CHAPTER NINE
DROMUND KAAS
Necrolis moved through the spaceport, watchful even here in the heart of Imperial space. Stepping up to the terminal, he checked them in planet side, pleased to see his master had already arranged their approval. The display flashed green in acceptance, noting their arrival in the data banks. Necrolis moved from it giving it not a second more of thought, Vette keeping close off his left shoulder as she was want to do. The spaceport of Dromund Kaas looked much like any other. It was nothing special, but it was not run down and falling apart either. There was of course the tapestries and bunting all adorned with the Imperial cog in any possible place it could be hung. At least it was a splash of colour in the usual drab gun metal grey of the typical spaceport, Necrolis thought. As they headed through, Necrolis noted the man waving frantically at them. The man was as short as Vette, balding on top of his head with a ring of brown hair showing that at least at one point, he had some.
" I serve Lord Baras." The man stated as they drew close to him. " He sent me to meet his new apprentice. I made sure I was here on time. I certainly did, yes indeed."
Necrolis fought to keep from frowning or rolling his eyes. An underling, he surmised quickly, and an annoyingly weak simpleton of one at that. At least Baras could have sent someone who looked the part, Necrolis thought. Vette pressed in close at Necrolis' side. He was not at all surprised when he heard her whispered voice, low enough only he would be able to hear it.
"Wow, what a weasel. Dromund Kaas needs some pest control."
Necrolis cast a sideways glance where he could just see her, corner of his mouth turning up in that smirk he seemed to be in a new habit of flashing her. Damn, Vette thought. She had tried to catch him off-guard and distracted that time, but alas she had failed to get that smile she was after. She knew it was not going to be that easy, but she had thought perhaps it might have been a good chance opportunity. One of these days, she mused in her own amusement.
Necrolis spoke with the man, who promptly informed him of the easiest way to get to KaasCity. He was also quite insistent and quick that Baras would be waiting anxiously for them. Necrolis was happy once the man ran off. If there was one thing he hated, it was some weak, obnoxious underling he had to endure for no other reason than killing him was just too much effort. Baras might not have been appreciative either, Necrolis knew. Sometimes the most annoying or asinine of people were worth the most. Nobody would have taken the balding, short fool for anything but that. It would allow him a certain measure of anonymity where he could have his uses in overhearing and reporting people. Given Baras' schemes and plans, it would not have surprised Necrolis in the least to find out he was a top spy for his new Master. Stepping out the entry to the spaceport, Necrolis glanced about at the almost tropical forest that surrounded the main landing spot of the planet. Well worn dirt paths ran away off between the trees. Dromund Kaas was certainly no Coruscant, Necrolis decided.
"Welcome to Dromund Kaas." Vette quipped, glancing about herself. "Where freedom goes to die."
Necrolis glanced at the twi'lek sternly before looking about them quickly to see if anyone had been close enough to overhear such. Vette gave a sheepish small smile at him as she noted the hard glare cast her way. She chided herself then for not biting her tongue. Stupid, she thought, knowing better than to say such given where they were and who was about them. She watched him reach for her then, grabbing the end of a lekku and tugging sharply. Vette did not try and dodge away, wincing in a quick jolt of pain the action brought. Biting her lower lip, she looked at Necrolis knowing if that was all he meted out as punishment, she was getting off lucky.
"Mind your tongue." Necrolis said flatly, glad however that no one had been close enough to hear the twi'lek. Such talk could have caused them a great many problems. "Now let's go, Darth Baras is waiting for us."
Necrolis dismounted the speeder and waited as Vette landed seconds later, hopping off her own with an almost youthful exuberance. He'd been able to smile and laugh, out of sight since the twi'lek could only see his back as they rode the path to KaasCity, Vette whooping in delight the whole way. He had cast a look back enough times, each moment causing him to laugh as he noted her lekku stretched out with the speed behind her. If there was any doubt they had arrived on Dromund Kaas, Vette had taken care of announcing such. Disembarked, Necrolis lead the way up a slight rise to enter the city, descending a long set of stairs and following the walkway around. The walkway would lead them to the sight of a pair of walking bridges, and rising off in the distance beyond the Sith Citadel. Casting Vette a knowing glance, Necrolis steered them through the streets until he spotted a sign for a city cantina, the Nexus Room.
Heading in, Necrolis made right for the bar, ordering a couple drinks for them both before finding a table in one corner where he could put his back to the wall. Vette watched Necrolis curiously, noting his choice of seat. It gave him a full view of the room, while ensuring no one could sneak up on him. Even as she sipped at her drink, watching him a moment, she wondered if she should not be ready for trouble. He was really on edge, watching all about, and that made her nervous. She had already come to the conclusion just tagging along was going to put her in the crossfire more often than not. Still, it did beat a holding cell and a shock collar zapping her if she even breathed too hard.
"So next stop we go talk to the walking, talking, therma-slice?" Vette grinned at him, thinking perhaps she would catch him off guard and get that smile out of him.
"We'll go once we're done our drinks." Necrolis commented, glancing once more about the place and leaving Vette without her prize. "I've got to be ready, Vette. That's why we stopped and are taking our time."
Vette heard his reply and cocked her head to the side questioningly. One hand absently playing with the end of her lekku, she sat there running his words through her mind. Necrolis didn't like his master, there was no hiding such. Even with that, the utter lack of trust in him was something she didn't quite expect or understand. Sith really were very different, she decided. Necrolis himself was very different from most of them, or at least what she had come to know sith to be like. I don't think I am ever going to truly understand him, Vette mused.
"You don't trust him, do you?" Vette finally just outright asked.
"No. Not now and not ever, Vette." Necrolis looked at her pointedly. There was something in his red eyes, a hard edge and glint that made her shiver.
"Well too bad we can't just return him off of warranty." The twi'lek joked, and once more Necrolis spared her a small smirk of a grin.
Necrolis exited the cantina and headed across the wide open expanse to the speeder platform. Herding Vette within and joining her for the short ride to the Citadel, Necrolis knew he had delayed them about as long as he could without giving cause for problems. Baras would expect them, and delay too long it would make him doubt Necrolis and question his loyalty. At this point it was the last thing Necrolis wanted. The massive tower was broken into three different enclaves. One for the Sith, one the Mandalorians, and another for the Imperial Intelligence branch of the military. Walking from the platform, Necrolis made right for the middle entrance to find Darth Baras.
"Wow, nice lights." Vette commented as they entered the Sith Sanctum. The walkway was suspended, dropping away into nothing, its shape made in the same design as the insignia of the Sith Empire. Giant holo displays shone and flooded the dark space with the bright green glow of that logo.
"Come in here and instant headache." Vette muttered, keeping her eyes diverted down towards the walkway in front of her more.
Necrolis cast a quick glance but said nothing, already focusing on putting up his usual calm, stoic front. He could only hope the woman knew enough to shut up when around Baras. There was only so much he could do to protect her if she drew his wrath upon her. It took only moments before they passed through two doorways and found themselves in Darth Baras' chambers. Necrolis gave a slight bow of the head to his master as he noticed their arrival. Right on cue he could feel Vette press a bit closer to him as if that would somehow shield her from Baras.
"Did it just get colder in here?" Necrolis heard her whisper, and he slipped his hand back to tap her hip lightly, a silent reminder to keep the comments for the time being.
"Not a moment too soon, apprentice." Baras said, that hollow voice seeming to echo slightly within the chamber. If there was any annoyance at their delay, the man did not show it. "I have painstakingly built a vast network of spies and operatives embedded throughout the Sith, Republic, and Jedi alike. I have fingers, eyes, and ears everywhere."
Necrolis arched an eyebrow as he listened to Baras, curious now more than anything. As the man paced, he continued, and Necrolis stood listening and taking it all in. He had questions on what he was hearing but did not interrupt his master. For a brief moment, he wondered if Vette's comment at the spaceport had really gone unnoticed. He would know soon enough, unless Baras was holding it for future use against him. Be calm, Necrolis reminded himself, paranoid thoughts will only distract you.
"You, my apprentice, are my enforcer. And I have need of you." Baras said, the helmeted head turning to look at him, faceless and without expression. "I am turning you loose on the galaxy without a leash."
"I work best when unrestrained." Necrolis stated with a shrug. "What is it you need, my master?"
Baras nodded at Necrolis's words and knew he had chosen well. Indeed, the man would serve his purposes. His strength would bring friend and foe alike in line how he wanted. If they did not, they would be removed. He was a weapon, one Baras fully intended on using, at least until he no longer had any use of such, or Necrolis failed him. Time would tell just how much he could trust the pure blooded sith.
"You will go to the spaceport and meet with Commander Lanklyn." Baras informed his apprentice, "Ensure he and his men unload a prisoner there of great importance to me."
Necrolis nodded he understood, and Baras dismissed him then with a wave of his hand. Necrolis remained where he was. The hesitation made Vette pause in midstep as she had been fully prepared to bolt out of there quick as she could. Darth Baras just creeped her right out, she knew. It was not so much the faceless mask, or the fact he was a Sith Lord. It was the cold, calculated way he moved and spoke. There was just this air of waiting death that seemed to hover about him.
"You have something on your mind, apprentice?"
"Yes, master." Necrolis said, once again giving a respectful bow of his head to his master. "I believe it would be in the best interests if I did not lodge here. Too many might wish to listen, or keep tabs on me."
Baras listened to his apprentice and nodded then as he thought over what had just been said. Indeed, his new apprentice was showing he was quite the thinker. Baras knew he was right in his assessment too. His enemies would keep close watch, try and eavesdrop if they could, to gain any advantage. Waving a hand dismissively once more, he made a mental note to not ever underestimate the intelligence of his newfound weapon.
"I shall arrange a fund through which you may draw from. The Empire will provide as you require. Now leave me and see to the task I have set before you."
"Thank you." Necrolis again bowed his head before turning to go, the words almost sticking in his throat but being said all the same, "My master."
The marketplace of KaasCity was three tiered, the busiest and most packed being the two upper tiers. Necrolis wandered past a couple of stands, noting the wares on sale, eyes scanning for whatever caught his fancy. Glancing about himself every so often, he noted Vette across the wide market bouncing from stall to stall. The blue skinned twi'lek stood out in a crowd, which was not a bad thing. Necrolis had given her some leeway and free reign to go shop. He'd made her promise to remain in the market, and to be quite careful about her comments, and her conduct. The words shock collar and pain had been uttered, and she had assured him she would give him no cause in that regard.
He watched that lithe and seemingly delicate form of the twi'lek darting through the crowd, stall to stall. Watching her, Necrolis he let himself smile, albeit fleeting and slight. There was just something about the woman, he knew. Often enough he wanted to laugh or smile, especially at some of her comments. Usually they were done at the most inopportune times, but he was guessing she was trying to get him to do so openly. She's trying to figure me out, a challenge between us now, he thought with amusement.
Yelling grabbed Necrolis's attention as the normal sounds of the marketplace were disturbed. Red eyes turned to watch a heavy set man at the center of a gathering crowd. Attending along with others, more out of curiosity than anything else, Necrolis found Vette sliding up beside him. She flashed him a grin before standing on her tiptoes trying to peer over, and around people to see. Necrolis listened a few minutes to the man before rolling his eyes. It was just another citizen going on about atrocities, some bounty hunter tagging people who wound up dead. A sideways glance showed Vette at least was interested, even if he wasn't. Keeps her occupied, he thought ruefully even as he waited a few more minutes to let her listen.
"Come on, Vette." Necrolis finally said, taking her hand and tugging her from the growing throng. He wanted to get well enough away before security troopers, or worse intelligence officers, showed up.
"Where we going?" Vette asked.
"I've booked us a room at the Galactic Hightower hotel." Necrolis answered, and Vette pulled up suddenly, looking at him intently.
"A room?"
"Yes." Necrolis rolled his eyes. "They only had a single room, Vette."
"Hey, don't get any ideas." She chided, hip cocked out and fist pressed to it in a defiant stance. It took all his concentration and focus not to just laugh at her right then. "Sure, fine, go shopping, let me show you the Imperial stronghold, you expect a girl to just jump right into bed with you, huh? That what kind of twi'lek you think I am?"
"Relax." Necrolis raised his hand and shook his head. "There had not been a single thought about anything like that… before now."
"Hey!" Vette cried as he turned and walked away, and she was forced to hurry to catch up and shake off the shock of his comment. "So you think I'm not good enough for you, or what?"
Necrolis paced the room, looking it over carefully. He was already quite sure the room had a listening device, or twelve. If it was not Baras, it would be Imperial intelligence, or a rival to his master. The room itself was nice, with a large spacious sitting room, open to a small eating nook. A fireplace sat in the curve of one corner. A doorway lead to the lone bedroom and bed. The suite had a long balcony running its length, with entry to the sitting room and bedroom. Up on the highest floor, the view was actually pretty good, Necrolis had to admit. Vette had already secluded herself in the bedroom, leaving Necrolis to pace about like a caged vine cat. He'd already checked the time of arrival, as well as made a holo call to Commander Lanklyn. There was just far too much time between now and then, leaving him wandering about the suite.
"Hey."
Vette's soft voice greeted his ears, and Necrolis turned to glance over where she came out of the bedroom. She'd obviously done some purchasing while shopping, he noted. She wore her new outfit now, doing a slow twirl before him while he watched. The fabric was black, the dress hugging her slender form to accentuate the flare of her hips. It had sheer arms and wide cut out sides that let her pale blue skin show through. It looked good on her, Necrolis had to admit.
"So what do you think?"
"A bit overdressed to go babysit a prisoner transfer." Necrolis commented sarcastically, drawing a scowl from her. He flashed that smirk once more at her as she scowled. "It is quite… nice."
Vette smiled then, knowing for him, quite nice meant she looked damn good in the dress. She'd wondered just how he would respond seeing her in it. She had debated waiting until after the mission, but had been unable to contain the thought of his jaw dropping and eyes popping out of his head at the sight of her. She'd waited after donning it, just long enough for him to have been bored.
"How much time do we have?" Vette asked, part of her wanting to linger in her new dress a while longer.
"A bit." Necrolis said and shrugged, intentionally looking about, anywhere but at the twi'lek. Some things were simply best not even acknowledged, let alone thought about. "We'll head out soon though. Get dressed so that I can."
Vette nodded to him and turned and walked back into the bedroom, door sliding closed with a soft hiss of air behind her. Leaning against the wall, Vette gave a long slow sigh. She had caught his glances at her, though he had looked anywhere but at her in the end. Did he like her? Sith, Vette frowned with the thought. Why couldn't he just let that stoic guard down for two seconds? If he liked her, fine. Hey, even if he didn't, that was okay too. She just wanted to know. She hated mysteries and puzzles. She couldn't even stand wrapped presents on Life Day being out early. She had to find out what they were, one way or another. As she changed, Vette swore one way or another, she was going to figure Necrolis out.
The spaceport was busy with a rush of bodies coming and going. It was a flurry of activity that made Necrolis wonder what was going on, as well as putting him on guard. Had it not been that most were troopers or bounty hunters, Necrolis would have thought trouble was coming quickly. He'd caught the vid news about the bounty hunter Great Hunt being on, and guessed the extra activity likely was due to it. For a moment, Necrolis wondered if his brother would be about. If so, it would be an awkward reunion. It would also come with plenty of questions from the inquisitive blue skinned sidekick that just had to know everything it seemed. Cross that bridge if and when you come to it, Necrolis reminded himself.
Necrolis glanced about from within the deep hood of his black robe, its red and grey detailing marking him for sith. The saber hung at his hip, a weight that reminded him of the weapons presence constantly. Vette stood beside him, armed with her pair of blasters, one strapped on each hip. She'd gotten new armoured clothing as well from the marketplace. The red and black jacket, with grey accents fit her well, leaving her free range of motion. Completing the look were grey form fitting pants and black knee high boots with red trim. Necrolis would not have ever said it aloud, but the twi'lek looked as beautiful as she was deadly.
Commander Lachlyn and his trooper escort were right where they were supposed to be in the docking bay. Necrolis gave a curt, quick wave as he approached and spoke with the Commander. While unhappy to think Darth Baras required his apprentice to ensure they did their jobs, it was quickly apparent Lachlyn had no real idea the danger he was in. Without warning, Necrolis found they were surrounded by two different groups of mercenaries and thieves. Vette's fingers fell to her blasters, wiggling in anticipation of a fight. Necrolis cast Vette a quick glance, shaking his head negatively. Vette frowned and arched an eyebrow back at him questioningly.
"Why is it every time I'm out with you, we're fighting for our lives?" She quipped, to which Necrolis just flashed her a smirk.
"Be ready." Necrolis stated as he moved forward towards two figures exchanging words that were clearly either side's respective leaders. "And keep your head down."
Vette watched the sith as he spoke briefly with the men. She could feel the tension in Lachlyn and his troopers about her, and it mirrored her own. Her hands remained at her sides, hovering close to her blasters. It was part skill, part practice, but she kept them away just enough not to spook anyone. Necrolis had said not to draw down on the would be thieves, and she would follow his lead.
Without warning the groups leapt apart, blaster fire tearing across the docking bay between them. Necrolis jumped back before calmly walking the rest of the way back to the group looking oblivious to the carnage around them. Lacklyn's men swung their rifles back and forth, unsure if, or who to shoot. Nobody seemed interested anymore in them or Lachlyn's cargo.
"What did you do?" Vette asked, violet eyes glancing past the man to watch the fire fight.
"Nothing much." Necrolis shrugged, giving her that smirk once again. "I just picked a fight."