Leru ignored the looks of those within the room as he quietly exited the same way he had entered. As he pushed through the front door of the palace he was greeted by more noise, the usual sounds of 3030, machinery, gunshots, lots of talking, footsteps on metal floor. His eyes fell upon the line to one side, more armed guards at the front of it waving through or denying those that seeked an audience with the great Hutt of the undercity. He almost laughed as one of the denied yelled at a guard who just rolled his eyes at the man. He was happy he wasn't one of the doormen.

His home was a short walk away, still in Scarred Hutt territory, but not the heart of it. As he left the area around the compound the amount of civilians and gangsters seemed to shift in favor of the former. Well, there were still many of the gang members amongst the crowds, a good amount of them just didn't openly display that on themselves. He stuffed his hands into his pockets and started down an alleyway, avoiding a large mob. Then he felt someone grasp the leg of his robe, causing him to stop in his tracks.

It was one of the many homeless in 3030, a drunken human bum. The man's face was dirty, his clothes a total mess, an empty bottle next to him. It reminded the changeling of his homeworld, many of his people tried to kill their sadness at life with alcohol. It was never a good idea. He silently handed the man a few credits, which caused a smile to appear on his face. He'd probably go spend it on more alcohol, but it was the act that counted.
[hr]

"That whore took my credits as soon as I paid her I was forced out before I could get anything. What kind of fucking business do they run at that whorehouse," The Rodian complained, loudly to another Blackened Star. "We should just kick the doors in and take it over." 

"That brothel's been in three thirty forever, practically sacred ground. We take that and everyone else in the level takes us out." The man that was listening to him replied, his voice brimming with honesty.

"Maybe it was sacred in the old days, now it's just a scam show, we take that and they all know the Stars are nothing to fuck with." The Rodian said back, still upset over the incident, even if he was lying about it.

"We are not anything to fuck with anyway. So some whore ripped you off, you went back there with backup and ran away with your tail tucked between your legs."

"That's not how it went, they have a Mando guarding the place, he had the armor and all. You know how those guys are." The Rodian shot back.

"Maybe he is, maybe he ain't. The Mando glory days are gone, besides, the boss called Ronis in to chat about it. He's got pull around here, you know." The man said, then walked away. Both of them were in one of a Blackened Star bar, one of the many within their territory. 

Scantily clad, enslaved waitresses moved through the crowded tavern, handing out drinks. The Rodian grabbed one, then slapped the girl on her backside, a smile on his face, a silent sigh from the poor woman. She couldn't do anything about it, was commonplace as a slave for the Stars. 

There were others in there, the man behind the bar forced to serve drinks, girls in other rooms forced to serve the Stars in 'other' ways. The other gangs used slaves, but the Stars were the most brutal to their living property.

Ronis emerged from a door right next to the bar, the red bearded human had a smile on his face, the same one that was on his face when he left the brothel. A moment later, Jondevo emerged, a less happy expression on his face. All of the eyes in the room seemed to instantly stare at the king of the Blackened Stars, intense glances of admiration and respect. He was clad in a fine set of clothing, black hair spiked. He approached the Rodian, Ronis beside him.

"There was a Mandolorian at this whorehouse and six of you couldn't teach him a lesson?" Jondevo asked, anger behind the words. The Rodian had stood at attention as the room went silent.

"Yes sir, armor and all." The Rodian said back, the nervousness, almost fear behind his words evident. Jondevo's rage was well known within the Stars, he was not a man to upset. 

"I have skinned filth like that before. Crafted a jacket of Mandolorian flesh. Turned the armor into a statue. One Mando, no matter how imposing is still one Mando." Jondevo said, practically lecturing the Rodian. The truth behind his words was something none of his loyal followers would argue.

"That place is neutral ground, it has been that way for years. Before we were both even born." Ronis said to Jondevo. 

"We'll see how much longer it will be that way."  Jondevo replied, a smile on his face. All of the other Stars within the bar seemed to follow the smile with one of their own.
[hr]

[i]"He is a strange one, but he does good work."[/i] Gorro replied in his native tongue before food was brought to him, a small live creature which he ate whole. Then his large eyes shifted to two dancers in the center of the room, as the party continued. Two beautiful Twi'leks, both in revealing robes. They seemed to mirror each other with their moves, as the music accompanied every movement. 

The hutt enjoyed it, rather he enjoyed that it was all for him, all in his greatness. All of the people within his palace had come to pay respect that that, he was practically the ruler of 3030 and they all knew it. As the dance concluded, many within the room applauded it, then they all stared at Gorro who simply clapped twice, showing that he was pleased with the show.

[i]"Isn't it beautiful, Zolar? All of these visitors are here in our greatness, a show of the Cartel's greatness."[/i] Gorro said to his bodyguard.
[hr]

"The Pures, took her. I know it. Was with her outside of their ground, human spoke to her, my back was turned and she followed human. Heard her scream, still can hear it. Ran to where I heard it, was nothing. Saw human when he called to her. Should have stopped her. Black hair, long. No hair on face, tattoo on one cheek, don't know of what. Tattoo on one uncovered arm, writing, basic maybe. Couldn't read..." The Quarren went silent, as it's emotions took over.

"Find Xam, please. Any way. She is alive still, I know it," The alien said, then locked saddened eyes with Vig. "Will get credits for you. Loan maybe, anything for her."

Then the Quarren rose one hand to his face, his eyes closed, the pain over losing his daughter had almost broken him.