Open Kess-el Be Mine Now

[Skelgok Desilijic]

Kessel.

With recent events opening up new opportunities for the clan's expansion, Skelgok was all too happy to jump in to fill the void left by the former governor's expulsion. It had not escaped the Supreme Mogul's attention that the success of their invasion had been in large part to the dutiful effort that his younger cousin had undertaken to rebuild the fleet, following Ruusan. Well, if we were being honest Skelgok mostly barked orders and left the droids and underlings to do the rest, but the glory and success were his to take and therefore he would.

It was only natural then for the young Hutt to arrive in style, celebrating their glorious victory and securing the governor's mansion for himself. As was befitting his new rank and stature, as Diamyo of Kessel, summons had been sent out to all the major persons and businesses across the planet to declare their submission and in turn, provide the required tribute.

Of course, there would be resistance to their new rules and government, but that mattered little. So long as the spice and credits flowed, the rest would fall into line in short order. And if not, well, they would soon find out what it meant to cross a Hutt. Anyone seeking to do business on Kessel would find things would go much more smoothly through, rather than against him and today as that opportunity to grease the wheel.

Sitting atop his temporarily makeshift throne, Skelgok had ensured the trappings of his honorable dynasty had been spread around the room. In addition, three well-armed gamorreans flanked him on either side, along with some other well-placed persons, just for safekeeping. In time he would have a glorious palace built, out of town and away from the stinky populations, but for now, this would have to do as he prepared to receive his first guests.

 

[Alfie Shepherd]

Alfred was pleased to hear that his proprietor had struck the throne of Kessel. It only seemed appropriate to congratulate the Hutt himself. If Skelgok grew in power, in a way, so did the Scoundrel. Kuat was bringing in lots of credits which meant more tributes. If Alfie knew any better, Skelgok was on the path to becoming almost as great as Nor'baal. To ensure that their relationship stayed friendly, Alfie needed to step up as well.

The young Veteran arrived with his bodyguard, Jorge, who was carrying a large cask of Corellian whiskey. The same brand that the two had shared when they first met, Blood of Corellia. Alfie was sure Skelgok would take it well, as Alfred himself made the drink his new personal favorite. It was a sign of good business and better business to come.

"Daimyo Desilijic," Alfie bowed before allowing Jorge to offer the cask. "A gift for your celebration." By now, Skelgok would probably be able to understand when Alfred was being respectful regardless of how dull and void his expressions were.

@Xorism

 

[Darth Raze]

He was the original savior of the Kessel mines. Back when he resided in Emryc Thorne’s mind. Back when he was known around these parts as the Spicelord. A silly name, but one that made people nervous. He didn’t need that name anymore, his presence enough to invoke unsettling feelings no one could explain. His skin was chalk white, his eyes crimson, and he was adorned in crisp attire.

It wasn’t immediately apparent that he was Anzat, though it was clear there was something off about him. The wraith strode into the halls, taking in sight of the Hutt on his throne. The chilling gaze then fixed on the other man in the chamber. He looked back at the Hutt, surveying him quietly.

The Anzat said nothing, raising two fingers and flexing them. There was a soft growl as a young rancor plodded inside, fully subservient and obedient. A gift from his recent trip to Dathomir. Raze looked back at the Hutt, “I seek to establish a foothold within the spice market here,” He said with a tone of finality. It was always difficult to tell whether he was calm or hovering on the edge of a threat. His haunting face revealed nothing.

@Charles @Xorism

 

[Skelgok Desilijic]

There was much to be delighted by with how the fledgling partnership with Alfie had thus far blossomed. The startup investment hadn't been cheap, and if he was being honest was perhaps one of the risker things he had done so far, but with all the turmoil and economic troubles that had recently hit the core, the saloon, and associates had never been busier.

The delectable cask caught his attention and in short order a smile crest his face. <"Repaying your debts already, I see. A cask for a bottle is a great return on investment, wouldn't you say? Perhaps our business is far from over. Your tribute is well received."> The large Hutt waved one of his servants over to collect the gift as another face showed up and caught his attention.

The presence of this strange new face sent a shiver down the overgrown slug's spine as he looked the Anzat up and down. Of course, all worries and concerns were washed away as soon as he lay eyes on the little rancor. There was little else that firmly established a Hutt's right to rule like having one's own rancor pit and it was even worse so if said pit was empty!

Trading glances, Skelgok scratched the underside of his jowl. <"You would not be the first with eyes upon the mines of Kessel."> The Hutt held a steady gaze, broaching a smile. <"But any who brings such gifts, must be a man who knows the heart of the clans well and is therefore someone worth doing business with."> That wasn't to say he was disappointed in the slightest by anything else he had received, but this new man had started with an ace up his sleeve by all accounts.

<"The largest of our new mines has a rather disgruntled owner, who is terribly uncooperative with the recent changes I have sought to implement. I of course could crush him like a bug, but in the interest of creating a partnership, we could consider alternative offers.">

@Charles @Sreeya

 

[Rrodossk]

Rrodossk had heard that Kessel had fallen and knew that this would be a make or break moment for the Enclave. Either he could show up, extend a hand, and gain possible income for his planet or drop the ball and set his plans back or worse even just unravel them.

The plan he had before arriving was rather well laid out. He was adorned in his finest livery and armor, complete with his Wookie fur cloak adorned with the polished white skulls of two other Trandoshans acting as shoulder pauldrons. He would arrive here on his new flagship, the Vulgar Display of Power, trailed by a seeming honor guard made of the Carrack-clas Frigates known as Powerslave, Iron Maiden, and Seventh Son of a Seventh Son and his son's own ship. He would drop down, bringing a few shuttles with to bring tribute, and strike up a working relationship with the Hutt. Who knows, maybe the Hutt would even remeber him back from when he was a young bounty hunter.

That was thrown out of the window when Darth Raze strode up with a Rancor in tow. Clearly Rrodossk did not bring a second one so his gifts were blown out of the water. He needed to rethink his plans as he clearly would not be earning favorites from his gifts. He needed to make a presentation. So with him, as he exited his own shuttle, he brought a large wooden box with him. Ornately carved, it would be nothing to what would be inside. He would be flanked by an honor guard of four, one with the banner of Clan Wassak and another with the new banner of Trandosha. His walk was slow and confident though not wasting any time.

"Great Daimyo Sskelgok of Kessssel," the elder Trandoshan began, his head bowing towards the Hutt as he approached, "I am Khagan Rrodossssk of Trandosha. Former Bounty Hunter. Pleasse, allow me to pressent to you my giftss sso we may sstart out on the right foot." Grin slightly at saying this, the sincerity on his voice only half faked. He indeed hoped this would work. He indeed wanted to make sure he was in the Hutts good graces. But now he was mostly curious as to what Raze would be wanting from the Spice trade...

The first gift brought came with Yossk on his Pursuer-class Enforcement Ship and was set inside a gargantuan cage movering but an inch off the floor. Inside was a large (even when not standing), quadrupedal Bogaranth bred for combat. From its ugly jaws came an absolutely noxious slobber-like slime. It drolled and snarled and snapped at those guards rolling the animal out until Yossk tossed a decently sized hunk of meat inside. The mandibles and jaws worked its way at the hunk. It was vicious and ugly, making noises and grunts and growls and it viciously tore into the meat like a half-crazed savage. It would be good for a pit beast, a monster to tear others apart just for fun, to warm up the crowd for the big ticket fight at the end of the card.

"This firsst gift I bring iss a juvenile Bogaranth. Indeed not ass well known ass a Rancor, but still a terrible ssight to behold. Diverssity iss the sspice of life, if you would pardon my pun. My ssecond gift, iss thiss." With that he had sat the ornate box on the ground and unlatched locks around the lid. Inside his claws went and as he pulled them back out inside their grasp was something bright and shining. The light hit the polished metal perfectly, the helmet still looking brutal despite its beauty. On top was a large spike, fit for any heads or tassels, and around the large dome of the helm dropped chainmail to further protect the user's neck region. Though not visible at first, the helmet would have various black jewels and patches of amber embedded into the metalwork. Style and functionality, not something many would go for. And if the Hutt would try it on, it would perfectly fit. Rrodossk would offer the helm to the Hutt itself with a sign of pride on his face.

"Every Lord or Daimyo needsss a crown, and every conquerer needsss a helmet. You are both, so Clan Wassssak has had thiss commissssioned for you. But thiss sis indeed not all. Ass I wish to bring you one more gift." With that, two rather well built Trandoshans rolled over a large barrel. It would not take a genius to know what this was. Trandoshan Ale was known all throughout the galaxy as a rather potent drink that could annihilate anyone but the strongest drinkers, but if crafted right and aged perfectly it would be worth the ride. Judging from the age of the wood on the barrel it seems that's exactly what the Hutt had here: a perfect batch.

@Charles @Sreeya @Xorism

 

[Darth Raze]

“Perhaps he can be persuaded to cooperate,” Raze said calmly. In the coming days, the Hutt would find this owner far more compliant. Raze wanted credits - he hardly wanted direct responsibility. The wraith observed as the Trandoshan entered. From Emryc’s memories, Raze recalled this primitive beast from the Senate halls. The Anzat looked past him and at the creature that snapped and roared.

Raze turned to look at the creature. No words were spoken, but the vicious growling gave way to whimpering as the bogaranth quivered in its cage. Its jaws abruptly snapped shut, not a single sound escaping as it tried to make itself as small as possible. That much noise simply wouldn’t do.

With the creature calm and subdued, Raze used the Force to lift and toss Rrodossk into the cage next to the slobbering beast.

“I present to you the Khagan of Trandosha and all his trinkets as a gift, Daimyo,” Raze said coolly, “I understand this significantly improves our trade relations.”

The Sith waved over an attendant with a tray, grabbing a wine and lifting it as a toast before taking a sip.

@Olwin @Xorism

 

[Alfie Shepherd]

Jorge tapped Alfred on the shoulder and whispered in his ear about probably leaving. Alfie didn't feel deterred or creeped out when the wraith arrived, but Jorge did. The fellow hybrid enforcer was proving to be quite the bodyguard. Alfie only saw the Anzat as a peculiar business man- and his tactics elicited both worry and amusement.

It was quite obvious that the Scoundrel was to stay out of the of this... The Anzat didn't give a name, didn't he? The show of a Rancor, and then forcing the Trandoshan leader into a cage was...well, maybe it was time to go. Alfie was more than emotionally numbed, but looking at the mysterious man in the eyes awakened a fear he hadn't felt in ages.

The fear of death... Who are you? Something was wrong about all of this. "Jorge, I believe your gut instinct is more than correct, but leaving now would be disrespectful. We will stay out of the way." Alfie then took a seat with his oversized bodyguard and they both carefully watched the Hutt and the Visitor. There hadn't ever been a time where Alfie wanted to play submissively- but this thing was more than what he appeared to be. Alfie had the feeling that Skelgok was in just as much danger as the Trandoshan. Everyone in the room seemed to react to the Anzat as if this was his celebration and he were the true lord of Kessel.

@Sreeya @Xorism @Olwin

 

[Rrodossk]

Rrodossk knew this would happen. Ever since he saw that creatures craft he knew Raze would try to pull a stunt but not one like this. Rrodossk felt himself fly through the cage as it was opened by the Force, with the animal cowering inside of the cage still as his back impacted the opposite side. He felt rattled by the sudden surge of speed paired with the sudden stop, but no pain was really felt by the reptile. His bulky frame would stand up and make his way towards the door as fast as he could. The beast behind him shook itself out of its stooper and the drool rolled from its mouth again. It was hungry. The youthful creature lunged at the older Trandoshan with its maw wide, the jaws clacking shut and pulling back with nothing but black wookie fur before the Trandoshans could act.

Rrodossk would be valiantly fighting the large beast in the cage, his fists landing between its eyes to dissorient the creature. It was atleast enough to buy him some time as his crew were stunned for a moment but they quickly sprung into action. Many of the guards went into defensive positions in case Raze would do another act, trying their best to be between the cage and him. The most important was that a few of the guards rushed to the controls and attempted to free their boss before any majorly irreparable damage could happen. The beast was back up again, trying its best to move into a better position but more slams from the Trandoshans fists kept it in a daze. Though it was clear the beast wouldn't be cheesed like this forever.

@Xorism @Charles @Sreeya

 

[Skelgok Desilijic]

The bargain was struck and the spice would flow, making each party richer for it. Such was the fine negotiation skills of Skelgok Desilijic that no bartering need be done.

Next, the self-proclaimed Khagan of Trandosha appeared with gifts and trinkets galore. Much the same as before, the Hutt was enthralled by the attention and apparent admiration, having expected a much smaller and local affair. If the Hutt could understand embarrassment, he might have felt like his 'palace' was not yet fit for the caliber of gifts, but alas, he did not.

But then something extraordinary happened.

There was a particular joy that only came with being showered with gifts and honors, recognition of ill-gotten and sometimes undeserved respect served as a platitude. It didn't matter to this Hutt why or how he was being offered such a prize, only the fact that he had been. And besides, it would be rude to turn down the best gift presented so far, wouldn't it?

<"Indeed, I should think that it does. Please, indulge yourself with the best that Kessel has to offer."> The Hutt spoke in a most pleased tone, quite content with the new prize that presented itself. Suddenly the Dosh guards brought along with the senator responded in typical aggression, belting out attacks on the Hutt's new pet and trying to free the other. Oh, that wouldn't do.

Skelgok raised his hand into a fist, crushing his potential enemies to dust in a powerful signal for his guards to act. The six Gamorreans raced down from the throne armed with their brutal war axes, taking their first swings at the distracted guards from behind. A handful of dead leather bags was a small price to pay to ensure an even larger problem didn't emerge, if the cage opened and the beast got out, there would be simply chaos.

The two blaster-armed guards next to the Hutt wouldn't dream of harming their master's pets, but the risk of them hurting each other was simply too high to ignore. Therefore the armed guards opted to fire off a series of stun blaster bolts directed at both pets in the cage aiming to knock both the senator and beast out. @Olwin

@Sreeya @Olwin

 

[Darth Raze]

The wraith didn’t interject in the fiasco since his initial move to put the Senator in a cage. He was curious to observe what the Hutt did with this. The Hutt's follow up to this incident would determine whether he was a worthy ally or just a nuisance in the way.

Raze nursed his wine, helping himself to some snacks as they passed. He hardly noticed that the attendants were trembling as they walked by him, some of the drinks splashing or spilling. Thankfully, they all missed the Sith so far. He also paid no heed to the Trandoshan’s guards that stood staring so menacingly at him, preferring instead to let them stew in uncertainty.

“I have been quite rude and haven’t introduced myself,” He said calmly after the noise levels were low again with both pets stunned, “I’m afraid my titles aren’t as long drawn out or lofty as Khagans or Hutts. I am known humbly as Darth Raze.”

He smirked and took a sip of his wine. Out here in the Outer Rim, he had no need to hide his identity. Especially when some of them would have suspected already.

@Xorism @Charles

 

[Rrodossk]

Rrodossk continued to fight against the beast in the cage as his guards tried to open the shield. His fist kept slamming into the creatures face, over and over and over again. Swing after swing, the thumps against the chitinous armor almost echoing across the area. That all ended with a single move, the creature learned the pattern and moved in to disable its opponent easily. Rrodossk's right arm swung forward to the creatures face and the bogaranth opened wide and grasped a hold of the reptilian limb. A loud screech from inside the cage was bellowed by the elder, blood gushing from the wound already, before he felt it.

The Stun bolt went into his back, his nerves going haywire and being overwhelmed by the shot. The pit beast itself felt a similar blast to its side and released the now badly mangled arm to roar and hiss at those guards. The slimey drool rolling from its chops was filled with thick green Trandoshan blood. The beast growled and gnashed its teeth at those pig-like beings who tried to take it down before two more bolts landed right into its chest. It stumbled backwards and shook its head, clearly out of disorientation, before it to succumbed to the stun bolts.

A few of the guards were fighting back against the guards who had rushed them down, their claws and superior strength making them decent threats against simple piglets. But the majority of those who arrived began to retreat back onto the shuttle or the Pursuer. They knew their leader would want them to go on, that if he were not stunned he would encourage them to escape to fight again another day. The larger vessels above would await the arrival of the smaller craft before making their way to attempt to escape. As they were rather quick ships they would dart to where they could escape from. Any oncoming fire would either be ignored or the ship would preform evasive manuvers, but not a single shot would be fired back.

/ExitThread_Attempt

@Xorism @Sreeya @Charles

 

[Alfie Shepherd]

Darth Raze. Denon, Dantooine, Fierrerro- All of it was this man. Now, had the Anzat simply showed up and claimed to be a mighty Sith Lord, Alfred wouldn't have believed him. But it was obvious there was no lie that came with the Darth's introduction. Jorge made an audible gulp and stood up nervously. Alfie stayed into his seat, his once-emotionless eyes overrun with a mixture of anger, confusion, and fear.

"...Why come to Kessel?" Alfie managed to ask. Why would someone like Raze come to a backwater planet like Kessel? Alfred had a hard time pushing out memories of the war on Denon- his men being slaughtered...his capture held by pirates...the loss of his ears...the death of the woman he loved so dearly. Why would Darth Raze show up to a Hutt in the Outer Rim with nothing and no one but himself? With shaking hands, Alfie tried to light a cigar to smoke, but he couldn't get the lighter to work- Damnit...

@Sreeya @Xorism

 

[Skelgok Desilijic]

The squeals of flesh and blood meeting steel didn't last very long, with all the defiant guards being slain one by one in defense of their stunned master. The handful that made the wiser choice to flee rather than fight, were permitted to do so by the grace of his most nobleness.

Skelgok visibly shifted in his lofty chair as the phantom identified himself at last. His gaze shifting over towards the unconscious Senato, before returning to his guest. Hutts were quite used to overwhelming displays of power, the hordes of armed guards and opulence aplenty. They were also quite used to being the most powerful bring in said room at a given time, to allow such power to be flexed.

But in that very sentence was power itself. Few, if any names commanded the same fear, with perhaps his cousin being the closest. Skelgok held the throne by that same very name and the trickle of wealth in comparison, and if he ever wanted to reach the pinicles of life, it seemed only fitting to do so with the most powerful man in the galaxy.

<"Welcome, Darth Raze. Had we known of your imminent arrival, a more fitting reception might of been prepared for a man of your station."> what that looked like, the Hutt could only guess.

The fact that his business partner outright not only heard the name correctly but then curtly addressed Raze anyway despite witnessing what he had just done to another, flabbergasted the Daimyo. Without hesitating, as host, he could not stay silent.

<"You're forgetting your place, Mr Shepherd. While you might be vital for my business plans, another disrespectful comment like that and you'll be joining the Khaganate."> the Hutt shifted in his chair with his fist raised, ready to see if the man would test his resolve.

@Sreeya @Olwin

 

[Darth Raze]

He slowly turned to regard the man that addressed him. Words came out, but he may as well have abruptly soiled himself. The wraith’s face was impassive, and he would let the question hang in the air. The crimson gaze remained fixed on the man, letting him perspire and continue to fumble with the lighter that simply refused to light.

After a few seconds, there was a casual flick of his wrist - one that would likely make the man think he was about to have his neck snapped. Instead, the end of his cigarra was suddenly ablaze, serving the function of the lighter that the man failed to utilize. Raze turned to regard Skelgok, who was doing an excellent job of playing host thus far.

“Kessel is a jewel of the Outer Rim,” Raze said as he lifted his glass, “I am here for new business ventures and to celebrate the ascension of Daimyo Desilijic.”

He took a sip from his drink, “Hutts are infamous for their dancers, are they not?” Raze asked Skelgok, “Let us see what you have. No reason to let the Khagan incident spoil the evening."

@Xorism @Charles

 

[Alfie Shepherd]

Alfie flinched when he watched Raze flick his wrist, expecting his insides to explode, but instead his cigar was lit. A quiet sigh of relief followed the smoke ring he blew in Skelgok's direction. Darth Raze had lit his cigar- how interesting. Was it a sign of diplomacy aimed for the Hutt? Did Raze remember the EX-lieutenant from Denon? Was he going to kill the Scoundrel later? All of this was unsettling, but the curiosity kept Alfred enthralled by the Dark Lord's presence. The way he spoke and moved- as if he were debating whether or not Skelgok deserved that seat.

"Daimyo Desilijic, it will not happen again." Alfie slunk back in his chair, doing his best to relax. Jorge did the same, but the brute was now fixated on the Khagan. The FWA Senator was a prime target, but when Jorge reached for his blaster, but Alfie instead offered the Grimlyn-hybrid the last of his cigar. Jorge took it, and together they watched Darth Raze.

@Sreeya @Xorism

 

[Skelgok Desilijic]

The Hutt's massive frame adjusted slightly more upright on his throne as the situation seemed to settle itself. Alfie had proven to be a valuable asset and was making good progress in their little core-based business, although such things were always in flux.

Looking down at the cages, Skelgok briefly pondered what he might have in store for the aged lizard. It was not lost upon him that the Dosh looked to strength, and brutality to maintain order, things he now had in spades. Since the dissolution of the FWA, the planet's protective blanket had been stripped away and was more vulnerable than ever before. With the right hand to guide it, it would be quite simple to extend his own influence over the planet either directly, or indirectly depending on how willing the khagan was to do so.

Nodding to Alfie, the Hutt lowered his fist. His attention now moved to the ever-present presence turned new business partner with a grin. <"Of course, may you find one that pleases you."> With a clap of his hands, a servant scrambled over boxes and pillows to open a side door. A few minutes passed before a procession of dancers appeared, each in various stages of dress and looks. A handful were clearly experienced, swaying their bodies seductively to the music as it began, while the others seemingly more recent to the profession were struggling to improvise.

With a twirl of his hand, Skelgok directed the servant to have the dancers circle the room until they found a favorable position to dance from. In the meantime, a handful of locals slipped their way into the room and cautiously approached the new Daimyo, seeking an audience.

@Sreeya @Charles