Chapter 22: The Armpit of the Galaxy

Arkunov's eyes opened, blinking away the remnants of sleep. He pushed up into a sitting position. His yellow eyes flickered around the room, eventually settling on the sleeping form of Darth Lachris.

Groaning, Arkunov climbed out of the bed and began to retrieve his clothing from the room's floor. Once he was partially dressed, Arkunov retrieved his holocom and punched in Vette's frequency. A moment later, an image of Twi'lek flickered to life.

"Hey boss." Vette chirped, "You have fun last night?"

The question was delivered with a grin and Arkunov could see a flicker of amusement on her face. However, he didn't give her an answer. Instead he said, "Find out the status of the repairs to the Ruination. I want to be off this planet before the day is out."

"Sure, no problem." She paused for a moment, hesitating before continuing. "I got a message from an Imperial, apparently some officer is looking for you. No idea who or why. What do you want me to do about it?"

"Have them meet me at the spaceport," Arkunov replied. "I'll be there within the hour."

He then closed connection and resumed getting dressed. However, he was interrupted by a voice from the bed.

"She's a spirited one. I'm surprised that you don't keep a tighter leash on her."

Arkunov turned to face Lachris. There was an amused smile on her face, framed by locks of free flowing black hair.

"She does her duties excellently, for the most part." Arkunov replied. "She complains, often. But she rarely requires a heavier hand to get her to comply."

Lachris nodded and continued, "Leaving so soon? I'd love for you to stay a little longer. Your talents would be most useful."

Arkunov shook his head, "I have my orders. Time is of the utmost essence."

"A shame. If you ever return to Balmorra, please feel free to call on me."

Soon enough, Arkunov had arrived at the spaceport. Vette was waiting for him at the hangar entrance. He ignored the Twi'lek's chirpy greeting and the knowing grin that she sent his way. Instead he proceeded into the hangar; eager to deal with whatever Imperial was waiting.

To Arkunov's surprise, he recognized the figure that was standing near the Ruination.

"Captain Quinn."

The newly minted captain bowed as turned to address Arkunov. "My Lord. I hope you don't find my appearance here obtrusive. I beg an audience."

Arkunov folded his arms and replied, "Begging does not become an officer. Speak plainly. You have earned it."

"Pardon my word choice, my Lord." Quinn apoligzed. "I shall do as you say and... speak plainly. As you know, Lord Baras enabled my reassignment anywhere I choose. It is an evolution I've longed for and assumed would never come." He paused, allowing his words to sink in and carefully considering his next statement. "Aiding your mission on this planet has reawakened the ambition I began my career with, to make the most profound impact possible for the Empire."

Arkunov nodded, impressed by Quinn's sincerity. He replied, "We share the same desire, Captain."

"I sense that as well, my Lord." The Captain agreed. He continued, "I cannot think of a more glorious and honourable way to make a difference in the galaxy than to serve you." Quinn dropped to one knee and said, "I'm here to pledge myself to you. I'm ready and willing to serve in whatever capacity you see fit."

"What exactly can you do Captain?" Arkunov asked. The young sith had no doubt that Quinn was capable, he had already proven that, but he wanted to know the full measure of his abilities before taking him on.

Vette chimed in then. "Who cares what he can do. I could use some help around here."

Arkunov didn't respond to that comment. Instead he raised an eyebrow in the Twi'lek's direction. Vette quickly averted her gaze, in an attempt to hide the smile on her face.

For Quinn's part, the Captain simply ignored Vette and said, "My Lord, if given the chance, I know I will prove myself to you. I'm a top-notch pilot, military strategist and a deadly shot. I can fly this ship, plan your battles, assess your enemies and kill them. You won't find a more tireless and loyal subject. I offer my military prowess and dedicate every ounce of my strength to your cause."

"Well then," Arkunov replied, "I would be pleased to have you Quinn."

He then gestured for the Captain to stand up. Quinn did so, saluting as he did.

"Thank you, my Lord. I will submit my reassignment papers as we depart."

A few minutes later, all three of them were aboard the Ruination. Quinn had quickly situated himself at the controls and had set a new course to Nar Shaddaa. Meanwhile, Arkunov had activated the holoprojector and contacted Darth Baras.

"I am en-route to Nar Shaddaa, Lord Baras." Arkunov said, to the blue image of his master.

"Very good, apprentice," the Sith Lord replied, "I see. You are headed to the armpit of the galaxy."

A small smirk crossed Arkunov's lips, upon hearing his master's choice of words. "Why do you say that?" he asked.

"Nar Shaddaa is a place of frivolity and distraction. Gambling, spice, prostitution, rampant black market and gang territory disputes. But you are there to eliminate my spy, Agent Dellocon. Normally, it would be a trifling task, but somehow Dellocon learned of our intentions and has now managed to acquire a powerful ally."

"Tell me his name," Arkunov replied, "so I know what to put on his epitaph."

"Agent Dellocon's new benefactor is a young sith lord named Rathari, an upstart who openly disrespects my methods." This last part was delivered with a snarl. Clearly Rathari had been a thorn in Baras' side for some time. "Rathari prefers a more blunt approach. Despite this, the Dark Council has seen fit to grant him dominion over all Imperial interests on Nar Shaddaa."

"What possessed the council to do such a thing?" Arkunov asked. He was genuinely curious. After all the Hutts, who ruled Nar Shaddaa, were notoriously cunning creatures. It would have made sense to send one of a similar disposition to such a planet.

"Rathari has been effective at ingratiating himself to the council," Baras explained. Arkunov could almost hear his master's lip curl as he spat out the words. "Agent Dellocon knows much about my organization. I cannot have Rathari in possession of such a resource. You will burn Rathari to the ground. Destroy everything he's working for. And kill Agent Dellocon."

"They will suffer as no one has suffered." Arkunov replied, a cruel smirk on his face.

Baras nodded his approval. He then told Arkunov to meet with a woman named, Halidrell Setsyn, who apparently ran the dark lord's slaving operations on Nar Shaddaa.

Once he was done with Baras, Arkunov made his way to the cockpit.

Quinn was still there in the pilot's seat, plotting a course through hyperspace. Arkunov nodded to him and took the captain's seat for himself. Turning to face Arkunov, Quinn said, "The course for Nar Shaddaa is set, my lord. We shall arrive in approximately seventy-two hours."

"Very good, Captain. Tell me, how do you find the Ruination?"

"She is a superb vessel, my lord. I have settled into my quarters and fully acquainted myself with the ship. I am at your disposal."

Arkunov nodded, "Very good, Captain. I want you on a persistent state of alert."

"Of course, my lord." Quinn replied, giving a small bow as he did. "I won't disappoint you. I am fully trained in all aspects of operating this vessel. I can navigate and pilot it to perfection."

"You may say so, Captain." Arkunov said, "You'll have to prove it to me."

"Of course. I wouldn't have it any other way, my Lord." For a long moment Quinn was silent, eventually he spoke up and hesitantly asked, "Permission to speak freely, my lord?"

"You may always speak freely, Quinn." Arkunov replied.

"I'll keep that in mind," Quinn said, a moments surprise in his voice. "There was a reason I was languishing on Balmorra before you arrived. A decade ago, I served under Moff Broysc at the battle of Druckenwell. The Moff made a critical mistake that brought the fleet to edge of complete annihilation. I ignored his orders and turned the tide to victory."

"Let me guess, the Moff didn't appreciate your insight."

"You're correct, my Lord. Broysc took credit for the reversal, which is fine," Quinn's voice tightened at these words. Indicating that it was anything but. "He then court-martialed me. Darth Baras intervened and assigned me to Balmorra. If he hadn't my career would have been over. Though that has not stopped Moff Broysc from blocking every transfer I've been up for since."

Arkunov's lip curled in disgust, "I have no tolerance for fools like this Moff."

Quinn nodded in agreement, "I would say more, my Lord. But I think that I have made my point. I serve you now, I have no regrets."

"Very good, Captain."

Seventy-two hours later the Ruination had landed on Nar Shaddaa.

The journey from the spaceport to Halidrell Setsyn's slave market was uneventful, for the most part.

Apart from instance, when Arkunov, Quinn and Vette had passed through a street filled with spice addicts.

One of the had lashed out at Vette, presumably in a foolish attempt to rob her. However, before the man could even come close, Arkunov's blade had lashed out. Severing the addicts arm at the elbow. This had reduced the pathetic wretch to a sniveling pile on the floor. After that, they passed unopposed, the remaining addicts retreating before them.

However, this relative peace was not to last. Upon reaching Setsyn's market, a group of three aggressive looking men were posturing before a red haired human woman. She was glaring angrily at the men, who had clearly come in uninvited.

"Take one step closer, and there will be two dozen Sith surrounding you." Setsyn said, strangely her voice was completely calm, despite the sheer preposterousness of the threat.

The leader of the thugs let out a snort laughter as he replied, "Two dozen? That's a dead giveaway, darlin'. You got none."

It was this moment that Arkunov chose to make his presence known.

"One is all she needs."

Vette giggled slightly at this, "You sure know how to make an entrance, boss."

The three thugs span around at the sound of his voice. Blasters raised and aimed at Arkunov. Quinn and Vette drew their weapons in the same moment. The Twi'lek targeting two of the thugs, while Quinn aimed his blaster at the leader's head.

Despite the appearance of the sith, the three men hadn't lost any of their confidence.

Their leader grinned at Arkunov and said, "We've been trained to take out Sith. Kinda glad we get the chance to show off."

Arkunov's lips twisted into a grin and he let out a bark of laughter, "You're not worth my time. Kill them."

The instant the last words passed his lips, Quinn and Vette pulled their triggers. A moment later, all three men fell to the ground. Smoking holes in their foreheads. Turning to Quinn, Arkunov quirked an eyebrow.

"Impressive shooting. Well done, Captain."

Quinn gave a short bow of his head. "Thank you, my lord."

Arkunov then turned his attention to Halidrell Setsyn.

"You have a flair for dramatic entrances." Setsyn said, a small smirk on her face. However, her expression became slightly sterner at her next words, "I probably could have handled that, but I suppose I can't fault your timing. You're the apprentice Darth Baras prepped for me, yes?"

Arkunov frowned, it wasn't like Baras to skip out on... necessary details. Like what his apprentice looked like.

"What exactly did he tell you about me?" Arkunov asked.

"Baras told me why you're here and how I can help," Setsyn explained, her voice collected and professional. Her next words were decidedly not, "He neglected to tell me how dashing you are."

Arkunov did not react to this comment, his face remaining completely impassive. He responded, "Our master's introductions are as thin as his patience. As is mine."

Setsyn took the hint and replied, "So you're here to take out Lord Rathari. Won't be easy I'm afraid. He usually just appears, devastates and disappears. You'll have to draw him out. Fortunately, Rathari's been making several important power plays. Disrupting them should get his attention."

"You had better be certain of this," Arkunov said, a low threat rumbling in the back of his throat.

Setsyn's response was instant and full of conviction. "You ruin his business, he's gonna want to chop you into itty bitty pieces. First off, Rathari's been strong-arming the Hutt Cartel. From what I here, they're close to signing over some important territories to him. He and his apprentice Girik are in conference with the Hutts at Cartel headquarters. If you burst in..."

She didn't bother to finish the sentence. The implication was obvious to everyone present.

Setsyn continued with her explanation, "The Cartel is an Imperial ally. Rathari can't just beat on them, he has to play diplomat. Unfortunately, the same applies to you. That being the case... If things turn violent between you and the Hutts, better if there's no one left to identify you."

Arkunov's lip curled, as he replied, "I'll do my best to keep the peace with our allies."

Peace. The very idea disgusted Arkunov. After all, Peace was a Lie.

"The other option won't carry as many restraints." Setsyn advised.

The Sith Apprentice glared back at her and snarled, "This is important. But I won't risk the Empire's affairs for the sake of it."

Arkunov turned to leave then, Vette and Quinn following him, but stopped when Setsyn spoke once more. Her voice was filled with eagerness, though Arkunov could detect the nervous tremor she was attempting to hide from him. "When all this intrigue is over and Rathari is a memory, maybe we can get to know each other?"

The Sith Apprentice did not deign to face her. He replied, "I think I know you well enough, I think."

He then left, not giving the slaver another chance to delay him. As they walked along, Arkunov heard Vette mutter, "I guess your standards are a lot higher than I thought."

Okay Chapter 22 done and Nar Shaddaa begun.

This arc will probably be a lot shorter than the Balmorra one. This is for two reasons:

1) The events on Nar Shaddaa should take less time to complete than Balmorra.

2) I won't be covering the planet quest for Nar Shaddaa. To be honest, the only part of it I found interesting was the Infinite Engine and its connection to Revan. But seeing as I never covered the Revanites, it would seem a bit forced to do so here.

Hope you all enjoyed the Chapter.