Public Rise of the Hutt Space Consortium (Open to All)

[Xygrit Sizhran]

Location: Varl Station
Tags: Marcella Fiora

Xygrit listened intently as she was guided to Marcella’s boss. At this point meeting the top member to The Family at this gathering was enough to keep the Falleen’s eyes from drifting about looking for other marks. Causmyq still had track of a Hutt so if this meeting didn’t meet expectations Xygrit always could fall back. When told not to piss off the boss Xygrit imprinted on her mind not to bring up her slave operation, that seemed to be a sore spot with The Family. Other than that she didn’t know what could go wrong. She wasn’t looking to extort anything from anybody. Just offering her wares and services.

“Lots of people to see I’m sure for your boss this has been a busy time,” Xygrit nodded when told to keep her pitch short. How long could it take to try for funding of a large resort complex to give a legitimate look to Xygrit’s other ventures? The next sentence from Marcella took Xygrit off her guard a bit. Go into an underworld meeting unarmed? She looked over her shoulder and gave Gladiator, who was following at a distance, a nod to be on the lookout.

Then she gave a laugh to Marcella. “Does this dress look like it could hide weapons?” she asked, holding her hands up and spinning around. Sure she could have something strapped to the inside of her thigh, but that was very uncomfortable. “My associate will be quite upset if I am not returned in the same state I enter, but he is the only tangible weapon I brought with me today. An introduction is all I need. Well maybe a wish of good luck.”​

 

[Marcella Fiora]

M A R C E L L AㅤF I O R A

Location: Varl Station, The Bar
Objective: Introduce Xygrit Sizhran to Ivory Stroud
Tag: Xygrit Sizhran , Ivory Stroud , Those on The Family Balcony​

---

Introductions to The Boss
"Mhm~ busy like you couldn't believe," she smirked, appeased that The Family was quickly gaining traction in the underworld. She continued towards the balcony and finally arrived at the archway leading out, two Goons stood guard at either side. "You'd be surprised.." she continued, pondering about the number of weapons she had concealed on her person. She waived her hand at the Goons and indicated for a brisk search, indicating for Xygrit to approach them, "If you please, Ms. Sizhran."

As they finished their business with the Goons, Marcella entered the balcony, hopefully with Xygrit close behind and after getting The Donna's attention, began to make her introduction to the boss, "Donna," she began, almost snapping to attention and continuing the introduction, "This is Xygrit Sizhran, from Ylesia, she is a friend of mine who is interested in conducting business with us, spice in particular.."

 

[Xygrit Sizhran]

Location: Varl Station
Tags: Marcella Fiora / Ivory Stroud

Xygrit gave a smirk as Marcella commented she guessed about finding weapons in odd places. Xygrit had talents that made her a weapon if the need should arise, but she found underworld negotiations were better left to a charming wit than use of force.

When asked to, she submitted to the quick search of her person and when satisfied she followed Marcella into the viewing balcony. She gave an inward sigh at having a view of the questionable sport going on in the arena, but she had a purpose in being here that would make the spectacle easy to ignore.

When introduced, Xygrit gave a slight bow of her shoulders in respect to her host. A smile played on her lips as she was introduced as a friend. A euphemism she guessed. "Thank you for seeing me Donna. I look forward to finding out ways we can help each other." Her distinct use of spice would interest The Family she bet, but Xygrit hoped to get her resort idea in the conversation at some point.​

 

[Ivory Stroud]

The Donna had been wrapping up a conversation with two other visitors, and glimpsed Marcella entering The Family's viewing box. Outside, their guards were finishing up with a quick search of what Ivory immediately assumed was another visitor. Politely wishing her current suitors well, The Donna turned toward the Made-woman, fingers intertwined & held low over her belly.

"Donna," she began, almost snapping to attention and continuing the introduction, "This is Xygrit Sizhran, from Ylesia, she is a friend of mine who is interested in conducting business with us, spice in particular.."

"Thank you, Marcella."

When introduced, Xygrit gave a slight bow of her shoulders in respect to her host. A smile played on her lips as she was introduced as a friend. A euphemism she guessed. "Thank you for seeing me Donna. I look forward to finding out ways we can help each other."

The Donna nodded in response, recognizing the woman immediately as a Falleen. Eyes of bright violet peered impassively from beneath the Wroshyr-wood cap which concealed much of her face in shadow - studying the woman while she responded in kind:

"Ms. Sizhran. Welcome to The Family's viewing box. We're pleased to meet you." Assembled around them, numerous individuals were present - including a red-headed human teenager barely above the age of 16, a slender woman in a bodysuit with her face concealed by a colorful helmet, an Emerald-green Twi'lek who stood taller than everyone, a mysterious black-robed individual, and Cass Gemini , one of the Kraken Coalition's Pirate Lords.

A slim smile appeared over The Donna's ruby lips as she turned slightly, offering with a gloved hand for Xygrit to help herself to refreshments. If she wished, one of the nearby staff could deliver any drink of her choosing. "I am happy to discuss business of any kind... Spice, especially. Please make yourself comfortable. What can The Family do for you?"

 

[Xygrit Sizhran]

Location: Varl Station
Tags: Ivory Stroud | Marcella Fiora

Xygrit was a bit thrown by the crowd, but she quickly collected herself. It seemed The Donna was willing to speak in this company openly, Xygrit had nothing to lose either. At the offered refreshments Xygrit requested her usual Merenzane Gold. It was a drink that had grown on the Falleen, even though she started ordering them because she thought the expensive drink would give her a perceived status.

A smirk formed on Xygrit’s lips when The Donna asked how she could help. Marcella had seemed more interested in how Xygrit could help The Family. Perhaps The Donna knew that Marcella would not have brought a guest forward who did not have anything to offer. Perhaps they were just different in how they went about making deals. Either way Xygrit was happy that someone was willing to hear her ideas.

“As Marcella expressed, I have an interesting opportunity around a new special sort of spice my organization has been working on,” Xygrit started with what she had to offer that was tangible. The idea she came to this meeting to pitch was purely conceptual, so offering a true business opportunity was the first order of business. “We have found a way to bond some of the traits that certain species enhance over others. A Togruta’s ability to see through sound, and Twi’lek’s innate grace.

“It is a difficult, time-staking process. That being the case, widespread distribution is not possible at this time,” Xygrit looked at The Donna and cursed the well thought out cap that concealed her expressions. It was the benefit of already being powerful, Xygrit had to be on full display. No one knew her by reputation so she needed to let them see her. The Falleen tentatively reached out with the Force to try to gauge the receptiveness of The Donna. She hated revealing her talents, but when one sense was blocked one needed to use another.

“I gave Marcella some samples of the product,” Xygrit explained, waving a hand towards the woman who introduced her. “As I said, the green can be a bit troublesome. All species attempted to this point have gifted the taker with their traits. The Falleen traits however are odd. Instead of giving the expected traits it affects the taker as if there were a Falleen present trying to influence them, if you get my meaning.” The meaning being that the spice would make the taker more attracted to those around them.

“As I said, distribution is not my problem,” Xygrit continued. “However, finding the right price is. I am a big fish with a big name, from a small pond. I aspire to much more, but right now I fear that my name undervalues my product. I also would like to try similar experiments with stim-shots, but spice is much easier to buy on credit in Hutt Space. I’m sure you can see the possibilities. And perhaps would like to partner in this endeavor?” Xygrit ceased her sales pitch there. The Donna might see this as too small time for The Family. Afterall, Xygrit didn’t have a spice expansion plan. Alchemists didn’t grow on trees. She had the resort in her back pocket to show she had true ambition, but the spice was her hook. Hopefully The Donna would at least see the ingenuity of her product or even better see it as a fit and partner up. Setting Xygrit up with a chance to seek investment in her true vision.​

 

[Ivory Stroud]

The Donna listened as Xygrit explained the curious nature of her product; inwardly wondering at the unusual effects one might attain... Spice with altering effects above & beyond the usual expectations?

It was a fascinating idea.

With a nod of her head, The Donna would indicate for the Fallen to join her with a little distance from the crowd - closer to the railing, where they could speak more privately. The Donna leaned her hip against the railing, facing Xygrit with an impassive expression on her face. Her interest would be difficult to read... But her tone indicated otherwise.

"This is... Outside of our typical pursuits, but certainly could be worth it investment. Spice is a considerable portion of our business, but we cannot compare to groups such as The Pykes. We do have a significant distribution network on a number of planets; namely Coruscant, Chandrilla, Epica, and Nar Shaddaa. I have some questions... First of all, how are these traits harvested? From willing participants or donors?"

She was hunting, mainly, for assurances it was not unwilling slaves or beings forced into giving their lives for such a product.

Xygrit Sizhran

 

[Xygrit Sizhran]

Location: Varl Station
Tags: Ivory Stroud

Xygrit hesitated a moment. She hadn’t considered that the underworld would care where the new spice came from as long as it worked. After consideration she decided to be honest, it was fortunate for her that she did not use any of her slaves for the experiments. Well, she technically didn’t keep slaves. Except for the gladiators, and they were too valuable to potentially waste with experiments.

“I didn’t place an ad asking for volunteers,” Xygrit answered with a smirk. “There was a good deal of compensation. Some coercion, but in the end each and every subject participated of their own free will.” She gave another smirk and bit of a purr, a strange sound coming from a Falleen. “And the only side effect any have shown so far is fatigue after the process is complete. But I am not sure how many times one subject could repeat the process. I will have to work very hard to give the ‘donors’ as you call them a good life after they have given me what I need.”​

 

[Ivory Stroud]

“I didn’t place an ad asking for volunteers,” Xygrit answered with a smirk. “There was a good deal of compensation. Some coercion, but in the end each and every subject participated of their own free will.” She gave another smirk and bit of a purr, a strange sound coming from a Falleen. “And the only side effect any have shown so far is fatigue after the process is complete. But I am not sure how many times one subject could repeat the process. I will have to work very hard to give the ‘donors’ as you call them a good life after they have given me what I need.”

The Donna had to suppress a smirk at the Falleen's implication. She nodded, as-if to confirm her own assumptions. "Perhaps just enough of a life to make a small sacrifice worth it. I don't entirely mind how it's harvested... so long as it remains efficient, and renewable." She offered a hand palm-up, as-if to suggest "You understand, of course."

"I'll have to speak with Marcella, regarding these samples you provided. I do not ingest Spice... as I'm sure you can imagine, such a habit does not facilitate strong leadership qualities, at least among those in my employ." Not necessarily a lie, but not necessarily the truth either. The Donna had her own vices, just like everyone in their chosen profession - the only thing she cared about were Results. "However, I know of members in my Organization that do."

In a sudden change of topic, The Donna altered course. All of Xygrit's talk about being 'a big fish with a big name' had her curious. "And what of your other operations, on Ylesia? The Family is always interested in expanding our relationships with other groups similar to ours... Investments in time & credits interest me, as these things open doors for much greater things in the future."

The implication of a partnership went unspoken, but was obvious.

"The Family possesses resources & assets both legitimate & illegitimate, which I am willing to offer to those with a mind for enterprise."

Xygrit Sizhran

 

[Xygrit Sizhran]

Location: Varl Station
Tags: Ivory Stroud

Xygrit was impressed, not so surprisingly, with The Donna. She had heard many things about The Family, but figured they were on Coruscant and wouldn’t have any interest in her dealings on Ylesia. But she didn’t expect the various syndicates of the underworld to conspire together and retake Hutt Space for the criminal folk of the galaxy. Things were certainly looking up.

Xygrit also required others to test her product. She didn’t enjoy the mind altering effects of a minor cigarra, spice was unthinkable, especially the stuff she put so much of her own effort into. That was for fame and profit, not for pleasure.

“Currently my operations on Ylesia are quite small,” Xygrit admitted humbly. “Your interests as I understand it would be in the spice and a small black market for salvage technology. But I’ve got something bigger in the works. Hutt Space is on the rise. But the places of business of the Hutts and other Syndicates are not conducive to all potential business. I have arranged for a resort to be built on Ylesia. A place where the common man from the respectable Core can come to Hutt Space and enjoy the seedier side of the galaxy with a little less of the concern of getting mixed up with the underworld society.

“As an added benefit, dignitaries from galactic governments would see this place as an oasis in the desert of scum and villainy. A place where they could be seen, and snuck into less above board meetings to accept bribes or whatever other deals the Syndicates may require without a spotlight.” Xygrit folded her arms in front of her and took in a breath. “As I said, the plans are approved and the government is ready to start construction. But as a smaller fish in galactic enterprise at the moment I need some help with the finances.”

A smile played on Xygrit’s mouth as she continued. “I am looking for partners. The stake of these partners would be equal to the percentage of investment. Whatever that percentage is, investors would expect to be able to wield when it comes to influence in the direction of the resort. I would of course insist on being the face of the plan, and the onsite manager. But decisions and profits would be spread fairly.”​

 

[Ivory Stroud]

“Currently my operations on Ylesia are quite small,” Xygrit admitted humbly. “Your interests as I understand it would be in the spice and a small black market for salvage technology. But I’ve got something bigger in the works. Hutt Space is on the rise. But the places of business of the Hutts and other Syndicates are not conducive to all potential business. I have arranged for a resort to be built on Ylesia. A place where the common man from the respectable Core can come to Hutt Space and enjoy the seedier side of the galaxy with a little less of the concern of getting mixed up with the underworld society.

“As an added benefit, dignitaries from galactic governments would see this place as an oasis in the desert of scum and villainy. A place where they could be seen, and snuck into less above board meetings to accept bribes or whatever other deals the Syndicates may require without a spotlight.” Xygrit folded her arms in front of her and took in a breath. “As I said, the plans are approved and the government is ready to start construction. But as a smaller fish in galactic enterprise at the moment I need some help with the finances.”

A smile played on Xygrit’s mouth as she continued. “I am looking for partners. The stake of these partners would be equal to the percentage of investment. Whatever that percentage is, investors would expect to be able to wield when it comes to influence in the direction of the resort. I would of course insist on being the face of the plan, and the onsite manager. But decisions and profits would be spread fairly.”

Ivory listened patiently, allowing the Ylesian Crime Lord to explain her position out of courtesy. Below them, the party continued - screams of pain & rage from within the arena, the laughter and cheering of hundred of beings from every corner of the galaxy, and the hum of conversation both benign & malevolent. The corners of Ivory's lips dipped somewhat; not in a frown, but a subtle expression of surprise.

A Resort... Such a thing not only would assist in laundering credits, but establishing a veneer of legitimacy to a number of criminal enterprises. Xygrit's ambition was impressive. Ivory, herself, had once run a similar resort/casino on Coruscant many years before; it had been widely successful up until The Family's near-dissolution. The Crown Prime Casino was a distant memory... albiet a fond one.

"That's quite ambitious, Ms. Sizran..." The Donna said, leaning against the railing which separated them from open air and a long drop.

"Such an investment would allow The Family not only a stake in Operations, but the ability to use the Facilities for business meetings and such, on our own time? I am no stranger to managing such an establishment - years ago, I, myself, held a similar position as you... except less public, perhaps." She smiled coyly, meeting the Falleen's eyes.

"I admit, I am interested. I have no desire to publicly take a management position. I avoid such entrapments, even through our own legitimate enterprises; however, I retain full control over my people & possess final say on important decisions. I appreciate your desire to take such a responsibility for yourself. I'd like to see what plans you have for this resort before I make my decision... but, I can assure you, I'd be happy to make you an offer of support provided we can come to a mutually beneficial arrangement."

She was prepared to offer a private meeting, away from prying eyes & ears, should Xygrit express interest in moving forward. Such conversations were better kept behind closed doors anyway.

Xygrit Sizhran

 

[Xygrit Sizhran]

Location: Varl Station
Tags: Ivory Stroud

The Donna seemed interested. That was a good thing. Xygrit had expected to get investments during this gathering, but she really expected it to be from Hutts or someone else with local headquarters. The Family was someone she targeted as a long term possibility, but thought she might need to get things up and rolling before Syndicates from the Core and Mid Rim would find her resort as valuable.

The Donna expressed that she had held a similar spot in other endeavors, if a bit more shadowy. She had some questions. Fortunately questions that Xygrit was prepared to answer.

"Investors would have private facilities onsite, commensurate with their investment and need," Xygrit confirmed. "Public facilities will be made available free of charge when able to work into the schedule."

The question of representation was also not a surprising question. "I would not expect your name personally on anything involving the project. I have incorporated a company with the Galactic Banking Clan. The board of this company will be kept secret and make all decisions in regard to the resort or future resorts in its name. I would expect investors who wanted to remain even more anonymous would declare a representative."​