Ask Release That Lizard

[Dusty Daytonus]

To be honest, Dusty still wasn't entirely sure what had happened. Apparently, his old FWA buddy, Rrodossk had brought a fleet to Nal Hutt in an attempt to intimidate the giant slugs? Or was it something with a Sith throwing him in a cage? There was a cage in the story, right? The details were so hazy about the incident. This wasn't because Dusty's staff hadn't done a good job in their report; they had. But Governor Daytonus skimmed his briefings and reports in the best of times, finding them rather dull affairs. And this morning was hardly the best of times as he was nursing a rather severe hangover from the night before, having attended some gala with members of some cabinet or another.

But, he got the gist. Lizard friend was held by Hutts and he had might be the best person to get him out, considering his connection with the Desilijc clan and his FWA past with Rrodossk. In fact, his hungover mind was already going through ways of.

He had invited the Hutts to a summit on Ploo II. For one thing, Nor'baal already had a sizeable presence here since Dusty had opened much of the world's underbelly and oilfields up to the Hutt in exchange for his help in securing his electoral victory. For another, hosting meant that Dusty could have his staff flatter and pamper the Hutts to get them in a good mood. In the waiting room of the gubernatorial mansion, the Hutt guests would find their every need catered towards. Glymphid staff fanned them with palm leaves, offered delicious cuisine on serving bowls, and offered massages, mudbaths, narcotics, and alcoholic refreshments if the great slugs so desired.

"Nor'baal, my man, you are looking good! You're doing something new with the skin, I just know it! New exercise regime?" Dusty warmly greeted his old Hutt acquaintance as he walked into the room, flanked by an aide and a pair of Honor Guardsmen. Waving the guards off to stand by the doorway, Dusty strode forward to the assembled Hutts.

"How are you all finding the accomodations? Anything I can get you?"


@Olwin @Xorism @Nor'baal

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

Nor'baal had no idea what he was doing here.

He'd arrived late last night, his war barge conveying him with the usual pomp and ceremony he had come to expect. Since settling down, he had done nothing but grumble and complain about how far from the 'Glorious Jewel' of Hutt space he now found himself. Not even Preefs ever-present person had been able to comfort his agitation, and Nor'baal had left the Rodian to skulk behind his throne as he waited for the business to get underway.

Yet here he was.

On whatever boonta-forsaken world this was.

Nor'baal was not alone. The Supreme Mogul never travelled without an entourage. Rather rudely, the venue had been secured by the three-hundred guards of his personal retinue he had brought with him. Gamorreans, armed to the teeth with cruel blades and savage-looking blasters, had quickly taken up positions around the place, guarding the entrances, the overlooks, and the walls.

Inside the 'Throne Room' itself, Nor'baal was accompanied by a dozen members of the Kougine Lohba, alongside four Gamorreans with their ill-gotten Beskar, and a clutch of some three Corellian Hounds, which languished at the base of his throne.

The Hutt did not like to take chances regarding his most valuable possession - his own life.

It was why he scowled as Dusty entered the room with armed guards. It was his own small flotilla of attendees braced themselves as the Hutt spoke. <Uba caiot yoieu wa panbocn yatuka dah.> he snarled, before muttering something to his droid, which stepped forward with trepidation.

"His serene majesty, the great and illustrious Nor'baal, ruler of Hutt Space, commander of the space lanes and rightful sovereign of the Outer Rim, wishes you welcome to his august presence, and requests and demands you make place that which you ask of him."

 

[Skelgok Desilijic]

Skelgok had never planned for what he'd do with a former senator turned khagan, as he'd never planned to have one simply fall into his lap. Still, the Hutt wasn't one to give up opportunities as they presented themselves and that was why he also chose to accept Dusty's invitation to Ploo. Well, it was one of the reasons with the other being that he didn't want to find out the supreme mogul had given away his prize without at least being at the table.

While not employing the impressive retinue that his cousin showed off, the younger Hutt did bring a small number of Gamorreans befitting of his rank and two of his trusted lieutenants lingered around if required. Arriving shortly after Nor'baal, Skelgok dipped his head to his great cousin and then to their host.

<"Cousin, is this one of your worlds that I did not know about? truly your influence cannot be matched.">

@Fantasy Liver @Nor'baal

 

[Dusty Daytonus]

"My esteemed Hutts, I'll be brief. You have, through no fault of your own it sounds like, wound up with a certain Trandoshan politician. I'd like to take him off your hands. However, I realize that keeping a prisoner is no easy feat. Here on Ploo II, we have numerous prisoners of our own and they're, frankly, a burden to use and our tax system. It's a shame that their talents for violence, fraud, and deception are wasted languishing in cells. In fact, I'm sure they'd be of more use to an organization of your size and nature." Dusty said. That his politicians way of stating that he was willing to offer the Hutts the pick of Ploo's jail cells in order to bolster the ranks of the Cartels in exchange for Rrodossk.

"I also would like to commend you all for how diplomatically you've handled this peculiar political situation. In fact, such political acumen would be a real asset to the people of Ploo. So much so that I would love to bestow an ambassador title upon either one of you or one of your organization. This of course would come with perks, including diplomatic immunity, which I dare say would be pretty nifty if some misguided Trandoshans had any minor issues regarding you and Rrodossk." Dusty concluded. That was political speech for "diplomatic immunity is yours if you give me the lizard.

@Olwin @Xorism @Nor'baal

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

Nor'baal, unfortunately for all those assembled, had absolutely no idea what Dusty was talking about. If one of his underlings had taken a Trandoshan prisoner, the Supreme Mogul was none the wiser - nor had he wished to be. To hear the bizarre creature warbling on about making one of them an 'Ambassador' was even stranger, the Hutts had little use for such titles. Indeed, they had sufficient power and stature themselves, without needing to authenticate their influence on some backward world such as Ploo II.

He looked at Dusty, somewhat perplexed.

Muttering something to his droid, he gestured for it to speak and convey his words. "Their eminences are unsure as to your meaning. They have not taken a 'politician' prisoner, and request that you elucidate as to your intentions." Nor'baal nodded as his droid spoke, before muttering something else which was rapidly conveyed. "His majesty has no need for 'diplomatic immunity' on this world, or indeed, on any other, to suggest so would be to imply that my master is a 'criminal' - which, I can assure you, he is not." the droid added, without the slightest hint of irony.

 

[Skelgok Desilijic]

It was slightly amusing to watch their host lavishly dote over his cousin, the latter seemingly having little idea as to why he had been invited so very far from home. At some point, he knew that he'd have to jump in and explain the situation, but at the same time, Skelgok dared not speak out of turn lest he ends up in a similar situation himself.

When the opportune moment arrived, the younger Hutt coughed just loud enough to get the attention of the room directed towards him. <"A prisoner? No. But I do have a Trandoshan guest in my house by that name."> Skelgok smiled deceptively. With the politician being kept under house arrest, they had hoped to slowly increase their influence over the planet until it had been engulfed by it. But Trandosha was a poor world, filled with angry lizards who did not make particularly great vassals.

When one opportunity leaves, another sometimes presents itself. With a flick of the tongue, the Hutt stared at Dusty just a little bit too long. <"The Supreme Mogul is a fair and honest ruler, wouldn't you say? In these dangerous times, especially after your alliance just up and left you alone.."> Skelgok feined a sad, heavy heartfelt expression.

<"Take to your knees and weep, for it is your lucky day Governor! You shall have your friend this afternoon, should you do just one thing. Declare your planet's allegiance to the Supreme Mogul and ask for his protection.">

A planet for a planet seemed like a fair deal, although he wasn't quite sure what Dusty would get out of such an arrangement just yet. The Hutt watched the Ploovian with great interest, wondering whether he would accept such an honor or risk insulting his patron by refusing somehow.

@Fantasy Liver @Nor'baal

 

[Dusty Daytonus]

What? Were these Hutts serious? Dusty was about to make a snappy retort back when he realized something. These Hutts had no idea who he was. Skelgok, of course, wouldn't have known him but Nor'baal would, having been to his world a couple times
in order to secure Ploo II's allegience. And yet, Nor'baal was acting as though he had never been to this planet before. Maybe it made sense - after all Ploo II was hardly a destination stop in the galaxy, more known for its governors antics and its feud with Ploo IV rather than anything else. So it was entirely possible that Norb'aal, with as well-traveled as he was simply forgot he'd been here before.

Even more egregiously though, was the fact that the Hutts were asking for that which had already been offered. Dusty had, long ago, opened his world up to the Hutt Cartel in order to get elected. Was Nor'baal's empire so vast that he'd already forgotten which parts he'd conquered? But, hey, Dusty certainly wouldn't bring that up now and if he could trade his planet twice, he would.

For once, Ploo II's backwater status seemed to have benefitted them.

"Well, fellas, I suppose that seems fair. Always liked you Hutts more than the FWA stiffbacks anyways. But what exactly does that entail? We talking extra taxes? Am I your puppet leader? Cause I'm down for that in a big way." Dusty said.

@Nor'baal @Olwin @Xorism

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

If there was a chance to gain a new subject out of this meeting, Nor’baal was hardly going to dismiss it out of hand. Yet, he had more questions he needed answering. Ploo II was hardly one of the galactic powerhouses, but its representative had managed to secure quite the reputation as a broker and dealer.

”Why do you want the Lizard?” he asked, silencing his droid with a movement of his hand as Nor’baal addressed them instead, in basic. ”Aside from that, we would of course be delighted to welcome this sector to the Cartel, providing it with the proper Governance in the form of a Hutt Diamyo to take residence here, leaving the administrative matters to you, naturally.”

He looked down at the alien, keen to see why his reaction to this offer was - before hashing it out in greater detail.

 

[Dusty Daytonus]

"Guy owes me money." Dusty answered Nor'baal with a hearty chuckle. His two Honor Guardsman that had come along with him swayed nervously on their feet as the fate of their home planet was being discussed right in front of them.

"A daimyo huh? Would certainly help boost the economy a bit Norbs, but here's the thing. I'm just one governor and the Glymphids are a traditional, stubborn people. If this daimyo comes in with a lot of big changes in mind, there might be some resistance and that could lose both of us a lot of money. What would this guy be doing and how long would I have to prep the planet?"

"Also, I think one of those war barges floating overhead would be a nice little reminder to all the citizens here to play nice don't you? Could even be my new gubernatorial vehicle. If you've been keeping up with my Podracing on the Net you know I love me a nice powerful machine" Dusty said, salivating at the thought of lounging around in one of the Hutts special vehicle. His underlying message was clear; if you want a whole planet for one lizard, I'm going to need a pretty sweet ass ride. Especially since his last yacht had been trashed by the Killiks.

@Nor'baal @Xorism @Olwin

 

[Skelgok Desilijic]

Skelgok's ears perked up at the mention of a Hutt Daimayo being mentioned, leaning forward presumptively to speak. <"I would of course offer my services, should his supremeness require it">

It was after all his genius plan that had brought them all together here. Kessel was still his main prize, but the talented Hutt would leave Dusty to run the planet day to day and would only need to show his face occasionally to ensure the planet was reminded of its proper place. Although if the mogul wished for another Hutt to take this place, another more suitable compensation would suffice.

<"You would remain where you are, but with the cartel's backing, you would become invincible among your peers."> As for the war barge, well, Skelgok would leave that up to Nor'baal himself.

@Fantasy Liver @Nor'baal

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

Once again, Nor'baal was surprised by the audacity of this non-Hutt. To seek to add to the deal was stunning, but it was the sought of brokering style Nor'baal. He was used to doing himself - in a way, he respected it. There was quite simply no way he was going to allow a non-Hutt to control a War Barge, but he was sure he could work a way around it.

<Mah pipa lwaa boya bu uohzdohpa peee bo winbocanh see amahola che bo masii dee planeeto.> he remarked, nodding to Skelgok as he confirmed that his cousin would assume the position of Hutt Daimyo of this backwater. With the War Barge as his base of operations, and the might that conferred, he would no doubt be ably suited in managing Hutt operations here.

Plus, the presence of a Hutt would ensure the planet was ably protected, with guards a plenty to keep the Daimyo, and Dusty as Adminstrator, safe. <Kuna kee, peee masonka dee danko, doth lohonka wa dotmheca lumpa dah bu uohzdohpa, catke cohka tytung, jeejee tee caie gee uba babcenetky bu danko an juju wanka mee du koupuoy.> he added, pausing to judge the mans response to the adapted terms.

 

[Dusty Daytonus]

"A room? Come on let's be serious here, people. I need something I can drive. Something big, something fast, something I can preferably blow shit up with. Fact of the matter is, the longer you hold the lizard, the more grumpy the Trandoshans are likely to be about it. I'd hate for some misguided reptile to try and make a move against your eminences and risk losing you all money. Dusty said, pointing out the fact that the asset the Hutts held was not one that kept its value for very long as a hostage. The Trandoshans were notoriously a prickly bunch and the longer they went without their ruler, the more sticky things could be for the Hutts. Dusty wanted himself a nice ship, damn it, and he was willing to play hardball to get it.

@Nor'baal @Xorism @Olwin

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

Nor'baal shook his head.

The provision of a Shad'ruu was not going to happen. Inordinately costly vehicles, custom-made or inherited by the heads of entire Hutt Clans, the 'War Barge' (as it was affectionately known) was not a trinket to be used as a bargaining chip with planetary warlords.

<Nobata. Uba saconba bom bom kiuke dee Pohka.> he intoned in Huttese, making his objection to the proposition clear. Nor'baal was not in the habit of handing out weapons of war to potential subjects, such methods tended to make for shorter reigns for both parties in his experience. Yet, hope for a deal was not entirely extinguished, and he ruminated on an alternative.

Dusty had ambitions for the sector; he had made that much clear - the Hutts perhaps just needed to find a way to help realise them. <Toupee mi, haku koona woy uba gee bai woy tah planeeto, tah bapkaha, wa kaae cuee youngee che tah can?> he asked, attempting to draw out a method through which they could both prosper.

 

[Dusty Daytonus]

Ah, so the Hutt did remember Dusty after all. No doubt, he also remembered the complement of AT-RTs that he'd given Dusty in exchange for a share of Ploo's fuel trade and what they'd be used for - an invasion of Ploo II's perpetual rivals, the Fluggrians on Ploo IV. Conquering them would cement Dusty in the history books and have him be known as more than the first Podracer to take office.

"Norbs buddy, I think we're getting bogged down in details. You know I got my sights set on teaching those stupid Fluggs on Ploo IV a lesson. Thanks to you, I got the hardware to do it and thanks to my army, I got the manpower. But think how profitable Ploo II could be for you if we had a colony world too! You wouldn't just have a Governor in your court - you'd have a king of an entire system. And all I'd need from you is use of your barge to give our invading force a little extra push. That or maybe another ship that you think would help." [ Dusty told Nor'baal.

@Nor'baal @Xorism

 

[Skelgok Desilijic]

At this stage of the negotiations, between the Supreme Mogul and Dusty was something that he felt he shouldn't get involved in. Choosing to remain silent until called upon, to answer any questions they might have that he was more suited to address.

@Fantasy Liver @Nor'baal

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

<Bu pim nallya, doth nobata.> Nor'baal lashed his tail on the floor as he began to grow irate. How many times did he have to say it? So far this deal was shaping up to be a disappointment.

In return for releasing the Trandoshan leader and thereby surrendering their influence over an entire planet, the Hutts had also to give Dusty more materials, and a warship, so he could finally make good on the deal to take the nearby planet of Ploo IV, a mission for which they had already given his weapons to undertake.

Nor'baal saw no upside.

<Tah doth tee wa dan bargon. Uba roe gee bu rulya uba dayan, pea Jee moolee bai uba, an ateema uba banag cuee, an uba banag mah pipa sahuaka jolahka peee tee?> he snarled at the alien. This was no deal, it was little more than a shakedown. He glowered at Dusty, as he delivered his counteroffer.

For clarity, he did so in basic. "We have already given you weapons to expand your little 'kingdom', so get on with it. We gain nothing from giving you more, and releasing our leverage over Trandosha in the process - this deal, as it stands, is worthless. The Clans already control the underworld, and much more besides, on this force-forsaken little rock, so my counter offer is this - take Ploo IV for the Cartel, with the resources we have already provided, or I shall return to this planet, with my war-barge, and level your holdings to ash."

With that, the Hutt gestured to his cousin that they should make ready to leave.