Orbiting Nal Hutta, the notorious Smuggler's Moon of Nar Shaddaa lay at the center of the vast territory in the Outer Rim known as Hutt Space. A city ruled by crime, it was known by many names: the Vertical City, Little Slugland, Narsh, and Little Coruscant. Much like the galactic capital, the overlapping geometrical patterns of light could be seen from a distance.
A flood of lighted holodisplays greeted visitors, as they flew by the huge tower blocks, thrusting up into the polluted traffic-filled sky. The upper levels of the city offered extravagant commercial districts, opulent casinos, stylish boutiques, and legitimate businesses—many serving as fronts for illegal activities. Things took on a different tone as one approached the corrupt, crime-controlled lower levels of the city, with its seedy cantinas, spice dens, gambling parlors, pleasure clubs, and all manner of illegal activities. Every nook and cranny between the structures was jammed with teetering shanty towns called skyslums. Though vehicles weren't restricted to docking areas, it was advisable that an off-world freighter used a landing bay. The Outcast landed at a bay in the capital, Hutta Town.
"So, this is what it would look like if Level 1313 rose to the surface," said Elynn when she saw the chaos and filth on the streets.
"And if you're not careful, the only memento you'll get from here is a bad habit, a blaster shot, or a nasty infection," Syrran said.
"Sounds like a regular Centaxday to me." Hondo stretched his arms, breathing in some of the polluted air.
"I'm almost afraid to ask what's a typical day like," Elynn said.
"Nothing other than vice," Jarriss said. "The moon's major import is spice."
"And we brought something far more valuable." Hondo wrung his hands.
The Je'daii took one of the beat-up speeder buses to Hutta Town. Police presence was scarce. Arguments and fights were common, and the group invited the attention of several locals who pondered the odds of conning or holding up a party of dangerous off-worlders. A chaotic patchwork of establishments lined the crowded streets; a liquor store stood by a used droid seller, next to a street food stall, adjacent to a tattoo parlor.
In the east of Hutta Town and past two skyslums, Grakku's palace was a two-level ziggurat parted in the middle to show a smaller structure. Four spires rose from random sides of the building. The party encountered a river of people filing in through a gargantuan gate into an arena inside the palace.
"Is there some kind of festival we're not aware of?" Elynn said.
"Scum Appreciation Day?" Addia said.
"How about Force Providence Day? Look at the bill." Virra pointed at a large holobillboard by the entrance of the arena.
The marquee announced tonight's fight by the champion, Ghost Fist; an ominous Kiffar shrouded in shadows. The event drew a full house.
"Mudscuffer..." a bewildered Syrran said, recognizing Quinlan Vos.
"I take it that's him," Theleema said.
"What is he doing fighting in an arena?" Elynn said.
"Not rotting away in a ryll mine, that's what." Hondo felt slighted.
"Gladiators are slaves," Syrran said.
"They still get perks."
"How did he end up here?" Jarriss said.
"Not a change of career, I tell you that," Syrran said.
"Guess we'll have to buy a ticket and see what it's all about," Jarriss said.
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FORSAKEN II - Eternal Dawn
FanfictionSTARWARSFANS OFFICIAL FANFIC. Hiding from the Empire after the events on Coruscant, the fugitive Jedi find themselves united by their common fate on Kijimi. After the consequences of their actions force them back in the open, they decide to embark...
