Chapter 24: Wheels in Motion

Lord Rathari gazed out across the Nar Shaddaa cityscape. The view from his apartments in the network access sector was rather spectacular, if you enjoyed that sort of thing.

Rathari was not a man that enjoyed such things. No, he was waiting for the return of his apprentice and the news that he would be bringing. A few minutes later the door opened. Rathari turned as he said, "Girik. I trust that you bring me good ne..."

His words cut off as Rathari instead saw an older man in full military uniform. "General Kligton, I trust you have an exceptionally good reason for disturbing me."

"My lord," Kligton replied, hesitating slightly as he answered. "It's about Girik. The Hutts have sent us a communication concerning his efforts."

"Do not dance around it, General," Rathari snarled. "Tell me what has happened."

Steeling himself Kligton said, "Girik has been killed, my lord. Apparently another Sith barged in and defeated Girik in a duel. The Hutts claim that this Sith defeated Girik easily. To make matters worse the Hutts... they have refused to speak to us until this... interloper is dead or you are, my lord."

Rathari's hands curled into fists. The force surged around him, cloaking the sith lord in a veritable hurricane of dark side power. The general shivered, taking a step back from his lord's fury.

"Who is this Sith?" Rathari growled. "I want a name. NOW!"

Kligton tensed in the face of his master's fury and trying to keep his voice under control answered, "He identified himself as Arkunov, my lord."

The window behind Rahtari exploded, glass shards flying everywhere the moment the name was uttered.

"Baras' new attack dog. I had not expected him to appear so soon. Baras is usually more cautious, slower to act."

For a few moments there was nothing but silence. Eventually Rathari said, "You are to redouble your efforts at the Republic command centre, General. Go there and take command yourself. I want it burned to the ground before the day is out."

"Of course, my lord." Kligton bowed, "It shall be done." He left immediately after, recognizing the obvious dismissal.

Once the General was gone, Rathari activated his holocom.

"Dellocon. Attend me, immediately."

It wasn't long before Baras' former agent arrived. Dellocon was a small wiry man and had a conniving look in his eyes. In some ways he practically screamed spy. Though Dellocon was good enough at his work that he could conceal these traits when necessary. Rathari couldn't stand the man, though he tolerated him because of his usefulness.

He had already revealed much about Baras' operations within the sector. However, he had not revealed everything yet. For Dellocon was smart enough to ensure his continued safety, only revealing information in small portions.

"My lord," he said by way of announcement. There was a healthy amount of caution in his voice, his eyes flicked towards the shattered window. "What can I do for you?"

"Tell me, Dellocon," Rathari hissed. "Why wasn't I made aware that Baras' latest apprentice is on planet? Why am I only hearing about him, after he was killed my apprentice?"

"My lord, forgive me. But how was I supposed to know..." Whatever Dellocon was about to say was cut off, as he was ripped from the ground and sent hurtling out the window. He screamed in desperate panic, not noticing that he had come to a sudden and abrupt stop. He hung outside, Rathari would only have to think it and Dellocon would fall to the streets of Nar Shaddaa.

"Be silent," the Sith Lord growled. "You were the one who arranged for the Exchange to move in on Setsyn's territory. You were the one who told me that they would alert us when Baras' apprentice would arrive. I allowed you to do this, against my better judgement."

Bringing himself under control, Dellocon spoke rapidly, "Forgive me, my lord. I had no idea Baras would respond so fast. Please give me another chance!"

"No."

Rathari swung his arm in a wide arc. Dellocon flew back into the room, crashing against the far wall in a heap. He pulled himself to his feet, his vision blurry and his ears ringing. The sith lord loomed over him.

"We are going to do this my way from now on. And afterwards you will tell me everything I wish to know."

General Kligton smirked to himself, Lord Rathari was going to be pleased.

Since arriving, the General had instituted more aggressive maneuvers against the Republic forces. As a result, they now had the remaining Republic troopers pinned behind a rather flimsy barricade.

Not that the enemy hadn't put up a good fight. Until Kligton had arrived with reinforcements, the Republic had kept the Imperials locked in a stalemate, with no sign of it breaking anytime soon. That was not the case now, for shortly the siege would end and the enemy would be exterminated.

At least so it seemed.

The General's holocom began to beep urgently. He reached for it, thinking it might be Lord Rathari calling for an update. Instead, Kligton was confronted by the image of one of his officers.

"Lieutenant," he asked, voice terse. "Report. What's happening?"

"General!" the Lieutenant called, desperation and fear in his voice. "We are under attack! The rearguard is being decimated! We can't hold him off! Sir, we need reinforcement now!"

"Lieutenant! Who is attacking you?" Kligton asked. Though in truth he already suspected the answer.

"It's a Sith!"

The lieutenant was silenced by a crimson blade plunging into his back and erupting from his heart. The soldier's holocom fell to the ground, briefly bringing the form of a black armoured sith warrior into a view.

General Kligton's eyes widened in horror, at the look of utter contempt on the warrior's face. This wasn't even a challenge to the sith, the soldiers weren't even an obstacle. He would soon be here.

"Men! Rally here!" Kligton yelled, preparing to make his last stand.

Arkunov scowled at the waste of life around him. Too often Imperial soldiers were caught in private wars between sith lords. Wasting their efforts in power plays, when they could be working against the Republic.

Arkunov understood that the dark side was strength and that it must be constantly proven, especially among the ranks of the sith.

But that strength should primarily be put to use against the Jedi! Yet too many powerful Sith Lords wasted their energies on each other, while neglecting the ancient enemy of their order.

Darth Baras was an excellent example of this. During his time on Dromund Kaas, Arkunov had been deployed almost entirely against Baras' rival sith. Assassinating Grathan's brat, ensuring the sabotage of the unfinished colossus. Both of these actions had been designed to weaken rival Sith Lords. Now granted, Baras was focused on eliminating Nomen Karr, but only when the Jedi Master threatened to ruin his plans. Yet would not eliminate the Jedi on sheer princiaple!

Arkunov snarled, "There has to be a way. Some way of directing their efforts."

"My Lord?" Quinn asked. "Is there a problem?"

Shaking his head Arkunov replied, "No Captain. There is no problem. Let us focus on the task at hand."

The three of them continued forward, Arkunov barely noticing the soldiers that fell before his blade. He was still distracted, his thoughts still churning with ideas. Would rising to the Dark Council be enough? No, that would just make him more of a target for other sith. Arkunov had seen his father had to deal with lesser lords trying to take his seat. And while Darth Marr despised these attempts, he still had to handle them and could do very little to stop others from making other attempts.

That wouldn't work. While the members of the council were powerful, the position was also limiting. With the all too public target that was painted on a councillor's back as a result of rising to the position.

Arkunov's scowl deepend, if the Dark Council would not be enough then he would have to find some other way to gain the power he sought. Some other position that he could take for himself.

However, he pushed those thoughts aside as he rounded the corner and saw the squad of troopers before him. They stood in a loose firing squad formation, every one of their weapons leveled at Arkunov's head. Beyond them, stood an older man in a General's uniform, his narrowed eyes locking onto Arkunov. In the same instant he yelled, "Open fire."

A storm of bolts hurtled towards Arkunov. Whose lightsaber was moving to deflect them in the same moment. Quinn and Vette both darted back around the corner, taking cover as best as they could.

Arkunov's lips parted, letting out a wordless roar of rage.

The sonic wave collided with the troopers, sending them flying. Bones broke and blood sprayed across the ground, as they were sent crashing across the ground. All they could hear was the ringing in their ears, it was as if a stun grenade had been detonated in their faces.

Nothing was left untouched by the force scream, cracks littered the ground and walls. Shards of glass fell from broken windows.

Arkunov continued forward, his eyes flicking over the bodies. He came to a stop by the General, the man's face forever frozen in a mask of terror. A look of distaste crept over Arkunov's face. Once again, Quinn asked, "Is there something the matter, my lord?"

Turning Arkunov regarded the Captain for a moment. Eventually he answered, "This was a waste, Captain. These men were doing their duty, serving their Empire. Now their lives are forfeit. All because of this war between Rathari and my master."

"I see your point, my lord. And I quite agree," Quinn replied, a note almost unnoticeable of hesitation in his voice. "Rathari has thrown their lives away."

Arkunov didn't respond. Though he took careful note of the captain omitting Darth Baras' name.

"There is no point dwelling on it, Captain. Besides we have more important matters to deal with. This discussion can wait until we are done."

Once he had dealt with the Imperials, Arkunov turned his attention towards the Republic barricade.

Reaching out with the force, Arkunov grasped what was left of the desperate fortification and pulled. Ripping a portal into the area beyond.

Almost immediately, Arkunov's eyes locked onto the squad of Republic Jumptroopers that had been cowering behind the hastily built barricade. Surprisingly, however, they were not pointing their weapons at the Sith Apprentice. Instead they had them lowered, barrels pointing at the ground.

Their commander stepped forward, placing his weapon on the ground and sliding the rifle so that it stopped at Arkunov's feet. Cautiously he said, "Sith, I am Commander Naughlen. I'm in charge of this defence. I am unarmed."

Arkunov raised an eyebrow. It took guts to approach a sith, especially when one was unarmed. "I suggest your men follow suit, Commander." His hand falling to the hilt of his lightsaber. Just to make sure that he got his point across.

Naughlen took the hint. "All weapons down! Now!"

The Jumptroopers complied, albeit reluctantly, placing their weapons at their feet. All the while, Vette and Quinn covered them with their blasters.

"We do not wish a fight, Sith. But we cannot relinquish this area. What are your terms?"

Arkunov hesitated, this was unexpected. He had fully expected the Republic soldiers to defend this area to the death. Possibilities flashed through his mind, until finally, "You live only by my grace. I will have use for you soon. And make no mistake, you shall repay the mercy I have shown you and your men."

Naughlen hesitated, but eventually said, "Very well. If your mission does not conflict with Republic interests, I pledge to help you. Take my holofrequency. I pledge to answer your call, you have my word."

A few hours later, Arkunov had lead his group back to Setsyn's slave market. He was surprised to be greeted with an abattoir.

The rotting stench of death coated the air.

Bodies were everywhere. Mercenaries, slaves and Imperial soldiers lay scattered across the market. Blaster shots had curved burning furrows into the walls. Doors had been ripped from their hinges. The attack had been sudden and unexpected, not giving the victims a chance to recover or call for help.

Both Quinn and Vette held their blasters at the ready, the barrels combing every inch of the space. Arkunov left his weapon on his belt, he did not sense any danger. The enemy had already left. Though he did not tell them that, it was always good to have them practice vigilance.

He found Setsyn soon enough. The woman's corpse lay in the centre of the market. A look of abject terror frozen on her dead face. Her neck was broken, twisted at an angle far beyond the norm.

"It appears that Lord Rathari got my message," Arkunov muttered. Turning he saw a holopad at the far side of the room; a flashing light indicated that a recorded message was waiting to be played.

He activated it, a moment later the image of Setsyn and a hooded Sith Lord flickered into being. Rathari towered over Setsyn, one massive fist wrapped around her throat. She struggled in his grip, futilely trying to break free. Even though the message was a recording, it seemed as though Rathari was glaring at Arkunov. Snarling he said, "It's clear that Darth Baras failed to inform you who exactly you'd be crossing. This demonstration should make up for that failing."

Rathari's hand twitched. There was a crunching sound and Setsyn's squirming stopped. The sith lord tossed the body to the ground and out of the holoprojector's range.

"You want Agent Dellocon, you want me. I won't be hard to find anymore. I'm on the roof of the satellite platform in Network Access. If you dare show, I will grant you a duel to the death. Be honoured."

The projector flickered and died the moment the message was delivered.

"He's a moron if he thinks were going to walk into such an obvious ambush... right?" Vette asked.

Arkunov shook his head, "Commander Naughlen and his men owe me their lives. It is time to call in that debt. Quinn, get them on the holo. Tell them to rendezvous with me in an hour. You shall also provide them with tactical details."

"Of course, my lord," the Captain replied. Already reaching for his holocom.

Soon enough he had them and began his briefing. Turning to Vette, Arkunov said, "Sweep the compound. See if there is anything useful here."

Vette frowned, "Okay... there probably won't be. This place is pretty trashed. But you're the boss."

Once both Vette and Quinn were busy, Arkunov reached into his belt and pulled out a small code cylinder. Making sure that no one was looking his way, the Sith whispered, "Network Access. One hour."

The three of them arrived before the hour was up.

Arkunov's eyes locked onto Lord Rathari immediately. Facing one another, the two Sith glowered at each other.

Rathari was a big man, almost as tall as Arkunov and easily as muscular. His skin had the chalk like quality of one who had delved into many dark secrets, though he lacked the yellows eyes that many Sith sported. Arkunov took note of a pair of implants on Rathari's face, one above his right eye and the other around the left side of his jaw. He could not tell what purpose it served, whether it was medical or an augmentation of some sort. Honestly, Arkunov did not care either way.

Agent Dellocon stood at Rathari's side. Cowering in the shadow of his lord.

"Lord Rathari," Arkunov drawled. "Finally we meet face to face."

"You showed," Rathari replied, he almost sounded surprised. "You lack your masters caution; I applaud that." The Sith Lord's head turned towards the man at his side, "Dellocon, Baras' lackey is here. So say your piece, and do it before I kill this would-be assassin."

"Baras is insane and paranoid!" Dellocon blurted, so fast that it seemed he was afraid he could not get the words out if he didn't speak now. "I was a faithful servant, and my cover was intact! Did he expect me to accept being murdered for reassurance? Just wait for death?"

"You should have known the risks of the job when you took it."

"And how to avoid them. Lord Rathari protects me now, and all of Baras' secrets will be his."

"You're a fool." Turning his gaze away from Dellocon, Arkunov focused on Rathari again. "Stop your dog from barking, Rathari."

A flicker of a smile appeared on Rathari's face. Though it vanished as soon as the Sith Lord realised Arkunov had seen it.

"In a hundred years, when I am legendary among the Sith," Rathari began, arrogance filling his voice. "Your and Baras' deaths at my hands will not even be a footnote." Arkunov unhooked his lightsaber from his belt, though he did not ignite the blade just yet. Rathari on the other hand, kept his arms folded. "However, I would never lower myself to duel a mere apprentice such as you. You haven't earned the honour."

"I'm ready to kill you, whatever way you choose to engage me."

Rathari let loose a bark of laughter, "You cannot gode me into it worm!"

"My lord," Quinn whispered from behind Arkunov. "We may have an issue."

Out of the corner of his eye, Arkunov saw a squad of Imperial soldiers approaching from the roof edge. Every one of them aiming a blaster at Arkunov's group.

Rathari smirked, "These men are my elite guard, trained to take on Sith. Half of them could kill you, but I don't like to play favourites."

"Those weaker than you," Arkunov replied.

"What?"

"Sith weaker than you. I can't imagine you'd be foolish enough to keep guards that could kill you?"

"No," Rathari chuckled. "You are correct about that much."

"However," Arkunov grinned. "Your men are going to be too busy with my men."

Jet engines roared from above them. Blaster bolts fell from the sky, cutting down a number of Rathari's men. The remainder panicked scrambling to find cover, with little success.

Rathari, unpanicked by the sudden carnage, looked impressed. "I see now, I've underestimated your resourcefulness."

That was the last thing said, before the blades ignited.

Arkunov's crimson blade slashed at his opponent's waste, only to be parried by Rathari's purple saber. They disengaged, yet only for a moment, for they soon charged towards each other again.

The two sith were using different lightsaber forms. Arkunov was employing a variant of Juyo, attempting to press an offensive advantage. Rathari on the other hand, was using the second variant of form V, Djem So. Blocking Arkunov's attacks and countering with his own considerable strength. Many times Arkunov was forced to awkwardly use a form III technique to block, before transitioning back to his offensive form VII sequences.

A small smile found it's way onto Arkunov's face. He was enjoying himself, he could scarcely remember the last time an opponent had matched him so well. Lord Rathari was more skilled that he had imagined.

However, Arkunov was confident he was better.

The next time they seperated, Arkunov changed forms. Transitioning from the reckless frenzy of Juyo to the faster Ataru form. The Sith Apprentice became a blur, moving so fast that Rathari was barely able to keep up his rapid flurry of attacks. Arkunov smirked, while Djem So was arguably the strongest physical form, it suffered from a lack of flexibility and maneuverability. Something that the Ataru form excelled in.

Arkunov pushed his opponent back, forcing him toward the roof's edge.

A furious snarl split Rathari's face, as the Sith Lord desperately tried to regain the advantage. He was unsuccessful and bellowed in pain as Arkunov left a deep cut across his back.

Recklessly he lashed out. Desperately trying to cleave Arkunov in two.

A hiss escaped Arkunov's lips, as he barely danced out of the way. While it provided him with a great advantage in this duel, Ataru was far from his preferred form. For the acrobatic movements required by the form were made difficult by his muscular bulk.

It was time to end this.

Charging forward, Arkunov twisted past Rathari's next attack and stepped into his guard. There was a blur of crimson and suddenly Rathari's lightsaber clattered to the floor. His hands following shortly afterwards.

Rathari barely had time to yell in pain before he was silenced. Arkunov's blade slashed at his throat, severing the windpipe. Though not removing the Sith Lord's head.

If Rathari could exhale, he would have. As Arkunov's boot slammed into his lungs, sending the Sith Lord falling towards the Nar Shaddaa streets.

Rathari awoke, his head pounding and his lungs burning. He blinked, clearing the fog that was clouding his vision.

Eyes flicking around the room, he saw that it was filled with medical equipment. A spindly droid stood next to him, fiddling with something around his neck. Looking down, Rathari's widened in horror at the boxy black respirator attached to his throat and the stumps that his arms ended in.

"Ah you're awake. I'm quite surprised. You burned through the anesthetic faster than I expected."

Rathari's eyes locked onto the source of the voice. At the far end of the room was a blue skinned alien, his eyes covered by a pair of dark glasses.

"Who.. are you?" he snarled, almost stopping at the mechanical rasp his voice had become.

"An... interested party. A mutual acquaintance had me catch you before you hit the pavement. He was quite interested in securing your survival. Which is surprising, since he is the one who did this to you in the first place."

"What?"

"Yes. I was surprised he asked me to save you. Not my business really, but I owed him a favour and I hate to remain in another's debt for any length of time. Oh, before I forget I have a message for you."

Reaching into a pocket the alien produced a holocom. A moment later, a blue miniature of Arkunov appeared.

The recording said, "Lord Rathari, I make you my minion to be called into service when I see fit. Build up your power base again, when it is time to strike at my master you shall be the first to know. Believe me, the day will come when he ceases to be useful."

The recording ended and the blue alien pocketed the device once more.

"So," he asked. "Do we have a deal?"

Behind the respirator Rathari scowled, "Yes. Yes we do."

Okay Nar Shaddaa done!

Longer chapter than normal, but there is a reason for that. As you may or may not have noticed, today is the 7 year anniversary of this story! Which is insane to me! I had no idea when I started this story that I would be writing it for so long. Thank you for every who has followed it and allowed me to improve as a writer through it. Looking forward to keep this going.

But now onto a, slightly, more serious note:

So you may have noticed I included Djem So in the story again. If you remember, way back in Chapter 5 I said I wouldn't use it again, because I had been told that the form wasn't around in the Old Republic. I recently discovered it was, after re-reading my copy of The Old Republic: Annihilation that Gnost Dural makes use of the form. So now that I know that the form was around in that era, I shall refer to it once more.