"If you go to the Sanctuary," says Skorzeny, nervously "I absolutely cannot guranbtee your safety, Jelena. I cannot recommend it."
"I can guarantee it," says Volun.
"As if your word is worth anything!" says the Venerable Z'Har.
"I think, if they are here on an impartial mission as they claim, the Jedi are more than capable of making that call for themselves," says Volun.
"Jedi, I warn you. NO good can come of this. Volun simply seeks to gain advantage for himself."
"Then let them judge that," says Volun.
Volun smiles.
"Well then," he says, "Unless you feel like using your army to coerce the Jedi as well, it seems that decision is rather out of your hands."
The Venerable Z'Har mutters something uncomplimentary about you all under his breath, whilst Skorzeny just looks more troubled then ever.
Sunda- who's gone ignored for a long time- takes a step closer to Roan.
Jelena feels a hint of fear herself, which slowly grows, but shoves the feeling away, clearing her mind.
Scan Volun...if only the Force could show exactly what he was thinking...but that would make this too easy, wouldn't it?
"Do not worry," Jelena says, to Skorzeny and the other Knights. "I have a feeling that I will be fine. For us to remain impartial as overseers of these negotiations, I think it is best that I see the rebels' side of the matter, for all I have seen, as much as I appreciate them, the side of the Z'Har."
Volun is feeling smug at this point.
Skorzeny shakes his head in confusion.
"Well," says Volun, "if there is nothing else to be negotiated, I guess it is time for me to leave!"
"No, wait!" says Skorzney. "We should at least talk things over... to see where we stand. For the Jedi;s sake, if no-one else's?"
Volun shrugs.
"Ok," he says. "I have time to waste I suppose. One hour, and no more."
"I have made an offer about the taxation structure..." says Skorzeny. "If you would at least consider it..."
Not wanting to go into the minutiae of detail at this point, but the origin of the sticking point seems to be not on general rates of tax, but on a more corporate level- capital gains tax (as in tax on the accumulation of wealth for no work, basically), export duties, higher-band income tax, and so on. It's not what you would expect revolution to be about- it can only greatly effect the rich. And the programme is part of one designed to fund Cassilis' very extensive social welfare programme (and to keep the Sanctaury in funds, of course).
Skorzeny is willing to try and make concessions in some areas, it seems. but the Volun- and his two associates, who talk freely once negotiations begin- want the entire structure of the tax plan torpedoed, which Skorzeny says is impossible as that would destroy his entire budget and cause a collapse in spending plans for the next few years.
"... which would effectively necessitate a new Government," finishes Volun, "which brings me back to where I started. Your fiddly little nudges here and there are no good to me, Skorzeny. If you aren't willing to burn your plans, then make way for someone who can."
Looks like Gallagher is moving rather than shooting, Andro.
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CURRENT SITUATION- Spiridos Hockey Match. Score: -1
Your third
Blue droids (x1): Skill 10, initiative 7
No-Man's Land
Gallagher: Skill 11, Initiative 7 Ball
Red Droids (x4): Skill 10, Initative 7
Andro: Skill 14, Initiative 9
Deel Twain: Skill 13, initiative 7
Blue droids (x1): Skill 10, initiative 7
Father Varm: Skill 12, initiative 8
Their third
Blue droids (x1): Skill 10, initiative 7
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Unless Roan specifically orders him not to, Sunda is going with Jelena (and indeed, Roan may come).
Any other preps, Jelena?