Chapter 97: Meeting with the Hutt Grand Council
A week later
Daimon’s fleet had arrived on edge of the Y’Toub system, which contained Nal Hutta, the homeworld for the Hutt’s after they fled their previous homeworld Varl, which was devastated in a cataclysm that vaporized its atmosphere and obliterated its moons, as well as all other planets in its star system.
Daimon didn’t have the fleet put up any stealth systems, so the local Hutt Mercenary Fleet detected the fleet almost immediately. Within minutes, a dozen warships had scrambled from their orbital defense platforms, their weapons systems powering up as they moved to intercept.
On the bridge of the Luminary, the sensor officer called out, "My Lord, we’re being hailed. Multiple frequencies, translation states their demanding identification and purpose." Thanks to Force-enhanced translators, communicating with and understanding alien languages was easier for first contact scenarios.
"Put them through." Daimon ordered.
The main viewscreen flickered, revealing a scarred Nikto mercenary captain whose expression shifted from aggressive to uncertain as he looked at Daimon’s imposing figure.
"Unknown vessels, you are entering Hutt controlled space. State your business or prepare to be fired upon."
"My name is Daimon, and this is my expeditionary fleet which travels across the stars to meet new civilizations." Daimon replied. "I’m wish to meet with your leadership to offer them ’gifts’ in order to establish friendly relations with them."
The Nikto listened and conveyed the words to the Hutt leadership as he really didn’t want to fight this unknown fleet in front of him. While they had more ships on their side, the sheer size of the luminary and other ships made him think twice about his next actions.
"I will inform my masters, so stand by."
Daimon nodded and waited for a few minutes until the captain got back to him. During this time, the Hutt fleet attempted to scan the Imperial fleet, but the energy output from the Luminary alone dwarfed anything they’ve ever seen.
After several minutes had passed, Daimon got a reply back. "My Master has decided to convene the Council. If you will wait another hour or two, then they will be ready for you." Daimon acknowledged and spent the next hour in meditation.
Meanwhile, on the surface of Nal Hutta, within the Grand Hutt Council Palace, the leaders of the top 5 Hutt clans had gathered to discuss the new unknown fleet that had just arrived within the system. To them this was a big issue as they couldn’t get any reading on the fleet, which made it an unknown fleet that had unknown capabilities.
The 5 clans consisted of Clan Besadii’vok, Clan Desil’jor, Clan Trakk’ora, Clan Chaluun, and Clan Drell’hadda. The council chamber was a massive circular room filled with ornate decorations stolen from dozens of conquered worlds. At its center, five enormous platforms held the bloated forms of the clan leaders, each surrounded by servants, guards, and various flatterers.
Gorga the Hutt of Clan Besadii’vok spoke first. "This unknown fleet poses both opportunity and threat. We must determine their intentions before acting."
"Bah!" spat Zirba of Clan Desil’jor, waving his hand dismissively. "They come bearing gifts, they say. Obviously, they seek to trade. We should extract maximum profit from these fools before sending them away."
Marlo of Clan Trakk’ora’s eyes narrowed at the words of the other clans. "Or they come to scout our defenses before launching an invasion. The size of their vessels suggests significant military capability. We should destroy them now while we have numerical advantage."
"Premature aggression," countered Gardulla of Clan Chaluun. "If they possess technology beyond our understanding, attacking them could prove disastrous. Better to learn what they want, what they offer, and whether they can be manipulated."
The fifth member, Drogba of Clan Drell’hadda, had remained silent throughout the debate, his massive body shifting slightly on his platform.
When he finally spoke, his voice carried an authority that silenced the others as he held the position as leader of the Hutt Council. "I believe we should bring this ’Daimon’ in and see what he has to offer. If he doesn’t have anything interesting, we can just send him away and if he doesn’t leave then we can decide to go to war or not." The others nodded agreeing with this solution.
Back on the Luminary, Daimon was informed of his invitation to the Grand Hutt Council Palace. Already he was onboard his small transport ship and was escorted down to the surface and guided towards the palace.
Onboard with him was Sera, Elara, Lord Maxim (Captain of the Empyrean Guard), 6 members of the Empyrean Guard, and 4 Imperial Guards.
The Empyrean Guards were mainly there to show off to the Hutts, while the Imperial Guards were there just to have some Force user guards.
With them on the transport ship were a few containers which contained the gifts that Daimon had prepared to give to the clans of the Grand Hutt Council. Within them were some Jewelry crafted by some of the best craft smiths in the Imperium and some old combat droids which were outdated for Imperial standards but more than sufficient for the Hutts.
A few minutes later, the transport landed onto one of the landing platforms around the Palace. Daimon looked through the viewport, observing the structure of the palace and its security.
Lord Maxim stood near the door, observing the security himself. "Security is... present but it’s mostly disorganized. Multiple species among them, but no unified command structure that I can see. Looks like they rely on intimidation rather than actual defensive capability."
"That’s enough Maxim," Daimon said, standing up. "Let’s not keep them waiting."
The ramp descended, revealing the delegation of Hutt officials and guards. Leading them was a thin Nikto majordomo in expensive robes.
"Lord Daimon," the Nikto said with a bow. "I am Khasto Cedek majordomo to the Grand Council. The honored masters await your presence."
Daimon descended the ramp alongside Sera and Elara, his height immediately drawing attention from every guard present. Several Gamorreans shifted nervously, gripping their vibro-axes tighter. Behind him, the Empyrean Guard moved in formation, their armor drawing the attention of everybody present.
"Lead the way," Daimon said, speaking in fluent Huttese. Khasto wanted to say something, but he didn’t want to keep his Masters waiting, so he led Daimon and the cargo through the Palace halls.
They got a lot of stares from the guards and other slaves as they walked through the Palace. Eventually, they arrived at the entrance to the Grand Hutt Council chambers.
The massive doors split apart, revealing the circular chamber beyond. Daimon walked in without hesitation, ready to get this little meeting over with. The five Hutt clan leaders watched as Daimon walked in followed by his own Guards.
Once they got to the center, Drogba spoke first. "So, you are this Daimon who enters our space uninvited. Explain yourself before we decide whether you leave here alive or in pieces."
Daimon knew how the Hutts were, so he decided to let what they said just now go. "I come bearing gifts and a proposition. I have travelled to thousands of worlds and have come across numerous riches by establishing mutually beneficial relationships with the species we encounter."
"Thousands of worlds?" Zirba laughed. "You expect us to believe such boasting?"
"Believe what you wish," Daimon replied. "I offer proof in the form of technology and wealth beyond what you currently possess." He gestured, and the Imperial Guards brough forward the containers.
As they opened, revealing the contents, even the Hutts couldn’t hide their interest. The jewelry glowed with a quality that exceeded anything in their vast treasure hoards, each piece incorporating some of the best elements that the Imperium had.
Gardulla leaned forward. "Impressive craftsmanship. And these droids?"
"Combat models from my military. Outdated by our standards, I suspect they would prove quite formidable by yours. Consider them a demonstration of good faith."
Marlo’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. "And what do you want in return for these ’gifts’? No one gives gifts for free without expecting something in return."
Daimon smiled as they were getting to the main point, "Access to Hutt space, not any of the restrictive areas but just your planets space stations and other locations. If granted, I have some knowledge of technologies that can advance your empire.... for a price."
While he would have given them some technology for free, it would look too suspicious if he kept doing that, instead it was better to bargain with them.
The Hutts exchanged glances, their bodies shifting on their platforms as they communicated through subtle gestures and expressions.
Gorga was the first to speak from among them, "Access to our space is not freely given. We control the most profitable trade routes in this sector. Why should we allow an unknown power to move freely through our territory?"
"Because," Daimon replied, "I have no interest in your trade routes or your enterprises. My people seek knowledge, cultural exchange, and perhaps some entertainment. In return, I offer technologies that could enhance your operations significantly. Medical advances that could extend even your considerable lifespans. Manufacturing processes that could triple your production capacity. Energy generation systems that would make your current power infrastructure look primitive."
Drogba’s eyes sparkled with interest, though he maintained his authoritative demeanor. "Bold claims. How do we know these technologies are real and not some trick?"
"Test them," Daimon said simply. "Keep the droids. Use them. When you see what even our outdated equipment can do, contact me. I’ll be exploring the outer regions of your space for the next few months. If you’re satisfied, we can discuss more substantial arrangements."
Zirba snorted. "And if we simply take what you’ve given us and deny you access anyway?"
Daimon’s expression didn’t change, but the temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. The Empyrean Guard shifted slightly, their hands moving toward their weapons in perfect synchronization. Even the Hutts, a species not known for their sensitivity to danger, felt the shift in atmosphere.
"Then you would discover," Daimon said quietly, "that I am not someone you want as an enemy. But such unpleasantness is unnecessary. I’m proposing a simple arrangement: mutual respect and mutual profit."
Drogba raised his hand, silencing Zirba before he could respond. "You speak plainly. We appreciate that. Most who come before us grovel or scheme. You do neither."
"I have no need to," Daimon replied.
The five Hutts withdrew from the open, their platforms rotating slightly inward as they discussed in low voices. Servants and guards stood frozen, uncertain whether they were witnessing the beginning of a profitable partnership or the prelude to violence.
After several minutes, the platforms rotated back. Drogba spoke for the council. "We accept your gifts and your proposal, with conditions. You may access our public facilities and trade stations. Military installations and clan holdings remain forbidden unless you are invited. You will register your vessels with our systems. And you will demonstrate at least three of these technological advances you speak of before we consider any deeper arrangements."
"Acceptable," Daimon said. "I’ll have technical specifications for defensive shield generators, medical equipment, and improved hyperdrive systems delivered to you within two days."
Gardulla’s eyes widened slightly. "Hyperdrive improvements? Our current systems are already some of the best available on the black market."
"Then these will exceed them," Daimon replied. "Twenty percent faster travel times with forty percent better fuel efficiency. I assume even the Hutts would find value in such improvements."
The Hutts exchanged glances again, this time with genuine interest rather than suspicion. Profit was the universal language they understood best, and Daimon was speaking it fluently.
Marlo leaned forward on his platform. "You are either a fool or incredibly confident. We shall see which. One more condition though: you will attend a gathering we are hosting in three days’ time. Many influential beings will be present. It will give us opportunity to observe you in a more... social setting."
"I accept," Daimon said without hesitation.
Drogba’s mouth curved into what might have been a smile on his massive face. "Excellent. Khasto will provide you with the necessary credentials and information. You are dismissed."
Daimon nodded and turned to leave. His entourage following behind him. He was surprised that the Hutts didn’t say anything about Elara or Sera, though he imagined that they were too distracted by his proposals to notice them, which was good since he could only imagine what they might have suggested if he didn’t keep their attention on him. They didn’t even think about questioning his ability to speak their language as they were too distracted.
After the meeting, Khasto provided them with the necessary credentials and information, allowing them access to Nal Hutta and its cities. So far, everything has been going well for Daimon, and he wanted to keep it that way.