First Reply No Mind Tricks, Only Money

[Soontir Praji]

King Gluegamto Bato arranged a simple banquet within the lavish confines of his palace. The dining table was embellished with a vibrant selection of tropical fruits, elaborate pastries, and a sumptuous presentation of Roasted Verban, a delicacy celebrated across the Outer Rim. However, in spite of the impressive spread, the king appeared distracted with a flicker of greed ever present in his eyes, as thought he was counting the potential credits that each meal was going to cost him.

"Ah, Zarnak!" he called to his trusted advisor, who stood nearby with a quill and parchment, ever ready to record the king's whims and fancies. "Make sure that these fruits are accounted for! If my esteemed guest should come asking, I want them to know the vast riches of Toydaria are not just in our exports but also at my banquet table!"

Zarnak acknowledged the situation, swiftly taking notes with precise movements, while the king's vigilant eyes scanned the array of dishes, contemplating how each could be utilized to enhance trade negotiations. The wealth from Toydaria was abundant, particularly as the galaxy's leading superpowers were preoccupied with their conflicts, transforming the planet into a refuge for a diverse array of individuals, including Exiled Imperials and Mercenaries.

The hall was enveloped in the rich scents of the lavish banquet, interspersed with the gentle laughter of the guests—local dignitaries attracted by the king's wealth. They reclined comfortably on cushions, their perceptions numbed by the king's boundless hospitality, which frequently bordered on the extravagant.

However, for Gluegamto, the act of hosting was a refined craft, one he executed with skill to relieve them of their credits.

"Dear friends!" Gluegamto bellowed, lifting a goblet filled with fragrant nectar. "Tonight we celebrate the glorious bounty of Toydaria! May our fortunes continue to expand as our waistlines do!" Laughter erupted, but the king's eyes glinted with ambition, fixating for a moment on the ornate golden goblet that was given to him by a merchant lord—a bribe for some coveted mining rights.

With a soft movement, he rose from the throne as the last meal was served, beckoning to Zarnak. "Prepare my cloak. Let us greet our guest on the landing platform! There is much to be gained tonight."And as the guests resumed their idle conversation, Gluegamto strode toward the exit, his mind already churning with schemes.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

A sleek, bright blue Santhe Challenger slowly descended onto the landing platform of the lavish building - a palace built high in the sky. Traffic was tightly controlled on Toydaria, only those cleared by control got to land, everyone else had to use the light-rail system. It only made sense, a party thrown by the King himself, that guests would be allowed to land at the palace.

Going through the shutdown sequence, Judah quickly slipped on his tuxedo jacket and adjusted it carefully before his attempt down the ramp.

Descending down slowly, Judah took note of his surroundings. He had never been on the planet before, or done much in Hutt Space, but there was a first time for everything. He was keen to place a salvage stronghold in the area. With the King of Toydaria being very influential in the sector, first impressions would be critical.

Feet on the landing pad, he didn't notice anything at first. Until he focused on the entrance ; someone cloaked with guards or attendants. A local royal? He wasn't sure of the monarchy system on planet beyond the King.

Besides, no sane person expected to be greeted by the King himself.

Soontir Praji​

 

[Soontir Praji]

King Bato, accompanied by his entourage, proceeded towards one of the numerous hangars and landing platforms situated outside the palace, where they were to meet a significant guest amidst the ongoing grand feast filled with the laughter of the nobility.

Upon arrival at Docking Platform 18, he immediately noticed the opulent Santhe Challenger parked neatly, a clear indication of the guest's considerable wealth, which would undoubtedly be advantageous for the Monarchy of Toydaria, a thought that resonated deeply within the King's mind.

The prospect of the Empire of the Lost extending its influence into Hutt Space was another concern that troubled him during the night. This concern stemmed from the Empire's recent acqusition of multiple planets in the sector following the successful suppression of the Tingle Arm rebellion. In such unpredictable times, establishing connections even with commercial entities rather than direct military forces was of considerable importance.

"Welcome to Toydaria, my ever-wealthy friend." He chuckled as the crown wobbled on his rounded head, his wings fluttering behind him to maintain his balance. He then offered a gentle bow to Judah Dashiell , who was dressed in a fitted suit that appeared fit to entertain royalty or at least serve them as a proper footman.

"Let me not forget my manners. I am Gluegamto Bato, the 38th King of Toydaria and its system. What might I call you during our meeting?" Bato expressed a degree of pride as he extended his hand toward the man, whose name and profession were currently unfamiliar to him.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Judah was only mildly amused by the sight before him, more the crown tilting and threatening to fall off. One expected if they had the crown jewels it could be somehow fitted to the head of the wearer. Yet he was a commoner, no need for royal jewels or the trappings of monarchy of any sort.

"Thank you, Your Highness, for your warm welcome. I have never visited your esteemed planet before and this is quite the greeting."

Still curious why the King himself was out to meet him. Judah wasn't looking too far into it ; many noble types were a bit eccentric. This was most likely one of those eccentricates presenting itself.

"Judah Dashiell, Your Highness." A small curtsy in deference to his host. "Owner of Dashiell Incorporated, but more well known to be owner of Salacia Consolidated. A pleasure to be here today."

Soontir Praji​

 

[Soontir Praji]

Beneath the cheerful exterior of the Toydarian King lay a profound sense of caution, coupled with the wisdom acquired from years of experience. He understood that corporations often prioritize their own interests over the welfare of the populace and Toydaria itself had been exploited by the Hutt Cartel to whom they still owe ancient allegiance to despite the Bryn'adul Rampage.

Despite the deep personal reservations, he resolved to be friendly with the man who introduce himself as Judah Dashiell, the owner of Dashiell Incorporated, and owner of the more established corporate power known as Salacia Consolidated. He had heard of these corporations from local informants within the sector and needed more information before having an opinion of them.

" HAh - this barely scratches the surface of Toydarian hospitality. You will become quite accustomed to lavish feasting and luxury under the protection of myself and my Royal Court. " Bato expressed his delight with a broad smile to Judah Dashiell , gently patting his notably large belly to emphasize his point. As a member of a winged species, he retained the ability to fly despite the increasing size of his abdomen, a consequence of the abundant feasting and drinking customary in the 38th Monarchy.

"Ah, then you are even more wealthy than I could imagine, Mr Dashiell having two big companies under your belt." He remarked while rubbing his hands thoughtfully, reflecting on the substantial sum of money before him. The achievement of owning and managing two large enterprises is commendable, particularly given the challenges associated with governing even a single planet amidst ongoing rebellions and external influences.

"You are the first business that will be able to operate on Toydaria, with the permission of the Hutt Cartel. And I look forward to seeing how you expand the area in terms of development while hopefully respecting our environmental beauty. Come inside and let us talk some more!" Bato added with his hands spread wide.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"Wealthy? I do alright, your Highness. Nothing like a monarchy."

Judah knew traditionally that monarchies may lack liquidity but their wealth lay deep in land and precious metals and gems. Generational wealth grabbed from centuries of rule. He was unsure if the Toydarians felt the same way but it was possible - no monarchy was ever, ever short on funds of any sort.

"I look forward to doing business on Toydaria. In fact as we celebrate and enjoy the splendor you have provided, I wanted to float several ideas by yourself. I would appreciate insights into culture and logistical concerns. However, business can wait for a moment or two until we are in more comfortable surroundings."

He would follow a half-step behind, the guards coming up at their rear as they made haste back into the hedonistic party that was going inside the opulent space. Judah could already hear music and laughter as they approached, the doors opening, attendants bowing as their King approached.

Soontir Praji

 

[Soontir Praji]

"You got me there, I do own a few luxury items or more. " He let out a gentle laugh as they entered the opulent palace, which hovered over the terrain of Toydaria. Judah was right in saying that the Monarchy was considerably wealthy since they had tapped into the Criminal Underworld with the assistance of the Hutt Cartel in order to funnel spice and illegal weaponry right underneath the noses of the Galactic Powers.

Naturally such a fact was not known to the general populace otherwise the King might have to get creative with excuses, but such thoughts were pushed aside as the pair returned into the banquet hall, where one might have expected the celebration to be dying down but it was very much alive as an influx of guests arriving from neighboring worlds got the chance to samble the hospitality of the Toydarian Monarchy.

" You shall have all the insight and more, if you would like after we finish the seven meal. " Bato replied, wings flapping behind him as towering heaps of food were stacked high, while the attendants pulled up a chair for Judah Dashiell to sit on. They were placed at the far end of the table next to the King himself in order for them to chat in private while the other courtiers moved around the place to do intrigue.

"Zarnak!, bring over some Ishi Tib-style Pasta with Braised Beef Bantha for our guest and make it snappy before they go hungry!" He called out to his advisor who merely nodded in annoyance before grabbing the dish, gently placing the meal in front of Judah.

"As you most know from landing on the planet, our world is under the protection of the Hutt Cartel and its airspace is tightly restricted. This will natrually pose a problem for your starships and workers if they come." Bato explained, throwing back a cup of brandy.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"No need to rush on my account, your Highness. I won't wither away and die so quickly."

A bemused expression on his features, Judah saw no need to bark at the wait staff. Yet the King was more than likely used to such finery and barked orders to keep a certain air and impression about him. Seemed to be par for the course for many nobility types if one chose to pick up a career working for a royal house.

Listening to the concerns about the Hutt Cartel, plus what he knew about the environment, Judah already had a few ideas in mind. Where Soontir Praji came in was more the insider knowledge and power to help steer him in the correct direction. Knowing it was critical he went about things the right way, whatever the King gave him in insights he would take as gospel. It would be key to getting other business from the Guild involved in the area.

"I am considering a space station. It would be logical for planetary environmental concerns as well as traffic concerns. Perhaps make the station more than salvage intake but a refueling or trading depot to drive economic growth to Toydarians."

 

[Soontir Praji]

"Nonsense - you are too skinny for a guest in my court. We must fatten you up a bit to give you strength " He remarked with an amused expression directed at Judah Dashiell .

Lifting a slender finger to his chin as a service droid poured him another glass of brandy. Although some may perceive the Toydarian Court as populated by corpulent figures, this was a deliberate strategy to safeguard himself from potential assassins, who would be too cumbersome to plot against him.

He leaned forward, his bright eyes sparkling with intrigue at the man's business proposal, understanding that additional commerce and trade would benefit both the Hutt Cartel and the Toydarian Monarchy, although not in the same way. "Your notion of a space station is intriguing, indeed. A hub for refueling and trade could provide much-needed stability in these tumultuous times. But tell me, how do you propose to fend off the unwelcome attentions of the Hutt Cartel?"

Gluegamto's wings fluttered with a hint of excitement. "The Cartel sees opportunity where we see progress. They will not take kindly to our efforts to revitalize Toydaria's economy without a cut of the profits." His expression shifted slightly, a hint of seriousness creeping into his playful demeanor.

Grabbing another plate of Ishi Tib-style Pasta with Braised Beef Bantha for himself, to settle the nerves at the prospect of the Cartel placing further restrictions on the Toydarian people if they did not comply with additional tribute.

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[Judah Dashiell]

"I look that weak?"

Amusement crossed his features but he was happy to eat more. In most cultures not indulging could be a sign of disrespect and it seemed the Toydarians were no different on that front. Nearly universal that cultural norm it seemed. A small smile creeped in as the King spoke of his concerns. Valid and numerous.

Fork cut into a piece of the braised meat as he thought. True to his word, he would be relying on the King for important insights.

"Do you feel a large security force made up of those outside the influence of the Hutt Cartel would be useful? I have a long standing contract with Firemane Industries, a paramilitary organization. The Listate Order is also a viable option, a gentleman by the name of Laphisto has been making a name for himself in the security world. Even the great Noah Corek has his own private security company. My pockets are deep enough to draw on security from more advanced sources."

Judah paused and took a bite of his food. Delicious, well seasoned, and tender. He could get used to the cuisine.

"Do you feel outsiders would have more of a chance against the Cartel? To be frank, Your Highness, the Hutts cannot slither very fast."

A small grin at his own joke.

Soontir Praji