Lee awoke to the beeping of an alarm at 800 Imperial Center Standard Time. Shaking his head a few times to force away grogginess, Lee signaled the stormtrooper squadron that he was awake and put on a crisp, newly washed uniform to prepare for the negotiations. Following Thrawn's orders, he was going to offer the Rebels surrender terms. Lee knew that nothing would come from this, so would continue to stall for time until precisely 50 hours from this moment when Imperial forces would begin uniform surprise attacks. As Lee clipped his rank badges into place, he considered for the first time the consequences of being on the Rebel capitol on the time of the attacks. Surely the Rebels would imprison him, but Thrawn promised to free him in a prisoner swap as soon as possible. Lee considered for a brief second the thought of execution, but waved it off. He was not even an adult by their definitions. Crinking his neck to the side once, he heard a satisfying "pop" before he opened the door to be escorted to the negotiation room by two stormtroopers.
Back in the Solo suite, Jaina was shaken awake by her mother, while Han woke Jacen in the other room. "Wake up Jaina… Your father and I have decided this meeting is a good chance for you and Jacen to observe and study diplomatic proceedings." Jaina yawned, initially reluctant until she realized she would get to see Emissary Lee again. 'Lee' she thought to herself as she sat up and smiled. 'Not "Emissary Lee"' While Jaina did not like having to wear clothes fancier than her usual brown mechanic's outfit, she did it without complaint this morning. The Solo family headed up to conference room three where Lee was already seated at one head of the table, fingers crossed and the hint of a small smirk disguising any anticipation or nervousness in his face.
Lee watched the Solos enter, before sighing slightly to himself. He had no idea that children would be allowed in this meeting. Then he allowed himself a small smirk at the humor of that thought. As he leaned back slightly, he took advantage of his position and spoke first. "Thank you for coming, Rebel Leader Organa Solo. On behalf of Grand Admiral Thrawn and the Galactic Empire, we can begin negotiating the terms of your surrender." Jacen and Jaina's jaws dropped, and Han's face flushed red and the brashness of the idea. Only Leia kept a straight face, replying "As I am sure you are aware, Emissary, we have no intention of surrendering from an advantageous position." Lee raised a single finger, engaging in the mental sparring without giving information away. "You claim to have the advantageous position, but know nothing of our numbers. Only of our leader, who should be symbol enough of the Empire's might." Leia was about to respond when Han butted in, saying skeptically "So the blue Admiral managed to survive. Hmmph… Can you tell us how?" Lee, though visibly annoyed at the interruption, kept a calm face and after petting the ysalimir he carried with him, replied "I am not at liberty to disclose such information at this time." and then "Perhaps you should ask him yourself sometime". The pattern continued through the meeting, with Leia and Lee sparring with words and Han occasionally interrupting.
Jaina payed close attention to the meeting, particularly Lee. She was shocked at the arrogance of the demands made, but tried her best not to show it. And she could have sworn Lee caught her staring several times. Regardless of the points he was making, it was clear that his speaking and grasp of politics was high, and Jaina was impressed. She never had the patience for it. Although, with close observation of Lee she could see there were times an impatient, short tempered part of him showed, be it with a quick snort or a small clenching of a fist. She did not know what to make of this, but pushed it away and continued observing. When food was brought in for a lunch break, Jaina was pleased, but then saddened when she saw Lee excuse himself from the room.
Sorry it has been so long! I've had a busy time and am glad to get started on this again! I think chapters will be slightly shorter now, but more frequent! Special thanks to everyone that has read and particularly those that follow my story!