//------------------------------// // Aggressive Negotiations // Story: Friendship is Grievous // by Snake Staff //------------------------------// “Now,” said Obi Wan Kenobi to the clone piloting the Low Altitude Assault Transport – better known as the LAAT gunship – as it left the Peacemaker’s open bay doors. “I want you to be careful plotting our course down. Above all else, do not put the ship in a position where it can be seen from the village marked on your locator for any length of time. The last thing we need is Grievous aware of us and taking hostages.” “Yes sir!” the pilot answered as the gunship plunged into the planet’s upper atmosphere. The ride down from space was bumpy – military gunships were hardly designed for comfort – and prolonged. With nowhere to sit, Kenobi, an escort squad of clone troopers, and the 3PO protocol droid he had brought along simply clung to the supports dangling from the ceiling and endured the descent. Princess Celestia was seated on her throne, considering the latest petition to come before her. The subject was a land dispute between two clans of earth pony farmers on the far reaches of Equestria, and to be perfectly frank she honestly couldn’t tell who was in the right. The competing claims had been in the docket, and the land itself unused, for so long that nopony was quite sure of which came first anymore. Like many legal issues, it would be murky, hard-fought, and likely to take a long time. She added it to the rejected pile with a sigh. It wasn’t as though she didn’t want to help – it just frankly wasn’t important enough to merit a piece of her enormously-restricted time. It was just as Celestia was picking up yet another formal petition to check it over that one of her guards burst into the throne room at a full gallop. He was breathing heavily from the effort of galloping in full armor, but what worried the princess most was the alarmed look in his eyes. “Your highness!” he called out, rather unnecessarily, for every eye in the room was already on him. “Yes Sergeant?” Celestia replied, sounding concerned. “What is it?” “There are more,” he said in between taking deep breathes of air. “Outside. The courtyard. Now.” Celestia’s eyes shot wide. “Everypony out!” she ordered, pointing a regal hoof at the doors. “Rouse my sister at once and tell her to meet me near the courtyard immediately! Make everything ready to welcome guests of the highest importance! Tell the staff that the moment we’ve discussed has arrived!” As everypony scrambled to carry out the princess’ orders, Celestia made her own way out of the throne room, trying not to look too hurried or frightened. Her subjects needed her to present a calm front, even when she felt anything but. Mentally, she rehearsed the speech she had been preparing for just such an occasion. She had had the foresight to be ready to welcome any further alien visitors in proper style. After hearing of the gruesome massacre onboard the crashed ship, she had further prepared herself to appease any would-be conquerors. Such a policy did not sit well with her, but between humbling herself and seeing Equestria destroyed by war, there was only one real choice. As Celestia marched to meet her guests, she simply prayed it would be enough. Obi Wan Kenobi was the first to set foot out of the gunship, leaping easily to the cobblestones of the courtyard below before the ship had even fully touched down. Landing directly in the middle of the ruler’s palace wasn’t a diplomatic tactic he normally used or condoned, but today he was in a hurry and needed more than anything else to grab their attention immediately. Touching down in this area had seemed a decent way to get it, and if the way he could sense the natives hurrying about was any indication, he had judged rightly. The LAAT set itself down behind the Jedi, doors opening fully to allow the clones and protocol droid within an easier exit. The pilot was to stay with the ship in case they needed to make an urgent takeoff, but from the emotional currents in the Force Kenobi didn’t think it likely. There was fear, of course, and anxiety, but little he could sense in the way of anger or outright hatred. But the most important thing Obi Wan could sense was the presence of two individuals very strong in the Force. Their power was enough that he had felt it from space, and now that he was much closer the Jedi Master felt sure that his theory that these two were the leaders of this land was correct. It was the attention of these two he had hoped to garner with his dramatic entrance, and from the way that they were coming rapidly closer it seemed he could call that attempt a success. Obi Wan clasped his hands behind his back and waited patiently for the remainder of his party to file in behind him, keeping his concentration on one particular set of double doors. There, the Force was telling him, would be the place his intended negotiating partners would come from. He did not have to wait long. The two doors on the courtyard’s edge were enveloped in soft glows of gold and blue, sliding open easily and almost soundlessly. Though Obi Wan had never witnessed it visibly manifest in such a manner, he recognized Force-based telekinesis when he saw it. Striding through the now-wide doors were a pair of the equine aliens. One was a hair’s breadth taller than the Jedi himself, with a soft white coat, flowing rainbow mane, and golden jewelry. The other was shorter, with a darker coat and jewelry, and a mane that seemed to resemble the night sky. The way both of their manes seemed to flow perpetually in an invisible breeze reminded Obi Wan of his visit to Dathomir, where the Nightsister Mother Talzin had had tassels on her clothing that had swayed to a similar effect. “Greetings,” said the white one in a soft, motherly voice, to the astonishment of all present. “Honored guests from another world. We of Equestria bid you welcome to our nation.” Both of the aliens nodded their heads towards the Jedi and his men. It did not escape Obi Wan’s keen eye that the words he had heard and the movements he saw on its lips did not match up. “I am Princess Celestia,” the white one continued. “We are Princess Luna,” the dark one added. “We two are sisters, and the rulers of this land.” Obi Wan gave his own nod. “Your highnesses,” he replied. “It is an honor to meet you both. I am Jedi Master Obi Wan Kenobi of the Galactic Republic. These are my men, Ferrus Squad,” he indicated the armored clone troops. “And protocol droid 49-3PO.” Kenobi observed a slight stiffening in the princesses’ posture when he had identified his affiliation with the Republic, and wondered what Grievous might have told these two about it. Nonetheless, he didn’t sense any outright hostility, which was good. “Master Kenobi,” Celestia said. “Would you and your men perhaps care for some refreshment? Or accommodations? I am certain that you must have had a long and wearying journey to arrive at our humble planet.” Obi Wan shook his head. “Your highnesses’ offer is sincerely appreciated, but politely declined. I am afraid that today we are on something of a tight schedule and therefore must request to immediately adjourn to a location of your highnesses’ choosing for a very important discussion.” To some cultures, refusing an offer of hospitality was a grave insult. However, Obi Wan didn’t think that it would be the case here, and he had learned long ago that his diplomatic instincts were very trustworthy. There was a reason his peers had nicknamed him “the negotiator”, after all. The twin princesses glanced at each other, and Celestia gave her sister a small nod. “Very well, Master Kenobi,” said Luna. “If thou and thy men will kindly accompany us, we shall begin our business at once.” “Of course,” answered the Jedi. A short while later found the two rulers of Equestria seated on one side of a long conference table frequently used in diplomatic meetings taking place in Canterlot, with Obi Wan and select group of clones seated on the other. Tea, at Princess Celestia’s request, had been served, although the new arrivals had politely declined on the grounds that they had no idea if pony beverages were even digestible to them. Which, Celestia decided, was fair enough. “So,” she began after a small sip of her cup. “You said that you had something urgent to say to us?” “Yes,” Kenobi nodded. “If you’ll pardon my dispensing with the pleasantries, I need to talk with you about the other recent visitor to your lands. The one presently staying in the village not so far from here.” “So they do know,” Celestia thought. That was a worrying demonstration of technological potency. That they could sense both the presence and general location of the cyborg from space left her wondering what else they were able to observe. Certainly, she reckoned, they would be aware of Equestria’s comparatively low technology and small military force. “Thou referest to the one who calls himself General Grievous, nay?” Luna asked. Kenobi nodded. “Yes, he is the one I’m talking about,” his expression hardened somewhat. “In the name of the Galactic Senate and Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, I request the immediate extradition of General Grievous into our custody to stand trial for war crimes including but not limited to: intentional destruction of civilian targets, indiscriminate use of area-affect weaponry, the use of sapient beings as shields, attempted mass-murder, mass-murder, and genocide.” Celestia swallowed. She’d known from what Luna had told her of the crashed ship that Grievous was ruthless in dispatching his opponents. If half of this was true, it was even worse than she had feared. Nonetheless, she was an old hoof at diplomacy and the art of keeping one’s cool. “If thou canst see the general from wherever thy fellows are,” Luna reasoned. “Surely thou canst also see that we are in no position to prevent thee and thine from taking him.” Celestia wouldn’t have been quite so forward about their weakness, but… it was a fair point. “The Jedi Order does not deal in the murder of civilians, your highness. It is our observation that the general is established in a well-populated area. An all-out assault to take him could result in the deaths of many of your subjects, which we would much prefer to avoid.” “And what if we cannot reach an agreement, Master Kenobi?” Celestia wondered. “What then will you do?” Aloud, she answered. “Your desire to preserve life is a noble one, something that we share with you. But what exactly are you asking us to do? Surely you realize that General Grievous will notice if we start depopulating Ponyville around him?” He nodded. “Of course. He is no fool. What I am asking you to do is invite him here.” “Here?” Luna said. “Thou meanest for us to lure him into an ambush for thee?” “Yes, that is what I am asking.” Celestia took a sip of tea. “You realize of course, Master Kenobi, that you are asking us to become involved in your Clone Wars? From what we have heard from both you and Grievous, this conflict has been both protracted and bloody for many worlds. Is this the case?” “I am afraid it is, your majesty,” he looked grim. “But the sad fact of the matter is that you became involved in the Clone Wars, whether you like it or not, the moment that General Grievous set foot on your world.” “We acknowledge neither thine Galactic Republic nor his Confederacy of Independent Systems as our own,” Luna responded. “Nevertheless,” he said. “You and your world are involved now. The only question is: on whose side? You surely cannot fail to see that if you decline to turn over Grievous to us, you effectively side yourselves with the Separatists and against the Republic?” “And may I ask what happens if that comes to pass?” Obi Wan looked troubled. “I am afraid that there are many within the Galactic Republic that would view such a response as an act of war against us.” “And what would become of us if you did, I wonder?” the sun princess thought. “Including yourself, Master Jedi?” Celestia asked, cautiously. “I prefer to take a more nuanced approach than that,” Kenobi answered. “I understand full well that you desire to keep your planet peaceful and beyond the war’s reach. But sometimes life does not give us such easy options. You have a leader and war criminal of extreme value to both sides on your planet now. Neither of us can afford to leave you alone.” “And yet, if we turn him over to thee, will not we be effectively siding with thine Republic?” Luna questioned. “Will not these Separatists then have cause to seek retribution against us?” “I wish I could say that weren’t the case,” he sighed. “But yes. I am perfectly willing to say to the galaxy that we removed him from the planet without your consent, but I do not know for certain if that will be believed. Or, for that matter, if Count Dooku and his henchmen will even care.” “Answer me honestly, Master Kenobi,” Celestia said, her pink eyes boring into his blue. “Do you think the Confederacy of Independent Systems knows or suspects that General Grievous has been stranded here?” Obi Wan looked sad, and nodded. “I am afraid I must admit that there is a real possibility that they do, your highness. Shortly after we arrived in the system, our fleet destroyed a Separatist probe droid in orbit above your planet. We do not know if it managed to send back any data prior to being vaporized, but I cannot deny that it is certainly plausible that it did.” Celestia licked her suddenly-dry lips nervously. “So if they should appear on our doorstep and find Grievous gone… and learn that he is in your custody…” “They might well know, or suspect, yes.” “I see…” she said, trying to process this new data. “If we offer up General Grievous to thee,” said Luna. “What measure of protection canst thou offer us in return?” “As I mentioned earlier, I am perfectly willing to deny that you had any hand in the matter,” Obi Wan replied. “I might be able to offer more, but…” “But what, Master Kenobi?” “But it would have to be contingent on your planet’s entrance into the Galactic Republic,” he said with a sad sigh. “I’m afraid with the war being as it is, we simply do not have the resources to spare to protect planets so far out of the way that do not swear allegiance to us. Our forces – and especially the Jedi – are spread thinly across the entire galaxy. The Galactic Senate would never consent to a deployment here unless you were a contributing member world or the Separatists had already invaded. And maybe not even in the second instance.” “We do not speak for our entire world,” said Celestia, slowly. “I am afraid that on this matter, you would have to,” the Jedi answered. “How would we join this Republic, if we wished to?” she asked. “Well, normally the procedure is quite long and involved. However, as part of his emergency wartime expansion on executive power, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine has the right to accept a willing world into our state without the usual bureaucratic interference. I can get into contact with him, and I am certain that I can convince him to approve such an application, if you will help us arrest Grievous.” “But thou canst not approve it thyself?” Luna asked. “I’m afraid not, your highness.” Celestia considered. “Master Kenobi, can you give my sister and myself a small amount of time to consult in private?” He nodded. “By all means. But please, make your decision quickly. And be sure it is the right one.” As soon as they were alone, Princess Celestia dropped the calm, collected image she maintained for such diplomatic niceties and expressed her true feelings. That is to say, she hung her head and let out a weary, almost despairing moan. “Our attempts to keep Equestria out of this… All for nothing…” “Aye sister,” Luna looked similarly downcast. “We are between a rock and a hard place, and we doubt Twilight Sparkle and her friends can save us this time.” “We cannot ask even those six to take on a galaxy alone, Lulu,” Celestia sighed. “It seemeth as though we have no choice but to pick a side then, Tia.” “I agree. And I think we both know which it must be.” “That we do, Tia.” “The Republic,” said Celestia. “The Separatists,” said Luna, at the exact same moment. The two sisters stared blankly at each other. “Lulu, why would you want to back Grievous and his masters when the Republic is already on our doorstep?” Celestia asked, confused. “Master Kenobi is offering us protection, which is more than General Grievous has ever promised.” “Why wouldst thou wish to back the Republic when ‘tis obvious the Separatists are the strong horse?” Luna countered. “Equestria needeth the best we can obtain for it, yes? Also, Grievous seemeth to be higher in rank than Master Kenobi. He could do better for us if we return him to the Confederacy.” “Where do you get the idea that the Separatists are stronger?” Celestia wondered. “From the battle we saw on the moon,” answered her sister. “And from what we saw in Grievous’ dreams. And ‘tis it not obvious that Master Kenobi fears this as well? Why dost thou think he wishes us to be hasty? He knoweth that the Separatists will be here, and soon. Mark our words, sister, if we give Grievous to him he may well flee the system and leave us to the Separatists’ vengeance.” “He doesn’t strike me as the type,” said Celestia. “Even if he is not, what do we know of this Chancellor Palpatine? How do we know he will help us? Thou heardest Master Kenobi: the Republic’s resources are stretched. Why should they defend us? Once we no longer have Grievous, what use is Equestria to them?” Celestia decided to take the offensive in their verbal duel. “And what of the Republic above our heads?” she asked. “You speak of hypothetical abandonment, but as of right now they can do as they wish. Do you truly think they couldn’t launch a full attack and seize Grievous? The only reason they have not is their concern for the well-being of our subjects. Have you seen the same care from General Grievous? And do you think that, after going through so much trouble to spare our ponies, they would just leave us to the mercy of their enemy?” “We saw what the Republic did to Grievous’ people,” Luna declared. “We do not trust it with the safety of ours.” “And you trust General Grievous and his war machines more? You know how callous and violent he is to his own soldiers. Why would you trust the likes of him with Equestria’s safety?” “He hath not harmed our people,” Luna pointed out. “Because he is grossly outnumbered, and in need of our help,” Celestia countered. “How long do you think that will last once he has his armies again? This, both sisters we starting to realize, could take a while. Obi Wan Kenobi sat patiently where the princesses had left him. His eyes were closed as he meditated on the light side of the Force. It was strong here, he could sense. The peace and tranquility of this world boosted its presence and made him feel years younger. It was a great shame he had no real choice but to involve this peaceful planet in the bloody mire of the Clone Wars. If only Grievous had crash-landed somewhere uninhabited. Some time passed in that state, with Kenobi simply remaining still and feeling the Living Force around him. Though at first all was light, after a time had passed he found that there were darker undercurrents as well. Worse, these dark presences seemed to be growing, and closing in even on this bastion of light. General Grievous, Obi Wan felt certain, must be one of these. At last, the door that the two princesses had left from opened up again, and both strode through the door. On the surface, they seemed calm, but the Jedi’s deep immersion in the Force allowed him to gain a sense of great unease in both of them, just beneath the surface. He supposed that he couldn’t blame them. Kenobi opened his eyes. “Your majesties,” he acknowledged them with polite nods. “Have you reached a decision?” “I believe we have, Master Kenobi,” Celestia answered, slowly. “We-” Whatever else the white alicorn was going to say was cut off by a ring from Obi Wan’s utility belt. Recognizing the sound immediately, the Jedi pulled out his portable holoprojector and flicked it on. A small image of Admiral Tarkin flickered to life in front of him. “General,” he said, sounding serious. “Who is that?” asked Luna. “Hmmm?” Tarkin had clearly heard, but the projector’s camera was still facing Obi Wan. He turned it so that the admiral could see the princesses face-toface. “Can you understand me?” he asked the two. “Yes,” said Celestia. “And you are the leaders of this land?” “We are,” said the sun princess. “Excellent. Then I can give you this decision in person. I am Admiral Wilhuff Tarkin of the Galactic Republic, presently in orbit around your world. You have in your lands an extremely dangerous enemy of the state by the name of General Grievous. You will hand him over into our custody at once, or I shall commence immediate orbital bombardment against your planet,” he said, looking calm. “You have one minute to decide. Starting now.” “Admiral!” Obi Wan yanked the camera back around so Tarkin’s image was facing him. “What are you doing?! This is completely out of line! I order you to stand down, immediately!” “General Kenobi,” Tarkin folded his arms in front of his chest. “You ineffective negotiating tactics are failing to produce timely results. In lieu of your strategy working, it is time to default to mine.” “I am in command of this mission, Admiral! You do not have the authority to make that decision!” “Do I not, General Kenobi?” Even as Tarkin’s mouth was moving, Obi Wan saw that his left hand, still folded over his chest, was also in motion. It made several patterns that the princesses couldn’t see, but in what the Jedi easily recognized for standard Republic military sign language. The meaning was clear enough. “Separatist. Fleet. Incoming.”