The Foundation of All Desire (Part 37)
Beads of perspiration dotted Scourge's forehead. Gritting his teeth, he snarled and thrashed beneath the thin sheet covering him. A ceiling fan with oblong blades churned above him, the squeak of the worn impeller following him into his dreams.
Scourge was home.
The front door clapped against its frame with an eerie beat. Layers of filth caked the cracked and broken windows. Inside, the tattered curtains swayed, creating the gauzy illusion of someone looking out across the deserted courtyard.
Curiosity drew him closer, even though common sense demanded he keep his distance. His mother's old cooking pot lay tipped on its side at his feet. Inside, amid trash and dead leaves, lay the skeletal remains of a family of rodents. The creatures were huddled close, as though they had understood their last moments were upon them, and nothing but family mattered in the end.
Scourge strode across the yard to the courtyard wall. Instinct drove him to kick it until it toppled. Deep inside the footings, hundreds of carapaces were frozen in a haunting tableau of their retreat from some terrible force beyond their hive. Not a single red ant from his childhood lived. He stooped to touch them, and they turned to powder under his fingertips.
A few meters away, his father's remains lay prone in the ashen soil. The dead man's lightsaber was still trapped under his hand, just as his mother had left it, after she cut him down. No one had sought him out. No one had mourned him. Only nature saw the wisdom in preserving the man's carcass like a monument to failure.
Scourge balled his hands into fists and glared at the heavens. "What is the meaning of this? Why bring me here?"
He spun around as if expecting someone to be there. "Answer me!"
A familiar energy he hadn't sensed in a long time hovered nearby. He pivoted slowly, searching for the source. When he saw her, his gaze softened, but retained its wariness.
The apparition appeared by the broken wall, growing in definition as it sauntered toward him.
"Mother…" His lower lip dangled, but the corners of his eyes crinkled. "Is it really you?" He knew the answer, but longed to hear her validate it.
"Yes, my dearest." She beamed up at him. "You've grown so strong…so powerful. What a Sith you've become." The force ghost reached up to cup his cheek.
He cosseted her hand with his, but was met only with the warmth of his own flesh. "I've missed you." Closing his eyes, he revelled in the warmth of her Force presence.
"Fierce, yet sentimental..." She smiled. "You must show that part of you more often, if you are to know happiness."
"There is no place in our world for such mawkish sensibilities."
"Then make a place for it." She gently scolded. "Passion and tenderness, are as much a part of who we are, as strength and ambition. Our blood ordains it. You've existed over three lifetimes, but you've yet to live."
"But I've survived."
"That's not enough." The apparition corrected.
"Allowing others to measure our vulnerabilities means death."
"Show your strength to the world…but save the best of yourself for the one that matters. I want you to be happy, to have a family of your own." She fussed over his armour and patted his chest.
"It's too late." Scourge dropped his gaze.
"Stay as you are, and it will be. You must Trust in the Force."
"Mother, you sound like the Jedi."
"Pfft. Now you're being cruel. Don't compare me to those frigid husks."
"I meant no disrespect. But why bring me here? You know I loathe this place."
"When the time comes, you must bring her here."
"Mother…I don't understand…who?"
"The one that haunts your dreams. The day will come when her eyes are re-opened."
"I doubt that. Even if what you say is true, there is nothing but death and ruin here…"
"From ruin, comes renewal…"
"Mother, you know I could never deny you, but I must know..."
"I can say no more. Never forget, you're my greatest joy…as all younglings deserve to be."
The apparition faded from sight and Scourge fell to his knees.
"Don't leave me…" He pleaded.
Somewhere, a bell chimed, over and over and over, until he swore it would drive him mad.
He sat up gasping, the dream vision fading…
Scourge rubbed his eyes and yawned. The persistent chime of his holocom began anew. He snatched the device from the bedside table. "What?" He growled.
Lana's image flickered before him. "Lord Scourge, please forgive my intrusion, I hesitated in contacting you, given the hour…but I must speak with you."
"What's wrong?"
"It's Theron, he's missing. I fear something may have happened to him."
Scourge pawed his face to clear the remnants of sleep away. "Remain there. I'll alert the Jedi, and together, perhaps the three of us can locate him."
"Thank you. Lana out."
After splashing tepid water on his face, Scourge dressed and left his room. He knocked on the neighboring door. He folded his arms and shifted his posture, the wood floor creaking under his weight. No answer, no movement—nothing. He knocked again and rattled the latch. "Where are you?" He muttered under his breath and waited.
Two minutes later, he forced the door. The room was empty and her bed hadn't been slept in.
He swept out of Liatrix's room and frowned.
Minutes later, he met Lana at the base.
"Thank you for coming." Lana sighed. "I have no idea how long he's been away…at least an hour, perhaps two, I'm guessing. Where's Master Liatrix?"
"Her room was empty. I suspect they're together."
"Perhaps, but we can't be certain. It would be a disaster if the Revanites or the Nova Blades captured them."
"Would it?" Scourge twisted his tendril ring.
"I understand what you're implying…we could learn more, but it's much too early to allow that to happen. Perhaps when all other avenues are exhausted."
"They could be anywhere."
"Yes, but the very least we can do is search."
"Very well."
The leader of the pirate trio flashed a mouthful of aurodium capped teeth. "On second thought…you there…stay in the drink. I wanna better look at yer strumpet. C'mere precious, show us the goods." He stuffed the pile of clothing and effects onto the shortest man, almost knocking him over.
Theron shook his head. "I don't think so. She stays with me."
The tallest growled. "It's not like we're givin' yeh a choice. If yeh don't want any of yer useful bits shot off, you'll do as my mate says."
Liatrix glared up at the pirates. "Hey. I've got plans for his useful bits…so I recommend you leave 'em in working order."
The pirates shook with laughter and whistled.
"Plans huh?" Theron murmured behind her and quirked a brow.
Liatrix bit back her modesty and sloshed out of the water, ropes of silvery water rolling off her skin. "You lot don't actually expect me to believe you're the law?"
"We're Nova Blades, and wot we say goes in this 'ere town." The leader looked her up and down and smacked his lips. The pirates leered and cackled.
She stood before them, arms crossed. "Is it possible, I've met the only three idiots in this entire village, who have no idea who I am?"
"The wench talks too much. I say we tie 'er up and gag her." The tallest muttered.
"Hold on gents. I wanna hear this." The leader mocked. "So precious, I gotta know. Who are yeh then?" His dark eyes glinted maliciously.
"The wench ain' shy I'll give 'er that." The tallest said.
"I'm the Captain of the Red Hulls, and you just interrupted my dinner." Liatrix drummed her fingers over her upper arm.
"Wot? You?" The pirates exchanged doubtful glances.
Theron's eyes widened. "Wait…what? You're a cannibal?! You didn't tell me that!"
"Course not." Liatrix called back to him. "You'd have put up a fight. It's been a long day, and I'm starving. Seriously, would you have come with me, if I told you I was going to lick and nibble every square inch of you?"
"I would've." The shortest mumbled.
"Shut up Pinty." The leader growled.
Theron's eyes grew wide. "Every square inch? Guys, you can't let her do that to me! Save me! What if I'm not enough to satisfy her? She might want four courses." He protested.
"Shut it, all of you." Liatrix snarled and turned back to the pirates. "Take a good long look boys." She skimmed her side with her fingertips, as if displaying merchandise. 'Cause it'll be the last thing you ever see. I'll wear your liver for a hat, and your toes like a candy necklace." She narrowed her eyes at Pinty, the short stocky pirate. "And you…you will be positively scrumptious with an apple in your mouth. I need my rotisserie."
The shortest pirate shrieked and ran off.
"You idjit Pinty! Wot's she gonna do to us? She's naked. Hey come back!" The leader shook his head and grumbled. "Idjit."
"I don't need my clothes to rip your guts out and choke you with them." Liatrix passed her hand in a subtle arc before the two remaining pirates. "Tell your friends, I almost filet'd you within an inch of your lives. Tell your leader, whoever he is, I'm coming for him next."
"We'd better warn Margok. She's crazy."
"Run away! And don't come back, savvy?!" Liatrix dismissed them with back handed wave.
The pirates tore off into the night.
When she was sure they'd no longer hear her, she covered her mouth to stifle her giggles and dove back into the water.
Theron chuckled. "Nice work. And a helluva nice view from down here. So…are you really going to nibble and lick every square inch of me?"
"Count on it." She wriggled her index finger, playfully beckoning him closer.
Lana sighed, and cupped her forehead. "This is pointless…we've been searching for hours, and we're no further ahead, than when we started. Where could they be?"
"We should return to the base." Scourge offered.
"Perhaps you're right. If they haven't returned, we'll search again in the morning. By then, we may have gained more insight, as to what's happened. What I fail to understand, is what would possess them to go off on their own, without us."
Scourge glowered. "Clearly, they wished to be alone."
"Perhaps." Lana shook her head. "At any other time, this would be laughable. We're Sith, and here we are worried for the welfare of a Jedi and an SIS agent."
"Indeed."
"Given the circumstances, I hope they haven't met with foul play."
"Doubtful. It's not as if they can't handle themselves."
"True." Lana's brows furrowed. "What's that? There…ahead of us." Lana jogged toward the pile. "It appears to be discarded clothing…Theron's jacket…his pistol…what could this mean?"
Scourge gathered up the rest of the clothing and effects. "It means, wherever they are, they're naked and unarmed."
Shivering and spent, Liatrix and Theron held each other. A rash of goose pimples dotted her skin. He caressed her upper arms, rubbing warmth into them. Her lips felt tight and swollen from the fervor of their kisses.
"You're trembling," Theron murmured.
"So are you," she winked. "Right now, a fire would be perfect."
"And some nerf steaks and wine. I've worked up quite an appetite."
"Me too," she giggled. "What a night." She traced the battle scars marking his chest like lines of ancient text.
He shuddered under her fingertips and exhaled a raspy, sated breath. "I have to say I'm impressed. If you ever give up being a Jedi, I'd say you have a future as a pirate."
Liatrix smirked. "What's stopping us? That's the life…sleep all day…play all night."
"Helluva dream…but…we have a few things to deal with first."
"Don't remind me. But at least we have a name. We'll see what this Margok is all about."
"Agreed." He fanned his thumb over her cheek. "Let's get outta here."
"Lets." She drew back and smiled. "I had a good time."
"Me too. Just one thing—they still have our clothes."
She snorted and laughed hard enough that her sides ached. "It'll be okay. Rishi's got flags and banners all over the place. Shouldn't be too hard to snag a couple."
"I've got clothes back at the base. We'll get dressed, and then I'll see you back to the Inn."
"You could stay with me, I might have missed a spot before." Her fingertips hovered over his abdomen and played over his navel. She felt him respond and smirked.
"I think I could be persuaded." Theron grinned and cupped the nape of her neck, pulling her into an enduring kiss.
A half hour later, swathed in Rishi's blue banners, Liatrix and Theron reached the base. He frowned. "Dammit, I don't have the key."
Liatrix tried the door. "It's open." She whispered. "You don't suppose the pirates…"
"Nah, they wouldn't have known what the key was for."
"We'd better make sure."
Theron edged the door open, and led her into the long hall leading to the main room. He stopped abruptly. Liatrix nearly collided with him.
Scourge blocked their path, arms folded. His gaze swept over the flag clad duo. "Looking for these?" He stepped aside, revealing Lana with their clothing.
"Actually, I thought the blue on this flag brought out my eyes, but, thanks Lana." Theron collected the clothing from her. "We had a run in with the Nova Blades."
"How did they end up with your clothing and weapons?"
"Long story." Theron inspected their things. "Looks like most of it's here. Rum's gone. Figures. But, we have the name of the Nova Blade's leader…Margok."
"Well, the next time, I would appreciate it, if you let us in on your plans. We were worried sick. Lord Scourge and I spent half the night searching for you. Rather irresponsible…you could have endangered the entire mission." Lana scolded.
"Except we didn't." Liatrix hiked up her Rishi flag toga and crossed her arms.
Theron ran his hand over the nape of his neck. "Sorry if we made you worry. I didn't think we'd be gone that long. The lead seemed pretty thin, we didn't think it would pan out." Theron passed Liatrix her things.
"Well, it's almost daybreak. I suggest we rest. We need to investigate this Margok at the earliest opportunity." Lana said.
"Fine." Liatrix nodded. "Good night Lana, Theron." She glanced at him, eyes sparkling.
"Good night Captain. Stay safe out there." The edge of his lip crept up slightly, the taste of her, still lingering in his mouth.
Scourge turned his back to Liatrix as she dressed at the end of the hall.
She stuffed her tricorne hat on her head and straightened. "Let's go."
He said nothing and reached over her, tipping the door ajar.
They walked in silence until they reached the inn. Liatrix glanced over at him, brows furrowing. "You're quiet. I'm sorry to have made you worry."
He let her words hang between them for a moment. "Lana was more concerned than I. She feared foul play." He gnawed at the inside of his cheek and pursed his lips.
"But you didn't."
"No. I had my suspicions as to what you were up to."
"And just what did you think I was up to?" Liatrix arched a brow.
"Do you think me blind? It's not as if anyone within a meter of you, could avoid noticing the carnal gazing you and the agent were engaged in." Scourge observed.
Liatrix's eyes narrowed as she appraised him. "Something is off about you tonight. Are you all right?"
Scourge regarded her for a long moment. "You actually sound concerned."
"You're lacking your usual bite."
"Perhaps your skin has thickened, or perhaps my blade is merely dull, given the hour." He glanced at her dolefully.
"There it is again. Something is different."
"Perhaps I've grown weary of punishing you. I often wonder, if we are even capable of meaningful conversation anymore. I think I may have forgotten how to speak to you."
She drew her cape around her, and sat on inn's front steps, hugging her knees. "There's really no trick to it…just talk. So…what happened?"
He turned his back to her and looked up at the purple sky. "There is something about this place—it harbors a stable conduit to the Force. I've sensed it, since my arrival."
"I felt it too. You saw something, didn't you. A vision?"
"A dream, more than a vision."
"What did you see?"
He hesitated and leaned against the lamp post's fluted column. "I was back on Dromund Fels…where I was born. It was not as I remembered it—it was completely ravaged." His gaze fixed on Liatrix. "I saw my mother for the first time since her death."
"That must have been hard for you. What did she say?"
"What any mother would say to her son…she's concerned for my well-being, my happiness…that I've forgotten what it means to be truly Sith." He faced her and smiled wistfully.
"You're the embodiment of Sith."
He smirked. "And you've known so many have you?"
She shook her head.
"The Sith you've encountered…defeated…are not the true Sith."
"What's the difference? I don't mean to sound…obtuse."
"How could you know? When I myself, barely remember. Or so I was reminded."
"She really got to you."
He eyed her warily. "I miss her. Her counsel…was always insightful. I learned more from her than any other Sith."
She stood, and brushed herself off. Standing on the third porch step, she could look him square in the eye. "You know…you seem so fierce…but deep down, you have a sentimental side too. You should let it out more." She quipped.
His eyes widened and he fell mute.
"Are you going to be okay?"
He nodded.
"It's almost dawn. You should rest. I'll check in with Theron and Lana later."
He followed her up the creaky staircase and paused by his door. "Good night…Liatrix." His tone was soft and lacked its usual sting.
She cocked her head and smiled. "You know, in all this time…you've never told me your first name. You do have one, right?"
"Corallus." He murmured.
"Corallus Scourge," she tested the syllables, letting them roll over her tongue. "Sounds regal. I like it."
"Your door, is damaged. Perhaps it would be wise to exchange rooms."
She inspected the splintered frame, and shoved it back into place with the heel of her palm. "I'll be fine."
He waited until she closed her door, and then retreated into his own room. He stripped and threw himself on the bed. He watched the blades above him spin. The mattress squeaked under his weight, but sleep came quickly and his mother's words carried him under.
The day will come when her eyes are re-opened. Trust in the Force…
The next evening, Liatrix strode into the base of operations. "Where you able to pull much off Margok's computers? Please tell me that slog was worth it."
"Welcome back. You look tired." Lana said.
"Long day. I'll sleep well tonight, I think."
Lana poured a glass of water and pushed it at Liatrix. "You've achieved more in your short time here, than we ever thought possible. You should be proud."
"Thank you, that's kind of you to say." Liatrix sipped the tepid water, her gaze settling on the computer terminal and the handsome slicer, charming the machine out of all its secrets.
Theron turned to face her. "Hey, good to see you back. Slicing the Nova Blade's logs has been slow going, but I've found several promising references to this Torch person, Margok and Revan were talking about. She heads up a clan of Mandalorians here—used to be allied with the Revanites, but broke ties with them. If we can find Torch, maybe she'll talk—and maybe we can get her to agree to help us take them on. Think you could head over there in the morning and see what she has to say?"
"Well, since you ask so nicely." She smiled impishly.
Jakarro paced and snarled at D-4, who was muttering something about decorations and Queen Lina of Onderon.
"They look anxious…" She tipped her thumb at the Wookiee and his droid mouthpiece.
"They're eager to celebrate our successes, which reminds me, I need to tend to our supplies…if you'll excuse me." Lana said.
"Of course." Liatrix made her way to the console to watch Theron work.
Jakarro roared and trudged after Lana. "We'll need drinks or the party will be terrible. Do you think it'd be too much to ask for decorations?" D-4 continued.
Theron turned to face her. "Thought they'd never leave."
Before Liatrix could reply, he tugged her close, his mouth claiming hers with a voracious kiss.
"What was that for?" She quipped when they parted.
"Just wanted to give you a proper welcome back."
"Mmm…with motivation like that, I might have to get back to work. Is there more where that came from, after I find Torch?"
"Bet on it. Now how about some dinner?"
"Dessert after?"
"Absolutely." Theron grinned and walked her out.
Outside the base a nearly forgotten voice touched her mind…
"I have something to show you…follow your feelings…and you'll find it."
((to be continued…))