Private “Duplicity”

[Magent Aven]

Location: Xazzah the Hutt’s Palace| Outfit


“I have made my decision,” the great Hutt announced. His big eyes blinked thoughtfully at the small circle of individuals who crowded below him.

Among them was a Twi’lek, her hands folded together almost as if she were silently pleading with him.

Don’t say it. Don’t say it, she whispered within her mind.


“We will help the Diarchy,” Xazzah continued in Huttese. “It is time to part ways with the Cartel, as some of you have said.”

Of the Hutt’s six advisors, three of them visibly relaxed, while three of them stiffened.

Magent’s fingers tightened noticeably into her hands. She blinked, and the look that had momentarily seeped into her eyes was replaced by one of neutrality…even submission.

But inwardly she fumed.

“The Sith Lord is on the way, in fact,” Xazzah continued. “He will need to know that we are with him, and it is imperative that we make him feel welcome.”

His large head turned to address his Twi’lek maître d'. “Magent, go and retrieve him from the guest entrance. He is close to arrival, in fact.”

The Hutt went back to smoking his hookah, and Magent did not hesitant in pressing a hand into her collarbone and bowing before him.


“Of course, Master,” she said soothingly. The advisors broke apart to scatter in the recesses beyond Xazzah’s throne, while she turned on her heel and marched from the sprawling throne room itself.

She held her facial expression until she was sure she was alone, traipsing down the spiraling staircase and descending into the shadows that twisted along the golden walls of the palace.

The Twi’lek narrowed her eyes and rubbed the bottom of her chin in an animated fashion, grumbling to herself.

Xazzah had continued to distance himself from the safety net that was the Cartel, for the last six months, and today he had finally announced it. He planned to leave them altogether to take his chances with - with Sith Lords, of all people!

It would not do. The Cartel was on the cusp of greatness once again - with Xazzah’s resources, there would be nothing they couldn’t do!

But he had suddenly now thrown himself into a den of Sith who….who what? Promised him a galaxy of order and unity? Since when had there ever been order…and what true business ever thrived when there were militants choking the life from creativity and free trade?

Magent at last reached the front entrance, shaking her head in disapproval. It would not do. She would have to think of something, and fast.

She nodded her head once and a pair of Whiphid guards opened the front doors for her. She stepped out into tropical sunlight beaming down from a green sky, and looked upward, waiting for a ship to appear as Xazzah had promised.

The Twi’lek folded her hands innocently, but within her mind she began to scheme. This alliance with the Sith Lord could not hold.

She would do whatever she needed to do to see it falter.

Diarch Reign​

 

[Diarch Reign]

​

Location: Zazzah The Hutt's Palace
Tags: Magent Aven

---

The Diarch had never been to Khofar, in fact, outside of vague whispers of a conflict here millennia ago, it had hardly been on the galactic radar. Nonetheless, he had come to meet with this "Zazzah" in a potential alliance against the Hutt Cartel. While Diarch Rellik had already been working on a "State Sponsored" smuggling operation to destabilize the cartel, it had led to conflict.

The Diarchy could not be seen to be engaging in underworld warfare, so an "alliance" with a Hutt not on the cartel's payroll was of great interest to the elder Diarch. So here he was, descending on a vibrant green planet.

As his shuttle touched down the Diarch's loyal Myrmidons were the first down the ramp, creating a sort of alley for the Diarch to walk through. It was then that the man himself exited the shuttle. The Diarch was a large man, heavily muscled from years of training and combat. His long blonde hair pulled into a half ponytail. His black and gold attire blending military efficiency with the esoteric nature of force users.

As he reached the end of the line of soldiers, their commander stepped forward.

"My Lord, the palace is just ahead, we await your command"

"Let us see what kind of welcome our host has prepared for us, I will travel within the palace alone, have your men set a perimeter around the shuttle after I depart."

With a brisk nod, the soldier stepped back into place. Now Reign would wait to be led into the palace.

 

[Magent Aven]

Location: Xazzah the Hutt’s Palace| Outfit



The hem of Magent’s dress was stirred by the breeze cast by the transport shuttle. She waited patiently while it landed atop the circular landing pad and an assembly of trained guards fanned out beneath the ship.

At last a golden-haired human man descended the loading ramp, a lightsaber hilt displayed solemnly against his formal, dark robes.

Suddenly she was aware she must guard her thoughts against him, who she perceived to be some sort of Sith Lord, though she was aware the Diarchy operated independently of them.

“Welcome to Khofar, Lord Reign,” Magent said with the slightest of smiles. She performed a bow that put her knee forward and her head low for just a moment. “Master Xazzah is expecting you…follow me, please.”

She turned and led him away from the ship. Her shoulders visibly relaxed as his men stayed behind with his vessel. She did not dare betray her inner thoughts, but there was just a flash of relief.

A lone Sith was easier than a Sith with a small army.

They passed beyond the doors to enter, into the shadow of the palace. Glowing eyes of hers moved up to appraise the man she now led to Xazzah, taking him up a spiral staircase.

“Xazzah is thrilled to meet you in person.
He was only just speaking of his confidence in your ability, just this morning, Lord Reign,” she said in a soothing tone, to further muddle him and distract from the barrier she had placed in her mind.

Diarch Reign​

 

[Diarch Reign]

​

Location: Xazzah the Hutt's Palace
Tags: Magent Aven

---

The Diarch eyed the lithe Twi'lek before. As she kneeled, he bowed low in return.

"I thank you, and your master for the hospitality"

Reign did not approve of slavery as an institution but he recognized that he was a guest of the Hutt, and as a guest he must accept the customs of his host. As the servant in front of him rose and spoke again, he smiled kindly at her. Curious as to how his wife and children would view his story of the visit.

"Lead the way, my friend"

As they walked, he caught the barest glimpse of relief in her presence within the force, no doubt, he assumed due to the Myrmidons remaining with the ship. Hutts were notoriously cowardly so he was not surprised that his men caused a level of anxiety.

As they entered the palace proper, Reign memorized their path, an old habit, ensuring he knew the way to escape should it come to violence. However, to the average onlooker it appeared he was just admiring the decor.

"There are amazing pieces here, it appears your master has a taste for finery"

He said by way of small talk, lending credibility to his observing nature.
As they ascended a spiral staircase his guide spoke to him again.

"I am glad he has been so receptive to our overtures. I too would like to meet him in person."

He smiled to himself at the obvious flattery, perhaps this would work on a Sith who's only goal was personal power and glory, and he was sure it was a tactic the Hutts employed often with all visitors. But regardless, he would lean in to it.

"I am glad that Xazzah seems to have found me to his liking. Yet, he does not know the half of it."

He briefly searched the mind of his guide, but found nothing, simple servitude. Satisfied he continued.

"Tell me of my host, what can I expect of these negotiations?"

pouring just a little bit of power into the force to open her up to being honest with him. Were she a simple servant, she would believe he was merely curious as to what his best possible outcome would be.

 

[Magent Aven]

Location: Xazzah the Hutt’s Palace| Outfit

Magent found herself feeling surprisingly open as she led Diarch Reign toward the throne room. Already, they could hear that the musicians had started up, playing music that was jubilant but still soft, as they plucked on strings.

“Master Xazzah is not like the others, you will find.” Her tone was a mixture of resignation and brittle criticism, before she realized the words that were tumbling forth from her mouth. “He has grown old for a Hutt so young, and he’s been chewing over never leaving the palace again for a long time.”

Her eyes went wide and she glanced nervously sideways at him, before clearing her throat.

“Well…um…no one could blame him. Relations with the Cartel have grown strained in the last few weeks…and it’s just easier to stay put, you understand.” She looked at him and dipped her head. “It is one reason he’s decided to align with the Diarchy…but I’ll let you discuss that, of course.”

At last they reached the throne room, which opened up to them with glistening upper windows, a garden that circled the perimeter, and a large grate laid before Xazzah and his throne.

Anyone looking down between the grate would see a hole that dropped a mile down, filled with serene blue water.

“Presenting the Diarch Reign…Master,” Magent said, extending a hand toward the Sith Lord.

The collection of musicians, maidens, cooks, and hired guns all turned to examine him.

Most notably, the Hutt lord looked at him.

Diarch Reign​

 

[Xazzah Distane Korja]

Xazzah sat smoking his hookah, as serene as was possible for a Hutt to be, his thick tail thumping enigmatically to the easy rhythm of his favorite musicians, slowly digesting a meal that he alone ate in front of his court, while they watched him and talked softly among themselves. He was sure most of it was harmless gossip, mid-morning prattle, but just in case, he had spies planted throughout the palace that would later whisper in his ear any particularly unpleasant news.

For now he concentrated on the young man - at least he was quite young in Hutt years - that the Twi’lek was now bringing before him.

Xazzah knew little of the Diarch Reign, but now was a good time to test him…to see if he was at least more trustworthy than the Cartel…which was not difficult to be.

“Ooooh…..the Diarch…” he rumbled slowly in Huttese. The cloud of smoke was parted as he leaned forward to turn huge eyes on the human male in dark robes. Meanwhile the Twi’lek slunk into the shadows.

“Welcome in, welcome in,” the Hutt continued benevolently, waving a fat arm. “I hope your journey in was uneventful…before we get into business, I offer you all the conveniences of my staff. Anything you wish to indulge in, my friend? The food, the drink? Perhaps the glitter-ryll, or the women?”

The Hutt gave a belly laugh, his shoulders shaking as his tail slammed into the throne. “Ohhhh….there are some truly beautiful guns in the back, if you’re intrigued….”

A round of wild laughter rose up from his court, echoing around the Diarch Reign’s ears.

Diarch Reign​

 

[Diarch Reign]

​

Location: Xazzah the Hutt's Palace
Tags: Magent Aven Xazzah Distane Korja

---

Reign listened intently to the Twi'lek's words. He was glad for the bit of insight, from his own preparation he knew Hutts to be loathe to leave the safety of their palaces, but that was usually at a much older age than his host, something that was confirmed in the woman's words.

As they entered the throne room, the Diarch was again caught by the opulence of the palace, but keeping his head, he gave a swift thank you to his guide before turning to face the being upon the dias.

Reign bridled a small amount, at the way the Hutt seemed to be appraising him, almost as if he were a piece of art or an object to acquire. But no one in the palace would have known. Putting on his best supplicant attitude, he said

"Great Xazzah, you honor me with this meeting. Thank you for allowing me into your home, it is truly a marvel."

At the offer of food or drink a small smile quirked at the Diarch's lips. He had found that when offered, it was best to accept.

"A glass of Corellian Whiskey if it is possible please, as for the others, I do not think my dear wife would take kindly"

He found that when the other parties saw him with a drink, it usually lowered their guard for negotiations.

His interest was piqued when the Hutt mentioned weapons, he was indeed after a more "militarized" ally so that he may take battle to the cartel if it came to it. But Reign himself took a more mysterious approach.

"Perhaps at another time.. my weapon of choice is not one of blaster bolts or mortars"
he said while patting the lightsaber at his hip softly.

 

[Xazzah Distane Korja]

Xazzah blinked as he listened to the Diarch - and then began a rumbling laugh that his court soon joined in out of habit.

"Hahaha….you are a clever man," the Hutt said, as he eyed the lightsaber the Diarch was referring to. He had rather enjoyed his sharp answers. "A sense of humor is its own reward….. But we will not let you go thirsty."

He gave the smallest wave of his hand, and a serving girl appeared to bring him a glass of whiskey on a tray.

"While you drink, perhaps I will discuss my problem with the Cartel," the Hutt rumbled. "I am sure by now you are aware of them. I have been with them for all my life, and yet….times change."

"The truth is that the Cartel has grown too bold. The days of subterfuge and chipping away seem long lost…now, they make plans to attack in broad daylight, by sheer force, rather than in the dead of night. I speak with them now, and that feeling of home is gone. Now I am left feeling more uncertain and uneasy than I have ever been…and the days of uncertainty must be behind me. We move only forward, not backward. Surely you understand what I mean…" he trailed off.

"So….to renounce the Cartel will take guts. It is not something I can do alone…and so you find yourself here, drinking my liquor for the price of one thing: protection," he finished, blowing a cloud of smoke down toward the Diarch, frowning slightly.

Diarch Reign​

 

[Magent Aven]

Location: Xazzah the Hutt’s Palace| Outfit

The Twi’lek stood huddling in a dark corner, rubbing her hands together softly, while the Hutt lord spoke. Her eyes never left the Diarch Reign…until the Hutt made mention of getting him a drink.

Seeing a rare opportunity, she saw the drink poured and a serving girl pass by with the glass on a tray.

Her nails made a half-hearted swipe at the platter, but the girl was too quick in her stride, too eager to serve.

The Twi’lek made a soft hiss as she missed, and bit her tongue. Soon she was watching the Diarch drink from the whiskey, and the serving girl was walking back to her place.

Magent seized her by the arm as she passed and spoke into her ear with barely-concealed contempt.

“That will be all,” she hissed to her behind the Hutt.

Diarch Reign​

 

[Diarch Reign]

​

Location: Xazzah the Hutt's Palace
Tags: Xazzah Distane Korja Magent Aven

---

The Diarch nodded his thanks to the server before taking a sip of the whiskey. Knowing the duplicitous nature of the hutts, he had fortified his constitution in wariness of a potential poisoning, also figuring if the drink was poisoned, that his non reaction would cause some fear in those gathered. However, to his surprise it seemed the drink was fine.

While his host spoke, the Diarch smiled, knowing his host was now serious.

“I have become all to familiar with the cartel and their boldness. Having been subject to one of their daylight attacks myself”

he paused a moment thinking his response through.

“The Diarchy can offer you protection great Xazzah, I would even go as far as posting brotherhood members or members of our armed forces among your guard. However, the Diarchy would require something in return”

his tone was jovial, as though he were talking to a friend. And in a manner, he hoped that this hutt would become just that. A friend and ally to the Diarchy.