First Reply Music to Your Ears

[Emilia Vale]

MUSIC TO YOUR EARS

Location: Coruscant Underworld, Level 2685

Coruscant’s Undercity had a history of being a thriving seedbed of criminal activity. It didn’t really matter who it was that was in control of the planet, it was always there. Even during the height of the Galactic Alliance, it existed unimpeded in the lowest levels, hidden and interwoven the higher you got. The criminal underworld grew more bold in recent years. With the Dark Empire’s invasions; followed by its subsequent occupation and eventual changing of hands to the Sith Covenant.

That was where the young Emilia Vale had found herself. Prior to the Core Worlds falling, she had managed to hitch a ride to the galaxy’s core. Convincing a ship captain that a child; barely entering her teens at that point, was able to fix up his ship. But she had ultimately managed to, and found herself on Coruscant.

Only to be abandoned when the Dark Empire attacked for the second time, and it became clear that the Alliance wasn’t going to hold this time around. The crew left, leaving Emilia alone on the planet. Not that she expected anything else, after all she was seen as nothing was more than a hitchhiker; a freeloader.

So Emilia did as she always did, found a cozy spot to set up shop; that inevitably became more of a home, and slowly started building up enough resources in order to leave the planet. That was until roughly a month ago, when she had a run in with Rhugo Kesyk.

A male Twi’lek, a gang Underboss, whose name was one that Emilia hadn’t paid much attention to. They were fairly low on the ‘middling scale’ of the criminal totem pole. But Rhugo had taken notice of her talents with tech, and had one of his underlings steal her music player in order to blackmail her.

It was a precious item to Emilia, she needed to get it back.

So she was forced to play along, to do seemingly random tasks in order to ‘work her way up’ to reclaim what they stole. But it had all been useless stuff so far, just stealing seemingly pointless items just for the fun of it. Emilia suspected there was something else going on, but she didn’t know what exactly. All that mattered to her, was getting the music player back.

It’s what had brought the teenager to her current…predicament. She had entered a notable pawnshop to steal an old-school radio the old shopkeeper kept on a shelf. It hadn’t taken much to swipe it, but the man had realized just as she had left the establishment.

“You little thief, get back here!” His booming voice yelled out, as Emilia darted through the crowd of people, bobbing and weaving around them. She had tucked the radio underneath her jacket, clutching it tight so she didn’t accidentally drop it.

Only to wind up running straight into someone, Emilia’s smaller stature causing her to practically bounce off them, landing on her rear with a dull thump.

“Ow…”

 

[Pogo the Hutt]

Pogo the Lesser — In a Good Mood

"I make you fall down!"

Fresh from his victory at the underground arena, a fated meeting was about to occur. The kind that made for the beginning of storybooks or fairytales. The unlikely crossing of paths of that which was in need, and that who's solitary lifestyle was about to be upended. Not with a resounding trumpeting, nor a clash of great titans... but with a dull thump.

Pogo was a bit more than someone. He was a Hutt. Perhaps one of the biggest seen outside of Hutt Space, and his reptilian eyes and gigantic size made him quite intimidating. Unlike Hutts from Nal Hutta, he was big, but he rippled with muscle, while also carrying that distinctive Hutt smell and that distinctive Hutt look. His eyes were tinted with immediate recognition of the girl's plight, and his slimy body slid forward, his massive bulk hiding her within his tail.

The shopkeeper with his angry eyes and vengeful look turned to shock and a little fear as he beheld the gigantic creature. In a bellowing voice, he said, "YOU GO THAT WAY," and thrust his short stubby arm in the direction of a dark alleyway. Not 'she go that way,' or some misdirection, but rather an order that could not be denied. The shopkeeper hesitated, then disappeared down that alley. Whether he got through safely was none of Pogo's concern.

The Hutt puffed up, pleased with himself. He had won two battles today. One in the arena and now one in the streets of Coruscant. One with a decisive blow to the neck vertebrate of his opponent, and one with four decisive words. After a moment of riposte, Pogo leaned back, then rippled his sluglike body in an impressive display of holding his bulk up by his massive tail.

"You safe now. He gone." He said, his languid tongue slurping at the corner of his hideous mouth.

"He no come back. You no need worry." Pogo's grasp of Galactic common was good, but he still had much work to do. He spoke with the accent of the Hutts, and rarely had a chance to practice with 'normal' galactic folk.

The cheers of the arena still filled his ears, the 'boos' of the few who had bet against him thundered amongst them in his memory. Both gave him great pleasure. He was in a good mood. Now he was in a better one. He had rescued a youngling, and for that, he felt a deep welling of self-gratitude. The tip of his gigantic tail came around and flipped her up to her feet.

As good as his intentions were, his slime was everywhere and had likely gotten into her hair and clothes.

"Get up, little thing. I no mind the smell of human. It no bother Pogo. You need ride? Hop on Pogo." The big creature jabbed his thumb at his massive back.

The streets of Coruscant bustled with activity but they gave him a wide berth. No one would risk the ire of a Hutt, let alone the one who had bested a rancor in the arena this day. Pogo's mottled skin still bore the bite marks and claw slashes, but he looked none the worse for wear. His bulk was wrapped in chains, some huge and some much smaller, adding to his weight. In combat he used those chains to crush his enemies, not depending on his physical 'gifts' or natural 'attributes.' In public, he depended on his stellar weight and rarely attacked with a weapon.

Ironic, his choice in weapons, as it had been a chain that had ended the life of his most famous of brethren.

@​

 

[Emilia Vale]

MUSIC TO YOUR EARS

Location: Coruscant Underworld, Level 2685
Tags: Pogo the Hutt

Emilia looked up, immediately ready to apologize to whomever she had run into. Only for her ability to talk to just as quickly leave her. She was familiar with Hutts, by their overall reputation at least, but this was her first time ever seeing one in person and up close. Despite this not being her first time dealing with the criminal underworld, Emilia had been fortunate enough to avoid garnering the attention of a Hutt. Again, their reputation wasn’t exactly the greatest…and yet here was one who had decided to help her. They could’ve just as easily ignored her and went on about their day.

So lost in her thoughts, Emilia didn’t even realize the Hutt had moved, placing himself between her and the shopkeeper. His bellowing yell was what snapped her back to reality, instinctively bringing her hands up to block her ears. Only to feel the stolen radio tucked beneath her jacket slip, thus abandoning the effort to fully muffle the sudden load noise.

The teenager let out a small ‘eep’ as the Hutt’s tail suddenly moved, assisting Emilia back up onto her feet. An involuntary shudder left her body at both the feeling and smell of the slime, but didn’t make any verbal complaint. Not to someone who had not only just helped her, but could easily crush her by just simply falling.

“Um…thank you mister.” Emilia finally found her voice, as she looked up at the towering mass of slimy muscle. Something about the Hutt was familiar, but the teenager couldn’t quite place it, other than having seen him before somewhere.

Carefully, Emilia clambered up onto Pogo’s back, with one hand still clutching the item beneath her jacket. Feeling herself almost immediately slipping; especially as the Hutt began to move, Emilia grabbed ahold of one of the chains.

She was going to ask if he could take her home, but then an idea crossed her mind. One that sparked some hope. “I need to head to the Pazaak Den in the Entertainment District. I’m meant to meet someone outside there to…deliver this item to.” Emilia paused for a moment, realizing she had neither thanked or introduced herself yet. “I’m Emilia, by the way. And thank you for the help Mister Pogo.”

 

[Pogo the Hutt]

Pogo the Hutt — In a Generous Mood

"Name not meester."

Pogo turned his head to glance out the corner at her, his frog-like eyes narrowing down to a slit, "Name not 'meester,'" he said with a low rumble. "Pogo is name, yes," he agreed, then leaned up again, and with a nudge of his tail, he pushed her up to his shoulder, which jingled the broad chains around his torso. His smell only increased in volume where his body heat could rise, and his words came out as a rumbling; "Pazaak Den... Pazaak Den." Then, full volume he laughed his distinctive Hutt laugh, "Ho... Ho... Hoooo.." His chest rippled as diaphragm muscles coiled and released. "Pazaak Den place for criminal no-good bad-doers, not place for human girl named 'Meelia. Pazaak very old out-of-date game too," he added as he slithered around, heading back the way he came. "If you must go Pazaak Den, Pogo go with."

"You sure you no rather play Sabaac? MUCH more popular. More money make, Sabaac." His pace was quick, remarkably so. It was a wonder how fast you could move when people just got out of your way. "Zinbiddle! GOOD card game. Shout 'ZINBIDDLE' when win." In Zinbiddle, you did NOT shout 'Zinbiddle' when you won, but it was doubtful anyone had ever tried to argue the rules with Pogo.

The Shop district gave way to the slums and the slums gave way to the Entertainment district. Casinos, gaming establishments and bright buzzing lights flickered as they passed. Crowds grew thicker too. Street performers, peddlers, and sharks traded their wares on the street and passerbys, tourists and locals, stopped to watch. "Have friend live 'round here," mused Pogo, looking back and forth. Then he shrugged, jostling the girl a bit with the motion, then increased his pace, thew out his arms, and shouted; "EBRYBUDDY MOOB!" which cleared an instant path and quieted the steady murmer that seemed to buzz constantly here.

"Ah, here is. Pazaak Den." They reached a door big enough for a Hutt, next to one small enough for a person. A Duro said something to a comm and the smaller door opened to let him in. Pogo didn't bother with such things. Instead his giant tail swung and slammed into the big door. "Knock-knock," he said ignoring the fact that he'd already physically knocked. "Pogo there." Not. How that joke goes. "Heh... heh..." he chuckled as if he had said something clever.

A TT-8L/Y7 Droid popped out of the hole in the wall looking like a milky disembodied glittering eyeball, and peered out into the street for a moment, letting out noises of irritation before it spun and beheld Pogo.

A buzzing sound of displeasure and the droid spoke; "Koona t'chuta?"

Pogo looked immediately displeased, but reigned in his anger, puffed up and responded; "Koona wa wanga bo, chuba bangoo WANGA!" Then thudded his broad chest with his stubby arm, rattling the chains around him. The Droid, shocked, fearfully retracted into the wall, and then the big door started to open. No one looked up when a Hutt entered... but those who saw him stared. There weren't many like Pogo. "We here," said Pogo simply, reaching up with his tail to help the girl down off his shoulder. "Pazaak Den!"

Then he opened his arms and proudly looked about the gambling den.

@​

 

[Emilia Vale]

MUSIC TO YOUR EARS

Location: Coruscant Underworld, Level 2685
Tags: Pogo the Hutt

The young girl’s eyes widened as she saw Pogo turn his head and glance at her, though to Emilia it looked more like he was glaring. “Oh-okay!” She replied, her voice timid and concerned, though both quickly evaporated as the Hutt used his tail to guide her up onto his shoulder. Emilia wiggled her nose at the smell again, but still made no complaint. Instead, she began to look around in wonder.

“Wooooow, you can see so much up here.” There was no hiding the excitement in her voice, as her head practically pivoted in every direction.

“And no, I don’t gamble. I’m saving up my credits in fact.” That was one issue Emilia found when trying to find a way off Coruscant. It was harder to find someone to agree to a simple exchange of a favour for a flight off world. No, people here wanted credits, and a lot of them.

“I only want to head there because the person I need to meet likes to hang around at the Pazaak Den.”

As they travelled, moving from district to district, the oddly paired duo garnered a lot of stares. Emilia was sure it was mostly because of the Hutt himself, but it must’ve been an odd sight to see her propped up on his shoulder as well. The sudden burst of energy from Pogo had Emilia quickly grab the nearest chain in order to not fall off.

Once they were at the establishment, the young girl felt a sense of anxiety wash over her. Despite having entered numerous times in the past, she still wasn’t used to the overwhelming sounds when she crossed the threshold. The large door slid open and the Hutt had entered without missing a beat, but for Emilia? She clenched her eyes shut, and wanted to curl up into a ball.

Instantly her hearing deafened to a fine point, leaving only an intense, painful buzzing sound. She let out a small whimper, trying to ignore the sound until it could naturally pass. Which only began to happen when Pogo helped her down off his shoulder.

“Thank you,” she mumbled, using a jacket sleeve to quickly wipe away her tears before anyone could see. Emilia immediately made a beeline for the nearby bar, where seated at the corner stall was a Devaronian.

“Varlo!”

“Ahh, if it isn’t the pipsqueak! Did you get the item?” The Devaronian didn’t even bother to turn to look at her.

“Yes, now give me back what your boss took!” She demanded, trying to sound as authoritative as a fourteen year old could muster.

“Nuh uh, that’s not how it works. The boss still wants-” Varlo finally turned to look at Emilia, only to pause and forget what he was going to say upon seeing the muscular Hutt. He glanced between Pogo and Emilia a few times, before settling on the Hutt.

“Pogo, what brought you here? I thought Zinbiddle was more your thing?” Varlo immediately jumped to his feet, focusing his attention solely on the Hutt. After all, if Pogo was before you, you do not ignore Pogo.

 

[Pogo the Hutt]

Pogo the Champion — In a Triumphant Mood

"Pogo STICK!"

Pogo seemed to understand everything Emilia was saying, about meeting up with someone, and his frog-like eyes made a pass across the bar as she lept down and met with the Devaronian. Pogo feigned polite detachment, chosing not to interfere with Emilia's bargaining with the Devaronian, but when Varlo addressed him directly, Pogo's tail twitched and one of his stubby arms slammed down on a table, flipping it and causing the broken base to skitter away. "ZINBIDDLE!" Roared Pogo, "Pogo win!" Then he thumped his tail down and looked down at the horned Varlo, although the creature was still taller than most of the species around. Pogo looked terribly disappointed, and responded to Varlo with a grumble, "Nasty trick you play on Pogo," he said, wiping the back of his hand across his jowls, flicking away a built-up deposit of slime.

"They no play Zinbiddle here. This Pazaak Den." He leaned down and rattled his chains at Varlo. Then he smiled, a disturbingly long, toothless smile. "Pogo forgive."

He changed the subject. "This place, place where 'Meelia want go." He grunted. "Kid likes trouble, Pogo like kid. Pogo make trouble go 'way." The last part sounded just a tinge like a threat, but he was looking around as if bored of Varlo. "Kid no like Sabaac though." Then his eyes snapped back at Varlo, his face curling into an almost psychopathic sinister smile. "You watch Arena fight today? Pogo smash rancor. Break whole face. You bet on Pogo....? Or bet on rancor?"

Pogo flexed his arm, tightening a muscle where most Hutts would just have hanging flabby flesh.

"Rancor take BIIIG bite of Pogo, but Pogo take bigger bite of rancor."

He leaned back, proudly displaying a slew of mildly discolored slashes on his chest where the rancor had raked it's claws during the battle, but Pogo had, in the last moments of the fight, used the chains wrapping his body to pull the creature off him, ending it with a devastating blow to the back of it's neck.

Then he leaned forward again. "Sound like you got something for 'Meelia. Not good disappoint. Make 'Meelia sad, Pogo maybe sad too."

Pogo paused, and his pause was the most silent the Den had been since they arrived. Then he threw up a fist and shouted "DRINKS FOR EVERYONE!" and he slithered past Varlo and Emilia, sidling up against the bar in a way that sent stools skittering away from him, falling over and just laying wherever they fell. The bartender looked skeptical, but Pogo reached into his mouth and slammed down a handful of slimy credits.

Everyone who had gone silent managed a tense cheer that they cut short as Pogo curled his tail beneath himself, content to let Emilia and Varlo work out their deal. A holo screen was playing the highlights of Pogo's fight, and Pogo roared with joy, as he pointed up at it, directing attention to his victory.

@​

Emilia Vale

 

[Emilia Vale]

MUSIC TO YOUR EARS

Location: Coruscant Underworld, Level 2685
Tags: Pogo the Hutt

Despite his best efforts, Varlo was incapable of not looking frightened as Pogo roared, then having the Hutt’s ire for the ‘nasty trick’ he had played. “I-I assure you Pogo, that was no the intent, I was merely surprised-”

The Devaronian lost his words as Pogo just smiled at him, that toothless smile immediately unnerved Varlo. It spoke volumes of what the Hutt could’ve done if he wasn’t so forgiving. “O-of course, Pogo, thank you.” As he began to explain why he was here; with Emilia too, Varlo glanced between the Hutt and the teenager. Of all the things he expected to see today, the pipsqueak somehow befriended the arena-fighting Hutt wasn’t even a consideration.

Varlo’s attention snapped back to Pogo as the mass of smile and muscle turned his attention towards him. “It was a grand spectacle, there was not any doubt that you’d come out on top, Pogo." He had watched the fight, but hadn’t bothered to bet on it either way. Better to appease the Hutt, than to disappoint him…

Suddenly Pogo let out another bellow of a yell, declaring drinks for everyone. Varlo let out a huff of relief, seeing the Hutt at least physically move away towards the bar. But as he turned to look down at Emilia, he still couldn’t shake off the feeling of intimidation.

Of all the people to cross paths with…

“You tell your boss that this is the last item.” She said, throwing the radio she had stolen into the Devaronian’s hands. “I want my music player back now.”

“I…I’ll have to go see the boss, he’s the only one that has it - or at least knows where it is.”

“Well then, you best go and do that. And you better come back, ‘cause I know where your gang is based. And I doubt your boss is going to be happy if Pogo has to pay a visit.” Emilia crossed her arms, staring up at Varlo with determination in her eyes. With a rapid nod of his head, Varlo scampered out of the Pazaak Den.

Emilia walked over to the bar, just barely managing to push one of the still standing stools to sit closer to where Pogo had settled. “Varlo’s gone to find his boss, think you scared him enough that he’s not going to try anything.” The young teenager winced a little as the holo-screen buzzed to life, switching to highlights of a recent arena fight. Emilia’s eyes widened with recognition.

“That’s where I’ve seen you before!” She exclaimed, pointing a finger towards the screen. It hadn’t been the first time she had walked into an establishment that had one of the Hutt’s fights on replay. “What was it like fighting a rancor? Was it bigger than you?”

 

[Pogo the Hutt]

Pogo the Champion — In a Disgruntled Mood

"Rancor think it bigger—Rancor much dumber."

Pogo seemed to be in a dispute with the bartender which distracted him from the greater conversation, but at least he seemed satisfied enough to have forgotten Vorlo for the moment. His presence had done more for Emilia more than his actual actions. Facing a Hutt was one thing, but facing Pogo was another entirely. Emilia had expertly used their chance meeting to her advantage, and Pogo, though he did not know of her troubles, was likely to oblige - no matter whether the girl was 'in the right' or not. Pogo didn't have much loyalty to morals or structure. He'd shed his Hutt ties a long time ago, but the assumption that Pogo was a Hutt and therefore had connections was something he didn't dispute - mostly because it never came up.

The bartender brought Pogo a bowl of wriggling frog-like creature, upon which Pogo descended with gluttonous gusto. One by one, he hurled each into his cavernous maw, while his frog-eyes followed Varlo's path retreating through the doorway. Pogo was clearly suspicious, slurping up a leg that struggled futily until it disappeared. The bowl sat empty of everything except the marshy water.

Between swallows, Pogo replied, "Rancor taller, not bigger," he huffed, "Pogo smart. Rancor not. Rancor think rancor biggest," He added, after a full-throated swallow, "Rancor bite, rancor claw, but rancor not like fight what rancor can't swallow." Pogo puffed up, then laughed. "Ho... Ho... Ho!" Then he tossed the bowl aside where it wobbled violently, threatening to spill it's contents.

As Emilia climbed up her stool, the bartender brought by a steaming plate of something more conventional. A plate of Endorian Tip-Yip, a popular dish since the Battle of Endor, traditionally made by Ewoks, when they weren't cooking up the sentient creatures they captured.

Pogo said low; "Meelia eat... too skinny." He gestured to the plate, "Is hoo-man food. Good for bones."

Since Hutts did not eat human food much, preferring live creatures - particularly amphibians and worms - Pogo had always assumed that cooked food was what gave non-Hutts their bone structure, as Hutts had more of a cartilage structure beneath their thick hides.

His froggy eyes looked down at the girl. "No trust Vorlo," he said low, "Sleemo Devrona, no keep deal." His voice stayed low.

"Hide behind Pogo if thing go 'pew-pew.'" He made a shooting gesture with his left arm, closing one eye as if aiming an imaginary blaster.

Pogo was clearly not as dumb as he sounded. He simply wasn't an experienced speaker like Ziro, nor did he shun Common like Jabba had. Pogo had a grasp on the Underworld dealings and knew how Devaronian criminals often tried to weasel their way out of deals they didn't like through intimidation. Pogo was sure that Varlo didn't talk to Emilia with respect when the big Hutt wasn't around. When Devaronians couldn't get what they wanted through strength, they often attempted a double-cross.

@​

Emilia Vale

 

[Emilia Vale]

MUSIC TO YOUR EARS

Location: Coruscant Underworld, Level 2685
Tags: Pogo the Hutt

Emilia was all wide-eyed with wonder as Pogo answered her questions. She had never seen a rancor in person before, but with the Hutt before her it wasn’t difficult to imagine what a ‘taller rancor’ looked like. Her eyes lingered over to the holoscreen briefly, watching the recording as both combatants had entered into a grapple.

“I imagine it was quite shocking then, when you made it clear you were both bigger and smarter.” She replied, letting out a small giggle. Another question was at the tip of her tongue, only for it to disappear when the bartender walked over with a plate of food. Just the sight of it made Emilia’s stomach grumble, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten in a good while. Emilia looked over at Pogo, a look of shock on her face before she replied with a grateful nod. “Thank you.”

She promptly dug in. Were there utensils provided? Maybe, but Emilia didn’t care and had immediately used her hands and fingers to start eating. Likely to the amusement of the Hutt seated next to her.

Emilia had long gotten used to going long stretches without proper food, days at a time even. Often just relying on scraps or snacks she could find. Now and then she applied the tried and true ‘puppy dog eyes’ method of getting food from vendors, but it didn’t always work.

So when someone offered her a meal? Emilia was immensely grateful

The teenager was mid-chew when Pogo mentioned Varlo. Emilia paused, staring ahead for several moments as she frowned. “Me neither. He’s scared of you, but he’s also afraid of his boss too. He might just not show up, but-” She paused, swallowing her current bite before continuing. “I know where their hideout is located.”

A bit of time passed, Emilia had finished her food and the bartender had given her some normal juice to help wash it down. During that time, she also badgered the Hutt with a variety of questions. Things like; What was his toughest fight? What caused this or that scar?

But eventually the mood in the venue shifted, as people both going and leaving the gambling den suddenly scrambled to get out of the way. Emilia winced as she felt her head throb, as if sensing something was off.

“Alright, where’s the damn kid?” A voice called out from the building’s main entrance, where just within the doorway was a small group; roughly four individuals with a fifth a step in front.

That man was a green-skinned Twi’lek; Rhugo, his face marred with a collection of scars, some that trailed up and across his lekku. Just behind him was a small assortment of what could only be described as his henchmen. One was the Devaronian before; Varlo who was holding a blaster pistol. Next to him was a towering Klatooinian wielding a bowcaster. The last two were a human female, and a male rodian, both carrying some type of carbines.

Rhugo’s eyes swept across, easily landing on the bright yellow jacket Emilia was wearing.

“There you are, you’re coming with us kid.” Rhugo stated, crossing his arms. No one in the group made a move to step forwards, not with Pogo between them and the teenager. Emilia didn’t comply however, instead doing what the Hutt had instructed and hid behind him. The twi’lek let out a frustrated growl, but for the time being no one was opening fire.

 

[Pogo the Hutt]

Pogo the Lesser — In a Defensive Mood

"Pogo faaaar nastier than blasty-shooter."

Pogo laughed, not sure if she was being sarcastic, but enjoying the banter anyway. He answered to the best of his ability with single word answers like; "Tough. Not so tough. Bitey. Scratchy." But then he pointed at a rather nasty one on his stomach. "Laser-swordy." He seemed genuinely proud of this one. "Fell on 'em. Swordy-guy no get up."

The big Hutt noticed the shift in tone too, and looked around the room, until his big froggy eyes found the criminals. Varlo stood with a drawn pistol. His comrades with their own cadre of weapons. Pogo knew they would hurt, but also that they'd probably not be able to kill him. Still, he took a confident but measured pose. A wriggling frog-like creature rose from Pogo's fist, into his mouth, as if he didn't care too much about their schedule. That and the intimidation factor of eating a live animal whole. From Emilia's point of view, Pogo had quite clearly secreted it away for just this moment. The look of disgust from everyone who was watching - which was just about everyone - was clear on their faces.

Then Pogo slithered forward, his tail dragging Emilia safely within. He stopped before he reached them, puffing up his chest. "Kid go with Pogo. Pogo go where kid go." He gestured to their weapons. "Put 'way, Pogo no eat you too." He grinned toothlessly at the joke, but the fact that it was a joke didn't register on anyone else's face. "Boss got something 'Meelia want. 'Meelia gonna get what 'Meelia want." Pogo said gently.

"But YOU gonna put the shooters away!" Pogo rose up tall and intimidating, his body flexing and pulsing with the coiling of his musculature. His chains rattled as they strained against his big body, adding to the display. "Or Pogo no go, and 'Meelia no go..." his grin turned more sinister.

Behind him, the holo-screen was at the part of the fight where Pogo was bashing his tail against the back of the rancor's neck. "Pogo the Lesser WINS, WINS, WIIIIIIIINS!!!!" shouted the announcer, while announcers repeated the victory in Huttese, Twi, and a few other languages Pogo didn't know. "...and you no go home 'neither." His fat hand pointed one by one at each of them, phantomiming a blaster, which he didn't bother carrying. "Pogo faaaaar nastier than blasty-shooter."

@​

Emilia Vale

 

[Emilia Vale]

MUSIC TO YOUR EARS

Location: Coruscant Underworld, Level 2685
Tags: Pogo the Hutt

Despite her instincts telling her otherwise, Emilia tried to peek around Pogo to see what was going on. But no matter what angle she tried, the Hutt was keeping himself firmly between her and the thugs. She wanted to see if Rhugo had her music player on him, he always did when she was around; as if to taunt her about it.

As Pogo spoke, Emila turned her head to look behind. Several patrons had fled upon seeing Rhugo’s gang, while others remained at their tables. Some were minding their own business, while others were watching the scene as it unfolded before them. The teenager glanced over to the bar, where the bartender had remained and was also watching, the tension in his shoulders were visible even from a distance.

His eyes never left where the ensemble of thugs were addressing Pogo, hands carefully slipping from the bartop to reach for something out of sight.

To Rhugo's credit, he didn’t balk at the intimidating size of the Hutt. Instead, he simply shrugged, his face twisting into a small grin.

“Now, now Pogo, there’s no need to be so boisterous.” He replied, raising his hands up in a sign of peace. Those beside him followed suit, Varlo holstered his pistol; though his hand didn’t linger far from the holster. The klatooinian, human and rodian simply lowered their weapons away from the Hutt.

“Can’t say I understand why you’re helping a kid, but surely we can strike up a deal? There’s gotta be something you want that’s better than that street rat.”

“Hey!” Emilia’s voice squeaked out at the insult.

She never understood why Rhugo had her running about stealing random items. He had somehow learned of what she could do, had one of his lackeys steal her treasured possession, and had since used it as leverage to get her to steal. But why just that? If he truly knew what she could do, why not blackmail her to do other stuff?

The questions lingered in her head, circling around one another until a moment of clarity suddenly struck.

He had been trying to trap her. Get her in trouble with the authorities; arrested for theft. And the only one that would even know her to bail her out, would’ve been Rhugo. They had been trying to entrap her…

“I want what you stole back!” She demanded, finally managing to clamber up and over Pogo’s tail, in order to look the Twi’lek directly in the eyes.

“Oh, you mean this?” He replied, reaching into his jacket pulling out a red, handheld music player. It was a perfect match to the headset that was hanging over Emilia’s neck. “Catch.” Rhugo didn’t hesitate as he chucked the device off to the side, out of Pogo’s reach and most definitely Emilia’s.

“Noooooo!” The young teenager let out a panicked scream, not thinking as she immediately jumped away from Pogo in a futile attempt to grab it. At that same moment, several things happened at once.

Rhugo yelled out the human male’s name, ordering him to grab Emilia. The Twi’lek himself quickly hopped backwards, keeping himself out of Pogo’s initial reach. Both the rodian and klatooinian raised their respective weapons back up. Fingers on the trigger ready to fire a blast into the Hutt’s stomach.

Only for the rodian’s head to suddenly snap to the side, a plasma bolt striking it; having fired through the air from around the area of the bar.

 

[Pogo the Hutt]

Pogo the Chained — In a violent Mood

"Okay."

"Okay," Pogo said simply, immediately sensing that negotiations had soured, the tip of his tail curling around a barstool and casually flicking it, sending it sailing into the Klatoonian. The Klatoonian managed a shot, which thudded into Pogo's belly and made him grunt and pause briefly. Greenish ichor coursed down his side, but Pogo charged anyway, roaring like some beast. His tail swung as his chains came loose from his shoulders. A crash indicated them being swung like whips down, crushing the Rodian, who was already falling by the time he did. Pogo's eyes were wide in rage and pain and the metallic ssshhhhhwiiiishhhhh of his chains rang out as he charged full-body into the other two. The floors cracked, tables shattered, glass broke and alcohol spilled all while Pogo rampaged, and his rampage didn't stop.

The floor rumbled, Pogo rose up on his tail and reached down with his stubby arms as his head fell, aiming a headbutt at the assailant, Rhugo. Then Pogo seemed to regain some of his composure, and he swung about, his tail scattering furniture, even as the patrons screamed and found their only exit blocked by a giant, muscular Hutt. Some slipped on the slime that he had trailed from one end of the bar to the doorway, others looked for places to hide, and still more overturned tables and ducked behind them. A few were armed themselves, and didn't look happy at being interrupted. After all, some of them thought they'd been winning. A blaster bolt took out the holo vid, and Pogo looked up to see his victory replay had been interrupted. His face contorted in anger again, but then his eyes scanned for the little human girl. Rhugo was lucky. Pogo had let him go for a second, and he was free for now.

His human companion was not so lucky. Pogo picked up his chains again and twisted them into a knot. He then grabbed them and swung them wide and high. Emilia couldn't have even stood at the height he was swinging, but the ball of chain sailed through the air at the unsuspecting gangster. When it struck him, it was instantaneous. The blow splattered him. An arm went one way, most of his body the other, and his head practically popped, sending blood and brain matter everywhere. There was a momentary silence after that. Tinnitus rang in Pogo's 'ears'. He raised his arms and looked down at a second wound in his belly. Varlo had taken the advantage and grabbed a blaster from the dead Rodian. A fountain of green ichor had exploded from Pogo's chest. Unfortunately for them, a Hutt's actual 'heart' was an organ attached to the lower part of their cartiligate skeleton.

Pogo turned about slowly, his chest heaving, spilling goop rapidly while he centered his mass and his vision upon Varlo. His hand swatted the blaster away and it went clattering across the floor from the blow... Varlo's luck had run out.

@​

Emilia Vale

 

[Emilia Vale]

MUSIC TO YOUR EARS

Location: Coruscant Underworld, Level 2685
Tags: Pogo the Hutt

Rhugo began to wish he had never stumbled across Emilia.

It had been pure happenstance that day, albeit the bright yellow jacket was noticeable even within a dense crowd. He had watched her pick up a mechanical part, and take it over to a nearby shop. And yet the mechanic still couldn’t get the speeder bike to work, and had stepped away to figure out a different situation. In that moment, the girl placed her hand on the machine and within a few seconds it suddenly sprung to life.

Now Rhugo wasn’t exactly an expert on ‘Force stuff’, but even he recognized when it happened before his eyes. His interest piqued, the Twi’lek had kept an eye on Emilia for the next few hours, taking note of what she did; particularly that she seemed to cherish the music player she constantly had on.

A plan hatched, and Rhugo sent one of his men to steal the precious item from the girl, forcing her into a little ‘meet and greet’ to leverage the music player in order to get her to steal some stuff.

In hindsight…he really should’ve just blackmailed her from the get go.

But noooooo, I just had to go and play my little games.

And now here he was, not quite staring down the barrel of a gun, but it was just as deadly. Rhugo had hopped backwards, but not nearly enough to escape just how quickly Pogo had moved with his charge. The Twi’lek barely had time to raise an arm up out of instinct, in an attempt to intercept the headbutt. Which it did…with a sickening, cracking sound.

Rhugo howled with pain, stumbling backwards until his back hit a wall. Despite it though, the Twi’lek tried to focus and look around for an escape. His eyes immediately fell on Pogo, who had seemingly turned his attention away for the moment. Then towards Emilia, who was on her knees seemingly cradling something in her hands.

A blaster shot rang out, and the Twi’lek’s focus snapped towards the source. Seeing Varlo foolishly decide to shoot at the Hutt, Rhugo could only shake his head. He might’ve wounded Pogo, but all it had done was piss the giant mass of muscle off. For a moment Rhugo pitied his subordinate…before promptly taking advantage of the distraction and retreating from the gambling den.

The Devaronian was wide-eyed as Pogo loomed over towards him. A simple swat to knock the blaster away damn near broke Varlo’s hand in the process. “Mercy Pogo, please…mercy. I was just following orders! Look, I can…I can take you to where our hideout is!”

Unfortunately for Varlo, that particular card was void before he had even played it. After all, Emilia had already told Pogo she could take him there.

The young girl in question however, was still kneeling on the floor nearby. Her yellow coat now covered in splatters of blood and brain matter. In her hand was her music player, only it was broken into pieces.

Emilia had almost caught it, but just as her fingers were about to touch it, she was knocked off balance. Pogo’s initial rage; that which had shaken the floor and shattered tables nearby, had caused Emilia to stumble. The music player slipped from her fingers and smashed into the floor instead.

After that? She was oblivious to what had gone down. All she was focused on was the pieces of the music player she had gathered into her hands, her shoulders shaking as she sobbed.

 

[Pogo the Hutt]

Pogo the Brutal — In a guilty Mood

"RRROOOOOOAAAAAARRRR..."

Pogo leaned down and roared right into the Devaronian's face, ending all possible pleading from the criminal. Pogo ended it there though. Killing Varlo was furthest from his mind. As Hutt-slobber caked the big man from head to foot, Pogo shuddered with absolute unconditional anger... but as soon as he was done, all of that violence disappeared from Pogo's face. His big tongue slithered out, wetting his own lips, and he turned away. Emelia was sitting there crying and both Varlo and Rhugo were instantly forgotten.

He moved carefully, more delicately than he had ever moved in his life. His eyes drooped down towards the glittering broken pieces of the music box, and then at the young girl, then back again. It was a moment of clarity for the Hutt. All at once it seemed, he realized his problems couldn't always be solved with violence. A low rumble in his voice... "Poodoo..." he cursed.

Gently he reached his left hand down and patted her head softly, the stinging of his chest and belly from the blaster fire all but forgotten in the moment. As lights fell from fixtures, buzzing and going out, while panicked bar patrons started packing their stuff and fleeing, to the two forgotten thugs taking their chance to escape, Pogo attempted to console the girl as best he could.

Then suddenly he stopped; "Meelia, Pogo know man. Olllld man. Maybe could probably fix little box? Very old, very good with gears and things."

"He live 'round here. Make box all better?"

Pogo seemed unusually awkward at that moment, after all, it was his responsibility for breaking the box. It should be his responsibility to make sure it could be fixed. Seeing Emilia this way made Pogo feel deep and sustained guilt. Something that was as alien to a Hutt as caring about something other than themselves. Another thing that made the big Hutt shudder. His greatest fear-after all-was finding out that he was no different than the rest of his kind.

@​

Emilia Vale

 

[Pogo the Hutt]

(Double posted)

 

[Emilia Vale]

MUSIC TO YOUR EARS

Location: Coruscant Underworld, Level 2685
Tags: Pogo the Hutt

“But why…why do you have to leave?”

“You know why kiddo, this particular smuggling job ain’t going to be safe for a child. But look, I got a little going away present for you, something to remember me by.”

“What is it?”

“It’s a music player, hook up those headphones you found and you’ll be able to drown out all that static noise that’s been bothering you.”

“I…thank you. P-promise you’ll come back?”

“I promise, kiddo.”​

“Why can’t I hear you? Please, say something, anything…” Emilia’s voice was quiet, barely an audible whisper as she stared down at the broken pieces of the music player. It always answered her whenever she grabbed it. Like a soft hum beneath the surface, waiting to strum to life and play.

But now it was just cold and quiet.

Dead.

All of a sudden, Emilia’s head began to painfully throb, causing the teenager to clench her eyes shut. Her hearing became muffled, as if she had just been dunked into water. A high piercing ring filled her ears, with an underlying buzzing sound beneath it. She let out a whimper, trying to push herself away from the noise, but it was coming from everywhere, from every direction.

She could even hear the disruptive static and whine of the holo display that had been shot. The sounds grew more and more intense with every passing moment, forcing Emilia to curl forward, trying to make herself as small as she could.

Only for it to suddenly stop when she felt a large hand atop her head, gently patting it. The physical act was like a wave, gradually washing away the overwhelming noise until it was nothing more than muffled din.

“Wha…?” She heard pieces of what Pogo had said, something about an old man and fixing things. Emilia quickly used a sleeve to wipe away her tears, finally looking up and around at what had happened. She saw the destruction, the remaining patrons hurrying to grab their things and leave. Even the devastation the Hutt had wrought when dealing with the thug that had tried to grab her. But Emilia seemed unbothered; alarmingly so for someone of her age, as she picked herself up. Though not before she was certain to grab all the pieces of the broken device.

She turned to face Pogo, only for her eyes to widen when she saw the wounds he had been dealt. “You're hurt! W-we need to get you some help!”

 

[Pogo the Hutt]

Xoff Chantin — In a sad Mood

"Poodoo..."

Pogo reached over, grabbing one of the fancy cloth napkins the gambling den used to feign a 'fancy' quality to the decor. He snapped his wrist, letting it flutter open and then did his best to lay it down near the pieces. "Is only wound of flesh. Best get little pieces. Auth... Auth... hmm... cops be here in fast time. Will want answers," he said gently, but with the knowledge and intent in his voice that urged Emilia to hurry. Then Pogo turned about, careful to swing his tail over the girl's head. As clumsy as he was - a trait he shared with other Hutts - Pogo knew when to be extra careful, and after this, he knew he had a lot of making up to do. He leaned towards a window and ripped the curtain down, using it to cinch around his torso.

Green ichor colored the dim yellow cloth that had spent ages sun-bleaching in the plastisteel port-hole. Pogo was more hurt than he let on, but he was also less hurt than he could have been. Near point-blank blaster bolts were deadly for even most Hutts. No matter what, this would mean some ugly scars for the bruiser. Pogo slithered around to a second window and peered outside. That's when he saw what he expected. Lights. Sirens. Police speeders that zipped out of the sky and then let out final wailings as they touched down and expelled their occupants. Mostly droids. A few fleshy ones.

Pogo slid back behind the bar and found the bartender still cowering behind it. Glass crunched under his weight when he leaned over to pick up the man and put him on his feet. "Back way. Pogo know you got one." Then with an insistent gesture, he pointed at the back. Then Pogo looked over the bar and said to the girl; "Meelia, time for hurry up. Time for go now."

The big Hutt turned about and watched as the bartender slid open doors, punching in codes to open the last few, and felt the fresh air of freedom blast his injured skin. A bout of dizziness overwhelmed him momentarily but he shook it off. "Time for go!"

@​

Emilia Vale

 

[Emilia Vale]

MUSIC TO YOUR EARS

Location: Coruscant Underworld, Level 2685
Tags: Pogo the Hutt

“O-okay…” Emilia said, uncertainty in her eyes but she trusted Pogo knew the limits of his own body. As the Hutt went about tending to his wounds however, Emilia focused on bundling all the pieces together onto the napkin. She was far from an expert, but nothing looked too broken, so Emilia was hopeful it could be fixed, it just…needed to be put back together again.

With delicate hands, she grabbed the corners of the cloth napkin, pulling them up together and then tying them up to form a makeshift ‘bundle’. This way, there was very limited risk any of the pieces would fall out while on the move. And if Pogo was correct, they were going to have to potentially run.

The sudden burst of light and sirens had Emilia shoot up to her feet, sharply turning to face the cantina’s entrance. She didn’t wait to dash towards Pogo, as the Hutt slithered over to the bar and hauled the bartender up onto his feet.

He spoke something almost incoherent, but his frantic hand gesture pointed in a direction that seemed to satisfy Pogo.

“R-right, I’m right behind you!” Emilia said, hurrying to keep up with the Hutt as he made a speedy exit from the cantina.

Fortunately the immediate space out back was spacious, surrounded by towering structures on all sides, with two distinct alleyways leading out. They were particularly narrow however, not enough room for Pogo to turn if they needed to suddenly change course.

“Lemme go and look ahead, just in case anyone is lurking near the exits.”

Emilia quickly dashed down one of the alleyways; the one that looked as though it led the furthest away from the cantina’s front entrance. Several seconds passed, the sound of her hurried footsteps gradually fading, until her small voice suddenly echoed from down the way.

“This way is safe!”

Once they were on the streets proper, they’d need to be quick in locating the old man Pogo had mentioned. While the commotion would keep the police and locals occupied for a time, it wouldn’t be long before their descriptions became known. Neither were exactly discreet in appearance, with Pogo being Pogo, and Emilia with her yellow jacket.

 

[Pogo the Hutt]

Xoff Chantin — In a Sneaky Mood

"Tell no one."

Pogo turned to the bartender, a threatening look on his meaty face. He grabbed him by the shirt and lifted him up to eye level, "Tell no one." Then, dropping him back on his feet, the big Hutt slithered down the alleyway, when suddenly Emilia dashed ahead. Pogo almost tried to stop her, but he was too late, and he simply exhaled a heavy breath and followed. Her little voice echoed down the alley, and Pogo soon followed after, always keeping in mind the destination. He caught up with Emilia and snatched her up by the jacket, putting her up onto his broad shoulders. "Old man live in poor part of town. Not too far but not to close neither." Pogo said as quietly as possible, though it made his chest rumble when he did it.

He slithered his way down the alley, until slightly less light gave way to slightly more. Pogo thrust his head out to peek around the corner. Then when he saw only a little foot traffic, he thrust himself out into the streets, and heaved himself across the road, one hand on Emilia's knee to keep her from falling to the rough streets below. The flashing police lights flickered out from around the corner, but no one connected Pogo to the scene. Someone might later, when scattered witnesses were brought forth but for now they were safe. The bartender seemed sufficiently scared too. Pogo didn't have any doubts he'd give them time to escape.

They traveled down roads, sidestreets and through alleyways, but it wasn't long until they were surrounded by hovels and run down shacks. This was the poorest of the poor. Children dashed from shadow to shadow, laughing and playing while skinny emaciated men selling drugs, and women selling... other things. Still when they reached a patched-up home with a dome shaped exterior. It stood out immediately from the other blocky hovels, with dirty sheets covering it's portals and no light eminating from within.

Pogo slid underneath a curtain, pushing it over their heads and placing one of those hands over her head so she wouldn't bump it on the ceiling. Pogo then took her by the hips and let her down to her feet. "Koma!" He said in a half whisper-shout. "Where you at, Koma?"

An old, bearded man stood up from the shadows, his spectacles hanging off the bridge of his nose. Pogo had to keep his body low to avoid the ceiling, his hands on the floor to brace himself. He slithered against a wall and curled himself, looking more like the Hutts he resembled. Koma shook his head. "Easy old friend. Who's this one you have with you?" His eyes - blue and crisp despite his age - dropped to the girl in the yellow coat.

@​

Emilia Vale

 

[Emilia Vale]

MUSIC TO YOUR EARS

Location: Coruscant Underworld, Level 2685
Tags: Pogo the Hutt

Emilia let out a squeak of surprise as she was picked up, instinctively clutching the bundle of parts closer to herself. She still wasn’t used to being suddenly lifted, but she didn’t voice any complaint about it. For as fast as she could be, Pogo was like an unstoppable force as he moved. So much so, that a couple of the lower hovering vehicles had to slam on their breaks as the Hutt slung himself across the road in almost a single smooth motion.

As they drew closer to the poor part of town; and away from the current buzz of technology, Emilia let out a relieved breath as the noise in her eyes quietened somewhat. Though her expression soured as they began crossing by people on the streets, the children most especially.

She had been in their situation before, not on Coruscant specifically; nor nearly as bad, but it was still the same issues and problems no matter the size. And technically in a way, she was still stuck in this kind of situation. Albeit, for Emilia however, she had since learned how to ‘carve’ out a spot to live, to use what skills she had to make credits.

All these people though? They had never been given the opportunity to do better, to make things better for themselves and their family. Forgotten and disposed of by society at large.

If Emilia had her way, she’d find some way of helping them all. But she was just a small blip in a much wider and expansive galaxy.

Her attention shifted when the domed building came into view. She had seen it on occasion when passing through the area, but she had never thought to investigate. And this was someone who could fix things? Emilia made a mental note of its location for the future.

She watched with curiosity as they entered, almost immediately greeted by an older man; Koma, who had answered Pogo’s call.

“I’m Emilia!” She replied, looking up at the man with hope in her eyes. “Something of mine, something precious to me broke, we were wondering if you could fix it?” She asked, her eyes lingering on Koma before glancing over to Pogo.

“But first! Pogo needs up, he got hurt! He needs-” But before Emila could finish, the Hutt interrupted, stating he was fine for the time being. The young girl looked like she wanted to argue, but relented and handed over the bundle of parts when asked by Koma. “We were in a…situation, and it hit the floor hard.”

She watched as he took it over to a nearby desk, unwrapping it to examine the contents.

The outer shell of the music player was in two parts, fortunately though it was by design. Aside from some dents and scratches, it would be easy enough to click back together again. The internals components however, were another story. Some wires had been forcibly disconnected, other connectors had been damaged, but looked to be easily replaceable.

For the more crucial internals, everything looked relatively okay. Nothing had been outright damaged to a point if disrepair., but there was no real telling until it could be put back together and activated.