instead. This would suggest that Dorwyn had some value, but not enough to deem a formal envoy. The fact that the lead jedi was a member of the Council and titled master could reveal the true significance of the detainee. But, hopefully the Hutt did not know much of Kahlil Noble or his position.

Master Noble and his padawan, Tigris Aphra, arrived at Dagoon's palace, an opulant gem gleaming amid the cold dank swamplands of Nar Kagga. Having been received at the docking bay, they awaited audience with the armored Hutt in a small antechamber.

Tigris stood next to Kahlil. She wore more traditional robes of black and dark green, her only other visible accoutrements were the braided bracelet around her right wrist and the lightsaber at her side. "Do you think he has any idea who the Bothan really is?" Tigris asked her towering mentor, dark eyes lifting to the pensive jedi master. She had little experience in matters of diplomacy. Kahlil was ever-calm, something she had noted in a number of situations when it seemed chaos, or tension, surrounded them. While Tigris offered Everest Vale her calming strength, the tattooed padawan found her's in Master Noble.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

An unofficial official envoy. As the Shield, he was often in negotiations among the Senate. It wasn't something he particularly enjoyed, but he was there none the less to help make sure the Jedi weren't taken advantage of. That people in general weren't taken advantage of. Did that mean he stopped it? No. Politics were messy, always.

"Knowing they're valuable is quite a lot already. How valuable will be the tipping point, I imagine. If they learn the truth, it's possible the Imperials will end up being brought in for a bidding war." Or possible assassination if the Imperials felt it was more worth it. There were a lot of variables there. Kahlil smiled though, glancing towards the facility. The palace. He didn't like these places. In his time working as a smuggler, he quite actively tried to avoid the Hutts.

Slavery was far too legal here, after all.

"Try to respond with questions. Never give a definitive answer where you can, especially when you're unsure. Never speak that, though. Seeming sure is the best way to dissuade another from lying, and in the inverse it can be said the most confident are just confident in their bluffs. .. Do you enjoy Sabaac, by chance?"

Tigris Aphra

 

[Tigris Aphra]

Tag: Kahlil Noble

Tigris nodded as Khalil offered his thoughts on possible paths the circumstances might take. Too much was still unknown for the padawan's liking. But that was the nature of negotiations, as Master Noble suggested, acting like you know more than you did seemed to be a good practice.

The nodding ceased when Kahlil asked if she enjoyed sabaac. She knew how to play, but Tigris was not one for games of chance. Her background was too rooted in following a proscribed scheme. Entering a secured facility, following the precise habits of a target. Leaving anything up to chance meant a failed mission, or worse. But, bluffing, pretending to be something she wasn't. well, that had come with the territory of being an assassin.

"I think I know where you are going with this, Master." The Atrisian padawan replied with a wry grin.

They were greeted by green-skinned Falleen in embroidered robes. "The Master will see you now." He crooned. Tigris scowled, already feeling the effects of pheromones exuded by the majordomo, certainly to put the jedi visitors off balance. The tattooed padawan paused to re-center her focus.

The Jedi were escorted by the majordomo and two Barabel guards to the audience chamber. Within, the crime lord Dagoon awaited. Like most Shell Hutts, Dagoon was clad in armor. This particular Hutt had cleverly modified his armor insectoid legs for movement, opposed to the typical repulsors. One arm was missing, a cybernetic one in its place.

The majordomo motioned for the Jedi to stop, before taking a few steps forward. "Master... may I introduce Jedi Master Kahlil Noble and Jedi Apprentice Tigris Aphra." He said with such a flourish it could have been percieved as mocking.

The Hutt studied the Jedi envoy for a moment, then commented in Huttese. The Falleen translated, though Tigris had understood him.

"The mighty Dagoon asks what brings him the honor of a Jedi visit." The majordomo translated.

Tigris looked to the armored Hutt, then to Kahlil. As the Master and head of the envoy, Tigris dared not speak before him. Though she did nod to confirm what was translated was accurate.