Objective 2:
Jedi Robes
Senator Damian du Couteau spoke and more or less echoed what Mykel had said, though packaged in the syrupy words of politician. That was fine, actually. He would pivot of off that - the good ole' good cop bad cop routine.
The only thing he disliked was mention of Denon, creating a fresh reminder that it was no longer part of the GA and giving some credence to Chantin's point about reliability. As the Jedi saw it, for all the leeway given, Denon had still chosen the Naboo Republic. Realpolitik to the point of appeasement ultimately did not benefit the Alliance or its ideals.
Senator Penhaunter was also pragmatic, but keen to stress that there were limits to what the Alliance would accept from its constituent worlds. He was more direct and Mykel appreciated that.
Chantin correctly pointed out that ultimately the negotiation was between the Alliance and Ord Mantell, with the Hutts presenting themselves as a convenient third way to smooth over the wrinkles in Ord Mantell's peculiar security situation. However, Mykel's discussion with Chantin had been to prove to the Alliance that it didn't see everything in black and white, and compromises could be made. Though it took two to tango. Ord Mantell would have to give up something in return for acceptance.
Mykel turned his attention directly to the the Ord Mantell delegation. He parsed their surface thoughts, ranging from neutral to positive. A mixed bag, but one that was beginning to lean in their favor.
At the head of the delegation was Prefect Kord of the Ord Mantell's transition government council. The pale middle aged woman had a thin and sharp figure nearly the point of appearing gaunt, with high cheekbones that seemed to be cut from stone. She was dressed just as sharply, in a dark navy slim cut business suit that carried the expensive sheen of spider silk. A thin necklace of
aurodium hung peaked out from her ivory band collar. Her hair was woven into an intricate braid, black hair streaked with lines of silver. Everything about her appearance was immaculate. Which was what made the jagged white line of scar tissue down the left side of her face all the more stark. Her glassy blue eyes were matching, but the
technopath could sense that one was a cybernetic replacement.
No one who had dare resist Dark Empire was spared from its cruelty, not even the powerful shipping magnate.
Her expression was stoic though not severe, matching her neutral attitude. She was the shatterpoint here - the rest would fall in line with what she chose.
"Prefect Kord, what are your concerns?" Mykel asked her.
"It was never our intent to become a so called crime hub, but at the time we were desperate for a security solution. For a time, our arrangements with these paramilitary groups and...other organizations has sufficed our needs, but the generous security and economic offerings of the Galactic Alliance are certainly one to consider." Her blue eyes scanned the room, briefly pausing to lock eyes with each Alliance diplomat before continuing.
"I believe that...compliance with Alliance statutes can be satisfied to the liking of your ruling bodies, though I must express that due process be respected as it pertains to our own legal system. We would be open to extradition arrangements if such respect is shown. We would also like to reserve the right to employ private security forces as we see fit, in addition to any martial support that the Alliance would provide."
Mykel perked up at that. Finally, an acceptable track. It wasn't necessarily that Ord Mantell welcomed the criminals, but they needed assurances that they could still provide for their own defense outside of the Alliance framework. That was more than workable.
"Of course, Prefect Kord. The Galactic Alliance is governed by the rule of law. Unless there was an imminent national security threat to the GA or its people, then there would be no scenario where the federal government or the New Jedi Order would just waltz onto Ord Mantell without your express permission. However, I must make it known that we do expect you to prosecute the law with sincerity and fairness. Certain obscene activities, such as slavery and trafficking will have zero tolerance. I will also note that while constituent worlds are given leeway in domestic affairs, federal laws still apply to intrasystems relations within Alliance space, which includes customs check for contraband deemed illegal by the federal government. A bill of rights is also in place to protect all sentients of the GA from violations by both the federal and local governments."
"You would be provided with a grace period to achieve compliance, and a time table for which can be developed in detail today or in future discussions. What we need now is to know if you're willing to try."
Kord leaned back in her seat, eyes closed for a moment in thought. Mykel felt the rising tension among the rest of the Ord Mantell as they awaited her decision with bated breath.
Finally, she opened her eyes and straightened up in her chair, the deliberation made.
"Such conditions would be...acceptable. We will respect your standards if we are afforded some amnesty to set our affairs in order."
She became quiet, leaving the floor for Chantin, and the rest of the Alliance diplomats to add anything.
Whottoomuzz Chantin
Thexann Pehnataur
Damian du Couteau
Mykel Dawson
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