Ask [Randon] A Randon Occurrence

[Dar'baal]

The glorious arrival of Dar'baal Desilijic Zordo and his flotilla of ships would grace the eyes of those in the Randon system. There were plenty present to bear witness to the four capital sized craft stretching out of hyperspace. Two Syndicate class corvettes were joined by a trio of Cumulus class corsairs. The last ship at the center of the formation was a Minstrel class star yacht which carried the leader of the small fleet.

The Hutt scion had a few reasons for bringing so many ships. Personally he knew he was a valuable asset to his family and their underworld empire. These days the space lanes were rife with pirates and opportunistic hostiles. Dar'baal was not taking any chances and also wanted to make sure he had options to work with once he arrived.

The world before them was business based planet. It notably had the Pabol Sleheyron and Randon Run hyperspace routes allowing commerce to flourish. This was for this aspect also that Dar'baal had come to the planet. Unimaginable wealth passed hands here and he would tap into that revenue stream.

Civilian ships gave the Hutt military caravan a wide birth as they approached the world. <"Contact the planet's leadership. I wish to speak with them."> Dar'baal said from his opulent viewing room. The planet slowly grew larger as the ships were in no hurry to land. Their approach was not rushed, it was inevitable. Those on the planet would scramble and worry, wondering what this change of events could mean for their daily lives. The Hutt's translator 3P0 unit gave a slight bow and did as it was told.

Spoiler: Dice

Rolled to see if Dar'baal could convince his family to lend him extra ships
87/100 rousing success

 

[Kaldar]

Kaldar was a diversified man. He had legitimate investments across the galaxy and was becoming a "fixer" behind the scenes for some widely influential organizations.

His Sith persona, though, was a bit less known. That was fine, mind you, but in this case, that was what he was leaning into. He had arrived in his full armor with lightsaber hanging from his belt, and made it quite obvious who and what he was. There was no real point in concealing it at this point, and his Sith-rune covered helmet never left his head.

He had contacted Dar'baal under his Sith name of Virious, and the Hutt had been smart enough to take an opportunity for a Sith in his corner. A business partnership, as it turned out, was good for both of them.

I like shotgun diplomacy, he said as he approached Dar'baal on the bridge of the ship. His EZPhone and EZPods were already running in his ears under his helmet so that he could understand the Hutt's Huttese.

Maybe they'll just roll over, he said, crossing his arms and waiting for the planet to respond. Maybe all he'd have to do was stand here and look threatening. That would be the easiest - and most profitable - payoff of his life.

@Darasuum

 

[Dar'baal]

Spoiler: Music

Song

Dar'baal exhaled a cloud of smoke that smelled like syrup and sweet-cakes. The truth was it tasted like a breakfast meal and was delicious to the Hutt. He enjoyed the comforts of his luxury star yacht and also wished for his guests to be comfortable as well. The scion's large yellow eyes focused their slit like pupils on the mystic.

The young Hutt had heard of the Sith and were wary of them but knew they were promising business partners. This Virious had the aura of a predator and thus kept his security on alert at all times. He trusted in the self-interest the dark sider possessed to not react violently towards Dar'baal. That being said the Hutt did feel a sense of unease being so near the man. At least that said something about the capabilities of the Sith. Dar'baal was usually a good judge of character but even his advised him to use caution.

<"It would be in both sides' best interests that they stand down. A battle certainly can expedite the process. However, I do not wish to require excessive reconstruction efforts or damage to the future property of the Hutt families."> He tried to sound official, professional even considering this was the scion's first job beyond the reaches of Hutt Space. He wanted this to go smoothly and set the tone for his rule over Randon. Nor'baal, his uncle had promised him the ability to lead the planet and he did not want to rule over a devastated world. Dar'baal was motivated to be merciful but the same could not be guaranteed for his companion.

The large slug pointed towards one of the weequay deck officers. <"Send a message to the planet's local chief authority. I wish to speak with them.">
A moment later they signaled the line was open and the image of a male middle aged Bimm in a suit and likely sitting at a desk of some sort.

Dar'baal would speak regardless of the Bimm beginning to part their lips. His wide mouth opened to bring his booming voice to the ears of those on the other end of the line. <"Greetings Randon. As you can see, I Dar'baal Desilijic Zordo have arrived with an impressive fleet of ships to bring order and secure peace for this downtrodden system. By order of the Desilijic family and the divine right of the Hutts, you are commanded to relay a message. Your military assets are to stand down and transfer control to me, your new lord and Daimyo. Failure to do so is not advised and will have tragic consequences."> His head turned slightly to look in the direction of Virious. <"I have the assistance of Sith, I have a fleet and an army. Fear not, I am benevolent and seek only to bring wealth and prosperity to this planet and all of you. These are necessary and will assure your future."> He waited to see if they would accept their situation or dare to fight back. Dar'baal would not hesitate to go to battle.

The Bimm cleared his throat and leaned off to the side as someone whispered in their long floppy ears. Some of their whiskers twitched and their shoulders sunk. "Your excellency...I am the Prime Minister of Randon. I will order the Defense Force to stand down. As far as the governorship of the planet, I cannot just hand ov-"

<"Cannot, or will not?"> Dar'baal's sausage like fingers curled to form fists. His protocol droid took a careful step away from the Hutt. "There will be riots. The people they'll take the streets. Give me twenty four hours and I can work with my public relations for a smoother transition." If Bimms could sweat they did not show it. Dar'baal's eyes squinted as he thought it over. He could see the inconveniences of domestic unrest and even insurgency. <"Very well. Your Defense Force will be relieved by my mercenaries until I assume control tomorrow. Do not take this opportunity to weasel your way out of this Prime Minister, your entire world depends on it."> He was not exaggerating. The Prime Minister's image disappeared as the call ended leaving the Hutt and Sith relatively alone on the bridge of the ship.

The next few moments would see the Hutt fleet moving more towards the planet. The assortment of ships carried a veritable army of scoundrels and enforcers that answered to the Hutt Scion. But he knew that mixing them with the local populace could lead to some friction. <"What do you think?"> He asked the Sith, knowing it was vague but really just opening the floor for advice or wisdom.

@Phoenix

Spoiler: Dice

Rolled to intimidate the locals
74/100 success

 

[Kaldar]

Virious watched it all from behind the visor of his helmet. Looking menacing was a simple task, but what he was actually doing was searching out both the Hutt and the leaders of the planet. He let the Force guide not only his eyes and ears, but his mind as well.

There was fear in the air, and he could smell it even through the holocomm that he watched. He watched the way the man's eyes flicked between the Hutt and Virious's armor. The way his jaw clenched and flexed.

Most Sith would have stopped there, but beneath the fear, was something more. There was a layer of... something else. It was actually hard for him to put his finger on it precisely. Defiance? Deception? He was holding something back, though Virious wasn't sure exactly what it was.

As the call ended, his mind still turned it over until he was shaken by the translator in his ear buzzing with Dar'baal's question.

He's hiding something, he said. The trouble with the Force was that it wouldn't tell you exactly what. Still, a warning that there was something to be on the look out for was better than nothing.

Keep a close on on the Defense Forces, he said. And I don't just mean the ships and vehicles. The troops and the generals. Twenty-four hours is enough time to get a lot of troops mobilized into a guerrilla force, and the last thing you want is to get bogged down in a hit-and-run street war on their home turf, he said.

@Darasuum

 

[Dar'baal]

Dar'baall took another long drag of his hookah. The sweet syrupy scent of the Hutt's vice was dry despite its salivation causing smell. Dar'baal called for a large multi-gallon cup to be brought towards him. It was carried by a muscular male cathar wearing a slave collar who adjusted the straw for the scion to easily drink from without taking his eyes far from his focus. He waved the servant off with a hand that narrowly missed the side of their head but the Hutt could not care less.

<"Hmm, yes. Thank you for confirming my feelings..."> Dar'baal hesitated a moment, not wanting to offend their counterpart. <"...was it Darth Virious?> It was better to be safe than sorry. The two slit pupil eyes surrounded by golden iris studied the dark sider. They seemed to be an excellent judge of character as well.

The scion would direct his forces inwards towards the planet but ordered them to spread out. Their numbers would disperse among the civilian ships but keep to a neighborly distance with one another. Normal business would continue as normal with perhaps a greater degree of wariness on all sides.

<"We shall visit the Prime Minister with haste. Tell the rest of the fleet to disperse. Do not allow any civilian craft to approach ours without my express permission. Also, stand by for future orders."> There were many implications with Dar'baal's orders, some of which were fatal for his subordinates. The Idiot's Array, the Hutt's personal star yacht would move independently from the fleet and make a direct path for the Prime Minister's residence.

Unbeknownst to the Hutts, the Tower of Ministry had numerous inactive quad laser cannons and point defense weapon systems. As they were, they were unpowered but could be activated at a moment's notice. Furthermore, scores of droideka units were maneuvering into place around the tower at key junction points. B2 super battle droids reinforced them with blaster arms charged and at the ready. Non-combatant personnel were told to shelter in place without available escape routes. They did not want to alert the Hutts that they were preparing to resist.

@Phoenix

Spoiler: Dice

Rolled for Defense Force reaction to Hutt approach
81/100 rousing success

 

[Kaldar]

Indeed, he said. Darth was a title of superiority taken by the Sith from among the Sith. A proclamation declaring that you were the master over your fellow Sith, and in Kaldar's case... well, he was trying to fill Darth Raze's shoes, and those were mighty large shoes to fill. Was he on par with his master? No, but the rest of the galaxy didn't need to know that and he certainly wasn't going to go around declaring it by saying he wasn't as powerful as many of the Darths of old... yet.

Virious listened to the orders that the Hutt gave, and considered them for a moment. At first he was going to suggest that the Hutt remain up here in the skies where it was safer - he didn't really strike Virious as the battle Hutts of old - but if he wanted to risk his own neck, that was his call.

Wouldn't it be more prudent to let our forces secure the grounds before going down? he asked. He would much rather send other people to their deaths than travel down to his own. Particularly if they ended up landing under fire.

@Darasuum

 

[Dar'baal]

A Darth, that was momentous indeed. While a chill ran down the Hutt's spine at the Sith's answer, the thrill of opportunity ran up it. If Dar'baal had the support of a Dark Lord of the Sith then he had a mighty ally indeed.

"Hrrrm" The large slug paused but his troops continued despite the Sith Master's suggestion. The scion pondered the advice briefly before raising a grubby hand in the air. <"Belay my last order."> After giving the order the ships halted their advance and maintained positions.

He would be a fool to ignore the suggestion of a Darth Lord. He doubted the Sith would be giving the advice to betray the Hutt. The young paranoid mind of a rising Hutt scion could not help but spawn more ideas of espionage after hearing such things. But his superior wisdom and excellent education curbed these considerations and favored a logical train of thought instead.

<"Send troops down and guarantee security prior to arrival."> The order was issued throughout the fleet and was obeyed in turn. Each of the ships that possessed a shiethpede class shuttle loaded up with ten heavily armed and armored Houk High Tops. The warriors rivaled the strength and ferocity of wookiees. The scion was confident in their ability to secure the Tower of Ministry and would wait for their report. Whilst he waited he continued to smoke his hookah, occasionally he would sneak a glance at the Sith, wondering as to what the man was thinking underneath the ominous helmet.

@Phoenix

 

[Kaldar]

Virious watched in silence. He got the general impression of paranoia that radiated off of the Hutt, but there was no betrayal in the Sith's actions. In this case, it was in Virious's best interest to keep his new business partner alive. If things turned into betrayal further down the line... well, Virious would be most displeased. Though, as the Hutts always said: bloodshed was bad for business.

Still, the Sith Master never got too comfortable on a foreign ship where he was potentially at a disadvantage. Still, he gambled on people working in their own best interest. That was what Raze had taught him, after all.

As the troops made it to the surface, a variety of old era battle droids were still milling about and although the B1s surrendered their weapons the B2s had no such ability with their built-in weapons. And they seemed to be clustered within the ministry tower with greater concentrations than perhaps were normal.

@Darasuum

 

[Dar'baal]

The Hutt coasted on the buzz he had gained from his hookah. Dar'baal made a note to hold off on smoking the vice while conducting business in the future. It may be a contributor to his sense of paranoia, or at least not helping to soothe it even if it felt good and made the void especially pretty. But it was hard to not be enticed by the flavors and feelings caused by the drug. It was a mild blend, at least for a young Hutt like him.

Dar'baal wondered if the Sith would be affected by second hand smoke or if his armor filtered it out. Perhaps Virious's magicks did it for him. Dar'baal amused himself momentarily by imagining a stoned dark lord. Maybe they would be able to party together when this was over. But Sith always seemed like such a serious and broody bunch. Could they really be fun in a club or a buzz kill? Questions for later.

Reports were relayed to the scion's personal yacht and kept the Darth and Hutt informed respectively. The initial host of cartel troops secured the landing zones but met some resistance. Thankfully, after a tense moment between the leader of the Houk leading the ground forces and head of tower security, all the B2 super battle droids were directed to leave the Tower. The leadership of Randon were wise to not allow the droids to turn this into a battle. It would be a temporary victory for the planet and one swiftly followed by Hutt retribution. Rather than risk punishment, they had opted to submit.

Dar'baal nodded his smiling wide mouthed head at the update and continued to watch as another wave of shuttles ladened with troops were transported to the surface. Eventually the rest of the Tower of Ministry would be made safe for Dar'baal's arrival. Teams effectivily had control of the other planetary defenses and could eliminate as well as isolate portions of the world's infrastructure. The Prime Minister was held under surveillance and would not get away with any trickery.

<"As my forces continue to work how do you wish to pass the time?"> It was clear he was confident in their inevitable success. But the two of them did not need to stand on the bridge for hours on end. Well, Darth Virious was standing, Dar'baal was always partially reclined. The Hutt and Sith were each a cut above the rest of the common galactic citizenry but they could still enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Dar'baal liked to watch sports, holodramas and play various games of chances. Then again there was some other business that could be worth discussing. Perhaps next steps or future entrepreneurial endeavors.

@Phoenix

 

[Kaldar]

Virious couldn't quite break the feeling that something was wrong, but as his eyes swept over the various consoles and command stations... nothing stood out. Nothing made his Sithy sense tingle. It all seemed to be going fine.

Maybe we can discuss the future of the planet, he said. Although his voice came out modulated through his helmet, the tone somehow still portrayed a soothing quality.

You must have a plan for what you intend to do, he said. He knew he certainly had plans for the underworld's spice trade, and Hutts... well, they were ambitious beings almost to an individual. He was sure that Dar'baal had his own plans for the more "legitimate" (if Hutt business could really be called that) side of things.

As he said that, his eyes settled on a confrontation taking place between some cartel thugs and a local security trooper. In fact, from the looks of things, the invaders had started whatever fight it was, and Virious was curious to see how it would be handled or if it would escalate... or if intervention would be required.

@Darasuum

 

[Dar'baal]

Dar'baal grumbled momentarily as he heard the Darth's suggestion. The Hutt was hoping to hear the dark sider's ambitions before volunteering his own but it seemed he would have to go first. Very well. He was certain that his endeavors would prove positive and his determination was a self-fulfilling attribute. When a Hutt sets their mind to something it is hard to change it.

<"It is important to think of all aspects of a planet such as this. Randon is a hub of trade that sees many foreigners come and go on an hourly basis. The standard of patronage will of course be expected for all parties. This is a Hutt world of the Desilijic afterall. Hohohoho"> He looked forward to the payment the various business would give to the families.

<"We will review who among the local police force and leadership is incorruptible in the following days. Those that cannot be convinced to open their minds to our way of thinking will be eliminated. The planetary government will be allowed to exist though it will be a puppet for the families, for me."> He did not want to have the Hutts forces replace the locals. It was far better to have the Randoni police be the ones getting shot rather than Syndicate enforcers.

The forces on the ground had a few moments of tense confrontation but the storm abated as the droids were told to stand down. The rest of the security forces of Randon seemed to understand they had no choice unless they wanted to commit suicide by Cartel. The Houk Hightops, despite their size and proud bearing, knew they were risking the wrath of their boss if this led to the loss of significant property. They restrained themselves from escalating things any further and reported the security systems were secured.

Dar'baal continued, glad he would not need to discipline any of his subbordinates today and continued. <"A food shortage can be declared in the next month or so and a lockdown on media as well. Something along those lines. People will be hungry and their own brains, the bodies of their kids too, will suffer in the long run unless I deem a benevolent change. This will make the locals more compliant in time and grateful for the times when they prosper again. With limited entertainment, they will only get the best the Hutt families have to offer which I can use to further influence the public image. This can fuel their thirst for conflict and have opinions that will compliment my own."> It was not just limiting food, but the quality of it as well. He planned to shape Randon until it was completely formed into his desired image. Every level of the civilized planet would slowly be corrupted by the Hutt's presence let alone influence.

<"I think I will lower taxes first."> It would be a surprising change but behind the scenes he would be defunding education, military spending and other departments he would funnel money from. Publicly he would potentially gain some points with the common folk but it was the corporate leaders he hoped to gain the favor of. People with nothing to lose were hard to bargain with afterall. <"What do you think?">

@Phoenix

 

[Kaldar]

Virious thought about what he said as he described his plans. Lowering taxes was probably smart, but he had his own concerns about some of the other pieces.

If you start out making a food shortage you're likely to get riots, he said. Contented bellies was usually a better way to go... unless of course.

Unless you want riots so you can bring down the fist, he said. Making an example was much more Hutt in many ways. They were interested in their own bellies, but rarely cared about those of others. Muscle was how you managed to move mountains in their business. In Virious's business as well.

Better to be feared than loved, though, right? he said.

@Darasuum

 

[Dar'baal]

<"Indeed. It will be a gradual and careful adjustment. Much of the planet will be fine but with limited options their hunger will make them less picky when it comes to new foodstuffs. Cheap sustenance of low nutritional value will become common in the households of the rich and powerful while the lower classes will not have any choice but to sustain themselves off of what is available."> The poor would be full but they would not be well fed. Those that could afford it would simply choose to eat. <"Meanwhile, advertising will make them crave more. It will seem like it was their own idea all along. I will just be the one supplying what they desire."> A mischievous grin spanned the width of the Hutt's mouth as he imagined his plan coming to fruition.

<"There may be riots but they will be squashed quickly or they will die on their own."> His tone did not sound worried in the least. Dar'baal cleared his throat, causing a hidden pocket of smoke to belch from his mouth. He expanded on the subject a bit further. <"If they riot it will be against the local government of Randon, not the Hutts. The Ministry will of course do what any good governing body does and consider their constituents. Naturally, such a concern will be brought to my attention and will be dealt with accordingly. It will appear like the locals are making concessions when I have already taken into account such sacrifices."> He intended to use the local Randon government from the shadows at first until Hutt culture and syndicate interactions became more common place.

<"I would like to have it both ways."> Being loved and feared was what it meant to be a Desilijic. As a mighty Hutt burdened with glorious purpose Dar'baal could be sated by the world's compliance but he would not be completely satisfied unless he was liked. The scion wanted their complete and utter devotion.

<"What business do you wish to conduct on Randon, Darth Virious?"> Another long toke on the Hutt's hookah caused his large lungs to fill with smoke. A moment later a cloud of the stuff slowly billowed out of the maw of the scion only to disperse in the high ceilings of the bridge.

@Phoenix

 

[Kaldar]

Yeah, that was kind of what Virious expected: crush them, beat them down so hard that the idea of rioting again never even entered their mind. It wasn't exactly subtle, but it also didn't necessarily need to be.

Heh, wouldn't we all? he asked. Actually, okay, maybe not. Virious didn't really care about being loved by his subjects... not that he had or wanted subjects. He preferred to just go where he wanted and take what he wanted.

As we discussed earlier, I'm going to be dealing in spice and underworld business, he said. Smuggling everything from weapons to spice or anything else he could move. Particularly, breaking into a new market in spice was valuable to him because of the cash flows involved. He was good at taking out competition, and that was half of the business: muscling in on other people's turf and keeping them out of yours. Applied violence could go a long way.

 

[Dar'baal]

The Hutt's yellow eyes regarded the Sith as he answered, narrowing slightly for only a moment. The Darth's answer was enigmatic as ever though it was unclear if Virious wanted his intentions to remain that way or simply did not like to make much conversation. Dar'baal wanted to know as much about his operation considering Randon would be his world to rule. Any failures and successes would be his responsibility. Having an unknown factor on his doorstep was undesirable to say the least but that was the price of business.

<"You are a capable individual and I believe you have more resources to back you than you may let on."> Dar'baal was still relatively new to more serious matters of Hutt life but he was an adept gambler. His words were as close to a compliment that he had given a non-Hutt in recent memory. The way the Sith conducted himself told the scion he had the means to deal with obstacles of all kinds.

<"How will you deal with competition? Shotgun diplomacy?"> There were the Pykes who were both business partners as a Syndicate unto themselves but also were competition for the Hutt Cartel. Skelgok Desilijic for one was the Daimyo of Kessel afterall and a relative of Dar'baal.

If there was money in it then Hutts were interested in getting their piece of the pie. Dar'baal certainly had enough sense of greed to think about total monopolization of the planet. But such total control would be both tedious and unrewarding. The scion did not play games of chance or skill because he always expected to win. The risk of loss was what thrilled him. But he certainly wanted a big pot and to dominate most of the time. Like most Hutts, he hated to lose.

@Phoenix

 

[Kaldar]

I have plenty of resources, he confirmed. He saw no reason to conceal the information, and not only that, but it made him all the more dangerous appearing.

Possibly, he agreed. Sometimes people need the carrot and sometimes the stick, right? he said, glancing over at the Hutt. Well... to be honest, he wasn't sure he could read a Hutt's facial expressions.

Time to head down and chat with your new conquest? he asked.

@Darasuum

 

[Dar'baal]

To the Hutt's hears he heard Kaldar confirm his expectations. Dar'baal was wise beyond his years and it showed. The scion left the subject alone.

<"Indeed"> He answered elegantly with an exhale of smoke followed by a dry burp, giving him a second tasting of the previous breath.

<"Let us descend and grace this world with our presence."> The Hutt agreed. Word was sent that that the Prime Minister was agreeable to Dar'baal's terms. The landing area was secure and the world was compliant to their desires. Randon belonged to the Desilijic.

End Thread​

@Phoenix