"Whether we do or not is none of your business," she replies sweetly. "That being said, I'm here to let you know what is your business."
Obi-Wan manages not to twitch a muscle at the comment, though Anakin will surely sense a more keen alertness from him.
"We're listening," he says, prompting her to continue.
"The basics are these: we're Taris citizens that oppose the government's neutrality in this war. We've seen what a schism like this can do to a world, and as much as we disagree with the government, we love our world too much to put it through that. Shortly after Taris declared neutrality, we came to the decision to defect, for lack of a better term."
"And where would you go?"
"We were all unanimous on seeking sanctuary on a Republic world," Kista explained. "So we've been staging a slow exodus from Taris to where we are now. Of course, to preserve our safety, only those who are proven to be with us are told how to join us, and supplies...well, you've seen what we do."
"And the crews?"
"Are offered a contract. We've already taken their supplies, but we need transportation once we're ready to leave. They have ships that have room for passengers and cargo."
That explained why the Jedi were contacted; as representatives of the Republic they would have a vested interest in helping these people.
"You've hit some trouble, haven't you?" Obi-Wan guesses. "And in order for this exodus to work, and for you to make a clean break, the Republic can't be seen to offer you aid. It would look like we enticed you to leave."
"Very perceptive." Kist sounds a little impressed.
Wall o'text, ahoy!
Obi-Wan manages not to twitch a muscle at the comment, though Anakin will surely sense a more keen alertness from him.
"We're listening," he says, prompting her to continue.
"The basics are these: we're Taris citizens that oppose the government's neutrality in this war. We've seen what a schism like this can do to a world, and as much as we disagree with the government, we love our world too much to put it through that. Shortly after Taris declared neutrality, we came to the decision to defect, for lack of a better term."
"And where would you go?"
"We were all unanimous on seeking sanctuary on a Republic world," Kista explained. "So we've been staging a slow exodus from Taris to where we are now. Of course, to preserve our safety, only those who are proven to be with us are told how to join us, and supplies...well, you've seen what we do."
"And the crews?"
"Are offered a contract. We've already taken their supplies, but we need transportation once we're ready to leave. They have ships that have room for passengers and cargo."
That explained why the Jedi were contacted; as representatives of the Republic they would have a vested interest in helping these people.
"You've hit some trouble, haven't you?" Obi-Wan guesses. "And in order for this exodus to work, and for you to make a clean break, the Republic can't be seen to offer you aid. It would look like we enticed you to leave."
"Very perceptive." Kist sounds a little impressed.