Ask Sticky Influence

[Duragga Desilijic Mah'dra]

Only because the Cartel was waging war against the Empire, doesn't mean that all the Hutts needed to stay idle waiting for it to end. No, the ongoing conflict was perfect for them to expand their influence. The display of the Hutts’ military might could cause a great impression.

Seeking to capitalize with this situation, Duragga decided to reach other worlds and bring them into the Hutt's influence. For that, she traveled to Kwenn, a planet close to the Cartel's space. It had an important space station, one that could be used for trade and military purposes.

The enormous Hutt was waiting for the arrival of her ally in one of the spaceports of the station. It had been so long since she had left Nal Hutta, at the time the Republic still had two Chancellors and the Jedi had a Temple in Coruscant. Due to that, Duragga was rusty in dealing with diplomacy and support was welcome.

Laying in her litter that was carried by slaves, Duragga fanned herself while waiting for her partner's arrival. The station was hot, making her skin feel sticky. She wondered if the locals were so stingy to not have good air conditioning.

@Nor'baal

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

Nor'baal was almost certain he had never been to 'Kwenn'. Sure, he had heard of the planet - close as it was to the border of Hutt space, but he'd never had any intention of going there. Yet when one of his relatives, his father's aunt (he was pretty sure that was the link), roused herself from one of the families palaces, and desired to go get herself a new slice of the 'galactic action', he felt duty-bound to help her out.

Yet he was none-the-less annoyed to have to take a trip from Nal Hutta.

The Glorious Jewel, Nor'baals 'megayacht' had made the journey with relative ease. Conveying their master in the comfort he was accustomed to, Nor'baal had spent the entire trip over looking over the slave yield reports and eating. Tow of his favourite pasttimes. Upon arrival, the Glorious Jewel has sent down the Hutts chef, Amonarr Villiac, a Rodian gourmand with a belly that spoke of far to many suppers.

Nor'baal had no intention of stopping his feasting when he made his way down to Kwenn. He made the journey down to the station aboard his Seltiss-2 Caravel, which quuickly opened up to reveal the Hutt, and ten of his Gamorrean guards. His trusty Majordomo fluttered at his side, the tired Toydarian keen to get this business over and done with.

"His Excellency is displeased you have interrupted his meal." the Toydarian sneered, as Nor'baal wriggled his merry way up to a large skiff, laiden with food, whith Amonarr the Chef had ensured was made available. "You know how expeditious the Supreme Mogul is with his calory intake." it added, as Nor'baal grabbed a poached icefish, imported from Ediorung and now served here on Kwenns space station, fresh from the kitchens of the megyacht, and shovelled into his mouth.

<Wahca bimhee.> the Hutt silenced his scheming Majordomo with a swipe of his hand, and gestured for the other Hutt to join him at the makeshift banquet. <Uba nai bai koose tah planeeto don bu wouba? Kava.> he stared flatly at his relative, before lifting up a Brancho-jag tart, and glowering at it.

 

[Duragga Desilijic Mah'dra]

Duragga watched the arrival of Nor’baal. The Supreme Mogul had come with all the pageantry worth of a Hutt. She wasn’t much behind him, with a retinue that showed her importance as part of the Desilijic clan. Her litter was held by eight Twi’lek slaves, while her guard was made by eight mercenaries and two IG-100 MagnaGuard. Her protocol droid, a green colored 3PO-unit, was also present.

In her opinion, the only thing that she lacked in the face of her nephew was the makeshift banquet that Nor’baal had brought with him. Duragga had finished her meal before arriving at the station.

She looked with disgust at the Toydarian. How did he dare to talk this way with her? Duragga took a mental note to send an assassin to deal with the petulant Majordomo. In exchange, she would offer the services of someone younger and more respectful for her nephew. With Nor’baal’s invitation, the corpulent creature gestured for her slaves to carry her close to the table. Then she wiggled out of the litter, with great effort due to her enormous size.

“<I arranged a visit for us in the space station, under the excuse of doing trade.>” she said, while fanning herself with a fan made of silk and ivory. “<Some of my agents are already going to sabotage the place defenses while pirates that I hired will fake an attack. The locals' only choice will be to accept our help to stop them. Did you leave part of your fleet prepared in Toydaria?>” when she contacted him early, Duragga had asked her nephew to leave some ships prepared in a nearby system, so they would be able to answer fast, showing that the Hutts were capable of protecting Kwenn.

Even if they were the ones causing the trouble.

@Nor'baal

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

We'll need to take a look at her allowance. Nor'baal thought to himself as Duragga arrived with a degree of pomp that was above what the Hutt ought to be earning. Perhaps the mercenaries where his? He grunted to himself. It made sense - after all, in a time of war he was not about to send members of his own clan out and about without guards. Not because he cared for them no, just that ransom money could get expensive.

<A cunning ruse, but will they walk into your trap?> Nor'baal retorted. It would appear Duragga was expecting Nor'baal to close the trap after it was sprung anyway, with his fleet needed to jump in and save the day.

Save the day from what?

Perhaps this was a plot? A scheme! A plot. His eyes narrowed as he looked at his older relative. Had Duragga grown tired of basking in the shadow of her younger nephew? Nor'baal was unsure - and it made him uneasy. He scoffed a slimy morcel of bantha meat, braised in Woort blood. With the sound of a wet towel being slapped onto the floor, he lathered the food about his mouth injested it for comfort.

<Indeed.> he guarded his reply <One of my escorts is ready, as they always are, to sweep in should my personage come under threat. But tell me, who sort of threat are you expecting?> he enquired, keen to probe Duraggas plan a little more.

 

[Duragga Desilijic Mah'dra]

Duragga felt a mix of annoyance and pride for his nephew’s carefulness while approaching her plan. Annoyance because it meant that he would make more questions, which would take more time for her to explain. It would only delay the takeover of Kwenn. And she felt pride because his careful approach could only come from his father’s side.

Never that the bitch that was Nor’baal’s mother would have the brain to make such coherent thoughts. The huge alien fought the urge of vomiting in even thinking about his nephew’s mother. She was despicable and her death was celebrated by Duragga.

“<They’ll have no choice.>” she said, while using her fan to gesture at one of her mercenaries, a male Iridonian Zabrak. Once he was close to the table, the Zabrak changed back to his real form, a Clawdite. “<The agents that I sent to sabotage the space station are all Clawdites, they arrived before us and infiltrated the security. Soon the place will have its weapons disabled and hangar doors will remain closed, incapable of launching fighters.>”

“<The pirates are going to stage a raid on a Corona-class armed frigate, nothing that your forces couldn’t deal with. One of my agents, acting as a local guard, gave them the tip that Kwenn will be defenseless, together with a financial incentive.>” obviously they aren’t aware of the chances of being killed in the process, even less that there were two Hutts and several trained mercenaries.

Some eggs needed to be broken for an omelet.

“<The local administrator will soon arrive to meet us. Official cause of our visit is to negotiate the establishment of a trade alliance between Kwenn and Hutt Space.>” as if hearing her, one of Duragga’s servants approached the enormous creature. She was a female Twi’lek, who acted as the Hutt’s majordomo.

She immediately kneeled to the two Hutts, her face staying close to the floor. “<Magnanimous, administrator Ordallion is waiting for you two.>”

@Nor'baal

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

It was an ambitious plan that much was certain. Yet, it carried with it risk. What if she was lying to him? What if she had plans to use these mercenaries and pirates to take his life and see herself advanced?

Nor'baal had no choice but to go along with the plan lest he rouse suspicions. The Hutt nodded his agreement. Regardless of his worries, the scenario was objectively reasonable, which would see the station turned over to the Cartel and a stranglehold applied to the planet it lorded over.

<Very well.> he agreed, moving forward to meet Administrator Ordallion alongside his relative, Duragga.

They would convey themselves quickly to the next room, a large dark room with dimmed lights to accommodate the ambience the Hutts would be used to. Standing in the centre of the circular space, empty save for some exotic-looking wall art, the administrator stood, his body bowed in respect to his Hutt 'masters'.

Nor'baal looked over the alien, a runty-looking figure he thought was a Rodian. He was unsure exactly what the creature's roll on the station precisely entailed, bar greeting off-worlders. But, Nor'baal ignored him, keen to see the next stage of the plan develop.

 

[Duragga Desilijic Mah'dra]

For a moment, Duragga thought that her nephew would refuse to help her. In his moments of silence, the older Hutt could see the gears turning inside Nor’baal’s mind. She would kill to know the secrets and thoughts that were passing through there. It could give her the keys to increase her position inside the Cartel.

Unfortunately for the Supreme Mogul, he wasn’t going to be able to refuse his support. He was already here and her plans were already in motion, with the pirates soon arriving. Unless he wanted to be left defenseless while the station was attacked, Nor’baal would need to call his fleet.

However, her nephew was smart and had agreed to help. He wasn’t a fool like his mother and could see an opportunity when it was presented to him. In this point, Nor’baal was very similar to his father. “<Excellent! Tell him that we are going to meet him.>” Duragga said to her majordomo, who immediately rushed away from their presence.

The two Hutts would be carried by their servants to a nearby room, where the administrator was waiting for them. Duragga wasn’t impressed by the Rodian. He was only a pawn on her plan. “Welcome, great Hutts! I’m Loru Turzz, the administrator of the space station. The government of Kwenn is very excited to discuss a trade alliance with you.”

@Nor'baal

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

As the administrator reeled off his introduction, trying to fawn and preen himself in front of the Hutts, Nor'baal fiddled around with his datapad - ignoring the man. Keen to avoid being slightly murdred by a band of bandits, he sent a message to his fleet Captain, signalling that he was to arrive 'as soon as possible' and expect a hostile reception. He kept his face impassive allowing only a flicker of a smile to dash across it when acknowledgement of the message came back from his Captain, confirming that the fleet was on the way.

Focusing his considerable attention back to the administrator, Nor'baal heard the words 'trade alliance', and shuddered. Kwenn had little to offer whilst this lickspittle was in command. It would need a change of leadership if any such alliance was to rend a profit to Nal Hutta. The Hutts had a simple tactic of doing business - the fatter the profits the better. Milk the resources and the people dry, they didn't matter, all that concerned them was ensuring that Nal Hutta and the Clans crew richer and richer in the process.

'Ethical' business was moot - profit was king here.

<Trade alliances are of course something that can be embraced. But, tell me, what does Kwenn bring to the table?> he asked, practically sneering at the Administrator, the sarcasm laden heavily on his voice, as he tried to goad the man into a response.

 

[Duragga Desilijic Mah'dra]

Duragga felt the urge to laugh when the insignificant Rodian mentioned the trade alliance, but controlled herself. The administrator was excited with the idea of establishing this alliance with the Hutts, like a child waiting for a gift. Unfortunately for him, it would never happen and what he would receive in exchange was going to be less desirable.

At least for him, because the Hutts would end with a new planet for their territory.

Loru quickly went to answer Nor’baal’s question, not wanting to leave any doubt that could make the Hutts abandon their idea of establishing trade relations. “<Great Hutt, Kwenn's surface has great plains where foodstuff is produced. We can offer to export part of our production to your worlds.>”

The mention of the cultivable land picked up Duragga's interest. She didn't care about foodstuff, but the possibility of having a place where plants that could be used in the production of drugs could be cultivated was a profitable opportunity.

Suddenly, the light of their room was turned off and a loud sound was heard in the entire station. Loru's datapad received a message and he immediately went into panic, looking at the Hutts with fear. “<I'm sorry, but we need to go to the center of the station. Pirates are attacking.>”

So it began.

@Nor'baal

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

Nor'baal's bulky form shifted on the imposing throne, a low, resonant growl emanating through the air. He observed Duragga's dealings with a watchful gaze, his eyes narrow slits of yellow. The Rodian's attempt at negotiation had been amusing, akin to a tiny creature attempting to outwit a predator. The idea of a trade alliance with the Hutts was a delicate dance, and Nor'baal, well-versed in the intricacies of power, silently approved of Duragga's approach.

As the mention of a pirate attack echoed through the room, Nor'baal's interest was piqued. This turn of events brought a grin to his face. Pirates, like any other tool, could be wielded for personal gain. Nor'baal's formidable presence straightened slightly, his network of spies and informants already working to gather information on the unfolding chaos.

<Duragga, it seems fortune favors us today.> Nor'baal's deep voice rumbled forth, his words laden with a mix of amusement and cunning. <Let us not waste this opportunity. The pirates may prove to be a valuable asset, or perhaps, a worthy distraction.> His slit-pupiled eyes fixated on Duragga, a silent understanding passing between the two crime lords.

With a powerful gesture, Nor'baal signaled his own retinue of guards, a formidable group ready to execute his will. The game of power was a delicate one, and Nor'baal relished every moment. The interplay of alliances and the chaos of the impending pirate attack presented a canvas upon which the Hutt could paint his schemes.

The stage was set, and Nor'baal, ever the master manipulator, prepared to make his move in this intricate dance of deception and control. The underworld trembled, and the puppet strings of power awaited his deft touch.

 

[Duragga Desilijic Mah'dra]

The arrival of the pirates made Loru rush out of the room in panic, expecting the Hutts to be following him. Duragga thought that his petulance was annoying and was already planning to give the Rodian as food for Fifi, her favorite rancor, once the cartel took control of Kwenn.

“<Yes. Your fleet will arrive soon, maybe they can contact the pirates. We can offer to pay for their services in occupying the planet.>” it wasn’t beyond the Hutts to enlist pirates to do some jobs for them. Duragga was already thinking about sending them in secret raids against rivals.

Like her nephew, Duragga also gestured for her mercenaries to be prepared for what would come next. However, she would wait for Nor’baal to take the initiative. She didn’t want to overstep the Supreme Mogul, even if this operation was her idea.

The lights flicked, leaving the entire room in the dark. Duragga’s Majordomo approached, giving her a datapad. Its light illuminated the Hutt’s grotesque face, which became contorted in a pleased smile. “<My agents finally sabotaged the security. The station is defenseless. It’s time for us to act.>”

@Nor'baal

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

In the dimly lit chamber, Nor'baal reclined on his throne. The news of the pirates' arrival on Kwenn seemed to have stirred a frenzy among the inhabitants of the room, but the Hutt lord remained an island of calm in the chaotic sea.

Duragga's considerable form thrumulated before him, and Nor'baal's bulbous eyes focused on the message. The notion of enlisting pirates to further their agenda appealed to the practical Hutt, who understood the value of shadows and unpredictability in the game of power.

Nor'baal's deep, rumbling voice resonated in response. The plan aligned with his own machinations, the prospect of raids against rivals an enticing proposition.

As Duragga gestured for her mercenaries to prepare, Nor'baal observed the synchronized movements with a silent nod of approval. He appreciated the anticipation, the readiness for the unfolding events. However, the Hutt lord was content to let Duragga take the lead in this particular operation, a strategic decision to avoid overshadowing his realtive.

The room plunged into darkness, the flickering lights casting eerie shadows on the opulent surroundings. Nor'baal's gaze remained fixed on the his surroundings, awaiting further developments. His patience was rewarded as Duragga's Majordomo approached, presenting a datapad that illuminated the Hutt's grotesque face with an unsettling glow.

The pleased smile that contorted Duragga's features mirrored the subtle satisfaction that danced in Nor'baal's eyes. The time for clandestine maneuvers had come, and the Hutt lord was ready to unleash the calculated chaos that would further tighten the grip of the Cartel on the galaxy.

<Proceed as planned, Duragga. Let our rivals tremble in the wake of our actions.> Nor'baal's words carried the weight of authority as he sanctioned the next phase of their operation, confident in the success that lay ahead under the careful orchestration of the Supreme Mogul.

 

[Duragga Desilijic Mah'dra]

Duragga was pleased that Nor’baal had allowed her to lead the operation. “<You are very generous, Supreme Mogul.>” she said respectfully, before turning to look at the mercenaries. “<Some of you are going to gather the civilians at the center of the space station, be gentle with them. The others are coming with us.>” they immediately walked away after hearing her orders.

Once they left, she turned to look at her Majordomo. “<Send an order to my agents. They must release the toxic gas in the command room to eliminate the administrator and his workers. With them dead, one of the Clawdites must take his place.>”

She turned to Nor’baal, going to explain what was going to happen. “<During our trade negotiations, we unveiled a plot by the station’s administrator to sabotage it and sell its dwellers to pirates. Now we are going to storm the control room, kill the Rodian and announce it to the civilians that are under the care of our mercenaries. This is what we are going to tell the locals, while offering them our total protection. Your ships floating in its atmosphere will be difficult to refuse.>”

“<We are going to show how the Hutts are generous.> her mouth contorted in a large smile. “<Now we need to go, there is a ‘Rodian conspirator’ that we need to capture.>” with that, her servants carried her litter, where her corpulent body was perched.

@Nor'baal

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

Nor'baal listened attentively as Duragga laid out her plan. His bulbous eyes narrowed slightly in consideration, and he responded in a low, gravelly voice, <Duragga, you have my blessing. Show these pitiful dwellers the might and generosity of the Hutt Cartel. Ensure the Rodian conspirator is brought before me alive; I have a few questions for him.>

As Duragga's entourage prepared to execute the operation, Nor'baal turned his attention to his Majordomo, <Make sure our fleet is in position, and keep a close eye on the situation. We cannot afford any unexpected complications. Inform our spies to monitor the aftermath, and ensure the locals are convinced of our benevolence.>

With a wave of his immense hand, Nor'baal signaled his approval, <Duragga, may your operation be swift and successful. The galaxy must witness the power and influence of the Hutt Cartel.> As the finished speaking, the Hutt leaned back into the plush cushions of his throne, a sinister smile playing on his lips. The intricate web of power and deceit woven by Nor'baal continued to expand, and this operation would undoubtedly strengthen his grip on the region.

 

[Duragga Desilijic Mah'dra]

”<Yes, Great Mogul. They’ll learn that our benevolence is giant, but our wrath can be tremendous.>” she said, while being carried in her litter. The large Hutt had ordered her slaves to rush, but they were struggling to move without making their Master fall. Due to that, they weren’t capable of going as fast as she wanted.

They knew that as soon as it ended, one of them was going to be flagellated by her.

Duragga constantly complained about the slowness of her slaves, only stopping to ask her Majordone to send messages to her Clawdite agents to bring the Rodian administrator alive, so Nor’baal could have his public execution. This would be the perfect example of their justice and benevolence.

She met with her Clawdite agents in an empty hangar. They had captured the Administrator, who now laid stunned on the floor. Following her orders, they also used the toxic gas to kill the crew that was at the command center. An evil smile appeared on Duragga’s face, making her look even more repulsive. Her plan was working.

Now was time for the show.

The corpulent creature turned to look at her Majordomo, struggling to not fall from the litter. “<Send a message to my nephew. Tell him that the Lorus was captured and suggest an execution in front of the civilians.>” they’ll want to see justice being made. “<Also, ask him if his fleet made contact with the pirates and brought them to our side.>”

@Nor'baal

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

The massive, slug-like form of Nor'baal the Hutt reclined on his luxurious dais, a mixture of amusement and satisfaction in his crust-laden bulbous eyes. His relative Duragga was making quite the play, and Nor'baal smirked at his family's deviousness.

<Ah, Duragga, you truly know how to orchestrate chaos,> Nor'baal rumbled in his deep, guttural voice, a sly grin forming on his amphibious face. He gestured languidly to his Majordomo, instructing them to make note of his relatives success.

<Tell my esteemed colleague that her plan aligns perfectly with the interests of the Hutt Cartel. The execution of the Rodian administrator will serve as a potent reminder of the consequences of crossing the Cartel. It will be a spectacle, a display of our might and justice. Ensure the public is present; we want the fear to spread across the sectors.>

His gaze shifted, considering the second part of Duragga's plan. <As for the pirates, assure her that my fleet has indeed made contact. Our negotiations with them have proven successful. Their loyalty now lies with the Hutt Cartel. Let them know that we value cooperation, and those who align with our interests will find themselves well-rewarded.>

Nor'baal's grin widened, revealing his yellowed, blubbery tongue. <Send word to the others of our Clan that she has done well, and the Cartel is pleased. The galaxy will tremble before our influence.>

 

[Duragga Desilijic Mah'dra]

Following the plan, Lorus was dragged by Duragga’s mercenaries to where the citizens had gathered and one of her agents explained to them the situation, revealing how the Rodian was allied with the pirates and how the Hutts had stopped his evil plans. The administrator was immediately executed, with the cheering of the people.

Duragga received her grandnephew’s message with pleasure. It was good to see her efforts being appreciated. Now they only needed to officially take control of Kwenn. For that, she had already dispatched a holonet message to the surface and a private one to the government that remained here.

If they tried to argue against what happened in the station, the Hutts would attack them. Including with the aid of their new pirate allies. Duragga moved her corpulent body until she was looking at her majordomo “<Tell my nephew that I appreciate his words and my actions are for the good of the Cartel. We can go see our new installations.>” she gestured for her slaves, who carried her away.

There was much to do to turn Kwenn in a proper Hutt world.

@Nor'baal