Ask Insurance Write Offs

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

Location: Boonta Hutta, Throneworlds of the Hutt Clans​

Nor'baal was furious. Since his Captain had foolishly lost numerous elements of the fleet, the financial setback he found himself in was monumental. He had spent much of the journey back to Hutt space contemplating how to offset the loss, pondering how to pin the blame onto someone else, and had been left with only one option.

He had to go home.

And not just home, but home.

The planet below what was left of his fleet was Kor Desilijic, the throne world of his clan, a planet that no free non-Hutt has stepped foot on for millennia. Above the world was one of the best-kept secrets of his family, a medium-sized shipyard that produced Ajuur Class ships and their smaller Batil Pattern fighters. A meaty combination, the ships paired well and would form the backbone of his expanded fleet.

If nothing else, the incursion over Ruusan had shown Nor'baal that the Hutts were not ready for a protracted battle. More importantly, it had shown him that his own personal flotilla was not ready to keep him as safe as he would like. Resting in his observation deck on the flagship, Nor'baal addressed the underlings he had brought with him <Bring us in closer to the shipyard, and inform the Overseer of my arrival.>

@Sicadorito @Xorism

OOC - <huttese> because I am on the move and the translator won't load.

 

[Crux]

The next few days aboard the flagship with Nor’baal were, to say the least, awkward.

On the one hand, Crux knew that he’d helped to save the Hutt’s life, and he knew that Nor’baal knew it too. Had he not had his yacht and the fleet not been there, he couldn’t help wondering if his boss would have been able to fit aboard the other transports provided by the Sith and ISC. He didn’t want to picture Nor’baal squeezed in a tight space with everyone else.

On the other, it was true that Crux had lost half their forces to the opposing fleet, whom he now knew had been commandeered by some hive-minded bugs called Killiks. He could understand why Nor’baal was angry— in many ways his anger was justified. The fleet was expensive, and would take a long time to recover. But they would start that process today.

“You heard him.” Crux gave the Hutt a short bow before nodding for the crew members aboard the bridge to do what Nor’baal had asked. Having led them through the mess in Ruusan, he was surprised at the level of trust the crew of The Despoiler now had in him, and somehow, he didn’t want to let them down. He fully expected Nor’baal to shift the blame to someone, but he wouldn’t let it be the crew who’d stuck by him all the way through.

Hopefully the upcoming inspection would give the Hutt something else to think about.

@Xorism @Nor'baal

 

[Skelgok Desilijic]

There had been a frantic up tick in production ever since word had reached back home of the events at Ruusan. There was only one reason that the great Nor'baal would be coming, and the shipyard would not disappoint.

Having only somewhat recently been appointed Overseer, Skelgok was still coming to terms with how the facility operated. In theory the process was simple, raw materials entered that end, enslaved engineers and droid did all the hard work, resulting in finished vessels being deployed out the other end. Assuming everything worked as intended, of course.

Skelgok waited patiently as he watched for the arrival of Nor'baal and his vast entourage. The precession was extravagant, as was the reciprocating reception party. Musicians played his favourite tunes, and lines of slaves grovelled along the entrant's path, all in his name.

<Greetings, O Mighty one, we welcome you home> he started humbly.

<Your shipyards have begun full production just as you asked, we have cancelled all leave and have been executing those who fall asleep at their tasks. Please come and see the mighty fleet that we build in your honour."> There was an air of majesty and splendor that befit a Grand Mogul, and if he did his job well, perhaps he too would benefit from this disaster.

OOC - <huttese>

@Nor'baal @Sicadorito

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

Studiously continuing to ignore Crux as he bought the fleet into the shipyards orbit, Nor'baal had to admit he was quite impressed with the work his newly appointed overseer had managed to achieve since he had ordered him here. Frustratingly, however, he needed to speak to his captain to understand what ships they required. After all, whilst Nor'baal knew it had been his immense strategic might that had saved the day, Crux was undoubtedly operating under the illusion that it was all down to him.

Making his way from the ship, with his guard entourage in tow, four Gamorreans toting melee weapons, accompanied by four Weeuqay with rifles, and a further two members of the Night Wind assassins, Nor'baal himself clutched the leash of two Correllian hounds, who snapped and yelped at Skelgok as he approached. Nor'baal eyed the other Hutt up and down from his hover throne as he listened to him introduce himself.

Ignoring the usual swooning he attracted from his underlings, Nor'baal got directly to business <As you know Crux incurred numerous losses to my fleet, despite my well-laid battle plan.> he began <We therefore need to replenish and then augment the fleet, Crux will take you through the losses, and perhaps any recommendations for our renewed numbers?>[/abox3]

 

[Crux]

As Crux made his way off the ramp a little ways behind Nor’baal’s entourage, he resisted the urge to smack his forehead at the sight of the overseer. One, because it would smudge his helmet, and two, because Nor’baal would probably do worse than keep on ignoring him. Now there were two of them? Sometimes he couldn’t believe he was helping the Hutts— they were going to take over the galaxy someday, he knew it. There would be slugs everywhere.

But, he reminded himself, they gave him money and security. They were the future, and he was going to be a part of it.

Thus, Crux bit back a not-so-wise response when Nor’baal stated that he’d failed in spite of his so-called battle plan that he was never informed about. Just tell the Overseer the losses and get this over with.

“The Despoiler and The Bountious Reaping have sustained some damage to the hull and the shields. Weaponry, hyperdrives and engines are fine,” he added, crossing his arms as he faced the other Hutt. “Jabba only needs a sensor repair.” Then came the losses, and he couldn’t help a glance in Nor’baal’s direction before he continued, listing the two Praetorian-class frigates, three bulk cruisers, and forty-nine of their starfighters. He chose not to mention how they only had six of those left.

“The fleet exists only to protect you and your assets, my lord.” He gave Nor’baal a nod. “And not for major conflicts in space. My recommendation is for the new fleet to have a balance of large cruisers that hold more starfighters, combined with a sizable force of more maneuverable ones with a smaller crew size. That way, in the event of an emergency like Ruusan, we can minimize our losses by giving the enemy less concentrated targets, while maintaining the ability to swarm them if necessary.”

He looked back at the Overseer. The title brought a bad taste to his mouth, the branded emblem of the Desilijic clan on his arm a constant reminder of his past, but he understood that this was the consequence of losing all those ships.

“Of course, the mighty Lord Nor’baal will make the final call.”

@Xorism @Nor'baal

 

[Skelgok Desilijic]

Skelgok listened intently as the great Hutt spoke, his eyes wandering to the puny human standing nearby who seemed to be responsible for their predicament. His tongue lingered out the corner of his mouth as he looked the man up and down, judging him.

Sliding over toward @Crux he pulled himself up in an imposing manner, and stared him down while the man read out a list of ship names <This is the man responsible, my lord, for destroying your fleet? Would you like me to tear him limb from limb? His body will be an example to all who fail you, mighty one!> switching to basic and assuming the answer was no, he continued, "Welcome, we will begin work immediately! on repairs, there are docking bays in the north-west section where you can send them."

Skelgok continued to listen as the man listed the types and numbers of new vessels that would need to be constructed. He moved away and began shouting commands at a nearby droid who ran off in a hurry to carry them out. Meanwhile, he returned his attention back to his Magnificence. <My lord, if this is your will it will be done. We will of course need your approval to procure an ever-increasing stockpile of raw materials and credits to maintain such a schedule, which I will naturally organise with your authority.>

Such an opportunity would be well rewarding, of course. It was an expensive exercise to build a fleet and even more so to ensure everything ran smoothly, considering how easy it would be to slow things down.

Skelgok directed a droid to @Crux to take down further details around what was required while he continued to speak with
@Nor'baal Desilijic. <With your approval, I would be honoured to give a tour of your facility in action, and further I have already dispatched a droid to prepare your chambers should you desire anything, my lord.>

OOC - <huttese>

@Nor'baal @Sicadorito

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

<His incompetence is unfortunate, but not unforeseen Skelgok.> Nor'baal replied, gesturing lazily at Crux, whilst refusing to admit that his commander has made an excellent analysis of the damage done, and had acquitted himself excellently in the circumstances. <I would personally suggest we went for a balance of large cruisers, with complementing fighters, and make a few additions of smaller vessels to support them.> he repeated Crux's recommendation to his Hutt colleague as if it had been his own.

Sometimes Nor'baal astounded himself with his strategic genius.

<We can minimise our losses that way you see.> he added with a smug tone. Ideally, he wanted the remaining damaged vessels repaired, alongside a few new additions. However, he was keen to see what the Hutts facility, or at least the facility he was overseeing, could produce for him, and so he nodded and agreed. <An excellent idea, please, lead the way.> he nodded to Skelgok, before turning to Crux and barking <Come!>

 

[Crux]

At Skelgok’s suggestion to tear him apart for his failure, Crux stiffened. He was rather fond of his limbs, and though he’d expected some kind of punishment, that was not at all what he figured the Hutts had in mind.

Fortunately, Nor’baal seemed to be in a merciful mood for now and waved it aside. The relief from that was almost enough to make up for the fact that the Hutt had pretty much restated what he’d just said. With an eye roll underneath his visor, Crux would wait for the other two Hutts to finish their conversation about the new fleet, moving aside to make room for the droid who’d joined them at his side.

“Gree—”

“Shut up.”

It remained pretty quiet between them after that, and soon Skelgok offered Nor’baal a tour of the facility. That would be interesting to see, and Crux glanced at the crime lord for confirmation as for whether or not he was supposed to come along. It appeared that he was, and at his order Crux shrugged mentally and made his way after the pair of Hutts.

@Xorism @Nor'baal

 

[Skelgok Desilijic]

The smaller Hutt looked most impressed with the remarks. The fleet would be produced as ordered, that much was certain. Crux would live another day it seemed, Nor'baal thought the man still had some value to be exploited, and for that Skelgok would leave the matter be.

<Excellent choice, my lord. We will have the factory construct the fleet as desired.>

Leaving the main hall and entering a narrow hallway, the group would pass by a long series of exterior windows that would show the work being completed in space. The area was well fortified to reduce the risk of stray objects causing decompression, but more importantly allowed the management to quickly spot problems as they arose.

Coming to a stop near one such window, Skelgok turned to the pair and explain.

<This berth will please you, my lord. It houses the bare bones of a mighty warship of the Ajuur-class. We will arrange for several to be constructed in accordance with your plans. It would be a great honor to hear what you wish to name this one.>

The cruiser was mighty and powerful, perhaps one of the most in the entire Hutt fleet. For sure, the larger factions would field much more powerful and deadly weapons of war, but for the Hutt's, this smaller but still scary platform would help cement their control of the region.

@Nor'baal @Sicadorito

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

Nor'baal effectively drooled with excitement as he saw the cradle in which his new ships would be built. Deftly, he plucked a datapad from the waiting hands of his 'servant' and scrabbled over the designs for the Ajuur-class, one of the most memorable vessels in the history of the Hutt race. There was no doubt in his mind that the addition of a handful of such vessels would cement the Hutt Cartels' place as a regional power, and give pause for thought to any outsiders who might want to challenge the status quo.

Of course, the costs would be considerable, but once done, the security the new vessels would offer was worth every penny.

Who would dare question the supremacy of the Hutt Clans when they could level entire cities from orbit? The Ajuur-class was the perfect addition to a regional tyrants arsenal, and Nor'baal absolutely had to have some. <Jee hatkocanh peekasa bo catke cohka mah Bacotohoda.> he referenced the mighty creature that had come to his aid in the Killik attack, back when the newly emerged threat had first revealed itself.

A fine name, for a fine vessel.

And, given these vessels would indirectly serve the protect him, a suitable tribute to name one of them after his previous (albeit slightly smaller) protector in turn. <Uba geh jilrobahee, peee tee Crux?> the Hutt enquired, turning to his commander for a steer as to what he was looking for.

 

[Crux]

Crux would make his way after the two Hutts, gazing through the window at the ships being built on the other side. Even the bare skeleton of the Ajuur-class battleship was something to behold. If they’d had a couple of these on Ruusan, he had a feeling that things might have gone a lot differently.

Although, that was only speculation. He did find it surprisingly heartening that Nor’baal had chosen to name one of the ships after his rancor. Maybe Hutts felt things other than greed or anger after all.

When prompted about the starfighters, Crux would give Nor’baal a nod of confirmation.

“Yes, my lord.” With that, he would turn to Skelgok inquiringly. “Would you happen to have some that are maneuverable? We have the heavy firepower— the fighters would supplement the battleship well.” A combination of speed and strength, in his opinion, would have their enemies thinking twice about challenging them.

@Xorism @Nor'baal

 

[Skelgok Desilijic]

Skelgok clasped his hands together gleefully as Nor'baal named the first of many that would be constructed here. <An excellent choice, my lord.> Better to keep it simple and sweet, he thought.

Next came Crux whose mind lingered away from the glorious warships that would undoubtably win the day on their own, and instead drew attention to one tiny problem they had yet to address.

<Of course, Hutt shipyards have produced the Batil fighter for millennia, obviously making improvements as the centuries went by. No doubt we have many still available as needed, but we are also capable to dedicate a line to producing more modern ones if you so desire. Extremely manoeuvrable, but they do lack hyperdrives and must be carried into combat. >

Skelgok motioned towards the other side of the shipyard, where smaller vessels were being constructed.

<Might we also introduce a more recent addition to your fleet, the Z-07 Syndicate Class Starfighter has decent maneuvering ability but also comes with a heavier fire-power and hyperdrive equipped.>

@Nor'baal @Sicadorito

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

Nor'baal looked at the assorted designs being proposed. He had, quite literally, no idea what he was looking at - yet he knew none would dare to suggest that was the case. He puffed out his chest and nodded sagely, giving the impression of being in deep thought. <Very noble vessels.> he nodded deeply and sonorously continued his false-assessment of the designs <As I wisely commented, it would be good to have many of these in our arsenal.> he took Crux's words and made them his own, as was his wont.

<I will commission a complement of them to accompany the Ajuurs; my commander will provide the exact figures.> he waved a hand dismissively at Crux <Also, this yard must repair any damage done to my remaining ships, for which they shall be compensated.> he confirmed the workload, growing bored with the tiresome, and expensive, discussions, and keen to leave.

OOC - I am on a train, so no translations today!

 

[Crux]

With the amount of ships being built, it almost seemed as though Skelgok had covered it all. The Hutt ships would have the speed and the strength of any respectable fleet, and though it hopefully wouldn’t be put to the test anytime soon, Crux had a better feeling about it this time.

“Of course, my lord.” He wasn’t sure of the exact figures yet, but he was sure that they would be able to work something out. He was just glad that one, he’d been able to keep his limbs, and two, that Ruusan hadn’t completely wrecked the old fleet and gave him something to work with. Sure it would be expensive, but at least that wasn’t something he would have to worry about. The future fleet would look better than ever.

@Xorism @Nor'baal

 

[Skelgok Desilijic]

The impatience of the Hutt Lord was legendary, even Skelgok was hesitant to delay his mightyness' leisure time. Alas, business always came in the way of pleasure, and this was no different. Considering the Hutt Cartel's life literally depended on the fleet's expansion and success, he didn't think the Lorda would mind being interrupted one last time, but it was certainly a risk regardless.

<Your excellency, there is but one more surprise. If you recall, the cartel entered into a partnership with the Zann Consortium some time ago in an effort to produce a mighty warship. You have approved this design in the past, but with your approval, we would like to add the Z-27 Syndicate-class corvette to the docks and begin building them in earnest.>

This design was specifically designed by the consortium to appeal to Nor'baal's tastes and so the young Hutt did not see it likely that there would be much opposition. Crux would also likely approve the additional expense, as the ships would provide a vital role in the fleet's composition. Or so the droids had told Skelgok anyway.

@Nor'baal @Sicadorito

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

A surprise! Nor’baal loved surprises!
No – he narrowed his eyes. Looked around his licked his lips nervously, his guards tensing as they sensed one of their masters’ notorious bouts of paranoia coming on.

What sort of surprise?

A low growly rumbled throughout the Hutts massive frame, as he began to place the pieces together. Crux, no doubt smarting from his failure at Ruusan, and the gentle and informative feedback Nor’baal had offered him, was obviously seeking to do the Hutt harm! Or worse, this had been his plan all along!

Crux was on the payroll of the perfidious Besadii, those penny-pinching Hutts that had long been the rivals of his own family. It all made sense now – damage his fleet, forcing Nor’baal to buy new ships, directly from a shipyard no doubt controlled or influenced by the Besadii!

And that Skelgok! Third, fourth cousin? But who does he work for?

He glowered at Skelgok, as he produced plans made by Grace Zann. It made perfect sense, Grace Zann was out for revenge, she sought to welch on the generous terms of their deal Nor’baal had made her, before swiftly selling her out to Consortium, or whoever it had been in the end – the Hutt had quite forgotten.

She had obviously got Skelgok on payroll, no doubt bankrolled by Crux’ paymasters, the Besadii!

Nor’baal briefly considered having them both flayed alive, but that was far to obvious a tactic in the face of this conspiracy. Instead, he decided to do what they least expected, and go along with it.

His genius was staggering.

<Interesting, Skelgok. Tell me, how did you come by these designs?>

 

[Crux]

Surprise? Crux’s gaze immediately went to Nor’baal as Skelgok brought that up. He had no idea how the Hutt would react to being presented with a “surprise”, especially one that had ties to the Zann Consortium. He didn’t know much about them, but he assumed that they were yet another rival syndicate that would occasionally get in the Hutts’ way.

He soon found out that they indeed were not friends, though Nor’baal’s reaction was a little disconcerting given how tense the guards suddenly looked. Crux found himself reflexively crossing his arms as the Hutt’s eyes narrowed. At his questioning of Skelgok as to where he’d gotten the plans, he could only hope for the other Hutt’s sake that he’d gotten it from at least a somewhat legitimate source… as legitimate as that could be, being in the position they were in.

Well, considering that Skelgok had suggested to have his arms ripped off earlier, that hope didn’t extend too far.

@Xorism @Nor'baal

 

[Skelgok Desilijic]

The smaller Hutt squirmed for a brief moment as he pondered how best to respond to the question. To lie and be caught would be certain death but to lie and not be caught was preferable. Telling the truth was a dirty thought but perhaps it would allay undue suspicions that could be cast upon him though.

<"From your abundance, of course. The previous Overseer had plans in his office, collecting dust, no doubt from his eagerness to also surprise you with them. The paperwork said you paid for these plans to be commissioned, of course, you did. This was an elaborate plan to showcase your superior business skills and the ships will then show off your might. How many should we build your excellency?">

Skelgok hoped and waited with bated breath, he knew little of the Zann fellows but from the way Nor'baal had reacted they would likely not be on good terms. Even so, it seemed a waste to give up good tech over a little bad blood, heck it would even be a little ironic if the same tech was used to enforce the Hutt's power over their criminal enterprises.

@Nor'baal @Sicadorito

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

Of course! Nor'baal scoffed as the smaller Hutt genuflected almost immediately at the display of raw power from his better! Naturally, the garrulous Hutt had no idea what Skelgok thought of him. Still, his own deluded, paranoid fantasies spelt out a pretty picture of a 'Nor'baal the Great' lording his power and staggering might over lesser beings. <Pah! Yes, that sounds right.> the elder Hutt congratulated himself on his own foresight and genius.

Of course, he had ensured the plans where already commissioned. Sure, he did not recall doing it, but - the more he really thought about it, it seemed apparent. It was he, the Great Nor'baal, who had really been the puppet master all along! <I say - > he looked at his hand, trying to work out a number. He had three fingers! The perfect figure - it was meant to be.

He thrust his hand up into the air triumphantly and bellowed <Three!> he looked around, exalting in his own strategic mastery (and fiscal prudishness). <Now get to it, I have other business to attend to.> he chortled, seeking to draw the days affairs to a close.

 

[Crux]

Once the tension began to dissipate with Nor’baal’s decision to go ahead with the construction of the ships, Crux would follow wherever the Hutt went next, whether that was back to the ships or if Skelgok had more to show them. Giving one more look at the ships through the window though, the guilt of having lost so many was beginning to fade. While they might have lost some this round, they would come back stronger next time.

Whether he would be in charge of this new fleet should it be necessary again would be entirely up to Nor’baal, however. It wasn’t something so trivial that it could just be given to anyone— though he assumed that having gotten Nor’baal out of there in one piece might give him an upper hand.

Of how the fleet would really turn out, of what Nor’baal would do with it, only time would tell. For now, Crux would turn and dip his head in a curt nod to Skelgok.

“My thanks for the repairs.”

//Exit character

@Xorism @Nor'baal