The floor of the ship was cool under her bare feet as Six padded silently down the corridor. Drifting through the darkened ship during the crew's sleep cycle, she knew she resembled a specter, her unbound hair and the light robe she wore over her tank-top and shorts both trailing behind her. The quiet ship was peaceful, and it was good to know her crew was resting, but she didn't know how she expected to get any sleep tonight. She sailed past the closed doors of Quinn's and Pierce's rooms, hearing Pierce's snores even from the hallway. Making sure those two didn't have to share quarters was one of her better ideas, she thought, they probably would have killed each other.
Six paused in the corridor, thinking about her two Imperials; Quinn, the ideal officer, handsome and controlled; and Pierce, the ex-Black Ops commando, brash and rugged. Having the two of them chase after her had made her ship feel like a Dejark table, with three players instead of two. It seemed like each man plied his battlefield tactics on her; Quinn calculating risk, and weighing options before making moves, while Pierce gambled with bold strategies, and followed with bolder actions. But after everything she'd been through becoming the Emperor's Wrath, romantic problems seemed beneath her.
Today however she'd received a comm from her father that shook her to her core and was currently causing her sleepless state. He'd been summoned to Csilla to address the House Nuruodo, the ruling family responsible for military and foreign affairs, and had told Six not to join him. Her Force sensitivity told her that the matter concerned her, but nothing else. Many of the political families looked for opportunities to exploit the weaknesses of their rivals, and Six was concerned that the House Nuruodo viewed her position for the Empire as a liability.
Blast it Father, she thought, you should have let me be a Shadow Child. At least that way her connection to her family would be hidden and it wouldn't matter what the Ascendancy thought of her. But he wouldn't have had it. 'You're my daughter,' he'd told her, 'The opinion of a government on a planet several systems away shouldn't matter.' No questioning where she got her stubborn streak, she thought fondly.
So now she was pacing her ship, like a caged vorn tiger. I am Wrath, Six reminded herself, chosen to represent the Emperor because of my strength, issues like this shouldn't bother me. But you're also Chiss, her heart piped up; family ties are as much a part of you as your blue skin and red eyes. The thought of her family suffering because she decided to become Sith wounded her deeply, and she was uncharacteristically chilled as she moved through the common area, where the ever present ship's droid noticed her.
"My Lord, I took the liber..." In one swift lunge, Six leaped across the bay and put her hand over the ship's droid's vocal array.
"One more noise, 2V," she snarled, "And I will personally take you to Tatooine and sell you to the Jawas for scrap. Flash your optical sockets once if you understand." There was a brief flash, and Six removed her hand as she stepped back. "Sorry about that, 2V. I'm enjoying the silence and don't want to risk waking any of the crew." The droid gave her a quick nod and she straightened her robe.
"Gracefully done, my lord," Somehow Six wasn't surprised to hear Quinn's voice behind her, "But then, I've always admired your moves." Turning to face him, she saw he was in the clothes he wore when he retired for the night. He looked as handsome as ever and slightly disheveled, but lines of concern etched his face.
"You should return to your quarters, Captain," Six decided to ignore his complement, "I don't plan on being pleasant company."
"I suspected you might be awake, my lord," his voice was soft and sympathetic, "I saw the comm about your father being summoned." Six pinned him with a sharp look, tempted to call him out for his nosiness. But the fact that he was being nosy meant he was thinking about her on a personal level, instead of professional.
"I understand if you don't wish to speak to me," he continued, "This might not be the best timing, but I'd been hoping for a moment of privacy so that we could talk."
The request caught her off guard, as well as the fact that he moved closer to her, he'd seemed distant lately. Using her Force sensitivity, Six probed lightly. The turmoil she'd felt emanating from him recently had been replaced by a sense of resolve, if she hadn't been so engrossed by her family, she might have picked up on it sooner.
"What do remember about the Ascendency from your research, Quinn?" Six asked, as she continued pacing and saw him shrug.
"Not much, I'm afraid. I believe I read that it was highly structured form of government, and enforced by ruling families."
"'Highly structured' is right. It's also cold, calculating, and thrives on betrayal. Some of the ruling families could make Sith power grabs look like schoolyard antics." Six shuddered, "Father told me it wasn't uncommon for whole families to disappear, either exiled or executed because they were caught in the middle of inter-house rivalries. Do you have any family, Quinn?" she asked, as she heaved a deep sigh.
"None that I associate with," he replied, shaking his head emphatically. Six gave him a wry smile.
"I do. Three older brothers, each with their own brood." she did a quick mental count, and chuckled, "Last I knew, I have eight nieces and nephews."
A surprised grin spread across Quinn's face. "So you mean the Emperor's Wrath, is an aunt?" Six let out a small laugh at the idea as well.
"I know, not a role most would associate with a Sith," she sobered instantly, "But family ties are important to Chiss. My whole family could be affected by how the House views my actions for the Empire. Eight children …" she stopped as her throat closed up, and she shut her eyes, unable to banish the images of her family exiled or worse. She heard a shift in movement, and opened her eyes to see Quinn looking at her with an open longing.
"My lord, permission to..." he suddenly cut himself off, and shook his head, pressing his fingertips to his forehead, "I'm an idiot." Six heard him mutter, before he glided over to her and pulled her into his arms for a firm embrace.
"Forgive me for being forward, my lord," the words breathed into her hair, "You looked like you needed comforting. I hope you find me someone to find comfort in." He squeezed her firmly, before adding, "Six."
Six felt something unknot in her chest at Quinn's use of her name, recognizing it as his version of a peace offering. She let her cheek rest on his shoulder and gave him a return squeeze as she sighed, feeling relaxed for the first time all night as she breathed in his clean male scent and remnants of his aftershave.
"I do, Malavai," she admitted as she leaned against him and was surprised to feel him slump against her.
"That's good to know," Six squeezed again, sensing he was seeking his own comfort in her. She pulled back to look him in the eye, but before she could say more, he laid a finger on her lips.
"Like I said, I've been hoping we could talk, but not here." There was enigmatic gleam in his eye as he pulled at her waist. "Follow me."
Six was intrigued by the change in his demeanor, and followed without a word. They slipped down the corridor, past the crew quarters, until they reached the hatch leading to the ship's escape pod. Looking at her with that gleam again, he placed his finger on his own lips, signaling her silence, as he popped the hatch open.
Six couldn't help but smile as Malavai lifted his hand to her gallantly and assisted her into the pod, then shut the hatch. The pod was almost cozy with the console glowing dimly and two narrow bench seats. Why had she not inspected these pods before? she thought, then laughed inwardly as she answered her own question; because she'd left details like that to Quinn.
"Very interesting, Malavai," Six said, with a laugh, "Don't tell me you've brought me here to have your wicked way with me?" In the dull light of the pod's console, Six recognized the heat in Malavai's eyes. But instead of acting on whatever thought caused it, he chuckled as he settled into the seat.
"I've missed your teasing, Six," he confessed, surprising her again by pulling her to sit beside him. He adjusted so that her back leaned against him and his arms rested lightly around her. Not a romantic embrace, she noted, just two people enjoying the comfort found in a familiar body. "You may be difficult to resist, that's not why I brought you here. This is where I retire when I want to get away from the rest of the crew. It's peaceful here." Six let out a low impressed whistle.
"Shrewd, no one would think to look for someone in here," she said, "Private, but patched into the ship's intercom. I approve."
"I hoped you would," Six could hear a smile in his voice, "I also hope you can confide in me why you are so distraught for your family." Her thoughts brought back to the summons, Six felt chilled again and nestled back into Malavai, seeking his warmth.
"Chiss society frowns on open shows of emotion and passion. I blatantly defied that when I chose to be Sith. But, Chiss family ties are very strong and I'd hate for my family to suffer from that decision." Six shook her head, trying to shake off the consequences her imagination was conjuring for her family. "You must think it's silly, the Emperor's Wrath, worrying about her family when so much going on in the galaxy." Six felt his arm tighten around her in reassurance.
"Quite the contrary, Six," his voice soft at her ear, "It's heartening to see that you care so much for them." He paused and Six swore she could hear the gears turning in that strategic mind of his. "You know, I'm sure there's a way to assist your family though your connections in the Empire. Perhaps, 'political asylum', if it comes to that."
"Political asylum?" The idea intrigued her.
"Yes, if you genuinely think your family is in danger, I'm sure we can find a way to have them protected or relocated." His voice dropped to a conspiratorial tone, "Remember, you are viewed as a very powerful force in the Empire, why not make use of that influence?" Six laughed in delight at the simplicity of his solution.
"Why Malavai!" she exclaimed, "That's positively inspired."
"I'm glad you think so," she could hear the pride in his voice, "Let's see what news comes back, and if need be, I will look into the proper steps to insure their safety. Even expedite the process if necessary." A relaxed sigh escaped Six, as she leaned her head back on his shoulder.
"Thank you," she said, "It's good to know you're still my answer man."
Malavai's arm tightened around her quickly, and she traced her fingers along his leg. Her nails raking down his leg reminded her of another time she'd raked lines across his skin and she shivered. She sensed a flare of passion from him and knew that his imagination had taken the same heated turn as hers. He cleared his throat as if gathering his thoughts.
"Distracting woman," he affectionately muttered, "Tempting, but there's more I would like to discuss things with you. Recently I find that I am very grateful to you," Six turned to look at him, raising an eyebrow at his choice of words.
"For Moff Broyce, you mean? That madman should've been dealt with long ago." she said. Letting him go after his former commander and settle that score was something she'd been glad to help with.
"I am grateful for that.'' Six felt a dark gleam of satisfaction ignite in him, before he seemed considering again, "But I wish to know, in what regard do you hold me?" Six could sense Malavai was being vague on purpose, dancing around the question he really wanted to ask and decided to tease him a bit.
"Well, you have proven yourself invaluable to me on many occasions." Six said, after pretending to think it over. Malavai looked at her sharply, before shaking his head.
"I know better than to take you seriously," he sighed, seeming perturbed. Six reached for his hand and rubbed it soothingly.
"My dear Malavai, why do you ask?" she asked softly. Even in the dim light of the console she could see confusion and annoyance in his eyes.
"My previous experience regarding Sith showed me there are always strings attached. For you to grant me my favor," he paused and took a deep breath, "Well, I've just been waiting for that string to break and drop something on my head." Six wanted to laugh at his apt metaphor, but knew it past the time for humor.
"How many times have you fought by my side?" She asked, watching his face as his thoughts turned inward.
"Countless times," he stated, "I've considered it an honor to accompany you on your missions. Even if I'm not fond of seeing the damage those missions cause."
"So, it stands to reason, my life has been in your hands countless times," Six pointed out, "I must hold you in high regard to give you that level of trust."
Quinn stilled at her observation. "Your logic in this matter astounds me, Six," he said. He straightened and Six sensed his tension lighten.
She reached up and plucked at the lapels of his robe, "Now, do we have this settled, Malavai?" Six asked and saw the thankful glow in his eyes vaporize into a raw heat.
"One more thing, Six," he murmured, "I think I like a suggestion you made earlier." With a quickness that caught her off guard, he reached his arm around her waist to pull her to him.