Anabeth: New Beginnings

Chapter 5 - The Negotiations Begin

The next morning started off quiet early for everyone. Before the sun was even up they made a final security check and locked the entire building down. What followed was another meeting about the safety measures in place for picking the visiting delegations up from the docks and sweeps of everyone's rooms for security.

Afterwards, Ana and Obi-Wan headed down to the docks with Bo and her men and secured the landing platform. Satine followed a short while later, arriving just before Mandalore's flight control called them to inform them that the Republic delegation would be arriving momentarily.

The Mandalorians took position around the platform as the ship approached. Ana and Obi-Wan stood slightly behind Satine to her left and right as they waited patiently for the boarding ramp to open. Organa and the four Senators disembarked first, followed by their aides and then their two pilots. Bo stood at the foot of the ramp, scanning each of their identities before letting them through to them.

Introductions were short since almost everyone knew each other already. They quickly escorted everyone to the palace and showed them to their rooms before heading back down to the docks to welcome the Confederacy.

Just as before, Bo scanned everyone's identities in before letting them through to Satine, Obi-Wan and Ana. The Chancellor and the four Senators approached them with friendly expressions.

"Welcome to Mandalore, Chancellor Corren. It's an honor to be hosting all of you," Satine greeted them.
"The honor is all ours, Duchess," the man replied. "May I introduce, Senator Mee Deechi of Umbara, Senator Syala Vamma of Donovia, Senator Shu Mai of Castell and Senator Mousul of Ansion."

The four named Senator nodded their heads in friendly acknowledgement, Satine quickly returning the gesture. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. May I introduce my sister and head of security, Bo-Katan Kryze, and Jedi Masters Kenobi and Velar. Although I assume you are already familiar with the latter."

Ana and Obi-Wan stepped forward, giving the delegation a bow as was customary.
"Indeed, Master Velar has done quiet the impressive job these last few weeks. It's a pleasure to finally meet in person," Ran Corren greeted Ana personally.
"The pleasure is mine," Ana assured him with a friendly smile and yet another bow of her head.

"And Master Kenobi we have heard of as well of course," the Chancellor continued. Obi-Wan too gave another bow of his head before Satine picked up again.
"I suggest we head for the palace then. We have a tour of the premises planned for everyone and would like to warmly invite you to a little welcome dinner tonight."

"By all means, lead the way," Chancellor Corren was on board with the idea. Satine quickly led the delegation to the speeder while Ana and Obi-Wan hung back to secure their departure.

Back at the palace, the new arrivals were also shown to their rooms while the palace tour for the Republic took place. The tour for the Confederacy followed, after which everyone had some free time until dinner rolled around.

Together with Satine, Obi-Wan, and the Prime Minister, Ana was the first to arrive. Both the Confederacy and the Republic began arriving shortly afterwards. The seating arrangement was done rather thoughtfully, forcing both sides to intermix and strike up conversation with each other.

Ana herself was seated between the two Chancellors. They struck up a conversation a while ago that seemed to be going quiet well.
"It's too bad it took us this long to finally sit down together and have a talk like civilized people," Chancellor Corren admitted.

"Well, better late than never," Organa replied. "We were all played for years after all. And we probably would still be if it weren't for the Jedi."
"Indeed. The galaxy owes you a great debt for all you did," Corren turned to Ana.