Private The Wooden Horse

[Jenn Kryze]

​

| Location | Gift of Peace
| Objective | Negotiate

They were rapidly reaching an impasse. With Organa dead set on leaving with Natasi Fortan in tow and only eight suits of beskar'gam to offer them, it seemed that neither of them would be satisfied this day: their host would have no choice but to let them go with their prisoner, returning to the Alliance empty-handed... and they would return to Kestri without a conclusive agreement, forced to keep Natasi within a cell. A prospect Jenn did not quite relish in, no matter how she felt when it came to that woman. Imprisonment was a traumatic experience for her, and no matter how little she cared for the well-being of a woman so very fully of bile and hatred for her people, the Nite Owl was not devoid of decency, nor mercy. If her weariness was more than merely an act, then perhaps it would be best to see her returned to her people sooner rather than later.

Veshok's words came as a surprise, as he had seemed rather content to let her handle the negotiations - but they were far from unwelcome, although she did lift a hand calmly as he began to make assumptions. "Honored son of Clan Rook, you speak with heart, and I commend you. But there is no need to make implications in regards to our host. Senator Organa has shown good will, and no sign of treachery. Respect is owed as our host, if nothing more." His heart was in the right place, and she appreciated having him to back her up in her the calm behind her voice made her lack of frustration with him known, but she had a habit of speaking her mind, and now would be no different.

With that reminder made, the Alor listened most intently as Alicio spoke of Natasi's worth as a bargaining chip, before sending the ball right back in their court - prompting his guests to make a counter-offer. Evidently, asking for the release of prisoners was off the table, as was asking for more beskar: only the eight sets were on board of this ship. Slowly, silently, the proud smith pondered on just what she could possibly ask of him that could be provided right there and then...

The idea came to her rather quickly, as her gaze roamed over Alicio's form, deep in thought. It would be so simple to make, a request that would decidedly break down negotiations... or bring a conclusive and fruitful end to them. And yet, only silence remained, her gaze locked onto the Senator's hand, the sight of that wedding ring around his finger giving her pause.

Can I really do this?

She remembered her first meeting with Valery Noble , and how quickly all thought of firing that revolver of hers had left her mind at the sight of her own ring. The reminder that she would not merely take a life, but deprive someone of the person they loved. Even now, without lethal intention, the thought was deeply uncomfortable for her, and all but made her reconsider her entire intent. Tearing someone away from their beloved was never easy, and nor should it ever be. For all of their differences, all of the bloodshed between their sides, love had ever been a value she held to be sacrosanct, high above all others. Even honor, and duty.

"An exchange", she answered at last, trying her best to dissimulate how shaken she was. "Senator Natasi Fortan will be released into the custody of your crew and returned to the Galactic Alliance if we are given those sets of beskar'gam... and if you return with us until an additional shipment of armor can be delivered, to be exchanged for you."

​

Alicio Organa Veshok Rook Natasi Fortan ​

 

[Veshok Rook]

The Wooden Horse​

There was no time to exchange all too many words with her, but Vesh allowed his gaze to linger by her for a bit longer. Natasi's capacity to spice up even the simplest exchange was reliable indeed. An entertained and content smile lingered on his lips for a bit. Soon, she turned to watch the exchange that he was just about to commence. Before turning to the others to speak his mind, he whispered a familiar "I am not trying to garner your favour, Natasi"

***​

The response to Vesh' analysis came quick as Organa hurried to set the record straight. A barely noticeable nod was offered as the Onderonian welcomed the rather objective clarification. The admonishing look he received, however, was met by two amused brows. "Come now, Senator" The voice, while mostly formal, carried an undertone similar to when telling a mate to stop playing. "We both know that you don't bring the negotiator's authority up without cause in any serious discussions. There's a straight line to be drawn between how you declined the Alor's offer and my analysis."

At a moment's notice, his full attention was drawn to Jenn. Vesh, who usually hid and suppressed his emotions expertly sent a slightly surprised look to his ally. So far, he had moved when told to move, stopped when told to stop and remained silent to ensure that they'd have a unified front. Alicio's defence was to be expected but getting shut down by his ally clearly surprised him - at least to anyone able to perceive what went on behind the visor. The surprise turned into a puzzled expression but he made an effort to sound unaffected "I overstepped. Alicio, please, continue"

Vesh was good at reminding himself that, in the end, this was just another Tuesday. Still, he was not one to beat around the bush and believed that any issues between allies should be aired in order to not allow grievances to fester. With that, he intended to speak to her once this was all over.

The talks soon started to flow with more harmony. Alicio did his job well as he crafted his words to undermine the Mandalorian bargaining position whilst continuing to ask for offers. The Kryze Alor granted him just that, an offer. His gaze once more came her way as he apparently failed to comprehend the wisdom of her offer. Still he would do his part in strengthening the position of her proposal.

"Senator Organa, I think you are undervaluing your colleague. She is not just one replaceable senator out of hundreds of others. She is also politically savvy, has a cunning tactical mind and a great deal of expertise running things. Not even the populous core worlds can afford to waste talent like hers." Vesh paused for a brief moment, letting his helmet turn fully to Natasi. His voice lowered a little "And as a member of the Defence committee, a leading figure of the Renascent Republic and active political player in the Alliance's industrial south, she has a good deal of insight in regards to this war of yours."

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi made no indication that she had heard Mr. Rook's aside. She had a barb, loaded and ready to fire, but now wasn't the time. Nothing she could say would advance the discussion, and anything she could say would only detract or distract. No, she needed to let Alicio Organa do his work unobstructed. She was tempted, sorely tempted, to ask him to communicate a directive to her government -- that she must be replaced as Senator at once. Anything to lessen the Mandalorian's leverage over the Alliance.

She would have resigned by now if there had been anyone to submit her resignation to.

Natasi followed along, trying not to bristle at being described in the way she might have discussed a racehorse she was haggling over. Barely sentient, valued only for her characteristics rather than her character. Both sides had their reasons for it, but she knew that Senator Organa had the right of it. In the First Order days, Natasi Fortan was a valuable hostage. As a Senator in the Galactic Alliance, Natasi Fortans were ten-a-penny. The Renascent Republic was but a small collection of underdeveloped worlds, hardly the economic or military powerhouse she had once led. Still, the Mandalorians would drive as hard a bargain as they could get away with.

Her eyebrow arched when Rook spoke about her insights -- as if he was trying to give Alicio the impression that it was he and the Alliance who could not afford to leave Natasi in Mandalorian custody. She did not recall spilling any shocking secrets; the truth was that as a junior Senator she had none. Even as a member of the Defense Committee, Natasi had barely received a full briefing before the war erupted, and that was a rushed briefing on the enemy that included such sizzling details as the average rainfall on Kestri.

The Senator had to hand it to Mr. Rook. It was a subtle maneuver, a seed of doubt planted in a Senator considered above reproach about a Senator many already had reason to distrust. With the Mandalorians' every lucky strike, every upper hand gained in the heat of battle, every intelligence coup against the Alliance, it would only be natural for Senator Organa and others to wonder -- had she cracked under pressure, given up the Alliance to her captors? She took a deep breath and tried to stop catastrophizing, but Natasi couldn't help but see the foundations of her career cracking in front of her eyes, like bricks at first frost.

Inquisitive and bright doesn't even begin to touch it, the Galidraani aristocrat thought bitterly, and lowered her gaze, cupping her forehead with one hand. If it wasn't happening to her, she might have been able to congratulate the man on a match well played.

Veshok Rook | Alicio Organa | Jenn Kryze​

 

[Alicio Organa]

Vesh seemed to be rather... adamant, in defending his thought analysis. Alicio only glanced his way with a puzzled look. "Do you not hold value in the armor of your fallen, Vesh Rook?" Alicio hardly thought eight full sets of beskar were cause for suspicion of sabotaging a hostage's safe return. Though, it did make some sense why he might think that way. They were enemies, after all.

One expected treachery, in war.

Strangely enough, Jenn Kryze was the first to come to his defense. His gaze returned to her, gratitude joining the question in his eyes. Though, only a softened passing of the eyes was returned to Vesh at his apology. If they were sitting around a table for tea, Alicio would have smiled, said that it was no problem, that misunderstandings are common in meetings such as these. But there were lives at stake, and Count Organa was considerably less forgiving when it came to the crew's safety. When it came to Natasi's well-being.

Then, Jenn had an offer.

Alicio blinked, genuinely off-put for a moment. Every other reaction, every emotion he'd shared in this hangar, had been curated, careful, to ensure a peaceful resolution. This surprise was real.

But he quickly regained his composure. Listened to Rook's continued speaking, most of it ringing hollow to his ears. He didn't particularly feel the Mandalorian's information on a senators worth would be quite as accurate as the standing senator's. Though a flash of concern passed along his face as Vesh talked about Natasi's insights. He turned her way, an apology in his eyes. If only he could have gotten here sooner. How much had she been through?

"I'm taking out my datapad," Alicio cautioned, pulling his hands out of his cloak, ring flashing on his finger as he tapped on the screen. It was a beautiful blue and black band, with a triangle-cut blue gem on it's face. Certainly, a work of art. "Warn your ship, I have a shuttle dropping out of hyperspace in a minute, with the armor." He hadn't lied to the Mandalorians; there had been nothing of value aboard the ship. It had been a system away.

Replacing the pad onto his belt, Alicio returned his eyes to Jenn. Took her measure, as best he could. Disregarding her initial warning, Alicio took a step forward. Then another. Then another, until he was face to face with her owl-shaped helm.

Can I trust you to keep your word, Alor Kryze?"

He stuck out a hand.

- Jenn Kryze - Veshok Rook - Natasi Fortan -

 

[Jenn Kryze]

​

| Location | Gift of Peace
| Objective | Shake on it.

The Alor did not spare a glance for either the prisoner... or the loyal warden watching over her. No, all of her attention was devoted to the man before her, the Senator bold enough to lead this mission personally, refusing even the most scarce of escorts to accompany him in the hangar to deal with the Mandalorians. Veshok recognized her authority in the matter, if only at first glance: and although his peculiar approach left her somewhat perplexed, she concluded that he was far more used to leading negotiations with high society than she was. No, Jenn favored honest words shared between warriors. Perhaps that was why she had made compacts with Jedi and Sith alike in the past after testing their mettle through fierce battle.

Even as she gave Alicio a nod and brought her attention towards addressing the imminent arrival of the cargo, all of her attention remained on that ring. Although a smith, Jenn was naught but an apprentice when it came to jewelry, and yet... she hardly needed to appreciate the craftsmanship before her to find herself affected, in truth. No, what the ring represented was completely different.

<Enduring Flame, we have an incoming shuttle, set to drop out of hyperspace momentarily. You are not to target it with your weapons; I repeat, you are not to target it with your weapons. Confirm?>

<Acknowledged, Alor. Shall we keep the crew on combat alert?>

<Affirmative. We're not out of the woods just yet.>

After all, she could hardly be too cautious, given how treacherous the Alliance could be... or the Jedi. This would hardly be the first time one of the those so-called peacekeepers made a mess of Mandalorian plans. In fact, they seemed to make a habit of sticking their nose in other people's business. That was how the entire conflict had started in the first place.

With that warning given, she watched as Alicio approached her, one step at a time. Certainly a bold choice on his part: when he entered what a Mandalorian would call beskad range, the warriors of Clan Kryze shifted, almost imperceptibly, but enough for a keen eye to remark upon. And yet, Jenn did nothing to call upon them, nor to stop him, that Y visor meeting his gaze as he approached her so... courageously.

Jenn had never been one for theatrics. No, she forged her words in the fire of truth, and chose to be ever-honest. But today, she had a point to make.

"Aliit!" she called out to the warriors around them, her voice carrying with ease. Perhaps thanks to effort, or merely her helmet. "What is our creed?"

As one, the squad brought their closed fists to strike against their armor, beating over their heart for each word that left them, almost thunderous as they spoke of the three tenets they swore to uphold upon their joining the Clan under Jenn's new rule as Alor.

"Truth! Justice! Honor!"​

"Those who choose to forsake their oath to our creed are traitors, deserving of neither pity, nor mercy!"

It was then that she reached out to take the hand Alicio had stuck out for her, shaking it firmly.

"You may depend upon my word, Senator Organa. Fulfill your end of the bargain, and I will see you safely returned to the Galactic Alliance. This, I swear."

​

Alicio Organa Veshok Rook Natasi Fortan ​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi watched the pageantry, trying not to look incredulous. Truth, justice, and honor -- if she weren't so well-trained a diplomatic she might have laughed out loud. It was difficult for Natasi to imagine someone less inclined to those values. Then again, with their ridiculous language it was a distinct possibility that they had a bad translation. It would go a long way toward explaining their inability to grasp such basic concepts as "no shooting at diplomatic ships."

She closed her eyes to prevent them from rolling and folded her arms around her midsection.

Clearly this dog and pony show was necessary to move the proceedings along, so the Senator waited patiently and observed. Alicio Organa was certianly a brave man, approaching a Mandalorian who took giddy pleasure in maiming Galactic Alliance Senators. Natasi felt the debt she owed him ticking up a little more with each passing moment -- along with her admiration for him.

At last an accord seemed to be reached, but Natasi resisted the urge to feel any kind of relief. Even if she left the Mandalorians far behind today, even if their paths never crossed again, her troubles were just beginning. And she had every intention of making sure her path would cross with Jenn Kryze again, one way or another.

Jenn Kryze | Alicio Organa | Veshok Rook​

 

[Alicio Organa]

Alicio tasted burnt meat on his tongue as the Clan Kryze soldiers affirmed their values at Jenn's prompting. Whether the slight downturn of his lip was due to that, or to the belief that Mandalorian honor was different than what he would consider honor, not even he could say.

But she made her point. An oath like this couldn't be broken, not without Jenn Kryze mangling her reputation with her clan. Alicio didn't know if he trusted her... but she had made a point to entrap herself for his peace of mind, and it did set him at ease.

So Alicio shook her hand, a surprising strength meeting the Mandalorian's expectedly iron grip.

Almost perfectly timed, a shuttle shot into view from hyperspace, making for the Gift. Landing near the Mandalorian ship, it opened, revealing a small squad of bowl-helmed Alderaanians, carrying two crates. Their lids were open, presenting armor sets of various colors and states of health, packaged by a careful hand.

Alicio seemed a bit more relaxed as he walked over to Natasi and Vesh, giving the Mandalorian a cautious look, before returning his attention to the Senator. "Well... It may be time for you to negotiate on my behalf, now, Senator." Despite the situation, despite giving himself up to Mandalorians that'd brutalized a politician, Alicio gave her a small smile. "Or, at least, let the Alliance know of this arrangement. I'd rather not stay for long."

He had children back home, after all.

The Count tentatively reached out, to shake Natasi's hand as well, letting his other rest along the connection. And through that connection, Alicio gave. Drained just a little of his own life force, letting the power of Force Healing wash over the beleaguered woman. It would feel like the sun coming out after a rainy day, or perhaps a tide of warm water, soothing the soul. "Be well, Natasi."

Alicio turned around, to regard Vesh and Jenn. "Ready when you are."

- Jenn Kryze - Veshok Rook - Natasi Fortan -

 

[Jenn Kryze]

​

| Location | Gift of Peace
| Objective | Seal the deal

The Alor was proud of her warriors. She could practically feel the fire in their hearts as they affirmed their beliefs in this new creed, and it gave her confidence: with such devoted souls at her side, willing to follow her into the abyss, nothing was insurmountable. Although she noticed the slightly soured look on Alicio's face, Jenn chose not to comment on it - instead, she chose to look into his eyes as he shook her hand, the strength behind such a motion somewhat taking her aback. After all, she had chosen to give him a firm handshake, but not quite an iron grip, as she would with a fellow Mandalorian.

Turning her gaze towards the arriving shuttle, she watched as her own warriors turned towards the disembarking squad of Aalderanians, weapons still lowered... and yet, doubtlessly prepared to spring into action at a moment's notice. For her part, the Alor left Alicio to exchange words with Natasi, letting her steps guide her on over to the crates as they were opened, almost entranced by the sight before her. Casting the critical eye of a smith upon the armor pieces before her, she gently traced her fingertips over the chipped paint of a helmet, all the way down to the cracked visor.

What is your story?

Every last beskar'gam told a story, and Jenn knew she would lose herself all too easily if she chose to pursue each and every single thread given to her by the paintjob, the wear and tear, the HUD, the weapon systems-

No. Focus.

Slowly, gently, she brought the helmet back down, turning towards one of her warriors. "Load this up in the dropship." A succinct order answered with nothing more than a nod as her people got to work.

Alicio's voice brought her attention back to him, meeting his words with a nod and a polite turn of her arm, showing him the way through the simple gesture. She and Veshok would serve as the rearguard.

​

Alicio Organa Veshok Rook Natasi Fortan ​

 

[Veshok Rook]

The Wooden Horse​

For the duration of their talk, Vesh had observed the Count carefully. The story that a grimace or expression could tell was rather extraordinary. To the undisciplined, it could be a weakness - to the disciplined, it could be a strength. Organa's reputation and his tendency to express care and sympathy aligned well. The warrior had followed the emotions that the man had displayed so far, from the admonishing look earlier to the off-put blinks at Jenn's proposal and finally the concern shown for his fellow senator.

When he agreed to Jenn's proposal, Vesh actively kept himself from letting out a breath of relief. He also kept himself from letting a troubled gaze fall down onto the captive. Instead, he allowed his chest to swell as he took a deep breath, maintaining a straight back and holding his head high.

Practical issues followed: The Count managed the delivery of the first eight pieces of Beskar and the Kryze guards and their Alor made an impressive show of commitment to the deal. Then came the delivery of the shipment. Vesh did not get involved in any of it, apparently content with keeping watch over Natasi after having done his part in the talks.

There would be no intervention when the Senator's bid each other farewell. Naturally, a close eye would be kept on them as they touched but it was nothing which provoked further reactions from the warrior. His gaze would shift to Natasi where it would linger for a few moments. Soon after Organa noted that he was ready, Vesh turned away from her and stepped in between the two of them. With Jenn showing the way, Vesh remained silent as the trio boarded the transport. Once inside, he would direct the Senator to the same spot where Natasi had been seated on their way there before taking the seat next to him.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi would later wish that she had managed a little more grace in the moments that she shared with Alicio Organa before they went their separate ways. But the Senator found herself uncharacteristically lost for words. It wasn't that she didn't feel gratitude; it was certainly rolling off of her in waves. But when Organa approached her, she was overcome with the tempest of conflicting emotions that she had just about managed to keep at bay until then. Fear and rage, a little hope and a lot of worry for Organa's safety, humiliation and shame at her current situation and gratitude for his selflessness.

So, to her shame, noted orator Natasi Josephine Fortan managed only: "I will -- anything in my power, Senator -- of course."

Pathetic, she would observe, later, as she was spirited to safety, leaving a better man in her place.

She took his hand, enveloped it with both of hers, and tears spilled unbidden from under her eyelashes as she felt something like warmth brush over her. Natasi knew precious little of the Force, but enough to recognize it. She wanted to say: I won't let them keep you, or I will see you freed, or If those animals harm a single hair on your head I will see them reduced to ashes. But she couldn't. All she could muster was a stuttered: "Y-you as well, Alicio."

Reluctantly, she released his hand and watched as Senator Organa went with the Mandalorians. Lifting her arm to dab at her cheeks with the hem of her sleeve, she noticed Rook's T-visor angled toward her. She inclined her head and inhaled sharply, looking for a moment as if she might say something, but then she straightened her back, pushed her shoulders back, and turned to walk back toward the ship that had borne Senator Organa here. She chose silence not because she couldn't form the words for her Mandalorian captors -- by this time her mournful taciturnity had passed -- but because her words would have been for Kryze, and the last thing she wanted to do was give the unhinged Alor a reason to mistreat her colleague.

And they'd carry more weight in front of the tribunal she so richly deserved.

Jenn Kryze | Alicio Organa | Veshok Rook​

 

[Alicio Organa]

Alicio didn't know Natasi. Not really.

They had never met, not once. Their worlds were on opposite sides of the galaxy, they hadn't even shared words on the debate floor. All his knowledge was based on research, and preparation for the negotiation. Only one thing connected them; the Galactic Alliance.

That connection meant a lot to Alicio. Yes, she had been the leader of the First Order. But since then, she had fostered a galactic community, tended to an entire Republic, and by all accounts, the people under her watch were thriving. No matter their beliefs, their political leanings, they were both caretakers, both leaders, both the Alliance.

Most importantly, she had suffered. And he wanted to help.

Her simple words were met by a simple nod. One last slight smile, to put her at ease, before he turned, and let Mandalorian warriors lead him into the shuttle. When the armor was packed aboard, and the doors closed, the Count let loose a quiet sigh of relief.

The crew of the Gift, and Senator Fortan, were safe. Despite being surrounded by enemies, Alicio could finally relax.

- Jenn Kryze - Veshok Rook - Natasi Fortan -