Some New Muscle

[Rekali the Hutt]

Trevel'ka. A world of slums pretending to be an ecumenopolis, controlled by no real form of government and not having seen attention since some initial Republic expansion long before the netherworld crisis. Districts were run by criminal lords that extorted the populace, while running their own private gangs that served as their soldiers and spice dealers. In truth it could almost be described as feudal system, save no Emperor to keep everyone in check. It was the prize of Rekali the Hutt's eye, but numerous problems stopped him from simply taking the planet over. The sheer size of the slums, the toxic air that kept disease in many species lungs, the tendency of small gangs to bunch together and fight the larger ones. He put in efforts to keep turnover down, but he could only do so much. He could hold his territory, but too much more expansion would start to attract a lot of attention. A lesser Hutt might rest on his laurels, but Rekali the Hutt would have Trevel'ka as his jewel one day. He needed only find a way to bolster his strength without too many others noticing. The solution was simple, begin expanding offworld. Radok and Kijo, the Hutt's trusted lieutenants, had a handle on the world, but management potential after that was slim pickings. He decided he'd leave the two here, and start a new branch offworld. Gain some new territory and recruiting pools, and bring them back to Trevel'ka when the time was right and he was ready to make his move.

But who to bring with him?

While Radok and Kijo had handpicked around a dozen to go with him it was only a skeleton crew. Rekali the Hutt needed men and women he could mold into soldiers. Deciding to hold a little recruiting drive word would get around that a Hutt in the Gavaroth district was looking for talent, and he was taking it offworld. Most on the slumworld didn't have the means to get a ship or escape, so the thought of leaving and starting a new life was appealing to many. Not to mention the implied offer of consistent employment. He'd attract a few that wanted to get out of their current gangs, probably a few moles as well, and the rare bounty hunter or "independent contractor" of the planet. They'd gather at a warehouse downtown, where the Hutt would be on an elevated platform to watch all of his recruits, while an assortment of gang members, Radok and Kijo included, would be present. Security was heavy with so many of the top dogs in the Hutt's organization present, as one of them would inevitably take a shot at them. A test as far a Rekali the Hutt was concerned. One of them would step up and take them out, all for the promise of going offworld.

[member="Xana Lau"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Xana Lau strode forward with a confidence forged on keeping herself to herself, answering to nobody and having a lifetime of heartache and pain. That sort of lifetime didn't leave someone who had so much potential as Xana grinning from ear to ear and striving to make everyone happy.

She was in this for herself now, and would make anyone who had the potential to destroy others suffer. Just like she had when they took her family and her friend.

Her left hand holding the sheathed katana by her side, the leather boots each making a powerful step forward over the other, white vest bearing her mid-rif and leather jacket as standard, Xana had a name and a location to go to - that was enough. She'd work the rest out from there.

This Hutt - Rekali - had sent out word for those willing to work and get their hands dirty and be a shadow for him. She could do that. She could get her hands as dirty as needed to raise her standing in the underworld of the galaxy to dispense her own kind of justice to those who ate away at the galaxy and didn't care who got hurt as they did. Well, she would MAKE them care.

The area was sparse, but there were lots of eyes on the group who Xana traveled with, all sorts of brutish thugs and gun-toting criminals here for the same thing she was; work. Xana stepped down into the dank air, safe behind her white mask, hair dangling over the brow. She approached an area where guards stood, herding them in before a large platform above them all. Nothing like a dramatic entrance.

Xana looked up and didn't partake in any small talk or acts of bravado as she waited for the Hutt and what she had to do to get this show over with.

[member="Rekali the Hutt"]

 

[Rekali the Hutt]

A few hundred bodies came. Of those perhaps a few dozen would have talent. The Hutt preferred to have around a hundred sentients with him when he headed off to Phaeda. A planet not unlike Nar Shadda it was ready for some new management, but expanding to another planet was always dangerous. Some of them would be dead weight, or close to it, but with enough manpower to last the initial "Don't my set up on my planet" rush int he first month or so he'd be able to absorb fallen enemies and recruit from new pastures.

<I need a hundred men willing to go into new territory, deal with clawing for our own turf, and making sure our stay is a permanent one. Anyone looking for a free ride to another planet and getting a free gun then high-tailing can leave now with their lives, rather than later without. Each of you who still wants the job will go through three or four tests to prove yourself.> The Hutt said, holding his hand out and gesturing to mercenaries prepared to administer the tests. <Blaster skill. Hand to hand combat. A review of your experience. And those of you who do well enough in all three will speak to me personally, and we will see if we have any special jobs for you.> Special jobs of course implied more power, pay, and prestige.

The blaster skills were eight targets, along with mercs providing the blaster to ensure no shenanigans. The hand to hand testers were armored shockboxers, looking like they were armored specifically against knives and shivs. They'd allow Xana to use her Katana, but also tell her she'd be working with them later and not to try and actually kill them. The reviewers were just men with datapads, keeping their ears out for anything interesting. But of course, each test was not as simple as it appeared. The targets were each of differing species, with different weak points. An invisible defel was cloaked among the shockboxers, ready to take cheapshots at anyone that didn't notice her. And the interviewers, well, there really weren't any tricks there. They were just looking for anyone that appeared more competent, whether in their speech or demeanor.

Few would get the attention of the Hutt himself, but the girl who came not with some junk blaster but instead a katana had already caught his eye.

[member="Xana Lau"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Xana stood, looking up from under her mask at the Hutt as he…she…it…spoke out. During the talk, the girl moved her eyes around the bodies before and beside her; each having a particular look to them – size, shape, race, weapon. A few seemed run-of-the-mill mercs for hire, and she certainly wasn’t about to be lumped in with these brutes here for a few easy paydays.

Shifting her weight steadily, Xana looked around the set-up and saw it was a basic training run. Targets for the blasters, shockboxers for the melee. Many of the armed guards were rigid on the spot and no doubt going to throw in a few curveballs to sort the men from the boys. Or women from the girls.

But Xana wasn’t here to play games. She had a skill she didn’t have to prove to anyone, and a desire to climb the ranks like many here didn’t. Driven by pride and bloodlust over credits, the Factions she got in would give her the window of opportunity needed to see those with strength in the galaxy and who best to side with.

Many of those here wouldn’t live to see next year, let alone make it through some training games.

Xana looked up to the Hutt again, as a few bodies started to mill around now and look to where they had to go. Much like the Hutt, she would watch the spectacle and assess the competition that evidently the Hutt wanted to have muscle for his employment.

[member="Rekali the Hutt"]

 

[Rekali the Hutt]

As the would-be gangsters ran from station to station one stayed in place, merely watching the rest of the crowd. Human. Female. A mask that implied theatrics, yet she had no desire to entertain his games. While most of the thugs of Trevel'ka carried blasters or slugthrowers pieced together from junk recycled for generations she carried a sheathed blade. Swords were rare on Trevel'ka, not enough Sith Alchemists or Je'daii purists. Sheathes even more so, as it meant a care and value in the blade unseen in these slums. Depending on the material it could have very well been the most valuable weapon in the room. Yet she wouldn't show it, choosing not to speak or blast or even fight the shockboxers. She was better than the rest of the dreg, or at the very least she thought she was.

How intriguing.

<Radok, bring me the girl with the sword.> Rekali commanded to his lieutenant. Radok walked through the crowds as they parted for him, partly because of his position and partly because of his rocky physique. While they might have been eager to wrestle with the shockboxers they knew the Vaathkree's fists didn't come with a stun setting, and he did not carry himself as a man to be trifled with.

"If you'll follow me the Hutt wishes to speak with you." The stone man would say to her before turning and navigating back through the crowd. She'd probably get a few looks from the crowd, but if she couldn't handle that she wasn't what Rekali wanted anyways. Her temporary guide would remain silent if prompted. What happened with the girl was Rekali's decision, and the Vaathkree understood there were times when distancing himself was necessary. If she was observant she'd probably notice that she'd caught the attention of a few of the guards. While the Hutt was interested in her that didn't mean that he or his men were not cautious, a few blasters would certainly be ready for her if she tried anything. Not that it was personal, strictly business.

<You are above these games.> It wasn't a question, but rather the Hutt stating a fact as Radok returned to his post. <Tell me why.>

[member="Xana Lau"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Xana caught sight of the Hutt’s hulking brute before he even reached her; the parting of bodies, the evident silence that surrounded him. She just looked, nodded and followed. It was as easy as that. She didn’t care about the others, there was no need at all to lock eyes, make contact or share bemused glances. The brutes would live or die today, and she really didn’t care which one.

Walking without hesitation behind the foot soldier, Xana was granted an audience with the Hutt, a few curious aides and some more blaster-toting heavies.

Funny how people felt so much confident holding a blaster than having a katana on their neck. She’d love to wipe that smug, tough exterior from their faces.

She knew when to show respect. With a small nod of the head, Xana then looked to the Hutt as it spoke.

”Because I am not here to play games,” she cooed. ”I am here to work for you, or leave and find employment elsewhere. Simple as that.”

And it was. She had worked for a few small names over the months – businesswomen and politicians – but all expendable and just a way to move up in the chain of command. Now she was getting places, but with the Hutt? That was his decision.

Or hers.

Its.

She couldn’t tell with these things.

[member="Rekali the Hutt"]

 

[Rekali the Hutt]

The Hutt laughed, in typical boisterous Hutt fashion.

<The Mandalorians would say you've got bes'gett'se. I like that human.> The Hutt replied, not bothering with a translation of the Mando'a. <You arm yourself with a blade, and dress light. With the black I'd say you're an assassin, but your mask is to the contrary. Rather than hide it chooses to make a statement. That you are someone to keep your eyes on, that you're someone dangerous. These sentients here, you confuse them. They can tell you're a killer, but they can't see an instrument like yours as lethal. It intimidate the smarter ones. You are a bodyguard, yes?> He asked. There were other possibilities of course, she could have been looking for a more "managerial" position, but she didn't strike him like that. She was short, to the point, and didn't bother selling her voice or her leadership, just herself.

<What are your terms?> He didn't wait for her to answer before asking her salary, as well as waiting to note if she had any particular requests. Good help didn't often come with simple credit demands. Rekali the Hutt didn't know if he could meet her demands, as his syndicate was still growing, but one didn't pass up a talent like this out of fear of not being able to deliver.

[member="Xana Lau"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

As the bulbous Hutt guffed, gawked and grumbled, Xana moved around with the room with only her eyes to see the faces on her. Each one she could tell was working her out, from her stance to her weapon. The Force sense she had, which admittedly she never abused, was tingling in the back of her head warning her that many eyes were on her.

”My terms are simple,” she said cooly, ”and I am sure you won't find them un-reasonable.”

She stepped forward one small move.

”My terms are simply for you to involve me in your work, and provide me with basic material and rations to sustain myself and my blade. Don't lie to me, and don't try to trick me. I have no quarms in having to kill you, but I don't want to, because right now I respect you. Many of these people here don't. To them you're a walking cash card and they'll take what they can from you.”

Xana stepped forward again, and she imagined it was just the two of them in the room.

”I have been a bodyguard before, and also an assassin. I want to remind those who think they are untouchable that they are never safe from ones like me. And when I say me, I mean...you.”

[member="Rekali the Hutt"]

 

[Rekali the Hutt]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPcod8IS214​

​

Rekali let out a great laugh as the bodyguard finished her terms.

<Radok!> He yelled, and the Vaathkree came to side. <You will continue overseeing this operation. This woman and I will continue our business in private.> The Vaathkree nodded, and returned to his post. The Hutt waved her over and opened a door behind him, heading through. The Force User might have noticed the unease on his guard's faces, but the Hutt didn't seem to care. Once they were both in the room Rekali hit another switch and the door closed behind Xana. Far as anyone could tell they were alone. Adorned on the walls were a suit of Hutt-sized battle armor, and a Hutt-sized battleax as well.

<First and foremost, you are hired.> The Hutt said as he turned to face her. <Secondly, my name is Therax Rekali Tiure. The first name is mine, and the one I use to head these operations. The second is the one of my, shall we say, adoptive father. A mandalorian. While my primary interest is growing the kajidic that I head I also spend time to help the kajidic that built me.> He explained the little mixes of his life. A bodyguard would need to know what he was up to after all.

<This world here is a miserable lump of a rock of foul air and poor technology, but it presents potential since it is ungoverned. I aim to take it, make it my own, and modernize parts of it. Modernize the mines, give my crew adequate weaponry, get some spice flowing, and use it as a main base of operations. Control of a planet like Nar Shadda will never truly be possible, but on Trevel'ka it could be if we play our cards right. The Gangs here for the most part are disorganized and poorly equipped. No one gang proves a threat, but they have united on several occasion to stop an offworld threat from taking the planet. So I have adopted a strategy of building our forces slowly, holding this district and planting spies in the biggest gangs around while building our forces offworld. When the time is right a series of coordinated insurrections and offworld strikes will bring this planet to it's knees. That's what I'm recruiting for now, a gaggle of soldiers to come with me to Phaeda to gain territory there and build our strength.>

<My lieutenants will stay here and supervise my efforts while I am gone. You and I will build a new foundation on Phaeda until we find a competent individual to head our operations over there, Then to the next world, and the next, until bring it all home. I assume you're ready for that?>

[member="Xana Lau"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Xana wasn't one for speeches. She'd heard many, from many people, and many of them had died the hour or day after making it. They were empty words and only true when backed up by actions.

”You have my word I will not let you down,” she said.

Still, she stood her ground and lowered her head, appreciative she'd been given a role to serve the Hutt and take bigger steps outside of her comfort zone and see what was out there.

”I will never tell you what to do, but I implore you to watch your allies and enemies alike. They will not hesitate to betray you if the price is right. I will make sure they don't get the chance, but just watch who you allow into your inner circle.”

She shot a glance to the lieutenants.

[member="Rekali the Hutt"]

 

[Rekali the Hutt]

If a Hutt could nod through the many layer of skin that seemed to transition seemlessly from head to torso, it would seem that Rekali had.

<Of course. Naturally you are not above such suspicion either.> The Hutt responded as the Vaathkree and Rodian entered the room.

"They've still got a lot of the tests to work through, but we've made most of our picks. Anyone with reasonable experience is separating themselves clearly, especially with the shockboxers and the Defel." Radok replied, and the Hutt scowled. He didn't doubt the Vaathkree's analysis, but if he had to guess their a few holding their own and many being embarrassed rather than most holding their own and a few excelling. That would make things difficult.

<Inform them who's coming and who's going as they separate themselves.> The Hutt said, before motioning to their guest. <This woman is my new bodyguard. She answers only to me.>

"Got it boss. I'm Kijo, the lump there is Radok. We'll see you 'round." The Rodian said before the two headed back to the floor, letting the door close behind them.

<The Vaathkree is a business man. Experienced and calculating. I don't believe he'll start a coup, but if the money is good enough he may take another job.> The Hutt didn't need to explain what normally happened when changing employers in their line of business. <The Rodian however is young and ambitious. He is sated for now but he won't be forever.> The Hutt didn't feel the need to tell her to watch them, or that they'd be watching her. Radok might have been expressionless, but the Rodian was not, and Radok had an air of confidence that implied he knew to watch new hires. As did Xana, for that matter.

<We leave for Phaeda in the morning. We'll be on the same ship as the men I'm hiring, but certain decks will be locked off and they won't have access to the Bridge or my chambers. If you need to gather anything you'll need to do it now. And before we go, what is your name?>

[member="Xana Lau"]