On Nal Hutta, Ziro was brought before the leaders of the Hutt criminal organization. Normally, given his status within the cartel, he would be seated as an honored guest. However, due to his past betrayals—including his attempt to have Jabba and his son killed—Ziro now found himself surrounded by several blasters pointed directly at him.
This predicament didn't dampen his theatrical enthusiasm in the slightest.
"Gentlemen, gentlemen," Ziro greeted them with his characteristic flourish. "Given this joyous occasion of my newfound freedom, I see no reason for us to harbor grudges against one another. Let us put the past behind us."
"Yes, you disappeared for several weeks before deciding to grace us with your presence," said Gardulla, one of Jabba's closest allies, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"I had to lay low. I needed to ensure the Republic didn't track me here immediately—it would have compromised all of you. But I do appreciate the assistance I received during my escape," Ziro replied smoothly.
"Then you understand exactly why we arranged your prison break in the first place," said another crime lord named Oruba.
"Oh, I harbor no illusions about that," Ziro said with a sinister smile. He picked up a glass of exotic liquor and drained it in one gulp before continuing. "It's all about the holo diary that documents your various... indiscretions."
Every member of the Hutt council visibly bristled at the mention of this blackmail material. It was, without question, a naked threat.
"Kill me, and all the information I've gathered will be transmitted across the galaxy," Ziro said nonchalantly, effectively silencing the room. "The harsh reality is that as long as I control this sensitive material, everyone here remains safe."
After some hushed deliberation, the crime lords signaled their guards to lower their weapons and step back.
"Excellent. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to retire to my quarters," Ziro said with a smug grin. He turned away dismissively, carelessly tossing aside the empty cup, which clattered into a corner.
In his arrogance, he failed to notice another presence in the shadows. As Ziro left the chamber, a figure emerged and approached the Hutt council.
"So he's the reason you hired me?"
Jabba and his council nodded gravely.
"Good to know. I'll get him to spill and retrieve this holo-diary of his."
After landing on Nal Hutta, the Republic team disembarked and were immediately met by several green-skinned Gamorrean guards working for the Hutt family. Delta Squad opted to remain behind and guard their ship, protecting their only means of escape from any hostile elements that might try to sabotage it.
The Jedi and Avengers were escorted to an entertainment chamber where disco lights flashed and music pounded as various species danced and socialized. However, the festivities came to an abrupt halt as the DJ cut the music set short.
Gardulla the Hutt soon addressed them through a protocol droid translator. "Gentlemen, how goes the war effort?"
Obi-Wan stepped forward to address the Hutt crime lord directly. "Gardulla, we bring troubling news. Ziro the Hutt has escaped Republic custody with the assistance of bounty hunter Cad Bane."
"The mighty Gardulla is already aware of this development, Jedi," the protocol droid replied. "She is simply curious why you have taken so long to respond."
"We have been... actively searching for him."
Vos soon stepped forward with a knowing grin. "I'm starting to think you were the ones who helped him escape in the first place."
Several Hutts exchanged uncertain glances before Gardulla spoke again, her words translated by the droid: "Why would the great Hutt clans involve themselves in such matters?"
"That's exactly what I'd like to know," Vos replied pointedly.
"Quinlan, the Hutts are our allies," Obi-Wan said in a warning tone.
As the Hutt crime boss continued speaking, Vos noticed a discarded cup on the floor. He used the Force to draw it to his hand, and the moment his fingers made contact with the vessel, his mind was flooded with visions—Ziro's face, his voice, and his recent conversation with the Hutt leadership.
"The powerful Gardulla says you are fortunate to be accompanied by a wise Jedi like Kenobi, or you might not be permitted to leave here alive," the protocol droid translated ominously.
Vos snapped out of his Force-induced trance, casually placed the cup on a nearby table, and shot back, "Sounds like I should come alone next time."
Obi-Wan sighed heavily. "We came only to deliver information. We should take our leave now."
"As you wish, Jedi."
As they departed, the music and lights resumed, and the entertainment continued as if nothing had happened.
"Ziro is here," Vos revealed as they returned to their ship. "He's been here recently—I saw him holding that cup."
"How could you possibly know that?" Sam asked with fascination.
"I have a unique Force ability called psychometry. It allows me to read the history of objects through touch."
"What's our next move?" Steve asked.
"There's a strong possibility Ziro is still somewhere on this moon. We should search the area and see if we can locate him ourselves," Kenobi suggested.
"I wouldn't recommend that approach," Sam interjected. "The four of us wandering around with this many hostiles in the area will only draw unwanted attention."
"So what do you suggest?" Vos asked.
Sam raised his wrist device and pressed a red button, causing a small reconnaissance drone to deploy from his flight pack.
"Redwing will handle the scouting," Sam said with confidence, sending his drone to survey the surrounding area.
After several minutes of aerial reconnaissance, Redwing discovered an empty detention block with several dead Gamorrean guards scattered throughout.
"I've got something," Sam reported to the others. "Empty holding cells with multiple dead guards inside."
"Then we need to find out where Ziro went, and fast."
"If the Hutts discover those bodies, alarms will start going off soon."
"Agreed."
Back in Gardulla's chamber, the hired bounty hunter emerged from the shadows, having waited for the other guests to disperse.
"Looks like my fee just went up," the man announced, drawing attention from several Hutts. "With those Avengers and Jedi you mentioned, I'll need triple the original payment."
The Hutts discussed the matter in their native language before Oruba addressed the bounty hunter through a protocol droid.
"The mighty Oruba inquires why you would make such demands," the translation droid asked.
"Listen, I've got personal business and a score to settle with those people," the hunter said in deliberately vague terms. "Do you want this job completed or not? The longer you waste time haggling, the more likely it becomes that Ziro gets captured by them instead."
It didn't take long for the Hutt leadership to agree to the bounty hunter's demands. The hunter left the chamber with a satisfied smile, already planning his next move.