Bring in the Slaves

[Just Matt Now]

There were many reasons to own a slave if you were a Hutt. One of the biggest reasons was the large estate that many Hutt's had, they could have paid to have servants wait on their every need and demand, though most Hutt's were stingy. Either that or they wanted complete devotion from their staff, complete loyalty that only came from owning slaves. And Borga was no different, though his moral standards on owning and treating slaves were probably the best in the galaxy. He understood full well that there were those who could not fend for themselves, who could not live out in the real world, and he made sure to take those ones in as slaves. To keep them and feed them and clothe them, as they would not be able to do themselves. And so his mojodormo, Wor Niedra, had hand picked all of the slaves who were 'employed' under Borga's estate.

The reason the Hutt considered them under employment was that he did pay them a decent stipend for their loyalty. He gave them two to three days out of each week to do as they pleased, whether that be leave the palace for the entire time or stay. Essentially they were free for that time, although any attempt at escape was strictly forbidden and severely punished. Though most of the time there was no need. Although this was the reason that he needed many slaves. As those who were on leave needed to be replaced, and so Wor would make sure that there was no lapse, or lack of slaves at any one given time.

Some slaves were eventually freed, whether that be because Borga felt like so, wanting a change of scenery, or because he felt their time has come to face the world. And there was need to purchase new slaves every so often.

"Bring in the new lineup of slaves..." Spoken in the wormy tongue of Huttese. Borga had ordered for five new slaves to be purchased in a local market, and Wor had done just that. The majodormo ordered the Dashade guards to bring them in, their shackles were removed as they were no threat to the crowned Hutt himself.

Among them were a crude mix. A couple Humans, a Falleen, an Ugnaught, and a Quarren.

The Hutt chose one at random.

"You...what is your name?"

 

[Latte]

Trembling slightly, Mikhail stepped forward once, doing his best to show just the right amount of fear. It was a balance. Show enough fear so the masters knew you would obey. Don't show more than that, or you'd likely be beaten for quivering too much to do as ordered. It was difficult for him to find that balance now. He hadn't been sold to anyone new since he was a child, and had little experience with the process. He just hoped this new master would be predictable and Mikhail could learn the new ways, and thus escape a lot of punishment.

"Mikhail Starfire, Master." The words came easily. Any free man was to be addressed as "Master," whether they actually owned him or not. A small part of Mikhail resented the Hutts for keeping him at less of a rank than a household pet, but he quickly squashed that resentment. It would only serve to get him in trouble if he ever let it show to his masters. Enormous trouble.

 

[Just Matt Now]

This Mikhail seemed tough, he could pose for a decent gladiator. Or with the way the hutt's mind worked, he could be worth much more. Though they would soon find out, Borga had something in mind for the Human. It wasnt too often Humans became slaves on Nar Shaddaa, and when they did they were usually held at higher standards. Borga's mind took off, he was sure that this Mikhail Starfire would serve the purpose of infiltrating the STC. And if not, they would train him to do so.

"Get the slaves prepared and indoctrinated with the layout of the palace. But leave this Mikhail Starfire..." The Hutt said as Dashade guards led the remaining slaves to their new quarters where they would be clothed and fed, then taken on a brief tour of the palace to which they would be serving in for presumably the rest of their lives.

"Tell me something about yourself, Mikhail. Do you have any skills?" Borga sized he slave up, then proceeded to rise from his throne and descend down to his level. Borga stood much taller than any Human, and much fatter as well. Slithering around the man, the Hutt wanted to make sure he was making the right decision with this one. He had more to choose from, but Mikhail had a certain rugged quality about him, one that did not fit the bill of a slave.

"Can you fight?"

 

[Latte]

Mikhail stood stock still as the Hutt circled around him, the noise of his rumbling voice and slithering body nearly making him shiver. One thing he'd quickly learned was if a master took interest in you, it meant trouble of some kind. Carefully controlling his breathing, Mikhail focused on the questions he'd been asked, and the task at hand: Avoid punishment at all costs. Swallowing to be sure his voice would not tremble, he spoke again. "I can make bricks, Master."

He considered the next question. Could he fight? He'd never really had experience in combat, be it using a blaster, a sword, or merely fist fighting. Maybe once, he'd been cornered by another slave, a blue Twi'lek demanding something in an unknown tongue, but a master had come by and shoved them both to the slave quarters. He hadn't actually fought before, though. Mikhail shook his head once. "No, Master, I cannot fight." Upon saying it, he realized what the Hutt might have wanted if he could fight, and Mikhail swallowed. Becoming a gladiator was the very last thing he would want, besides death. He just hopes he won't be destined for it after all.

 

[Just Matt Now]

A slight downside, although nothing that Icarus could not fix with lessons. They could always give him lessons, and paying for an entire new background with credentials was the easy part. Borga still felt confidence in him. It wasnt well fitting to put a save in such a position, although loyalty was a strong factor in his hands. And they could always train him to act more civilized and as if he were a free man.

"Tell me Mikhail, what do you think of the Storm Troopers Corps?" Assuming that the slave knew of the New Sith Empire and their atrocities. Also the ones that have just been committed on Klatooine. Which had been broadcasting all over the new stations ever since the attack started.

Borga stopped right in front of him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "There is no pressure Mikhail. I will not harm you just wondering if I should grant you a particular opportunity that may lead to your freedom sooner than you might think."

 

[Latte]

Freedom? Mikhail lost his control then and blanched. The very idea of not having an owner hadn't occurred to him since he was a young child. He'd quickly given up that notion, however, and had just tried to stay out of trouble ever since. To hear it was a possibility now shook him deeply, and he was at a loss for how to respond. "I..." Mikhail's mind raced, trying not to stammer and upset his master.

"I haven't heard of the Storm Trooper Corps, Master." He paused, though not for long. He knew better than to delay in his words. "I can learn, though." Mikhail caught himself as he closed his mouth, and opened it again to add the appropriate honorific. "Master."

 

[Just Matt Now]

Borga sighed as he figured that he had his work cut out for him, although there was still something about the slave that made him sure he was right for this task. This slave was certainly sheltered. Though it was no matter, he could be brought up to speed quite quickly by the Hutt's majodormo, Wor Niedra. For now, however, the Hutt decided that he would give him a brief history lesson.

"The Storm Troopers Corps is a military unit that serve the New Sith Empire...you've heard of them havn't you...?"

The Hutt let him answer.

"Well the Hutt Cartel is currently at war with the brutes. And so it would be in your best interest that you do as I say. We can provide you with a hidden background, one that might cater to any of your desires or fantasies, and you will pose as a recruit, going on missions and rising through the ranks. Though, essentially reporting to me on a course of action. Whether that means failing a certain mission, or giving me intel. Anything and everything you do or find out, you will report to me. This task will give you a new life, and essentially you will appear free. Although you are my slave and thus mine. How well you perform, will more than likely lead me to letting you free."

"How does all of this sound, Mikhail?"

 

[Latte]

"Yes, Master," he answered quietly, hoping the Hutt wouldn't order him punished for being so ignorant. He knew of the Empire, yes, but not much. He'd never been part of it, always kept under the thumb of the Hutts, so he knew little. Mikhail listened carefully as his master detailed what he would be doing. It sounded far different than anything he'd ever done. He couldn't imagine what this would be like. A spy? Huh... he might be moving up in the world after all.

"It sounds fine, Master." He bowed his head to as a show of respect, mind still reeling at the possibility of freedom and the new tasks he'd been assigned. A far cry from making bricks with a shock collar around his neck.

 

[Just Matt Now]

The Hutt could sense some discontent in the slave. The person he would choose for this assignment had to be prepared for any consequence that would come forth, though it is clear that the reward was just as high, if not higher, than the risk. This would mean training, and lots of it. After they had come up with a feasible background, which would have to be air-tight, they would need to train him how to be a free man, and possibly some combat techniques.

"Mikhail, you have my permission to speak your mind, please do not hold back." The Hutt said removing his hand from the slaves shoulder. "I will leave the creativity of the background up to you. You may become whomever you want and that will be the new you. You can change your name, your history, anything you wish. And we will make it real, we will make you into someone else."

Borga shot a glance at Wor, the Chevin nodded in return. He was the man to make it all happen, he would give Mikhail his new identity and records and make sure that nothing would be able to trace it back to the Hutt.

 

[Latte]

He considered for a long moment before speaking, afraid he might land himself in trouble if he wasn't careful. "Master... I am beyond grateful and honored you have chosen me for this task." He bows as a show of submission to his master, mulling over the possibilities. He could be anyone he wanted. He could say he was free, that he was smart and could do all these great things.