A Senator on the drift.... [invite only]

[Sempra the Hutt]

Location: Space over Sriluur, soon entering the athmospehere

The ship drifted, clearly without power to support itself. The question was if it had enough power to eject its rescue pods. If they did they would end up on the surface of the planet below. Perhaps an option they cared little for.

There was not a question about that this would have been a fine collection for the sly inhabitants of this part of space. The Hutt Cartel thrived upon its piracy and normally this ship would have been boarded long ago, its cerw killed or dragged before the throne of the supreme mogul in the white palace. Where he would choose who would live, who would entertain his court by dying and who the pirates could keep.

But this time it was different. The distress signal had been detected by the white palace as carrying a VIP guest. A senator from the republic. Orders, directly from the whtie throne itself had instructed the ship to be left unharmed. The senator would however be collected.

That was exactly what the docking shuttle was about to do.

"Unidentified republic vessel. This is Captain Marr of the cartel defence fleet." the raspy voice transmitted into the command bridge of the drifting vessel.

"We have detected that you are powered down and have come to fetch senator [member="Faith Balor-Organa"], to discuss terms of your swift departure."

"Preparing to dock." the voice instructed without waiting for a confirmation. They all knew that the drifting vessel only stood around a day or so before it would start entering the athmospehere. And by then they would all die.

The docking shuttle flew inside the frigates small hangar where it landed and opened a door. A rough looking trandoshan warrior exited it. and stood by the door awaiting for the senator to arrive. Well either that or get the hell out of there...

 

[Faith Organa]

[member="Sempra the Hutt"]​

​

[SIZE=12pt]Faith stood with her arms crossed listening to the message from Captain Marr of the Cartel. She looked over at [member="Marev Priest"] her body guard.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Life with me is always an adventure” Faith had thought that merely sitting here with their navigation lights dimly blinking that they could survive until rescued. She had not thought about the Hutts, until now.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Faith knew that this would be the trial for her and Marev would she feel safe around him, could he protect her without causing a galactic incident. Did he know when to show strength and when to fade into shadow?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The seconds ticked by the room where she stood was completely silent as she thought of what to say.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Captain Marr I am more than pleased to join you and to meet your Master” She smiled at the last part. She hated leaving her ship, Eternal Light but there was no choice, she could however negotiate to ensure it made it back to Alderaan or the nearest Republic world.[/SIZE]

 

[Riggs]

I listened to the message add it came over the comm. Hutts, I've worked a few jobs with them before and knew they cared about credits first and foremost. It was about making money fist over slimy, scaly fist. And they did that well.

I also knew that the odds of this ship surviving as well as it's passengers went down one the senator was no longer aboard. I narrow my eyes as I look at Faith. She was going to try to negotiate. It said as much in the personnel file I purchased. She was the target and the rest collateral damage.

I figured to play mild, silent bodyguard. Sure I could fight and probably win, but she thought she could save these people. Maybe she could, but chances were she wouldn't. And my best chance at keeping her safe was playing along until the right opportunity came along.

So I did what I was paid to do, be her shadow and watch over her.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"] [member="Sempra the Hutt"]

 

[Sempra the Hutt]

The freighter ship acting as escort roared down to toward Sriluur leaving the Eternal light under cartel surveillance from several war ships. They lay there like hungry wolves awaiting their pack leaders approval to rip their prey apart. But the pack leader wanted to see if there was something else to be gained from this. After all, it was not every day a republic senator got stranded in these parts.

As the ship touched down on one of the landing platforms outside the white palace the palace went on with its daily bussiness as usual. People were coming and going for various reasons and the myrriad of rough necks, thugs and at least semi-honest merchants were everywhere, under the palace guards constant watchful eyes.
A weequay warrior stepped forth motioning for [member="Faith Balor-Organa"] and [member="Marev Priest"] to follow him. Two intimidating looking gamoreans fell in on each side around them as they entered the structure. Soon they were swallowed by the huge hall ways of the cartel main base.

 

[Faith Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]Faith looked at [member="Marev Priest"] , “Whatever you are going to say you should say it now before the Hutts take us with them”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Faith could almost feel it when Marev did not quite agree with her or saw things differently than she. If they were to get along he would have to learn like Captain Tellos had when to pull her aside and speak with her.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She had the ability to listen, even if she did do it her own way, in her own time which sometimes did not work out but still.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]She looked to him before the conversation could go much further, it was time to depart.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]……..[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Faith walked out she nodded to the weequay as they moved along. “Marev, thoughts” The gamoreans fell in step she felt almost like her ancestor for a moment she laughed.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“I’ve heard stories about Hutt palaces. My ancestor once wore..” She shook her head, yeah everyone had to hear that story. Was this a mistake. She looked to Marev again, waiting to hear his thoughts.[/SIZE]

[member="Sempra the Hutt"]​

 

[Riggs]

Walking next to Faith I listen even as I activate the recorder in my heads up display. We might not need the route to attempt to escape as it was possible the Hutts were looking for an alliance, whether official or not, but always there was the possibility of a ransom for the senator. I observe the guards reminding myself of their weaknesses. It would be quite difficult to escape if that became necessary, but I'm a mandalorian warrior raised and trained for battle and knew that if I had to, I would lay my life down to fulfill my contract.

Despite how familiar the senator tried to make herself with her servants, valet, and others in her employ I remember she is a job, and it's my duty to fulfill my word.

I admire for a moment the domed palaces but then I snap back into the moment remembering to keep my hands loose and my body from tensing. They allowed me to keep my armor and weapons so either this is a more peaceful meeting as Faith expects or they find a single armed mandalorian to be less of a threat. Confidence in their abilities or underestimation ... either can be used as a weapon.

I glance at Faith's profile without moving my helmeted head. "This could go well and benefitial for you , or it could go badly. If it's the first I'll follow your lead. If it's the latter you follow mine. Unquestioningly."

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"] [member="Sempra the Hutt"]

 

[Sempra the Hutt]

As [member="Faith Balor-Organa"] and her bodyguard [member="Marev Priest"] was led into the throne room of the white palace A pale looking albino slave made Sempra aware of their prescence.

This was a large room filled with many creatures, cartel thugs as well as more refined businessmen here for whatever reason. In front of the throne the area was however cleared for individuals to speak fairly undisturbed by the others.

Sempra looked up and faced his new guests.

"Senator Organa, welcome to the white palace." his dark voice resounding throughout the room. "Please approach and introduce yourself, and why your ship seem to be at a distress orbiting our humble planet." he spoke with a neutral voice.

Slaves with eyes kept to the floor came up offering wine, fruit and snacks suitable for the human species. Regardless if the guests seemed interested or not they would not linger far in case either of them requested their attention.

Sempra waved them both forward as he himself took a chalice of wine and rested his back on the high backed throne.

 

[Faith Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]Faith felt so much like her ancestor right now all she needed was a thermal nuclear grenade. She looked around cautiously was there a Fett in the room, and perhaps a Calrissian. She looked at [member="Marev Priest"] trying to read what he thought.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Then she heard the voice she looked over and straight at him unafraid, but not arrogant.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Sempra thank you for bringing us here” Faith moved closer looking at the floor remembering the story too well. “It would seem that the engine had a failure that the astro mech is unable to fix. It has disabled our ability to maneuver." It was not a lie and she had spent the better part of a half hour trying not to lose her temper, her frustrations however did trickle out.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Faith reached over and took a sweet from the tray she did not like slavery but she knew there were those that kept them. She looked over the morsel and then when in hutt space she put it into her mouth.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Would you be able to send a communication to the Republic to have them come and pick us up and retrieve my ship” Once again Faith was direct, it might not pay off.[/SIZE]

[member="Sempra the Hutt"]

 

[Sempra the Hutt]

There was a low murmur surrounding them in the throne room. Sempras eyelids narrowed as he watched the two.
Yes, he could simply send them on their way. But that might be to miss an opportunity, and Sempra decided to linger on for a while.

"Of course senator, if that is your wish. But while you wait, why dont you and your friend relax and enjoy my hospitality."

"Have you been in hutt space before, hum?"

The hutt did not know this human or what she represented. He would need to get something more out of her to try and decide if she was best to keep, kill or simply let go.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]
[member="Marev Priest"]

 

[Riggs]

I stand quietly listening to the two speak. The under current of words and the under lying meanings could be legion. I just hope the hutt realizes that a senator is better to be friends with then an enemy. And I know how Hutts treat their enemies.

I speak up quickly when he asked his question. "I speak for myself here in saying I've been in hutt space. I've done jobs here too. Plenty of work for a Mandalorian who knows his trade."

I quiet again. Hopefully he'll think about being friends with a senator and a Mandalorian. So I wait for Faith to respond and hope she understands the situation.

[member="Sempra the Hutt"] [member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

[member="Sempra the Hutt"] [member="Marev Priest"]

[SIZE=12pt]Faith smiled, “Yes I would enjoy the company, I have never been around Hutts myself, but there are things my ancestors had to say about them”[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]She looked at Marev he was being intense again, he had that way about him he was very serious, very focused.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=12pt]She understood why Marev said what he did he was a mandalorian and her body guard. He was essentially marking his territory, meaning her.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She only smiled, “So what is the greatest thing about Hutts, other than size?” Faith stood still, she had been trained to stand for long hours so standing was not a problem.[/SIZE]

 

[Sempra the Hutt]

Sempra chuckled at her witty remark. He liked this one, she was formal yet understood her need of threading gently. A few years back she and her body guard would have been turned into either prisoners for ransom or entertainment in the court.
But times had changed and Sempra saw other uses of her.

"Why, our generosity of course." he replied with a sly smile.

"I would hate to see a republic senator held away from office for too long. Tell me what you need to get your ship repaired Senator." he offered and downed a squeeking tree frog.

 

[Faith Organa]

[member="Sempra the Hutt"] [member="Marev Priest"]

Faith was caught off guard she looked over at Marev "What was it the astro mech said was broken, a capacitor that worked with the energy flow for the engines" Faith looked at Sempra, "I believe that was it, I have to admit to being more upset than listening at the time it was telling me" She had actually been pacing and her voice had gone above the normal levels, and she remembered throwing something. She remembered Marev coming over and reminding her that she was scaring the staff.

Her scare the staff! HA! Not likely.

She smiled she didn't mind admitting she had a temper, "Oh that is very kind of you, I can see that Hutt generosity that you were referencing." She thought carefully but as she watched him down the tree frog she couldn't control her mouth, "do they wiggle on the way down?" She pointed to the frog.

 

[Sempra the Hutt]

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

"Well, there is no reason to send a crew to assist your ship then."

Sempra nodded toward his close slave servant who bowed and went to organise it. It was an unusual feeling to help someone without direct payment. But layers within layers he shrugged.

"Since it is in our nature to swallow these creatures alive, that is common Senator. Do you want to try one? Hum?"

Sempra offered.

 

[Flannigan Mcnash]

A faint whirring sound and a metallic smell precedes a great shape scudding through the corridor. The creature has a humanoid form with a sharp elongated skull acting as the head. Its upperarms are like great wings, and its lower legs end in cruel, clawed talons. No skin or fur can be seen beneath the dingy red coat that cover it's upper abdomen to it's feet, only being splayed apart as he walked. "Hm.." a dry gust of air only visible by the tendrils of vapor that leak from its vox-box.

His hand wrapped around his vibroblade, and there was swagger to his step, and it all stopped upon seeing [member="Sempra the Hutt"]. First there was a groan as hand's tighten, second there was no smiling to his eye's only a glow that permitted slits of light through those craven caverns. Its hand jutting up in a sharp incline as the palm of his hand stuck to his chest as he bowed before the Hutt. "The disciplining Sleheryon, goes as requested. You'll find the details in the report." he addressed [member="Faith Balor-Organa"], and her companion [member="Marev Priest"], with an incline of his head.

 

[Sempra the Hutt]

Returned the cyborg commanders greeting with a cunning eye.

"Ah, Senator, allow me to introduce [member="Flannigan Mcnash"], my voice in many places." he adressed [member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

He glanced at the monitor at his side recognising the new report in his inbix.

"I will make sure to attend this shortly commander." he added.

[member="Marev Priest"]
[member="Flannigan Mcnash"]

 

[Faith Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]Faith took another step forward looking at the frog, “It is quite large, and I’m afraid my mouth, nor my throat would be able to handle such a thing.” She got a shiver just then thinking about swallowing the frog alive. “But I thank you for the opportunity”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Just then another joined them, Faith watched with interest this exchange between Sempra and the newcomer.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Faith smiled, “Hello [member="Flannigan Mcnash"] voice of [member="Sempra the Hutt"]” Well now things were getting more interesting weren’t they.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Faith turned back to Sempra, “you have a large organization. I’ve heard many things.” She knew to watch what she said, how she said it. She half wanted to ask him if he wanted some vong forming samples from Alderaan but she knew her mother would have a coronary.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Perhaps I could ask a question, I know you have many people about. Maybe you could help me with another problem” She was stepping over that invisible line just then. But.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She forgot for the moment.[/SIZE]

[member="Marev Priest"]

 

[Sempra the Hutt]

Sempra held out his empty challice to a nearby slave who refilled it with a humble bow.
At the same time he gave [member="Marev Priest"] some consideration. This was no common republic trooper. No he looked more of a mercenary type. That did make it more believable then not that [member="Faith Balor-Organa"] was telling the truth. This was no secret republic planned plot. Rather they had just gotten stranded here. With current events going on, this was too good opportunity to pass upon.

As the slave finished pouring Sempra brought the challice underneath his nostrils. He allowed himself to enjoy the essence of fine wine and closed his eyes.

"But of course senator..." he replied after a few moments. "But surely you must be tired after all you have gone through. I will have a luxuary avcomendation arranged for you, bath, massage and a wardrobe imported from all the noble families of the old core worlds. Then, while your ship is being repaired I would consider it an honor if you presented yourself at a small party I have put together for tomorrow. Please, attend it and we shall see to your needs in good times."
Sempra did realise Faith most likely wanted to be on her way as quickly as possible. He hoped she understood the subtle hint on that if she accepted the repairs would most likely happen much sooner then if she rejected his invitation.

[member="Flannigan Mcnash"]

 

[Riggs]

I resist the urge to shake my head as words were bandied about. I preferred action or silence, that was my coffee. Talking was over rated. In any case I caught the subtle meaning behind the hutt's words. Do what I want and things will go smoother. I hated double talk. Just threaten me already so I know the facts, you know the facts, and we can each know we understand one another perfectly.

Of course I easily understood the measured look the Hutt gave me. Sizing me up. And from the non committed interest it seems he assumed I was just a mercenary, some hired muscle. He was right of course, but I was so much more.

I am Mandalorian.

[member="Sempra the Hutt"] [member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]She had to be careful, “Do you run across many ship wrecks in your line of business?” She would not reveal the reason for her question. She would only ask it and see what he said.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She looked for any moment of hope, any glimmer of reason to put off what her family desired for her to do. She could just feel Marev back there stiffening through all of this.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Her Tia made sure he was paid to be here with her so, that was all she could say. She smiled and radiated patience.[/SIZE]

[member="Marev Priest"] [member="Sempra the Hutt"]