When You Give a Man Power
Chapter 25

It was no small shock to see the surface of Nar Shaddaa become a hive of greater activity than it normally was. Areas where women sold their bodies for a quick credit were now frequented by groups of pirates, mercenaries, spies, and bounty hunters of all kinds of species several of which I didn’t even know Star Wars had something like them.

Ships both small and massive with several ships that look like they are from the Old Republic area dock in the refueling and repair stations in the system's orbit. All of it all because the Republic has a Jedi task force backed by a rather impressive amount of ships from Judicial forces and planetary defense forces joining in.

According to the girls working for me acting as eyes and ears along with a few others like my droids acting as a taxi service on the planet. Jeeves brothers are raking in quite the amount of money. Even before the incident where the Republic pushed the Hutts back, they were doing rather well. I guess a good taxi service was hard to find in Nar Shaddaa. 

But with the amount of traffic in this place and having someone that could get you both quickly and safely to another part of the moon with no problems it would be difficult to find a decent taxi. Of course not taking into account how wild their driving can get when they need to put the metal to the petal. What can I say I have a need for speed and they reflect that.

The sounds of tools at work as I lay under a Headhunter I managed to snag as it was considered too pricey to fix up since it was just sitting in a trash heap courtesy of the original owner. Got it dirt cheap. With some metal plates lining the body and adjusting the frame of it to ensure it’s more aerodynamic and nicer looking. 

The bubble cockpit was changed to match the looks of the X-Wings cockpit. Overhauling the systems while adding a shield to the ship along with better thrusters. The blasters on it were taken out and replaced with my custom ones that have more oomph to them. The only downside is it takes far more tibana gas to fire each shot but the damage they can do is worth it allowing it to hit above its weight class. Along with a way to switch them out for ion cannons among other weapons I could fit into the ship.

Placing the tools down as I wipe my hands on a rag lying not far from me on the duracrete. Miguel would be proud of me right now. I wasn’t much of a car guy and knew nothing about how to work besides the basics like changing a tire or where to pour oil into it. 

Yet here I am working away like a grease monkey like he used to do working on his Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt. He loved that car and surprisingly no one in the neighborhood messed with it. It helped that they knew Miguel would hunt them down to the ends of the earth because it was one of the few nice things to look at in the neighborhood. 

Anyone who had a decent car like that would be left alone as an unspoken rule of the neighborhood. Something I had learned later on after living with Miguel for a time. I can just picture him smiling as he nods his head in respect at me following in his footsteps. Even if it’s a spaceship and not a car.

Looking and seeing the time I quickly clean everything up and put the tools away before getting myself a nice hot shower. Managed to rig it up and it’s thankfully not one of those awful sonic showers. Tried it out one time because it sounded cool.

It wasn’t. Think of one of those vibrating massagers but all over your body and packing way more power as it knocks dirt and all kinds of grime loose. A hot shower is far nicer in comparison. Drying off and getting dressed as I head to the meeting point for the battle plan the Hutts have for the more important bounty hunters like myself.

The Hutts before were angry and wanted to make an example of the Trade Federation. Now with the Republic and Jedi stepping in helping the Trade Federation they are furious. From what has been said by my contacts the battles being waged against the Federation were going well until the Republic ships came in and pushed back the Hutt forces and in some cases outright destroyed them and took their forces prisoner.

The Republic showing up in this conflict has made a lot of the Hutt's men scared since they know the Jedi are helping in this conflict. Jedi are always trouble and for the standard criminal in the galaxy, it’s never worth it to try to fight them. 

The Hutts didn’t know whether to believe the Jedi were truly going to enter this conflict even with the stories spreading of Jedi attacking and eliminating most of their men in crucial battles that just prior they were winning.

The sad part about the latter was I don’t know if the Jedi would stoop to that level. It could be them but it also could just as likely be the Sith looking to take advantage of the conflict. I think it’s more than likely the Sith, sure the Jedi did that thing with the bounty hunter who killed Obi-Wan only to be Obi-Wan in disguise. 

But that was during the Clone Wars when the Jedi had their hands forced in some cases doing less than savory things that went against what their order stood for in a hopeless attempt to try and end the war as fast as they could. Respectable but also dumb. Moving on from that line of thought the palace lay before me as I waltz in.

The Sith I can see fanning the flames of this conflict in an attempt to undermine the Jedi and Republic while increasing their power base. Palpatine was good at the game he played. He risked a lot at times but the risk was worth it when he managed to establish his Empire. He even almost had what would have been the strongest Sith to ever exist that would have surpassed him had Anakin not lost it all.

The atmosphere in the palace is tense despite the dancers gyrating and stripping off what little clothes they wore and the audience itself is quieter as they sipped their drinks or gambled here and there in solitude. The servants dressed up like beautiful birds from the jungle with their dresses, their plastered smiles looked more strained and some didn’t even bother as they had frowns or grimaces.

The Hutts are not taking the losses they are suffering lightly. Moving down a large ornate staircase depicting ancient Hutts back from their warrior days along the ceiling and wall like it was the Sistine Chapel. Now that I can get behind. Not overly snobbish, notice me rich crap the others like to do but has some culture and looks cool.

The large doors open before me as only a handful of Hutts are here in person, one particular being Zorba the Hutt who lays at the far back in a darker corner of the room on a comfortable-looking mass of pillows. Easily recognizing him due to the gray and white hair done in dreadlocks coming down from his head along with his white beard done in elaborate braids as it lays on the ground.

Seeing several other Hutts are here via hologram they all look less than pleased. Zorba seems to be the only one who is not in a bad mood though it could just be a facade. Glancing around seeing a decent amount of Gamorian guards with their massive axes and a few servants and droids. 

The ones that get his attention are the few bounty hunters in the room. Notably, ones that he is familiar with. Jango in his iconic Mandalorian armor. Aurra glances at him giving him a small smile with a wink as she is dressed in brown leather with a hint of red peeking out under it.

Bane sporting a trench coat with a cowboy hat on his head simply stares with Jango. Stepping up as the Hutts all stare at us. One of the holograms of the Hutts begins speaking.

The protocol droid at the side speaks up for him. “The mighty Jabba thanks you for coming to this gathering.” 

Jabba the Hutt. I haven’t heard anything about Tatooine getting hit but then again not much is there for the Trade Federation to attack it directly besides Jabba himself and assaulting his fortress would be a difficult undertaking. A guy who has the resources and power that he has at his fat fingertips doesn’t stay in a position like that for long if it was so easy to break into his home and kill him.

Jabba continues as I think over how bad things must be if he is here. “The mighty Jabba and the Hutts have brought you all here along with the aid of other capable fighters and warriors like yourselves for many jobs with great rewards should you succeed.”

The other bounty hunters stay sitting besides two Trandoshans who rise out of their seats leaving their drinks on the table with two servants refilling them. Both of whom stare at Jango and Bane before their gazes slide over to me. One of whom stares long and hard at me like he is ingraining my face to memory.

The other one simply gives me a smile that is not comforting as the rows of sharp teeth give the opposite of comfort. I am wondering if he is doing it on purpose. Jabba gestures at the two Trandoshans as the droid translates.

“Cradossk and Bossk of the Bounty Hunters Guild, the Mighty Jabba, and the Hutt Council wish to hire your Guild for this coming conflict.”

The older of the two stalks forward as he glances at me one more time before he looks fully at the Hutts. “Of courssse. We are at your service.” He says smiling.

“You have no issues killing your other son?”

Other son? I look over at Bossk now, starting to remember who he is. He was the lizard guy introduced in The Empire Strikes Back if I remember right. And he also was in a few episodes of The Clone Wars but I never fully watched that series.

Bossk for his part looks back at me blinking with a film of some kind over his eyes. Somehow reading my mind he explains quietly, “There was a Trandoshan you battled in your attempt to escape. He was my brother. He is currently aiding the Trade Federation and commanding a part of their forces.”

I fell silent at that. Not just the reveal that the cold-blooded asshole was Bossks brother but he is somehow commanding an army of droids. How the hell did he manage to convince Nute Gunray and company to let his incompetent scaly butt be in charge of anything? 

Then again is he really that incompetent when he almost killed me twice? He also managed to corral and keep the gang members in check for Dib acting as the commander of the various gangs turned into a now-defunct army.

“I and the rest of the Guild have no problems killing him. He has turned traitor among other reasons.”

The Hutts all gave Crodassk a long searching look before seeming satisfied with what they found. Each of the Hutts then turned their gazes onto me and the other bounty hunters in the room. 

“Bounty hunters, each of you has many tasks suited to your skills and expertise that we need to be done. Jango Fett, we know your history as a Mandalorian and a commander of your people. We want you to command some of our special forces in areas where the Jedi are strongly present and pushing back against us. As a bonus each Jedi that dies in the conflict that you are commanding you will receive a bonus.” 

Jango stays silent for a long moment before speaking. “Very well. It will be done. But I will need you to supply me and my men with weapons of my choice. The Jedi won’t be easy and don’t expect most of your people to come back from this alive.”

The Hutts all nodded smiling at what Jango had said. Can’t say it enough but that is just wasteful. Sure they are criminal scum and replaceable but it’s still a waste of their resources to just throw them into a meat grinder like that. Especially against an enemy that will chew up a lot of them since Jedi are involved.

“Also I would prefer to have some of the droids Corvo has been churning out. The exact number needed can be discussed later.” Jango says as the Hutts agree to that demand. The only thing I could complain about is the extra work but that would be a lie. 

The only work from that is gathering up the necessary materials to meet demand for the Assaultrons along with any other droids that I am cooking up. “Cad Bane will accompany you on this mission while being given missions of his own.” Bane nods his head looking pleased at the idea of getting another shot at some Jedi while not as happy as I would expect him to be. Then again he will be working under Jango and not as an equal going off to kill the Jedi himself.

Hadn’t seen him and Jango for some time as they were incredibly busy with the number of jobs they both have been taking on like myself and Aurra. Doing so along with the Hutts buying up my droids like they were candy has given me a fortune to work with and it’s only growing along with the precious gems I pawn off to anyone interested in them.

A fortune that will be put to use when the time is right. Most of the wealth is left untouched simply because I can make my weapons and improvements to the lesser versions of whatever I am forced to work with. The little that is used is for getting parts that would be far too difficult and take too long to acquire.

That or getting the few ships I have currently. “Aurra you will be given several assassination missions. Expect some Jedi to be your targets.” 

She has a calm smile glancing over at me as I look back at her. Right now I can see her anticipation at hunting them.
 
After what happened I have no idea what we are now. I don’t think she has any feelings towards me but it’s hard to tell with her since she doesn’t exactly open up to anyone. To some, she may seem civil and cordial for a bounty hunter but it’s more of a mask than anything. 

I just viewed it as a one-night stand to blow off some steam and get the urges that had been building up out of my system. You can only look at so many scantily clad Twi’leks and other exotic females of various species before you want a taste. 

Even if they may not be the most attractive their species has to offer and their line of work, simply having a chance to say I did it with an iconic Star Wars species is something any red-blooded man would be proud of. But I didn’t know what Aurra felt about it. She did the same thing as me after we both got up, got dressed, and left. Maybe a little touching here and there but more feeling each other's bodies.

“Corvo Attano we have a mission of the utmost importance. You are currently the only person here who has had several encounters with the Echani warriors under the employ of the Trade Federation who have wreaked havoc among our places of operation.”

My head snaps quickly to Jabba and the other Hutts now not too enthusiastic with this job. Each time I encounter them I am forced into a bad position I don’t like being in. Tracing a finger over my arms the phantom pain of the blades cutting deep into me makes itself known. If I engage someone or something that could be argued to be a lesser nonforce sensitive sentient then it’s going to be at range with either a number advantage or having a lot of explosives between us.

I will admit the large group of them I and Aurra had encountered were far stronger and faster than the first two I had the misfortune of starting that series of events. If it wasn’t for me being properly equipped and having further embraced my new vampiric nature along with creating a means to get out of the noose they had me in then I wouldn’t be here. 

“The mission you will undertake if you choose to do so-” The Hutts hadn’t failed to notice my reservations about having to deal with any more Echani shenanigans, “-will have you sent to the Echani homeworld of Eshan. Your goal will be to take down the noble family of Atrix as our sources have confirmed they are the ones responsible for much of our suffering.”

I think it over for a moment as the room falls silent with all eyes on me. Banes' gaze was the only one that looked at me like I was an idiot yet carrying a hint of disapproval. No idea what’s up with that but I have bigger things to deal with. Letting out a sigh and rubbing the bridge of my nose before giving my answer.

“Mission accepted. When do I need to leave?” I respond in a neutral tone of voice dreading this job. But there is one thing that made me do it. If I don’t go after them now and end this feud they have with me they will hunt me down.

Now I could go to ground and hide while rebuilding my resources and hope they don’t find me and undo both my current work and future resources. There are few feelings worse than the feeling of putting so much effort into something only to have someone up and destroy it before your eyes. That’s not happening. It happened once with the gang assault that started this whole thing. 

I didn’t lose much since it was all easily replaceable besides the power armor. Now I refuse to lose all that I have amassed to these people. So it’s best I go on the offensive and take the fight to them, ending it at the very heart of both their home and seat of power. 

“As soon as possible when you are able to. Gather whatever you must for it will be needed. They have proven to be a nuisance and have long since worn out their welcome. If you succeed in this task the mighty Jabba will make you his Adjudicator.”

All heads snap to attention to Jabba including the other Hutts as Zorba quietly chuckles in the back as he looks on in amusement. Before long everyone is looking at me. 

I slowly blink and look between him and the rest. With a questioning look, I look around not knowing what the hell a Hutt's adjudicator is supposed to be. I know it has something to do with courtrooms in my two lives on Earth.

But I find it unlikely for Hutts to care about the legal ramifications of the law. So then what is it and why does it seem to be so important that everyone is looking at me with indescribable looks going through a myriad of emotions? Even the Hutts are looking interested as they eye Jabba, some even giving him dirty looks but Jabba shrugs it off with a smug smile on his face.

…

“An Adjudicator! Never thought I would see you become one. And so fast at that!” Shey says with a laugh yet the look in her eyes is a serious one showing how serious that is.

“Okay… mind filling me in on what an Adjudicator is?” I say taking a big drink from my glass at some club with beating music with people dancing and enjoying themselves.

Several of the women in the club can be seen looking at me either openly or when they think no one is looking. Some of the men with them give me looks but don’t push their luck. 

Me and Shey met up after I needed to see her and she wanted a place to relax that wasn’t her bar that was becoming known as the birthplace of Uno as it takes the galaxy by storm. Still ridiculous how popular that game has become.

“An Adjudicator is a powerful Hutts guardian and executioner. Yet far more than just a simple bodyguard. An Adjudicator works in the Hutt they serve their best interests. The position is one of importance but also a dangerous one. If you fail on a job that you can’t afford, death will be the least of the things you need to worry about. Never mind those who want the position or any other number of reasons they can and will make your life difficult.” Shey says to me relaxing in her seat.

My eye twitches now knowing I just got an important position lumped onto my shoulders, one that I probably wouldn’t be able to turn down without insulting Jabba. Shey sensing my frustration only chuckles at that shaking her head. 

“Only you Corvo. You're like a magnet for this stuff. Must have impressed the Hutts enough for Jabba himself to offer the position as a reward to you. At least with him, you don’t need to worry as much if someone decides to try and screw you over.”

My look of disbelief at her makes her erupt in laughter. “Shey this isn’t funny! I don’t want the position.” 

Her laughter grows as tears form in her eyes as some patrons give us a look but don’t look for her long. After a moment she gets her laughter under control before speaking, “A couple of things Corvo. With Jabba, it will be a cushy position compared to the other Hutts while also being more dangerous for different reasons. The other Hutts with their Adjudicators tend to be Kashyyyk serpent nests with how their underlings lead to whatever Adjudicator falling out of favor.”

I take it all in realizing just how bloody the Hutt’s internal politics were compared to what little if any were ever shown in any Star Wars media. Shey just goes on regardless of my thoughts on what the hell I managed to get myself into, “Jabba when it comes to his enforcers and guards takes things more seriously. From what I know of him you would be safer by his side than most other Hutts. Whether it be the other Hutts use it as a means to test their adjudicators if they still have what it takes to keep the position or simply for their entertainment to watch the Womp Rats fight for scraps as they watch on.”

A particular song whatever the hell it is as the insufferable techno beats just keep playing giving me a growing headache listening to this ear cancer as Shey somehow enjoys it as she does a little jig in her chair hands raised with many of the other ladies several of the dancers on their platforms get more excited as their movements become more energetic. They even have Nautolans dressed in bikinis doing their own dance and show in massive aquatic tanks.

“Color me surprised to learn it was Jabba of all Hutts who offered the reward to you. As far as I know, he is one of the few Hutts who doesn’t have much to do with some of the old customs the Hutts still practice. Particularly since you will be the first Adjudicator he has had.”

That makes me pause mid-drink as it becomes even more of a pain in my ass hearing that part. Shey thinks it’s the funniest thing yet with how she cackles looking like she is about to fall out of her chair. Pressing my hand against her back helps prevent her from falling as she just laughs it up.

“Corvo you are the first time I have ever seen any bounty hunter so against such an illustrious and cushy job. It’s even weirder when you are also incredibly new to the business when I first met you even if you don’t show it now. When I first started a position like yours would have been a dream come true. Of course besides bagging the galaxy's greatest bounty forever marking your name in the galaxy's history of the greatest bounty hunters.” Shey says shaking her head like she couldn’t believe what she was hearing while wearing that smile.

“For you and all the other bounty hunters more power to you guys. But I don’t want the position.” One might argue it could be a means to take power for myself by amassing it under the Hutts, especially a powerful one like Jabba. The problem I would face is the same thing that Dib and Rune faced.

One small mistake. That is all it would take for them to catch wise to what I am doing even if they don’t know who is the culprit but they would go out of their way to find the forces and resources I had amassed and just set fire to it all. One single mistake on a tightrope that either side if I fall could spell doom for me. Add in so many moving parts as the plan gets more and more complicated then the likelihood of something going wrong is bound to happen over a long period.

“Corvo the problem with that is your declining not only looks suspicious but Jabba may take it as an insult. Now he may not do anything about it since he may not take it as one but snubbing a contact like Jabba is foolish. Why don’t you want the position?” She asks me with one half-lidded, giving the impression she is quirking one eye.

“Bounty hunting was a means to an end for me. A means to get some money and resources fast and quick and once enough was acquired screw off to go do my own thing. Maybe start a company or something…” I say trailing off being vague about my plans once this was all done as I would put my fortune to good use.

Shey gives me a look but shakes her head smiling. “Well, regardless of what you wanted you're going to have to figure out what you are going to say to Jabba if you survive this job. I think you will. What do you think?”

Downing the last of my drink, eyeing a particularly curvy Togruta dancer who has been eyeing me for some time and seems to be pleased seeing me return the hungry gaze she has been giving me. 

“I think it’s going to be a massive pain in my ass since those Echani warriors have proven to be a headache-inducing thorn of the worst kind. But in the end, depending on what I find on Eshan it could be doable or won’t be. Just have to find out. So since I may be going to my death on this job, mind sharing with me why you know all of this stuff and how someone as resourceful as yourself isn’t in a higher position in the Guild?”

Sheys good mood dims down a bit but she still seems content. She has a look like she is thinking it over before coming to a decision. “Corvo, I was once like you. New to the bounty hunter gig after leaving my homeworld doing small jobs collecting those who owed some people and tried to run. Eventually, I proved myself good enough to get better jobs which at the time like you and Jango along with Bane I was an independent hunter.” 

She has a look on her face like she is remembering better days of her youth. “The Guild, seeing how good I was, gave me many offers to join up with them, and every time I refused. Told them I saw no point in giving them a percent of my earnings for what little they had to offer me. Eventually, after a few years of doing some bigger bounties, I was given a chance to reach far higher than I ever had before.”

I remain silent as she continues retelling her history while not giving me any specific details. Not that I didn’t mind since she didn’t have to give any details to me that she didn’t want to. 

“Going on this job with some close friends who had risen to be quite the hunters themselves as we went on this job. Despite all the signs telling me that we should walk away, I was too stubborn and thinking about the hit to our reputation if we backed down. So we kept going as more and more of us got picked off. By that point, it was just me and two others.” Her hand around her drink tightens but it relaxes as my hand is placed on her shoulder she gives me a small smile at the gesture.

My hand returns as she finishes her vague history. “I in the end managed to finish the job at the cost of my last two friends. After that and returning I was never the same. Couldn’t bring myself to do anymore after what I had done. The Guild gave me another offer yet this time I accepted. Thought it was a sign that I should set my blaster down and start slowing it down. Stayed with them ever since and didn’t need to do any hunts anymore with what I was earning. Never felt a need to rise any higher in the Guild despite me being more than capable”

She lets out a tired sigh as she finishes her drink. “It’s why I went out of my way to give you advice and aid when you needed it. You remind me of myself back then Corvo. But I am glad to hear you are also thinking of a future without bounty hunting. Too many in this line of work like Bane or Jango can’t bring themselves to eventually stop and settle down. It will one day be the death of them…” She says with sorrow coloring her voice.

“I remember a quote from my homeworld. It’s better to burn out than to fade away.” I say the iconic quote from the Kurgan.

She stares at me for a long time as she processes what I said. “I interpreted it as whatever you do in life, make sure it’s something you are passionate about even if you inevitably burn up because of it. Or live far longer, a meaningless life that has no passion as you waste away never truly living it to its fullest before fading away.”

Rising out of my chair as I walk away, “Till next time Shey. Wish me luck!” I say waving over my shoulder.