CHAPTER FORTY

THE WRAITH

The Wraith broke clear of Nar Shaddaa, rolling to provide a view of the planet as the ship curved and set its course out of the hutt controlled system. Malavai Quinn watched the readouts flicker across the screens, noting there was no sign of anyone following them or taking any interest. They were just another ship in the space lanes heading out of the system. It was fortunate, Quinn thought, knowing Necrolis had a very good point about Nemro possibly trying to take some form of revenge for their interferences in his business. Some might have said the pure blooded sith was getting paranoid, but Quinn knew better. It was always better to err on the side of caution, than be reckless and wind up dead.

"Where are we at, Captain?"

Glancing over his shoulder, Malavai Quinn noted Necrolis Darkstar as he walked quietly onto the bridge. The man could have stolen the ears of a gundark clean off its head while it slept and it would have been none the wiser, he was so silent in his passing. It was something that made Quinn uneasy, always aware he was a breath away from being found out. He was not sure, given how Necrolis dealt with the traitors, that he was going to escape their fate if such happened. It was not a pleasant thought at all, he realized.

"We're clear of Nar Shaddaa and heading on the most direct line out of the system. Once we're clear of the planet's gravity well we can jump to hyperspace."

Necrolis nodded, glancing out the viewport at the stars and darkness of space before them. It had been easy enough to get in and out, and for that he was grateful. His uneasiness had not left him however, and he could feel the tremors in the force, slight but insistent. Something was coming, he knew, and he suspected it was going to come soon. Whatever it was, Necrolis had a feeling Baras' fingerprints would be all over it.

"Set your course for Dromund Kaas, Captain." Necrolis ordered. "Let's get there and see what my Master has in store for us."

"Yes sir." Quinn answered back, hand already finding the controls to punch in the co-ordinates for a jump to get them there. "Might I make a suggestion?"

"What's on your mind, Quinn?" Necrolis asked curiously.

"Take the chance to rest. I have a feeling whatever comes next, you'll likely need it."

Necrolis chuckled lightly and nodded at the man's words. He knew he could not argue with his assessment. It seemed like he, and all of them for that matter, had been constantly on the run with mission after mission. Getting some rest held a certain appeal.

"Some good advice." Necrolis agreed and turned to leave. "Make sure you get some yourself, Quinn. If we are heading into trouble, I will need all of you well rested too."

Malavai Quinn nodded back at Necrolis' words, dark eyes watching as he left the command deck. Knowing he likely had some time to himself, Quinn quickly hit the controls to seal off the bridge to ensure privacy. Once done he began to enter the codes he had created to mask and hide his use of the communications system. When that was in place he put out the call he had been putting off making.

"Ah, Captain." Darth Baras' glowing blue figure stated. The armoured head seemed to stare and bore into him, as if into his very soul. "I expect you have good news for me?"

"We are enroute to you now. The mission was accomplished with ease, my lord." Quinn reported with a nod of his head to the sith.

"Very good news indeed, Captain. And now what of my apprentice, and the two others aboard your ship? What of his relationship with the twi'lek?"

Malavai Quinn made to answer and stopped. It was as if there were two little Malavai's, one on each shoulder. To the left one dressed in red garb, head horned like a zabrak. It was a Malavai that told him to tell Baras everything, and let him do as he would with that information. On his other shoulder to his right, a Malavai dressed in white Imperial dress uniform, well groomed, who told him to believe in his friends, trust his inner compass, and to say as little as possible if anything at all. Frowning, he reminded himself of why he did what he did. She is counting on you, he thought.

"My lord, I believe your apprentice has shown he is growing stronger, and I do believe there is something there between him and Vette. I cannot provide evidence, but I believe it is a safe bet there is more than meets the eye there." Quinn said, his voice low as he spoke. "Jaesa has great potential, and I sense a great loyalty to Necrolis and the rest of us. She might prove a useful asset to you, my lord."

"Only if she is loyal to me alone, Quinn. Can it be done? Could her loyalty to Necrolis be turned or broken?" Baras asked, a hand rising to tap at the chin of his metal mask in thought. "I believe we might be able to test such. Leave her to me."

"I would urge care, my lord." Quinn blurted out quickly, not liking how Baras had sounded. "She has a power that could be invaluable to you."

"I wonder if your loyalties have not blurred some, Quinn?" Baras stated the question in a manner that made Quinn shift uneasily. "Have you forgotten who you serve? Steel yourself, harden your resolve to do what must be done and remember who you owe debts to!"

"I have not forgotten, my lord, not ever. I am your man." Quinn remarked back with a bow of his head to Baras.

"You are right, the girl could prove useful, but I must test her loyalty. Rest assured I have not decided to destroy her… yet." Baras said, hands clasping together before him as he stood and spoke. "As for the twi'lek, I want to know just what is going on there, and I believe it time again to test both her and Necrolis. Plans are coming together perfectly for such. I will be in touch after you depart Dromund Kaas, and you will follow my orders to the letter."

"As you wish." Malavai Quinn bowed his head again even as the transmission ended.


Necrolis Darkstar made his way from the command deck down the stairs and through the common area. The ship was quiet despite all four of them being aboard. The Wraith could have had double their number and still been spacious enough, but it struck Necrolis just how quiet the ship was with so few people. If he stood there and closed his eyes, he could feel the slight thrum of power and hear it as well as the ship flew through space. Heading down the hallway to his quarters, Necrolis noted the light on in the large conference room and stopped to peer within.

"Ah, there you are, my master." Jaesa Willsaam remarked seeing Necrolis standing at the entry.

Jaesa had not changed out of her light armoured lower robes and midriff baring top. Seated on the edge of the conference table she playfully and teasingly ran her hands along her thighs and back up, pressing and shaping the robes to the curves of her body. She noted Necrolis watching her and felt the flush of heat course through her and she bit her lower lip. Oh she had been able to fuck the guys on the station, even get Marius to fill her for her pleasure, but she knew who and what she had been thinking of the whole time in both situations. She knew who she wanted.

"And what are you up to, Jaesa?" Necrolis asked casually as he moved into the conference room.

"Nothing yet." Jaesa answered back with a sly grin and wink to him. "That could change though."

"Oh really?" Necrolis gave his apprentice a long look, sensing already they were about to have another of those exchanges.

"Well, it could depending on you that is." Jaesa answered again, this time taking hold of her robes and drawing them up, exposing her legs slowly to him even as she spread them apart. The material slid over her warm skin until she could feel the cool air caressing her, touching her very core on full display to his view.

"Jaesa…" Necrolis frowned even as he stared at her open and barring herself to him.

Jaesa giggled before dragging her nails up along her spread inner thighs, letting one hand caress over her sex, teasing herself and drawing forth a low moan. Her eyes never left Necrolis, even as she let her other hand slide up over her belly up to grab and squeeze a breast. Necrolis shook his head and sighed, knowing his initial thought had been right. She was trying to entice him, and doing a hell of a job of it. Even if he was not prepared to do anything carnal, there was no ignoring the fact he was growing hard from seeing her play with herself so wantonly before him.

"My master, I burn, I hunger." Jaesa whispered as she stroked and teased the burning ache within her higher. "Let me serve you, let me taste of your flesh and feed you mine. I want you!"

"Jaesa, I am your master."

"Then master me!" Jaesa stated, sliding from the table to turn and bend herself over it, robes hiked to her hips and legs spread giving him full view and access to her. Her hips rocked of their own accord, even as she thought of how his hands would feel grabbing them, how his cock would feel pushing into her and opening her around it. "Please master, take me!"

Necrolis growled and had to push aside any thoughts of how Jaesa looked, how inviting a display she made. There was no getting around she was revelling in her freedom, enjoying the pleasures of the flesh. She clearly wanted him to enjoy with her, and while there was an appeal to it, he was not simply for the having. He knew his heart, and knew it was with another no matter how enticing Jaesa was. He knew he had to choose his words with care, and then walk out of the room on her. He was about to speak when another voice caught them both by surprise.

"What the fuck?"

Necrolis turned and looked towards the doorway behind him to take in Vette standing there, jaw slack and eyes wide at the sight she took in. She looked at Necrolis and he could see those violet eyes holding a sliver of hurt in them even as they began to water. Necrolis frowned before he saw her look towards Jaesa. His apprentice had turned to slide back onto the edge of the table but had done little to cover herself.

"You could come in and join us." Jaesa remarked. "I'll share him with you."

"Fucking bitch!" Vette swore, glaring hard despite the unshed tears brimming in her eyes.

Necrolis growled low and deep in annoyance. He knew what was coming and had already brought a hand up on either side of him. Vette drew her blasters but before she could get them aimed he had pulled them from her grasp to him. As Vette made to draw down on Jaesa, she had made a grab for her lightsaber, only to find it yanked away and sailing into her master's hands. Disarming them Necrolis looked from one to the other. Before he could do anything further, Jaesa shot a hand out towards the doorway and to Vette. There was a slight gasp before Vette was lifted from the deck, hands clawing at the unseen force wrapped about and squeezing her throat.

"Enough!"

Necrolis knew the word had come from him, intense and hard. What he had not been prepared for was the well of power suddenly flowing up through and out of him with the force. The wave of energy knocked Vette back and to the ground, and sent Jaesa sailing to the end of the conference table to crash off the end of it to the floor. Eyes wide, Necrolis looked from his apprentice to Vette and back, shocked by the sudden flare of his power as he had not meant to call on such. Vette rose first, rubbing her neck with one hand, looking at Necrolis even as the tears came, wet trails running over her cheeks. Turning, she fled from the doorway. Looking back, Necrolis noted Jaesa rising as well, stunned but unharmed. Shaking his head he tossed her lightsaber onto the table, letting it slide across the smooth flat surface partway down to her.

"That will be enough out of you." Necrolis growled low and deep. "You are my apprentice. Nothing more. I will teach you, you will learn, but do not think you will sway me sexually, and don't ever attack Vette like that again."

"Master…" Jaesa made to speak but Necrolis held his hand up for her to stop.

"You've said and done enough, Jaesa." Necrolis stated before turning and walking out of the conference room, intent on finding Vette and trying to fix what damage had been done.


Vette barely noted the hallway or common area. She felt the cold sting of the tears on her face, the sudden pounding of her heart in her chest, and the burning that came with seemingly having to fight for every breath. Long slender legs carried her quickly through the ship to the one place that was hers and hers alone, the engine room. She had taken it for her sanctuary and quarters, and no one seemed to really mind at all. For once she was glad for that. Getting inside she hit the controls and locked the door before she could no longer hold back the sobs that broke from her.

"Stupid." She muttered in a low whisper at herself.

Yes, you were stupid, she chastised herself. What ever made you think he really wanted you? You're nothing but a female twi'lek slave. All he wanted was a quick piece of ass and you gave it to him. Did you expect he loved you really? Could I have been any more naïve? You deserve this, she told herself even as she slumped to the floor beside the door, drawing her legs up to her chest, arms folding over her knees and head hidden against them as she cried. She barely registered the chime of the door, had it gone off two or three times? There was no mistaking the fist that pounded against it however, and she knew there was only one person that could be.

"Necrolis, go away! Leave me alone." Vette called out.

"Vette, open the door please." Necrolis' voice came to her from the other side.

"Go fuck your little apprentice and leave me the fuck alone!"

Necrolis heard the words and they cut him deeply. There was no hiding the hurt and anger in Vette's tone. A part of him was telling him to just forget it, leave it alone and walk away. After all, he had not even done anything at all in the first place. That little voice grew more with what Vette had just said, but for some reason Necrolis found himself still standing there, leaning into the door to rest his forehead against such.

"Vette, open the door please." He asked again.

"Is some elaboration required?" Vette fumed, her anger bringing her out of her shell as she rose to her feet to glare hard at the sealed door and the man she knew was on the other side. "What part of go fuck yourself was unclear, you lying, deceitful bastard?"

Necrolis closed his eyes at the words thrown at him, gritting his teeth to choke back any response. If he let her push his buttons and get him upset, he was only going to say something to make things worse. He was annoyed enough over the whole matter as it was. Straightening up Necrolis looked over the door for a few seconds. A slight grin came to his face as his memory flashed back to his days on Ziost, something his sister Bloodshade had said once about conflicts and fighting. He'd had another go around with Teffa as he recalled. Sometimes it's not if you should fight or not, it's not if you should walk away or not. Sometimes you just have to stand there. The trick of it is just in knowing when to do such and where to plant your feet to not get knocked on your ass by it all. Necrolis nodded to himself, understanding what Bloodshade meant, especially now.

Vette frowned as silence fell. Had he walked away finally? Was he trying to splice the lock to get in? Shaking her head, she began to pace, suddenly unsure of herself or what she was doing. What am I doing? She was about to open the door and poke her head out to see if he was out there at all when there was a loud groan and bang, followed by a shower of sparks out of the control panel by the door, as well as around the door itself as it slid open. She could see Necrolis waving his hand, using the force to literally force open the locked door. Frowning, Vette watched him enter the engine room, her room, and stand there calm as he ever was. That calm just seemed to fuel her anger all the more.

"You broke my fucking door? You broke my door! What the fuck is wrong with you?"

Necrolis looked at the furious, upset, and hurt blue skinned twi'lek standing before him shouting at him and waving her hands. When she stomped her foot and put both hands on her hips he could no longer keep a straight face and burst out laughing. Vette reacted without thinking, reaching out to grab a hydro-spanner and tossing it at him. Necrolis did not even use the force, simply catching the tool and walking over to a small work bench and setting it down there before looking back at her.

"Fuck you!" Vette growled out, stomping a foot again. "You broke my door!"

"In all fairness, Vette, I did ask you to open it twice."

"Fuck you!" Vette countered again.

"I think you've found a new favourite adjective there." Necrolis remarked and shook his head.

Vette frowned and stared at him. Always so damn annoyingly calm, she just wanted to punch him, or throw something at him again, even though it likely would wind up as ineffective as the first time. What the hell is he even here for anyways? It was a question she knew she should ask him, but she was just not in the mood to talk things out.

"Vette, please, stop." Necrolis said softly, hands rising and held out to ward off another attack.

Vette shook her head and dropped her gaze to the floor. One toe absently kicked at the durasteel deck plating. She could feel her lekku shaking as she fought against the welling, swirling emotions within her. Once more she felt like crying, but the angry part of her pushed through and held it at bay.

"What do you want?"

"I brought your blasters." Necrolis said lightly, "And I came after you to make sure you are okay."

The short bitter laugh of derision that met his words made Necrolis sigh and shake his head. Vette kept her gaze down avoiding his eyes. She was hurt, he knew, but she was being foolish as well. Taking a couple more steps closer, Necrolis knew he was going to tempt fate. I have to, he thought. A couple more steps made, and he drew right close to the twi'lek. Vette heard him move, knew how close he had just come to her. Gritting her teeth she moved as quick as she could, trying to throw a punch at him. He caught her right fist in his hand holding it. When she made to swing with her left he caught that one too, then surprised her. In a quick motion he pulled her forward, letting her hands go and wrapping his arms about her slender waist pinning her against him.

"Hey!" Vette cried out, "Let me go!"

"Not going to happen." Necrolis stated, his face suddenly right there before hers, their eyes meeting as he wanted.

"Let me go, Necrolis!" Vette growled in annoyance. "I mean it. Fuck off!"

"No."

Vette went to respond to that simple one word answer he had given but found she had nothing to say. It was as if being in his arms, his calm responses leaving her nothing to get angry at, had all disarmed her completely. Damn him, she thought, still having the urge to punch him despite feeling her anger subside. Biting her lower lip she stared at him, body as well as lekku shaking.

"I'm not going anywhere, Vette." Necrolis said softly. "And I don't give a damn if Jaesa or a thousand Jaesa's run around naked saying they want me. I'm not interested in anyone other than you."

"Necrolis… I…"

"Vette, I love you." Necrolis stated, staring her hard in the eyes as he said so. He knew what he was doing, knew the risks, but he didn't care. He was not going to lose her. "I love you, I want you and only you. I need you, Vette."

Vette stared at Necrolis as he spoke, the words hitting home with just how much he was opening up to her. She knew all too well how hard it was for him to say that. Not because he did not feel such, but more because of how it could be used against him. He had kept her at arms length so long to try and protect both of them, that to have him say such openly to her broke her of any anger she could muster. Once more the tears came as she pushed forward, kissing him hard and deep as her arms wrapped about him, clinging to him.

"You owe me a door." Vette whispered, laughing softly as she cried.


DROMUND KAAS

Lightning flashed, illuminating the underside of the heavy and low grey clouds that blanketed the sky of Dromund Kaas. The descent to the planet surface had been turbulent and rough. The Wraith had even suffered some system shortages, though that was more likely the doing of the electrical charges in the atmosphere striking the ship. Still, it meant repairs, and that meant Necrolis was leaving Quinn aboard to handle such. He had not seen Jaesa since the incident in the conference room, and he suspected she was hiding in her quarters. He made a note to seek her out and deal with that side of things once he was back from meeting with Baras. The sooner the better, he knew. Letting such linger for too long would only make things worse between them.

With both Quinn and Jaesa out of the picture that left Vette to accompany him to the Citadel, and to Baras' office there. Looking about as they rode the speeder bikes to Dromund Kaas city, Necrolis noted things had not changed that much at all. The jungle was still lush and full of creatures, the weather was still as lousy as ever, and most of the people about were equally as dreary and surly. And who says you can never go home again, Necrolis grinned as he thought such to himself. Stopping finally at the landing pad outside the citadel, he glanced over to Vette as she dismounted.

"Well that was fun. Highlight of the trip I'll bet."

"Just watch that sharp tongue of yours." Necrolis said, keeping his voice low intentionally. "Lets not piss off the therma-slice."

"Yeah, he still gives me the creeps." Vette agreed and shuddered. "I swear I always feel like I need a shower after being around him. My skin just crawls."

Necrolis laughed and shook his head. He could not argue against such. Baras simply had that effect on people. He had come to see Baras for what he was really. He was a weak, conniving, schemer. He did not fight his own battles, but rather manipulated others, using them to his own ends. He had very carefully placed himself in a position where he was fed information and of which he put to good use. All in the quest and hunt for power. It was nothing more than a house of cards that at any moment could come crashing down. Jaesa Willsaam had proven that all too well.

"Let's just get this over with and get out of here."

Vette groaned as they entered the Citadel, the light making her wince. She had almost forgotten about the giant glowing Imperial cog emblems and how overbearing the place was. That was until her head screamed in pain to remind her. Necrolis reached out to put his hand to her back, a simple gesture but the contact made Vette momentarily feel better. Glancing about she noted the two man patrols that walked about the suspended walkway, as well as the dual guards posted in front of each doorway that lead to the different rooms. Security had been tightened greatly since they had come to see Baras last.

"A lot more people with blasters about." Vette whispered to Necrolis.

"Just keep an eye out and count of them as best you can." Necrolis muttered back, not liking the situation either. "Something is definitely going on."

Necrolis lead them to Baras' office, past the guards and down the narrow hallway to find Baras in the middle of talking to another sith. Necrolis stopped just inside the doorway, Vette holding her usual position just off to his left by a step. It was clear they had just begun talking, the older sith, his face well worn and showing the signs of the dark side use of the force. He seemed none too amused to be talking to Baras, and Necrolis had to fight a bit to keep the smile off his face at the thought.

"Baras, are you responsible?" The older sith figure demanded. "Was it you who took out General Gonn?"

"It was, Lord Vengean." Baras stated with a nod of his armoured head. "The fringe systems are now ripe for the taking."

"Such an advantage will prod the rest of the council out of passivity." Vengean stated with a nod, pleased by the news if not just a little surprised. "They will see war is the only answer. You have delivered to me what I most crave."

"Hey! What a load of bantha shit!" Vette piped up and though he agreed, Necrolis still cringed at the fact she spoke out. Even as he cast Vette a hard look, he was aware of Baras and Vengean looking towards them.

"Give credit where credit is due, Baras." Necrolis remarked, striding forward to join his master.

"Who dares interrupt? Baras, who is this?" Vengean demanded in annoyance.

"This is my most accomplished apprentice, my lord." Baras turned back to Vengean and bowed his head as he spoke. There was no missing his annoyed tone, and Necrolis knew he was unhappy at suddenly having to change his story. "And he is the killer of Gonn."

Vengean eyed Baras, weighing the man's actions and words. It was no surprise Baras took credit for pointing his apprentice, his weapon, at Gonn and taking the accolades that came with defeating him. It was his will, his plan, after all that brought about such ends. Still Vengean knew he needed to remember such, and be more cautious about giving his gratitude out at face value. It was a reminder of just how cunning and underhanded his old apprentice was.

"Your destruction of Gonn earns you my favour, young one, for today."

Necrolis understood the elder sith all too well, his tone and meaning very clear. Necrolis bowed at the waist deeply to the Dark Lord, remembering his place. He would accept the praise and take it for what it was. The real enjoyment came from denying such to Baras, and having him back on his heels in front of his old master.

"I am Necrolis Darkstar, and I live in the moment, Lord Vengean."

"Good, yet any moment may be your last, youngster." Vengean remarked before looking at Baras. "It is time. I will send my destroyer to the fringe systems and they will be mine before anyone is the wiser. The order is given Baras, enact Plan Zero. Vengean out."

Darth Vengean's image flickered then disappeared as the connection was terminated. Necrolis sensed Baras's anger at his arrival and intervention. Worse, he suspected Vette was going to bear the brunt of such at some point. Her outburst had started everything after all. Despite that feeling, Baras merely turned to face his apprentice, hands clasping at the small of his back as he spoke.

"Excellent! I have waited a long time for this order." Baras remarked, not even trying to hide his excitement at recent events. "Apprentice, Plan Zero is the systematic elimination of the Republic's top military leaders. A pre-emptive strike that will leave the enemy headless."

"Who are these walking corpses?" Necrolis asked in genuine curiosity. All out war would bring strife and battle to most of the galaxy as both sides competed to get the early advantage over the other.

"They are the Empire's most accomplished adversaries, and not to be taken lightly." Baras remarked in warning, one hand waving as he spoke to emphasize his words. "I have been tracking the targets for years in anticipation of Plan Zero. There's no time to waste. Make ready your ship, I will contact you there."

Necrolis bowed his head towards Baras then took his cue to leave and spun on his heels and marched quickly out. Once outside he grabbed Vette's arm and gave her a cold hard look. Vette knew it had been coming, and knew too that she deserved such. They had been fortunate that things had gone the way they had, that events had kept Baras from reacting as he likely wanted to in front of Darth Vengean. Sheepishly she gave a weak smile and laugh.

"I guess I should expect to wear the shock collar again?"

"Don't tempt me, Vette." Necrolis shot back as they resumed walking and heading back to the Wraith.


It did not take long for Necrolis and Vette to return to the Dromund Kaas spaceport, and get back to the Wraith. Necrolis headed straight for the conference room, finger hammering the intercom button to demand everyone attend. He would have them all there for this meeting with Baras. What was coming was too important to exclude them. Plan Zero, all out war on the horizon, was all that mattered now and they were no doubt to play a large part in the galaxy devolving into all out conflict. Malavai Quinn arrived first, moving to sit near to Necrolis on one side of the table, while Vette took a chair close to his other side across from the man. Jaesa came in last, still dressed in her battle garb, though she had the hood pulled up and hiding most of her face. Necrolis could feel the uncertainty from her and made a note that following the briefing he would have to speak with her.

"Master, we are here as you commanded." Necrolis stated as the call placed was answered and Baras appeared from the chest up in the holo terminal's pale blue light.

"Apprentice, your targets are the Republic's six most important military leaders. There are two I must still locate, Admiral Monk, who commands the Republic Fleet, and Jedi Knight Xerender, who leads an elite squad of commandos." Baras stated and waved a hand absently as he talked. "The other targets, the four generals of the Republic's strategic command, are confirmed to be on the planet Taris. You must speed there immediately."

Necrolis cast a look at those of his crew, noting Quinn's groan and frown at Baras' words. Something was bothering the man, and that made Necrolis wary. It also was far from what Baras had claimed when in his office. He had said he had kept track of all of the targets. How was it that someone as informed as Baras was, suddenly lost two of the six targets? Better yet, how was it Necrolis knew where one of those two men were and Baras did not? He's slipping, and badly, he thought.

"I thought you said you were prepared, Baras?"

"They will be found soon enough." Baras growled, clearly annoyed at the question Necrolis had asked, as well as the lack of respect for his title and station. Necrolis noted the reaction and just how easy it was to provoke out of him. "You worry about Taris, Necrolis. I will give you the particulars of your mission when you arrive. Baras out."

Baras cut the call short, severing the connection. Necrolis fought away the smile that threatened at the corners of his mouth, made all the more difficult as Vette giggled. He had gotten under Baras' skin, provoked him into an emotional outburst. It was something Necrolis saw as a personal conquest. He had a feeling a certain Overseer would be smiling at such. Jaesa sat listening and taking it all in, silent and brooding. Malavai Quinn had settled back in his chair and when Necrolis looked at him, he frowned and shook his head slowly.

"Alright, Malavai, out with it." Necrolis remarked.

"I do not like this, my lord." Quinn said as he thought about what he wanted to say before speaking. "We know where one of the two missing targets are, but Baras does not? What do elite commandos want on Hoth?"

"A good question, indeed." Necrolis said in agreement. He could not help but wonder the same. It had to be something of importance if so high a party was taking on the search personally. "See what you can dig up on it on the way to Taris."

"Which brings me to the other problem." Quinn said, watching as Necrolis arched an eyebrow at him.

"Oh, here we go." Vette rolled her eyes, waiting for the doom and gloom report from Quinn. "Captain Killjoy is going to try and scare us all."

"Vette." Necrolis said her name and she sighed and fell silent.

"My lord, Taris is not some mere planet to be taken lightly." Quinn began, still frowning as he spoke. "Taris was once a city-world, a massive planetary metropolis. That was before Darth Malak laid waste to the entire planet, bombarding it into a toxic ruin. It is a hard, harsh world."

"We've faced such before, what makes this place put you so ill at ease, Quinn?" Necrolis asked pointedly.

"Vegetation and life forms fight for survival here. The place remains a warzone on top of that with the Republic having begun to recolonize the planet less than a decade ago. The Empire wants no symbol for the Republic to rally around and the situation is tense. Add in a mysterious natural hazard reports call a rakghoul plague, and I fear we are wading right smack into a situation we very well could not walk away from."

Necrolis thought about what Quinn had just told him. It was clear Quinn had already made calculations about their survival and success, and it was enough to make him worried. If Quinn was worried, then it meant he had to take such very seriously. The war raging planet side was going to be bad enough, and of course likely hard to remain out of. The talk of a strange plague however, that was something there was no getting around and would put them all at risk. No helping such, he knew.

"We have our orders, Captain." Necrolis said as he rose. "Let's get under way, and Quinn do find out as much as you can about the Jedi as well as Taris. If we know more, we can hopefully avoid the worst the planet might throw at us."