"You're getting grabby again," Vette said.
Quinn paused at the door of the cargo bay to watch Vette and Mau'te train.
"Grappling is a very real possibility in a fight," Mau'te replied.
"Quinn," Vette said. "How common is grabbing in a fight?"
"It depends on the fight," he replied. "And the weapons."
"Whatever," Vette said. She turned to Mau'te. "What do you know about vibroknives, anyway?"
"I've trained with both vibroknives and light daggers," he told her.
Vette groaned. "Let Quinn train with me. He's gay, so he won't try anything."
"No," Mau'te said. "I've seen him look at you."
"For the record," Quinn said. "I enjoy both." They looked at him as if surprised he spoke. "Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt."
Mau'te said, "Captain, how long until we get to Nar Shaddaa?"
"Within the hour, sir."
"Fine," Mau'te said. "Vette, we'll continue this later."
The Juggernaut settled into its berth with a small jolt, and Quinn shut down the engines. He tapped the comm and said, "We're here, sir."
Mau'te activated the holocomm in the ship's conference room and contacted Darth Baras.
"Apprentice," Baras said. "I see you've landed on Nar Shaddaa. It is, I'm afraid, the armpit of the galaxy."
"Got that right," Vette said. Mau'te gave her a warning look.
Baras watched Vette for a moment, as if he were smiling. "Nar Shaddaa is a planet of frivolity and distraction. Gambling, spice, 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 Dellocon has acquired a powerful ally."
Quinn arrived and quietly took a seat.
"Why am I killing one of our own?" Mau'te asked.
"Dellocon was my spy on Nar Shaddaa who fell under Republic scrutiny thanks to Nomen Karr's Padawan," Baras replied. "He's smart, understood I would kill him, and sought asylum with a rival there- Lord Rathari. An upstart among the Sith who openly disrespects my methods. Rathari prefers a more blunt approach. The Dark Council has granted him dominion over Sith interests on Nar Shaddaa."
"For what reason?" Mau'te said.
"Rathari has been effective at ingratiating himself to the Council," Baras told him.
"I prefer skill to supplication," Mau'te replied.
"Indeed," Baras said. "Agent Dellocon knows much about my organization. I cannot have someone like Rathari in possession of such a resource. Burn Rathari to the ground. Destroy everything he's working for. And kill Agent Dellocon."
"It shall be done, master," Mau'te said.
Baras said, "Halidrell Setsyn runs my slave operation on Nar Shaddaa." Vette twitched. "She has been a valued operative for many years. She is ready to receive you and can fill you in on Rathari's movements and interests."
"Yes, master."
Baras sighed. "And last, I have received a request from Lord Sadic."
"Angral's apprentice," Mau'te said.
"That's the one," Baras replied. "He wants your help testing some sort of new equipment. He's on Nar Shaddaa and will contact you. I've told him my mission takes priority, but, if you have the time. The decision is yours, but I suggest you agree. Favors among the Sith are rare and valuable. That is all." The transmission ended.
As they disembarked, Vette looked around with an odd smile.
"Same base?" Mau'te asked.
"Same base," she said.
As they exited the spaceport, they passed a group of soldiers packed to leave. The lone Twi'lek among them looked up and ran to Mau'te.
"Sir!" she said with a salute. "Corporal Anri, sir. Are you Lord Mau'te?" He nodded. "Is it true you're an Onoka, sir?"
"I am."
"It's an honor, sir. Never thought I'd see the first Onoka Sith Lord."
"Third, actually," Mau'te said. "The first was unimpressive, but the second made it to Darth."
"The Empire can't lose now, sir," Anri said.
"Corporal," Quinn said. "Your group is leaving."
"Thank you, sir," she said. She held up her head and told Mau'te, "Accepted to special forces training, sir. I hope to work with you. Captain. Ma'am." She ran back to her group.
After Anri left, Quinn said, "If I may ask, sir-"
"It's a Twi'lek thing," Vette said. "They've had a lot of Jedi."
Quinn said, "Oh! You're from one of those families. That explains a bit. They tend to be stronger, on average."
They took an automated speeder, and left for Setsyn's location.
After a while, Vette asked, "Why don't they breed out? I've never understood that."
Mau'te said, "If you look at the pattern of Force Sensitivity, you'll find it does not correspond to a familial trait, but, rather, a viral infection. Families like mine do not pass on the trait itself, but a susceptibility to the infection. However, susceptibility does not equal infection. Some experts believe the Force actively selects a middle susceptibility in each generation so the more susceptible will pass on the trait. In most cases, anyway. It is also why cloning a Force Sensitive is so difficult. You can clone the susceptibility but not the infection."
"Can you cure the infection?" she asked.
"Not exactly. Severe injury, particularly burning, has weakened some Force Sensitives. But it's very rare. Most people would die from such injuries."
"It sounds like the Force is breeding you," Vette said.
"In a way," Mau'te replied.
"Yeah," she said. "I know what that's like."
"I'm not a slave," he told her. "Neither are you."
Vette nodded and stared out of the window for a while. "Have you ever heard of Nok Drayen? Pirate? Terrified the criminal world for a few decades?"
"We didn't study many pirates in the academy," he told her.
"He wasn't just a pirate," Vette said. "He was 'the' pirate. Galaxy's most wanted and all that. Nok Drayen was the most famous killer in the galaxy, but he set me free. I was still slaving it up for Three Eyes when he crossed Nok. Or maybe he just had something Nok wanted. I never did ask. I'm still not sure how Nok got his speeders into the camp. One minute they weren't there, then they were. Wiped out the gang and freed all the slaves. He told us we could join up or go our own way."
Mau'te said, "I'm surprised he allowed a child to make that kind of decision."
"He had his reasons," Vette said. "And, he was good to me. Not like a father. More like a cool uncle."
"He gave you control of your life," Mau'te said. "That's everything."
Vette shrugged. "Well, it's a long time ago."
Mau'te gave her a moment then told her, "You can wait outside, if you like."
"Thanks," she said. "I think I will."
They reached the location, Setsyn Commodities, and Vette did her best to stay back. She could smell them, even this far out.
"Call if there's trouble," Mau'te said.
Mau'te and Quinn went inside, and Vette leaned against a wall and waited. After a while, she heard shouting then blaster fire, then three guys in Exchange uniforms ran out, scared shitless. Couldn't just be a simple hello with him, could it?
"Vette?" someone said.
She looked up and saw a Balosar headed toward her. "Zindir?"
"Where the fuck have you been, Vette?" he asked.
"All over. Why are you here?"
"Soomu told me she saw you on the speeder platform. Said you headed this way. Where's my shit?"
Vette rolled her eyes. "I gave you your stuff before I left."
"No," he said. "You left some out."
"I didn't leave anything out."
"I'm saying you left some out," he said. "You promised me a cut if you scored."
"Like hell, I did." She started to leave.
He grabbed her arm. "Get back here, Vette!"
A red lightsaber blade passed between them, cutting off Zindir's arm just below the elbow. The arm fell away from Vette and hit the ground with a meaty noise.
Mau'te aimed his lightsaber at Zindir's face. "You will not touch her again."
"Yeah," Zindir said, his eyes on the saber.
"Go," Mau'te said. "Now." Zindir nodded and ran off. "Are you all right?" he asked Vette. She stared at him. "Vette?"
"I'm. Fine," she said. "Thanks. For asking."
"Good," he said. "Let's go." She looked at the arm. He said, "On Nar Shaddaa, you don't ask."
"Right," she said. "Don't ask."
Vette remained quiet on the way back to the speeder port and through the trip on the speeder. Mau'te allowed her the silence until they were in sight of their destination.
"Rathari's apprentice is negotiating with the Hutts," he told her. Vette nodded. "We need to get Rathari's attention." He paused. "Attacking his apprentice will do that." Vette nodded again. "I want the two of you to hold back. I want a measure of his skill. It will help me gauge Rathari's abilities."
"Right," she said. "Back to Sith business."
"Yes," he replied. "Sith business."
"By the way, how much have I paid off?"
"About twenty percent," he told her. "You can get the exact value aboard the ship. I believe Balmorra was close to fifteen percent, because of the combat pay."
"Thanks," she said. "I'll check it."
They reached the meeting just as the apprentice, Girik, began his speech.
"You would be wise to bend to the great Lord Rathari's will," Girik said. "Sign over the specified territories before he loses his patience."
"Your master is a hard man, Girik," one of the Hutts said. "It's not easy to trap a Hutt, let alone the entire Cartel. It seems we have no other choice."
"I can help with that," Mau'te said.
"This is a closed session," the other Hutt said. "Who are you?"
Girik said, "I'll tell you who this is. This is the apprentice of an over-the-hill Sith named Darth Baras. Yes, that's right, my master and I anticipated your arrival."
Mau'te shrugged. "That won't change anything."
"It seems another Sith suitor appears," the first Hutt said. "Tell us your purpose, Twi'lek."
"Sith business," Mau'te said. "Your meeting was convenient. Nothing more."
"By bursting in here, you create a quarrel with us," the Hutt said. "You disregard the alliance between the Hutt Cartel and the Empire. Your master should be the one to contact us, and not in this rude manner. Now you risk our wrath as well as Girik's."
Mau'te said, "Girik's wrath is of no consequence, and your wrath is manufactured."
The second Hutt said, "You stack the odds further against yourself by angering us. Not very smart."
"Are you trying to die?" Mau'te asked.
"We do not look kindly on threats, Sith," the second Hutt told him.
"We have seen Rathari's strength firsthand," the first Hutt said. "We know nothing of yours."
The second Hutt said, "Fight Girik; let us see who is superior. If you survive, we will consider delaying our treaty with Rathari."
Mau'te laughed. "I was going to fight Girik anyway, and you would have delayed anyway, but you have satisfied formality." He drew his saber.
"What odds will you give me on the intruder, Ybann?" the first Hutt asked.
"Two to one," the second Hutt replied. "A Zabrak against a Twi'lek? It will barely be a fight."
"Battle lines are drawn, Sith," the first Hutt said. "Girik will not stop until one of you is dead."
Mau'te shrugged.
"Your companions?" the second Hutt asked.
"Have been told to stay back," Mau'te replied.
The first Hutt asked, "Is the girl for sale?"
Mau'te turned his rage upon the Hutt. "Say that again, and you do not leave here alive."
The Hutt considered a response, then nodded his apology.
Mau'te turned back to Girik.
"I am the apprentice of Lord Rathari," the Zabrak said, igniting his saber. "And the death of you."
Mau'te rolled his eyes. "Just try to give me a good fight." He ignited his saber and attacked.
They exchanged a few quick blows and some Force lightning. Girik tried throwing furniture at Mau'te but without effect. The Zabrak stepped back and growled, stalking his prey.
"You're better than I thought," Girik said, smiling.
"You're worse than I thought," Mau'te replied. "I can't learn anything from you."
Girik laughed and charged Mau'te. The Twi'lek stepped to the side, slid his saber around Girik's guard, and killed him.
"You were clearly the stronger," the first Hutt said. "Great sport, great action."
"Defeating Girik is one thing, Sith," the second Hutt said. "Lord Rathari will be another. We've never seen a more vicious animal."
"Are you sure of that?" Mau'te asked.
The second Hutt said, "Your demeanor is off-putting, but we will ignore it for the chance that we no longer have to deal with Rathari."
The first Hutt said, "We will delay for now, but we will be watching for word of the results. Goodbye."
On the way back to the speeder, Quinn said, "Most impressive, my lord. Quite the battle."
"No, it wasn't," Vette told him. "He was bored the whole time." She said to Mau'te, "Why did you drag it out like that?"
"Rathari has a reputation," Mau'te said. "I hoped his apprentice was holding back."
Vette told Quinn, "If he's not smiling, it's not a good fight."
"Thank you, Miss Vette. I'll remember that."
Mau'te stopped and put a hand on Vette's shoulder. "I'm sorry for what I did to your friend. I overreacted."
"He wasn't really my friend," Vette said. "But thank you. And you can let go now."
He dropped his hand. "I was trying to be comforting."
"I know," Vette said. "But you take it too far sometimes. You need to watch that."
"I suppose I do," Mau'te replied. "Something wrong, Captain?"
"No, sir," Quinn said. "Nothing at all."
Halidrell contacted them by holo a few days later. "Word's spread about the Sith war. People are impressed. Girik had a reputation. It seems you're everything Darth Baras has said. The Hutts are in a holding pattern to see what comes of your challenge. I'm sure Rathari's taken notice."
"How do I get to him?" Mau'te asked.
"Rathari's attacked the Republic base of operations in the upper industrial sites," Halidrell said. "He needs to build himself back up after his failure with the Cartel. Deny him the Republic base, and I know he'll confront you."
"Well done, Setsyn," Mau'te said.
"Thank you, my lord," she said. "Once you're done, if you have the time, I'd be happy to reward you."
"Of course," Mau'te replied.
"Yes, sir. I look forward to it. If you'll excuse me, sir, I've got a shipment of slaves to send out." Vette looked away. "But I'll be here if you need me. Setsyn out."
"Vette," Mau'te said. "We'll need your stealth to get us in."
"Sure thing," Vette replied.
"Captain," Mau'te said, "You're about to see Vette at her best."
"Yes, sir," Quinn said. "But, we'll be facing imperial troops."
Mau'te said, "I'll do my best not to kill them."
"Thank you, sir," Quinn replied.
After another speeder trip and some general stealth, they reached the Republic base. The Imperial troops had a group of Republic soldiers pinned down behind a barricade. The fight seemed even at the moment.
"Well done, Vette," Mau'te said.
"Yes, Miss Vette," Quinn echoed. "I am beginning to understand Lord Mau'te's faith in you."
"Just doing my thing," Vette said.
"You two take cover," Mau'te said. "I'll speak with their commanding officer." Mau'te ignited his saber and moved toward the Imperial troops. The Republic soldiers fired on him, but he deflected everything until he was behind the Imperial line.
"Men, fall back!" the Imperial commander shouted. "Rally here!" He turned to Mau'te. "My lord, I am General Kligton, commanding on the authority of Sith Lord Rathari. Did he send you? Are you his new apprentice?"
"I am not, General," Mau'te said. "I want Rathari's location. Tell me, and I'll win this battle for you."
"You belong to Darth Baras," Kligton said. "You're the one that killed Lord Girik. I was given instructions to destroy you if you were foolish enough to show your face again."
"You'd be wise to ignore those instructions," Mau'te told him.
"I think not," Kligton said. "You are surrounded, and we far outnumber you. My men are the best trained in the galaxy."
Mau'te sighed. "I did try."
The fight began. Mau'te killed three soldiers before they could react. He took a defensive pose while Quinn and Vette attacked the most dangerous troopers. Mau'te was disappointed and a little bored. He hoped some of them would come to their senses. While he was distracted, a blaster shot escaped him and hit Vette. She cried out and fell.
Mau'te yelled, "Vette!" and tore into the Imperials. In moments, they were dead or dying. He ran to his companions and dropped down near Vette. She'd been hit in the stomach. Her armor seemed to have done its job, but he wasn't sure. He reached toward her, and she slapped his hand away hard.
"You promised not to do that!" she yelled at him.
"Captain," Mau'te said. "Take one of the Imperial speeders, and get her to a hospital. I'll finish up with the Republic troops and join you." Quinn nodded and carried Vette to the nearest speeder.
Once Quinn was gone, Mau'te leapt over the barricade and charged the Republic soldiers. He readied for an attack, but their commander told them to hold their fire.
One of the men said, "Sir, the Sith's strength has been spent obliterating our enemy. We should strike while there's a chance."
"There isn't a chance," their commander said. He walked toward Mau'te. "Sith, I am Commander Naughlen. I'm in charge of this defensive. I'm unarmed."
"Could we hurry this up," Mau'te said. "I need to go."
"Why did you attack your own troops?" Naughlen asked.
"Sith politics."
"Is that why they attacked us?"
"Yes," Mau'te said. "It's nothing personal."
"Well, fuck," Naughlen said.
"I really am in a hurry," Mau'te told him.
"If this really is an empty attack, why not leave?" Naughlen said.
"It would look bad," Mau'te replied.
"What if we pledged to help you?" the Commander said. "Against whoever did this. Turn an enemy into an ally. Would that work?"
"Yes, fine," Mau'te said. "Give me your contact information. He's a powerful Sith Lord. Be ready."
"We will," Naughlen said. "And thanks. Men, attend to the wounded."
Mau'te took another of the Imperial speeders and left. He was halfway to the hospital, when he received an emergency call.
"My lord!" Halidrell said. "My base...! My base is under attack! The last of my men and I are holed up in the command center. But the doors are about to give!"
"On my way," Mau'te said. He turned the speeder around and contacted Quinn. "Captain, I just received a distress call from Halidrell. I'm headed back."
"I'll join you immediately," Quinn replied.
"No," Mau'te said. "You'll stay there. I can handle this myself. What is Vette's status?"
"They just took her into surgery, sir."
"Very good. I'll contact you the moment I can. Mau'te out."
Mau'te reached Halidrell's base. The main door had been cut open with a lightsaber. The inner security doors were opened the same way. Blaster fire on the walls and bodies indicated troops. Rathari had led a dozen soldiers against Halidrell and her men. This was more than overkill. This was outrage. Rathari must have been fond of his apprentice.
He found Halidrell's body in the command center as well as a recording from Rathari of Halidrell's death. "It's clear Darth Baras failed to inform you exactly who you'd be crossing," Rathari said. "This demonstration should make up for that deficiency. 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 honored."
Mau'te straightened Halidrell's limbs and closed her eyes, then he contacted Quinn. "Rathari attacked Halidrell's base," he said. "She and her men are dead. He's issued a challenge. A duel to the death."
Quinn said, "My lord, if I may, I smell an ambush."
"Obviously," Mau'te said. "But I made a deal with those Republic troops. They didn't like being pawns in Rathari's game. I let them live. In exchange, they'll back me up in the assault."
"Most impressive, my lord," Quinn said. "Not a traditional Sith response."
"That's why Rathari won't expect it," Mau'te said. "What is Vette's status?"
"Still in surgery, sir, but my expectations are high. I saw soldiers on Balmorra survive much worse injuries. That armor was definitely worth the cost."
"Very good, Captain. I'm sending you the coordinates to Rathari's location. Meet me there. Mau'te out."
"You showed," Rathari said. "You lack your master's caution; I applaud that."
The satellite platform was empty except for Rathari and Dellocon, but Mau'te sensed danger everywhere. Commander Naughlen was in place, waiting for his signal.
"Dellocon," Rathari continued. "Say your piece, and do it before I kill this would-be assassin."
"Baras is insane and paranoid!" Dellocon protested. "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 knew the risks of the job when you took it," Mau'te told him.
"And how to avoid them," Dellocon countered. "Lord Rathari protects me now, and all of Baras's secrets will be his."
Rathari said, "In a hundred years when I am legendary within the Sith, your and Baras's deaths at my hands will not even be a footnote."
Mau'te said, "Yeah."
"However," Rathari continued. "I would never lower myself to duel a mere apprentice such as you. You haven't earned the honor."
"That will change," Mau'te said.
"You are every bit as infuriating as your master," Rathari told him. He gave a signal, and Imperial soldiers appeared.
"These men are my elite guard, trained to take on Sith," Rathari said. "Half of them could kill you, but I don't like to play favorites."
Mau'te signaled Naughlen, and the Republic troops flew into position on rocket packs. "These are the Republic troops you tried to destroy for politics. They're a little annoyed."
"I've underestimated your resourcefulness," Rathari said and ignited his saber. "You've earned your fight."
Mau'te charged, forcing Rathari back and away from the troops. He would need to trust Quinn and the Republic soldiers to do their job. Rathari returned Mau'te's charge, attacking viciously, but couldn't break Mau'te's defense. Every strike was deflected, every Force attack repelled, while Mau'te smiled and looked for an opening. Rathari's expression changed from smug aggression to frustration to understanding. A master of defense can wear down any opponent, find a weakness, wait for a mistake. When the mistake came, Rathari was not prepared for the speed and accuracy of Mau'te's response. Rathari went from dominating the fight to limping and struggling. But he would not die like this. He leapt over Mau'te, killed Dellocon and his two remaining soldiers, and surrendered. Mau'te watched him carefully.
"I could beat full Sith Lords as an acolyte," he said. "I was the top of my class. My instructors told me I was the best they'd seen since Malgus. And I was nothing to you." He sighed. "It's clear to me now- someday you will rise above your master. It is you, not I, who will be Darth Baras's end. Grant me mercy so I may live to see it. Honor me with some small hand in it."
Mau'te thought for a moment then said, "Swear yourself to me."
Rathari knelt and said, "I shall wait with patience for your summons." He rose and departed.
"Commander," Mau'te said. "I hope we have maintained the treaty."
"So do I, sir. If you'll excuse me, I have wounded to take care of." The Commander left with his men.
Quinn said, "Sir, do you trust Rathari?"
"He believes I will be important in the Empire," Mau'te said. "He wants to be a part of that. I trust him to be ambitious. Now tell me, did they say anything about Vette?"
Quinn checked his messages. "The surgery went well. She is receiving kolto. She can't have visitors until tomorrow."
"Very good, Captain. Time to report in."
They returned to the ship and contacted Darth Baras.
"You have done well, my apprentice," Baras said. "Dellocon eliminated and Lord Rathari dispelled. This will be a day long remembered. The loss of Halidrell Setsyn is unfortunate, but the ends far justify the means."
"She died well," Mau'te said.
"I have no doubt," Baras replied. "But, tell me, where is the girl?"
"Injured," Mau'te said. "And in hospital. She'll be released in a day or two."
"Captain Quinn," Baras said. "What is your opinion of her?"
"An excellent thief," Quinn said. "A fair combatant, but she has room to improve. She's a quick thinker and readily likable. She'd probably make a good Cipher agent."
"Very good," Baras said. "I commend the judgment of my apprentice. You were right keeping her. Contact me again when you're ready to leave. Baras out."
At the hospital the next day, the receptionist told Mau'te, "She's awake. She's with her friends right now."
"Friends?" Mau'te said. That wasn't good. He ran down the hall to Vette's room and burst in. Vette and three other Twi'lek looked at him.
"Problem?" Vette asked.
"They said you were with friends," Mau'te told her. "I sometimes forget you have them."
"Sounds like he knows her," a Rutian male said.
A Lathan female slapped him on the shoulder. "Taunt," she said to Mau'te. "That's Flash." She pointed to the Rutian. "And Plasmajack." A large, green male. "This must be the handsome Sith you've been seeing the galaxy with," she said to Vette. "Impressive."
"You're drooling," Vette replied.
"I might need the saliva soon," Taunt said. The two males groaned.
Mau'te said, "Could we have a moment?"
Taunt gave Vette a quick "wow" face, and the three Twi'lek departed.
"You were right," Mau'te told Vette. "I was bored and distracted, and you got hurt. I hoped some of them would surrender, and it got the better of me. It won't happen again."
"Thank you."
"Quinn said the armor worked well."
"It did," Vette said, grabbing her stomach. "It's good stuff."
"Show me," Mau'te said and pulled at the covers.
"Hey!" Vette said. "I don't have anything on under the robe." She shifted the robe and covers to expose just her stomach. Her scars were small and not very deep. Most of the damage was bruising, which the kolto would fix soon.
Mau'te touched the scars lightly. "Are you sure you don't want better armor?"
Vette shook her head. "The stealth keeps me alive better than anything else." Mau'te nodded. "They told me I'd be fine. No problems having kids." She paused, afraid she'd exposed too much.
"Good," Mau'te said, then he laughed a little.
"What?"
"I was trying to picture you as a mother," he told her. "I think you'd be a momma gundark."
"You got that right," Vette said. "No one's hurting my babies. Or taking them away from me." She gasped. Too much. She said too much.
Mau'te's eyes softened. "Not if I have anything to say about it." He leaned close to her. "So long as you're with me, Vette, you and yours will be safe."
"Mau'te?"
"Yes, Vette?"
"Why is your hand moving down?"
"Terribly sorry," he said and pulled up the covers. "Force of habit."
"Yeah."
He nodded toward the door. "Is that her? The friend you mentioned on Korriban?"
"That's her."
He waved his hand, and the door opened. "You can come back in."
Vette rolled her eyes. "Show off."
"So," Taunt said. "We need to show you the best and worst of Nar Shaddaa. What do you think, Vette? He's your Sith Lord."
"He's not mine," Vette said. "I'm paying off a debt."
"For what?" Flash asked.
"Numerous crimes against the Empire," Mau'te replied.
"Oh, right."
"But, I do owe Vette for yesterday," Mau'te said. "At least enough for dinner."
"Great," Taunt said. "You three out while Vette gets back into her civvies." When the men were gone, Taunt said, "Damn! No wonder you didn't contact us. A guy like that must keep you busy."
"We don't do that," Vette said and rolled out of the bed with a wince.
"Are you nuts?" Taunt said. "Cute, rich, powerful. Looks at you like that. Do you think your standards are a little high?"
"Ask Zindir how high my standards are."
"That was him?" Taunt asked. Vette nodded and pulled on her pants. "What happened?"
"Zindir was being an asshole and grabbed me," Vette said. "Mau'te overreacted. A lot."
"'Mau'te'?" Taunt said. "'Serpent'? Or something."
"Because of his patterns," Vette said. She pulled off her robe, and Taunt stared at her new body. "It's part of the job. I have to exercise to keep up with him."
Taunt shrugged. "It sounds like he was protecting you."
Vette looked at her friend with pain in her eyes. "And then what? How far does he go? How far do I go? How much do I learn to accept?"
"I've never seen you like this," Taunt said and helped Vette with her blouse. "You'll hurt if you stay, and you'll hurt if you leave."
"I know," Vette said. "I know." She pulled on her boots.
"You know, I saw Mako a few weeks ago," Taunt said. "She mentioned you."
"Really?" Vette said. "I thought she'd be busy with the Hunt."
"She was, but... Anuli died. She was there to say goodbye."
"What? What happened?"
"Gele'ren," Taunt said. "Finally got his big score."
Vette groaned. "Fucking Nar Shaddaa. I hate this moon."
"What's her bounty hunter like?" Taunt asked. "I didn't meet him."
"Good guy," Vette said. "He jumped in front of lightning for her."
Taunt said, "Wow. It's nice to hear some good news." She looked Vette over. "Ready to go. Let's get back to the guys."
When they opened the door, Flash was saying, "You're shitting me. Mako's bounty hunter is your cousin?"
"And she hasn't scared him off?" Plasmajack added.
"You haven't met his mother," Mau'te said. "Mako can't begin to approach that level of scary."
"Hey, Taunt," Vette said. "Do you remember Xaldiba Onoka?"
Taunt groaned. "What's that asshole done now?" Vette's eyes snapped open, and Mau'te held in a laugh. "What? What did I say?"
Mau'te said, "The asshole in question is also my cousin." Taunt's eyes went wide. "Relax. I've heard much worse."
"Oh, right," Taunt said. "What about him?"
"He's Ter'viro's older brother," Mau'te replied. "But they are nothing alike."
Flash said, "So, you're an Onoka?"
"I am," Mau'te replied.
Plasmajack said, "What happened?" Vette, Taunt, and Flash glared at him. "I mean... cool."
"Now that that's out of the way," Mau'te said. "Let's go."
"I like your friends," Mau'te told Vette when the evening was over.
She stared out of the speeder window and said, "You definitely liked Taunt."
"She's flirtatious. That's all."
"Yeah," Vette said. "I guess. Taunt always flirted with our guy friends. Never bothered me before."
"Maybe I'm getting to you."
"I don't get it," she said and looked over at him. "I'm nothing special. Just a normal girl-"
"No, Vette," Mau'te said. "You are anything but a normal girl."
Vette looked away. "Nevermind. Let's get back to the ship."
The next morning Lord Sadic contacted them by holo. He'd grown considerably and seemed proud of his new body.
"Cybernetics?" Mau'te asked.
"The Power Guard project," Sadic told him.
"I've heard rumors of it," Quinn said. "I thought that was a Republic program."
"Not anymore," Sadic said.
"What do you need from me?" Mau'te asked.
"I want to test the cybernetics before I kill your brother," Sadic replied. "Yes, I know who he is. Don't worry. I haven't told Darth Angral. But, I want a real fight this time. No holding back."
Mau'te smiled. "It should be interesting."
"Excellent," Sadic said. "Here are my coordinates. I'll be expecting you. Sadic out."
Quinn said, "If it really is the Power Guard project, sir, I'm afraid your brother doesn't have a chance."
Mau'te shook his head. "Sadic is already dead. My father is a cybernetics engineer. He taught my brother and me a lot. I have continued my education. I'm certain my brother has as well. I saw four ways around Sadic's cybernetics, and that was over holo. My brother will be far more thorough."
"You're not telling him?" Quinn asked.
"Of course not," Mau'te replied. "I'm going to kill my brother. But, Lord Sadic should give me a decent fight."
"Yes, sir. Will you be joining us, Miss Vette?"
"Recovery," she told them. After they left, Vette went to her cabin and settled into bed. She swallowed a fresh painkiller, pulled over her monitor, and continued her search. And stopped. She couldn't rid her mind of the red blade flashing across her vision. She'd been shocked, but not frightened. She knew the blade wasn't meant for her.
Her mother once told her, "Freedom is important, but so are you. Pay the price you can live with, but not more." How much was happiness worth, mom? How much do you pay for that?
