Diplomatic Protection

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The negotiations on Naboo had reached a critical juncture. The Trade Federation representatives, sensing an opportunity to exploit the situation, had begun to apply subtle pressure to skew the terms of the plasma mining agreement in their favor. Queen Amidala and her entourage, including her handmaiden Sabine, remained resolute, aware that the outcome of these talks would shape Naboo's future for years to come.

Ajax Venator stood watchful and ready, his instincts honed from years of surviving and thriving in the galaxy's most treacherous environments. His presence, formidable and unyielding, had not gone unnoticed by the Trade Federation. His mere existence was a reminder that any attempts at coercion would be met with swift and decisive action.

In the ornate hall where the negotiations were taking place, the air was thick with tension. Delegates from both sides sat around a grand table, their expressions a mixture of determination and caution. The room, decorated with intricate tapestries depicting Naboo's rich history, contrasted sharply with the stark demeanor of the Trade Federation envoys.

Ajax, dressed in his under-armor suit, positioned himself strategically behind Queen Amidala and Sabine. His face mask concealed all but his piercing eyes and blood-red dreadlocks/lekku. Beside him hung the small round mini-droid, its recording function active, capturing every word and gesture as a silent witness to the proceedings.

The first two days had been a test of endurance and patience. During breaks, Ajax had found unexpected solace in conversations with Sabine. The handmaiden's curiosity about his life and experiences offered a rare glimpse into a world beyond duty and survival. Their exchanges had become a welcome reprieve from the relentless scrutiny of the negotiations.

As the third day dawned, Ajax felt a palpable shift in the atmosphere. The Trade Federation representatives were growing restless, their facade of politeness wearing thin. Ajax's sharp eyes noted the furtive glances and whispered exchanges among them. He knew that desperation often bred recklessness, and he steeled himself for the inevitable confrontation.

It wasn't long before the moment arrived. A particularly arrogant delegate from the Trade Federation, his features sharp and eyes cold, stood up to address Queen Amidala. His voice dripped with false courtesy as he laid out their latest demands, attempting to undermine the fair agreement that had been painstakingly crafted.

Ajax's hand instinctively moved to the hilt of his vibro sword, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation. Sabine, sensing the growing tension, cast a worried glance at Ajax. He gave her a reassuring nod, silently communicating that he was ready for whatever came next.

The delegate's speech grew bolder, his tone turning from persuasion to thinly veiled threats. Ajax's grip tightened on his weapon, his mind racing through possible scenarios. He knew that this was the moment where he had to step in, to protect not only the Queen and her handmaiden but also the integrity of Naboo's future.

With a calm yet commanding presence, Ajax stepped forward, his voice cutting through the delegate's monologue like a blade. "Enough," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "This negotiation will proceed with fairness and respect, or it will end here and now."

The room fell silent, all eyes turning to Ajax. The confrontation had begun, and Ajax Venator was ready to face it head-on, his resolve unwavering and his determination absolute.

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Gilz turned his gaze to Ajax, sizing him up. "And who are you to dictate terms?" he sneered,

Ajax remained unfazed. "I'm the one who ensures fairness," he replied coolly. "I have a recording of this conversation. If you refuse to sign the current agreement, I will present it to the Senate. Let them decide the fate of the Trade Federation's reputation."

The handmaiden watched the exchange, impressed by Ajax's unwavering resolve. She stepped forward, nudging Queeen Amidala gently to speak now. her voice steady. "Gilz, the terms are clear," Queen Amidala spoke, her gaze meeting Ajax's thanking him for doing what she knew she couldn't or geperdize everything. "We expect your compliance."Queen Amidala finished in a Firm tone implying compliance of Gilz as the Trade Federation's Representative or he would face consequences.

Gilz hesitated, realizing the weight of Ajax and the Queen's words and the potential consequences. With a begrudging nod, he reluctantly signed the agreement as proposed, knowing the video recording held by Ajax was a formidable deterrent against any future treachery.

As Ajax escorted Queen Amidala and her entourage back to Naboo, he reflected on the day's events. His encounter with the handmaiden lingered in his thoughts, their conversations revealing glimpses of mutual respect and curiosity. Before leaving, Ajax found a moment alone with her.

"You handled yourself admirably," Ajax remarked, his voice softer now, a hint of admiration in his tone. "Not many could stand firm against the Trade Federation's tactics."

The handmaiden smiled gratefully, a flicker of warmth in her eyes. "Thank you, Ajax," she replied sincerely. "Your presence made a difference today."

Ajax nodded, a rare smile tugging at the corners of his lips beneath the mask. "It was my duty," he admitted, his gaze lingering on her. "But I'm glad to have met you. Perhaps we can continue our conversation sometime, away from negotiations."

The handmaiden's expression softened, a spark of intrigue igniting in her eyes. "I would like that," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Until then, Ajax."

With a nod of farewell, Ajax watched as she rejoined Queen Amidala's retinue. As he made his way back to the Vanguard, thoughts of the handmaiden lingered in his mind. For the first time in a while, his solitary path seemed to intersect with the possibility of something more.

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