Private The Spoils of Gang Warfare

[Broka the Hutt]

Broka assumed they hadn't learned of the happenings on the other side of the galaxy, with the Empire. The business relations have gone relatively smoothly for now, and hopefully for the future.

It's an interplanetary nation on the other side of the galaxy that I, and other members of Black Sun, have done business with. Their conquests are very profitable, and they give me the ability to represent Black Sun on their political scale. The fact that I have near-political power in the Empire, and I am old enough to know what may cause my capture and to avoid such things, it is the most unlikely event that could happen. If you want to know of my rivals, fine. There aren't many as the Hutts have not been in great power recently. We hold domestic power, but not as great as we once were. We also haven't contacted each other much. The only Hutts I know personally are either here on Hutta, or on Nar-Shaddaa. The only real threats I have are the small gangs that fill in the spaces between the Hutt domains. The gang my forces found you in would be a good example of the small, thorns in my side. those sorts of gangs never cause too much pain, but they annoy me beyond tolerance. You saw what happens to such gangs that pester me first hand. You can obviously tell they are of no serious threat, though if I lower my defenses in that regard, they might find a weakness. I have no idea what the other peoples in the galaxy have in my perspective. I have not reached out too far. If I have done everything right, they should hardly know I exist.>"

After finishing what he had to say, he then goes back to the his private banquet. Another platter is consumed by him alone, and he slurps about 10 eels in half a minute. A sight that makes one become filled with disgust, but also wonder. He is a big creature, but the amount of food he could consume is astonishing for even a being of his kind.

Willow & Ivy

 

[Willow & Ivy]

Both twins nibbled more on the various foods while Broka the Hutt answered their questions, steering themselves clear of the more lively entrés. Though they were tasting foods unseen before. Some were to their liking while those that weren't were set aside.

Some might assume that they'd eat in unison, but although they were connected, they were individuals in their own right. If no one knew that they were siamese twins, they'd probably just see them as two identical sisters keeping close in eachother's company.

"Thank you for answering our questions. Most prefer to keep us in the dark....You are most gracious."

"Do you have any questions for us?" Everyone usually did.

The two were starting to like Broka. Although they weren't allowed to leave, it was starting to feel as though they could flourish with him.

 

[Broka the Hutt]

Broka then looked up from his meal in pleasant surprise. He then showed the expression of joyous surprise, the only expression that has differed from the typical stoic expression he held for the rest of this meeting prior to this moment. He let out one of the deep, notorious laughs Hutts have been known to have. Then made the following statement;

"<I am different than most leaders of such organizations. Since I am making you members of my court when I need your talents, I will give you all the information you would need to know. It seems you will be quite cooperative. Because of that, as I said previously, you will get more privileges and trust the more you cooperate. This is a new chance for you both to make a much greater impact than as the forced play-things of a gutter-rat. I have no questions concerning you both, as I have learned what I need to from my councilor on Nar-Shaddaa, the one you met. There is something in my throne room that you must see before the day is over. A show of sorts, one that you may enjoy. Expect it to happen at least two hours from now. Until then, enjoy my palace. You know the rooms you are permitted to enter, and expect to be under surveillance. I shall meet you again in the throne room later.>"

After that, he finishes his private banquet. The same amount of food on the other table in front of the twins, but on a tray for the Hutt alone. He gulps down the remaining platters, and finishes the eels he saved for last. After slurping down the eels one by one, he then reaches for a large bottle of Alderaanian style wine, and sips it somewhat slowly. However, the sip of such a massive creature is quite large in comparison to an average being. No one ushers the twins out, as they are left to spend the time on their own accord until the "show" Broka mentioned would begin.

Willow & Ivy

 

[Willow & Ivy]

The gutteral laugh from Broka the Hutt echoed in the room. Yet it was a good laugh. At least they pleased him. Or at the very least caught him by surprise.

The twins finished off their little meal while he spoke, giving him their utmost attention. They washed down their food with simple water. It was easier on their stomachs than anything else at the moment.

"A show? For us to watch? Thank you. We'd be delighted."

Ivy shot Willow a look. She had a feeling that she knew what the show would consist of. But that wasn't something that she'd discuss with her here. It was better to do so in private.

"Well if you will excuse us, we should go get ourselves refreshed and acquainted with your Palace."

Of course Broka seemed too busy gorging himself to notice. But it seemed as though he had already dismissed them. So they got to their feet and with a curtsie, quietly left the meeting room.

Once they were in the hall on their way back to their suite, Ivy whispered to Willow. "I think the show might have something to do with Nartuuk. Why else would he be frozen instead of just outright killed?"

"You're probably right. Did you catch a glimpse of it or something?"

"No, not yet. It's just a feeling."

"We'll find out soon enough. Shall we explore?"

"Just a little bit. Then we can freshen up as we said we'd do. Though I can't wait for the night to be over and we can sleep in that bed. We won't have to worry about falling out!"

The two laughed and wrapped an arm about eachother's waists before going about their own little exploration tour to bide their time before they were scheduled to be at the throne room.

 

[Broka the Hutt]

After leaving the meeting room, another corridor that presumably leads to the throne room was to the right. A sort of fork in the corridors. One leading to the meeting room they were just in, while the other leads to to the throne room. Further down the hall is a door/archway that leads to the public atrium. That atrium appears to be a massive cantina for the "high society" of the town of Jiguna. Members of Broka's gang, and relatively wealthy citizens of the town are all patrons in this. A place for all to enjoy Broka's power. A band is playing on a wall to the right, while the public door to the palace is on the left. There is a similar archway across the atrium to similar corridors, when they look past the bar in the center of the room. The band's music seemed to be radiant on this floor. Even in that meeting room, a bit of the band's music could've been heard. As they venture further down the hall, the corridor to the elevator to their suite can be found. All these are the rooms that Broka permitted. For the next two hours, the twins have free time to explore these areas of the palace.

Willow & Ivy

 

[Willow & Ivy]

And explore they did. The music caught their attention and so they followed the sound. It wasn't often that they'd hear a band playing, nor had they ever gotten a chance to be up close to one. Today was their lucky day!

Willow and Ivy ignored the strange looks and gawkers once they got inside the atrium. They wanted to watch the band play. And having never danced before, the twins either snapped their fingers or tapped their feet to the beat. The music was lively and so were they. This was their new home and they were going to enjoy it. Despite the darkness of the place, there was a lot of happiness here too. Many people prospered due to the efforts and business deals of Broka the Hutt and they would too. The Hutt was even going to be paying them, which was unheard of for them until now.

What other new things were they going to experience? Only time would tell.

For now they passed the time away sampling drinks, learning to dance in their own unique way and even conversing with some of the people.

The two hours went by quickly though. Far too quickly. Once it was time they made their way to the throne room, unsure of where they were to stand, they kept themselves among the gathering crowd until they were instructed otherwise.

 

[Broka the Hutt]

There was a seat reserved for the twins in the section where all the other members of Broka's court were seated. The crowds have not gathered too much yet. After another hour, all that could squeeze into the general seating areas that have been set up, and Broka's show began. The central floor of the room opened like sliding doors in the direction of the closest wall, and in their wake was a giant, deep pit. At the bottom were Broka's beast pens. Several chained men, all of the recently captured officers of Nartuuk's gang. However, Nartuuk was not there. Instead, Nartuuk was in a cage hanging over the pit. Several of the audience members complained the cage was obstructing their view. Others were betting Nartuuk would be dropped from above at the end. Others were saying Broka was mentally torturing him.

At the bottom of the pits, the men were unchained. The beasts began pounding on their cages, roaring, snarling, and growling. There was a sense of carousal, tensity, and dread all in one in this room. Then, the crowd began to quiet down as Broka was going to make his address to the crowd.

"<As you all know, I am Broka the Hutt!>" The crowd cheers "<Lord of the Nar-Shaddaa Skyline!>" The crowd cheers "<The King of this fine town of Jiguna!>" The crowd cheers "<My army of fierce warriors has captured more territory for me on Nar-Shaddaa from the small gang leader in the cage hanging over the pit!>" The crowd cheers "<Allow me to introduce, the small, the weak, the easy to defeat, Nartuuk the Failure!>" The crowd aggressively boos "<Nartuuk's fate is only known by me. However, the fates of his officers we captured with him are sealed. They shall be eaten by the beasts I keep. My droids are taking bets on how long they'll last, much like other occasions like this. Once my droids circle back to me, the show will begin. Will these unarmed men last more than 5 minutes? Will they last an hour? Only one way to find out.>"

The crowds cheering then makes a resurgence when Broka finishes speaking. After 10 minutes, the casino droids, that were taking the bets from the crowd, comes back to around where Broka's throne lies. Broka observes the bets, nods, then he says, "<Now! Who is ready for another great, improvised performance from more unwilling actors?!?!>" A tidal wave of cheering yells comes from the bloodthirsty crowd "<Then, beast-masters bellow, free the beasts!>"

After those last few words, the gates to the pens of the beasts grind open. Not all of them though. For this occasion, Broka felt like showing off his pack of Gundarks. The ape-like creatures bounded out of their cage, and into the pit center. The men below screamed in terror as they ran from the hulking creatures. While above, the crowd was going insane with anticipation. Broka sat back in his throne. He was tall enough to do so, and still see what was going on beneath him in the pit. One of his servants brings him a bowl of the live eels he enjoys as a snack. He then moves attention back and forth between the eels writhing in the liquid filled bowl, and the blood sport in the pit.

Willow & Ivy

 

[Willow & Ivy]

The twins were ushered to their seat by one of the other members of council. Fortunately it was a larger seat that could accomodate the two. As more and more people came in, the anticipation in the throne room grew. There was about to be a spectacle before them and it wasn't until the monster pit was revealed before they figured it out.

Ivy noticed Nartuuk first, seeing him unfrozen and hanging in a cage above the pit. The sounds of the monsters below could be heard amongst the eager shouts of the crowd.

Broka the Hutt began his speech, and as it continued, the twins held onto eachother's hand. Ivy looked to her sister, mouthing the words 'I told you so' to her. Now they saw just how dangerous Broka was. Generous though he may be, it was as though they too were in gilded cages, dangling above a pit. Should they try anything against Broka, or break any of his rules; it became clear to them that they too could be tjrown to the monsters as entertainment.

Nartuuk was cruel. He killed their caregiver Shea, and held them against their will using their gifts for his own profit. And now here was Broka, nearly doing the same thing.

The twins sat still as they watched the terror down below, never flinching. Leaving the throne room was unthinkable. Instead they studied the tactics down below that those desperate to live longer were using.

Is this what the rest of the Galaxy was like? In the back of Ivy's mind, she knew that it wasn't.

 

[Broka the Hutt]

It took about an hour and a half before the last of the gangsters in the pit was ripped apart, and eaten alive. Then, several heavily armored individuals came out of one of the doors with long sticks that pulsed with electricity. They poked and prodded the gundarks back into the cage that they came from, and at the same time, the doors above the pits began to groan as they closed. Nartuuk remained unharmed physically, but who knows what mental trauma has been inflicted on him. The small time gangster learned, the hard way, to not cross Broka. He just sat there in the cage, broken and shivering. Then, while the common viewers were shuffling out the throne room door, Broka's deep voice echoed throughout the chamber.

"<What a good show!! Guards! Take this back to the freezing chamber. He shall be the newest piece to my gallery.>"

Right after he said that, his palace guards came from their positions on the walls to the center of the room where the cage hung a foot above the floor. They pulled out Nartuuk. The former gangster didn't resist, and almost looked like he was being dragged out of the room by invisible strings in the direction the guards were going as they flanked his sides. They went down into the bowls of the palace to the room where those who Broka sentences get frozen in carbonite. They put Nartuuk in the machine, and activate. The humming from the machines bellow could be heard in the throne room. All the while, the other courtiers to Broka trickled out of the throne room to resume their duties or leisure time. Then Broka called out again.

"<Sevants! Fetch me another meal. That worked up my apatite.>" , Broka gestured a command with the flick of his fatty wrist while issuing the command. After 10 minutes, the servants come back with another private banquet for Broka, with the same food as before, and served on the same wheeled tray.

Willow & Ivy

 

[Willow & Ivy]

It was almost unbearable to watch. The agonizing final cries of the victims as their lives were snuffed out only seemed to energize the crowd even more. Did Broka the Hutt think that they saw this as the perfect revenge against their captors? Probably. And there were times that the twins wished harm upon them. But not like this.

Once the pit doors were closed, the twins breathed a sigh of relief. Nartuuk was removed for a different fate, one that they approved of more. But it was never to be their choice as to what would happen. Yet they were used to that.

The twins didn't partake in the feast for their appetites were nowhere near that of the Hutt's. Instead they got to their feet and approached Broka's table. Willow, being softer of voice and gentler of the pair spoke up to him. "Thank you for the show, Your Greatness. It was a....fitting end. May we be excused?" The Force called to them and there was much exploring to be done. So many lavish items in the Palace; the twins were curious as to how they were acquired. Their gifts would help answer those questions easily. They were used to using them so much that the lack of doing so felt very strange. It even made them a bit restless. But that could be due to the performance as well.

 

[Broka the Hutt]

When Willow asked Broka to be excused, the colossal Hutt looked up from the banquet for himself and said, "<You are very welcome. That's the ending for any of the small-time gangs that fail to not anger me.>" He then slurps another live eel after saying that.

You're members of my court now. You don't need to ask to leave when an event is over. You know the rooms you are allowed to go to. I have no need to summon you again tonight. Enjoy your new home and job. Just keep up the cooperation, and you'll gain more freedoms. Remember that.>"

After that, he then went back to gorging on his personal banquet. He was borderline ravenous, though he had a hint of decorum as well. Scraps flew, some of the liquid the eels writhed in dripped down his chin(s). It was clear he was now too invested in the meal to talk further.

Willow & Ivy

 

[Willow & Ivy]

The twins gave Broka the Hutt a small curtsie once they were dismissed. It was going to take a little while before they'd get used to their new life.

Once they left the throne room, they were followed by another member of the staff. Security detail more than likely. The twins wandered the hallway, yet when they came to a fork in it, Ivy wanted to go to the right while Willow wanted to take the left. Yet given their attachment, they didn't really go anywhere and merely looked at eachother in frustration.

"Ivyyyy, we should go to our room and look out the balcony."

"What's the point when we're not allowed outside?"

"I know but...it's pretty."

"Yes but I want to look at other pretty things and see where they came from. It'd give us a better idea of our...employer."

Ivy was the more stubborn one, so Willow just relented with a sigh. "Agreed. Lead the way." She gestured with her free hand which set them on their course through the hall to the smaller atrium. There weren't many inside which gave them more chance to focus.

The first item on hand was a tall vase, decorated with scenes of battle. Both girls touched it lightly, tracing their fingers along it's surface while tapping into the Force. It was the sounds of the market that came in first, followed by glimpses of the vase being exchanged among many hands. Further back they went until they watched the creation of the vase itself. Willow found it more interesting than Ivy did. But it was what they saw next that caught them both off guard.

The artist was confronted by another man as soon as the vase was finished.

"Is it done?"

"Yes sir, just the way you want it. I think that this could be my best yet."

"You know the funny thing about art is; the value goes up after the artist is dead."

"Yes but this is already a limited edition piece. It should bring you plenty of credits."

The sound of blasterfire echoed in the vision before the artist dropped dead.

"You're quite right. It will bring me plenty of credits...."

Willow removed her hand from the vase breaking her connection while Ivy hung on for a little longer. "Why must everyone be so cruel?"

"There are good people too. I'm sure of it. Shea was good. She can't be the only one."

"I hope you're right."

Ivy wrapped an arm around her sister's waist. "Alright. Let's go to the balcony." Maybe that would make her feel better. Sometimes all it took was a pretty view.

 

[Broka the Hutt]

As they made their way to their room, and eventually to the balcony, the surveillance in the palace saw their every move. The balcony was the exception to the rules of going out. The reason is that there were cameras viewing all possible angles. Only two of the cameras were visible, but the others were hidden in the walls and railing of the balcony. Potted plants decorate the door to the inside, and the points where the balcony meets with the side of the tower. The windows had a flower bed of sorts. The indigenous flowers looked the same due to the relatively harsh climate of Hutta.

In the mean time, Broka went to his private suite at the top floor of the central tower. It was the most expansive living quarters in the palace. Upon getting up to there, he sat in a cushioned chair that resembled the structure of his throne, and relaxed. Today was a day of victories for him. The twins will be a great asset to his organization. He was very concerned for who else would want them though. If his forces could take them from Nartuuk so easily, how easy the interplanetary powers nearby his home system could take them. Hopefully they are not well known of. Their greenness to space travel may have assured such hopes. With his fear somewhat put to rest, he opened a bottle of his favorite, Alderaanian style wine, and admired the view of his kingdom for one of more than the million times he has viewed it. He grew up in this palace, and has seen the horizon since he was a Huttlet. The swamps were covered in the yellow haze, but that did not matter. He enjoyed seeing the people in the streets of Jiguna just outside of his palace. They looked like insects from up here. Tiny. And he controlled them all.

Willow & Ivy

 

[Willow & Ivy]

"The flowers are beautiful. They take good care of them here." Willow didn't touch them, instead only smelling them from a safe distance. Some flowers were deadly, yet she wasn't sure if the flowers on the balcoy were too. No doubt they wouldn't be, yet some people had allergies and neither twin was aware of whether or not they had any. Unfortunately with some things, there was only one way to find out. But neither twin was ready to risk it.

They approached the railing and leaned against it, gazing down at the city below. There were a bunch of people milling about, tending to their day to day. It was hard to imagine what they were doing or where they were all going.

"Where do you think he'll take us first?" Broka the Hutt did tell them that they'd travel with him to far off places to visit another Empire, afterall. And just the thought of seeing other worlds sparked their imaginations and curiosity.

"I'm not sure. I don't even know where or who this Eternal Empire is. Do you think we'd get access to such information?" Neither had used the holonet before. Nartuuk liked to keep them in the dark and Shea didn't have enough credits to afford it.

"We could always ask some time." Maybe it would be one of the freedoms that they'd get in the future, brought on by their co-operation.

"What do you think he'd do...if we refused to do something he asks of us?"

"I don't know. I don't really want to think about it either. If he finds out about the extent of our connection, no doubt he'd exploit it like Nartuuk did." They felt eachother's pain. Hurting one hurts them both. Nartuuk tended to use it as a form of punishment. Broka could be no different.

 

[Broka the Hutt]

The next day, Broka went back down to his throne room. As the morning continues on to the afternoon, the usual crowd for the public atrium trickles in from the town. The band resumes playing for the day. The servants get to their morning duties. The palace becomes a hive of activity.

The twins have been called down for a check-in-talk with Broka in the meeting room after Broka finished his first morning meal. Upon their arrival, Broka has the tray for the private banquet for him right in front of him. It looks as if it was just wheeled to his meeting throne. The amount of food for the one individual (however colossal he may be) is astounding no matter how many times the servants of the palace have prepared these meals for their ruler. The usual guards are positioned along the walls of the room, and a councilor sitting at a small table in a corner of the room was present.

As the twins were ushered to a small table in front of the meeting throne. While Broka gorged on the feast for himself like a somewhat ravenous animal. The eels squirmed in the bowls, the large patters of Hutt cuisine, that he has not gotten to yet, are steaming hot. To those not used to Hutt cuisine, it is not the most visually appealing food, but the smell is of an intriguing nature. He does not realize they have entered the room yet, and continues to keep his sole attention on his private banquet.

Willow & Ivy

 

[Willow & Ivy]

That night the twins had one of their best sleeps. Their bed was large enough for them, with ample room to spare, so there was no worry at all about either one of them sliding out of it. And it was comfortable. Even the pillows were divine. For the first time in as long as they could remember, they slept through the night.

By morning they had their own breakfast to their liking. And it wasn't long into that that they were informed about Broka the Hutt summoning them. They had a bit of time to finish up their little meal and then got themselves dressed. This time they wrapped themselves up in silvery fabrics, accenting their figures but also hiding where their two bodies were fused together.

With their arms wrapped around eachother's waists, they walked over to the meeting room. Broka was already gorging himself. The twins took note of the councellor sitting at one table, and then noticed the one set for them. Willow was the first to start towards it, however they reached it together and sat down, their eyes lingering on Broka more than his rather substantial meal.

And now they waited, patiently of course. Broka was sure to take nptice in his own time. It was not their place to rush him.

 

[Broka the Hutt]

After a few minutes of sitting there, Broka looked up from his meal to reach for another platter, and then noticed the twins sitting in front of him.

"<Aaah. You arrived. Good. This is the first of our talks that I mentioned yesterday. Simply to check in and make sure all is what you expect. I trust my palace has not disappointed.>"

Willow & Ivy

 

[Willow & Ivy]

"Your Palace is the most beautiful building we've ever seen."

"And the meals are delicious and plentiful, thank you."

In truth the two had never been in such luxury before. Ever. Yes they had drempt of it, but that was about as far as it went. Reality was always much harsher and unkind.

Broka the Hutt had his faults to be sure. And other than not allowing them to leave, he had not been unkind to them. A little stoic maybe, but that was about it.

"Is there anything that we could do for you?"

 

[Broka the Hutt]

"<It pleases me that you are enjoying your stay here. Your jobs will be that of a court sage. I will summon you to my court meetings when I require your talents. I will also expect you to attend any major court meetings just to bare witness like all my other councilors and courtiers. You two have the same authority, yet I want to ensure your loyalty. That is why you have a restricted amount of privileges for this time being. I do not require your talents now. Therefore, you are free to be in the areas of the palace you are permitted to go to. If you want anything from the local markets, I can have some of the guards to go in your stead. If you cooperate, you could be allowed to go yourselves with a small escort of the same sort of guards. Keep up this cooperation and loyalty, and you will be treated with far more dignity than the newest piece to my gallery gave you. Stay with me and my organization, and you will prosper.>"

Willow & Ivy

 

[Willow & Ivy]

Both twins looked to eachother and grinned. If what was being offered by Broka the Hutt remained true, then they'd prosper for sure. Right now the two were eager for a lot of things, yet patience was needed. Patience was a virtue and the pair were very virtuous, indeed.

"You are the most gracious that we have ever met. We will abide by your rules out of respect for everything you've done for us."

"And continue to do for us. We understand that your rules are for our protection as much as it is for yours."

Willow and Ivy both bowed their heads to him. Yet it was Ivy, the bolder of the two that decided on a request. "Do you have..seamstresses in your employ? Could we get some more clothing made for us? Getting anything from market is a little...difficult given what we are." It wasn't easy dressing siamese twins. Their clothing was very limited in design.