**Interlude – Nal Hutta**
**Grand Hutt Council Chamber**
The Grand Hutt Council, alternatively known as the Council of Elders, Hutt Council, Hutt Ruling Council, or the Grand Council of Nal Hutta, was a five-member council that served as the primary ruling body of the Hutt species. The five members were often known informally as the "Five Hutt Families," but due to internal politics, individual clans could control more than one seat on the council. The Ruling Council handled the day-to-day affairs of the Hutt species, and its leader spoke on behalf of all Hutts in treaties and dealings with the Republic, the CIS, or whoever had the most money or warships. For now, that was the Republic.
Jabba Desilijic Tiure lounged lazily on his massive couch in the main hall of his palace on Nal Hutta. However, he wasn't sleeping — his large, bulbous eyes were watching the proceedings intently. Holograms of the other Hutts floated before him. A meeting of the Hutt Council was underway. True, the Hutts were loners by nature, but some matters needed to be resolved together. Especially when they concerned the survival of their state.
"We are concerned about the escalating conflict between the Republic and the Confederacy…" one hologram rumbled.
"It seems there has been a lull in the fighting… but it is a temporary phenomenon. Both sides are arming themselves more intensively. Escalation is a matter of months."
"Is it possible that the war will affect our territories? Our agreement with the Republic is beneficial… but it could become a reason for aggression from the CIS."
"The risk is worth the gain. Moreover, the agreement is reciprocal. The Republic protects our borders."
"We shouldn't rely on them. We need to prepare our troops."
"But why are there movements of the Pykes and the Black Sun in our territory?" Jabba rumbled, his massive form shifting slightly on the couch. "We have an alliance, but Arok, Gorga… you seem to have had much more personal visits."
"They are but allies, Jabba," Arok replied smoothly. "Seeking to question why your 'friend' Dagon launches attacks on their bases, destroys their personnel, and steals their equipment and spice."
"Hah hah!" Jabba laughed, a deep, booming sound that echoed through the chamber. "The Black Sun and the Pykes forget that he is a Jedi and he is allowed to act in ways that at least he doesn't affect us. But anything out of our space is not our problem."
"But Jabba—" Gorga began.
"No more talk," Jabba cut him off with a wave of his stubby arm. "Droid, continue."
The protocol droid bowed smoothly. "With your permission, gentlemen. According to estimates, the combined forces of Hutt Space, including not only the forces of the seven great families but also other clans, number four thousand two hundred and fifteen heavy-class ships, of which one thousand nine hundred and twenty-two are Dreadnoughts. Light ships number thirty-seven thousand four hundred and fifty-seven. We have approximately sixty thousand fighters, mostly HH-87s, and nine thousand bombers. The ground forces number just under four billion infantry. We can mobilize twice that number of sentients within a month. Without significant financial burden, we have access to up to two thousand ships of various classes for hire, and two hundred million mercenaries, including up to one hundred thousand Mandalorians."
"Are these forces sufficient to repel aggression?"
"At this point in time, yes. Given the progress of both armies and the emergence of more advanced combat vehicles, we must take into account our technical lag. It is recommended to begin updating our vehicle fleet."
"Do you have any suggestions?"
"Yes. The Mandalorians recently unveiled their new vehicle, the G1-M4-C 'Desert Lizard.' It meets our current needs. Production will begin as soon as we give our approval. Shall we vote?"
The Hutt Council chamber fell into a brief, calculating silence as the massive beings considered the proposal. Jabba's eyes narrowed slightly, but he remained quiet, watching the others. The war between the Republic and the Confederacy was spreading, and the Hutts — ever pragmatic — were preparing to profit from it, no matter who won.