Vette watched Mau'te cautiously from the passenger seat of the speeder. He'd been seething since the Republic outpost. He watched the sky in front of them, but she wasn't sure he was driving.
"Thank you, by the way," she said. "For Durmat."
He grunted a response.
"He was a dumb kid, but he didn't deserve to die," she continued. "Too bad there isn't more of that drug- I got a few memories I could let go of."
He glanced at her and shook his head. "You'd lose your memories of your friends and family. They mean too much to you."
She stared at him. "What the hell?"
"What?"
"Warn me before you say something like that," she said. "It throws me."
He glanced at her again. "That's the best reason not to warn you."
"Right," she said. "Let's move on, shall we?"
He was still seething when they reached Sobrik and returned to Lieutenant Quinn. Quinn was... well, Vette wasn't sure. He wasn't a brown-noser, exactly. He looked at Vette the way a lot of men did, but he looked at Mau'te the same way.
"I must be honest," Quinn said. "Your successes at the satellite control station and Republic crater outpost have surprised me, my lord."
Mau'te nodded politely, still stuck in his brooding.
"I computed the likelihood of success as nearly negligible," Quinn continued. "In my assessment, however, I only considered the capabilities of a typical Sith. Clearly, you are not a typical Sith. I will adjust future calibrations to account for your unprecedented abilities."
Mau'te glared at Quinn then looked over at a metal crate. He swung his arm, and the crate flew across the room and slammed into a wall.
"My lord?" Quinn ventured.
"'Your tasks are paramount, apprentice'," Mau'te quoted. "'Bring cruelty. Bring rage. Bring death'," he added with a snarl. "'Two squads of the Republic's finest!'" He exhaled sharply. "It may as well have been a tea party."
Quinn looked at Vette cautiously. "Am I to understand...?"
"Yeah," Vette said. "The fight was a little easy for him."
"Oh," Quinn said. "I shall further adjust my calculations."
"You do that," Mau'te said, seething again.
"Have I offended you, my lord?" Quinn asked.
Mau'te stared at Quinn hard enough to make him sweat. "No, Lieutenant, that's not the problem. My brother has earned the ire of a Darth, while I am sent to beat up ensigns."
"A Darth?" Quin said.
Vette nodded. "His brother killed the son of Darth Angral."
"Darth Angral?" Quinn said. "His son was killed by a Jedi."
"Yes," Mau'te said.
"Oh. Of course. Sir." Quinn waited patiently while Mau'te seethed.
"Any Sith Lords worth challenging on Balmorra?" Mau'te asked.
"Lord Senyit," Quinn ventured.
"Beat him," Mau'te said.
"Lord Chol'mat."
"Beat her."
"Lord Mazzarn."
"Beat him," Mau'te said. "Any Darths?"
"Darth Minax," Quinn replied. "She has an excellent reputation. And Darth Lachris just arrived."
"Contact them for me," Mau'te told him. "And give me the room. I need to contact Darth Baras."
Quinn nodded and departed.
Darth Minax' lightsaber spun in a red blaze, deflecting bolts from the eight remotes. Darth Lachris watched the pureblood work and commented occasionally to her apprentice, Lerek Serrus.
"What's he up to?" Minax asked.
"Five," Lachris replied.
"Not bad," Minax said then paused the remotes when three figures entered her training room. "Who's the slave?" she asked Darth Lachris.
"She's not a slave," Mau'te replied.
"I meant you," Minax said.
Mau'te stepped forward, his purple eyes gleaming. "I am Lord Mau'te Onoka, the apprentice of Darth Baras, and I have never been a slave."
Minax shrugged.
"I think he's the one Hexid was going on about," Lachris said. "She said he was a good fight and a good fuck."
"How good a fight?" Minax asked.
"No idea," Lachris replied. "She didn't go into detail about that part."
Minax nodded toward Lerek. "Beat him, and I'll consider it." She dismissed her training remotes.
Mau'te shrugged and entered the combat area.
Lerek said to Lachris, "I will not disappoint you, master."
Lachris smiled at him, but she knew Hexid never praised the weak. But she didn't mention that to Lerek. Not that she needed to. The fight was over in three minutes.
Minax looked Mau'te up and down. So, this was the alien that claimed Naga Sadow's lightsaber. Might be worth a fight after all. She looked past him to Vette.
"If I win, she's mine," Minax said.
"She's not a slave," Mau'te repeated.
Minax smiled. "She will be when I'm done with her."
Mau'te's eyes narrowed, and he ignited his training saber.
"To ten," Minax called out.
Mau'te nodded. The alarm sounded, and Mau'te was on her in an instant. He looked reckless, but that was as much of a show as Minax' ignorance. He gave her a false opening, she took it, and he slipped past for the first strike.
Lachris laughed. "You knew that wouldn't work."
"Worth a shot," Minax replied. She stepped back, dropped into a more serious stance, and the real fight began. Two hours later, sweating and exhausted, she looked at the board while gulping water. Ten to seven in Mau'te's favor.
"Good fight," he said and flicked sweat from his lekku.
Minax groaned. "Good fight? You're a fucking apprentice."
"Hexid said he could fight," Lachris reminded her.
Minax said, "Hexid lives and dies by her crotch. I never thought she'd actually be right about something." She sighed at Mau'te. "Does Baras know what he's got?"
"I hope not," Mau'te replied.
Lacris barked out a laugh and walked toward Mau'te. "Lord Mau'te, I have a job that requires someone of exceptional talent."
"Is that what you're calling it?" Minax said.
Lachris rolled her eyes. "Fine. Two jobs. What do you say?"
"The more I challenge myself, the better," Mau'te replied.
"Wonderful," Lachris said. "Lerek, go train. Minax, do you want to join us for the second job?"
Minax shook her head. "I prefer a submissive male."
"Your loss," Lachris said and looked at Quinn. "You there. Clear it with Baras."
"Of course, ma'am," Quinn replied.
"Lord Mau'te," Lachris continued. "You are in desperate need of a shower. I shall tell you everything about the job while I wash your back. Will your servant attend us?"
"She's not a servant," Mau'te said. "She's an independent contractor, an expert in security systems."
"You mean a thief," Lachris said. "Just as well. I don't need competition like that. Lord Mau'te, right this way."
"Lieutenant Quinn," Baras said from the holoemitter. "Report. What do you think of my apprentice so far?"
"More impressive than I'd ever imagined, sir. In fact, Darth Lachris has asked for his assistance."
"How did Lachris learn of him?" Baras asked.
"She was there," Quinn replied. "When Lord Mau'te challenged Darth Minax."
"Yes, the challenge," Baras said. "How did he do?"
"He won, my lord," Quinn said. "Ten to seven."
"Impossible," Baras said. "Against a Darth? Minax is not the best in the Empire, but she earned her title. Was she holding back?"
"No, my lord. She was nearly spent by the end."
Baras thought for a time. "My apprentice has more secrets than I expected. You will accompany him on his mission from now on. Support him in all things, but report back to me."
"I understand, my lord," Quinn said. "And Lachris?"
"Will owe me a favor."
"Understood, sir."
"Very good, Lieutenant. Baras out."
"Why is he going with us?" Vette asked, as Quinn geared up for combat. They could use the help, but she didn't want to get replaced.
"Baras wants him watching me," Mau'te replied.
Quinn chuckled. "Your bluntness is refreshing, my lord." He'd already changed into his armor, and was selecting his equipment.
"I know you're his man, Lieutenant," Mau'te said. "But betray me in combat, and I'll see you die before I do."
"Understood, sir," Quinn said. "Is Darth Baras' interest because of your brother?"
"Among other things," Mau'te said.
Quinn nodded and checked his rifle. "I knew Lord Tarnis, by the way. I worked with him while he was training for his infiltration."
"Was he any good in a fight?" Mau'te asked.
"Exceptional, sir." He attached several power packs to his belt.
"Do you know a lot about the Sith Lords?" Mau'te said.
"Yes, sir," Quinn replied. "I aspire to the Imperial Guard."
"Very good," Mau'te said. "Find me some exceptional opponents. When you have the time."
"Yes, sir."
"How well defended is this arms factory?"
"Resistance fighters mostly," Quinn said. "Republic backed and trained, but not soldiers."
"Very good," Mau'te said. "Vette will guide us in. Her stealth skills will get us past the weaker troops."
"Oh," Quinn said, looking at Vette. "Of course, sir. I'm a little surprised you need that."
"I don't," Mau'te replied. "But we get the job done faster. And ground troops get tedious after a while."
"That's me," Vette said. "I make your life easy and fun."
Mau'te stared at her. "I can think of two things wrong with that."
"Funny guy," she said. "Let's go."
Commander Rylon paced the Republic command center slowly, appearing reserved but attentive, but his mind was elsewhere. His son had not checked in, and recent reports from Dromund Kaas made him nervous. An alarm at one of the stations pulled him back.
"Problem, Lieutenant?" he asked.
"One of the internal sensor controls just went off line, sir," the lieutenant replied.
"Last maintenance on it?" Rylon said.
"One month ago. No problems since."
"Send a maintenance team," Rylon replied.
The alarm sounded again, a short time later.
"Lieutenant?" the Commander said.
"Another internal sensor, sir."
Rylon sighed. Would Baras send someone to the factory? Bold, but possible. "Send a squad. That's not coincidence. And send teams to the other two sensors."
"Yes, sir," the lieutenant said.
Rylon turned to another soldier. "Desyk, alert Field Marshal Cheketta." He stepped back and let his people work.
Grand Marshal Cheketta appeared on holo and said, "Commander. Problem?"
"Grand Marshal. Two internal sensors down within minutes of each other," Rylon replied. "No signs of malfunctioning."
"A covert team," Cheketta said. "Once the sensors are down, they'll go after the shield generator."
"Commander," Captain Eligyn said. "We have a report from sensor control desh. The attackers are a Sith Lord and two companions."
"Shit!" Rylon said. "Send reinforcements, and double the soldiers at cresh."
"Master Nys is on site with Tempest Squad," Cheketta said. "Send them to the shield controls. And order the factory to prepare for invasion. I'm heading to the Command Center. Cheketta out."
Rylon said, "Seal the blast doors and alert the base. This is not a drill."
Eligyn said, "Commander, we've lost contact with the desh team."
"You mean we've lost the desh team," Rylon said. "Show me the cresh control. I want to see what we're up against."
The sensor control appeared on one of the screens, two squads of soldiers surrounding it. They're packed too tight, Rylon thought. The Sith will use those barricades to crush them. Good men, but not experienced. One Sith Lord. It had to be Baras' new apprentice. Rylon had heard rumors about him and hoped they were wrong. As he watched, the view from the camera twisted sharply and went out. So much for that.
A moment later, the lieutenant said, "We've lost sensor control cresh."
"Understood," Rylon said. "Captain. Report."
"The team is under attack," Eligyn said, listening to his comm. "Heavy fire." More listening. "We've lost contact."
"Show me shield control," Rylon said.
The shield control station appeared on a monitor. Master Nys was at the center of a circle of troops, better positioning for fighting a Force Sensitive. Rylon watched and waited.
Grand Marshal Cheketta's shuttle landed while they waited. He entered the command center with two Jedi behind him and his elite guard.
"Commander Rylon," Cheketta said. "Report."
"The base is on full alert," Rylon said. "We've lost all four sensor controls. We're relying on cameras and ground troops to track the targets. So far, without much luck. Master Nys is in position at shield control with Tempest Squad."
"Impressive for one Sith Lord and two support," one of the Jedi said. "Would the Empire risk a Darth for this mission?"
Rylon said, "Unlikely, Master-?"
"Sedoya Senn," he said. "My padawan, Niim Jortyha."
Niim nodded politely.
"We've had reports across Balmorra of a very talented Twi'lek Sith Lord," Rylon said. "It's likely him."
"Sir," a lieutenant said.
Rylon turned and saw Nys had ignited his saber. Maybe this time- A destroyed walker droid flew into view. Master Nys deflected it away from the troops, but the Sith Lord used the moment to attack, trimming some of Tempest Squad and reducing the Republic advantage. But they finally saw him. The Twi'lek Sith Lord. Shit, he was good. He used Master Nys as partial cover, holding him off easily, and deflecting blaster fire back at Tempest Squad, further reducing their numbers.
"He looks a little like Master Agenord," Niim said.
"He does," Sedoya replied. "Let's hope they're not related."
"Who?" Rylon asked.
"A Twi'lek Jedi," Sedoya said. "We met him a few months ago when he saved the Temple on Tython. He was a Padawan at the time."
Not bad, Rylon thought.
As they watched, the Sith Lord and his team trimmed Tempest by half. Confident in the numbers, the Twi'lek finished off Master Nys and attacked the Republic troops. Good soldiers, dead too easily. He finished by shutting down the shields and destroying the controls.
"Lachris has her opening," Cheketta said. "And we can't request more significant help if we're not supposed to be here. Captain, where is the Sith now?"
"Unknown, sir," Eligyn said.
"He'll head to command," Rylon said.
Cheketta shook his head. "His job's done. He'll regroup with the Imperials."
"Should we bring in the shock troops, sir?" one of Cheketta's elite guard asked.
"Not with the barricade down," the Grand Marshal replied. "We can't provide cover fire. They'd be blasted out of the sky."
Eligyn said, "Sir, we're getting reports of blaster fire near the command center."
Cheketta looked sharply at Rylon. "Everyone, weapons ready. Get to the blast doors."
The command team grabbed their weapons and took up defensive positions in a half circle around the entrance. After a few minutes, the tip of a red lightsaber blade stabbed through the blast doors and began cutting.
"How the fuck did you know, Rylon?" Cheketta said.
"A Sith Lord was overkill for the barricade," Rylon replied. "He has another target."
Cheketta sighed. "Lachris wants to prove she's running things better than her predecessor." He stretched in his armor. "Let's see what an old man can do for his troops."
The lightsaber cut a large circle from the door and disappeared. The section of door hovered in place for a moment before moving slowly into the room. Master Senn and his Padawan tried to pull the blast door from the Sith Lord's grasp, but couldn't budge it. The Twi'lek Sith followed the door into the room, his saber active. As before, he focused on deflecting blaster fire while his companions and the deflected bolt took down the Republic troops. Once inside the room, he angled the door, blocking attacks from two-thirds of the opposing troops. Cheketta reorganized his soldiers, maximizing their effectiveness without bunching them up. But they couldn't penetrate the Sith Lord's defense.
I should have seen this, Cheketta thought. Should've realized when they put a Darth in charge. I should have had Anti-Force Sensitive troops. They would have turned this fight.
When the Republic troops had been trimmed by half, the Sith Lord threw the door at Cheketta's elite guard and attacked the main troops. His companions remained on the other side of the blast door, firing through the hole. Master Senn and his Padawan rushed the Twi'lek, but he held them off while shill injuring or killing the Republic troops. When the soldiers weren't a threat, he turned on the Jedi and beat them back toward Cheketta and Rylon. They slowed his progress but couldn't stop him. He finally killed the Padawan, then the Master, then stepped over their bodies toward Cheketta. His companions finished off the injured troops.
Cheketta stood up straight and dropped his rifle. "Good fight. You've got... well. You've got something I don't have anymore."
Mau'te smiled. "And you gave me a real challenge. I respect that." He advanced on Cheketta.
"Please wait," Cheketta said. "I know how much the Empire wants to expose the Republic's... involvement in Balmorra. Publicly. I can confess the truth- if you help my men. Let the Balmorrans and the non-combatants leave. Treat the Republic soldiers fairly, as prisoners of war. Help them, and I'll tell everyone we violated the treaty."
"I can save the Balmorrans and the soldiers, but not you," Mau'te told him.
"Damn it," Cheketta said. "My confession is worth more than troops to you. That's everything you could want! Why?"
Mau'te sighed. "It's your choice of companions, Grand Marshal."
Cheketta looked at Rylon. "What does he mean?"
Rylon aimed his weapon at the old soldier. "I'm sorry. Really. You're a good man."
"They turned you?" Cheketta said.
Rylon shook his head. "They sent me."
Cheketta groaned. "Well fuck. Were you serious?" he said to Mau'te.
"Balmorran deaths will inspire rebellion," Mau'te replied. "Mercy will calm the masses. And you earned my respect."
Cheketta shrugged. "I've made worse deals."
Rylon nodded politely and killed the Grand Marshal.
"Baras will betray you," Rylon said to Mau'te. "Like he did me. And a threat is worse than a loose end."
"But more likely to survive," Mau'te replied.
Rylon conceded the point. "Before I embrace my end, there is one thing I must know. My son. He was the only thing in the world that was truly mine. And in love or weakness, I told him my secrets. I... I know you had to cover my tracks, but please tell me, did he face his fate well?"
"He was brave," Mau'te said. "And innocent. He met his end well. Too bad I couldn't wipe his memory. He would be safe now."
Rylon gasped in understanding, and Mau'te killed him.
"Lord Mau'te," Quinn said. "I have a communication from Darth Lachris. The factory will soon be ours. And she looks forward to you using her with the same level of... determination."
"Wonderful," Mau'te said. "Tell her to go easy on the Balmorrans and non-combatants. It will lessen the likelihood of rebellion."
"Of course, my lord," Quinn replied. He looked around. "Not a tea party this time, sir."
"No, not this time."
"Ew," Vette said as she stepped around the Padawan. "This is the worst part of the job." She looked at Mau'te and nodded at the two Jedi. "They almost got you, didn't they?"
"They gave me a challenge," Mau'te replied.
"That's what I said."
"My lord," Quinn said, leaning over Master Senn's body. "I believe we've got trouble. The Jedi's comm link is open. The frequency matches the Jedi investigator's. She must have heard your conversation with Rylon."
"Where is she now?" Mau'te asked.
"We've captured the factory and its landing platforms," Quinn said. "Her only hope is the spaceport at Sobrik."
"Contact security and cut off her escape. And get me a speeder now."
Mau'te, Quinn and Vette rushed into the spaceport hangar where the Jedi had fled. They found the robed figure, her back to them, speaking with Sobrik security. She paused, sensing their approach.
"You're too late, Sith," she said, turning. "I already transmitted the conversation-" She stopped when she saw Mau'te. "Oh."
"Mashallon," Mau'te said. "Investigator. That's a good fit for you."
Quinn looked at the two of them, but did not interrupt.
"I'd heard you'd joined the Sith," she replied. "I'd hoped that was wrong."
"The Council didn't leave me much choice," he said.
"There are other paths, Mau'te," she told him.
"None of them suited me."
"You were one of our best. Now, revenge consumes you."
"Well, no shit!"
"You fight for a losing cause, Mau'te," she said. "I have purity of purpose. I seek neither thrills nor satisfaction. Unlike you, I am calm."
"And boring," he replied.
She shook her head. "It doesn't matter. Nomen Karr has his proof. He and his Padawan will track down and expose every Sith agent in the galaxy."
"I can make it very difficult for him."
She drew her saber but did not ignite it. "If you persist in this aggression, I shall be forced to strike you down."
He laughed hard. "You haven't beaten me since I was fourteen." He sighed at her. "You were a good teacher, Mashallon. I valued you. Lay down your lightsaber. I offer you the chance to surrender, and live."
She shook her head. "You killed three Jedi today. Surrender is not possible." She ignited her saber and attacked.
Mau'te blocked, held her back long enough to gauge her skill, twisted her saber out of the way, and cut off the emitter. She stared at the destroyed weapon and sighed.
"You're everything the Council said," she told him. "Deal the deathblow, Mau'te. I am at peace knowing that the greater good has been served."
"And you're as sanctimonious as ever," Mau'te replied. "Lieutenant, take her into custody."
"A curious choice, my lord," Quinn said. "But I'm sure you know what you're doing." He turned to Mashallon. "I hate to burst your bubble, Jedi. No, that's a lie, I'm reveling in it. I intercepted your transmission. The Jedi know nothing."
"Gloat all you like," she said. "It means nothing. I remain at peace. And Nomen Karr-"
"Oh, shut up, Mashallon!" Mau'te said. "You're alive. Leave it at that." Security led her away. "Quick thinking, Lieutenant. You just earned your pay."
"Thank you, my lord," Quinn replied. "But I'm still a bit curious."
Mau'te said, "A Jedi investigator will be a wealth of information."
"Yes, of course," Quinn said.
Vette shrugged. "He probably had a crush on her."
"No. But she was a friend," Mau'te said. "We must return to your office, Lieutenant. Darth Baras needs an update."
"I take it you were turned, my lord?" Quinn said.
"Wow," Vette said. "Held that in for almost twelve minutes."
"It's complicated, Lieutenant," Mau'te said.
"Of course, sir. I understand."
In a moment, the holoemitter flickered, and Darth Baras appeared.
"Apprentice," Baras said. "Darth Lachris is singing your praises. She tells me you did the impossible. And owes me a considerable favor. Well done."
"Of course, master," Mau'te replied.
"I hope the distraction did not interfere with my assignment," Baras continued. "I assume the Jedi investigator has been stopped?"
"She's in custody," Mau'te said.
"Excellent thinking, apprentice," Baras said. "Hopefully, she will provide us with more insight into Nomen Karr's Padawan. I had hoped to avoid confronting the Jedi, but our hand was forced. What matters most is that Rylon can no longer be exposed." He turned toward Quinn. "And how would you assess Lieutenant Quinn's contribution?"
Mau'te replied, "Lieutenant Quinn is a very capable officer."
"High praise indeed," Baras said. "Quinn, I believe you have sufficiently repaid the debt owed to me. I'm putting you up for a captaincy and transmitting an executive order allowing you to station wherever you choose."
"If you will, my lord," Quinn said. "I should like to be assigned to your apprentice." He turned to Mau'te. "I cannot think of a more glorious and honorable way to make a difference in the galaxy than to serve you."
"Damn," Vette said. "That was some impressive ass-kissing."
"Thank you, Miss Vette," Quinn replied. "I scored top marks in my ass-kissing classes at the Academy."
"Just keep it to a minimum," she said. "He gets too much of that already."
"You must excuse Vette," Mau'te said. "She thinks she's funny. Now, what are your qualifications?"
Quinn replied, "I'm a top-notch pilot, military strategist and a deadly shot. I can fly your ship, plan your battles, assess your enemies and kill them. I offer my military prowess and dedicate every ounce of my strength to your cause."
Vette said, "Can you cook?"
He looked at her. "Yes, actually."
"You're in!" she told him.
Mau'te sighed. "I'm not that bad."
"But we have him now," she replied.
Mau'te glared at her.
"Apprentice," Baras said. "You have a few days to yourself. Enjoy the fruits of your victory. I will contact you when you are needed. Baras out."
"Welcome aboard, Captain," Mau'te said. "It will be good to have someone on the team who understands discipline."
"Thank you, my lord. I will submit my reassignment papers immediately."
"So," Vette said. "On to our next exercise in domination and destruction?"
"I only dominate and destroy as a last resort," Mau'te replied.
"You must have a short list of resorts, then."
Mau'te sighed. "Captain, I hope you scored high marks in sarcasm. You'll need it. Let's go."
