When You Give a Man Power 
Chapter 26

Drifting through hyperspace as I go over the weapons stored within the Headhunter that I had brought with me. After getting strung up like a piñata and stabbed multiple times I am not taking any chances. Sliding over the edge of the cockpit landing on the floor of the small cargo bay in my new rinky dink cargo hauler.

Checking over the image locked onto a screen of a scruffy-looking human male with no features even remotely close to my own. If one was aware of the older movies from my old life they would recognize him without trouble. Walking off to check over everything else to make sure I have some means of getting out should I be discovered by my enemies. That or fight back. Depends on if fight or flight wins the battle in my mind. 

Despite my trepidation of coming to their homeworld and knowing how capable they are of turning the tables on me and harming me as they did- a phantom sensation makes me rub a hand along my arm where the blade had cut through it- I must attack. They have encountered me twice, so it could be fate, the force, or some other higher power but it ends now.

I have to deal with this issue. One way or another. As per my philosophy, attack me and I must attack back. It’s why you don’t start something there won’t be anything. But that doesn’t change how I feel deep down. Those women are dangerous and I dread even going to fight them. It was inevitable, to be honest with myself.

What adds to my stress is this is their home. Where they have the home-field advantage. So the current strategy is to simply get a bunch of explosives and get them either in their own home or lure them somewhere and the problem is solved. I learned my lesson after the first time. Don’t get close to them. Similar to dealing with a Jedi.

The ship exits out of hyperspace as the local holonet connection gets my information up to date on how the conflict with the Republic is going. From the beginning the Hutts were winning while occasionally losing which to be fair any war will have the victor lose some battles. You can’t win them all.

A give and take if you would. But once the Republic with their Jedi task force stepped into the ring those few battles they had won turned into many more now. The Hutts in my opinion will still win but will take more losses than they were with just the Trade Federation. The Jedi, as highly regarded as they are as warriors, were hopelessly out of their depth just as they would have been in the Clone Wars. 

From what I had managed to find out from small scraps after landing, a few Jedi had already died. Nothing overly dramatic or some high number of them but some had already died. And to think this all started because some businessman decided to do something so stupid no one would believe someone could be that stupid. 

Who would believe the Hutts over the Trade Federation on such a stupid thing that anyone with two brain cells to rub together would have not done what Rune did?

Easy answer. No one. 

Finishing up my inspection and heading to the cargo hauler's cockpit. Now another question I have taking into account idiots is why members of the Bounty Hunters Guild would betray the Hutts is beyond me.

It’s one thing if they had a personal grudge against them or something but if it was just for money then they are just stupid. Whatever they were paid was not worth it once the Hutts got through with them. To me, it was a foregone conclusion that the Hutts would win this conflict against the Trade Federation.

But ignoring that the conflict is escalating as more Jedi than I was expecting had gotten killed either in ship battles as the Hutt forces prioritized their fire on the Jedi in dogfights. Or they used copious amounts of explosives or other weapons the Jedi can’t exactly block or simply overwhelm them with blaster fire. 

Looks like Jango has been on a rampage himself as one of his first acts as commander of the Hutt's special forces was to sneak on and take down several of their bigger ships. An operation that had gone off smoothly with no casualties as the news is saying they had not captured any suspects according to the image of the news anchor. 

One thing that gets my attention is the mention of a rogue Jedi that had begun slaughtering the Hutt forces before the Republic had fully become embroiled in it. One that the Jedi task force is trying to find along with a leak that had revealed they had gone to the planet where I got the kyber crystal from.

Do they think the rogue Jedi is connected? One thing I am certain of is that the rogue Jedi isn’t a Jedi. Either it is Darth Maul masquerading around as one which I am impressed Sidious could even get him to do such a thing with him being a Sith and lowering himself to act like their hated enemy. Or it’s an agent acting in Sidious interests. 

Helping further fuel the fire for this conflict and making the Jedi get involved one way or another while making them look bad the entire time. 

I do feel bad for them despite their own incompetence. They are the good guys at the end of the day despite how most of their order are ignorant of a great many things. But not much I can do about it currently. What happens to them currently is beyond my reach and control.

Taking a seat and not a second later a beeping draws me out of my thoughts before turning my head and seeing it’s the Hutts. With a click a blue hologram springs to life of Jabba lying before me with a protocol droid. “Lord Jabba, I have just arrived at Eshan in the inner rim. Just need to get planetside and the problem will be dealt with.”

Jabba laughs in that deep laugh of his as the droid translates for me, “The mighty Jabba is most pleased to hear you have arrived so quickly. He has great respect for those who take their jobs seriously and looks forward to hearing you deal with this problem. However, Lord Jabba wishes for you to keep any large-scale destruction or other brazen attacks from happening.”

My smile becomes brittle at the explosive method dying a quick and unfortunate death. “You would prefer this to be more discrete?”

“Yes. Lord Jabba and the Hutt council would prefer to not have the sudden loss of a noble family become connected to the Hutts. For if the Echani enter into this conflict and are opposed to Lord Jabba it will become a difficult fight to win.”

As the droid says that my mind jumps to the idea that if merely one noble family had managed to be such a thorn in both mine and the Hutts' sides I can only imagine what the entirety of their species forces organized for war could do to us.

“You will be acting in Lord Jabba’s interest and representing him as a result. Be discreet and handle this mission well. Do not and the consequences will be severe.” After that foreboding warning, the call ended and I was left sitting there stewing about what I was going to do.

My best and most effective option is now dead in the water and now I have to be discreet against a group of space ninjas… If it comes down to me dying because of this, the explosive option is still an option. But then comes the consequences of dealing with the fallout of such an act since it would be an act of terror.

The Hutts and an entire species that back in their heyday were rivals to the old school Mandalorians? Yeah, I may as well put my blaster into my mouth and save them the trouble.

Now I can’t stop thinking of myself as a terrorist because of the idea of just blowing up my problems… but can you really blame me? It is an effective way of cleaning up problems! Well, when I put it like that… anyways I need to brainstorm how I am going to deal with them.

Loud is not going to cut it. Short-term survival if I manage to survive attacking them directly but long term with everyone out for my head I may not last long. Even if my future plans pay off, one can only do so much when everyone in the galaxy is gunning for you.

So that plan is scrapped for now. Musing over potentially starting some type of conflict with another noble house making them think it was my target as my ship breaches into their atmosphere seeing the glimmering spires across the cities on the horizon with plains and jungles in between and even some cities having nature intertwined into their construction. 

With a flick of a switch, my Head Hunter flies out of the now open cargo bay flying off to another city in the distance to land at a designated landing bay with a hologram of me sitting in the cockpit. Had been recording myself for some time so the hologram could go through the motions with a droid in the ship doing the actual piloting with the hologram overlayed on top of them.

Some of the buildings even have a more far-eastern ascetic to them. “Identify yourself and present your credentials.” 

A woman’s voice says in a no-nonsense way over my comms as I respond. “This is the Silent Wing and presenting credentials now.” With a few pushed buttons and switches the false ID I got for my trip here to trade some valuables seems to be as good as the broker who I bought it off of said it would be.

As the silence goes on longer than I would have expected they finally respond. “Credentials accepted, welcome to Eshan Silent Wing.” 

Letting out a breath having wondered if I would have to shoot my way out of this. Been around Nar Shaddaa for far too long if that is going to be my first plan of action. That and having a lot of people try to kill me several times. Quickly dawning my disguise with a quick spell to ensure no one knows I am here just yet.

Banking my craft to the side heading for the dock that is my designated parking spot for the Silent Wing as I land and step out, opening all of the compartments holding the goods I had brought for trade. After all, it would be rather dumb to not bring anything to trade when I have falsified documents saying I am here to trade.

A few individuals who differ from the dock officials stalk forward with a grace that only a predator could do. A fluidness in their movements not too dissimilar to the ones who I have had to fight twice now. But unlike those women these ones if they have any bladed weapons are concealed under the skin-tight black uniforms they wear.

Noting the emblem on the right breast of each of them. A teardrop shop with a hand inside of it held up the palm open as if waiting for something to be dropped into it or a hand held out to grab another’s.

“So you are… Clint Eastwood?” The woman in the lead looking older than the rest with the wrinkles around her eyes and parts of her face was anything to go by. She stared me down as if staring into my very soul.

“Yes. The full name is Clint Eastwood Will Beauregard Hardigan at your service. Or simply Clint Will B. Hardigan!” I say with my best charming smile and tone that was so innocent it may as well be a weapon of mass destruction. Helps that I sound like a badass since my voice is a near copy to that of Clint’s younger years.

The raised eyebrow shows her lack of appreciation for a good joke name. “Hmmm. Let’s say hypothetically I believe you. If you happen to know a notable bounty hunter on the rise back in Nar Shaddaa who has managed to beat back the numerous daughters and warriors of house Atrix we would be interested in meeting him.”

I have to fight off my smile slipping into a frown at how in the ever living fuck does she know who I am. I didn’t even get the ship through my regular channels. To my knowledge, no one had even known I took the ship to get to Eshan! So how the hell do they know?

Her tone is neutral yet I can tell she is in no mood for games. Prepared for a quick fight if I need to as a signal is sent to the Assaultrons on the ship to back me up along with the ship to start firing on them should they be enemies. The cargo hauler may not have the firepower as my Head Hunter but it will be just enough for me to run away while they are dealing with turbo lasers shooting them.

“Calm yourself, Mr. Eastwood. We are not a part of house Atrix… merely people who are interested in aiding your friend by deposing them.” She says as if reading my mind on what I was planning and somehow knowing who I am.

Not showing a hint of treachery to them as I plaster on my friendliest smile, “Well you see as nice as it is to see others being on a stranger's side for something like that well you sometimes have to question are these people really on your side? Or are they merely saying such things to get someone to lower their guard? This is all hypothetical of course, since I am a simple trader.” Shrugging my shoulders to them as my eyes never leave the woman who instead of looking insulted has a smidge of what I think is respect towards me.

“Understandable. In a bounty hunter's line of work, it is to be expected to be wary especially one who has had multiple encounters with house Atrix and embarrassed them each time. We are from and represent house Solorok. I am Serleena and the Steward of the house. We would like to further discuss this with Corvo Attano back at the manor if you would get in touch with him?” She says holding her hand out to me despite the distance between us.

My smile is replaced with a deep frown as I stare at the offending hand before me as I think this over carefully my mind running through so many scenarios it would burn out a supercomputer. “I think you are confusing me with someone else, Serleena. I am merely a humble merchant here to sell my merchandise to any interested parties. I know nothing of whatever conspiracy theory you are talking about.”

Her face remains the same as her hand is retracted seemingly taking no offense at me not taking her hand as the entourage that had come with her remains the same as still as statues not giving a hint of displeasure of me rejecting them. I know nothing about these people and as a result, do not trust them off of word alone. My mind races to understand how they know.

The only thing in their favor is they have not attacked me yet. “A shame. But of course, it was all hypothetical in the end Mr. Eastwood. If I may be so bold, what are you bringing to sell to Eshan?” She asks politely but her body language is driving me crazy since it’s like staring at a statue expecting to see some emotion or something from it.

“Oh, something rather valuable I rather not have most of anyone aware of.” 

“No need to be so vague Mr. Eastwood!” She says acting as if in shock, “After all it’s not like it is anything illegal. And who knows my Lady may be interested in what you have to offer.” 

Can she please take a hint and screw off. Internally sighing as she and her group come closer checking over my crates that were hidden in slots along the Silent Wing. Despite not being capable of carrying much cargo it is still possible to have some loot hidden along it.

Just not much compared to a dedicated cargo hauler. Feeling a tinge of annoyance at this woman but deciding to not be openly hostile to her as she comes to look at one of the crates and as the lid is slid off just enough for her to see I finally get a reaction out of her as her eyes widen minutely.

It might as well be a millimeter, but for me, it was the biggest show of emotion out of her by this point. The brief flash of light reflects reds, blues, greens, and even black across her face as she stares on before being snapped out of it as the lid slides back sealing the contents from view. 

The woman takes a moment to compose herself after seeing what I had brought down to the planet. “Mr. Eastwood, I can say without a doubt in my mind that my Lady would very much like to purchase your products.”

Taking a moment to myself at whatever is happening but ultimately accepting their money. “Alright, how much are you offering for one of them?”

“All of it.” She says.

I stop and open and close my mouth several times as my mind processes what she has just said. “All of it?”

She nods her head, “All of it.” 

Standing there shellshocked at this sudden change of events makes me question just who I am dealing with. The next several minutes are us talking about the price and eventually settling on it as I watch the credits transferred to one of my many accounts after they had tested the authenticity of the product. 

“It was a pleasure doing business with you Mr. Eastwood. I can see why you would prefer not many to be aware of the nature of the cargo you were hauling to our world.” She says to me amicably, “If you wish to come to meet us an audience with my Lady can be arranged. You need only to seek out our home.” 

Her head swivels to look at one of the six large towering spires that hang in the distance with a few smaller ones some close to the lowest one's height but not truly there just yet. An errant thought points out that the one she is indicating is the second biggest of the six and those towers are the homes of the Six Sisters. The name given for the Echani command that governs the six worlds in this system.

Though it’s more five than six after one of the planets had a rebellion against them and eventually the feud had been settled despite the Thyrsium people remaining largely independent and uncaring of what the rest of the governing body of their people had to say. 

Her entourage after having moved the crates off to the side several speeders come down to the dock collecting the crates as I stick around keeping my senses trained in case they are trying to pull something. Watching them leave I finally walk off.

Walking the clean streets that stand in stark contrast to the Hutt's moon. Many of the people that can be seen beside the occasional alien like a Twi’lek that seem to be omnipresent in every place imaginable in this galaxy are predominantly Echani with darker-haired and skinned ones popping up rarely.

A male Echani can be seen but they are usually doing menial tasks with occasionally one of them doing security or acting as a guard but it’s mostly women that are the ones calling the shots regardless of what the job is. Having studied up on their homeworld and species before coming here and learning how the vast majority of their species abides by a caste system and is predominantly Matriarchal. 

Glancing off into the distance and seeing the Six Towers. House Atrix is the second biggest of the towers with the smallest being the one that represented Thyrsus the world that had rebelled and is now a part of the Six Sisters despite their strong independence even centuries after hostilities had finally come to an end.

Each family that is one of the six is not always the family that has been in charge of governing each world. Some families had fallen out of favor and others had lost everything because of some tragedy or another. But the usual reason is that all noble families desire to be one of the Six Sisters and hold the position. 

More through guile and cloak-and-dagger methods of taking power and proving to the others that they are strong enough to not only take the position but even keep it should they ever be challenged. Hard to say if they are doing something similar to the Hutts where they are trying to hold onto their warrior ways from the past while trying to ensure they don’t fall apart from internal strife from rival houses. 

Whatever they are doing it’s surprisingly not as bloody as one would expect but they are a warrior culture despite how long it has been since the conflicts they had that created the rivalry between them and the Mandalorians.

…

Having moved about the city for two days gathering what information I could as I wandered around still trying to figure out how I was going to do this.

Disguised as a random male Echani with rather standard features so as not to stand out. Looking over the tower noting any weak points or other such methods to see if there was any way I could assault it without getting caught and quickly get to their matriarch. 

So far no such luck. Guards are constantly on standby, at least the ones I can see normally. A quick use of detect life shows that there are a lot of people in that building. Hard to say if they are mostly guards but since they are one of the ruling families of their system it would be safe to assume they are.

Never mind what kind of other defenses I should expect in that building. Seeing the occasional glimmer of the shield that all of the towers have. So using the Silent Wing falls apart unless I get close enough to pass through the shield.

Sneaking is a possibility… pass. With the number of people in there, I would need a lot more time to figure out the internal security, blend in, and figure out where the higher-ups of the family reside with the Matriarch herself. All of that needs to be done without giving myself away or sticking out enough that they know who I am.

With their species’ predilection for their Echani martial arts that lets them read someone’s body language so well they can see things you don’t want them to know like that woman had to of done with me. Illusion magic could help with that but I would need to find a common body language to use for the illusion otherwise it would be too suspicious or obvious when they look at me and realize they can’t read anything off of me. Something is terribly wrong if they can’t and will tip them off.

Never mind I have no clue if it would even work since I may end up missing something that would give it away. So infiltrating is currently a big no until I have more to work with. My ears perk up hearing my holocom beeping. Picking it up, seeing the image of my ship as my eyes narrow.

Several armed figures appear around it. They fan out covering each other's flanks as I watch them not happy that they found my ship already. They all move about heads on a swivel yet any possible openings to attack would be suicidal as they each cover one another’s flanks or openings. One of the women has a black half mask covering half of her face but I remember her all the same. She is the same one who took some buckshot to the face.

“Where is he?” One of them voices aloud.

“He must have left before we came and is currently scouting out the city.” Another notes emotionlessly as she eyes the steep drop from the side of the building.

“Someone must be helping him. We should have been tipped off far sooner when he had first arrived.” Scarface says hands clenched as the leather of her gloves creaks.

“Calm yourself, sister. We will find him as we found where his ship is docked.”

You have got to be kidding me. I had expected them to find the ship but not this quick. And someone had helped me. Something I hadn’t expected yet after encountering Serleena I don’t see that as a coincidence. Another rival family had been aware of my arrival just as I had landed and I suspected as I had entered the system.

With a grin that no one could see a signal was sent to my ship for it to take off to another port in another city on the planet.

“Damn it!” Scarface curses as she sees my hologram overlaid on the droid who is currently giving her the bird.

“Follow that ship and when it is far enough from any of the public, force him to land.” Scarface says with an edge to her voice compared to the emotionless voices her siblings and relatives have that separated her from them.

“And if he doesn’t comply?”

“Then shoot him down. I want him now…” She snarls as she has a vicious look on her face.

“Move out now.”

“What if it’s a trick?” One of the other girls questions the others.

“It may well be a trick. But without his ship, he will have to find another way off of Eshan. One that would prove rather difficult with no one giving a wanted fugitive aid for fear of being an accomplice. My sisters have their squads on standby waiting for any sign of him.” She walks away after that as the feed ends.

Seems she didn’t like my parting gift of permanently scarring her face with buckshot. Clambering over the side before dropping down and getting out of the area and turning into another random but common male Echani a few give me some strange looks but I keep my head down and move on. 

Pulling out the emblem in my palm as calm acceptance is the only thing I can feel by this point. Not much of a choice. Their home is heavily fortified and I don’t know enough about its defenses and their resources to properly infiltrate or try to assault it. 

They forced my ship to leave the city it was in and fly low among one of the jungles before landing, hiding from any of them in it before any ships could tail it. If I call it back they will notice and shoot it down. At least I had the hologram projector that recorded me flying it on the way here in case I needed to fool someone into thinking I was leaving.

They have their forces scouring the city to find me. Glancing off towards one tower in particular knowing what I needed to do.