Dangerous Liaisons

[Nicolás Cormond]

The Coruscant underground. Shoddy, seedy and sleazy. It was here that the criminal and the vagabond lurked, either rolling themselves a blunt, accosting unfamiliar women on the street, or drinking into a stupor inside one of the many run-down bars at each street corner. Most who resided in the upper echelons of Coruscant society might have found the underworld disgusting, but Nicolás saw it quite differently. Despite his picky tastes and lavish lifestyle, he found the underground world as a breath of fresh air— even if the air was actually stale and foul. There was no political games, no bureaucratic worries, down below. There was only the entertainment, the excitement and the thrill of roaming the lewd streets of Coruscant.

Then again, as Nicolás continued deeper into the city, he was starting to regret ever coming there at all. The smell of shit was impossible to ignore, and the many wayward glares he received from passing strangers or curious hookers made him a little uncomfortable. Even if he did relish in the spotlight, the attention was not one he took a liking to. At least here, nobody recognized him as a Senator, and also the heir of Brentaal’s wealthiest family. He was just another pretty face. Of course, under that pretty face, there was something else brewing in that mind of his. He hadn’t come to the underworld purely to dangle his wealth over the poor or briefly enjoy some sense of freedom. In reality, Nicolás was here to meet, discreetly, with a particularly well-known member of the Hutt Cartel.

The disguised Senator slipped into a secluded nightclub. Although crowded and packed, the place made for a perfect meeting between two rather powerful individuals. Everyone inside was too busy drowning themselves in shots or attempting to make love to someone within a two feet radius to bother focusing on the details right before them. Already, Nicolás could catch the smell of alcohol the moment he opened the doors, much like a speeder bus smacking into him out of nowhere. Mist and smoke from burning spice or cigars also wafted outside, almost enough to suffocate him, but the man pushed on. Unfazed, careless: the Senator came to discuss and negotiate, and nothing would get in his way and from what he wanted.

But what did he want? Now, that was a question soon to be answered. Because as hidden Nicolás carved through the dance floor or past scrambling bartenders, he saw the stranger he was looking for. As he pushed aside one particularly touchy woman and careened out into the clearing and into an isolated, walled VIP section of the club, the young Senator removed his disguise and offered a lax bow and a smug grin. “You must be Nem'ro the Hutt, I presume?”

@Malon

 

[Nem'ro the Hutt]

Nem'ro Besadii Ziir rarely made it as far into the Core as Coruscant. Corellia was as close as he had come in recent memory, but it wasn't a fear of the Republic that kept him away. The truth was: Coruscant stank. Literally. Neither the swamps of Nal Hutta nor the slums of Ryloth could produce a stench like the underworld of Coruscant. Still, it was necessary that he venture here. The best business was often where it smelled the worst.

The nightclub was alright. It wasn't a Toasted Twi'lek, but Coruscant did have some reasonable venues worth his time. Only he wasn't here on leisure. This was all about business. The Hutt vigo had long searched for connections within the Republic Senate, and, now, he had finally found his golden ticket — or so he hoped.

He sat in the posh VIP section of the nightclub with a scantly-clad male Twi'lek slave sprawled across what humans might call his "lap." Being a well-known Hutt crime lord did have its perks. And it provided a nice place to entertain his guest: Nicolás Cormond. Senator Nicolás Cormond. The man was well-dressed, properly groomed, and even smelled nice. A fine specimen of his species. It was really too bad. He would make a nice addition to the dancers back home on Ryloth. Alas, Nem'ro would have to settle for an alliance of sorts.

The Senator had contacted him—another fortune of being a well-known crime lord. Though Nem'ro did not know yet what for. He was curious what a Senator from such a wealthy Republic world could want with a Hutt from the Outer Rim Territories. He supposed he was about to find out.

"Dobra." Nem'ro's deep voice boomed even over the noise. "An uba katka doth Banokon Nicolás Cormond see Dhankoe. Bai haku woy Jee wamma bu cuova see mee pacmona tah dooo?" @Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

Nem’ro was everything Nicolás expected, and more. Like every slug, he was fat and unwieldy, eyes bulging from its sockets and saliva coaxed around a mouth that stretched from end of his bulbous face to the other. The Senator, during his early and glory days as the bastard heir of House Cormond, had met with various other Hutts before by trade, given the traffic Brentaal received on both the Perlemian Trade Route and the Hydian Way. Although it was clear Nem’ro had other tastes, or in particular: in men. Not that Nicolás judged, but he still found the half-naked slave at his belly a rather pitiful sight. Regardless, having known the full scope of Huttese throughout his early career, the Senator maintained his smile and answered in kind.

“Desperate times often call for desperate measures. You see, Nem’ro, I am need of some assistance. A favor for a favor, as I’m sure you know.” He found himself a lavish seat opposite from the Hutt and slid into it, shifting comfortably and placing both hands on each chair arm. It seemed the famed Hutt’s taste in furniture and extravagance was as prolific as his taste in men. Speaking of which, Nicolás was quick to beckon the scantily clad Twi’lek male below the Hutt to leave them in silence, as well as some of the guards checkered around the sumptuous and secluded lounge. What he was going to ask and demand next would require the utmost discretion. After all, the Senator had not roamed through the humid Coruscant underground in a heavyweight disguise just because it was in fashion.

Nobody had to know he was here. Nobody had to see that he was meeting with one of the most well-known Hutt lords in all of the galaxy. And fortunately, nobody ever would. Still, Nicolás sought to maintain his secrecy and privacy. If anyone in the Senate, especially the Judicial Forces, discovered that he was potentially in league with the Hutt Cartel, a rival and growing enemy of the Republic, his career would be virtually doomed. Not that he would be forced back to Brentaal, given the fact that he had been practically exiled to Coruscant in the first place. But his reputation would be demolished, his influence tarnished, assets frozen, and his name tossed into the muck.

“Before I get into the gritty details, Nem’ro, mind if we clear the room? I’m sure you can trust your slaves or your trained hirelings, but—“ He paused, like he was clearing his throat. Likely just for a dramatic pause to spice up the dull banalities of introductions and pleasantries. The Senator wanted to get into negotiations, and to do so, he had to ensure everything was in order. “—I don’t trust them. No offense, of course.” He flashed another smile, hoping to work some of his charm to get this over with quickly. He was unarmed, needless to say, so the Hutt had nothing to fear from him. At least, not yet.

@Malon

 

[Nem'ro the Hutt]

Shrewd. Sharp. This man had dealt with Hutts before. Nem'ro was reading him even as he was being read himself. Clearly this Senator was not the common scum that wandered up and down the halls of the capital on Coruscant. He could respect that, even if the man was only human.

He raised a hand and displayed three fingers. His Twi'lek slave obeyed immediately and sauntered away from the booth. Nem'ro's other minions were quick to follow. He wasn't concerned with his safety. The lightsaber hanging around his neck spoke volumes enough about what he was capable of—and it would be his security if he needed it, though he did not think that would be the case. If anything, he was now more intrigued as to the Senator's request.

"Mee panweba tee doth tee lumpa," Nem'ro said with a slight Huttish chuckle. And then there was just the two of them. "Ateema, jot ten cohai cuee see tah cah see mee. Haku caiot bo see mee doiebanh mevag an boha phata banag doi wa vigo bacaka mi?"

A plethora of things, Nem'ro immediately thought. Money. Political backing. Information. A rival killed. These politicians frequently sought the Hutts out for such things. It was why so many of them often fell into Hutt pockets. Their ambitions got the better of them. Nem'ro had seen the glimmer in this man's eyes in a thousand others. But would he be like them? Only time would tell. @Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

“A man of my wealth and statue?” Nicolás reiterated the Hutt’s words back to him, continuing. “Just a vigo like yourself?” The Senator had to stop himself from laughing, although not because he sought to mock or ridicule the Hutt. It seemed pleasantries were apart of a Hutt’s vocabulary and understanding after all. Because Nicolás, while a prestigious Junior Senator and representative of Brentaal, his assets and wealth were only a sliver of what they were before. As for Nem’ro, he was no mere Vigo. He was the mastermind behind a growing criminal empire, one that caught the eye of the Senator in the first place, which was a grand feat in itself. Of course, Nicolás would not have gone through the belly of the monster that was underground Coruscant to meet just anyone. Nem’ro was just what he was looking for. Just what he needed.

“If I needed help from the Cartel, I would have hired just any bounty hunter. Or I’d have just shot a private message to the closest Vigo I could find and be done with it.” One leg crossed over the other as he slumped into his seat again. “But I am hoping for a relationship, my friend. Although not the kind where I’m sprawled out at your feet like some dog— but a mutual alliance between two great men. You are no simple Vigo, Nem’ro. In your hands lay an empire and underworld that could rival that of the Supreme Mogul— one day. Men and women are willing to die for you with just the snap of your fingers.” His hands clung together. “The answer is clear. You have the endless supply of resources I need, and I have the key you’ve been looking for. I am the key you’ve been looking for.”

A knuckle cracked. “You need someone within the Republic, and I need someone to work outside its limits. You see, as I’m sure you already know, I am not on very good terms with my family on Brentaal. And if I ever want to regain the power I lost, I need them out of the way. But I can’t do that as long as I’m stuck here.” He smirked, choosing not to get into the details on how to remove them just yet. “And Nem’ro, you are also looking to gain some power of your own in the Senate. To sow your power across the galaxy and thread and weave it all together. I can help you with that. You just need to help me be rid of my wretched family.”

Another knuckle. “And, once I have all of Brentaal wrapped around my fingers, I’m sure there is more I can provide. As I said, this can be a relationship that lasts more than just as an abrupt request.” While Nicolás was speaking mostly in general, often without specifics, the Senator was merely looking to lure and intrigue the Hutt before he got too deep. He had to know if he was willing or interested first before he decided to throw his whole plan onto the table. Even if the Twi’lek slave and the guards were gone, even if the room was closed and impossible for anyone to peer into, Nicolás could not trust Nem’ro just yet. As much as he needed the Hutt’s help, he could not risk exposing everything he worked for.

@Malon

 

[Nem'ro the Hutt]

Nem'ro could already tell he liked this guy. In another life, he would have made a suave agent of the Hutt Cartel. Perhaps even a good vigo with the proper guidance. He was certainly cutthroat enough. And then there was the man's offer: a mole in the Republic Senate. Just what Nem'ro had always wanted. And, in exchange, all he had to do was off some poor kriffers on Brentaal? It seemed almost too easy. And, yet, who could resist such a bargain?

Of course, there was an underlying factor here that the Senator had not addressed but had clearly intended for Nem'ro to pick up on. Brentaal was a very important world. It sat at the crossroads of the Hydian Way and Perlemian Trade Route. It also touched the Commenor Run, the Corsin Run, and the Brentaal-Denon Route. It was a spice smuggler's dream. With access to Brentaal, he could expand his illicit business into the Core Worlds and beyond. The possibilities were limitless.

"Tee, Banokon, uba paupe gee mah bakanh," Nem'ro boomed with a very Huttish chuckle. "Wa danko bacaka Dhankoe noa-a takoptadi bai mah amahola. An mee doutleou don bu Ciduepe mee baa kakeeth doth dooo cuee bauiaa sie heee... bona tee-tocky che tee yoskah." The Hutt slurped from his drink for a moment and seemed to think about it. "Fa doth woute. Jee woy dayan wa houma du mee Banoh, an uba lova num bashodue biweoo. Um bankop Meecooda woy mah mevag an mah saieu bai mee nai kachu, Jee hatkocanh dayan sakoi."

There was a long pause where Nem'ro seemed to smirk. Killing families was a fun game to play. "Haku catkiua woy uba koona bai woy cay tah woceuea see mee? An peee woy Jee nan du?" @Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

The loud chuckle, the slimy and winding smirk that stretched across the Hutt’s head. It was clear he had struck a chord with Nem’ro, and only in the best way possible. The Hutt saw the endless opportunities that came with access to Brentaal. The Senator was virtually giving the criminal overlord the key into the Republic on a silver platter. Of course, the key was not there. Not yet. So long as Nicolás remained shunned and ostracized from his homeworld and House Cormond, he would never have the authority and power necessary to provide what the Hutt so desperately craved. And if he could not satiate his growing hunger, then the Senator would be the one chewed up. Not that Nicolás was concerned about his safety in such a shoddy establishment, but more so his future.

Without Nem’ro, he would never regain his control over Brentaal. But without his control over Brentaal, Nem’ro would never have the key into expanding his empire into the Core. The Hutt might be settled in Coruscant underworld, but that did not mean he held any far-reaching influence across the surrounding worlds. The Republic’s strict approach against the Cartel, especially after the recent vote regarding Alderaan’s own illicit connections, made it almost impossible for the Hutt’s to unfurl their power across the galaxy. If rumor had it, the Exiles were on their side, and the Order could do little to combat such a vast threat that laid all around them. The Republic was the only thing standing in the way of the Cartel, in the way of Nem’ro. They needed Nicolás just as much as he needed them.

The Senator just needed to get into the juicy details. “As I’m sure you might know, I am not on good terms with House Cormond. My father has made every effort to keep me powerless on Brentaal. But with your help, that can change. With help from the power base I continue to build within the Republic, I can turn the tables against him.” He paused, reflecting back to his family, to his father, to his brother. Whatever love he once held for them was now gone. What happened to them now, he cared little for it. As long as Nicolás returned to power, what happened to them was the least of his worries. The problem was just how to get them out of the way and bring him, the bastard of Cormond, into the limelight. Needless to say, he always had a solution.

“The Republic is shifting in on itself. Already, it turns against one of their own, Alderaan, in a desperate hunt to root out corruption. They fear the Cartel, they fear your own growing influence. If I were to pin a similar image of treason onto House Cormond and convince the Senate of their supposed betrayal and how to approach it, the Republic could oust them from power and put me in place instead. And once I’m there, I can repay whatever debt I owe.” That same smile made its way over his lips. “Understand?” Of course, there was more: to discuss, or about the details. He just wanted to, again, ensure Nem'ro was up for the task before Nicolás spilled too much. After that, there would be no going back.

@Malon

 

[Nem'ro the Hutt]

Nem'ro mulled it over as any businessman, illicit or not, might. The truth was, he was definitely coming out of this with the better end of the deal. Assuming Cormond wasn't misrepresenting the situation, the Hutt crime lord stood to gain insight into the Republic Senate — a spy, if you will — and access to one of the most transversed trade worlds in the Core Worlds. Any of the vigos back in Hutt Space would drool for an opportunity like this.

But there were other logistics to look at. Despite Nem'ro's appraisal earlier, Cormond wasn't wealthy. Not yet. He was also just a junior senator. A mere representative on Brentaal. These promises were all empty and meaningless if Cormond had no power on his homeworld. But, then, that was the point, wasn't it? Ousting his own family would give him the wealth and power he sought. Only then would he be in a position to give Nem'ro access to what he wanted.

It was a risk—that was certain. Now the question was: is the risk worth it? The answer was easy to come up with. Cormond was hungry for power. He desired wealth, fame, and recognition above all other things. And it wasn't like he expected Nem'ro to install him into power. As the junior senator already mentioned, he was building a power base of his own within the Republic. Nem'ro and his operations were just a gear in the machine.

Nem'ro respected all of that. He respected a man who was willing to take power for himself, through whatever means necessary. Such a man was one he desired to work with. And that just about settled any deliberations. He nodded (as best a Hutt could nod) and beckoned the human to continue. "Kaa tagwa, Jee hih bkoha biw," he replied. "Uba gee mah bidkana an bata, Banokon Cormond. Ateema, jot ten wata tah koona see mee." @Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

Like Nicolás, Nem’ro had to be a gambling man. He was a Hutt lord, after all, except they had gambled on everything from the day they were born. In truth, life was a gamble. Nem’ro took a wager on becoming a patron of the Toasted Twi’lek, once a low brow establishment turned into a criminal hive. He took a wager on murdering his own father, to see whether or not he would die doing so or if he would gain the ire of the Cartel. He took a wager on establishing an empire on Ryloth. He took a wager to coming into the heart of his greatest enemy, the Republic, and accepting one of their own. And now, he had to take a wager on the Senator and his ongoing machinations and schemes. It would cost him greatly if he failed, but if not, it would mean the rise of something the Cartel had yet to see themselves.

The same went for Nicolás. Being caught in the Coruscant underworld was a problem, but being caught attempting to trick the whole Senate and deposing the family who had appointed him to represent Brentaal? That would mean the end of his career. His reputation would drop into the gutter within the Republic, but his father would compel Nicolás to return to Brentaal. Not out of love for his son, but to see that he stand on trial or rot in prison or die by the sword for his treachery. The Senator was not only wagering on his destiny, he was wagering on his life. He had far more to lose than Nem’ro. Even so, could Nem’ro, or Nicolás, really pass up the opportunity? For so long he had wallowed in the shadow of his brother and the disgust of his father. If they would not give him what he wanted, he would just take it himself. Just as Nem’ro did when he was exiled from his own family for just living out who he was.

“I am glad to hear it, my friend.” He said, his view of the Hutt shifting. The two were two sides of the same coin, even if the other one was a giant alien slug and the other was an attractive up-and-coming politician. Together, they would be moving against one of the most powerful noble families in the galaxy and right under the nose of the whole damned Republic. So, they better get started to know one another, because they were going to be stuck in the same boat for quite a while. “But as I mentioned, the Republic is eating itself from the inside out. I— we— can capitalize on that fear. By convincing the Senate that Brentaal is as corrupt as they believe Alderaan is, I can depose my family. Of course, it would require a lot of convincing. That is where you come in.”

“As I build my foundation within the Republic, I will be hosting a gala. Another seemingly harmless charity ball in the heart of Coruscant. But that is when danger will strike. People may die, but it is the message sent that will truly convince them. My father despises me, and if I am publicly attacked, the blame can easily shift to him. And his attack on me would essentially mean an attack on the Republic. Especially if we give him the image that he is in league with the Cartel, the Senate will tear him apart. Meanwhile, they will see me not only as a victim, but a hero in my fight against corruption. And with my father and brother out of the way, Brentaal will be mine.”

@Malon

 

[Nem'ro the Hutt]

The plan was a sound one, if not terribly original. Many politicians across an equal number of worlds had used criminals to stage terrorist attacks, resulting in favorable polls for themselves. Nem'ro didn't blame the Senator for picking the tactic—it was a tried and true one. The Hutt had more than enough men to stage the attack and could probably get ahold of explosive devices to acquire the desired effect. The reward was more than worth the menial credits it would cost to set up the operation.

However, Nem'ro was nothing if not greedy. Now that the Senator had revealed his own intentions in full, it was time for the slug vigo to do the same. "Ba wolei biweoo amahola bai dotkhoba. Meecooda cuanica da cay kaae douban," the Hutt declared casually. "Baubahoe gee chiia wa lhonu doptmahecanh, an bu Ciduepe mee doth roe dah monba. La noa-a cuee momeu bai basa gee mee woceuea ai la doth gee Lucille."

The Hutt glanced across the table at his host and smirked (if Hutts were even capable of such vile expressions). "Fa baa wa yanka. Kuna kee gee woy wa dan Yih—mo wa dan yae vigo, ree koumuaee." Nem'ro took another slurp of his drink. "Jee hatkocanh bahonha bu dacda che uba, peee tee peee kae cua Yih kankahcaka uba sayey. Du kankahchonha, Jee dayan dopa lhoie kaa."

The Hutt vigo shifted slightly and leaned forward in his seat so that his big, grotesque eyes were more visible to his new business partner. "Kanwahca doth bu cuee lhoie. Wa tachonlauadi meiahah: bu Banoh baa yanee an koona, tytung juju amahola an jaha- woy. Uba koee sobahesa bai douah du wa koneaha da chaweka mee bekiola dah Dhankoe; tytung Jee catkiua doth bai bla haku doth apoya, wonkee, an joppay." The Hutt paused so that his request could be processed. Then, he continued, "Bu dopa'ta kaa Jee catkiua doth Bu Joday. Bu kougine bapkaha see Gahitlonh gee doth wahuota che gankgoy. Bu wodhepaga heee koee chiia bokeue che mah yanee. Jee bkoha biw uba tee caie dodi ritke kon Bu Joday bimay nei, hee tytung Jee hatkocanh saconba doth mee yauma du bakenu hoohah joppay Jee woy mah yatuka bai bapeha hoohah."

The Hutt took a final slurp from his drink, finishing it off. "Bonee wagan uba doth banbonzay du pawa dah Dhankoe, jeejee caiot tasag wa yanee bargon da hatkocanh chaweka bu bacdop see ten bacdop wenonle an cauekea." Nem'ro pushed away the empty glass and stared at the Senator. "Doth heee hoppada baplamkadi bai uba?" @Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

Nicolás as a vigo of the Hutt Cartel? As outlandish as it sounded, it was an entertaining thought. He was fluent in several languages, maintained the reflexes of a Jedi Knight, knew when and how to use a weapon like any ordinary bounty hunter. Being a trader on Brentaal, alongside being groomed to become House Cormond’s potential heir, gave him a lot of experience and a lot of opportunities. While his banishment from his homeworld had put a dent in his purpose and pride, there was nothing stopping from joining the Cartel to become one of the most influential men in the galaxy. But he didn’t want to become one of the most. He wanted to be the most. And with a shot at becoming Chancellor of both Brentaal and the Republic, there was no real reason for him to leave.

Of course, he was one step closer to that goal with Nem’ro’s agreement. But when the slug continued to slog on, Nicolás knew what was coming next. The Hutt wanted more. Reasonable, given the risk he was now taking for the Senator’s sake, but his growing demands was tiresome. In particular, the acquisition of the Works. While abandoned, if Nicolás were to help Nem’ro win them even the slightest, the fear he enkindled within the Republic would ultimately consume him too. Brentaal might be his, but the long-term ambition of being Chancellor would turn into a hard-fought road. One that could neither guarantee his success or his survival in the Senate. Still, what more could Nicolás do? Refuse? Denying the Hutt would just end his path to domination early on. So, he had to accept.

“So be it.” He answered given a moment of thought. He wasn’t too happy, but he was satisfied. He came to his hellish underworld for aid, and he would leave with it. That’s all he ever wanted, all he needed. Still, there was a ways to go. The gala, the invited, the bombing, the investigation. Then, it would all amount into confronting his father once and for all, before ousting and exiling him like he did his own son. Vengeance would be his. “I accept your terms, as long as you do what you have to do, and if I get away with it. Because if I’m exposed, if this doesn’t work as we had planned, I won’t be going down this ship alone.” He stuck his head up high. While he had little leverage over the Hutt, Nicolás would do whatever it takes to ensure he succeed, and if he failed, take revenge once more.

@Malon

 

[Nem'ro the Hutt]

The Hutt chuckled darkly. It was in a Hutt's nature to ask more than they were due. The simple truth was, Nem'ro felt entitled to everything in the galaxy. Everything he wanted, in his mind, already belonged to him. He sensed that the Senator was the same way. He knew enough about human body language to know that the Senator of Brentaal was displeased. Yet he agreed nonetheless. This was a sign of desiring power, no matter the risk. Perhaps the Senator was even a step further and was calculating ways to eliminate that risk should it become problematic.

Yes, Nem'ro decided that he very much liked this human, and that was saying something—Nem'ro never really liked humans. Unlike the Senator, Nem'ro was quite content with the way the meeting had played out. He had a burgeoning spy network now set up on Coruscant; Nico was only the first. Others would be joining. And, additionally, he had located a being as cutthroat and power-hungry as a Hutt. Such politicians typically made for effective tools, so long as the leverage remained with Nem'ro.

He would have to be careful, in the future, to maintain that leverage. "Donee tee, mah pateessa," Nem'ro said almost pleasantly. "Mee kantkhipla noa-a roachee bai bu jekay. Kuna kee gee vea uba sayey an cuee."

The Hutt crime lord smirked. The audacity. To threaten a Hutt, and a Hutt of considerable stature, no less. If this Senator truly did get what he wanted, with that attitude, he could easily become one of the most powerful and dangerous men in the galaxy. And Nem'ro looked forward to bearing witness to his rise. @Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

The leverage would remain on the side of the Hutt, but Nicolás knew it would have to go eventually. He could not allow that to dangle over his head forever: the knowledge that he was in league with the Cartel so as to seize power. That would make troubling leverage indeed. Should Nicolás ever be exposed, Nem’ro would have nothing to lose but a chance of power on Coruscant. Something the Senator couldn’t allow. He needed to up the stakes, tie loose strings. Killing the Hutt was only a last measure, but it wasn’t one he would ignore forever. There were many benefits when working with the Cartel, but Nicolás was in no mood to turning into one of their deluded puppets, even if it was out of supposed good intentions. As ironic and hypocritical it seemed, he preferred to work alone.

“Everything I desire and more.” He mirrored the slug’s words, obviously intrigued but still skeptical. “For both our cases, let’s hope you’re right.” Veiled threat or reinforced demand, Nicolás would leave it up to Nem’ro to decide. Surely, alienating a Hutt ally was a dangerous move, but he didn’t want to give the slug the idea that he would become some obedient slave much like the Twi’lek sprawled below him earlier. The two were merely mutual allies, each on their own respective levels. For now though, Nicolás could see the Hutt appreciated that sentiment. But that was only for now. To the Cartel, friends were like toys— used until drained and discarded. Nicolás would make sure not to fall to that same fate.

The Senator of Brentaal rose from his seat, stepped to the side, and offered a gratuitous bow. Nothing too showy or meek, but still with a trace of respect. “It was good doing business with you, Nem’ro. Let us hope this is not the last we see one another. There are great things in store: for both of us.” He managed a smile before turning around. Cowl back over his head, a surgical breathing mask over his mouth and silver sunglasses over his eyes, Nicolás turned into a whole different man. A moment later, he was out. From the room, back into the bustling purview of the nightclub, then out into the Coruscant underworld. There was much to do. Many things to plan. A gala to consider and organize. Already, he was rehearsing what to say when he met with the Senate, when he confronted his father.

That was the Republic Senate, in truth. Wearing a mask, learning one’s part, practicing a performance for the world to see. All the galaxy was a stage and the Senate a game, and Nicolás was just one of their best players. Whether he would win that game and leave that stage showered in glory remained to be unseen. But to the Senator? He could already see the light at the end of the tunnel, and the power it would bring.

@Malon

 

[Nem'ro the Hutt]

Nem'ro was pleased with how the arrangement had ended. The leverage was all in his hands, and the Senator knew as much. He would have to be wary around that Senator, though. The man had a look to him that told Nem'ro that he would kill anyone who crossed or inconvenienced him: another quality that would have made him a good vigo.

The Hutt smirked. Sure, the Senator might regret working with him now—or, at least, likely assumed he would regret working with him. But Nem'ro wasn't long for the vigo life. Soon, he would be on the Hutt Council of Families. The Supreme Mogul after that. The Senator might have his mood brightened to know he had just forged an alliance with the most powerful Hutt in Hutt Space; or the Hutt that soon would be the most powerful.

The Hutt finished his business in the nightclub and immediately made for the hangar. He had been gone long enough. It was time to return to Ryloth and begin his takeover. And then he would see what he could do for Senator Cormond. Either way, he did not believe this was the last he would see of the senator. No. This, he thought, was the beginning of a profitable partnership for the both of them. @Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

The deed was done. What he was looking for was found and taken. There was no guarantee his deal with Nem’ro the Hutt would last forever, but it sure would last a while. Each side was clambering up to new heights, the slug toward Supreme Mogul and Nicolás toward Chancellor. Although a hidden alliance between two of the most powerful forces in the galaxy could mean great things in the future, strings would have to cut. It was inevitable. If Nem’ro failed to prove any more worth to Nicolás, he would only be dead weight. He would have to be cut out from the picture. The same went for the young Senator, because he knew if everything went planned and he still failed, he knew Nem’ro would find it hard to forgive. It was like treading through a minefield, but such was the game.

Back on the city streets, Nicolás held one hand to his mouth to hold back the stench, even if it was impossible to avoid. Calling down a taxi speeder, the Senator made his way from pitstop to pistol. He knew driving straight from the shoddy club owned by the Cartel back to his penthouse in upper Coruscant was a dumb move. Instead, the Senator moved from various stops, either to shop around, to meet with yet another bureaucrat as he expanded his power base, or to celebrate in a more respectable establishment with better company and better drinks. Not enough to wake up on the other side of the galaxy, but enough. And by the time he was done, Nicolás would be back in his apartment, sliding into the cozy confines of his bed to await the next day, the next step to his endless schemes.

Of course, his sleep would not go uninterrupted. One day he was meeting with a Senator of the Republic, the next he was discussing with one of the most feared Hutt’s in the Cartel. And soon, Nicolás would find himself face to face with a Jedi Master. Or an Exile Warlord. Hell, maybe both. Just another day in the life of a Senator, it seemed.

End.​