"I'm starting to feel Nar Shaddaa is running on a repeat-function through the holo. I keep finding myself back here once again. And it stinks every time," Lusiel complained, emerging from the spaceport into the rancid air of Nar Shaddaa. Again.

"Indeed. Perhaps it's the appeal the place holds for those various traitors and scum the Empire despises, however," Quinn grumbled as he followed her. The wash of colors from the lights and tinging advertisements against Lusiel's dark-haired head was alluring, at least. She seemed to be almost glowing as he strode behind her, and he drank in the showy sensation she was to him like it was a liquor to imbibe.

"It's why we're here this time around, at least," Lusiel glanced at her companion, smiling teased him. "We could try and hide out overnight, after we're finished. I know a place."

There was a burst of jealous energy from her captain, then. Lusiel stopped in place, staring at him. But Quinn only looked at the glittering poster hanging against the nearby wall, depicting the freakish form of a Weequay character in the latest holographic thriller produced by Plescinia Entertainments, posed sideways with a blaster pistol held up in threat. Not Quinn's favorite form of holo entertainment, by far. He veered more towards stories of dashing spies and intricate puzzles, rather.

It took Lusiel a long moment to understand what bothered Quinn so much and then she wanted to laugh. If she were particularly cruel, she would tease him even further. Maybe promise him she would keep her armor on this time. But she bit back the temptation. Mostly because she didn't want him to know she was completely aware he monitored her movements. He might try secreting new devices among her items and gear, if she did that.

Besides. She really wanted to toss her armor aside before tumbling with Quinn into one of the beds here on Nar Shaddaa. She didn't want to injure him. At least not seriously. Bites or nips were acceptable. Lusiel shuddered as she imagined marking his neck with little love bruises. Oh, he could mark her neck, even better! She almost pulled him into the alcove just behind the absurd poster, to have him do it right then and there.

Quinn staidly remarked to her, before moving off towards the taxi platform again, "I am not sure it would be wise to leave Vette and Jaesa alone on the ship that long." Lusiel chuckled as she sauntered after him.

"Indeed. We shouldn't leave the kiddies home alone, not for too long at least. How about only a couple of hours, though?" Lusiel settled against the bench seat of the taxi, watched Quinn climb in opposite her. "I was quite bored the last time I visited Nar Shaddaa. I only managed to visit some of the shops. All by myself no less. Vette was attending some sort of celebration with her sister."

Lusiel smiled to herself as Quinn's relief became achingly palpable, like a warm blanket that settled between them. His voice was husky and rich with it as he responded, "I'm sure that would be acceptable, my lord."

"I sincerely hope it proves more than 'acceptable' in the end, Quinn," Lusiel laughed as they reached the lower industrial sector of the city. It was such a simple thing to please him, she thought. It only took the reassurance she didn't spend a few hours in bed with a stranger the last time she ventured to Nar Shaddaa, just the smallest nudge.

Lusiel was still purely satisfied with herself as they ambled around a corner. A minor squad of Republic soldiers loitered outside the doorway at the end of that alley, just outside the safehouse where General Karastace Gonn was secreting Imperials planning to defect to the Republic. Traitors intent on moving outside the purview of the Empire's control, giving up the Empire's strength to their own enemies – the fools. Lusiel breathed in steadily, just before launching herself at the men. They didn't manage a single shouted warning before her saber's swipe brushed them down onto the floor, and they only warbled as she finished them furiously fast.

This could very well be the best trip to Nar Shaddaa she had ever made, Lusiel thought to herself as she stalked inside the house.


It had been far too long a time since he stepped on the capital homeworld, Quinn thought as he followed Lusiel into Darth Baras' chambers. The air was heavy with power and presence, the might of the Empire intense all around them. Something that all Imperials should appreciate routinely, so they never forgot what they fought and served for – the power and control of their mightiest.

Lusiel paused in the doorway of Baras' rooms, blatantly listening to the holotransmission Darth Baras was monitoring just then. The deference he paid the Sith who's image was displayed was obvious and heady, and she studied the figure carefully.

The master of her own master … Darth Vengean was ghostly pale, his face and skin ravaged by the darkest side of the Force and his eyes gleamed brightly red as he glared out at Baras. Lusiel knew that Vengean's rage and anger focused on war, that he descended into the worst ravages of battle to achieve his own mastery. He stalked his opponents in the field with ruthless brutality, once crushed a man under the weight of his own Force power like smashing a bug.

Of course he would command the Sphere of Conquest and Offense, pressing the Dark Council to war against the Republic without stop or pause. He took the Treaty of Coruscant as if it was some sort of personal insult, so much he whispered malcontent against the Emperor himself. It was a mark of Vengean's own power he wasn't destroyed, as a result.

Quinn saw Lusiel glance back at him and he dropped his head, only subtly acknowledging her command of him. She would be focused on tact, a politic display here. It depended on careful maneuvering, and manipulations. Lies, even. Quinn approved. Lusiel's clarity, focus and intelligence was never more on display than when she interacted with her fellow Sith. Like watching her during the melee attacks that she made, perhaps. Like she was dancing - a smooth fluidity of motion, colorful and brilliant and powerful, that made deliberate, ultimate victory.

"Was it you, Baras? Did you destroy General Gonn?" Vengean demanded, his red eyes cold as crystal as he watched Baras. But Baras did not quail or flinch back from his master. Like a pudgy blot, Baras straightened to stiffest affront just standing there.

"Of course I did, my lord! Just as you wanted, the fringe systems are now ripe for the taking! We only have to act!"

Darth Vengean rasped with satisfaction. Lusiel rather wondered how much of his lungs were as gray and faltering as his face, actually. But his power arched from his gaze with every flicker of his eyes. His power was obvious. He was pleased right then, though, "Finally. Now the Council won't be able to remain passive any longer. They'll see – war is the only answer! You've done it, Baras … you've given me what I craved the very most." And then Lusiel stepped forward, her boots plodding against the floor as she approached them both in front of the holoterminal. She bowed her head, "Pardon the interruption, my lords."

Darth Vengean frowned down at her, as Lusiel slipped into place alongside Darth Baras. She looked tiny, ephemeral and feminine both. Like the darkest little butterfly, maybe. The prettiest wings outstretched and glorious. Vengean was not fool enough to deny her strength, though. He still bore a long, wickedly carving scar over the lean length of his stomach, put there by a particularly lovely woman who seduced and loved him right before delivering the blow that made the wound. This female intrigued him. Vengean breathed roughly, "Who is this, Baras?"

"My mightiest apprentice, my lord. She's the one who killed General Gonn, hunted him down on Nar Shadda and destroyed him," Baras intoned. Rotely, like he wanted to keep Lusiel far from sight and understanding, rather.

Of course she would be Baras' enforcer, Vengean thought. Stories of her achievements were already bubbling through the Citadel, whispers of her nature and her steps. Marr spoke her name, even. This was a Sith who would take up the word great as her own, and challenge anyone who stood in her way to doing it.

She would rightly terrify Baras. Vengean eyed him shrewdly, surmising his intentions. He would already be angling to deny the younger Sith so much power, would blindly, stupidly squander her potential utterly for fear she might take him. But Vengean himself did not fear her in the slightest, would not fear her ever. There was a natural order and process to the universe, and that the young should eventually overtake the old was proper enough. If this brash youngster proved strong enough – then Baras would fall. It was so simple as that.

How very much a fascinating development, Vengean thought.

Lusiel dropped down to kneel in front of the holoterminal, bowing her head in grave respect. Behind her, an Imperial officer dutifully followed suit. Obviously her own man, Vengean surmised. He murmured with approval, "Clearly a minion who well knows the meaning of respect, then." He blatantly ignored Quinn. The lack of Force in the officer made him meaningless. "Then rise, young one. You've served your master and your master's master both. And well, too."

"It is my privilege, master," Lusiel lifted her chin. She was proud, of course. Strength always made pride and personal esteem so much more real. But Vengean only saw the proud tilt of her face, the firm turn of her shoulders and the solid step of her boots as she raised herself back to standing. Everything else – her deepest emotions and strongest impulses – those were secreted behind the toughest barriers in her own mind, held there so he couldn't see her, couldn't find her.

The sheer strength of her ability to keep his Force senses blind to her was purely impressive. Vengean was utterly satisfied. Baras was already too late. He murmured, "I'm impressed with your choice of apprentice, Baras." He threw back his shoulders, regarding the both of his followers. "It's 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."

Baras let loose a hum of satisfaction as Vengean's image faded. He looked like a fat cat that just swallowed a plump mouse, and he purred, "Excellent. I've waited such a long time for this opportunity and now it's here." Baras flexed his fingers as he explained, "Plan Zero is the systematic elimination of the Republic's top military leaders. A preemptive strike that will leave the Republic headless." Lusiel considered him, the plans within plans she could see percolating in his toady brain. She would have to position her own self carefully, just to find her way through whatever web Baras was methodically weaving. At least before it snared her in place.

Quinn worked against the surface of his datapad, his fingers flying fast as he calculated the necessary motions of Lusiel's course in this newest strategical mission. Plan Zero … Baras' directives had to be followed exactly, he thought. Baras hummed as Quinn worked, "You continue to utilize Quinn, apprentice. Good. He'll be a valuable asset when you reach Taris. Use him well."

Baras' senses fingered Quinn's state of mind, his emotions and drive right then. Lusiel remained impervious, not like Quinn. The Imperial regarded Lusiel passionately, his admiration and care of her was intensely powerful. Baras was gratified. The more enmeshed the man was, the easier it was to prod and control him. Knowing what could compel him, what threats to bring to bear on him … Baras always tried to know what flaws or faults could be used against his own tools, and if Quinn believed Lusiel was threatened somehow he could be simply and terribly directed.

But Quinn was an advantage for Lusiel in the meantime. His skills were immense, regardless of his lack of Force ability. Perhaps it would be wiser to destroy him now, rather than allow her to further gain and benefit from the man. Baras pondered.

Then Lusiel leaned forward. She sensed the risk, like a ripple of eddying water from a predator moving beneath the surface. So she slapped back against it, interjecting, "Yes, my master. I have a high regard for Quinn's capabilities. He's an exemplary officer, an ideal far more in the Imperial military should aspire to." Lusiel was adamantly protective as she pressed him back from the threat, and Baras almost crowed gleefully. Her most appalling weakness was on display, and he wanted to gloat. She sniffed, gesturing towards Quinn as she turned to leave the room.

Baras watched them move out of the doors. Let them work together to see Plan Zero enacted. Let her have her last days with him. Soon enough, Baras thought, it would be too late. Very soon, he'd finally destroy her.