Private No Church In The Wild

[Agrippa The Hutt]

In those moments when one thinks themselves the secure, safe from those that would do them harm. Those are the moments where fears are brought to bare, where the truth is laid before your feet letting you know that you had deluded yourself. In the galaxy there was no such thing as security, you could run to the very ends of the galaxy itself yet someone would still find you.

On the console screen of The Phantasm, an encoded message would appear on the monitor. Only a single letter mark sat upon it. That of the Hutt cartel. It would begin playing without permission the message opening to reveal an obsidian protocol droid that looked up to the owner of the vessel.

“The illustrious Agrippa the Hutt invites you to their palace on Nal Hutta. Here my lord will provide you with protection from those who seek you, as well as a great sum of credits. Your services and abilities have not escaped his notice, nor have your actions. Arrive at the designated coordinates in three days or find your whereabouts leaked back to the Sith and a sizeable bounty placed upon your head. Do have a wonderful day.”


~~~ Three Days Later ~~~


Sitting upon the throne, lush cushions beneath his mass, Agrippa looked at the gathering’s before him. A spread of the finest foods set out for not only himself but the special guest he was supposed to have visit on this day. It wasn’t often that excitement and eagerness controlled the Hutt, but his bulk couldn’t help but quake in anticipation, and impatience. “We gave her three days! Was that not enough to get here?!” Agrippa barked to no one in particular. His baritone voice overtaking the chamber and reverberating off the walls.

At the Hutt’s outburst, the Ubese singer came to a stop, the Bith that stood behind him following his lead. Guests came to a stop mid-dance, The twi’lek Majordomo that stood at Agrippa’s side flinched, and even the two Gammorean’s that guarded the doors froze.

Eyes of venom glanced around the chamber, feeling the stares of onlookers on him. “Keep playing! I didn’t say you could stop!” Agrippa spat at the Ubese who quickly changing songs and started singing another. The beat and words of the song, perfect, they knew their audience and what they wanted to hear.

The violet-skin twi’lek looked up from their datapad to Agrippa their voice still shaky as they spoke. “S-sir, you did send that message when most starcharts say that it takes five days to get here safely.”

An amber right slowly lowered to the diminutive man. The look causing the twi’lek to somehow almost shrink in his master’s presence. “I don’t expect her to get here safely, I expect her to get here regardless of the obstacles!”

“I was just clari-”

A fist came down on the veshock wood table, the table buckling beneath the force of the blow. Both flaxen eyes boring into the twi’lek. “I tire of you questioning me! Clarifying things for me! I’ve been doing this since before your forefather was a sperm!” One of the mighty hands seized the man’s and most of his upper torso. Face contorted, mouth agape the twi’lek gasped for air. “First it was the advisory on not going to Tython. Then it was not dealing with the Pykes, or even becoming a subsidiary of Technoid manufacturing! I do not need you for anything! It’s by my grace that you even stand here! Do you hear me?! Do you hear me?!”

There was a snap of finality, the majordomo’s eyes rolling back, body going limp in the Hutt’s grasp. Blood leaked from the alien’s eyes, nostril’s and mouth. Unlike with Agrippa’s last outburst people knew not to stop and look. The music continued, the people mingled, and this time the Gammorean’s began stepping forward.

“Remove this from my sight!” Tossing the corpse over the table and to the center of the floor, the body contorted at inhuman angles, Agrippa simply watched as his guards retrieved the fresh corpse and went to remove it from the chamber.

 

[Faegard]

T H E ~ P H A N T A S M
​

Originally, I used to worry about living on the Phantasm

She's a small ship; barely the size of a shuttle. There isn't exactly much room to spread out. I'd grown up in humble dwellings on Coruscant, but I'd always had enough room to explore. The Phantasm was so... small. But she'd very quickly grown on me, and now I found her humble dwelling to be my absolute favourite place in the galaxy.

So it was here, reclining in my bunk, one leg dangling over the side, studying an old tome of my people, when I heard her console chirp to life.

The sound made me squeak in surprise, flinching as my quiet solitude was interrupted by the sudden notification. Curious and slightly concerned, I laid the tome down upon the bunk and slinked off into the cockpit in time to see a message flicker to life... without me touching anything. All at once I felt my heart flutter with fear and my features contort into a grimace. This did not bode well.

By the time it was over, my heart was racing. A knot of panic had tightened in my gut. My jaw clenched, my breaths caught in my throat. The only thing that scared me more than turning down an "invitation" from a Hutt was having the Sith set on my tail directly. As soon as the message ended, I slipped into the pilot seat, punching in the attached coordinates. After a moment, the Phantasm shot into hyperspace, and as the universe became a blur of color and light, I leaned my head back in the seat.

What could he possibly want?

I could hear a commotion as I approached the throne room of Agrippa the Hutt. My heart was racing. My palms were sweating, fists clenched at my sides. As much as I had attempted to forego my typical attire of layered, earthy skirts and general air of mystique, the robes I wore still betrayed me as a practitioner of the strange arts. Were it not for the fact that my ship could give even the falcon a run for its money, I would never have made it in such great time. With a little luck this would impress the Hutt... or at least, placate him enough to not make good on his threat of the Sith.

Besides, I hate being late.

With a soft sigh, I swallowed back my fear and approached the doors.

However, before I could even open them, they burst wide as a few men who looked like guards appeared, the limp form of a twi'lek suspended between them. In a gasp of shock I swetpt to one side, staring with wide eyes as they moved on, paying me no mind. Instantly my heart leapt into my throat, my head spinning. That... was not a good sign. Every fibre of my being screamed at me to turn and run. Closing my eyes, I stole a few moments to compose myself. Beyond, I could feel that not all of this fear was mine. Beyond me, in the room of the Hutt, his patrons sounded as though they were continuing with life as normal, but many of them feared that they would be next.

Well... fear or not, I couldn't stay here forever.

With a deep breath, I timidly entered the throne room.

Swallowing back the wave of fear, I set my eyes upon the visage of the Hutt seated upon his throne. My breaths were ragged and shallow, my head was spinning. My fists were so tight that my nails were digging into my skin. However, I approached, forcing my legs to carry me close enough to lower myself into a curtsey before him.

"Illustrious Agrippa," I greeted, my voice wavering, "I am Faegard, I'm answering your summons."

Please don't feed me to the Sith

Agrippa The Hutt​

 

[Agrippa The Hutt]

Eyes never leaving the corpse of the majordomo, Agrippa watched it leave. That was the third majordomo lost in just as many years. They came and went like moths to a flame. Moreoften than not the twi’lek’s hired saw themselves as smarter than Agrippa. They sought to manipulate him, one even going so far as to try and sell clan secrets to another. The human’s were no better, their ambition led them to thinking that simply toppling the Hutt would be enough to secure themselves a higher station. One being so bold as to permit entry to three bounty hunters that meant Agrippa harm. It was only when the Hutt killed the assailants with his bare hands then turned on the human that they realized their mistake. There was little honor and devotion to be found in those willing to serve a Hutt. A sad cost of the profession.

As the corpse left his view, the behemoth’s eyes rose to the miniature figure that entered the chamber. Her wardrobe matching that of most force users in the galaxy, the robes they wore. Something to shroud their diminutive forms. Agrippa wore nothing but the chain of lightsabers that hung around his thick neck.

Looking down upon the woman as she drew closer, the Hutt took in her being. The gait in which she walked, her hands clenched at her sides, and the evidence that remained of her perspiration. All signs of fear. Good, she understood her predicament, which meant he need not explain it. Her life was within his hands now.

“I expected one of your reputation to be less… Appealing.” The sides of the Hutt’s mouth turned up as a mighty bellow escaped his maw. The bass of it echoing off the walls, others in the chamber joining in. Waving his hand the crowd stopped, going back to their uninteresting and meager conversations.

Unwavering serpentine eyes moved down to take in Faeguard, the Hutt towering above her, his shadow swallowing the small witch. “Come. Take a seat, engorge yourself. This spread was laid out for you after all. You’re our lauded guest.”

Agrippa’s tail rose and fell gently motioning for where Faeguard was supposed to sit. Right next to his mass, within hands reach, and sharing the throne with him. Waiting for the woman to take her seat he would continue. “So tell me, is it true what I hear about you witches? That your powers put even those of the Jedi and Sith to shame? That you can tell fortunes, bless people, and the like?”

Faegard

 

[Faegard]

The Hutt was massive.

I'd heard of the Hutts, my fathers had warned me not to ever interact with them. A part of me cringed at the memory. I was here - in aprt - because I had directly disobeyed them and done to Dathomir. Now, here I was once more, casting their warnings to the wayside because I thought I knew better. At least, in this case, I drew a little solace in the fact that I'd been given no choice.

I could feel those bright serpentine eyes studying my form as I trembled before the mighty Hutt. There was a sense... approval that radiated from his being; that should have abated my fears a little but somehow, it didn't. When he spoke, his voice commanded the entire room, a deep, almost demonic rumble as if one could hear the voice of a storm. My jaw clenched, my cheeks flushed bright red with shame at his comment and the way the room erupted with laughter. My gaze fell to the floor, blushing, trying to stop my bottom lip from quivering.

He motioned for me to sit... right beside him... on the throne.

My head was spinning, panic coursing hotly through my veins. In a way, I admired the move. Of course, I could not refuse, but accepting would mean I was literally in his shadow, easily within arms reach. It was clever.

Bowing my head, I replied,

"I humbly thank you, mighty Agrippa." I murmured, timidly approaching his throne.

With a soft sigh, I delicately sat where his tail had gestured. Along with knowing that it was always wise to remind the Hutts of their prestige when speaking with them, I also knew it was unwise to refuse their offers. So as he spoke once more, I reached out and took a small morself of food from the spread, nibbling on it.

"Well... I... there are some exaggerations here and there," I answered, pausing to swallow and less continue to eat and more hide behind my food. "but we have a measure of power the Sith and Jedi don't usually tread. I... I wasn't raised on Dathomir, Ser, my power isn't legendary."

A pause,

"But of course, whatever you ask, I will do my best to accomplish."

Agrippa The Hutt​

 

[Agrippa The Hutt]

The girl was wise far beyond her years, many had been summoned by Agrippa over the years. Their confidence, or perhaps pride kept them from offering the Hutt his proper and earned titles. They thought themselves more than mere possessions, and for that they were wrong. They held no more worth than a pet porg. They were easily replaced. Suffice to say, Faegard was smart enough not to fall into that trap.

As Faegard took her seat, she’d feel the cushions almost contort to her form. The catharian silk smooth against her skin. Only the finest of fabrics could touch Agrippa’s flesh. The food that lay spread before the two of a similar quality. Nerf steaks sat piled high, whole deep fried pork, and even a roasted zuckka pig. Many of the sides being various breads, delectable pastries, and vegetables.

Taking a knife and fork Agrippa cut a piece of flesh from the pig, the olfactory senses it invoked satisfied by the appetizing scent. Juice flowed freely as a large slab of meat was cut free on the very end of the Hutt’s fork.

"Well... I... there are some exaggerations here and there, but we have a measure of power the Sith and Jedi don't usually tread. I... I wasn't raised on Dathomir, Ser, my power isn't legendary."

Raising a brow in the witches direction at this the Hutt fed his maw with the piece of roasted pork. The flavors dancing upon his tongue as it went down. Face still, eyes never leaving the witch Agrippa was soon given the proper answer to his question.

"But of course, whatever you ask, I will do my best to accomplish."

The girl was truly smarter than the Hutt had given her credit for. She knew what he wanted to hear, perhaps she had dealt with his ilk in the past? Or maybe fear dictated her words. Either way, she was willing. That was always the first step.

Knife digging into the boar once more to cut another piece of flesh free. Agrippa looked to the gathered crowd. Short glances were shot in the direction of the Hutt and his guest, some heads craning over the crowd. “Leave us.” No explanation was to be given, he need not give any. He was their lord, they worked for him.

Without question, the throng of people were shepherded out the door by gammorean guards, who followed them out shutting the doors as they left. Only two remained in the chamber. Mistress Faegard, and Agrippa.

“You are so gifted. You, the Jedi, the Sith.” Popping another piece of meat into the gaping maw, Agrippa raised a handkerchief to his lips, lightly patting them before placing the utensils down. “What I seek from you is power lady Fae. And I’m not speaking of some abstract concept of control. I mean real, tangible power. Much like you and many others are gifted with.”

A finger rose to the necklace of lightsabers that adorned the hutt’s neck, his meaty fingers caressing one of the silver hilts. “Ever since I was but a boy I sought to be like you.I hoped that the force would find me. That perhaps in all my studies, in all my expeditions I’d find an answer. Yet there have been none forthcoming. I’ve gone to Jedi, Sith, those who’ve forsaken both orders over the centuries. Still they offered nothing. Yet it was a witch that put me on this trail. She spoke of how it’s possible for your kind to empower others, but she did not hold any knowledge on the ritual.” Turning to face Faegard, tail moving to wrap around her other side and pulling the witch ever closer.

“You are the answer to what I seek.”

Faegard

 

[Faegard]

For all the fear... I couldn't deny, the Hutt put on a decent spread.

The attendees mingled around us, food, music, dancing and talking quietly. It was to my own surprise that I found myself almost distracted by the food; succulent meats and expertly-prepared dishes. The Hutt himself partook with little mind to me as I spoke, and stealing a glance up at him I noticed the literal chain of lightsabers that hung from his enormous neck. I swallowed, a pang of fear in my gut. Never had I gone up against a wielder of such a weapon. And yet, beside me, reclined a creature that had apparently slain at least a dozen.

Gradually I became aware of the patrons stealing subtle glances our way. Clenching my jaw, I shifted uncomfortably, swallowing, attempting to still my racing heart and focus on my host.

However, he must have noticed them too, as before I could say any more, they were commanded to leave with only two words from Agrippa's mouth. Immediately, his guests - in perfect obedience - filed out of the room as the guards brought up the rear. For a moment I wondered how he had them so perfectly under his thumb... until I recalled the corpse I had passed on my way in...

Fair enough.

Within moments, we were alone.

Now, I felt more afraid than ever. I knew in my rational mind that none of the guests would have come to my aid, but nevertheless I felt... somehow more vulnerable now that they'd gone, as if some layer of security had been stripped away from me. As if to confirm these fears, I suddenly yelped as the mighty Hutt spoke once more, his low baritone echoing around the now-empty room.

I listened intently, my eyes fixed upon his hulking form. But as he explained why I was here, I felt my heart sink.

His tail suddenly moved, the enormous creature enclosing it around me and puling me even closer to him. I yelped, a gasp of surprise and panic at the gesture. My heart was racing. My mind was swimming. My eyes grew wide and my mouth fell open. He was asking for something that I couldn't do... I didn't even know anyone who could do it, hells, I barely believed it could even be done at all.

"I-Illustrious Agrippa..." I began, my voice barely above a trembling whimper, "I..."

My voice failed me. I knew that my answer to his request was the opposite of what he wanted to hear, but more than that, I feared what fate I might suffer if I led him on and pretended. It was tempting, to fudge some story about requiring a special site and using the opportunity to try and escape. I could tell him that the method was through a potion, and then concoct a poison that would at least render him harmless and allow me a chance to escape. I could tell him I needed to consult a nightmother, and then secretly beseech one for help.

But as those thoughts ran through my mind, they all ultimately ended in my being discovered... and the memory of that limp body being removed from the chamber overwhelmed me.

"... I... I can't do that. I could... grant you the power to experience the world empathetically but it would... only be temporary. My lord Agrippa I... I'm so sorry."

I swallowed, tensed, breath suspended in my throat as I awaited his answer.

Agrippa The Hutt​

 

[Agrippa The Hutt]

Closer and closer the witch was brought to the Hutt, where he could even smell the scent of earth fragrances that came from Faegard. Her yelp and gasp meant nothing to the abomination that was Agrippa. Her small, frail form, entangled within his grasp. All it would take was a single flex of his tail to end the woman’s life. To squeeze the life from her and send her to the ether that the rest of her kind were said to reside in.

The witches death wasn’t the end goal, no she was more valuable to the Hutt alive than dead. So long as the possibility existed. One of Agrippa’s hands reached down to rest on the witch’s head. Caressing it as one would a child. Those serpentine eyes stared deeply into Fae’s as Agrippa awaited her answer. For her to tell him that she could indeed grant him the force. That he could indeed shed the mortal coil and become something akin to a god.

Those were not the words she said. Instead what was offered was a facsimile. A shallow prize that wouldn’t last a day, let alone the rest of Agrippa’s lengthy life. Even still the chances it would work were near zero. His kind wasn’t susceptible to the mentalist abilities in the force, as many that had sought to manipulate Agrippa came to learn. Often times their lesson being one of finality.

Heart sinking, what sense of an appetite the behemoth had vanished. A heavy sigh escaped the hutt as his head turned from Faegard and looking to the ground. Once more he’d been lead to a dead end. Was it the will of the force to ensure Agrippa could never wield it? Breathing in, steeling himself the crimelord spoke.

“No, you aren’t sorry.” That was the only warning given to the witch as Agrippa’s tail flung forward cleaving through the air still with Faegard in its grip. Releasing her at the zenith of the swing Agrippa slingshotted Faegard into and through a pillar of solid marble. Chunks of the granite fell free as the center of the pillar was now vacant of its support.

Slithering down from his throne room with a speed belying his size Agrippa was upon her. A massive fist-raising high, its mass silhouetted by the chandelier above. “But you will be.”

Faegard