Opening his eyes , Nox allowed his eyes to adjust as he blinked away the blurriness in his eyes from shining lights of Coruscant .
Rising from his kneeling position , Nox popped his shoulder blades , The entity made his way to his desk before opening up comms integrated into the desk .
" HK , Status report " Nox ordered , The Holo of the droid coming into existence almost immediately after .
" My master , It appears Senator Padme and Skywalker have arrived on Tatooine , I am maintaining an acceptable distance and will continue following " HK replied as Nox thought over what his droid said .
" Very good , Alert me should anything drastic happen " Nox cut the Holo off as he heard Vaylin enter the room .
" Anything interesting happening " Vaylin asked with the coy smile she usually held when around Nox .
Opening himself up to the cosmic force , Nox twitched slightly as he searched , Something , A feeling placing itself into his stomach , An instinct he had come well accustomed to .
Eyes flying open , Nox's brow twitched lightly as it curled upwards in deep thought , Making Vaylin stop what she was doing as she felt his curiosity through their bond .
" Is something wrong dear " Vaylin asked as she watched Nox rise and claim his black robe from his seat .
" Just a feeling dear " Nox squinted , Eyes darting back and forth. A gnawing sensation running through his head like a buzz , And as if it was a shadow prowling on the darkest recesses of his mind , He couldn't pinpoint it . It persisted , But was not foreboding like an imminent warning of danger , More akin to a slight whisper of happenings that he should be privy to but was unable to access at this moment.
Gnashing his teeth together in frustration as he simply couldn't think of what was nagging at him , Nox shifted his head and stared at his desk in frustration, Waiting for the holo-call he knew was coming .
Much as he knew , Less than a second later a chime wrung across the surface of his desk , Answered moments later as Nox reached out and tapped at the desk , The Holo of Scorpio appearing moments later .
" Your majesty " Scorpio inclined her head in greetings.
" Scorpio , What can I do for you " Nox asked , Sitting back in his chair with a sigh.
" I have been able to establish a meeting with the Zygerian royal party at your request . They are eagerly awaiting your arrival " Scorpio announced as Nox smiled .
" Thank you Scorpio , I appreciate your efforts , I'll head there at once . Please ,Alert me should anything else occur " Nox bid Scorpio well before ending the call before taking his time to rise from his chair .
" I'm really not looking forward to dealing with those beasts " Vaylin hissed as she swivelled her legs off of the couch and made to rise " Why must we do this "
" I'd like to establish a beneficial relationship with their ruling party , Through business dealings and what not " Nox replied as he left the room with Vaylin in toe , Both turning left as they made their way to their quarters.
" But why , We get enough chattels from the Hutts and vessels and whatnot HK raids , So i doubt its for them " Vaylin pushed , Causing Nox to chuckle as they entered the room , The emperor moving to the stand that held his royal outfit .
" Nathema " Nox replied much to Vaylin's confusion " Zygeria and Nathema are far closer than I would like , Especially with having next to no presence on Zygeria itself . I may have a fleet surrounding Nathema at all times ,However it's better to be safe than sorry "
" Oh ... I see " Vaylin grasped his reasoning quite easily , Especially since Nox's fortress and one of his most valuable Vaults are on Nathema , Yes, Better to be safe than sorry .
" When do we leave "
" immediately "
WITH KANYA
The fury interceptor roared through space as she approached her target in separatist space.
Molten eyes peered at the swirling blue vortex infront of the viewport before the ship dropped out of hyperspace in a low boom .
" This is their last recorded location mistress " A 2V-R8 unit alerted kanya as she spotted separatist ships flying to and from the planet in specific spots .
The planet of lamaredd lay before her . Sitting into the pilots chair , She urged the ship forward , Engaging cloaking measures in order to best avoid being detected before she could find her targets .
Seeing the glimmering Holo of Nox appear on the centre console , She payed attention to him as he made to speak .
" Progress " Was all Nox stated as the girl went to reply .
" We've managed to follow their tracks to Lamaredd , I don't know why they're here but I will endeavour to find out " Kanya replied as the ship discreetly entered the atmosphere of the planet .
" What of the targets identities " Nox asked , His voice clear and hard .
" Severance Taan , A female chiss recently left the chiss academy along with her lover Vandalor . It appears they were picked by Sidious and brought to republic space to serve in the confederacy , I'm sending through everything I know right now " Kanya sent a nod to Her 2V unit whom immediately did as she had said " What do you wish for me to do when I find them master "
"Lady Craeth , Your orders are as follows , Find out what they're up to ... Capture them , Eliminate them if need be... you know what to do "Nox ordered .
" Yes my master " Kanya answered before Nox's Holo cut off moments later.
Following sensor readings , Kanya chose to forgo going to Byron's landing and instead flew low across the lands at blistering speeds towards the ORO mining station .
Rather than landing at the mining station , Rather chose to land in the wilderness away from any prying eyes.
Manoeuvring the ship until it slowed and began to rotate , Lowering through the canopy of the trees , The landing gear protruded from the bottom of the ship and touched down with the ground , A hiss echoing through the ship as it came to a rest .
Contemplating her next move for several moments , Kanya slowly rose and made her way to the cargo hold .
Opening one of the containers , Kanya pulled out a set of armour called the Exiled Padawan's armour dyed white and gold . Quickly she dressed herself and put her old clothing on-top of a nearby crate for later use .
Sliding the helmet on ,She allowed the armour to power itself on before making her way to a large case next to the entrance to the cargo hold .
Flicking the locks of the case , Kanya raised the lid to reveal a set of eight different lightsabers kept side by side on soft moulded fabric that fit the lightsaber hilts perfectly.
" Let's see ... red will do " Kanya selected the third lightsaber from the left , Clipping it to her thigh .
Closing the case and clipping it shut , Kanya opened another case next to a rack of rifles , Filled with experimental shielding technology which she picked up and integrated into her chosen armour .
A glistening orange dome surrounded her for a few seconds before fading away signifying it's activation as it drew power from the battery in the back of her armour .
" Will there be anything else mistress " 2V Asked from the entrance to the storage room .
" Not at this moment , Thank you Two vee ... Make sure nobody comes near the ship " Kanya rose , The eye sockets of the helmet blackening to hide her features as she exited the storage room and embarked on her espionage mission .
Leaving the ship , Kanya looked over the lush rainforest around her , Squinting to find anything that could be a potential danger.
Activating her wrist mounted computer , Her lergo agitator hovered down the ramp of the fury interceptor coming to a rest before the white clad woman.
Raising her wrist to her head , A 3D display of the local surroundings was displayed .
Whilst staring at the map , Four probe droids came down the ramp , Hovering to surround their master as they waited for orders .
Lowering her wrist computer , She turned to the probe droids gathered " Your primary target is a female Chiss , Mid twenties , Force sensitive , Believed to be trained in lightsaber combat so a good identifier would be a lightsaber on her person . If you find her , Alert me of her location, Secondary targets ... any confederacy operations and bases . You have you mission , Now go "
With their orders ,The four probe droids hovered higher into the air before blasting away in four seperate directions , Soon disappearing over the treeline as small dots .
Climbing over the seat of the agitator , Kanya turned the Agitator with its controls , Aiming away from the nearby mountain before urging the speeder forward , The onboard systems and sensors automatically forcing the speeder twist around any dangerous obstacles .
Everything became a blur as the roar of the thrusters became more Intense the faster she went . The high pitch squeal of the thrusters growing louder and louder as she rapidly approached the capital city known as Bartons landing.
Quickly arriving at the coastline , Kanya spotted the Decommissioned LH-3010 capital freighter that had been turned into a city some five decades earlier .
Seeing several piers connected the outer rings of the freighters hull , She decided that was a suitable location to land. And so , She abandoned passing over the coastline in favour of flying across the ocean , Over high cresting waves and shoal of leaping fish .
Setting a location for the agitator to idly wait for her to call for it , Kanya , Nearing the pier , Leapt from the seat of the vehicle , Foot touching the right side thruster before she propelled herself at the rusting construct connecting to the city .
The agitator continued on without its driver , Disappearing over a tall wave as it ascended above the highest point the waves could reach , Turning and making its way back to the shore where is would wait for her to call for it .
Meanwhile ,Kanya landed on the edge of the pier in a low crouch , A mon cala stated at her , having been working on his dingy fishing vessel froze in awe of her superhero landing .
Rising from her position , Kanya squared her shoulders and approached the staring alien .
Coaching into her fist , The mon cala unfroze as it noted she wished to speak to it .
" Excuse me ser , Do you know where I may go for a stiff drink " Kanya asked , Her voice altered by the ornate mask she wore .
Assuming she was some kind of tourist , The mon cala gave his answer .
" Miss Mylla's saloon has acceptable liquor if you're looking to partake " The fisherman answered after a few seconds .
" Appreciated , This conversation never happened " Kanya handed a handful of credits to the mon cala who happily accepted and immediately went to doing his work , Pretending he hadn't met her as Kanya herself walked down the pier in silence .
Passing through the city , Kanya easily noticed the clear disparity between the alien and human populations .
On the receiving ends of a whole slew of untrusting if not hostile glares .
Assuming the aliens of the city weren't going to be open to talking to her , She kept a wide berth from them as she made her way towards the core of the old freighter that served as the higher end districts of the city .
Swoop gangs passed by , Skiffs delivered their produce and cloud cars were used by officers as they looked over the general populous.
The further she went , The better off individuals seemed to be , Buildings became better maintained and everyone seemed generally happier .
And eventually , After getting directions from several reluctant individuals, Kanya came to stand infront of Miss Mylla's saloon .
Walking up to the front door of the establishment , Kanya entered the building in swift strides .
Walking inside , Kanya spotted a large male chagrian , Standing as a sort of muscle for the business owner as he stared around the room with a sort of permanent glare .
Wielding a club , A cobalt knife and a slug thrower , The Chagrian cut an imposing figure at two hundred and twenty five centimetres tall .
Ignoring the stare of the Chagrian , Kanya noted the scantily clad courtesans or waitresses of many species serving drinks on a platter or walking into back rooms for private ' dances ' with patrons .
Walking to the bar , Kanya sat herself down and stared at the available drinks .
" What can I get for ya " The bartender asked , A faleen with green skin approached , Her hair pulled back and kept in place with a golden clip . She wore a form fitting white and golden dress that hugged her curves like a glove .
" Have any Moogan tea , I've been wanting to try it for a while . That and some answers to some questions " Kanya disengaged the face plate of her helmet and gently placed it onto the counter . The only one in the room able to see her face being the Faleen bartender .
" Coming right up , But the drink doesn't come free , Neither does information " The Faleen began to make the drink , Pulling out the required spiced syrup and adding it to the beverage.
" I've got it all covered " Kanya replied as she reached into a satchel located on her hip , Pulling out a handful of credits that she deposited onto the bench.
Quickly finishing making the beverage , The Faleen brought the brown coloured drink back to Kanya and gently placed the frothy drink onto the cold surface infront of the customer ,Quickly taking the credits offered and placing them out of sight.
The female Faleen then leant onto her elbows onto the bench and smiled at Kanya " Well , Ask away , You might not like my answers thought "
" We'll see " Kanya took a sip from her drink, Squinting slightly before placing the drink back onto the counter " Now what I was expecting , But not ... unwelcome ... Now , Onto my questions "
" Ask away " The Faleen smiled kindly as Kanya looked to her .
" Seen any ... odd happenings lately . Never before seen species in the city , Attacks at random , All the likes " The woman asked as she spied the Faleen .
" Well ... I guess you're new around here then ... Every now and then we get some people ... disappear , We've been trying to put together a group to unearth the source behind them ... " The Faleen hissed slightly " I've had more than one of my girls go missing because of it "
" I see , What about anybody that seemed ... off ... you know , Unwilling to talk or divulge anything about themselves , Probably disappeared into the wilderness of heading some ' official business" Kanya asked as the Faleen shifted slightly .
" I might've seen someone or people , Can't really put my finger on it though " The Faleen placed her right index finger on the side of her chin , Eliciting a sigh from Kanya as she procured more credits and placed them on the counter " Oh yes ,A couple , They rented one of my rooms for two nights , Never seen them before or any of their kind . At the end of their stay a group entered ... special forces of something and took them away ... my guess they went north to the mines , Sine you know ... the group to collect them were from ORO mining corp "
Sitting and pondering the information for a few minutes , Kanya took her time to finish her tea before handing the cup back to the Faleen " That is indeed some very useful information for me , One more question... Does this ORO mining corp have any nearby business or outposts "
" Just a Few mining stations around the continent ... the nearest is to the north " The Faleen smiled as she took the cup .
" I see ... thank you for your help " Kanya reached for the gold and white faceplate of her helmet , Sticking it to her face as the magnetic locks to the rest of the helmet activated and fastened it into place .
" No problem dear , Have a good stay , And if you need a place to stay or a drink , Or ... anything else , Don't hesitate to ask " The Faleen bid her farewell as Kanya rose and made her way back through the entrance to the establishment.
As Kanya left , The Faleen made to wipe down the bench as one of the cities more influential individuals sat down , Causing the woman to look up " What can I do for you "
" Mylla , I and the rest of the council are very interested to know who that was , I'm sure you have the answers we want " The Koorivar asked .
" I don't have any idea of who they are , All they wanted was a drink and information" Mylla replied .
" Then what .. exactly , did they want to know " Mylla sighed at the question , Knowing it wasn't a matter of denying , Knowing veery well the seriousness on the mans face.
WITH KANYA
Looking through the eye slots in her mask as she raised her head ,Kanya spied the gathering clouds , The darkening of the skies as thunder rumbled.
A droplet of rain landed on the eye slot of her mask , Hitting the lense before it was joined by several others .
" How convenient" Kanya hissed in frustration before lowering her head and making an immediate right .
' Oro mining facility huh ' Kanya thought as heavy rains began to fall from the skies , Small trails of water running by her feet .
" Two vee " Kanya spoke into the computer system of her gauntlet , Bridging a connection to the droid on her fury interceptor .
" Yes madame what may I do for you " The synthetic voice of her droid spoke through the systems in her gauntlet .
" I want you to find me any information you can get your hands on about ORO mining corp ... and the locations of any facilities they may have nearby " Kanya requested of the droid .
" Of course my master , I will do so at once " The droid responded " One moment "
" Very good , Thank you Two Vee " Kanya replied as she cut off the call , Waiting for the information she requested to be sent through to her .
The air became thick with the moisture of the area around her , Heavy winds picking up as rising waves crashed against the cities boundaries .
Stopping at a junction in the street , Kanya turned her head left and then right as she spotted bustling citizens doing their own thing regardless of the rain . Shrugging as she waited for everything to be compiled , Kanya turned left down the street , Heading towards what appeared to be a sort of market .
Passing by a few stalls , She noted the variety of things that were on display . From foods to Weapons and ship parts , Exotic animals and illegal ... things .
Several stall workers called out to passerby's , Some even trying to gain Kanya's own attention to sell their goods.
Kanya however ignored them however as she picked up a notification buzzing her gauntlet but remaining silent .
Pulling herself from some objects that caught her fancy , Kanya made her way from the market and into a nearby alleyway of which a heavy flow of water was escaping due to an incline within .
Two seperate notifications were displayed , One from 2V and one from three of her four probe droids .
Selecting the file from 2V An audio file was accompanied by a slew of files , Selecting the audio file , She selected it to play through the systems in her helmet .
As she listened to the audio rendition of the written files . Kanya selected the second file of which a 3D map display that was centred on the city she was now in was shown , Few other blips pulsing to show the locations of these platforms .
Squinting , Kanya crouched low before leaping up and out of the alleyway and onto the roof , Calling her Lergo agitator in the process .
Twisting the agitator to the west ,Kanya urged the speeder forward and began her search .
WITH NOX AND VAYLIN - ZYGERRIA
The X-70 B hyperspace , Nox sitting in the pilots seat of the vessel as he looked at the Continents and oceans of the planet , White clouds crossing the planet from the east that swept west slowly.
" Ew " Vaylin squinted , Hissing in distaste as she glared at the planet with her arms crossed , Laying back into the Co-Pilots seat , Once more garbed in her grey and gold robes " What an ugly shade of blue ... and green , It's like everything on this world wants to piss me off , I guess I'll just have to ... talk to some of the produce ... "
Chuckling at Vaylin's grievances and grumbles, Nox pushed the controls forwards as the X-70 hurtled through space towards the slavers .
It took moments for the High tech ship to clear the distance ,Soon blasting through the atmosphere as they manoeuvred the vessel towards the capital city and royal palace .
Hearing a ringing chime from the Communications port to his side , The Holo of a cat like man came into being , A gruff growl escaping the man as he spoke .
" Unknown vessel , You are approaching the Zygerrian royal palace , State your business or be shot down " The man growled , Sneering as Nox made no attempt to alter his course .
" My name is Tal'erial , I have a meeting scheduled with the ruling family " Nox answered as the cover he had asked Scorpio to use , Using the name of the Empire's wrath rather than his own as cover incase something went wrong and he had to kill the royal family ... or drop a portion of their moon on them , Anyway he digressed .
" I see , One moment " The beast moved to no doubt verify as Nox urged the X-70 to dip underneath the clouds that travelled at a sedate pace.
Silence prevailed in the bridge as the capital city grew closer and closer , The towering Edifice of the royal palace standing over the entire city amused Nox.
They waited a few more moments before the beast man returned , Obviously not happy and definitely reluctant " The royal family is excited for your arrival , They will send an entourage to meet with you in hanger three to bring you to them , Thank you for your patronage"
Nox almost laughed at the displeasure clearly shown on the Zygerrian's features as the Holo cut out , One of the hangers on the royal palace lighting up as if to guide them .
" Here we go " Nox uttered as he began to slow the ship , Changing it's course as he turned to enter the hanger .
" Don't remind me " Vaylin squinted out of the bridge's canopy , Staring out towards the stone that made up the inside of the hanger .
Eight individuals hurriedly came together as the ship rotated a one eighty and faced the hanger entrance it had come through incase a quick escape was needed .
The ramp to the ship lowered soon after , Hydraulics hissing as It came to a gentle rest on the ground .
The assortment of slaves looked up at the white armoured black haired man , He wore a white and gold mask that his his features as blue white light shone through the eye sockets , And the grey outfitted woman walking behind his right side by a few paces wore a similar mask , Entirely black and bare of any features .
Lining up beside eachother , The group of six woman and two men bowed at the hip , Their scantily clad outfits failing utterly to hide their privates " Greetings , We are here at your service and pleasure for the duration of your stay . Please call apon any of us should you need anything "
Nox studied everyone present that would be at his service however long he would be on world . Eyes staring one by one as his face remained neutral .
Seemingly satisfied with his workers , Nox cleared his throat " Which one of you will be escorting me to the royal family "
One of the men stepped forward , A Togruta male of around forty years " That would be my service ser , I have been tasked as your escort for the duration of your stay "
" Very good , The rest of you , I expect you to be in our chambers apon our return , Now , Let us be off " Nox commanded as the women and the one other male bowed and swiftly left in a line , The Togruta motioning with his hands the direction they would be headed .
The walk was quiet as the Togruta walked a few paces ahead of them , Nox's eyes darting over everything around him , The slightest noise ringing in his ears , The Slightest movement or shift of light drawing in attention.
Vaylin remained his shadow as she ever was , Sticking to his heels as she constantly glanced over his shoulder in preparation should anything happen .
" Tell me " Nox's deep voice startled the Togruta , The man's head swivelling to turn to him with thinly veiled fear " How long have you been working here "
" I..." The man seemingly didn't expect the. sudden question , Refusing to meet Nox's eyes as they walked " I ...I've been working here for eight years my lord "
Turning his head back away from the Togruta and facing forward , Nox nodded , Satisfied with the answer .
The trio walked through a doorway that lead to a winding balcony of the royal palace , Hovering pits of various plants stood on either side of the frame , Ornate rugs were placed onto the ground as the togruta guided them towards a sort of pergola with three individuals sitting peacefully .
Nox looked at the feline figure as Vaylin's neutral gaze turned into a glare .
Servants made their may in an out of the palace , Bringing foods and drinks to the monarch of Zygerria .
Wearing a golden crown atop her head , The Feline stared out towards the city . She was garbed in a blue skin tight outfit with gold accessories .
Blue birds flew around her as they ate from her hands .
Feeling around the woman , Nox could practically feel the malicious hatred from the woman's slaves as they served her , Their desire to kill her was almost palpable yet they kept their hands and their interests quiet.
" Your majesty , I have brought your guests as you have requested " The Togruta knelt to the ground as soon as they arrived in the pergola .
The green yellow eyes of the feline quickly turned to face then as a small smile came to her face .
" Very good , Leave us " The queen departed as the feline turned her attention to the masked features of the people that had arrived .
" You ... bring us more refreshments" The queen ordered of a red skinned twilek that hurriedly rushed off to do as requested " Please , Take a seat "
" Thank you for agreeing to this meeting your highness " Nox came forward , Voice muffled due to his mask , The being sitting down onto one of the comfortable cushions situated at the centre of the pergola .
Raising and eyebrow , The Zygerrian queen glanced at Vaylin whom had yet to take a seat , Instead. had simply walked behind Nox and remained standing and silent .
" You'll have to forgive my companion here , She takes her duties very seriously and seldom has time for pleasantries " Nox retook the Queen's attention as he soothed Vaylin through the force .
" I see ,Very well ... I'll allow it " Miraj Scintel turned her eyes to studying the ornate mask that covered the white garbed man's face " It is not every day that I have the company of an individual that has enough money to buy a system , Yet I know nothing about , I am told your name is Tal'erial "
" What my name is , is of no consequence, Only the business I offer and the profit you will gain " Nox placed his hands on his knees and lowered his head slightly as the twilek from earlier approached with a platter , Two following behind with a tray of drinks each .
' A false name then , As I guessed ' Miraj squinted , Trying to gain any idea of whom this individual infront of her was " And what is this so called profit you offer me , I see nothing before me "
The group of slaves placed the platter of food onto the table between them , The drinks placed on either side of the platter as Nox went silent until the slaves bowed and departed .
" You have some very obedient stock " Nox resumed , Changing topic as Miraj began to eat from the platter " Are all of them so obedient"
" Some we bring in can be challenging . But after they've been processed , They're alot more ... agreeable and obedient "
" That is ... reassuring " Nox answered , Head turning to the side as he faced each slave placed around the balcony.
A full minute of silence passed between the trio as Miraj humoured Nox's apparent studying of her servants .
Turning his attention back to the feline , Nox looked at the red haired queen " What kinds are you selling exactly "
" I sell everything , Physically able for construction or heavy works, Warriors , Intellectuals , Or other works . If you need a job done ... any job ... I have the workers " Miraj explained as Nox placed his pointer finger and thumb on either side of his mask in thought .
" What about the range of species " Nox asked , Crunching numbers in his head in thought .
" I sell everything from humans to diathim and everything in between " Miraj explained , Curious as to what exactly this so called Tal'erial would request .
" Very good , Yes very good , I would make a decision in time , But for now ... I would like to personally oversee exactly what I am going to potentially purchase as I have a rather large request and would like nothing but to notch products " Nox explained , Making Miraj squint but see his point .
" Before I agree to your request , I would like to know exactly what the parameters of your request would be should you find our products satisfactory " Miraj asked , Drumming her fingers across the table beside her .
' She wants to know the margin of profit she would potentially gain should she accept ' Nox chuckled to himself , Such a shrewd woman.
" I cannot give you a firm number , But I can estimate that the amount would range from let's say , A couple of thousand to a couple tens of thousands of heavy work orientated individuals. Perhaps a thousand intellectual individuals. But what I can foresee to be the most needed by my underlings would be in house workers , A couple thousand butler's , Chefs , Maids and perhaps ... a great deal of ... exotic working individuals... pleasure workers "
Sitting back , Miraj let the sheer scope of what could potentially be ordered of her people , The amount of funds needed to be acquired and stored for a request to be made on such magnitude . She nearly frothed from the mouth as she thought over the sheer amount of wealth that could land in her lap . Those numbers could satisfy an entire system if managed satisfactorily ...
" I uhh ... " Miraj wiped her lip as she trembled in exitment for a moment " I would be more than happy to escort you and personally show you the products you will be acquiring " Miraj answered to Nox , She couldn't let anyone else handle this , If his words spoke true ,Then her dreams of reinvigorating her great empire would well and truly be underway ' And perhaps ... there would be potential future business '
Miraj was further taken by surprise as the man reached for his mask , Grabbing the faceplate as the white steel hissed as it disengaged .
Her breath was taken from her almost as soon as the faceplate was lowered , Glowing molten golden eyes stared into her own pools , The features of the perfect male human individual stared at her , Strong jaw line , well proportioned nose structure .
It was then she picked up the scent that rose from him , Intoxicating , Raw , Primal .
She watched as he reached forward and took one of the beverages before him , The clear wineglass raising to his lips as he knocked the drink back .
Lowering the drink back to the table , The man raised the white mask back to his face , The hissing rising from its mask signifying it to be back in place .
Nox slowly rose from the cushion as Miraj's eyes followed him .
" Forgive me your majesty , But it is getting late , And I and my companion have spent a great deal of time during our travels . would you be so kind as to permit me and my companion your presence as we retire to the chambers you have arranged for us " Nox stood to full height , Offering his hand to the queen whose fingers gently took his hand.
" I would be more than happy to accompany you to your chambers to continue our talks , You are Afterall a valued guest and customer " Miraj replied as she made her way to her feet .
Turning to one of the awaiting slaves ,Miraj pinned him with a glare " You , Have a meal prepared for us immediately, Our dinner will be had in their chambers as they are tired . NOW "
The Togruta swiftly made his exit , Miraj turning back to Nox and vaylin , A small smile on her face as she motioned them to follow .
" I had the best arrangements we had available for you and your companion prepared , I hope they prove to be pleasant enough for you " Miraj's message was clear as one of the guards swiftly turned and went through another tunnel to change their arrangements to the best they could possibly offer , A pent house suite located near the top of the palace with a wind around balcony and a whole slew of slaves to cater to them at every moment , Rather than the room they would have originally had should they have been some mid ranked customer .
" I very much appreciate your generosity your highness " Nox could feel the animosity from Vaylin pointed solely apon the queen , A reassuring wave passing from him to which she soaked up eagerly .
' You have nothing to worry about dear ' Nox reassured Vaylin telepathically ,Well aware she could hear his words as she calmed considerably , The adoration and possessiveness he felt in turn made him smile under his mask.
Miraj proceeded to take them on a tour of the palace , Doing her best to distract them to the fact that she hadn't taken them directly to their room . An admirable job so far but none the less useless as Nox could feel everyone around him in the palace. A rather large amount of individuals moving to and from a room on the upper floors of the room , Seemingly in a panic whilst the individuals that had been provided apon his arrival were ushered from somewhere closer to the base of the palace towards the top of the palace.
Seemingly finished with their preparations , As Nox could feel a slow trickle of life force moving back to what they were doing earlier , Returning to their regular duties in the palace , The same guard that had disappeared earlier returned and passed by Miraj to alert her they were ready .
Almost immediately after , Miraj was Hastily guiding them towards the upper portions of the palace , A small sway on her hips as she pointed out several expensive tapestries and ornate furniture , All the while her guards remained a few paces away , Ever the silent shadows as their emotions remained clamped down , A merely trickle that Nox could feel prickling and rising from each individual around them.
Making it to their designated room , Miraj instructed the guard to stay outside before ushering Vaylin and Nox into their temporary abode.
Entering the room , Nox could see the room was immaculate in its state , Having just been cleaned Nox mused. To the left of the room was a large and expensive bed within a connecting bedroom , The frame connecting the rooms opened wide as expensive curtains were tied together on each side of the frame.
In the main room of which he stood , At it's centre was twin couches and an ottoman connected to the right most couch. At their centre was an ornate and expensive designer table with a bowl of fruit on it's centre.
On the opposite side of the room was a wide open doorway leading to a stretching balcony that oversaw the city. And throughout the four corners of the room , Native exotic plants sat in tan coloured pots that were kept in pristine condition.
Hanging from the ceilings of the room was a glowing yellow light with a cage surrounding them , Casting shadows around the room in unique patterns that changed orientation as they rotated around the light globes within.
Making her way into the room ,Miraj planted herself down onto the Ottoman , Leaning back regally onto the soft fabric below as she looked towards the studying Nox " Are you coming , Dinner will be served shortly "
Nox watched as Vaylin slowly made her way into the room , Eyes scanning over everything within , All the while Nox remained stationary even as Miraj raised her eyebrow at the actions .
Over the minutes of silence , Vaylin's hand Snapped forward at random breakneck speeds after studying random parts of both rooms .
Eventually the woman moved to the centre couches , Eyes trailing over everything under her mask before she reached down and fumbked around the table .
Seemingly finding nothing , Vaylin paused as if unsatisfied , She peered in his direction , The unasked question as clear as day .
And her answer came from the slow rising of Nox's head as he stared at the overhanging lights.
Following his gaze , Vaylin caught the hint as she raised her right arm , To Miraj's intense and immediate shock , A barrage of lightning tore from her fingers and slammed into the overhead lights , As the lightning slammed into the light , It branched out and covered the ceiling in a blanket wave of blue hatred manifest , Washing over the roof as it cooked everything it washed over.
And before long , The barrage of lightning stopped , The burning ozone striking Miraj as she tried to hide her immediate nervousness , The occasional cracking of residual energy leaping across Vaylin's left arm as she lowered it to her side.
" May I ask what that was about " Normally Miraj would have simply demanded an answer , Either by herself or by her guards . But seeming how filthy rich they were and the the show of power that seemed supernatural, A polite question would suffice , And hopefully she would receive an adequate answer .
" I don't like being listened to when I discuss private matters " Nox answered , A complicated expression came of the Queen's face as she looked to the suddenly risen outstretched hand of the grey garbed woman , Black nodes dropping from her armoured fingers , Listening devices clattering to the floor before being crushed under the woman's steel boots.
Taking a few steps forward , Nox made his way to the centre of the room and placed himself down onto the couch opposite of Miraj , Vaylin taking her place at his side as she leaned back into the fabric of the couch , A light groan escape the woman as she stretched her arms out and clenched her fingers together , Acting very much like a stretching cat that amused Nox to no small end as his masked lover seemed to stop stretching.
" This is a very fetching apartment you have prepared for us ... despite the ... installations of course " Nox mused as he crossed his right leg over his left , Crossing his arms as he let his tense muscles relax .
" I am glad it is to your liking " Miraj fluttered her eyelashes in Nox's direction , Making a point to ignore the snipe about the listening devices planted around the room , She was about to speak up when the entrance to the room opened , The slaves that had met him apon arrival marching in one at a time with steaming platters of food mounted and carried with learned efficiency " Are here it is , Perfect timing "
They watched the slaves each out their platers on the table at the centre , The final slaves placing plates infront of the three individuals before stepping back and making to leave the room until they were called apon .
Eagerly Miraj surged forward and Hastily dug in to the food that was served . A subtle nod from Nox affording the permission Vaylin was looking for to partake .
Miraj paused ever so slightly as the grey garbed woman reached for her mask , Pulling it from her face as the shadows receded , Allowing Miraj an unobstructed look at her face.
The swimming , Shifting pools of golden magma in the woman's eyes reminded Miraj of her companions eyes . The eye liner around her eyes accentuated the glow of the woman's eyes adding to the exotic alure her supple lips and gently curved facial structure conveyed. The three jewels on the woman's head were clearly dearly expensive , Glistening in the light that shon on them . But it was the look , The expression on the woman's face that momentarily froze Miraj , The look of barely contained animosity , Chained down simply because it would displease the man beside her , The power she had shown seconds earlier a very prominent indicator , A lick of what she could potentially unleash . And If what Miraj suspected , The woman was a predator , A being that relished crushing her adversaries under toe and subjugating any that opposed her. If such a woman chose to follow , It wouldn't be someone weak , Wether it was financial of physical power , It made Miraj all the more weary of the potential threat the man that had such a beast on a tight leash could potentially pose to her should she upset him.
Making a point to ignore the unrelenting glare she was receiving from the grey garbed woman whom decided to eat , The man at her side removing his high tech white and gold mask and placing it on the table for he himself to move to eat.
" Now then , As we no longer have unwanted parties listening , We have much to discuss , Miraj Scintel " The man's eyes glowed eerily as the Queen paused momentarily , Keenly aware of her isolation from her guards whom she had naively kept from entering the room.
" Very well "
WITH KANYA - LAMAREDD - 10 HOURS LATER
Tearing across the sky , The rain pelted at the turbines of the lergo agitator as Kanya tore across the lands towards the northernmost mining facility.
Trees passed by under the vehicle in a blur , Up ahead , One of the many vacant mining facilities lay etched into a mountain . Being maintained by the automated systems within and their armies of droids that came with the facilities .
Having already delved deep into the other tree facilities in the nearby region , And having found absolutely nothing pertaining to her query .
Oddly enough , Despite the probe droids marking all mining operations facilities as a potential location , This one alone reported any modicum of recent activity of any nature .
So as the lergo agitator began to slow in speeds , Lowering through the canopy of the trees as it began final approach .
The relentless pelt of the rain slowed considerably as the leaves of the trees offered some protection from the dark clouds hanging in the skies .
Pulling on the control sticks of the agitator , Kanya forced the speeder to come to a halt in a small clearing with several large rocks lining the treeline .
Stepping down from the agitator , Kanya's masked face looked towards the looming facility sticking out of the mountainside .
The agitator immediately after stepping off , Rose back into the air and hovered above the canopy , Rotating in orientation before it's engines roared , Sending it soaring back the way she came .
Marching into the treeline , Kanya called her right hand lightsaber into her grip for immediate use if needed , Ignoring the squelch of mud underfoot as thunder rattled the area , Flashes of lightning forking across the horizon .
Scanning through the dimly lit rainforest , Kanya squinted and paused , Halting all movement entirely as she blasted her senses out towards the area around her .
Almost immediately, Life-signs lit up like a Christmas tree as she felt anything around her .
Eyes snapped from left to right in her closed eyelids as she focussed apon a multitude of significantly more powerful life signatures , Moving around the forest around her and into the facility through the entryways of the building .
Closer to her however was a party of similarly feeling individuals hustling together and slowly combing through their home territory .
Snapping her eyes open at the metallic thud of armoured boots on an obstructing tree root . Launching herself to a nearby large tree branch , Kanya landed on its surface and immediately crouched down to avoid being sighted by four tan coloured droids holding blasters as the tried and nearly tripped over the unstable ground they were trudging across .
Laying flat , Kanya saw the droids stop and look around in every direction .
" See anything " The high tone of one of the droids asked as another shook it's head .
" No , I don't see anything , Think it was nothing " The second droid offered as the first nodded .
" Roger , let's head back " The clearly more competent of the group turned and left .
" Roger " Three consecutive replies came as the group of four left the clearing .
She waited several seconds , Simply flat against the thick branch out of sight as the rain pelted against her back.
She waited for a full two minutes before rising back to her feet , Maintaining her balance on the wood below before springing across to another thick enough to handle her weight .
Within a few small leaps , Kanya had made a decent pace , Leaping from branch to branch with practiced ease as she made her way to the entrance of the facility .
With a dull thud , She landed on the final tree , Before her lay the main doorway to the facility , Droids rushing to and from as they ferried small sentient creatures in groups of six .
Choosing to keep with stealth for the meantime , Kanya's eyes danced across the looming metal construct , Looking for another way .
Her answer came in the form of a grate sticking from one of the ledges , An air vent of sorts .
Making sure none of the droids were looking upwards ,Kanya leapt high into the air , Clearing the distance between herself and the ledge with no issue .
Landing , The woman immediately went to work as her lightsaber sprung to life with a slap hiss .
Angling the weapon , She stabbed the tip into the upper right hand corner of the grate taking care to make as little noise as possible as she carved out her entryway .
Fifteen seconds was all it took for Kanya to cut her way around the grate , Her hand snapped forward to catch it so it didn't slam into the ground , She shut off her lightsaber and clipped it to her belt whilst using her other hand to bring the grate forward , Gently placing it on the ground silently before repositioning herself , Quickly entering the great with the grace of a feline and made her way into the building.
ORO MINING FACILITY
Ignoring the crammed sensation she was experiencing from crawling through the ducts within the facility , Kanya made sure to avoid making as little noise as possible , Silently passing over marching droids within the halls below .
Bickering from droids , Odd mutterings from the humanoids the droids were overseeing wrung throughout the ducts as she crawled . Taking a left at the junction towards an empty storage room . Kanya made her way to the end of the duct before gently cutting it from the wall , Pulling the grate away before it call fall to the ground and slithering her way to the ground , Gently placing the grate onto the ground .
The storage room was dim , The lights turned off as equipment lay on shelves in four rows within the room .
Activating the the night-vision within her helmet , The woman looking to the entrance of the room on full alert , Ready to spring into action incase anything entered .
Stilling for a few seconds , Kanya let a breath out as nothing came through the door , Slinking through the dark of the room to stand behind the closed door and listening intently to what was happening on the other side.
Hearing nothing but silence permeate from the other side of the thick steel , Kanya stood flat against the wall beside the door to remain hidden as she opened it with a hiss .
Standing flat against the wall with the door wide open , Kanya waited just incase anything was observing , Silently reaching to her wrist mounted console , Tapping away at its surface as she activated systems entwined within her armour .
A small hum began to resonate from her armour , A feeling of static electricity running across her body as the spine of her armour glowed a neon blue .
With her preparations set , Kanya stepped out into the hallway , Both the left and the right clear of any adversaries .
Using the map displayed in her helmet , Kanya moved through the hallways , Slinking through the cold steel halls like a shadow as she hunted .
' Overseers room is ... two hundred metres away ' Kanya mused as she came to a junction in the hallways , Pressing herself to one of the corners as she used a small camera mounted to her left finger , Curling it around the corner as it fed a live feed through to the display in her mask .
' Nothing ... good ' Stepping around the corner , Kanya blurred a dull buzz resonating from around her as she used a burst of force speed to appear at the end of the hallway .
Bouncing off the back wall , Using it as a springboard , Kanya turned left at the corner and continued onwards without halting in her speed , Sensors In her armour alerting her to any movement or signatures within her designated path.
Rounding a second corner , Kanya saw the door to the overseers room , A flick of her wrist and a minute use of the force as she continued made the door open as she neared.
Adjusting herself , Kanya sidestepped through the still opening door as it slid open , Mind working a mile a minute as she studied everything within as fast as she could mentally process .
She could see the camera in the corner , Having yet to adjust to her sudden appearance , The security monitors above a terminal already open and ready to use , four more monitors around the terminal and a total of twelve droids slowly turning in slowed motion to see what had entered the room .
With the hum in her suit intensifying , Kanya knew she was a bout to be discovered , making use of her prepared countermeasure as lightning began to skip along her body , Ozone burning as she could see arcs of lightning jump across her skin .
Knowing she was moments away from being discovered , Kanya closed her fists and brought them together infront of her , Keeping a five centimetres gap in her hands as the discharging power running along the surface of her armour began to be conducted through her knuckles .
Lightning crossed between her hands , Building in intensity as she felt her eardrums burst , The air around her hands distorting , Visible to her eyes as the prototype tech discharged it's designated power.
Discharging outwards , Kanya felt the tech ingrained into her body short circuit and shut down , Immeasurable pain rocked her body as her armour shut down , the lenses of her helmet returning to clear , A dome of distorting energy expanding over the room in slow motion as the EMP washed over the technology around her until it dissipated into simple static fifty metres from its origin .
Her eyebrow twitched as the pain inhibitors remained on standby , The sizzling of her own flesh a non expectant concern as the side effect of the discharge charred her armour .
Slumping slightly , Kanya limped over to the Decommissioned droids , Her eyes peering at the camera to double check it was shut down , Satisfied , Kanya ignited her right hand lightsaber as she severed the heads from their bodies and sliced their chassis down the middle .
Now standing over the console , Kanya waited for it to slowly reboot itself , One by one the displays lit back up , The woman leaning down to the main display as the console finally lit up .
" All right , Where are you " Kanya mumbled , Taking her helmet off and placing it on the desk as she scrolled through the camera feeds one by one.
" Nothing ... Nothing ... Nothing " One by one , Each feed was checked off of the list despite the seemingly heavy presence of confederacy droids and evidence of whatever operation they were conducting in this facility clear as day .
Flicking to the next feed ,Kanya's eyes dilated as a stinging sensation stung her neck , The display before her showing the room she was in , A feminine figure on the screen directly below her , And in her neck a syringe that had just finished injecting whatever was within .
" I hear you've been looking for me " The woman whispered in Kanya's ear as Kanya turned her head slightly , The red eyes of the Chiss she was searching for standing with a condescending smirk as the Chiss withdrew the syringe from her neck .
Turning away , The Chiss looked to a group of droids that had arrived and walked to give her orders .
" Imprison her , I want to know who she is , And why she's here " Severance ordered as she disembarked , Kanya collapsing to the ground as everything went dark around her as she lost consciousness.
WITH NOX
" I'm not questioning your intentions , But is it wise to risk the safety of your escort in such a way " The sneering Govenor asked , Standing beside Miraj as Nox leant against a stone railing overlooking the Colosseum grounds .
" I would not worry about the safety of my escort , I would fear for state of my merchandise when she is finished " Nox replied , Voice synthesised through his white mask as he stared at the gathering of men and women below .
Standing in a line were an assortment of slaves ready for testing , Vaylin walking infront of each and every one of them , Staring at each one individually as she regarded them as if stains on the floor .
" You " Vaylin pointed to a burly twilek , Motioning him forward with her finger whilst her eyes danced across the other , Spying a deveronian and doing the same " And you , Step forward "
Both stepped forward , Regarding eachother with hard eyes and preparing to lay eachother out at the soonest request .
" Fight me , One at a time , Together , I don't care " Vaylin smirked under her mask at the bewildered look on the twileks face , The deveronian smirked soon after , Cracking his knuckles and immediately rushing forward .
" What a fool " Nox muttered under his mask as the deveronian came within punching distance of Vaylin , Throwing a haymaker at Vaylin with a wicked look on his face .
Snapping her head to the right , Vaylin's left hand curled and rocketed upwards as the deveronian sailed by with his missed punch.
It was almost comical as Nox watched , Vaylins armoured fist impacting the red skinned aliens lower jaw as it shattered , Blood exploding outwards as her fist continued up through the bone and clear through the rest of the jaw , Her fist came to a stop just below the nose , Gurgling coming from the horned alien as he went limp , falling from the woman's hand into a heap on the ground .
" Useless , Every single one of you ,Useless " Vaylin sneered as she shook her left hand to remove the blood caking her limb .
Seeing the twilek was making no moves to engage ,Vaylin launched at him after a small hop on the balls of her feet .
To the spectators accept for Nox , Vaylin simply appeared infront of the twilek after a blur , Hand flat and arm outstretched to her side as she appeared behind the large alien , And much to the shock and horror of the rest of the group , His head rolled from his shoulder , Blood spraying from his neckline as his head hit the ground and rolled to the side before coming to a rest on his lekku .
" We have no use for hesitation" Vaylin spat as she turned back to facing the ten remaining slaves " it'd be more entertaining for me to simply take on all of you , So that's what you'll be doing now , All of you , Come , Know that regardless , You'll most likely perish this day"
Every individual before her shook , Aliens and humans of many different races exchanging glances as terror exploded within the group .
" I knew none of you were worth it " Vaylin pounced at the nearest as none of them immediately made to attack .
" This was a waste of time , You're all a waste of time " Vaylin growled as she punched clean through the centre of the chest of a female Rattataki " Tch , Don't know why I asked to test you's out , Just a waste "
The ensemble of aliens soon degraded into a fear endured craze , Pushing eachother out of the way as they scrambled to flee and escape their impending doom .
Heavily dissatisfied, Vaylin slowly turned to face Nox's direction, The man knowing the question simply nodded for an answer .
" I've seen enough , Finish it " Nox spoke , Spooking the jumpy Miraj as Vaylin heard him , Smirking as he turned away from the railing and walked away . What followed was the screams of the slaves to be tested as Vaylin slaughtered them in moments after disappearing , Leaving afterimages in her trail and brutally executed her targets.
Ignoring the screams , Nox walked away without care , Scowling at the thought of the underwhelming performance of the subjects he had made to potentially purchase .
Hearing rushed footsteps , Nox looked over his shoulder to see Miraj approaching with the governer in toe .
" I apologise for the lackluster performance of my merchandise , If you wish I can perform more thorough selections " Miraj vomitted out as Nox physically withheld himself from rolling his eyes .
" There is no need , I have ... programs that will remove their weakness and make them somewhat usable , We will go with our original agreement " Nox answered , Miraj recoiling as if struck by his words .
" Did you have fun " Nox spoke , Confusing the queen and the governer at his seemingly random words.
" Not as much as I wanted , But still ... no " Vaylin answered causing both the governer and Miraj to shrink in on themselves at the sudden arrival of the deadly woman behind them.
Quickly coming to Nox's side , Vaylin stepped into pace with him.
" Have you been able to make contact " Vaylin asked in curiosity , Receiving a shake of Nox's head in turn as they continued to walk .
" Whatever is happening , I haven't been able to establish contact , I've left a message alerting her to the danger though , Hopefully she receives it soon. "Nox answered , The group exiting the Colosseum and stepping into the light of the city around them .
" And what if she doesn't get there in time " Vaylin asked ,Looking deeply at Nox as the man paused for a moment.
Looking up towards the sky , Nox remained silent as he stared towards where he knew Kanya was .
" A lesson learnt through pain , Is a lesson none the less " Nox answered , Seemingly satisfying Vaylin as Miraj mustered her courage and made to guide them once more.
CHAPTER COMPLETE
APOLOGIES FOR THE SHORT CHAPTER , I'VE HAVEN'T HAD MUCH TIME TO WORK ON THIS FANFICTION AS MY CHILDREN ARE GOING THROUGH SOME ONGOING HEALTH PROBLEMS AND I NEED TO TAKE CARE OF THEM , I AM STILL WORKING ON THE STORY IN MY SPARE TIME BUT NOT THE INTENSITY AS I HAVE EARLIER AS IM SURE MANY OF YOU WOULD HAVE NOTICED THE TIME ITS TAKEN ME TO POST CHAPTERS AND THE QUALITY . BUT REST ASSURED I WILL BE GOING OVER EVERYTHING ONCE THINGS HAVE CALMED DOWN TO FIX ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE STORY AND CHAPTERS IVE POSTED SINCE.
TAKE CARE GUYS AND IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ILL DO MY BEST TO ANSWER