A Change in Dynamics

[Insoulent]

Nar Shaddaa.

Arkantos' reluctant new home, one he didn't enjoy very much, because it was one he was powerless to help. Arkantos was once a Jedi, a man who used his strength to help those weaker than he, and here he was now, aiding the oppressors of the weak. The Hutts. But, times had changed, and he had to allow those things in order to survive. The Jedi were no longer defenders, no, they were vermin to the Galaxy. Vermin who did what they could to survive. At least, that was Arkantos was now, but he wouldn't be forever, and he knew it very well. Within the Hutt Cartel, there was opportunities, ways to move up, ways to help in other ways. As a Bounty Hunter, the Jedi-in-hiding felt as if he was hurting others, and not truly upholding the Jedi Way. The Mandalorian upbringing of Arkantos knew that sentient life gained it's strength by it's willingness to fight, whether it be for themselves, their family, their clan, their life but Arkantos applied this principle to the betterment of all sentient life, not just the Mandalorian culture. Since the Fall of Coruscant, the Sith Empire had truly gained an enemy in Arkantos.

While he could do nothing to cleanse Nar Shaddaa, in the thousands of years of its existence it was always known to be a center of criminal activities, he could do something to alleviate another: the Bajic Sector. The Bajic sector was home to another criminal group known as the Tenloss Syndicate, one that kept to its side of space, and out of Hutt affairs. Still, the prospect of new money was something that would help Arkantos out. Tenloss was known to be one of the few, and major criminal outfits that used a more legitimate side, but often used under-the-table dealings, and more questionable corporate ethics. Still, Arkantos knew this would be a good start. His plan was simple, remove the Tenloss Syndicate's leaders, and take over the group, with the help of Borga the Hutt. Borga was a rising member of the Cartel, and one Arkantos had previously worked for. He enjoyed the Hutt, he thought well of him, as he'd done him no wrong. Sure, he was a gladiator pimp, but he was a good gladiator pimp. Besides, he hadn't seen Borga ever mistreat anyone. While it didn't change that he was a criminal, he wasn't one plotting to dominate the entire galaxy, like the Sith. He was fueled by greed of money, not by the lust for domination. And Borga was one of the few beings in the Galaxy with the funds, men, and status to help him take over the Syndicate.

Arkantos was traveling to Borga's Palace, aboard a new C/L-82 landspeeder he had recently purchased. It was a retro vehicle, but he had a thing for older models. He pressed some buttons on the screen of his speeder, making a connection to the Palace's personal com channel. "Wor Niedra, this is Elohim Aeon. I believe I had a meeting scheduled with the illustrious Borga the Hutt." he said with a bit of a grin. "I'll be arriving shortly." the Bounty Hunter said, cutting off the transmission to the Hutt's Majordomo. But soon, he'd be much more than a Bounty Hunter, only if he had Borga's support that is. He'd grow in influence in the Cartel, and he'd help the Galaxy fight against the Empire, despite his allegiance to the Cartel. One way or another, he'd help and he'd make sure he made his mark in helping. The time would come when the Sith would fall, and Arkantos would make sure he did his part to help.

 

[Just Matt Now]

"Preparations are set for your arrival."

Wor sent the speedy reply after sending the notice out that Elohim will be arriving shortly. The guards would know to let him in, though not without first confiscating any weapons he would have on him. It was not a matter of trust, but a matter of policy. no one is to enter the palace with a weapon on them. This way borga would not have to show his trust, or distrust, to anyone...everyone was treated the same in the matter. And so Elohim would surrender any form of weapon to the guards, which he would have returned to him once the meeting was finished. The Majadormo then went to inform Borga, who had just finished a workout and was relaxing on his throne. Fresh fruits were delivered to him, and fed to him by his female slaves while he watched a fight ensue between two of his gladiators before him. Even on his own time, he liked to watch his men fight. It was something he would never get bored of.

Soon enough the bounty hunter had shown up at the front gates. Elohim was quickly showed to the palace entrance and onward to Borga the Hutt.

"Your majesty, Elohim has arrived." Wor said as he went off to bring Elohim into the main chamber. The gladiators continued to fight, they waited until they were both bloodied up, or until Borga commanded them to halt.

"Ahh dooga napa herto braga dawbo."

Borga was unsure of the meaning of the visit. He assumed that Elohim wanted more bounty hunting work, and so the hutt was thinking of what he could use him for. Of course the prized Watch-beasts he had gathered last time were certainly something Borga had set his mind on. He could se more beasts of different kinds, but first he would hear the bounty hunter out.

 

[Insoulent]

He arrived near the entrance of the Hutt's Palace. Every time he saw the Palace, he stayed for a moment in awe. The grandiose appearance of it was certainly a delight, and quite the opposite of the dealings that occurred within its walls. Still, it was always designed lavishly, and beautifully. Arkantos had always been a sucker for aesthetics, that much was true. As he arrived, a droid came asking to hand him his weapons. He knew the procedure, it was the same as the last time. Arkantos had brought no weapons, only a present for the Hutt. He heard word that Borga had been promoted recently to the title of Captain, which is in part why he was here. As the droid appeared, he showed the droid a medium-sized box, though it was quite heavy. "An ingot of gold, I heard Borga is building himself a crown. Quite fitting." the Bounty Hunter said to the droid, as if Borga himself was hearing it. Flashiness was something Arkantos wasn't fond of himself, but to each their own. And it'd serve as a good offering to the Hutt.

As the droid took the box containing the gold, Arkantos followed the droid into the main audience chamber: the throne room. As he appeared at the foot of the throne, he looked up to the Hutt. "A beautiful home, as always it's a pleasure to come see you. I brought a present to congratulate you on your recent movement up the Cartel." he said bowing at the Hutt. "But I must say... I am not only here to congratulate you on your hard work and dedication to the organization. I come to ask for a chance for me to do the same. I don't believe I'll be a bounty hunter for my entire career. It's a dangerous field, you know?" the Bounty Hunter said lifting himself from the bow, in his all-black flight suit.

"I'm sure you know of the Tenloss Syndicate, in the Bajic Sector? They have quite a big market. With the Black Sun gone, their spice operations and even the slaving have gone up with the Alliance fallen, they're growing quite powerful." he said, as he pulled his hand out, revealing a galactic map from a holoprojector, showing the location of the Bajic Sector, just south of Hutt Space. "You could spread your operations South, and have a bigger market. I am willing to do that for you, all I ask is that I am allowed to keep the more... legal ventures to myself." the Bounty Hunter said elegantly, a good proposition he thought. One he hoped the Hutt would accept, but he knew it was never that simple, even with a Hutt. Maybe he'd even try to cut into a bigger piece than Arkantos reserved for himself, but he was confident in his speaking abilities. He only hoped they were better than the Hutt's. If he revealed too much, there was nothing stopping the Hutt from killing him right then and there and taking his plan for his own. If he revealed too little, he could offend the Hutt and end up the same way. Either way, it was a risk he had to take. Not only for himself, but for many people, they just didn't know it yet.

 

[Just Matt Now]

Borga had little trust for Elohim until they started working together. His main feat was collecting the bounty on an opposing spice dealer that had been causing the Hutt some troubles. Ever since then, the trust had grown more and more. Though Elohim did not look like the average bounty hunter. He had no scars or imperfections, and he certainly did not have the shady mannerisms like most bounty hunters had. And this is why the Hutt grew fond of him, the gift only adding to that, he knew his place and when to grovel to his superiors...and he did it all well, almost too well.

To be honest the Hutt was surprised to hear Elohim waver his interest in bounty hunting. He had done so well it was only a curiosity as to why he wished not to go down that road. Though this was the Hutt Cartel, and sometimes the mice did eventually become the lion.

"The Tenloss Syndicate you say...that is waaay south, even farther than Tattooine." Borga thought about it, he had heard about the half legal syndicate making a name for themselves down there, though there was a reason they could do that. Hutt's tended not to go that far down.

"If we do try to work for that, there is no guarantee that you will get back up from the Cartel if you are hit. It is just too far to pull resources into the Bajic Sector, even with the half-legitamate shipyards that they have. Putting the face of the Cartel on it would also make it a target, though if we do more forward with this, the Cartel would want their stake in it. Which would come by way of credits instead of reinforcement, as I said."

This would be tricky to ascertain, though it might be worthwhile. The shipyards and weapons factories could prove useful if owned by the Cartel, through Elohim, and Borga could certainly increase his spice industry perhaps moving into the slave business.

"Tell me Elohim. What is your plan of action? You have come to me with this idea, and before I can give you an answer I must see how serious you are about it. There is a reason the Cartel has left the Tenlos Syndicate alone, though maybe with the lack of Black Sun appearance, we can give it a shot."

 

[Insoulent]

As the Hutt spoke on, Arkantos was glad the Hutt would be willing to listen, though his initial hesitance was to be expected. He turned the map off from his holoprojector, as yet another set of images flickers into life above his wrist. "The Leukish, the Council that leads the Syndicate."he stated simply as the five faces now became more clear. "These five are the head of the Syndicate, each one more hardheaded than the last." he explained, as he focused the image on an old Devaronian now the primary image. "Lafug Daesol, the Demon of Verisin, pirate captain, and the longest-lasting member of the Leukish... For now." he almost muttered as he drew his hand down, the images of his holoprojector now deactivating.

"Lafug has been known as a drunk and his lieutenants are no different" he said, as he peered a bit behind the Hutt to notice a fine piece of material draping from his walls. Damn, the Hutt had good taste. He paused almost for a moment, lost in the majesty of the throne room, before he spoke again, adding a bit of attention to what he was about to say. "One of his lieutenants is the leader of the Natori Association, is an old Alliance soldier from what I read by the name of Markus Xen. The Natori do security work for the Syndicate, and are highly trained mercenaries and are paid quite well. He's a good guy, hitting some rough times, owing some money to Lafug, but he's a good enough leader to be established as a Lieutenant. From what I understand, he doesn't enjoy his work very much, but he doesn't have much of a choice against it. We drank a few together, and he spilled some information, maybe he didn't spill enough of his drink. Lafug is a bit of an ass to the rest of the Council and even lower members of the Syndicate, even to Markus. Lafug not an easy person to like, you see." he said with almost a bit of a smirk.

"Another younger member of the Council, goes by the name of Dao, he deals with more of the slaving aspect of the group, but he's quite the selfish womanizer. Markus didn't explain it too well, but it would seem that Dao killed one of Lafug's favorite slave girls. The two even held a brief space battle somewhere near Talofan, I'm sure you heard of it by now. The Council will be holding a meeting on the moon of Verisin to discuss peace between the two, as their fighting has caused a lot of uproar recently with the rest of the Syndicate, since Lafug is pushing other members of the Council to help kill Dao for his actions, but many already believe he only wants Dao's business ventures. This would be a perfect time to capitalize. Markus... Markus is key. I believe I can persuade him to join the Cartel, and we can infiltrate a team into the meeting. Payment would be nothing for the Cartel, and we'd be able to move in silently and quickly. By the time we strike, they won't know what hit them. My team, along with the rest of the Natori would be able to make quick work of the rest of the Syndicate's group. With the arguing Council gone, their lieutenants too, the Natori within our employ, the rest of the organization would fall in line easily if the Cartel is behind it. I have a small window of time before the meeting, but I believe I'll be able to do it, rather easily. From there, all we will need from you is your support through a simple holovid transmission. You won't ever even have to leave your marvelous throne room." he said, as he looked around, as if to show the Hutt his own extravagance.

The plan was simple: influence their only military component, take advantage of the rising tensions, and cut the head of the snake. At least on paper it seemed good. Arkantos still wouldn't go alone, he wasn't that stupid, he'd need a small team to back him up, and as witness to his acts should things go south. He'd have to persuade Markus, which seemed simple enough, but they were drunk at the time. A sober Markus could of been much different, but still he'd have to try. Markus had revealed quite enough information, inbetween sob stories, and war stories Arkantos knew he could relate to his old sense of duty. That was why he thought he could appease to the old soldier, maybe he had some fight left in him. He only hoped his plan sounded strong enough to the Hutt. "With the Council dead, we'll only need a small force as emissaries from the Cartel, to quell any group that rejects us and to enforce the Hutt's dominion over the new operations. The Natori that Markus leads should be more than enough to keep them in line. The prospect of bigger and richer business opportunities by the Hutts will help, too. After it's all done, we can iron out the details between us, but like I said, I'd like to keep the legitimate side of the operations to myself." he said, finishing his plan. He'd have to bargain his own importance to the plan, not only to himself, but to Borga, to make it seem like he was needed, in which he truly was. With the legitimate side of the operations, Arkantos would try and expand the company and make it something of a marvel. It would take time and patience, but he had the dedication for it.

 

[Just Matt Now]

Borga listened to Elohim as he spoke his plan. It was sound, and it was clear that the once bounty hunter has stepped his game up and targeted something more noteworthy. Something like this would be good for the Cartel, but only for the right price. What pleased the Hutt more was the fact that everything was thought out, it was not expected from any normal bounty hunter, though clearly Elohim had done his homework. And to be honest, he knew little more about the subject than the Hutt would care to admit.

"While I like it that you have thought of everything beforehand, you are trusting that this all goes to plan if and only if your meeting with Markus turns out in your favor. And like you said, a sober Markus might be a different story. I feel that we are relying a lot on this simple fact. Yes he did give you information, bt it was probably not to his recollection. Who knows if he even remembers you."

This was a delicate situation, there was a stake, albeit not huge but there nevertheless. And if things were to go south with this simple meeting, then the syndicate could start targeting the Cartel. While Borga was out for himself, he did have the best interests of the Cartel at heart. Something the Hutt might never admit to another besides Vero himself.

"However, I feel that this is something the Cartel needs and can get behind. Granted that you can promise Markus getting behind your idea. You will be the front runner for this, and I will help you so long as you make sure things go to plan. And even if they dont, because they never usually do, then make sure we reach our goal. This will all depend on your meeting with Markus. Now, what will you need of me through the holovid? And security will be employed through me. I can expend some gladiators and guards to accompany you."

 

[Insoulent]

Arkantos listened as the Hutt explained his only concerns. Arkantos almost wanted to release a sigh of relief as the Hutt agreed to back the small-fry Bounty Hunter in his task. While he could of certainly done it without the Cartel knowing, the Syndicate would laugh at his face once he revealed who he was, and how low stature he was, but a Captain of the Cartel, none could match their influence, none besides Vero himself. Arkantos grew a bit of a grin as the Hutt finished, offering him help in the form of muscle. "A thousand thanks, Borga, I will not fail the Cartel in this, I promise you that much." the Bounty Hunter said after a quick, yet grateful bow. As he stood back up, he nodded, confirming a thought within his head, "It will be simple. I will speak with Markus and try to appeal to him. It should prove to be the easiest task, I think, but should he refuse, we'll have to improvise. The prize of a bigger paycheck will appease to the Natori, I'll make sure they're properly compensated once this is all over. I think a team of four, including myself would be optimal, but two would work well. The Council will be heavily guarded by their own personal security, but the Natori are known to be the best the Luekish have in terms of firepower, so we'll have the upper hand if Markus sides with us. We'll infiltrate their meeting as members of the Natori and move into two team, the communications group, and the assassination group. The first team task is to secure the Communications, which I'm sure will be heavily guarded, but this will allow us to patch you through, and keep them from getting reinforcements. A surprise attack will turn this into quick work." the Bounty Hunter explained. He knew the Hutts weren't very militaristic in fashion, but he had an extensive past in military tactics and training.

"With communications in our control, we'll begin the second part of the plan, the assassination of the Leukish Council. We'll begin by interrupting the meeting with a transmission from you. I trust you'll know what to say when the time comes, but a simple acknowledgement that the Cartel will handle things on that side of space, should be enough for them to know what's going to happen. After that, I'll have them dead before they try to..." he almost let the word "worm" out, which he was glad he didn't. From his experience, the Hutt's saw the words, "slug" "worm" and "slime" as slurrs, and he made it a point to avoid using them around a Hutt. "...before they buy their way out of it. Once we're done, we'll clear the way for you to arrive and take over officially." the Bounty Hunter finished. The plan was tactical, and quick. Move in quietly, and strike the two vital points before anyone can do much about it. While the Tenloss was a large criminal group, the presence of a Hutt Cartel takeover would send the group into oblivion. The Cartel was simply too large and powerful to truly fight against, at least for other criminals. They had the resources and the muscle to secure their foothold in the Galaxy, and the broken Syndicate would only bolster the Cartel's influence and power.

"With the death of the Leukish Council, the rest of the men will end their fighting. The Tenloss will be no more after their deaths, and the criminal aspects of that sector will be free range for the Cartel, your endeavors exclusively." the Bounty Hunter finished. The proposal, was almost a slap in the face to Arkantos, who had done most of the planning and would do most of the work, yet most of the credit, a long with the business would go to Borga, who was already quite rich, but it would be the only way Arkantos could get his hands on the Tenloss' corporate operations, which is what he cared about most of all. Whether he got recognition or even a thanks, wouldn't matter much to him, so long as he was able to conduct his business in peace. Something he was sure Borga would allow him to. With this, he would begin his climb and influence through technology and production. He had already even formulated plans into growing and expanding the company. But there was only one thing in the way, the Leukish. With Borga now on board, Arkantos would be one step closer to beginning his corporate empire. One that would be founded and aided by a Hutt Cartel Captain. Never in a million years would he have thought to have been standing in this throne room, having this conversation, yet here he was.

Borga, as a Hutt, was the least likely to enjoy running a company, and more on spreading his criminal network, and the Bounty Hunter knew this quite well. Arkantos didn't have much of a connection with the other Captains either, and he doubted they'd help him at all if he asked. But Borga, he was different. Arkantos enjoyed that about him. He was much simpler and easier to work with as he had heard rumors of the other Captains having done much more terrible things than Arkantos would have liked to hear. With the exception of Yuri Sharp, the other two were known to be much more suspect to being cruel and conniving, these traits were something Arkantos wanted to stay away from. Borga was still an unknown, a relatively new Captain, but had a reputation of being a generally good guy, despite his criminal ties. Still, one could not rise to that level of importance without squashing a few bugs, and Arkantos would have to do the same. Despite his Jedi roots, Arkantos held on to one fact: the destruction of the Tenloss would remove a major criminal group from the Galaxy, and while the Hutt would grow stronger, they were the only thing standing between the Empire and their expansion to the rest of the Galaxy, and he'd be able to keep a track on them from the inside, unlike the Tenloss. Time was running low before the Sith would return to the offensive, and Arkantos would have to hurry and bulk up his resources, for once the time came, he'd be prepared.

 

[Just Matt Now]

Borga nodded to Elohim's formality when speaking to the Captain. Elohim had always been one to understand rank and the importance of addressing such. The more the man spoke, the more reassurance Borga had, though that did not directly affect his skepticism. Yes he could trust the man, but this was a serious operation that could lead to Borga and the cartel taking a big hit. And the last thing Borga wanted to do, being newly appointed to Captain, was cause the Cartel damage. He was sure if he had done so that it would come straight out of his pocket, and more importantly his reputation. Borga turned to look at Wor, if there was someone in this galaxy that he trusted it was him.

"You need three men, fine. I'd rather you take my men however. Wor Niedra will accompany you, along with two Dashade guards. They are trained and well enough to suit your needs. and Wor has my proxy to disperse my money if needed. If Markus doesnt take the initial bid, Wor has my authority to rase the amount."

Wor had taken Borga's estate and account whenever he was away, more specifically when he was in jail. And when the Hutt was released, his account was nearly doubled. His money was as good as Wor's, so he knew that the Chev would feel tight about spending money, even if it wasnt exactly his per-say.

"And I have an idea of what to tell them. More or less the Cartel will be in charge, through myself, of their space from now on. I would include your name, though I suppose being on the legitimate side of the operation you would rather be left out of this portion. I already have ideas of our interaction once things settle down. This will be very lucrative for the both of us, most lucrative indeed." Borga shifted in his seat, sitting up more.

"You know Elohim, despite your want for legal business, you are quite deceptive. This plan and idea of yours shows your true nature, you will progress in the Cartel so long as you keep up this work. You know how to get what you want, and after this all you have to do is take it for yourself." Elohim was a smart man, one Borga came closer to trusting. He no longer wanted to be classified as strictly a bounty hunter, or a Prospect, but an Enforcer of the Cartel. And with help from Borga he would reach it soon enough. Though he would have to show his aggressiveness, as no one in the Cartel liked someone who was 100% clean. There was a person no one could trust. Elohim needed to do as the other Captains, Borga included, had done to reach their position.

 

[Insoulent]

Arkantos' jaw almost dropped as the Captain offered his own personal assistant, his Majordomo, to accompany the Bounty Hunter on this mission. This was either a sign of respect, or a way to assure the job was done, either way it meant that Borga was seriously invested in the idea. While Arkantos didn't really think the Chevin had much fight in him, he was sure to be surprised, for he must of been strong enough to protect a very important person. He wouldn't deny the help of the Dashade guards, knowing of their ferociousness in battle, either. While they were not the ideal humanoid team Arkantos aimed for, he could make it work. He hoped, though the Dashades were more than enough he'd need to get the job done. "With the aid of Wor Niedra and your guards would certainly help my job. I will make good use of their talents, thank you Borga." he said in a bow yet again.

"I have to prepare a few things, and make contact with Markus. I should be ready in a few hours, and we'll be free to leave." the Bounty Hunter explained, "That should give you enough time to finish any business here? By this time tomorrow, your business should grow quite well, Borga. Thank you again for allowing me to take on this matter." the Bounty Hunter said, as he turned around, and taking his leave. And it was true, within the span of the next 24 hours, their lives would all change, for Arkantos, quite completely. For Borga, well, he'd have more to brag about.