A Pipeline of Dreams

[Nor'baal]

A Pipeline of Dreams

Jiguuna​

One of the oldest industrial towns on the Planet of the Hutts, the so called 'Glorious Jewel', Jiguuna made its way into the history books back in the days of the old republic when it served as a hub for trade, crime and Shvash Gas Trading. Now it serves as a holding zone for the so called 'old money' of the Hutts, a cash bantha for Oligarchs who have converted the town in a sprawling morass of Palaces and Refineries for Gas and other energy fuels from far and wise. Poverty is rife, but for those at the top, the wealth they control is beyond imagining.

Pictured Above: The Vesajilic Trading House, a dormant refinery on the outskirts of the settlement. Trading in Shvash Gas, as well as the Gas imported from their operations as part of the Desajilic Kajadic, the Refinery is an up and comer in the Settlement despite the families already vast wealth and influence.
​

The Hutt sighed to himself as he waited on the entrance ramp to the trading house of the Vesajilics. Behind him lay the dormant Yatuka-class Container Hauler, the words ''Glorious and Eternal Jewel of Nor'baal'' stenciled onto the side of it in crude writing. He shook his head slightly, for Durga Nor'baal Vesajilic really did wonder why his father had such a colossal ego sometimes. Of course, the answer was soon once again reinforced as the elder Hutt made his way to stand next to his son, only to stop and instruct that one of the humble dock workers be fired, and then savagely beaten for not averting his gaze when the Hutt passed him by.

That was why his father was so arrogant, he had to be. It was part of him now, part of the act that kept him, and by extension his family, rising up through the ranks. Show strength, and you have strength, his father had always said, and it was true - for a match-work of his hard work, and sheer brutality had got him where he was today. Collectively the Vesajlics where one of the wealthiest non-council families in the Cartel, controlling all the gas to come off Bespin, a vast industry of party barges, smuggling and drug running in Jiguuna as well as their more recent race-track possession on Ryloth.

His father had also recently gone into the sale of exotic animals, and Durga suspected that his elder was dealing with someone in the Imperium, for he often went on 'business trips' to the Imperial Border. And now, he had yet further plans, plans Durga would pay a vital part in. He was going to consolidate the Gas and Energy Industry in the Core Worlds of the Cartel. The plan was a convuluted one, that would ultimately lead to the merger and mutual profit of all the Hutts in the area, under the Vesajilics of course, and would require that the local Hutts 'came to understand the view of the family' as his father had put it.

This plan of course required some additional help, for today as the two Hutts went to meet with some of the local bosses, they would be taking some security with them. Security of the best kind.

Mandalorians.

 

[Outlander]

Up above the planet's surface, a Shukala-Class Gunship flew lazily overhead. From its small berths, a drop ship launched out, diving down through the atmosphere towards the ground. The ship pulled up sharply, banking around the Trading House with a flourish that showed that they where aiming to impress. The drop ship stopped in mid air above the party of Hutts, floating down to the ground, landing in front of them. As the engines wound down, the doors opened, revealing a compartment filled with six Mandalorians and Twelve security personnel. They spread out, the security team creating a perimeter around the group while the Mandalorians moved forward to the Hutts. Tala stood before them and removed her helmet in a sign of respect. "Greeting. We're your security detail."

 

[Jonny Priest]

James followed close behind Tala, his rifle slung across his chest and his sword safely strapped to his hip. He was dressed in his heavy battle armor save for his helmet, which could be broken down and stored in the armor when not in use. He kept her right flank while the others took their various positions. He was ready for combat, and his mind was focused on their objective. He kept a cool and calm demeanor as he puffed on a cigarette, something he was rarely seen without.

It was surprising; he was human and smoked like a chimney, yet his lungs and body was in tip-top shape. It was as if he were breathing air that had the calming and buzzing effects of the Kimp herb used in the smokables. As they came to a stop and Tala, his fearless leader that recruited him after discovering his Mandalorian ancestry while he was fixing up her ship, introduced herself, he rested the rifle butt-end on the ground and relaxed his hands over the barrel. He knew he looked at least battle-ready standing beside her, but felt fierce in his heart. He was ready to tackle their objective with his all.

 

[Arterius]

Deunan emerged from the pod to the left flank as Jack maintained the right, her durasteel beskar'gam a battle worn red, littered with silver patches and blaster scorches. It came with a orange trim and golden shoulders, but most interesting piece of her gear was not the infamous armour or jetpack, but the four blasters holstered on her person. Two modified Westars rested secure in holsters on her chest just under her armpits, and two mean looking T-6 Thunderers sat perched in holsters on her armoured thighs. All handles pointed inward, requiring arms to cross to draw... just how she liked it. As Tala removed her helmet, so too did she, and hooked her helmet beneath an arm.

This wasnt her first rodeo with Tala, and so walking into the situation she wasnt worried. Cautious yes, but worried most definitely not. For now she was content to let Tala do the talking, doubting that the Hutts would want to speak to her anyway in truth. It was going to be an interesting time, that was for sure.

 

[Nor'baal Vesajilic Diori]

You certainly got what you paid for, admitted the Hutt to himself, impressed by the collection of troops that now arrayed themselves before him. A powerful team had been assembled by his Mandalorian Contact, and Nor'baal could think of many uses for them beyond their simple task today. He moved down the slope toward them, and spread his arms wide.

<Greetings my friends, and welcome to the residence of Nor'baal Vesajilic the Elder, Patriarch of the House Vesajilic.> he chortled to them as the tired and worn looking droid next to him translated it into basic for the benefit of his guests. <Today you are indeed honored to function as my Guards, as I attend business. Suceed and Impress, and you will be further rewarded with more bountiful chances to serve the Hutts.> he decreed boldly, before allowing the droid to continue.

Stepped/Limping forwards, the droid spoke:

''His most excellent and indeed worshipful majesty Nor'baal invites any questions to his benign countenance before the days business can begin.'' said the droid, quite clearly used to pouring out meaningless pleasantries for its master.

 

[Outlander]

Tala shook her head, slipping her helmet back on. "Me and my team are ready to move on your mark. A perimeter will be around you at all times, with my team staying in close proximity. If all goes as planned, you won't need us. But we're prepared for the worst."

 

[Jonny Priest]

James kept his composure cool as he puffed away on his cig until it was done. When finished, he let it fall to the ground and he stomped it out. He was confident in the team that was assembled. He knew Tala, and he knew himself. He wasn't the best fighter in the galaxy, but he was definitely up there. He didn't know much of the red-haired battle-ready beauty either, but he could sense her calm demeanor hid a powerful warring spirit within. Perhaps it was just the weapons so blatantly strapped to her chest that gave her the fierce edge she needed in her appearance. Either or, it worked. He felt as though he was apart of a good team.

Catching himself, he stopped stealing glances at the lady and kept his eyes forward. As pretty as she was, he was there for the job. There would be time for socializing after everything went successfully. He listened intently for whatever their objective was going to be, keeping his mind and resolve focused on the task at hand.

 

[Arterius]

As she felt the eyes of James upon her while Tala spoke, she studied him curiously in her peripherals. As of yet, Deunan hadn't the pleasure of working with the particular man before, but with the look of him, from those fierce scars, to his armour and weapons, she had every confidence he would be a reliable person on this job. Then again, Tala had a gift for picking her soldiers wisely, a trait demonstrated previously. When Tala's speech drew to its close was when Deunan's jade eyes drifted across to James, catching him just in time to spot him looking away. A quiet chortle rolled in her chest as her lips pricked up in a corner, transforming into a soft grin- her ego feeling slightly stroked. With a roll of her head she worked out a crack in her neck and reverently placed her blast-helmet upon her head like it was a crown, and in that moment, she felt clothed. Out on missions, if she wasn't wearing her full armour, she felt naked.

Now, fully armoured, she hooked her thumbs in the front of her belt and watched Tala and the Hutt, awaiting the next move.

 

[Nor'baal Vesajilic Diori]

With the team now fully assembled Nor'baal felt comfortable moving onward to the location of the meeting. It was in a relatively old looking building, a former - and now closed - Cantina, surrounded by a motley crew of Guards from the various factions of Hutts represented at todays assembly. The building itself was not that impressive, or indeed remarkable, and few noticed the Hutt wander in with his companions.

Inside the main meeting room, alongside dozens of Guards, rested nearly twenty Hutts, leaders of the largest refineries and Gas Fields and Transportation groups in Jiguuna. Literally trillions of credits where linked to these individuals, and Nor'baal felt, but would never admit it, a little in awe. Slowly, he made his way around the group, introducing himself to those assembled.

If today went well, he would make friends, and could identify those who stood in the way of his dreams to make the largest Gas Conglomerate in Hutt Space

@Outlander

 

[Outlander]

Tala stood beside the Hutt, slightly behind him as they made their way around the room. She signaled her soldiers to fan out, taking up positions around the room while the Mandalorians in her party stated nearby. She eyed the other Hutts and Guards warily, keeping an eye out for trouble.

@Arterius @Jonny Priest

 

[Arterius]

"So" Deunan whispered to Tala, closing the space between them as they the building, watching as the cadre of Soldier's under Outlander's command spread out symmetically about the chamber with even spacing, covering every angle "We expecting trouble, as always?" the light reflecting off her visor could've doubled for pupils as the twin glimmers sat on Tala, but her actual eyes had since moved to the Hutts.

Now, they had moved back to James curiously. If things went bad, at least she'd see what this guy could do.