Disclaimer: Nothing of Star Wars belongs to me. Written for fun. No money is being made.
The Encounter
At present, soft music filled the large and almost empty space of the chamber room which contained a master and two of his slaves. The younger female of the two turned on the spot gently, swaying her body slowly and sensuously while the elder attended to him personally.
The sharp light above them put into focus everything they were able to hide during the night when it was dark and everything had turned silent. Currently, the other slaves were back in the room, finally able to rest after an all nighter. All of them had been involved. It was the anniversary of him getting his first slave. He wanted to celebrate.
Vogga the Hutt moaned low in his throat as Mira's ministrations against his thick knobby skin continued. Her soft and delicate hands were doing exactly what he wanted but it had taken a while. He still remembered how stubborn she once was but now, she was a changed woman. She no longer argued. Always went about her duties properly. It was more than Vogga could have hoped for.
When Mira got the signal to stop, she stopped. She stood tall and stepped off the dais and went beside her companion, Layilqua. The half-theelin glanced up nervously as her languid dancing came to a stop. Both slaves held their hands behind their backs as they waited patiently. Soon, Mira was dismissed and escorted back to the slave quarters.
Layilqua swallowed hard, feeling her mouth turn dry. For several moments nothing was said. Vogga just stared down at his youngest slave and looked her over slowly. She was definitely growing up.
"How old are you now, child?" he asked, his booming voice causing her to jump slightly.
"Eleven," she said timidly but clear enough for him to hear.
"Eleven... hmmm..." Vogga repeated. "Come here child. There is something you will learn and pass on to the others."
Layilqua nodded and approached the massive being before her. She leaned in close as he told her everything he wanted to say. Layilqua made sure to keep quiet and once it was over she stepped back and bowed politely before two guards moved forwards and took her back to the others.
When the doors slid open, all of the slaves were already looking in her direction, awaiting her return. Jade jumped to her feet and raced to Layilqua. Kneeling before her, she ran her hands over the small child, making sure she was still all in one piece. Quickly, her arms settled on the child's upper arms and she looked into her small, bright purple eyes.
"What happened?"
"H-he told me about an event in a couple nights time," replied Layilqua.
"What is it?" Jade asked quickly, her silver eyes showing worry.
"All slaves are to be washed, dressed in their appropriate clothing for a special gathering to honour the arrival of Mhann Mantenis," Layilqua said, repeating the words of Vogga.
A few groans echoed through the room in unison. Mira glanced around in confusion. "What?" she questioned, the frown on her face deepening.
Jade sighed as she stood up. She turned to Mira as she spoke. "Mhann Mantenis is a very wealthy Ithorian. He's been here quite a few times."
"And..." Mira probed.
All the slaves moved into a circle. It was time for another person to learn of the coming arrival. Once everyone was settled the attention turned back onto Jade. She tucked a strand of her platinum blonde hair behind her ears before sighing again. She always hated this time of year.
"He's an exile from his planet of Ithor," Jade explained. "I learnt from one of his slaves, who's not around anymore, that he was exiled because he became unusually aggressive and violent towards a neighbour on his planet. The story is quite muddled though, something happened and the neighbour was killed. They couldn't prove that it was Mantenis but they had no choice because of his past behaviour. Most are sure he did it anyway."
"And how is he connected to this place?" Mira asked when Jade paused.
"I'm getting to it," Jade said patiently with a small smile. "Vogga and Mantenis are extremely good friends. Most would assume they're rivals or enemies that are just pretending to like one another but I and few others know that's not the case. So, once every so often, Vogga invites he's old friend here and they have a large party to celebrate their reunion, if you like.
"All of us are supposed to be the entire entertainment," Jade continued. "It's the only time that all of us are together, performing. We do the same thing every time. It never seems to disappoint. Near the end of the night, Mantenis normally invites Vogga on a holiday to Groth..."
Mira opened her mouth but Jade held her hand up, silencing her. Her smile widened. "Groth," she went on to explain, "Is a planet in Hutt space. It was formally a throne world. It's now a resort for gambling and gladiatorial exhibitions. It's not only for Hutt's but also for their associates and the like."
"How do you know all this?" Mira asked, feeling surprised and overwhelmed by the information coming at her.
"Being a slave has its advantages," replied Jade. "Besides, how could we not learn all of this after hanging around our captors for so long? They're never able to keep things to themselves."
"And what happens on Groth?" Mira asked curiously.
"Well..." Jade started slowly. "Vogga normally takes one to three slaves with him and while there, they gamble, watch fights and he and Mantenis talk for hours on end. It's probably the longest period of time ever when we are not normally used. We're merely there for decoration, a show of power, wealth and influence."
"I see..." Mira muttered under her breath.
"Will Mantenis have more slaves?" piped up Layilqua, her eyes solely focused on Jade.
Jade nodded as she looked at the young child. "Yes, he always has three with him," Jade said almost sadly. "I'm not sure if there are others. I assume there are but I doubt many people have seen them."
"And the three always with him... they don't stay the same for long?" Mira asked hesitantly, fearing the answer.
"That's correct," Jade replied sadly. "There's a male Zabrak that's been with him for a while, well, a few years at least. He's name's Adan, I think. He's nice. I meet him last time on Groth." There was a heavy pause before Jade said anything else though it seemed to pain her. "Despite everything he's been through, he's a good man. I felt for him. I really did..."
Quickly, Jade pulled herself together before saying anything else. "He also keeps two female slaves with him," Jade said, her voice tight. "They seem to change but I've heard he has two new ones. Sister, I heard. But I'm sure he's had them for a while because they're quite young."
"Why does he have a male slave?" asked Mira slowly.
"To carry him," Jade said bitterly.
"Carry him?" Mira questioned quickly, almost wondering she heard correctly.
Jade nodded. "He moves on his hands and knees while Mantenis sits in the chair on his back." Jade scoffed. "I never thought I'd say this but I'd rather be Vogga's slave then Mantenis'," she said truthfully. "Mantenis is cruel and abusive, even when the slave hasn't done anything wrong. He believes it his right to treat them the way he does. He believes that slaves aren't people, they're possessions, nothing more."
An uneasy silence fell upon the room as it turned quiet. A few of them exchanged glances but remained silent. Eventually Mira exhaled heavily before turning to Jade again. She had more questions and since Jade was the most talkative person, it was best to ask her.
"How is it decided who goes to Groth?"
"Normally Vogga just alternates between us," answered Jade. "Last time I went along with Rhynna and Layilqua. It was just before her mother died." Jade glanced at the pale purple Twi'lek who returned the look shyly. Mira didn't understand but she didn't ask. "And the year before that it was Aria and Kaida who went."
Mira's thoughts went to everyone else. "Have you all been?"
Jade nodded as she answered. "As I said Vogga alternates. But Layilqua's only been once. I know he was apprehensive about her going in the first place especially with her mother around but I think we knew what was coming. Since her death Vogga seems to trust me with Layilqua more than anyone else."
After the words were spoken Mira glanced around at the other slaves again. None of them went to question Jade's claims. Perhaps it was true. Mira knew that even now, her protectiveness of Layilqua would still be overshadowed by Jade's. She had been here longer and known the child for all this time.
"So, if the slaves are mainly for decoration while on Groth... what do you end up doing most of the time?" Mira asked slowly.
Jade shrugged lightly. "As far as I know, every time, we're all put into a large room together and we just talk until we're wanted for something. We tell each other stories about our past. It helps us all get to know each other and learn something new. Plus, I find it exciting to hear about someone else's adventures."
The more Mira thought about it, the better it sounded. While they were here they were expected to be the daily entertainment but on Groth it seemed like they were the last resorts. Perhaps, Vogga knew his slaves needed time away but somehow Mira wasn't so sure Vogga saw it the way she did.
Another frown appeared on Mira's face as she turned to look at Jade again. She was smiling as though she suddenly realised something. And Mira wasn't the only slave who noticed it. The others were giving her curious looks too but only Kaida seemed to know what she was thinking.
A small breathy chuckle left Jade's lips before she spoke. "Shu'Rahn will be there."
Two nights later, the main chamber room had been completely transformed. The white walls glittered with streams of gold, tables against the wall held food and drink from several worlds and the entertainment had already started.
Jade stood at the front as she led the dance. Tonight, all of the slaves wore the exact same outfits. All were low cut, strapless dresses with high slit up the skirt. All were made of the same shimmering white material and were all matched with white high-heeled boots.
Inwardly, Jade sighed. They were going to be doing for this a while. It was going to be a long night. She shivered lightly as a cool breeze came in from the side entrance, fluttering their clean and glittering costumes. As Jade turned on the spot and everyone followed, she locked eyes with Mira before nodding slightly. She knew Mira was trying to keep up.
At least an hour had passed before anything happened and when it finally did, it was made sure that everyone noticed. A chime sounded through the side entrance, announcing the arrival of someone important. Vogga's voice instantly boomed across the room and Jade bowed before quickly moving into position. She stood at the door and waited.
And she didn't have to wait long. As another softer chime rang through, a large figure on top of a large chair walked through but Jade's heart sank at seeing how the chair was moved. After a few years, Adan was still doing this backbreaking labour.
Jade lowered her sight as their eyes locked. He was still being made to wear the same thing which was a loincloth in a light shade of green and thick brown sandals. His long black hair was tied back off his face, easily showing the dark purple inked tattoos across his face seemed dulled by the sweat that poured down his contorted face. Jade knew that he must be silently suffering.
Before too long Jade quickly lifted her head to the master and bowed her body and head. "Master Mantenis," she spoke loudly so everyone could hear. "It is a great pleasure to welcome you back to my master's home."
The tall and corpulent Ithorian nodded his head once acknowledging that he heard her. Jade smiled softly and turned on the spot. The Zabrak slave followed her path that lead towards Vogga. Just before reaching the dais, Vogga dismissed her and Jade, knowing her role, moved and stood beside Vogga.
With difficulty and much help, Mantenis got down from his chair and slave to greet Vogga personally. They embraced like old friends. The room turned silent as everyone watched. When the greetings were over, the Ithorian turned to face the crowd before him. He looked towards the door.
The Ithorian's rich emerald green robes swished around his stubby feet as he turned to Vogga. "I have something new to show you." He moved to stand on his male slave. "Come!" he shouted.
Within seconds two females, linked together by a chain walked through the doorway. The same sad yet casual expressions mirrored one another's, giving off the same sense of emotion. Instantly, they stepped lightly over to their master. Without having been told, one of the girls took the link from the chains and connected to them to a metal object that Mantenis held in one hand. They then curtsied like Jade had and smiled politely at Vogga. The Ithorian pointed to the blonde one and then the brunette.
"My new slaves, Seraph and Ali'anna, sisters from Dolomar," he announced arrogantly.
Mira looked the sisters over. They definitely were from Dolomar. Their skin was impossibly pale and flawless skin and they had matching crystal blue eyes, even their see through veils couldn't hide that. Mira took a couple tiny steps forward to get a better look. The blonde one, Seraph, looked to be older. Their outfits were similar to Layilqua's.
The undergarments were more like swimsuits. The elegant two-pieces clung to the slender bodies like a second skin and the capes flowed behind their backs with ease, reaching their knees. The darker material was covered in glittering patterns that Mira didn't recognise although it reminded her of a tapestry. Both girls jingled whenever their arms moved. The thick gold bracelets around their wrists shone brightly under the strong lights above them and the only difference between their outfits was that Seraph's was pink and Ali'anna's was blue as were their matching sandals.
"Welcome," Vogga declared boisterously, looking over Mantenis' new slaves with great appreciation.
The band took their cue and the music started up into full swing once again. Jade returned to her place and the dancing started again and Layilqua stepped forwards to sing.
Near the end of the night things calmed slightly, the music was still flowing but quieter and all slaves were still dancing. The reason was that it was time for the two old friends to talk have more drink.
"Whatever happened to Sola and Eyra?" Vogga questioned.
"My last two slaves?" Mantenis questioned but he didn't wait for an answer. "They became too loud and vocal for my taste. I had them sent away."
"Sent away?"
"Their punishment was ultimately going to be death but I decided to sell them," Mantenis explained in an almost bored voice before perking up slightly. "Got a pretty good price for them too... sold them to a Mandalorian."
Vogga laughed heartily and Mantenis joined in before continuing. "Last time I sold him some slaves, he complained about their behaviour. I believe their fate was worse with a Mandalorian then it ever would be with me." There was a slight pause. "Who's the red-head?"
"A new slave," replied Vogga with an air of arrogance. "Used to be a bounty hunter and nothing but a pain in my side."
The Ithorian nodded at the Hutt's words. "Yes, yes. Quite pretty." He took a large swig of his drink before turning to face his old friend. "Now, my dear friend," he said merrily. "I think it's time we both took a holiday."
Vogga chuckled. "Where did you have in mind?"
"To Groth!" Mantenis proclaimed. "Where we shall drink until our hearts content and gamble until our pockets run dry!"
Their goblets full of alcohol clunked together in celebratory agreement and they took another sip of drink. Since their attention was no longer on the dancing girls, Mira took the opportunity to subtly look down at the two tyrants. Mira had never met an exiled Ithorian before. She knew what most of their species was like. This was bound to be more than interesting.
As she watched their drinking continued, Mira wondered if this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. She could no longer hope for the exile or for any of her old travelling companions to help her. She was now on her own, well, sort of but maybe she could help them too. Perhaps if she was invited to Groth with Vogga, it might just be something she could use to escape.