Ask Ryloth The Wolf of Ryloth Street

[Grace Zann]

A significant amount of time had passed since the Zann Consortium established their black market operation in Lessu. It was the capital of the entire planet, and was home to thousands of individuals and businesses. Perhaps the most successful local establishment was Gandar's Food Emporium, known for an assortment of exotic foods and spices. Those with more sinister intentions however knew this to simply be a front for a much larger, and far more lucrative business. The Zann Consortium were arms dealers, and redistributed some of the most illegal and deadly tech in the galaxy. Rocket launchers, thermal detonators, computer spikes even disruptor tech. They sold it all, to any merc or bounty hunter with the credits.

As one could expect, this would lead to Grace Zann, the leader of the consortium becoming quite rich. Their sales on the planet were going well, but it was time to step things up to the next level. The woman had a very long list of contacts who could move product for her, and a very business savvy bothan who could negotiate deals. It was time for her to negotiate a deal of her own however, but not without some assistance.

@Nor'baal Desilijic had previously reached out to Grace about a joint venture on Ryloth. The planet had recently received a new senator, and he wanted to cut a deal with Ryloth. One that would help the syndicates no doubt. Personally, the woman had a more bold idea. She wanted to sell her weaponry directly to Ryloth's military, and make a killing in the process.

Grace would wait the arrival of the hutt in Lessu's space port... And wait.... And wait... "Damn it, when's he going to get here!?" the woman would mutter to herself. Maybe she should just attempt to see @Ryssa Kalayli alone, then Nor'baal would have a chance to make a grand entrance.

One week earlier, the woman had posed as a leader of a farmer's guild, and placed a request to speak to the senator about agricultural issues. Thankfully, her request was accepted by one of the senator's bookkeepers, unaware that it would actually be a pair of crime lords speaking to the woman.

Too impatient to wait for Nor'baal, Grace decided to take the initiative and head directly to the senator's office in the middle of town...

@Nor'baal @Sicadorito

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

Ryloth. Ever since the slave trade had been outlawed, the entire planet had gone to the wall in Nor'baals esteemed opinion. He had only bothered to come back to the world, which had a popular criminal element, to collect what he was owed, and to meet the new Senator in person. After all, on a world that was so richly connected to the criminal networks of the galaxy, there was little harm in having a 'chat' with the people in charge.

His yacht, the Glorious Jewel, had made quick progress down to the planets surface. Landing in the private estate of one of the many Twi'leki nobles that had their hands deep into the pockets of the cartels, the Hutt had taken a short meal, before heading out on his litter, his Majordomo and a pair of Gamorrean Guards in tow.

He arrived at the Senators office around the same time as Grace, ensuring to make as much of a scene as he possibly could whilst arriving. People moved to the side of the street as the Hutts' litter was borne down the road, Nor'baal deigning to regally wave at some of those who dared to look up at him. Arriving at the location of the meeting, Nor'baal nodded at Grace Zann.

<Ba tamoy planeeto, Myauah. Um bo Jee bkoha biw uba woy yanee dah?> he asked, fully aware of the answer <Fa doth dan bai neu bu jaa wata, naa mee bu pahapke koneaha du pea bai hhoph twa bauiakiy Yih Lorda.> he remarked, referencing the genuflecting locals.

 

[Ryssa Kalayli]

Another day, another meeting. Ryssa had gotten used to it by now— she had to— but it didn’t make most of the consultations any less boring. She wouldn’t let it show it on the surface, of course. As governor, it was her job to recognize and hear about the needs of her people, and hearing what they had to say themselves was the best way she could think of to do it. Thinking of it that way, a couple of meetings every rotation wasn’t a high price to pay.

The screen of a datapad resting on her desk displayed her schedule for the day, and next up was a meeting with the leader of a farmer’s guild. It looked like there were some issues regarding agriculture that they were to discuss.

As if on cue, Rysaa’s comlink buzzed and the familiar voice of her aide came through. She would be standing outside the office door, greeting the individuals who would be coming in.

“Governor, they’re here, but I don’t think they’re farmers. I think we should escort them out and-”

Ryssa frowned, getting out of her seat as she made her way towards the door. She’d made it a habit of hers to greet her visitors herself before they sat down to discuss. “What do you mean, you don’t think they’re farmers?” Her hand moved to the door control panel.

“What I mean is there’s a Hutt!”

Unfortunately, by that point, the door had already slid open to reveal the young woman and the Hutt outside, along with her distraught-looking aide. The surprise was evident on her face for a split second before she wiped it away.

Nor’baal. She recognized his face from the holonet broadcasts, and it didn’t look like he was trying to be subtle either, with his litter. The woman she didn’t know yet, but she was going to find out who she was soon enough.

“I take it that agriculture is the last thing you’re here to discuss,” she said, tilting her head slightly as she spoke. “Come in. I'll hear what you have to say.”

@Where @Nor'baal

 

[Grace Zann]

Grace would watch with a sort of strange pride as Nor'baal made his way down the streets of Lessu on top of a massive litter. The power the grand hutt commanded was something she respected, and wanted in her own right. Grace would smirk as Nor'baal finally reached her, the plan was all coming together now. In response to the hutt's question she would give a nod. "Indeed, great Nor'baal. Let us hope their govenor is as agreeable as her people."

As they spoke, the govenor's aide had already begun to open the office's door. She had indeed expected to find a pair of farmers, only to be shocked as Nor'baal the hutt made his way through the streets of Ryloth.

Grace would walk directly past the woman's aide without so much as taking a look at her. Dressed in her usual robes, Grace would stand before Ryssa and deliver her a bow. "Governor Ryssa Kalayli. How good it is to finally meet you in person... You're quite correct in your assumptions, allow me and my associate to take a seat."

The young crime boss would make her way over to an unoccupied chair in front of Ryssa's desk. She would then wait a moment for Nor'baal to enter the building as well. "I am sure, you've already head of, or seen my old friend Nor'baal the hutt before. You may not know my face, but you may know my name. I am Grace Zann, of the Zann Consortium. The great Nor'baal and I have come to discuss business."

@Nor'baal @Sicadorito

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

She was....small.

Nor'baal could not get the thought out of his mind as he looked down from his litter at the Governor. She was rude for a Twi'lek, the ones Nor'baal had more commonly been in contact with very rarely spoke. Perhaps laws around such matters were different here?

He kept his silence as Grace spoke to the Governor. As his litter was laid down, the Hutt's slaves took a few steps back and knelt on the floor, so as to avoid potentially meeting the height of their master. Grace spoke about the Zanns efforts to begin with before finally, Nor'baal spoke up.

<Toupee mi Masonka, woy uba bkoha biw bu doe kankee jensm dee Yih bmala?> the Hutt began, seeking to understand to extent of the Governors understanding of Huttese.

 

[Ryssa Kalayli]

Ryssa gave Grace and Nor’baal each a respectful bow in return.

“Please, make yourselves comfortable,” she said, gesturing at the seats in front of her desk before sitting down in front of them herself. She folded her arms neatly on the top of her desk as she listened to Grace’s introduction, her interest piquing when the young woman cited her connection to the Zann Consortium. The rumors are true, then. The syndicates’ grip here is even stronger than I thought. It was a worrisome prospect, but that wouldn’t be of importance for the time being— she was open to talks so long as they were.

“Then I eagerly await to hear what you have to say,” Ryssa said with a smile before turning to Nor’baal as he spoke. In Huttese, no less, but it was fortunate that she knew the language well. Ryloth did have a long history with it.

"See pacmhanaduee, lhonu Nor'baal. Jensm caiot kouwahe bu cahba bai ba hih yoskah see makacheesa." Turning back to Grace, Ryssa leaned forward a little bit from her seat. “So, what can I do for you?”

@Where @Nor'baal

 

[Grace Zann]

It was quite fortunate that the governor was so amiable. Here Grace thought the pair of them would be thrown out the office. At least this woman was willing to hear what they had to say. Grace would give a simple nod as Ryssa asked what she could do for them. "It's not exactly what you can do for us, but what we can do for you..." The young crime boss would begin.

She would remain quiet for a moment, giving Nor'baal a chance to speak if he would like. Then, she would continue "You see, Nor'baal and I know that the planet of Ryloth is one that greatly enjoys independence. Historically, your people have always fought for that, and came out the victor more often than not..."

Grace would place a holodisk down on the office desk. The device would project a map of the galaxy in 3D, highlighting Independent System Consortium planets. "Frankly, I find it strange that your people are relying on any government body. As you seem to have a bad history with them... I'm not here to talk about allegiances however, I simply hope to see Ryloth strong and self-reliant..."

The woman wanted her intentions to be clear, she was only looking to do business, not conquest. Her associate on the other hand... Well, she just hoped he played along with the whole thing. This was her idea after all.

"That leads us to why I and Nor'baal are here. We can help you keep Ryloth independent and strong."

@Nor'baal @Sicadorito

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

<Fa doth, see pacmhanaduee, wa cuove bihmhepa, um nobata koumi see wa faee, bai babau bu vap see mee danko doth tee- nahta du bu doe kankee jensm dee Yih camai. Bu Yih Lanka - Nor'baal began, ignoring the fact that it was not just the Hutts that occupied positions of power in the Syndicates <chespo bla dee banbamanu bkhaa see Myauah che lanaholea, sa Jee naa mee cay bacala bu wahke mayetka mee danko lee chalya bai bu Kacmahea, bata joppay Jee doth chaptee mah domon an dokwacha'ta totpakosa. Peee bu Zann gee roe sey, hocan, banbamanbag doth tee kaa jeejee caiot vee paknee ata che cahcata, heee see ten cay bu bmheh an bu besnewa, katka boya hoohah mala bai gahkesa jotke wahkepala.>

Nor'baal was, for once, not actually lying. He was a middle-aged Hutt by the standards of his species. He did recall the people of Ryloth throwing off the Empire. Of course, he also remembered them leaving the loving embrace of the Hutt Clans, but felt it better not to remind the Twi'lek representative of that specific area of their shared history.

After all, he was here to make friends - or at least, allies.

An independent Ryloth was something everyone could benefit from, especially a strong and independently capably Ryloth within the Independent Systems Consortium and the wider Galactic Community. Nor'baal had no interest in seeing Ryloth fall to another power, he wished to see Ryloth standing on its own two feet.

Such things tended to be good for business, especially when the Hutts could consider themselves part of that process.

<Bu Yoskah gee kaza cuee azalus see alay, an jeejee phaba da bu camai see Myauah, coo gee lhonbau pineu cay bu Yih Danko, yoiit kiuke bai cahla joppay fa nan bai banbonzahag. Jeejee hatkocanh bacaka bai mo wa pacahla kankahpantanka, bmalewee, jeejee hatkocanh bacaka bai doth jahke bai moolee, cay heee see nanba, rulya an pankpa, bai bu Masetkoha see Myauah, bai bidkana du mee janse hahcena banbonzahag.> Nor'baal added, laying his opening hand in the negotiations out.

The Twi'lek would, hopefully, be reasonably aware that the Five Syndicates had the means, and the resources, to source an eye-watering amount of such items for her world - the question was, at what cost?

 

[Ryssa Kalayli]

The human and the Hutt both spoke of great things— of Ryloth’s independence, self-reliance, security, and how the syndicates could, in a way, provide all three. It was a generous offer… if not for the complicated history her planet shared with them. Ryssa’s expression remained neutral as she went from looking at the holomap to returning her gaze to the two crime bosses in front of her.

“You speak truly of Ryloth’s past,” she began, choosing not to mention how Nor’baal had left out some mildly important details, “and you drive a tempting bargain. However, while I would certainly like to make Ryloth a more independent system, I do not believe increased militarization is the way to achieve this.” At least, not in the moment. She paused, looking from Nor’baal to Grace as she thought about how to best phrase it without outright rejecting their offer.

“A key element of my campaign was to improve and promote Ryloth’s self-reliance, but through economic means rather than military power. I stand by that now, and I think it is necessary for us to first have a strong, sustainable economy before we can divert extra funds to expand our armed forces. I hope you understand.”

@Where @Nor'baal

 

[Grace Zann]

Nor'baal took the blunt approach with the offer, telling exactly what they were offering to the governor... She knew that was a bad idea, but didn't want to openly correct the hutt now. They needed to appear as a group in their efforts. Of course, the woman would explain that Ryloth currently sought independence through economic means, rather than military prowess.

That could still land them a deal of sorts, one that Grace could work with at least. The Zann would speak up as the governor shot down their idea of supplying the Rylothian military. "Perhaps we could reach a compromise then... Ryloth's economy is one that comes from taxes no? Tax money is made through property ownership, sales tax, and income tax no doubt. But do you know what isn't taxed? Businesses such as the ones I and Nor'baal here own... If you would allow me to operate more freely on Ryloth, I would be willing to offer Ryloth's coffers 20% of our net profits... How's that for tax money? You don't have to lift a finger..."

Grace was essentially asking for permission to openly sell illicit goods. Something like that would boost the consortium's revenue ten fold. Of course, she expected Nor'baal to remember about their deal as well. The woman would be quick to mention, "Of course, our deal will still continue great Nor'baal."

@Nor'baal @Sicadorito

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

If he was being honest, which he rarely (if ever) was, the Hutt couldn't give two bits about Ryloths well-being and independence. He wanted it under his thumb. Of course, he was prepared to do things slowly, to play the long game, as the Clans always did. After all, biologically speaking the Governor and Grace Zann would be long gone by the time Nor'baal reached late adulthood. The governor's push for economic independence was, therefore, something they could all agree on.

He nearly choked when Grace began to talk about paying the Rylothian Government a percentage of their earnings.

<Jee canta haku Zann doth sey doth da fa noa-a chaweke bai tytung ten whao jeejee joday cuee wahca dah paupe dopanaca ukawa.> the Hutt replied, distancing himself from Graces suggestion. He wasn't about to part with a single credit, for such meagre stakes. He ignored Graces assurance that the deal between them would still stand, she would be reckless to suggest otherwise, afterall. <Dotkot heee jeejee caiot yauma bo andoba, mee chamy bouogha peee Masonka caiot doth cueciukeu, whao wa ponoi see pacinepou kankay bu dopa see ten matka kouwahe, tagwa?> the Hutt addressed the Governor directly.

 

[Ryssa Kalayli]

Ryssa’s brows raised a barely noticeable amount when Grace mentioned her and Nor’baal’s businesses on Ryloth. Illicit, no doubt, yet even with the generous amount of taxes she seemed to be willing to pay, allowing the Consortium to openly sell illegal products would appear hypocritical given her public position being tough on crime. Nor’baal didn’t seem too happy at the suggestion, and though his words were more vague, it was something they could work with.

“Your offer is most appreciated, Miss Zann, and I would be willing to negotiate a deal with you on that matter if your business on Ryloth takes a more… traditional path in terms of how and what you trade,” she said. A legitimate, legal business Ryssa would have nothing against, even if it was run by a crime syndicate. That would apply equally to the Hutts, and she nodded at Nor’baal’s question.

“Yes. Communication between us will be integral,” she agreed. For many purposes. She wasn’t against working with them on a legal level, but if Ryloth came to be known as a safe haven for illicit trade, it would make her plans for the planet to become a galactic trading hub more difficult to succeed.

“That being said, if we are to help each other, what we negotiate must be in accordance with the law. If that cannot be done, I am afraid that I can’t help you here.”

@Where @Nor'baal

 

[Grace Zann]

It appeared that the governor was unrelenting in her anti-crime rhetoric... She would not allow the syndicates to sell illicit merchandise on Ryloth, but seemed to be open to a more traditional and upfront business. Though Grace would have perfered something more overt, not all was lost in these negotiations.

Her associate however, seemed to not be in such high spirits. It looked like Nor'baal was about to spring a gasket over there as the woman talked of payment. Grace would chuckle to herself for a moment before shaking her head. "Oh but governor... You are the law on Ryloth. If these are your terms however, I will retract my initial offer."

Grace would think as quickly as she could. Coming up with a counter offer the governor would actually accept... "Very well. I'd still like to note that there are very few public weaponsmiths on Ryloth. Most weapons are imported to my knowledge. At the very least, would you allow me to open up a blaster shop here in Lessu? It would reduce costs, and still drum up business for me. I'll make sure nothing less than legal is sold at the location."

Of course... She never specified sales off the location.

@Nor'baal @Sicadorito

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

Nor'baal did not like this Governor.

She was far too law-abiding for his tastes. However, several centuries of life had taught him to keep his thoughts off his face, and so he smiled as best he could as she spoke. Deciding it would be best to put her to the test, and hang the consequences, he gestured for his droid to approach as he spoke. <In ting Dobra tee woy ka kee puohe, Masonka. Dobra chalanh du oto vo pacinepou kouwahe kankay bu dopa see ten, bmalewee vehpobaee bu joday bolla dah du bu Banoh, an mee mai don fa.> he scowled slightly.

It was time.

Ever since the Consortium had taken over Kessel, they had kept spice mining legal. It was not something he could abide, suppressing prices, and meaning that the Consortium itself kept a precious world for their own. Nor'baal had decided there was more than one way to skin a mynock however, and so he set such a plan into action.

<Cheesba domkamokha-en uba, du baphake, bai chamana wa kam ree bu bapionh Banoh manpanh, bai koumahcat bu banba see bmela hhont Banoh bmola. Kuna kee boonowa mah bmantahou caiot doth cuee kouoioy.> he waved the droid forward, a case of Wyroshhyr wood in its hands, which it opened, holding within a wealth of credits that would make a grown Gamorrean weep.

 

[Ryssa Kalayli]

In truth, Ryssa would rather have the syndicates completely gone from her planet. But realistically speaking, it wasn’t possible at the moment. Ryloth had a ways to go when it came to non-corrupt law enforcement, and she didn’t yet have the resources she would need to completely rid the planet of the syndicates’ influence. Better to let them operate close by for now, where she could keep an eye on them.

Of course, she would never say that out loud.

“Very well. I hope that you will stay true to your word,” she said to Grace with a nod. She also made a mental note to send someone to periodically check on the location, not to interfere with the business, but to simply report back to her on how things were going.

Nor’baal, on the other hand, wanted more. His words and the stacks of credits inside the wooden case was more than enough proof. But Ryssa would have none of it. She would not become yet another pawn of the syndicates. Instead of keeping her gaze on the box, she spoke to the Hutt directly.

“Great Nor’baal, I do appreciate your proposal and your willingness to come to me directly about this. However, as you and I both know, spice is a profitable business. One that the ISC will not give up easily.” She paused. “Even if I were to put the motion forward, I must be frank… I doubt it will pass.”

She might have been dodging the offer, but she was being honest. Distribution of spice had become a part of the ISC’s economy, and it would not be given up easily. It would certainly cost her potential allies if it were, and that was a price she wasn’t willing to pay, even with the gleaming credits in front of her.

@Where @Nor'baal

 

[Grace Zann]

Grace would give the governor a nod before responding in kind, "Very well governor, I believe we have come to an agreement. If you wish to someday adjust those terms, I am open to negotiations." The woman would then stand up and offer a bow. It was unfortunate that Nor'baal hadn't seen the same level of success, but at least the consortium came out on top.

The woman would wait for Nor'baal to finish up his work before leaving the building. Best for syndicate folk to stick together and all.

(OOC: Sorry for the short reply, felt there was little else to add here.)

@Nor'baal @Sicadorito

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

<Tee bu saleu Jee yoiit woy, Masonka, an bo Jee paupe dotmay uba cha nan bai dabobaha.> Nor'baal cautioned the Twi'lek, as his droid snapped the box of credits closed, and backed away. Grace Zann had enjoyed a more profitable negotiation than he had, but in Nor'baals eyes little had been achieved beyond the status quo being reconfirmed.

<Jee dotmay, joppay jeejee manpanh maee, Masonka, uba uoh bu pahapke heee see woy yanee.> he turned, and made his way back to his ship.

/exitthread

 

[Ryssa Kalayli]

Having said all she needed to say, Ryssa nodded at both Grace and Nor’baal’s statements. The latter didn’t seem too thrilled, and it pleased her that he hadn’t gotten what he wanted. At least this time. As for the next, she knew as well as he did that this wasn’t over just yet, and she had a feeling that whatever future meetings they might have wouldn’t be as… pleasant.

As the two crime lords turned to leave, Ryssa stood up and gave them a short bow, choosing not to respond to the last part of Nor’baal’s words. That could be discussed another time.

“Safe travels to you both.”

[End thread]