Private The Spoils of Gang Warfare

[Broka the Hutt]

Nar-Shaddaa. The Smuggler's Moon. The whole area coated with a sprawling ecumonopolis that is littered with criminal elements. Various Hutts rule over sectors of this relatively small world at the heart of Hutt Space. Yet, in the spaces between the domains of the Hutt Lords, various smaller gangs run rampant. One such gang in the lower sectors of the city world, run by an outlaw named Nartuuk, has been a thorn in the side of one the most influential Hutts on Nar-Shaddaa, Broka the Hutt, for far too long than the great Hutt will tolerate. In order to gain more territory, and eliminate a pesky nuisance to his operations on Nar-Shaddaa, Broka ordered his army of goons to do a full scale invasion of the Nartuuk's territory. For a gang that caused so much problems to Broka's organization, the opposing gang was quite smaller than expected. Not an army of criminals, but more of a militia of street smart citizens. Broka had an army of hardened mercenaries, and loyal warriors, at his disposal, and taking the small sector was a breeze. However, after killing all the lesser soldiers of Nartuuk's gang, and capturing all the leaders for Broka to deal punishment to, Broka's forces discovered the secret to possibly the reason, or reasons, why this gang has caused so many problems. Upon clearing out the main headquarters of Nartuuk's gang, a small warehouse in center of the sector, Broka's forces discovered two young girls, looking in late teens to early twenties in age, cowering in a locked room. The noise didn't reach this far in, yet these two girls knew they were coming somehow.

When the forces moved into the room to acquire the pair of, what now can be confirmed to be, twins they were faced with more confusion. There were no surveillance systems in this room that would warn the twins of their arrival. Realizing these two weren't an actual threat (yet still created a lot of curiosity among Broka's troops), unlike all the other inhabitants of this warehouse, the commander barked out orders.

"Lower you arms!", he barks to his men, "In the name of Broka the Hutt, Lord among the Nar-Shaddaa skyline and King of Jiguna, stand up with your hands in the air. We will not fire or harm either of you as long as you cooperate. Just get up nice and slow, see." The last of those sentences were not as barked, yet still had a resonance of command and authority.

Willow & Ivy

 

[Willow & Ivy]

They were coming.

Minutes before the arrival of Broka the Hutt 's commander and his men, the lone guard that usually watched over the twins had left them. There was chatter over his comms that sounded frantic at best. Ivy strained to overhear, yet Willow wouldn't get up so that they could move closer.

"Willow come on! Let's find out what's happening! Get up!"

"No. It's safer here if we stay put. We can find out the other way."

"Now you choose to be stubborn?! You know the other way makes us more vulnerable. We need to at least protect ourselves. If we could just--" Ivy stopped speaking the minute that she felt it. Willow was using one of their special talents and she knew better than to interrupt. Instead she just held her sister's hand.

Willow's eyes fluttered beneath her lids as the Farsight visions came forth. She saw Nartuuk and his men being ovetaken, some killed while others were captured. And then she saw them entering the warehouse. Willow tightened her grip on her sister's hand, giving her the signal to touch her mind. That was when Ivy saw them too. Bolstering their powers, Ivy helped to fast-forward the timeline to the near future; one that showed them in transport, followed by a glimpse of Broka himself.

The vision was broken as the commander and his men came into the small room that they were being held in. Willow and Ivy held onto eachother with their heads lowered as he ran through his speech. Yet his voice seemed to soften a little towards the end of it. Looking to eachother, the twins rose to their feet in unison, raising their hands in the air, with the middle pair clutched together.

"May we bring what little possessions we own with us? You're going to have this place burned and we don't want them lost forever."

 

[Broka the Hutt]

These two became more and more confusing. For starters, they were literally attached at the hip. They also knew exactly what their orders were for the place. The typical, burn the head quarters down to send a message tactic. It is a standard tactic, but it was never announced to anyone aside from those in Broka's forces. The newfound details of some sort of predictive power these two had was what made the lieutenant give out the following orders, "Quickly.", back in the same barking tone as before. Then he turned to his men, "I'm gonna call the boss. Watch these two." He then stepped outside the room to activate his holo-communicator. One of Broka's councilors at his Nar-Shaddaa palace responded on the other end of the call.

"Yes. What is it?" , the councilor said with a mix of impatience and interest. "We might of found why this small time gang caused so many problems. Could be useful for the boss. Where is he?"
"Broka left Nar-Shaddaa for his palace on Hutta. Said he 'got bored of the city' again. In any case, what did you find?"
"These two twin girls. They knew we were coming, and that we were gonna torch the place. But, there's no surveillance in the room, and we didn't make enough noise to be heard this far in. When we got here, they were the only ones in this part of the hideout. There's something up with these two, and I think the boss would be interested."
"In that case, I will tell him of this and arrange transport to Hutta. Of course, return with them to the palace here on Nar-Shaddaa first. Another lieutenant will take care of them on the way to Hutta. Just make sure they safely get to the Nar-Shaddaa palace safely so the boss can see them."
"Understood."
He ended the call, and went back into the room where he and his men found the two. "You're heading home with us.",he said to the twins, "You're now done packing your things. Come along now."

Willow & Ivy

 

[Willow & Ivy]

The twins went about their small room, moving in practiced unison that they had mastered throughout their lives. They collected hair brushes, clothing, little pieces of jewelry and a blanket that had seen better days. All were placed in a duffle by the time that the commander returned.

Both looked at eachother briefly. With Ivy holding the duffle, the two of them followed the men out. "Where is home?" There was no pount in the two using their gifts just yet. They'd find out their destination soon enough.

Broka the Hutt

 

[Broka the Hutt]

In response to what the twins asked, one of the "soldiers", a grizzled mercenary, replies, "To Broka the Hutt ladies. But I think you're goin' on a field trip to Hutta to do that." The mercenary spoke with a deep, gravelly voice, with the slight tone of a drill sergeant. The "soldiers" decorated with the Black Sun symbol on their left shoulders and the Nem'ro Kajiedic symbol on their right shoulders, escorted the twins out of the territory. The transport speeder was packed with half of the forces that took the sector. These "soldiers" were the ones in charge of capturing the gang officers. Upon entering it, the carbonite statues of Nartuuk, and his under bosses, lined the walls of the cargo hold of the transport speeder. When all of Broka's troops were on board the transport speeder, it launched off the speeder port, and made its way up to the skyline of Nar-Shaddaa. The lights shone across the cityscape, and one of the many sky palaces eventually loomed above the transport speeder. The speeder moved close to one of the hangar doors to the bottom of the palace. The door opened, and the transport landed in the hangar. The Hutt's "soldiers" moved the twins off the transport speeder, and escorted them through the corridors to a main atrium that housed an empty throne to the far wall, a bar in the center, and various patrons reclining in a cantina like atmosphere with a band playing. They cross the atrium to another corridor leading to a back room used for meetings. Upon entering, the councilor the commander called on the holo ushered them in.

"I understand you have an interesting talent that would interest my employer very much. This organization will take you to our leader, Broka the Hutt, on Hutta. He will most likely give you a proposal of employment for your gifts. Not as a pair of fortune tellers on the street side, but a pair of sages in his "court" most likely. You will be going to his country home of sorts to meet the Hutt himself. You won't be treated poorly. The Hutts have a code of conduct, so to speak, that they follow. Because of that, expect some fine Hutt hospitality.", the councilor speaks with a dry, but professional business tone, "Do you two have any questions that were not addressed. This is your last chance to get any information on Broka before you meet him on Hutta."

Willow & Ivy

 

[Willow & Ivy]

Taken off...world? The twins had never left Nar-Shaddaa before, so the very idea of it, however frightening, was also very intriguing and exciting.

They followed the 'soldiers', taking note of the insignias they wore. The Black Sun was well known and the two had often heard Nartuuk complain about them and gloat about beating them. But all of that was gone now. Willow stared at the carbonite slabs containing their captors, while Ivy snickered under her breath. At least their fate was to be better.

The atrium they walked through gave them a bunch of people to gawk at in the same way that others were gawking at them. Never had they seen such luxury. Willow squeezed Ivy's hand, with the feeling of near relief moving through them both.

They listened carefuly to the councellor as he spoke. The prospect of being treated well brought smiles to their faces and wiped out any sense of discomfort.

"How are we to address him?"

"Are we allowed to ask for a big bed? How many meals do we get?"

"If we are to be employed...are we to get paid as well? In credits?"

The twins had never had credits of their own before. Just what they would spend it on would be another question to ponder on later.

Broka the Hutt

 

[Broka the Hutt]

In the perspective of the councilor, the two girls have never been off world. The demeanor about them when the subject of going to Hutta made such an assumption possible. He answers the twins in between each question.

"You can just call him Broka. Words like mighty, or great might get you into his graces. He does enjoy suck-ups. Though, don't do it too much, because then he'll get suspicious."

"Knowing how he would take care of guests, you'd be granted a guest suite. You would also be well fed because of your guest-like privilege I'd assume you'll get."

"That; I do not know for certain. I can only assume you would be compensated in credits for your efforts. Though, I know my boss. He will not let you leave. If he lets you both go, he could only assume that you would easily get swept up by another small criminal organization or even a rival Hutt."

"I assume that will be all." The councilor then looks at his wrist, and then looks up. "It looks like your shuttle has arrived in Hangar-2. These gentlemen should guide you to there for the exchange.", he then gestures to current escort of "soldiers", "Just follow these men, and you'll go off to Hutta."

One of the escorts then signals for the twins to get up from their seat, and go back downstairs to the shuttle.
Willow & Ivy

 

[Willow & Ivy]

The twins continued to smile as the councellor answered their questions one by one. Each of them tried to imagine what their guest suite would be like. Surely it was to be luxurious if they were to be treated and fed well.

But those smiles faded as they were informed that they wouldn't be allowed to leave. Of course they recognized the threat imposed on them should they try to be free and live their own lives, but still...aren't guests usually granted the ability to leave? Broka the Hutt probably thought different on the matter.

Willow thought of Tarrik Kestis and his offer to have them go with him. How many more would attempt the same? Or at worse, how many would try to remove them by force? It was difficult to say what their future held. Neither could remain focused well enough to find out as there was too much going on.

And then it was time to leave. Ivy was curious as to the apparent scheduling of it all. Just how much control did Broka have? Neither had ever expected to be sent to work for a King. But it was far better to be a worker than a slave.

Without a word from either of them, Ivy picked up the duffle containing their belongings and followed the 'soldiers' to the shuttle. It wasn't until they were both inside and seated that they spoke quietly to themselves.

"This is exciting, isn't it?"

"Yes but, I can't help but feel a bit....worried. We're going from one crime boss to the next."

"So? Broka is supposed to treat us well and we may be getting paid. Imagine that?"

"Yes but we're not allowed to leave. What would happen to us if he merely thought that we were trying to escape, even if we weren't?" The possibilities were endless. Ivy could only think of the carbonite slabs however.

"I guess we'll just..have to ask..." And hope that it doesn't come down to that.

Ever.

 

[Broka the Hutt]

The escort of "soldiers" lead the twins back downstairs to another hangar bay. There, a shuttle, another battalion of the same sort of troops, and another lieutenant awaited them. The exchange was brief, and cordial (for criminal organization standards). When the first escort left, this new lieutenant turned to the twins and said, in a jocular manner, "Ladies first."

The twins were then ushered into the shuttle. A typical transport that is not designed for comfort. When everyone was boarded on the shuttle, it lurched with activation, and began the process of leaving the hangar. The engines then grew louder, and rumbling of atmosphere resistance began, as the shuttle made its way through the atmosphere of Nar-Shaddaa into the space between the moon and Hutta. After minutes of near silence, aside from the slight rumbling sound of the engines and the growling laughs of the "soldiers" between each of them as they joked with one another, the rumbling of atmospheric resistance resumed. It became more intense due to the thicker and soupier atmosphere of Hutta. Not enough to jostle the shuttle beyond comfort, but intense enough for each passenger to feel.

The shuttle then got lower, and lower into the atmosphere of the swampy, adopted home world of the Hutts. This lighter atmosphere resistance continues for a short period of time. Then, the shuttle begins landing, and eventually lurches to a stop when it touched on the landing pad. The door to the shuttle opened, and the escort guided the twins off the shuttle. There was not much of an opportunity to see the town of Jiguna, as they were guided up a pathway that lead directly to the palace. The path was wide enough that it was obviously meant for cargo, and the entrance provides such a feeling as well. The path lead straight up a small incline to the palace, and the doors grinded open after the party got close enough. This palace has existed for over millions of years, and the ancient nature of this palace shows even at this distance. From what can be seen over the walls of the shuttle-port, there appears to be no proper civilization and-or settlements for hundreds of miles at the least. Nothing but swamp land coated in a mustard-yellow haze as far as the eye can see.

Willow & Ivy

 

[Willow & Ivy]

The twins held eachother's hand as the shuttle lurched about. The seats weren't built to accomodate them at all, but then again comfort was always a luxury. The laughter from the 'soldiers' were ignored, for more often than not, they were the butt of many jokes. Instead the twins focused on the very fact that they were in space! However short the trip was to be, just the thought of being transported somewhere completely new was exciting.

Yet as the shuttle landed, their hearts began to race, partly from the thrill and partly from their fear as well. Their emotions ran too high for them to focus on Farsight proberly. So instead they just held onto eachothers hands as they were escorted out.

The atmosphere was different. So too was the look of the planet. It took a few moments for the twins to adjust.

Ivy was the first to notice how it appeared that Broka the Hutt 's Palace was in the middle of nowhere. Her shoulders slumped as she came to realize that there was nowhere to escape to if they could. Whatever wild animals lived in the swamps would surely eat them whole.

With a sigh she turned her attention back to the Palace while they proceeded up the ramp. "I wonder what our room will look like. We may be here for quite some time..."

 

[Broka the Hutt]

The escort reaches the gates of palace towards the shuttle-port, the mound the rest of the shuttle-port is built inside of reveals the small town of Jiguna over its crest. The other side of this gate was that of a warehouse for the palace. The cargo dropped off at the private shuttle-port pad would be stored here until it would be used in the palace. After making their way through this warehouse, the escort then leads the twins down a corridor, and up an elevator to one of the extremity towers of the palace. After reaching the 12th floor of this tower, the elevator doors open, and a vestibule to a door is on the other side. The escort then leads the twins to the door with the lieutenant saying, "Welcome home. Feel free to get comfortable, or if you want don't feel presentable for Broka, you'd have plenty of time to change to whatever clothing you see fit."

Willow & Ivy

 

[Willow & Ivy]

Being escorted through the palace, Willow and Ivy were certain that they'd get lost. It was a far bigger building they had ever been in before. Not only that, it was far more richer in taste and decor.

"I don't think we'll be living in squalor anymore." Willow smiled at her sister and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

Finally they were led to a door, and beyond it was what was referred to as their home. "Thank you..." Taking a breath, Willow opened the door and the twins stepped inside. What they were met with was not just a room, but an entire house. Their jaws dropped, the duffle fell to the floor and their eyes widened as they slowly made their way inside. There were couches, chairs that they couldn't fit into in the sitting room. But there was more. Plenty more. Another room held a massive bed and a balcony, another room held a lavish bathtub large enough for both. And still another room held a kitchen, stocked with food. The table was filled with various treats and snacks. "This is...incredible. Are we dead?"

"No. But our lives have changed! Oh Ivy, why couldn't we see this?"

"I don't think we looked far enough. And besides, I wouldn't of believed it if I did. It's...the most beautiful room I've ever seen."

The twins hugged eachother, grinning and laughing as they went straight for the food to fill up their stomaches before dressing themselves up in silver robes. Broka the Hutt was sure to ask for them soon. So they got themselves ready early.

 

[Broka the Hutt]

After an hour or two, there was a knock on the door to the rest of the palace. A new voice broke through, "The great Broka the Hutt is ready to meet you when you are."

There were then the sounds of people stepping back from the door, and patiently waiting.

Willow & Ivy

 

[Willow & Ivy]

The twins were not caught off guard. After eating and driking their fill, and after getting changed, they used a bit of Farsight to get a better grasp at what was going to come next. Yet they didn't look far. The future was never set in stone, most especially the further out you go.

So when the knock came, they were ready. Willow opened it and the two stepped outside, curious at the throng of people outside of their door. Clasping their hands in front of eachother, they stepped even further out, their light silver robes flowing around them gently, making them look almost ethereal.

Broka the Hutt

 

[Broka the Hutt]

The escort guided the twins back through the vestibule and into the elevator. The elevator got off back at the ground floor of the palace tower. The twins were lead eventually back through the corridors of the palace that lead to a private meeting room that was adjacent to the throne room. These corridors avoid the larger atrium in the center of the palace where any patrons would see this. Upon entering the room, it is heavily guarded, and the colossal being of Broka the Hutt sits on a throne at the other side. He seemed unaware to the escort's arrival to his room. It takes a few minutes before he gestures to the escort to enter. It was at the same time that a servant brought Broka his meal.

On a moving tray designed to fit around his throne, a large feast sat before him. Large platters filled with typical Hutt cuisine, and a few bowls of live, wriggling, eel-like creatures filled with water. As the twins are non verbally advised to take a seat at the table in this room opposite of the Hutt, Broka finally speaks, after gulping down one of the platters, in Huttese,

"<You must be the twins I have heard of recently. Though your talent has been put to use against me, I see no reason to punish you, but instead give you a chance to redeem your actions by working for me. With me, you shall see what those alleyway cockroaches could not possibly do. You will be protected by my army of guards, and paid for your work. As a gesture of good faith, I'll allow you to walk about the palace, though only in publicly accessible spaces, as of now. If you two do not cause trouble for me or the other members of my organization, you will be granted more privileges. But, I will not be merciful if you try to exploit my generosity, and the possible privileges I may bestow on you. I have a feeling you had some of the gifts in your quarters that were arranged, but if you want any food, I shall have my servants prepare it for you. If they have satisfied me with their service over the years, they will not fail to satisfy you.>"

After finishing that statement, Broka goes back to gorging on his private banquet. He reaches for one of the eels, evidently one of his favorite foods. As he pulls out the squirming creature, he licks his lips while salivating profusely, as it is grasped in his stubby, fat fingers. It turns, and bights his hand. Broka lets out a "<BWAA!>" , and then whips its head against the tray repeatedly until it stopped wriggling. Then, he slurps it into his giant mouth. As he waits for a response, he continues to another platter, as if he is trying to make the eels last the longest of the dishes.

Willow & Ivy

 

[Willow & Ivy]

To be in the presence of Broka the Hutt was different than what the twins had seen in their visions. There it was visual, but here they could feel him, smell him and experience his character. He was larger than life and despite the fact that he was quite sluggish, there qas no doubt that he was dangerous in every aspect.

So as the twins sat down on a bench at his table, they took in every word that he spoke; their ability of Comprehending Speech helping them to understand him.

And when it was their turn to respond, it was Willow that did so first, speaking in Basic. "Your Greatness, thank you for rescuing us from Nartuuk. The actions performed against you due to our talents was forced. If we were given the choice, we'd of not given Nartuuk any help."

Ivy's eyes flickered down to the moving creatures on the table that were the Hutt's food. It made her stomach queazy. She tore her eyes away from it before it got to be too much and directed her attention to Broka. "Do we have a schedule to follow? Nartuuk had us working the crowds from dawn to dusk. Where do we go? Do people see us at our suite? Or elsewhere in the Palace?" As far as she could tell, there work here was to be no different than what they were used to; sit and go through the long line-ups of people searching for objects, loved ones and enemies.

 

[Broka the Hutt]

The meal offer was ignored, which surprised Broka a bit, but he maintained a stoic appearance. However, it may just have been the most pressing concerns of these two.

"<Based on what I see before me, I can easily assume you were forced to work against me. That is why I'm giving you this chance to work for me. I can see for certain whether you speak truth if you do not exploit my trust. There is no definite schedule for you. I only expect you to come to my court when I call you. I am not as petty to make a handful of credits by having you as a collective roadside attraction. I have means of making money on a regular basis from more profitable operations. I am better than those gutter-rats. I run this territory on Hutta, several pockets of territory on Nar-Shadaa, and I have commercial sway in the Unknown Regions. There are countless business operations within this realm of influence. A fortune teller attraction works, but it would be such a minuscule operation that would not create more credits than just one of the businesses under my dominion. In return for granting you such a dignity as a member of my court, I expect you grant me your talents. I will protect you, and comfortably house you at whichever palace I dwell at. You will move with me between my palaces as a member of my court. As long as you stay within the privileges I set for you, you will have such treatment continue. My offer for a meal still stands if you'd like.>"

While waiting for a response he continues at his food. The meal is gluttonous for even a Hutt.

Willow & Ivy

 

[Willow & Ivy]

The twins gave Broka the Hutt their full attention, once more using their gifts to understand him. The very idea of not working all the time was new to them. How often would he call them to him? What would they do in the meantime? How do they...pass the time? It was all highly unusual for them.

Willow began giving herself a small treat from the table, almost as though she was timid to even do so. Everything came at a cost and usually the price was high. So she didn't think that it was wise to take much.

Ivy didn't want to think on the food right now. She had too many questions. "How many times a day would you call upon us? Three? Four? What are we expected to do in between those times? Stay in our room? We haven't really....been on our own....before." They were used to being constantly watched and told what to do. Having freedom from that was a bit overwhelming.

 

[Broka the Hutt]

Broka looked up from his session of sheer gluttony and feasting.

"<For now, I'll call you once a day to keep in check. However, that won't be for your talents. If I ever have use for your talents, I'll have you summoned to this room. In times you are not supposed to be in my presence, you can have at most of the palace as you please. These rules exist for whichever palace we will be residing in. Here, or Nar-Shaddaa. The rooms I will let you have the ability to move about at your leisure are: your quarters, the entrance between your quarters and the elevator, the main atrium where my publicly accessible atrium is located, my throne room, or this room. You will be watched at all times to ensure you don't betray my trust, I assume you understand. I could also permit my guards to go to the local market if you request anything of the local merchants. I will not allow you to have any weapons, nor leave the palace.>"

He then briefly goes back to feasting to then return to the rest of what he planned to say.

"<For my palace on Nar-Shaddaa, similar rules apply. The roaming privileges exist for the same sort of rooms at that palace. You'd be watched by those guards at all times. Your meetings with me would be the same no matter which palace we'd be at, if I haven't said that already. Guards could shop at the nearby markets to that palace for a similar purpose as well. Last, you would also not be allowed weapons no matter which palace you travel with me to. When I make a round to visit the Unknown Regions on my "Business Trips" with the Eternal Empire, you would also accompany me. I think your talents could be of good use in those efforts. As we speak, a lesser ship of, what you could call, my "fleet" overseeing sales of "cures" for a plague on one of those outlying planets. When I take you on those trips, you don't need to worry. The Eternal Empire is not as scary as they seem. They are quite good business.>"

Broka goes back to feasting while he awaits a response.

Willow & Ivy

 

[Willow & Ivy]

They took in what Broka the Hutt had to say, knowing that it would take a bit of time before they were used to their new 'home'. Being guarded at all times wasn't new to them. Being assured that they couldn't escape wasn't either.

Ivy looked over the food at the table nearest to them and started to nibble on some of it as Willow had. Most of it was foods that they had never seen or tasted before and it wasn't because of the tastes of the Hutt species. It was moreso that their caregiver Shea and Nartuuk either couldn't afford or want to give them much.

"We haven't held a weapon before and don't know how to use them. I don't think that anyone could see us as a threat. We've merely--"

"What's the Eternal Empire?" Ivy cut Willow off. She wanted to shift the focus of the discussion to something else and away from them for once. Broka was going to be taking them places, around the Galaxy and to who knows where. It was a far better life than they had ever had before.

Yet something still tugged at her gut. Perhaps it was the fact that Broka was a crimeboss, much like Nartuuk, only far more powerful, and although they were able to move about, they were still captives.

But that was all something to ponder on later. Right now she wanted to learn about what else was out there beyond Nar-Shaddaa.

"Are they another criminal organization? Do you have many enemies? What are we to do if you get captured? Will someone else be in charge until you are recovered?"