Private The Smuggler, the Flower Girl, and the Mask.

[Sorr Kortu]

Location: Nal Hutta

Smuggler Outfit

When Sorr found out that Nal Hutta meant Glorious Jewel in Huttese, his lungs nearly fell off from his rib cage from laughing so hard. Either the Hutts have a great understanding of Irony or they truly believe that this wasteland was truly beautiful probably the latter given the Hutts' grotesque history. For a bunch of gangsters, the Hutts managed to worm their way (no pun intended) into the political sphere of every faction in the Galaxy history. From the Galactic Alliance, to the Mandalorians, and even the Sith Empire. The Hutts were always willing to do the dirty granted that said "ally" look the other way of their criminal enterprise. Even Sorr's father as disgusted as he was working with the Hutts had dealings with them. Sorr remembered meeting the Hutt as well Kloshi the Weak she was called. She was far from weak given how she was able to convince his father: A man not easily swindled a deal that could land him in a favorable position in Alderaanian politics in exchange for her large donation.

Sorr saw first-hand how much power the Hutts wielded and now he is working for them as a Smuggler. He knew the risks that came with living the dream as a Smuggler but Sorr didn't like the Hutts at all. The young Smuggler approached one of Nal Hutta's many palaces this one belonging to Gogor the Hutt. A Hutt whose criminality revolves around gun running and racketeering. Sorr did a couple of guns running missions for Gorgor nothing too major just a bunch of Galactic Alliance blaster rifles that were lost in manufacturing. Sorr only communicated through Gogor's men never seeing the Hutt personally not that he didn't want to. Yet Gogor sent him a Holomessage saying to come to his palace for a special mission. It was an unusual proposition, but Gogor offered triple the pay so Sorr immediately took his ship to Nal Hutta.

As he walked towards the entrance, Sorr could see two of the Gogor's men looting the corpse of what he assumed to be a rebel fighter. From what Sorr read, the Evocii while driven to near extinction still fought the Hutts utilizing guerilla tactics in hopes to fight for their home. It was a noble but futile cause, taking a deep breath, Sorr entered the large doors where he saw Gogor staring at him and at his left was young woman around Sorr's age being watched by two large soliders. "Your excellency," Sorr said. "You wanted to see me?"

Valenya

 

[Valenya]

Spoiler: Music OOC

The stench of sweat. It lingered in her quarters. It was her own. Though, it was also from others. Several girls shared her cell. A chamber fit for their master, the guards claimed, but they were just slavers in another way who served their cruel master. There was no freedom in those chambers. There were only slaves who were fools to think that they would be treated fairly in the midst of their master who considered them fairies.

They didn’t even need wings. These women had arms and legs, fair skin, pretty faces, from Human to Zeltron to Twi’lek. Yet freedom was long gone for them. They no longer had wants or desires that mattered beyond their imaginations and, as they were promptly reminded, thinking was dangerous. Better to obey and live another day than be fed to Gogor the Hutt’s rancor from being bored.

From wasting time idling by in her quarters in the morning to the main chamber of the palace, the throne room of the Hutt, was one prisoner in a number. Sure, there were other slaves with her from men to women. The latter were scantily clad just like her in her outfit. There were others; servants who served food and drink to guests and, if they didn’t, would be treated the same way as enemies in the midst.

Stay focused. Valenya told herself, curled up beside the tail of her Hutt master, gazing the same way he did as a new guest entered his grand chamber. Don’t lose hope. She couldn’t. Wouldn’t. She certainly wasn’t in this position out of choice but circumstance. She owed Gogor a debt and had no voice to reject his advances once he decided to collect. Don’t become the petals of the flowers that drift and go to never return home…

“Ho ho ho!” Gogor laughed at the man who had entered his chamber. He spoke in Huttese, naturally. It was a language that Valenya could understand. “I did want to see you indeed. I have a mission for you, Kortu. See it through and you will be rewarded. Fail me…” He licked his lips. “And you will suffer worse than this woman.” At that, the Hutt yanked the chain tethered to the collar wrapped around Valenya’s neck and she grimaced in pain.

Sorr Kortu

 

[Sorr Kortu]

Sorr never liked working with Hutts, there was always a catch with these corrupt sleemos and of course he walked into a trap like an idiot. "What kind of Smuggler am I?" Sorr thought miserably. No way he could shoot his way out, there were many guards surrounding Gogor besides the two armed guards in front of Gorgor and the girl, there were Snipers perched on both sides of the palace, their weapons trained on Sorr ready to fire on Gogor's command. Also, even Sorr does shoot Gogor, Hutts were notoriously tough capable of tanking multiple blaster bolts before dying.

"Ummm," Sorr stared at the scantily clad woman, sympathy filled his eyes. Now they were both trapped under this Hutt's slimy thumb. "What is the mission my Lord?" Sorr mumbled. "I'm at your service."

Valenya

 

[Valenya]

“HO HO HO!” Gogor laughed. “At my service indeed.” His Majesty's mighty voice boomed across the floor. “From the day you were born, Sorr.” Well, Valenya didn’t know about that but she didn’t know about the Hutt’s guest either. This Sorr seemed like an honest enough man but what smuggler was honest? Perhaps it’s a trap.

There was a trap underneath her feet, unfortunately, and if Gogor decided to open it then there went Sorr into the deep darkness. He would never be heard from again. His screams would be his epitaph and that would be that. No. Enough death. Valenya sighed. There has been enough pain and loss of life.

“The mission,” Gogor continued as he sucked squid fluid from his thumb. “Is to deliver a package.” There was a delay in expectation. Just then, the Hutt yanked on Valenya’s chain. “You are to deliver a slave to a particular Pyke as a token of my…appreciation…” He licked his lips.

Oh. I certainly don’t like the sound of this. Though Valenya’s expression was quiet despite her silent defiance. “I want her alive and in good condition when you deliver her to my colleague, whose name and description you will find in this datapad.”

Gogor the Hutt gestured for a henchman to deliver said pad to Sorr the smuggler. “If I find that she has been…damaged…then you will find your head on a pike.” He laughed. “Pike. Pyke. It rhymes. HO HO HOOOO!”

At that, the chain around Valenya’s neck unclasped, and it was then she realized that she, yes, Valenya, was indeed the package. “Oh my…” She spoke low.

Sorr Kortu

 

[Sorr Kortu]

Sorr raised an eyebrow when Gorgor unshackled the young woman, she was the prize? But why? Sorr gulped seeing the two guards push the scantily clad woman towards Sorr, the woman falling to the ground in the process. Sorr rushed to the woman's side and helped her up. "Are you all, right?" Sorr whispered in her ear afraid if the guards picked up any semblance of sympathy, then they'll beat up Sorr and her. Hutts and their minions can be the petty type.

"Slave trading isn't my thing my Lord," Sorr said. "I thought I made that clear, people aren't cargo."

That probably means that the woman would be in the Hutt's custody, that was something Sorr did not want to do. "But I guess....." Sorr said bitterly. "I'll make an exception." Though what Sorr really meant was finding a way to free her and the other slaves in the Gogor's care. Sorr read the dataslate and frowned. "A mask?" He said. "What for?"

Valenya

 

[Valenya]

Spoiler: Music OOC

Picked up. First by her kidnappers. Grabbed when she was unaware. That’s why she was here, in this forsaken palace, to begin with. There was no morality in this place. There was only the mortality of the slave. The immortality of the master. However, slaves like her knew that nothing and nobody lasted forever.

Gogor the Hutt would get his comeuppance soon enough. For now, however, one of his slaves was picked up. Her chains were taken away as if to say she was free. Hands grabbed her again, unclasped the shackle at her neck and, bereft of manacles, they picked her up—only to throw her forward across the floor.

Slaves. We are treated the same way. She had danced, she had sang, but her master never appreciated her. But we have each other. She thought, taking a deep breath into her chest; not out of fear or pain but in sadness. There she was, a lady being taken away, a slave being given away, and she just wanted to hold the cold breath in her soul as reality took its toll. Stay safe. She would be back to free them one way or the other. I promise this.

Eyes closed, she breathed out on the ground and, when she did, hands grabbed her again. When she opened her eyes, she was picked up, but saw someone and he wasn’t a thug. All over again, breath was caught in her chest. The slave met the smuggler’s gaze. Her heart froze, though she was warm with hope. He asked if she was all right. “I’m…fine…” She replied in that whisper-feather line. Eyes into eyes.

“Ho ho hooooo!” The Hutt bellowed. “Slave-trading becomes your thing today, Sorr Kortu, if you wish to leave this place.” He licked his lips. Putrid. Thought the woman now standing on her own two feet thanks to the courtesy of this man. Who is he? It didn’t sound like he wanted to hurt her at least. Yet he is my transporter for another master.

“The mask is for me, of course.” Gogor licked his fingers. What a horrid demeanor. “A trade for this…slave…” He looked her way that instant. It made Valenya grimace. Her first instinct was to step closer to the smuggler as if trying to hide behind his shoulder. I must be bolder. Hard to do when you were in this outfit surrounded by others, however.

Sorr Kortu

 

[Sorr Kortu]

When he was a kid, Sorr thought that being a Smuggler was fun but over the course of his short career reality came crashing down on him. A Smuggler's life was filled with danger, little credits to his name, and working for morally questionable people. The stories seemed to gloss over the fact that a Smuggler was a criminal and would always be on the run. The worst part is now Sorr was unwillingly engaged in the slave trade. "What have I done?" Sorry mumbled when he locked eyes with the woman.

"All right," Sorr said looking away. "I'll deliver her to the client."

The young man glanced at the datapad frowning. Tatooine, the dustbowl of scum and villainy. He gave the woman mournful glance, regret washed over his face. "Listen to me," he whispered. "I'll try to find a way to free you. I promise."

 

[Valenya]

When she was a kid, Valenya thought that exploring the stars and crafting stories from her heart would be worth it. That she would grow to become, not just a good honest person, but a gift for the universe. Not for the sake of her own power, no, but simply in the way one buds and blossoms, yes, and gives…flowers…

Then one day, the flower girl became a slave, and there was no ‘lady’ before her name. Her master had the power and he held the chains. His slaves lived in hell. They were his property. One day, however, the woman would break free, would return, and the Hutt would be sorry.

Her brows quivered as she thought of such punishment. The very moment they crossed her countenance, however, they softened, arcing high. It wasn’t because of the mercy behind her eyes, those serene oceans of green, but from the words of this other person, this other captor, who had spoken to her.

“Free…me..?” Valenya whispered in disbelief. Why would he? Who is he? Just a dishonest man, perhaps. She just stared into his eyes for a moment. Just a glance. Yet it was frozen in time. His strong soft eyes were colored chocolate. “You…promise?”

“MOVE FORTH, SORR!” Gogor roared.

So Valenya stepped forth but ignored the Hutt. “Thank you…” She whispered at the smuggler’s side. She saw no lies in his eyes. Did he see the smile in hers? Just a frown on her lips, however. Maybe he would remind her how sometime.

Sorr Kortu