-Hall of Sovereigns, Canto Bight-

Deep in the heart of Canto Bight was the Hall of Sovereigns. After my successful mission in getting the spice deal, a secret meeting in the underworld was to be held. My aunt, now the duchess since House Covraii got elevated to a higher position of power, had to attend this meeting. And I too was also needed. Hutts, Weequay pirates, Pyke Syndicate, the Black Sun and many more organizations of the galaxy's crime underworld were there. Since the Covraii Mining Guild was a legal cooperation, the mutiple factions wanted a share in the profits and spice production.

All aristocrats of Akkadia having lost much influence in the realm of politics, my aunt became the ruler of Akkadia. Officially and unofficially. An attack on her meant bringing in the wrath of the empire since she was the planetary government. This prompted her to make the family from a county to a duchy.

The main point of discussion was the spice. Now that the Makluans were cooperating with my family, House Covraii, it meant endless credits us. Many wanted a partnership but there were so many bitter rivalries that an all out spice war might ensue that could lead to the destruction of these organizations, House Covraii included. My aunt knew the risks so she had to make sure her work did not crumble into dust.

In the meeting, it was decided that 2 Hutts named Gardulla and Jabba along with the Black Sun were to have a share in the illegal spice trade. This decision no doubt infuriated the Pykes and other smuggler clans and pirate guilds. I knew my aunt was up to something. She wouldn't make a decision like this if she didn't have an ulterior motive. Even stranger was that House Heron and House Romtower, strong rivals of my family, had shares in the company. She had a plan, I was certain of it!

As we walked out, I asked her, ''Aunt, what is your motive in choosing the Black Sun over the Pykes?''

''My nephew, '' she began, ''remember what I told you before you entered the academy?''

''Chaos is a ladder. If we know how to take advantage of it, we can use it to climb society. Is that your plan?''

''Yes!'' she exclaimed in a happy, proud tone. ''The Pykes will no doubt start an underworld war on the Black Sun for the spice. And other noble houses will take action against the Herons and Romtowers. I have taken careful steps to ensure our family's plot remains hidden. The attacking houses will be demonized, our rivals dead all the while we grow more powerful.''

''Chaos truly is a ladder. One that we can use to climb. But what about our subordinates? Will they survive?''

''Collateral damage, dear nephew. Nothing more.'' she replied without a care.

''Seems harsh.''

''We have many subordinates, my dear nephew. I asked them to follow us, to do our bidding but I've never asked for their trust. I told them not to trust anyone, including myself but... it seems their delusions of wanting to prove themselves get the better of them. To think they can outlive their usefulness. All creatures live to obey, Salazar, remember that. No one can survive without trusting someone. Someone they feel is better, more worthy than themselves. It's how all leaders are made, to the point of near godhood.''

I took in her words in understanding. She was always ruthless, manipulative and cunning and she made sure I learned every bit from her. But she was kind to her loved ones, especially family. I opened the airspeeder limo and she entered. I too entered and closed the door as the airspeeder took off to our ship.

Not too far away from the Hall of Sovereigns was a woman dressed in a black and red attire. She watched as we left the Hall. She turned on her comm link to contact her master. ''The target has left Canto Bight, supreme leader.''

''Keep me updated on his progress. His time to become my successor draws near.'' replied her master.

''Understood, supreme leader Snoke.''
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                         -Akkadia-

A large man wearing the Akkadian Defense Legions uniform walked up to the Covraii Manor. He was grumpy and walking at a fast pace, escorted by 10 Akkadian Defense Legionnaires. ''Hold right there!'' shouted captain Gary. ''Who are you and what is your business here?''

''I have no time to waste. It's urgent.'' replied the man.

''Answer first or you will be detained. No one is allowed inside the Imperial Garrison except imperial troopers, the duchess and her company employes.'' Gary said as 20 storm troopers came to aid their captain.

Before a fight ensued, a female Togruta slave came out to give Gary a data pad. ''Captain Strave, my mistress lady Dainah, has asked for forgiveness. She wants her nephew, Raggal, to meet her now.''

The man now identified as Raggal, a member of House Covraii and consequently my cousin, walked to the Covraii Manor. Inside the manor, in a dark room, my aunt was attended by her slaves while I gave her my ideas and proposals. ''As you can see, aunt, it is my best interest that the cities of Akkadia become domed shape. These domes can house an entire city with tens of millions capable of living in it. It would protect them from the gorogs or lions and planetary invasions since these domes have hundreds of turbo-lasers.''

My aunt looked over the skematics and hummed as if in thought. ''These plans are brilliant, Salazar. And we can put underground railway lines to supply these cities. It would be expensive but we have much money to spare. I'll contact my friends in-''

She didn't finish as Raggal barged into the room. I looked at my cousin, the head of the Akkadian Defense Legion and composed myself lest I activate my lightsaber. ''Lady duchess, forgive my intrusion.'' he said, trying to sound formal. ''I merely request the imperial troops aid in eliminating the man eating pride of lions in the Grass Sea.''

''Permission granted, nephew. Your cousin will oversee the troops.'' she replied instantly.

''My aunt, if you would... forgive me... but I have to speak my opinions. How can you do it? How can you even stand it or even be able to do it for even a second!?'' he nearly shouted.

''Do what, Raggal?'' I asked which seemed to make him angrier.

''How can you allow them to have a SHARE in what YOU'VE BUILT!?'' he roared in anger and scared the slaves. ''HOW!? Everything you and our family have worked for... what House Covraii worked for... how can you share it with those FILTH!?''

''Calm, Raggal, calm.'' I said. ''Since when is a gift not a gift?''

''What do you mean?'' asked Raggal.

''And you ask why I favoured Salazar over the others.'' my aunt said as she leaned forward. ''Your cousin understands, Raggal. Why can't you?''

''Understand what, my aunt? Do you have a plan in motion?''

''I have. Plans within plans within plans. Chaos is what fuels our family's rise to power. I am creating another such storm of chaos, one in which we are the center and one in which we come out on top. The underworld will tear itself apart in war for control of the spice we produce and our rivals will eliminate each other. I just got word from my inside sources that House Heron and Romtower are soon going to be extinct. They war all the while we grow more powerful.''

''I... see.'' Raggal said, humbled and enlightened. ''I understand now, aunt. With your position as duchess and an imperial governor with cousin Salazar being a colonel and a war hero, these factions will not dare to strike against House Covraii in fear of imperial retaliation.''

''Exactly.''

''Then, cousin Salazar, shall we hunt some lions?'' Raggal asked.

''We'll discuss this at a later time, aunt. Come, Raggal.'' I said and left the room. As I walked to the garrison, I saw major Gren, Gary and Prisca talk over a drink. I overheard their conversation a bit and heard a part mentioning me. Not wanting to be embarrased, I shouted, ''Major Gren!''

The startled major stood up, accidentally poured his drink over his armor and stood in attention. With his hand in a salute at me. ''Sir!''

''Prepare the troops. We are going hunting.''

''Pirates, sir? Smugglers or rebels perhaps?''

''No. The duchess wants us to aid the Defense Legion in hunting down a pride of man eating lions. Take detonators. These lions can take multiple blaster shots.'' I ordered and major Gren left to rally the troops.

''Lions? Sal, really? Just some wild cats and they need us?'' Gary asked.

''These are no ordinary cats, Gary. These are Akkadian adamantine lions. Their hides resist blades and can tank blasters. Their teeth can tear through iron with ease and can run as fast as speeders. Get your gear, we're leaving.'' I ordered as I walked to get my lightsaber and blasters.
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The troopers and I laid down in the tall golden fields of Akkadia. The pride of man eating lions within our sight, feasting on some unfortunate locals. I gave the signal and we moved in quietly and slowly. After we were close enough, I gave the order and detonators were thrown. As they exploded and the lions were confused, we shot our harpoons to trap their paws while blasters were distracting them.

A lioness saw me and ran towards me. I started firing with my blaster pistol but the lioness wasn't budging. I took out my lightsaber and slashed at her eyes, practically blinding the lioness. 4 harpoons trapped the lioness and taking advantage of the situation, drove my lightsaber into her mouth, killing her. We killed half the pride but the remaining fled upwards to the stream.

Taking the carcasses back to the village, we showed it on display to the locals who welcomed us for avenging their loved ones. We boarded a sail barge and went upstream to the river bank. ''These lions sure can take a punch Sal. How is it that you aren't eaten by them in your younger days is a mystery.'' Gary joked as he sat beside me.

''Maybe they think I'm too cute?'' I replied sarcastically and we both laughed. Suddenly, the barge rammed onto something and my fears got realized. ''Ningshiszida.''

''What?''

''River serpent! Prepare guns. Defend port and starboard sides. Move, move, move!'' I shouted as the tail of the river serpent was visible. Then the river serpent, that white scaled giant snake that lurked in Akkadia's rivers, showed itself. Without warning, the snake suddenly attacked and we fired everything we got.

The snake used it's massive, club like tail to hit the barge, damaging the engines and then unleashed it's blue sulphuric flame at the troops. I jumped up to slash the snake but it seemed somewhat resistant to lightsaber strikes. The snake released another flame attack and we barely escaped. I took a harpoon and when the snake struck, I put the harpoon inside the snake's mouth, opening it. The snake in anger lifted me up, trying to kill me but couldn't close it's mouth.

As fire as starting to emit from the snake, I took a thermal detonator and threw it inside the snake's mouth. I jumped away and after 3 seconds, the snake exploded to pieces. ''Another day in the imperial army.'' I said and then my body dropped down on the floor.

''This planet really isn't the ideal place for vacation.'' commented Gary as he saw the snake's carcass go down into the river. ''Rest here, Sal. Major Gren and I will finish the remaining lions.''

I put my thumbs up and Gary left with 2/3 of the men. The remaining third stayed with me to repair the barge as it was our way back to Akkad. After about 30 minutes, the engines were repaired and ready for takeoff. ''Good job boys. Tonight's dinner is a special one and on me.'' I said and the men cheered.

''Colonel sir, there is something I think you should see, sir.'' said a trooper as he came to the barge.

''I'll be the judge of that, trooper. Let's see.'' I said as the trooper took me to the sight. With 6 troopers behind me, there wasn't anything to worry about. The sight the trooper spoke of was a dead female wolf. It seemed that the wolf fought the lions before dying. ''Species rivalry between wolves and lions is not rare in Akkadia.'' I said, preparing to leave but I heard a noise.

I looked around and then found a litter of wolf pups. ''Well aren't you guys adorable.'' I said as I took one of them up.

''What will we do about them, sir?'' asked a trooper and I hummed in thought.

''We'll take 'em. Come on boys, grab the pups.'' I ordered and the troops grabbed all 5 of the pups. Then I saw a sixth one just nearby and approached it. It was albino unlike the rest of his siblings who were ash black. I took the pup in my hands and we left for the barge.

I boiled the milk we had on board and after it was cooled, gave it to the pups. I decided to take the albino pup for myself and I watched as it drank it's milk. ''You have a big appetite don't you?'' I said and gave it more milk. ''I think I'll name you... Fenrir. Yeah, I'll call you that.''

''Sal! We're back!'' shouted Gary with the troops loading the lion carcasses on board. Then, Gary took notice of the wolf pups. ''What the hell are those!?''

''Wolf pups. Saw their mother dead and decided to take them in. Adorable, aren't they?'' I asked lifting up Fenrir and Gary said nothing. We then left to go back to Akkad.
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                          -Akkad-

''Awww! Aren't you adorable!'' Prisca exclaimed as she saw Fenrir. She took him into her arms and played with the wolf pup. ''Where did you find him, Sal?''

''In the riverbank. Saw their mother dead and decided to take them in.'' I said and Prisca adored the little wolf pup.

''I must say, sir, it's really aborable. But I hate to imagine it one day being a cold hearted killer like it says on the data pad.'' Major Gren said as he gave me the mission report.

''If that's the case then Fenrir here will hunt down rebels, Major.'' I replied and headed to the Covraii Manor.

''Mission was a success, aunt.'' I said to my aunt in her little, dark throne. ''The man eating lions are dead.''

''So I see. Anything else to report, nephew?''

''We were attacked by a river serpent but I managed to take it down. Then, I saw a dead wolf who had a litter of 6 pups. I decided to take the pups in. You wouldn't mind, right?''

''Oh, I always wanted a pet dog.'' she exclaimed and a pup was given to her. ''Aren't they just adorable, Sal?''

A slave came in with a box. ''Master Salazar, a gift from the tailors.'' she said and I opened the box. Inside was a cape from the hide of a male lion. Fur on the neck like the mane and I felt the smoothness of the cape. I put it on and felt comfortable.

''I almost forgot, Salazar, I have a gift for you.'' my aunt said as she gave me a key and told me to go to floor 27. When I arrived there, I couldn't believe my eyes.

''An A17-647 chrome speeder bike!'' I exclaimed in utter disbelief. ''M-series ion engine, military grade blaster cannon, smooth rims, durasteel reinforced armor plating, chrome paint! I must try it!'' I got on my new speeder and drove down the large spice containers and ships of House Covraii.

I screamed like a happy, mad man and both my friends and troops just shook their heads.
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