What is our likelihood of escaping if Vodon declares war?
In any case, Jelena wants to try negotiating again. She wants to see if there is something else that they can give Vodon, instead of the Senator. She will even volunteer herself as a captive, if it means that war is prevented but the Senator gets away.
Jelena takes a deep breath and continues.
"I regret to inform you that I cannot allow the Senator to remain in your custody," Jelena says. "It poses unnecessary risk that the Senate will not accept, nor will the Jedi Order allow. However, I cannot simply stand by and let war come to Ando, especially not over someone so undeserving as Senator Nebb of Lamella.
"As an alternative, I submit myself and my Padawan Learner to be replacement hostages, to provide you with the leverage you seek. Additionally, we will assist you with any and all negotiations that you carry out from now on, to help you get what you seek.
"In exchange for my submission, the team of Jedi that have come to your world will be free to go, as will the Senatorial delegation."
"They will understand my position," Jelena says. "As a Jedi Knight, I have been taught to respect life. I will explain that to anyone I negotiate with, that I am preventing war. I agree with you that Ando needs assistance from the Senate, and Ando leaving the Republic will benefit no-one. That appears to be the only alternative to my willingness to be your leverage and your assistant."
He looks at you briefly, before staritng to descends the steps downwards.
"Count Dooku, I..." begins Vodon.
"Armed guards roaming the streets? Chaos in the docks and wharves? Taking hostages? When I agreed to support your case, Vodon, it was strictly on a non-violent basis. How had to see my support being so misused. I flew here as soon as I heard the news of what you had done."
"But we..."
"And now the Jedi come to you for open negotiations, unarmed, and your only response is to take them prisoner?"
"But they offered!"
"And what real choice did you give them?"
"They took the Senator by force!" protests Vodon.
"Which, again, is a situation you precipitated by seizing him. But they did recover him without any deaths, which is more than your actions would have done.. Oh Vodon, you have let your frustrations override your judgement. There will be no hostages."
He turns to you.
"I do apologise, my lady. I fear this has been my fault. I should have foreseen the consequences of poor Greyshade's assassination on the situation here."
"I gave my support to their Union's complaint to the Senate. I never for one moment thought it would come to this. But I shall make things right."
"But we need a hostage to get our message out!"
"I shall bear your message," says DOoku. "I have made some useful friends since I departed the Order. Your story will be heard- with no need for violence. Peaceful protests only, Vodon. And the Galaxy will see."