Author's Note: Buffed and puffed, this refurbished chapter is good to go! 'Scuse the wait, but this is much more to my liking, and with some heavy editing, I'm sure you'll all spot a few significant changes...
-Chapter 108: Ghost of Actions Past-
Location: Carlac
"Be sure your sins will find you out."
Years ago...
Gripping Lux's neck with both hands, he squeezed harder, armoured hands crushing Lux's throat with audible, sickening cracks. At last with a final, vicious twist, Lux's neck was snapped. Twitching for a moment in his iron grip, the boy fell still moments later. Dropping his body on the ground, Wraith dusted off his hands on his jacket and proceeded to leave, acting as though nothing had happened.
But Lux was not nearly as dead as he thought.
The twist of his neck had only dislocated his vertebrae, paralyzingly Lux from the neck down. The boy lay still on the ground, his vital functions still active despite his inability to move. Only a short while later, guests of his mother discovered him and quickly had him transported to the nearest hospital. There he lay for months as the damage was undone through surgery and implants and Lux slowly learned to walk again as cybernetics restored his destroyed nerves. All the while he quietly remembered the moment of his mother's death, the steely hands of the unknown soldier who'd killed her, and the murderous look in his optics. But he'd survived the attempt and used it as a platform to foster a deep hatred for him. Count Dooku had sent him, he was sure of it. And that notion fueled his thoughts where he let his resentment take root as he fostered notions of payback... and revenge...
Present day...
Peace. It was no longer a distant concept.
The first ever sanctioned meeting between Republic and Separatist diplomats was scheduled to be held on Mandalore, the ideal neutral point between the contesting factions. Many hoped something might come of this and that the galaxy would soon be on the path to an agreeable settlement... and that the Clone Wars might soon be over.
In the throne room of Duchess Satine Kryze, three Republic senators sat opposite three Separatist senators, all of them under the watchful eye of the Duchess of Mandalore. Representing the Republic, and by extension Chancellor Palpatine, were Padme Amidala, Bail Organa and Mon Mothma. Behind them stood Senate Guards in blue-mohawked armor, representing the Galactic Republic in full. Their Separatist counterparts included Voe Atell of the Corporate Alliance, the Siniteen Bec Lawise, and the Gossam Amita Fonti, backed by a line of black commando droids.
Flanking Padme was her designated Jedi protector: Ahsoka Tano. Opposite her, flanking Voe, was the delegation's designated chief of security: The Wraith. While none of the Republic wished for his presence, Duchess Satine included considering he was the one to murder her nephew and his friends, the Separatists treated him as a welcome asset. His presence alone was enough to offer them an edge.
Wraith and Ahsoka stood apart from each other, truly representing the factions they believed in with their very souls. Though none in this room could even imagine the bond they shared and the true nature of their relationship when alone. When tempers were low and words precise, they shared a few words back and forth through their bond.
I didn't take you as one to engage in politics. Ahsoka would muse.
Honestly, babe, I hate it. Wraith would reply, causing Ahsoka to stifle a giggle. But I'm all about peace.
A little ironic coming from a designated super-soldier, would you agree 'babe'? She'd wonder.
If peace means a better way of life for everyone, then I'm behind it. Wraith would respond. Although I do loathe the day I have to turn in my weapons.
Feel naked without them?
You would know. You've seen me without them... and without a few other things, might I add. He'd cheekily retort, offering a wink only she could sense and Ahsoka would let slip the smallest of smiles.
Other times, things were not nearly as smooth and tempers ran a little hot.
"Peace cannot be attained unless it is something we unanimously agree upon!" Amita urged. "The Confederacy will not accept one-sided demands from the Republic."
"Nor can we agree to everything you ask of us." Bail countered.
"Then is this hopeless?" Bac wondered. "Is this effort a waste of our time? Unless the Confederacy is recognized as a legitimate movement by the Reublic, this process will stall and come to ruin."
"We are here to seek peace as well," Voe chimed in, "you do well to not forget that." Wraith was careful to note how Voe was far more fiery than her fellow senators and often took the lead in debates and discussion.
"We have not forgotten, Senator Atell. The Republic also wants peace." Padme gently agreed. "We understand that there are many within the Confederacy who want peace, much like the late Mina Bonteri did. Perhaps we could do so in her name." She asked, saddened by the memory of her deceased friend.
"Be careful of whom you speak, Senator Amidala." Voe spat, not wishing for a Republican to use the name of one of their own. Many rumors still circulated as to the cause of her death, some blaming the Republic and others blaming the Separatists or Count Dooku himself. There was not enough evidence to justify either argument, but that did not stop some from accepting the rumors as truth and finding a scapegoat on the opposing faction.
"Senator, if I may." Wraith cut in. Everyone turned to him.
"You wish to add something, super-soldier?" Bac queried.
"I do, Senator Lawise. I'll be brief, if you'll have me," he continued. His compatriots nodded and offered him the floor, Wraith addressing everyone present. "Though I did not have the pleasure of meeting her, I know Senator Bonteri was a staunch advocate for the Confederacy. A great ally we unfortunately lost." That was partially a lie as Wraith had met Mina Bonteri and been the one to kill her after Dooku and the rest of High Command deemed her a traitorous threat for actively communicating with Padme Amidala. Though no one here knew this and he simply came across as a Separatist patriot. "If she thought peace was best, then I should think we ought to try and attain it... if only to honor her memory." That was directed towards his senators, most of whom nodded in agreement while Voe Atell was still rather obstinate. His was a voice of calm reason that didn't always sit well when tensions ran high.
"We have all lost many friends and family because of this war. I know the pain of loss stings us all to some degree." Mon Mothma of the Republic agreed.
"Perhaps your super-soldier speaks the truth; maybe we should move forward in the name of those we lost and not for ourselves." Bail suggested. Wraith was not expecting to be aided by the Republic and took this as a sign of progress. His gaze shifted to Ahsoka, who softly smiled and offered a simple head tilt in acknowledgment.
Smooth move. She applauded
What can I say? I'm something of a silver-tongued devil. He casually replied.
Some days I wish I could speak like that and not sound like a teen all the time. Ahsoka added.
Practice makes perfect, my love. Wraith encouraged. He'd been studying the art of speaking for some time, working on everything from eloquence to Laconic Phrase. Swing by my room later today and I'll give you some pointers. He offered. Before his girlfriend could respond, Senator Atell sighed.
"Very well." She relented. "But it is the living who will benefit from this peace."
"The Republic recognizes the tragedy of war, but there is nothing we can changed that has already occurred." Padme continued. "All we can do is move forward."
"Then do so. Say it aloud before this gathering: as representative for Chancellor Palpatine you declare, without reservation, the Separatist state as legitimate." Voe challenged. Her fellow Separatists nodded. They, like many others, wanted recognized legitimacy that would turn a so-called 'uprising' into an actual movement within galactic politics. Padme did not answer right away, torn between doing what was necessary to pursue peace while battling her own convictions. Ahsoka offered her a worried glance, wondering what she might say.
But before she could speak, someone interrupted.
"I have something to say about the legitimacy of the Separatists." All eyes turned to the throne room entrance where a single figure stood, all eyes widening in response.
It was Lux Bonteri. The son of Mina Bonteri. And he was supposed to be dead.
Murmurs quickly filled the room as everyone was taken aback by his sudden appearance. They'd all heard the stories, how mother and son were found dead in their home, but now a dead man walked among them! Wraith kept his cool and studied the unfolding situation with unflinching stoicism. On the inside, though, he was freaking out. Lux Bonteri... ALIVE?! He exclaimed in his head. How? Th-This isn't possible... I killed him myself! Wraith began seeking an answer as Lux advanced towards the assembly. He detected a strong electrostatic signature coming from the boy and allowed his optics to scan and analyze the data. He'd study it later when he got a chance... he had a feeling he would be on damage control for the foreseeable future.
Ahsoka leaned over to Padme, as shocked as everyone else was. "I thought he was dead?!" She wondered. The last time she'd seen Lux was during Padme's visit to Onderon to see his mother, Mina Bonteri.
"All the reports said he was." Padme concurred. "I don't understand." Lux stood before Duchess Satine and politely bowed, the Duchess motioning for him to proceed. He took a nearby podium and addressed them all.
"I stand before you, the son of Mina Bonteri, a loyal Separatist and patriot... a friend," with those words he offered Ahsoka a look of fondness, one she returned... and Wraith could sense. From her flowed recognition and respect, from him came concern and questioning, "and I tell you that my mother was murdered by Count Dooku in cold blood... by him!" Lux stated, thrusting an accusatory finger directly at The Wraith. Yup. Damage Control. Wraith determined as an uproar filled the room.
"That is a lie!" Senator Lawise proclaimed in retort, rising from his seat. Wraith said nothing, returning Lux's accusation with a steady crimson stare. His senses picked up a pulse of shock from Ahsoka, and he felt very uneasy about all of this.
"You are the one who lies!" Lux accused. "I watched him. I watched him kill my mother point-blank with one of his pistols... and then he tried to kill me by snapping my neck!" The Republic senators were aghast at his statement. Could this all be true? Since many of them had heard or even seen Wraith's brutality on the battlefield, it seemed incredibly likely.
Wraith took stock of the situation, he felt all eyes switching from him to Lux and back again, Ahsoka's included. He needed to do something...
Wraith? Is what he says true? Ahsoka mentally asked him. He did not respond, stuck without words for a moment.
"Soldier?" That was Senator Voe. "Do you have anything to say to refute these claims?" She asked. Taking his time to form a response, Wraith did.
"I say you go too far, Lux Bonteri... if that really is who you are." He finally replied, voice low and gravelly. He took a few steps forward, absolutely towering over Lux. "You disrupt a chance for peace to point fingers? To try and discredit us and keep the galaxy in a state of war?" He accused, turning the tables on Lux. "If this were not a public setting, I'd have some very choice words for you." He added with a growl.
"Well said, soldier." Senator Lawise agreed. "Now, remove this traitor from our sight!" Two of the commando droids behind him quickly made for Lux, forcefully removing him from behind the podium.
"I will not be silenced!" He cried out, struggling against them. Wraith advanced towards him, ready to assist.
"Stop this!" Satine commanded, rising from her seat and looking to restore order.
"I would politely ask, Duchess, that you would let us tend to this matter ourselves." Senator Voe quickly stated as Lux was led away.
"No! Dooku is deceiving you! You will all be decieved, just like my mother." The boy shouted over his shoulder as he was ushered out.
"More lies." Wraith quietly growled, loud enough for anyone to hear. Deep down, he knew he needed to take action. Something this... phenomenal could not go unanswered.
"I apologize for such a rude interruption. Perhaps we may now continue." Bac suggested as he took his seat. As soon as he did, Wraith excused himself to follow after the commando droids and Ahsoka leaned over to Padme.
"Senator, something's not right here, I can sense it." She whispered.
"Go after him. We need to learn the truth." Padme directed. "But be discreet." Ahsoka nodded and quietly slipped out.
Outside...
Wraith and the commando droids led the arrested Lux to a C-9979 landing craft outside the palace, and Wraith could sense that Ahsoka was creeping along the edge of the walkway that led to it.
You're following me. He observed.
I'd like to know what's going on. She replied.
He's going to get an audience with Count Dooku so we can put these accusations to rest. Wraith explained. He'd gotten in contact with Dooku prior to this and explained everything, ensuring that a proper channel would be set up so that he and Dooku could handle this properly. You're familiar with him? He wondered.
We met when I helped Padme travel to Onderon to discuss peace with Senator Bonteri. Ahsoka revealed. So there was some familiarity between the two, dating back to before she started a relationship with him. In his mind, that was cause for concern and he chose not to respond until she spoke again, Did you kill her? Did you kill Mina? Ahsoka asked. Wraith flinched at the question, knowing it was going to be a long and hard conversation... one he wasn't ready to have.
I'll explain everything later. He eventually replied as they boarded the ship and entered a turbolift. I'll tell you everything, I promise.
Don't expect me to sit back and do nothing in the meanwhile. Ahsoka responded.
I'd expect nothing less. Wraith concurred. The lift arrived at the bridge and Wraith placed a hand on Lux's back before shoving him to the floor in front of Count Dooku's holographic render.
"Those are some rather strong accusations you have levied against us." The Count stated.
"You know what you did, Dooku." Lux spat as he picked himself up.
"Do I?" Dooku responded, feigning innocence. "I've done a lot of things, young man, and choose to remember them in order of importance. The death of your mother... is not a thing I remember doing."
"I will have my revenge." Lux vowed, even as Wraith grabbed him by the collar and hoisted him up.
"Revenge? For besmirching our name? If anyone is to be seeking revenge it ought to be us, for your attempts to sully our reputation while seeking peace." He rumbled.
"Which shall be taken now." Dooku agreed. "Soldier, reunite the young senator with his mother." The Count ordered, much to Lux's shock. "Kill him!"
"As you command." Wraith agreed, more than ready to remedy his mistake. The commando droids barred any escape while Wraith picked Lux up by the neck, Dooku's hologram disappearing. But they were interrupted when the lift opened again to reveal Ahsoka. "Aw, Sithspit." Wraith grumbled, dropping lux as he popped some tendons in his neck. "Really?" Ahsoka did not reply as she swiftly dealt with the commando droids, flexing her acrobatic skills as well as some of the hand-to-hand combat she'd learned from Wraith. Both droids were soon deactivated as she and Wraith squared off. "Your timing, Commander Tano, is quite simply, terrible."
"What can I say? I'm a magnet for trouble." Ahsoka responded, the two of them quickly slipping into roles they'd planned well in advance of moments like this. They acted like a pair of seasoned enemies, rivals even, so that no one would suspect their actual relationship. Neither of them had weapons on hand, her lightsabers and his arsenal left behind in favor of complying with the rules of the peace talks. All they had were their hands and feet to work with.
Both of which made for very good weapons.
She struck first with a wide cross that Wraith parried, the super-soldier retaliating with a straight jab she ducked before she launched a bicycle kick that connected with his helmet. Wraith when unfazed and launched several roundhouse kicks Ahsoka backflipped away from. They weren't really fighting. Their combat was more like sparring, simply testing each other in order to try and be convincing for the sake of others. Eventually, Ahsoka used the Force to pin Wraith against the wall. "Lux? I think it's time to go, don't you?" She asked the boy, who nodded and made for the lift. A quick Force push knocked Wraith on his back and Ahsoka bolted for the lift as he sprang to his feet. She was inside and toggling the descent button in a hurry, the doors closing before Wraith could follow them. The super-soldier quickly sent a message to the droids before before he established a fresh link to Dooku.
"Sir, A-... a Jedi helped Lux escape. I'm going to pursue them." He explained, quickly catching himself and leaving out Ahsoka's name.
"Not yet. Keep your distance, soldier. We need to talk." Dooku commanded. Wraith slowed, hearing some level of distaste in the Count's voice. "A long time ago, you told me you killed Lux Bonteri at the same time as you did his mother." Dooku continued.
"And I did, sir. I snapped his neck with my own hands!" Wraith vehemently replied, remembering the moment well.
"Then why is he alive and speaking?" Dooku questioned. Such was something Wraith had also considered, the very fact that Lux lived plaguing his every step.
"I believe I may have confused his stillness for death when it was actually paralysis." He finally responded. "My sensors picked up a strong electrical radiation reading stemming from the back of his neck. I believe I may have paralyzed him and dislocated his vertebrae instead of breaking it. To that end, a simple surgery would enable him to walk with a spinal implant." He theorized. The advanced medical technology was widely present throughout the galaxy and such a fix could be rendered possible especially for someone of senatorial background like a Bonteri.
"Your optical sensors did not have biometric readers, did they?" Dooku wondered. Back then, they did not. He'd received more than a few upgrades since that assignment.
"They do now, sir."
"Regardless of how, Lux's survival puts us in a grave situation. He witnessed your presence when you killed Mina Bonteri. Should his words be accepted as fact, this will not go well for us." Wright could only imagine the potential rebellion and infighting that would follow if people realized that the Separatists had killed one of their own.
"No, it would not." He agreed. "Fortunately, there is more confusion than concrete fact. He was the sole witness of my presence." That was the only benefit they had right now, but the super-soldier knew he needed to deal with Lux before his story spread.
"You cannot kill him now, not in front of anyone. That would confirm everything he has to say to the public." Dooku stated. "For now we shall simply have to play the waiting game and bide our time until an opportunity is revealed." Wraith agreed with that plan, even though he desperately wanted to silence the boy. But he had no choice... especially now that Ahsoka was involved.
"Do you want me to pursue him, sir? I managed to slip a tracker onto him and will be able to trace it." He requested. The little shove had done far more than Lux had realized as Wraith had planted one of Scipio's miniature tracking devices that was now transmitting data back to his HUD.
"Good work." Dooku praised. "Follow and keep me appraised of where he's going." The order was given and the transmission ended as Wraith left the landing craft, passed several offline commando droids, and made for his shuttle... and his weapons.
Ahsoka had led Lux back to the Phoenix, a red GX1 short hauler transport, while pursued by a small squad of commando droids. She quickly put Lux on board and ordered the guarding Senate Commandos, led by Captain Taggart, to deal with the pursuers. R2 had already warmed up the engines by the time she entered the cockpit and they left Mandalore shortly... while being tailed by a certain Aka'jor shuttle that just so happened to blend in nicely with the rest of the planet, appearing as nothing more than civilian traffic.
Once in her seat, R2 powered through an incoming transmission from Anakin.
"Ahsoka, I just got a call from Padme. She said the peace talks have all but collapsed." he revealed. "Where are you?"
"En route to Coruscant, Master." She replied, clipping her lightsabers to her belt. "I have Lux Bonteri with me." Anakin shook his head in disbelief.
"Wait, the son of Mina Bonteri? I thought he was killed along with her?"
"So the Separatists led everyone to believe." Lux interjected. "I'm sorry if I caused you any trouble, Master Jedi." Anakin gazed at the boy with a stunned look, finding it hard to believe he was actually live.
"You'll be safe with the Republic." Ahsoka promised. "The Separatists wouldn't dare try to kill you there and you can give your testimony."
"Alright, bring Bonteri to Coruscant and we can discuss giving him amnesty." Anakin agreed, shaking off his shock.
"Yes Master." Ahsoka powered down the com and took control of the ship.
"The way you stopped Wraith..." Lux mused at length, "you two weren't very hostile towards one another." His comment caused Ahsoka to be fearful for a moment, before she rolled her eyes. His emotional reaction to Wraith was superseding logic. In reality, there was nothing for him to worry about. But since they had a past...
A myriad of responses about the truth came to mind. He's actually a very nice guy, he's my boyfriend, I'm in love with him, we're dating, I've slept with him a few times...
"You call hand to hand combat 'not hostile'?" She responded. "He and I have what you might call a sense of mutual respect for one another." Ahsoka lied.
"I find it hard someone can actually respect him." Lux replied, drawing a pistol from behind him.
"I understand your view is... different from mine," Ahsoka responded, trying to bury this conversation as quickly as possible, "but I think he's hardly important right now. So why don't you sit tight, I'll get you to Coruscant as soon as possible." But just as she was readying the hyperspace coordinates, she saw Lux round a pistol on her.
"I can't go with you, Ahsoka." He stated. He didn't want to do this. He liked her, but their goals were very different.
"What?" The Togruta scoffed, rising from her chair.
"I have a plan, and going to Coruscant isn't a part of it." He stated. With lighting-fast reflexes, Ahsoka disarmed him and pointed the pistol back his way.
"Shooting me is not gonna be part of it!" She retorted. He was a determined kid, she'd give him that much. Considering they'd never met until now, she could see he'd survived through sheer tenacity alone. "What're you doing with a gun anyhow? Were you planning on killing someone during that meeting?" She demanded.
"I'm no longer a Separatist... but I won't join the Republic." He replied. Ahsoka sighed, she'd dealt with easier men before.
"Well, what other options do you have?" She pried.
"There is a... different way." He cryptically responded.
"Look, I get that you feel alone. I may not understand everything you've been through, but I get it." Ahsoka sympathized. "But the Republic will be there for you."
"Like they were there for my mother? She wanted peace, but that monster you claim to respect, killed her for it. Called her a traitor right to her face!" Lux retorted. Ahsoka had nothing more to say in that regard. "I've already made contact with a group of people on Carlac who are noble and are allied with my cause."
"And what cause is that?" Ahsoka wondered, not trusting him.
"To kill Dooku." Lux revealed. "And after him, then I'll avenge my mother by killing The Wraith."
"You'll only kill yourself if you go down that road." Ahsoka cautioned. She'd seen fellow Jedi, Clones, the Titans and others try to stop him. So far, she was the only one who could make him slow with a simple word. Now that she knew, she'd had enough of this and assumed control of the situation. "I'm taking you to Coruscant." She announced, taking the controls as Lux reached behind him. "I don't like that plan, Lux, it's not very well-organized." She'd worked with Wraith plenty of times to know what a good plan was, and this certainly wasn't one. "You're lucky I decided to follow you. Without me, how would you have escaped The Wraith and those droids?"
"Like this!" Ahsoka had no time to react as the stunner was pressed to her arm and the brief electric shock was enough to overload her entirely and knock her unconscious. Lux caught her before she could collapse and moved her over to a different chair. "I'm sorry... but it has to be this way." He quietly spoke as he took the controls. As he did, R2 reappeared a beeped a question at Ahsoka's unconscious state. "I-It appears she's very tried. Exhausted, really. Best to let her sleep." Lux quickly excused as he entered the hyperspace coordinates.
Behind Phoenix, Wraith's shuttle carefully monitored the ship's systems using plenty of scanning technology added by Scipio between runs. His scans quickly revealed the spike int he hyperdrive as well as the intended coordinates. Wraith quickly put another call in to Dooku.
"Sir, the ship Bonteri boarded is heading for Carlac." He reported.
"That's not one of our interests." Dooku realized.
"I know sir. I'm starting to suspect it might be a neutral meeting point of some kind." Wraith concurred.
"Follow him, soldier. And report everything back to me." Dooku ordered, very much invested in this mission. Wraith affirmed and signed off, then tested his bond. Ahsoka, what's on Carlac? He asked. Unlike just a few minutes before, he received no response, which was very uncharacteristic of her. Ahsoka? He tried again. There was still nothing. The GX1 disappeared into hyperspace and Wraith still heard nothing from her. Considering she was alone with Bonteri on that craft, he was left with few theories as to what had become of her... and he didn't like any of them. "That's not good." He summed up the situation as he began prepping his own ship for long-distance travel. Entering the coordinates, Wraith accelerated forward until the stars turned to streaks as he shot into hyperspace.
Also over Mandalore, a large transport craft with sloping solar-panel wings floated stationary in space, watching the Aka'jor shuttle launch into hyperspace. It was specially designed by a transport production company owned by the Banking Clan: Seinar Fleet Systems. An experimental dropship, it was large and dark and costly to build, and the Techno Union had offered it to their latest super-soldier for use. Within the cockpit, Reaper casually made a note in his report before he too traced Wraith's destination. Waiting a few minutes before entering the coordinates for Carlac, the super-soldier followed him...
Later...
Carlac was a world of snow and cold, located in the eponymous system of the Prefsbelt Sector in the Outer Rim. Small and out of the way, it wasn't exactly a popular world, which made it ideal for Lux's rendezvous.
Alone in the cockpit, Ahsoka groaned as she came to, R2's blips and whistles distant and muted by her blurred senses. She clutched her head, a momentary wave of nausea filling her mind before passing, and she groaned as her memory returned.
"Lux...?" She wondered aloud, really wanting to have a very firm discussion with him. "Lux!" She called a little louder, only to find he was not in the cockpit. She sighed in disgruntlement. "I dunno about you Artooie, but I've had enough of getting shocked lately." She complained to the droid, recalling all the times she'd been shocked on Zygerria. R2 responded in agreement and Ahsoka slowly stood, only to realize something was very wrong with her attire. "Where are my lightsabers?!" She exclaimed. She'd just had them on beforehand. "Lux!" She grumbled. She suddenly recalled Wraith's words from the meeting. "Yeah... I've got a few choice words for him too." It was then that she glanced out the forward viewport and saw a single figure standing outside. It had to be him. "Artoo, take a look around and see if you can find where Lux hid them." She ordered, "I'm gonna have a little chat with Mister Bonteri." She added with a growl, moving to go and confront him. R2 beeped in agreement and deployed his sensors, sweeping the ship one sector at a time.
Ahsoka donned a parka, one her size with white fur trimming, and left the ship. The cold of Carlac was bearable, even though her agitated state kept her plenty warm for the moment. She advanced on Lux who casually waited out in the open, wearing a tuque in addition to his insulated clothes. "Lux! Where are we?!" Ahsoka demanded. "And what did you do with my lightsabers?" Lux turned to her with a simple glower.
"You should've stayed on the ship." He told her as the whoosh of jet packs sounded overhead. Ahsoka watched as a black and blue clad Mandalorian made landfall in front of them, quickly joined by several others and she pulled Lux behind her. They all levelled wrist blasters at the pair, Ahsoka needing only a moment to recognize who Lux's 'noble group' was.
"Death Watch." She whispered under her breath, realizing that they were both in over their heads... Lux especially. A female Mando dropped down before them and approached Lux.
"Hey kid. You're late." She flatly greeted. "You get us what we need?"
"Yes, I have the information with me." Lux responded. Then the Mando regarded Ahsoka.
"Who's this?" She questioned. Ahsoka wracked her brain for a cover story.
"I-"
"She's... my betrothed." Lux quickly interjected, pulling Ahsoka close like they were a couple. The Padawan nearly exploded if not for the fact that they were surrounded by almost a dozen deadly Mandalorians who might kill them if she said otherwise.
"Uh... right... right..." She quickly agreed, feigning the role Lux had designated for her with much disgust.
"Betrothed." The Mando repeated, as though she didn't entirely buy the ruse. She drew very close to Ahsoka and suddenly looked her over, gloved hands forcing her chin towards her. It briefly reminded Ahsoka of the Zygerrian's treatment of her and she shoved the Mando away, only to have the female round her and examine her from the side. "A little skinny, don't you think?" She wondered. Ahsoka was about to retort when a hand swatted her rear, causing her to lurch forward with a gasp of surprise.
Did this Mando just... spank her?!
Oh I hate this... I hate everything about this! Ahsoka seethed internally, whirling about and ready to drop her cover in favor of a fight. But Lux quickly came between them.
"She serves her purpose." He quickly stated. As the Mando accepted his answer, Ahsoka spied R2 approaching with both of her lightsabers in his grippers, his arrival unseen by any of the Mandalorians. Some good news at last! But now was not the time, especially if she wanted to get them both out alive, so she offered a quick shake of her head. R2 understood and quickly tucked them into his chassis.
"We leave now, the snow is coming." The leading Mando stated. Ahsoka pulled Lux aside before he could follow.
"What have you gotten us into?!" She hissed as they started to leave.
"It's all under control." Lux promised. But Ahsoka didn't buy it. A speeder pulled up and she knew they'd have to leave soon.
"And betrothed? Really?" She wanted to add that, as a Jedi, she couldn't even be such a thing. But considering she did have a boyfriend, she decided to leave that out.
"Sorry, I couldn't come up with anything better." Lux apologized with a shrug.
"These are the Death Watch! They're Mandalorian terrorists, they'll kill us both!" Before Lux could respond, a Mando urged them in. Lux obediently followed, but Ahsoka worked on a plan of escape. Maybe she should get some help.
"I should stay with the ship." She excused.
"No, you're coming too." The Mandalorian ordered. As if to emphasize his answer, a pair of Death Watch picked up R2 and carted him along, leaving Ahsoka with no choice but to obey.
What she wouldn't give for a little assistance right now.
Having tracked the GX1 to Carlac, Wraith maintained his distance from the world while performing a long-range scan. It was mostly barren, save for a small stretch of settlement which could potentially serve as Bonteri's destination. "Guess I'll just have to get closer... and hope that things are going well." He mused, triggering his array of sensor deflectors as well as his cloaking field. "I'll try and contact Ahsoka later. I don't think anything's wrong, but I want to know." He mused to himself. The worry that had settled in the pit of his stomach was now starting to rise again. Ahsoka was alone, with some pretty boy. Normally he wouldn't have cared, but the subtle feelings that flowed through their bond told him otherwise. There was something about the way she looked at Lux... there was something about him she was... attracted to.
And the alpha-male in Wraith didn't like that.
Maybe he was overreacting. He and Ahsoka had slept together for kriff sakes! But... he'd heard plenty of stories about relationships falling apart, even after all the knots had been tied. Plus, she had met Lux long before getting together with him. That was surely enough time to foster... something.
Drawing one of his knives and examining its pristine blade, Wraith vowed to fix his mistake the instant he got the chance...
He didn't realize there was another craft orbiting Carlac, that being the Revenant, piloted by an ever-vigilant Reaper who kept a very close watch on The Wraith's activities...
Ahsoka had nothing good to say about Lux or his plan or their company. She was definitely not having any of this and was determined to play along only as long as necessary before she could get them out of here. Maybe she could learn a few things along the way about Lux's apparent plan and what it is these Death Watch wanted. But until then, she was a long way from help and had to figure this out on her own.
Carlac's snowy terrain whizzed by as airspeeders carried them to the Death Watch camp, framed by two gauntlet starfighters. They entered the camp and drove past more Death Wathc milling about, some of them torturing droids for the fun of it. Obviously there was a shared dislike for the Separatists which was likely the reason Lux had wanted to side with them. As they slowed and disembarked, R2 caught a glimpse of the Mandos cruelly executing a commando droid and let out a few worried beeps. Ahsoka didn't like their abject cruelty either. These were hardened Mandalorians who lacked a conscience for anything that wasn't Mandalorian. She'd heard Obi-Wan's report from days past and had learned some things herself while teaching at the academy in the capitol. This lot was bad business, she just knew it.
"The Boss will see you in there," the female Mando directed, ushering her and Lux into a tent. Once they were alone, Lux quietly commanded,
"Don't ruin my plan, okay?"
"Plan?!" She retorted. This was more of cobbled-together last-ditch effort... not a plan. "What plan?" Lux turned and revealed a small wristband that glowed green.
"This is a holotracing device. It can identify the origin of any holotransmission. I knew if I made an accusation of murder, I'd be brought before Dooku. Well, it worked, and I now know Dooku's exact location." He seemed quite pleased about that, but Ahsoka remembered one obvious little detail: he'd nearly died if not for her intervention. "If Death Watch moves quick enough, we can destroy him." His hands landed on her shoulders. "Is that enough of a plan for you?" He wondered, giddy with excitement. Ahsoka shoved his hands away.
"This is not some idealistic-political group! They will take the information and kill you!" She felt like a broken recording, having to say this over and over. But Lux still didn't seem to get it.
"I knew you wouldn't understand." He muttered.
"The Death Watch are murderers, sworn to destroy Jedi!" She emphatically continued, trying to get him to see the truth. She failed to notice and sense the incoming Mandos, but Lux did. "Look what you're doing! This-" Ahsoka was suddenly silenced as Lux pulled her into his arms and kissed her.
For the few seconds she was trapped in his embrace, Ahsoka's eyes went wide as she suddenly realized what was going on. He was kissing her... her senses suddenly went wild as everything registered; the closeness of his body, the feel of his lips... It felt wrong, so very wrong. She'd only ever kissed one man, Wraith, her boyfriend. He was the only one she was supposed to kiss. Sure, Lux had some admirable traits she liked, but she didn't love him. Not like she loved Wraith. This... it was almost like she was cheating on him.
And that thought made her feel sick to the pit of her stomach.
They were mercifully broken up by the arrival of Death Watch.
"Am I interrupting something?" A Mando wondered, rather teasingly as his comrades chuckled at the sight. Ahsoka took the moment to shove Lux off and backed away.
"No, of course not!" Lux replied with a smile. "We were... just..." He slowed as Ahsoka shot him a withering look, a veiled threat if ever he'd seen one.
"It's time to talk buisness," the Mando continued, pulling off his helmet to reveal the face of Pre Viszla; leader of many clans and the head of House Viszla, "tell your woman to leave us." He added, gesturing to Ahsoka.
"Of... course." Lux agreed, shooting Ahsoka a look that she returned with a furious glare. If looks could kill... The Togruta was forcefully led out by another Mando, leaving Lux alone with Vizsla. She was led to another tent where she was promptly thrown to the floor, with a chuckle from the Mando.
"Try that again and I will-!" Ahsoka started to growl before she was shushed.
"You don't want to make them angry," a Ming Po woman cautioned her, "they are far from rational." It was then that Ahsoka realized there were more women in here, all of them of the Ming Po species.
"Believe me, you have noooo idea." Ahsoka agreed as she sat down beside the woman. "What's your name?"
"Tryla," she answered.
"Ahsoka." The Padawan introduced. "Where're you from?"
"We were kidnapped from a nearby village. We are a simple people, we trust easily and we were betrayed." Tryla revealed. Ahsoka was slowly starting to grasp the bigger picture when another Mandalorian entered.
"We feast. Prepare the food, your masters are hungry!" He ordered, leaving as soon as he'd arrived. Now Ahsoka understood: Death Watch had taken these women to be their personal slaves.
This all really was as bad as she thought it would be.
The subservient Ming Po did as the Mandalorians asked and prepared a feast, Ahsoka pitching in to help. Soon all of the Mandos were gathered in a central tent as the women went about serving them, Ahsoka handing out bowls of stew. While the terrorists ate and, for the moment, were satisfied with the feast, the Togruta took a moment to scan the crowd. There were well over a dozen Mandos, probably close to two-dozen if she had to guess unless there were even more. All of them were highly-killed, well-trained and very dangerous, even for a Jedi. This situation was definitely not a good one.
'Soka? Are you there? The familiar voice echoing through the Force caused her to start. Thankfully, she was cloaked in the shadows of the tent and the Mandos' attention was on stuffing themselves.
Wraith! Thank the Force you're here! She replied, so very happy to be talking to an ally again. She didn't even care why he was here, after today she was just happy to know someone legitimately on her side was close at hand.
What happened?
Lux put me under so he could meet up with Death Watch. She told him.
Death Watch? What does he want with Mando terrorists?
To ally with them and kill you and Dooku. There was a pause as Wraith let that sink in.
Huh... well, there was that falling out between Viszla and him a while back. He surmised.
That's what makes him think they'd be good partners, but he doesn't know what he's getting into! She replied. There's gonna be trouble, I just know it.
So someone's gonna have to bail him out. Wraith stated. How about you? Are you okay? He asked, and Ahsoka was once again grateful to hear from someone who cared. Reflecting on her day so far, she could definitely determine that it had gone from bad to worse.
Honestly, I've been better. Lux's whole plan has got me... ugh, it's terrible. She grumbled.
I can sense your agitation. It's rather... tangible. Wraith suddenly told her. That caught Ahsoka off-guard. She hadn't realized her anger was so prevalent in the Force, which was something that any Jedi superior to her would've immediately called her out on. Wraith, however, was a more understanding. He's made you pretty mad, hasn't he?
Not as mad as you will be if you learn what he did... Ahsoka thought to herself, remembering Wraith had something of a jealous streak that could manifest as anger. Although she also failed to remember that her thoughts, if unguarded, could be broadcast across their bond.
What? Wraith wondered.
Wha-? Ahsoka realized what she'd said and backtracked. It wasn't that necessary for him to know that Lux had kissed her... and called her his 'betrothed'. Um... nevermind that. Let's just say I'd appreciate some assistance.
I'm nearby, want me to drop in? Ahsoka inhaled happily, grateful to know that she finally had some help with this. She spied Lux sitting by Pre Viszla, and had a thought.
Meet me outside the tents tonight. We could stand to talk. She relayed. A pulse of momentary worry crossed their bond but was soon lost as Wraith responded.
I'll be there. Wraith promised. Satisfied, Ahsoka carried her tray of stew over to Lux and Viszla.
"Hungry?" She asked Lux in a very sarcastic tone. He accepted a bowl before she continued, "Careful not to choke on your stupidity!" She added under her breath. With that, she turned and walked away from him, leaving Lux alone to sigh.
"I see your woman has fit in well," Viszla mused, "how will you fit in?"
"All I want is Dooku dead, and for the monster that murdered my mother to join him." Lux replied. Viszla nodded and accepted his answer, before they were interrupted by an arrival.
"Viszla!" A Ming Po man called out as he entered the tent. Viszla, Lux and other Death Watch leaders rose from their seats as he approached them
"Chieftain Pieter... I don't remember summoning you." Viszla responded.
"You have stolen our women, taken our food and threatened us for too long!" Pieter stated, indicating the Ming Po were tired of Death Watch's invasive presence
"Brave for you to come here with such bold words." Viszla replied, his voice carrying a hint of danger.
"You are no longer welcome here!" Pieter continued. Viszla thought it over for a moment.
"Well... if our presence here isn't welcome, we'll make ready to leave." He decided. Many of the Mandos chuckled, as if they had heard something else in his words.
"And you'll return our people to us?" A hopeful Pieter inquired.
"Yes. Sunrise tomorrow." Viszla affirmed. "You have my word."
"Very well. We'll be waiting." Pieter stated as he turned and left the tent. Lux leaned over to Ahsoka,
"You see? They're not the butchers you make them out to be." He whispered. But Ahsoka did not trust Viszla and had a feeling something was wrong...
That night, the Ming Po women slept peacefully with the joyous hope that this ordeal would finally be over tomorrow. They'd endured Death Watch's cruelty long enough and now their lives would finally go back to normal. Ahsoka did not sleep, partially because she did not trust was Pre Viszla had to say, but also because she had a meeting to get to.
Waiting until the women were confidently asleep, Ahsoka tested her senses and, finding no one around, quietly left the tent. The blinding snow and blowing winds had died down somewhat, making the environment a little more bearable. Her senses picked up the familiar heat she knew so well. I'm here. Her telepathic message put out, it was less than a minute later when she saw the air shimmer on the opposite side of the camp, glowing red optics revealing Wraith's exact presence. She beckoned for him to follow and he stealthily made his way over to her, both of them using the shadows in case Death Watch had unseen sentries.
Neither of them noticed or sensed Lux watching them from his tent.
The pair quickly made for the woods, working to get out of sight and out of earshot of the camp. They did not speak a word to each other, darting behind trees as they slowly traveled further and further away from the Death Watch camp. It was only when the bare outlines of the raised wings of the gauntlet fighters could still be seen that they stopped by some trees.
"Think we're clear?" The super-soldier asked.
"I think so." Ahsoka said. "Death Watch wouldn't patrol this far out... if they have any patrols." Wraith nodded and retracted his mask.
"You said you wanted to talk?" Ahsoka nodded.
"I'm probably gonna need help later. I'm not sure when and how, but if things take a turn, Lux and I can't handle Death Watch by ourselves. Especially all of them." She requested.
"Just say the word. Whatever you need, I'll be there." Wraith promised. Ahsoka knew he would, he always did when it came to her. But when she stopped speaking after something that clearly could've taken place through their bond, instead of in person, Wraith had to wonder. "Is... that it?" He quesitoningly asked.
"Did you kill Mina Bonteri?" It was the question from earlier, the one he knew would result in a long and drawn out conversation. Now might not be the time, or maybe it wouldn't take as long. Either way, he promised he would be honest with her.
"Yes." He simply stated. Ahsoka's eyes went wide with horror.
"Then... Th-Then you lied to everyone in the peace talks!" She exclaimed, suddenly realizing Wraith hadn't been as wholesome as she first thought. "She was one of Padme's friends, she wanted peace, how could you do that?!" Wraith seemed to splutter for an answer.
"I was under orders-"
"You could've chosen not to!" Ahsoka cut in.
"No! No I could not have!" He replied, remembering that mission in full. "You haven't been in my position, you don't know what it's like!"
"Then tell me this: is this what you're fighting for? You're fighting for people who'd kill those seeking peace?" She questioned, getting right to the point. Wraith turned away, as though struggling with the truth of her words. "You told me on Mandalore you believe in peace. Do you? Or was that another lie?" He tried to respond and vindicate himself.
"I don't have a choice-"
"Bullsith!" Ahsoka exclaimed, forcibly turning him back towards her. Wraith remained silent, simply fixing her with a steady, unflinching stare. "What about Lux?" She asked, her tension still running high.
"What about him?" Wraith quietly replied in a disinterested tone.
"All the reports claimed he was dead. He's clearly not... so what happened?" Ahsoka elaborated. Wraith could sense she really wasn't pleased in him, almost like a mother who found out their child had willfully disobeyed the family rules.
"I was ordered 'no witnesses'." Wraith simply responded.
"So you tried to kill him." Ahsoka realized, sounding aghast. "I can't imagine what he's going through right now." That comment set Wraith off. Everything about the little interactions between Lux and her had been rubbing him the wrong way. Now he wanted a concrete answer.
"Why are you suddenly so defensive of him?" He suddenly questioned, and Ahsoka felt like she was being interrogated. It honestly caught her off guard, as had the sudden fervor that swelled up within him. "What is he to you?" It seemed like a simple thing to answer.
"He's-"
"Ahsoka?" The familiar voice caused both to turn towards Lux, who had crept up on them. Both of them were so absorbed by their confrontation to ahve sensed him, their energies focused on other things.
"Lux!" Ahsoka exclaimed, realizing just how compromising this looked. She scrambled for an excuse as the young senator approached them. "Uh..."
"What're you doing out here? With him?" He asked, throwing a glare towards Wraith which the super-soldier returned. "Better yet, what's he doing here to begin with?"
"You threatened my leader, of course I'm going to do something about it." Wraith stated, crossing his arms. Lux's presence really irked him. He would've preferred to finish this issue with Ahsoka before he waltzed in on them.
"So what about her? What's she to you?" Lux pried.
"My actions are not your concern." Wraith growled.
"Then you won't mind if I just take her back with me." Lux mused as he took Ahsoka by the arm and gently pulled her away. Wraith didn't like that at all and stormed over, shoving Lux away from her.
"Into your death-trap of a plan involving murderous terrorists? Yeah, no. She deserves better than something half-baked that's putting her life at risk. Death Watch kill Jedi, you know." He rumbled.
"Oh, so you know what's better for her?" Lux retorted. "As if you're even capable of caring." Wraith's hands balled into fists, muscles tense and twitching as he seethed.
"You presume too much, boy."
"Ahsoka's better off with me than in your murderous hands!" Lux stated, sounding very confident of that. Wraith didn't like that notion at all.
"You are one more word away from joining your mother!" He growled, advancing towards him with wide strides as his emotions got the better of him. Ahsoka quickly cut between them and held him back.
"Wraith stop! You're not going to kill him!" She vehemently pressed.
"Give me one reason why I shouldn't!" Wraith retorted.
"Because I don't want you to kill him!" Ahsoka stated. Her request registered to Wraith as twofold. The first was that she was trying to use his loyalty to her against him, like a form of leverage. The second was how she was so readily protecting Lux. Maybe she'd do the same thing with Rex or another Clone. She didn't like to see her friends get hurt... especially by him. So was that what Lux was to her? A friend and nothing more? Or was he...
No. He wouldn't go there.
"Please." If she was trying to appeal to his loyalty to her, it was working. He backed down, a fact which sent a thrill through Lux. A smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth. Whatever was going on between these two, she certainly had what it took to keep him in line.
"Wish you were around before." He remarked, partially jokingly while partially melancholic. Ahsoka shook her head with a sigh.
"Let's go back." She quietly said, turning to leave and the boy followed like an faithful puppy. Wraith stayed where he was, rooted to the ground. His fists clenching and unclenching, the muscles in his arms going tense before relaxing again. He watched them go... and sensed their lingering conversation.
"What is he to you?" Lux wondered, genuinely curious.
"Like I said before; we have a mutual respect for one another. I've helped him out of a jam sometimes and he'll do the same for me." Ahsoka replied. She wasn't sure if she was slowly coming to believe that was truly what they were... Lux said nothing more, but Wraith could feel his faint relief and his desire for her.
The super-soldier turned and stomped off into the woods, getting only a few feet before he closed his mask and growled like an animal.
Some wandering Death Watch would later find several trees lying on the ground, their bark splintered and the trunks shattered entirely, pink petals lining the ground like a pool of blood...
That morning...
Using their speeders, Death Watch transported the Ming Po women across the snow-covered fields of Carlac, Lux and Ahsoka along for the ride. They arrived in the center of the village where Chieftain Pieter and the rest of the Ming Po were waiting. Viszla and the rest of Death Watch dropped from the sky with their jet packs, standing much taller than the significantly shorter Ming Po.
"You have kept your word," Pieter observed as they greeted him, "we are very grateful for your understanding..." he trailed off as several more Mandalorians touched down around the village, significantly more than a simple transportation party. Ahsoka took notice and grew concerned. There were Mandos on the rooftops, the streets, everywhere.
"I'm a man of my word." Viszla replied as he roughly shoved Tryla over to Pieter. "Here is your granddaughter," but then he drew the Darksaber from behind him, "as promised!" The black blade pierced clean through Tryla's back, Viszla aiming for Pieter. Her suspicions confirmed, the sudden betrayal snapped Ahsoka into action and she started moving before Lux could stop her. Pieter and Ahsoka laid the dying Tryla on the ground, the Chieftain looking up in anger as Pre turned to his Mandos. "Kill them! Kill them all!" Viszla ordered Death Watch. The rooftop Mando's ignited their wrist-mounted flamethrowers and began to burn the houses with concentrated streams of flame, much to the dismay of the Ming Po.
"Save them, Ahsoka..." Tryla gasped to the Padawan, "Save them... Save my... people..." With her final words uttered, Tryla went limp on the ground, dead. Ahsoka looked up with a fire in her eyes. She didn't have her lightsabers or any assistance, but she sure as hell was mad.
"Why are you doing this?! What are you doing?" Lux begged Viszla.
"Never let the weak tell you what to do." Pre responded, an arm around the boy as he proudly watched the destruction unfold. "Welcome to Death Watch!"
From her position, Ahsoka watched as one of the Mandos turned his flamethrower on the fleeing Ming Po, burning them alive. Spying a pipe on the ground, that certainly looked solid enough, Ahsoka called it into her hand with the Force and threw it like a javelin, the bar spearing clean through the Mando as his blood painted the rooftop. He collapsed with a cry that swiftly earned the attention of the rest of Death Watch. Ditching her coat, Ahsoka grabbed another piece of debris and went to work on the Mandos closest to her, the pipe cracking across their helmets as she unleashed a series of kicks and blows that swiftly downed several in rapid succession. Then Viszla attacked, the Darksaber lit and ready to use. He cleaved her pipe in two and Ahsoka had no choice but to go on the defensive. She ducked and dodged, using her Force-enhanced agility to avoid his swings. But then the other airborne Mandalorians joined the fight and Ahsoka found her wrists ensnared by grapples. She struggled to free herself, but one Mando after another dragged her down until she was trapped and could not fight.
"Now what do what do we have here?" Viszla wondered as he approached her. "I think we've caught ourselves a Jedi!" He proclaimed to his men. Lux tried to help only to be barred by a Mando, and Ahsoka offered him a look as if to say 'happy now?' "Drag her back to camp." Viszla ordered. The Mandos took off with their jet packs, dragging Ahsoka along the ground.
Are you okay? It was Wraith. Obviously he could sense she was in trouble.
Just... gimme a moment... Ahsoka replied, the ride none too pleasant as she was purposefully subjected to every bump in the road. The snow wans't exactly warm, either.
Just say the word. Wraith replied, though there was little emotion behind his words.
Another snowstorm had kicked up, darkness covering the camp as Death Watch returned. Ahsoka was roughly hauled to her feet and forced into the main tent. The dragging had done a number on her, her montrals and skin dirty and her robes frayed and torn in areas, the snow left her chilled to the bone. She was forced to her knees before Viszla as the other Mandos kept her tethered in place.
"Now, Lux Bonteri, this doesn't look good. This does not look good at all." Pre mused. "I asked you to join us in good faith and you bring a Jedi into our camp."
"She wasn't meant to be here." Lux excused. "Please, let her go."
"I'm afraid that's not an option." Viszla replied, the hilt of the Darksaber in hand.
"I thought you had honor. But you're just murderers! No better than The Wraith." Lux retorted. Viszla fixed him with a hard stare.
"You call us 'murderers' and yet it was your own plan for revenge that made you seek us out!" He accused.
"I wanted justice for my mother's death." Lux countered.
"And you shall have it." Viszla agreed. "But the Jedi are no different from Dooku and shall pay in part for their crimes against Mandalore!" As he spoke, R2 rolled into the tent, unseen by the Mandos. Ahsoka sensed him and knew he had her lightsabers. If she could buy herself some time...
"Boy, both of you have lame excuses." She mused.
"Quiet wench!" Viszla snapped, backhanding her. "You see, boy, it's not revenge at all," he mused, igniting the Darksaber. Ahsoka closed her eyes.
On me.
Five seconds. Came the reply. R2 rolled up behind her, lightsabers in his grippers. "It's justice!" Viszla pronounced, saber reared back. R2 suddenly bumped one of the Mandalorians and created a commotion, using his smoke generator to fill the tent with a cloud. Lux shoved Viszla aside as Ahsoka felt her lightsabers in her grip.
"Thanks buddy." She whispered, igniting them. Leaping from the ground, a spinning assault severed all the cables while simultaneously slitting the necks of every Mando around her, leaving her standing and armed against Viszla. Several more of Death Watch trained their wrist weapons upon her.
"No! The Jedi is mine!" Viszla stated, wanting to handle this himself. Seeing she had a fight on her hands, Ahsoka ordered Lux and R2 back to the ship as she held her own against Pre Viszla. His style proved to be slow and predictable, each strike easy to block or parry as Ahsoka danced around him and avoided almost every blow until Viszla turned a parry into a kick and sent her back out into the cold. Picking herself up with a grumble, Ahsoka looked to see a whole host of droids of varying models assembled outside the tent.
"I think R2 made some friends." Lux mused as he stood alongside the droids. The astromech had been tasked with repairing the droids for the Mandos to use as target practice, but now he'd turned them into something of a droid rebellion. Death Watch soon arrived, stunned by the sudden appearance of their droids, especially when they opened fire. They scattered as Ahsoka clashed with Viszla again, the Mandos quickly attacking the droids and felling them with ease. They weren't nearly as tough as battle droids and were soon turned into fodder. Lux and R2 quickly commandeered one of the speeders, Ahsoka backflipping away from Viszla as he fired on her with his wrist guns. Track my position! She asked through her bond, quickly turning Viszla's parry into an opportunity to vault over him and drive a lightsaber through his jet pack.
"Nice try, Jedi." He jeered, feeling unhurt. Ahsoka fixed him with a steely blue gaze.
"I didn't miss," she stated as the beeping from his overloading jet pack grew louder. Viszla heard it too and ditched it as Ahsoka dived for cover, the ensuing explosion propelling her away from Viszla. The snow was cold, very cold, and she was getting tired of it. That's when Lux pulled up with the speeder and she quickly hopped on. The recovering Viszla took note of this as Death Watch regrouped on him. He turned to one with white on her helmet, that being Bo-Katan.
"Don't let them escape!" He ordered, signalling for a speeder bike. Bo-Katan led her squad in an airborne pursuit, their jet packs enabling them to catch up with the fleeing trio. Lux was at the controls as Ahsoka took up a defending position, deflecting golden blaster rounds as the Mandos swooped in to attack. One such round hit a Mando's jet pack and he spiralled away before crashing into the ground, his impact marked by a fiery explosion. Another straight up tackled Ahsoka, her lightsabers knocked from her hands and into the cockpit. His hands encircled her throat, choking her out as the Togruta struggled to fight back. R2 pitched in by squirting a blob of oil that obscured his visor, forcing the Mando to recoil just long enough for Ahsoka to send him flying with a Force push.
"That's two I owe you." She remarked, rubbing her neck. Bo-Katan was next up and she proved to be an even tougher opponent, expertly-trained in hand to hand. Ahsoka dodged her wrist cannon easily enough, but when the Mando popped a knuckle-blade she had to be extra careful. Several well-timed blows managed to knock her down, but when Lux shimmied the craft and caused Bo to lose her footing, Ahsoka was quickly able to hop back on and shove her away.
But Bo-Katan got off a final shot as she hit the ground, the round striking the speeder's engine and causing it to ignite with a blast of smoke and flame. The sudden power disruption caused Lux to lose control and the speeder was sent spinning into a nearby tree where it crashed. Ahsoka was pitched into another snow bank, where she grumbled and shivered simultaneously. Picking herself up, she went to check on Lux, who stumbled away from the burning wreckage as R2 righted himself. "You alright?" She wondered, calling her lightsabers to her.
"Yeah, we're fine." Lux confirmed and R2 beeped in agreement.
"Where's the ship?" Ahsoka wondered.
"Down the path. We should hurry." Lux replied. Their trouble proved to not be over yet when the whoosh of jet packs signalled the arrival of more Death Watch. Viszla and his crew were catching up.
"We need to go, now!" Ahsoka urged, quickly leading the way down the path as more of Death Watch appeared in the skies. She was stopped when yellow lasers struck the ground before her and Ahsoka turned to find Bo-Katan approaching them, her wrist raised.
"Where do you think you're going?" She wondered as she trained her weapons on the pair. One by one, more of Death Watch joined her, their weapons charged and pointed at the trio. Ahsoka lit her blades and quickly pulled Lux behind her in a defensive formation, just as Pre Viszla arrived on a speeder.
"I'll give you credit, you've got gusto." He remarked as he hopped off. "But that's where my benevolence ends."
"Funny, I didn't think you had any to begin with." Ahsoka bit back. Pre chuckled at her words... oh, he was going to have fun cutting her down.
"You and your boyfriend will die here, Jedi." He stated.
"He's not my boyfriend." Ahsoka retorted. But where is my actual boyfriend? She wondered to herself.
"Whatever you are, there is no escaping us. You're alone against the Death Watch, not very good odds I'd say." Viszla mused with a sinister grin. A dark chuckle rose from his dozens of comrades as they cornered the trio. They could not outrun them, and they were severely undergunned. "Because, unlike you, I had the foresight to bring back up." Viszla added. Ahsoka grimly realized he was right about the odds, and figured there was not going to be an easy way out of this. Maybe she could hold them off while Lux found the ship-...
Then she felt it. It tickled the end of her senses. A warmth, not unlike a campfire, and it was growing in strength. Then, above the howling winds, she heard the faint noise of repulsor engines humming, her trained mechanical abilities knowing that a shift was hovering in place above them in the cloudy sky. She took heart and feigned defeat.
"Yeah... wish I'd thought of that." Ahsoka gloomily replied. Then, behind her, to the surprise of Lux and Death Watch, a dark shape crashed down into the snow, kicking up a flurry of particulate as it did. The being slowly rose to take on the appearance of a tall, broad-shouldered man standing behind Ahsoka. The Togruta looked up and shot Death Watch a smirk.
"Oh, wait. I did."
As she finished speaking, twin red optics blazed to life.
The Wraith had arrived.
Ahsoka sidestepped to let him step forward, Death Watch opening fire on him instantly. He tanked every round, golden bolts ricocheting off his armor as he continued on unfazed... and lighting up the Confederate emblem emblazoned on his chest.
"You're one of them!" Viszla exclaimed, drawing the Darksaber.
"And Dooku says 'hi'." Wraith growled, a single step propelling him towards the Mandalorians. All of Death Watch had heard the stories about The Wraith, about how he was a terror to behold and his reputation for ruthless brutality.
They were about to find out how he'd earned his reputation.
Gripping a set of chains, Wraith drew his chain-blades from his duster and attacked with a sweeping blow that cut deep into a Mandalorian and pulled him apart, screaming as warm red blood spilled across the cold snow. Wraith continued spinning and whirling his blades about, their edges mostly scraping across the Beskar armor of Death Watch while some lucky strikes managed to sever limbs or cut deep into torsos, innards and blood spilling across the snowy road. Eventually, Wraith pulled his blades in a holstered them, now definitely within reach of the Mandalorians.
"Swarm him!" Viszla ordered, and Death Watch did so. Wraith gladly welcomed the opposition. Ever since Zygerria, a small part of him had been hungry, aching to feel the rush of hot anger that fuelled his bloodlust and left bodies in his wake. He would channel it now, just a little bit, and sate his dark desires for a moment.
The first Mando to come close took a fist to his helmet that sent him spinning as Wraith back-kicked at a second and handled two more with hard-hitting blows that they all felt despite their armor. One lashed out with a knuckle blade and Wraith caught his arm, proceeding to first tear his limb from his socket and then completely off his body. A pair of blows from two different terrorists hit him in the gut, but he took the punches in stride and he landed stunning hits on both before he drew a slugthrower and emptied half the clip into the belly of one Mando before he grasped the head of another, planted the barrel at the base of her chin and pulled the trigger, red filling her helmet and coating her visor.
Another took aim and fired a grapple from his wrist, the tether encircling Wraith's arm. The Mando tried to pull, only to meet strong resistance as Wraith held his own. Then, grabbing the cable, the super-soldier reefed on it, pulling the Mando off his feet and sending them flying towards him. Fist reared back, Wraith threw a hard punch that connected with the incoming Mando's helmet, the entire visor shattering to pieces as the front caved in around his heavy fist. As he hit the ground, Ahsoka jumped back in and severed two more cables that snagged Wraith's back. "You gonna tell me I shouldn't kill them either? That I should choose not too?" He wondered with a sneer. Ahsoka rolled her eyes and did not respond. His emotions were spilling into her through their bond, creating a sort of toxic cycle that fueled them in ways they never should have been.
With a sort of ease that could only come through the Force, Ahsoka fended off Mandos attacking Wraith from behind while the super-soldier proceeded to rip and tear through the terrorists trying to attack his front. They finally got the hint that this would be no easy fight and decided to back off, regrouping by Viszla as Wraith and Ahsoka stood side by side amidst numerous bodies. Viszla fixed them both with a glowering glare as Wraith stooped down and picked up a still-living terrorist. "Mandalorians..." he growled, "your society peaked during the Crusades. Now you are, and always will be, nothing." He stated, forcing the Mando to his feet and pressing his hands to either side of his helmet. Then he started to press, tapping into the Force just a little bit to enhance his strength. The helmet started to collapse and contort, slowly being crushed under his immense strength. Another decompression and the Mando within started screaming, their skull being crushed by the collapsing helmet. With a final burst of strength, the helmet was crushed with a wet skritch as the head within was equally obliterated. The Mando hit the ground as his blood pooled beneath him, Wraith advancing towards Viszla. The Mandos quickly held him at gunpoint as Viszla leveled the Darksaber towards him.
"I will make you submit!" He vowed. Wraith paused and studied the threat posed to him.
"Ooooo, you have a black lightsaber," he mockingly retorted, reaching behind him for his own saber, "I'm so scared." The ignited blade of Tyth caused the Mandos to recoil in surprise, the flames steaming as snow melted on contact. "As for submission, well, that should be easy for a Mando to do." Wraith sneered. His goad worked and Viszla attacked him first, sabers humming and crackling as they collided. Wraith worked with one hand to deflect and parry every incoming blow, letting Viszla work himself into a vulnerable state before he struck. As soon as the Darksaber connected with his gauntlet, instead of his blade, Wraith attacked by striking Viszla with the hilt of his blade before turning around and throwing the Death Watch leader over his shoulder. Viszla hit the ground as Wraith locked his dominant fighting arm in his grip, Tyth discarded. "A little something to remember me by." Wraith rumbled, dislocating his wrist before snapping his arm. Viszla howled in pain, his cry equal to the blowing winds about them, and Bo-Katan saw this was a losing battle and quickly stepped up to fire a wrist-rocket towards Wraith. The super-soldier blocked it with split second reflexes, fire and smoke circling around him as he was forced back by the explosion. Bo pulled Viszla to his feet,
"Fall back!" She ordered, taking for the skies as the remaining Death Watch joined her, helping their wounded while leaving the dead behind. Wraith and Ahsoka watched them go, satisfied to not give chase seeing as the terrorist group had been cowed and defeated. Collecting Tyth and returning it to his belt, Wraith got down to business.
"You alright?" He asked Ahsoka, though his voice made it sound like he didn't particularly care.
"A few bruises. I'll be fine." She replied, clipping her sabers to her belt and dusting herself off. Wraith simply nodded as Bonteri walked over with R2. The super-soldier let out a grumbling exhale.
"You, Bonteri, have caused more trouble than you're worth." He growled. He wanted nothing more than to kill him for dragging Ahsoka into his mess.
"Leave him alone Wraith." The Togruta chided, stepping between them again.
"Why? He's the one who made a hash out of this. He's the one who disrupted the peace talks. We'd all be better off without him!" Wraith countered.
"If you hadn't killed his mother, none of this would've happened!" Ahsoka bit back. For a moment they just stared at each other, opposites instead of equals.
"She's got a point, you know." Lux haughtily remarked, having received quite the confide cen boost now that Ahsoka was actively defending him. Wraith whirled on him with a muderous look in his optics.
"One more word out of you and I'll-"
"You'll do nothing!" Ahsoka cried, using the Force to pull him back.
"You should listen to her." Lux added, thriving in this moment of superiority over his mother's killer. "She's smart, not that you can see that through your bloodlust."
"I know what she is, Bonteri," Wraith growled, eager to add just a little more blood to the snow, "more than you ever will." Ahsoka rubbed the bridge of her nose in frustration. There they went again, fighting over her. She knew Wraith's feelings for her in full, but Lux's more subtle advances were slowly becoming known to her and she realized that they truly were a pair of males fighting over a mate.
"Would you two just kriffing stop?!" She exclaimed, pushing them apart as she stepped between them. She turned first to the senator. "Lux, just... let me handle this." She promised.
"By all means." Lux agreed, trying to be as amicable and admirable as possible. Wraith could sense this and he loosed a simple growl before Ahsoka put her hands on his chest and gently nudged him back.
"You're not laying a hand on him. Got it?" She sternly commanded, a pointed finger aiding her instruction.
"My restraint hangs by a thread." Wraith grumbled.
"Got it?" Ahsoka repeated, her voice slowed and lowered in tone. Wraith did not respond to her frowning look and simply exhaled in exasperation.
"Let's find your kriffing ship and get you the kriff off this kriffing snowball." He muttered, stepping around her and roughly shoving past Lux as he led the way forwards. R2 beeped a rather rude inquiry which Lux chuckled at, but Ahsoka chided him for.
"He's coming along for protection in case Death Watch comes back." She stated. "Let him do that much." The astromech offered only a begrudging whistle as he followed after them.
None of them noticed Reaper carefully watching them from a distance. He took particular note of Wraith's interactions with Ahsoka. He had nothing to say as he watched them move along, having only thoughts on the subject that he kept to himself.
"Hm..."
The Phoenix was still where Lux had left it, good news for them all. When they arrived, Ahsoka encouraged Lux and R2 to head on in, intent on staying behind with Wraith for a moment. The super-soldier tapped a few controls on his gauntlet, signalling his shuttle to make landfall on his position, and was preparing to leave when Ahsoka strode over.
"What's your problem?" She wondered. He offered an exasperated sigh before he popped his mouthguard.
"I'll give you a hint: it starts with 'Lux' and ends with 'Bonteri'." He curtly stated.
"Because you didn't kill him?" Ahsoka pried, arms crossed and frowning.
"Because his pea-brain saw fit to make an absolute mess out of things." Wraith retorted. "My thoughts extend beyond death, you know." Ahsoka rolled her eyes, but promptly froze when Wraith continued, "What's your problem?"
"What?"
"You've been on my case this whole time, now it's my turn." Wraith stated, raising his voice a little as the repulsor jets eased his shuttle down into the snow. "What's going on between you and pretty boy?" He demanded. Ahsoka was quick to rebuff him.
"Nothing. Nothing at-"
"Bull. Sith." Wraith interrupted, crossing his arms as well. "I felt your emotions back on Mandalore, there's something about him you like. Something you're attracted to." He got her there, Ahsoka knowing exactly what he was referring to.
"I mean... sure, maybe he's got some charm and all that-" She slowly began to respond.
"Charm." He scoffed. "You're charmed by him."
"I didn't say that." Ahsoka defended.
"Why are you on his side all of a sudden?" Wraith asked and Ahsoka felt like she was being interrogated.
"When your mother dies and you almost die, tell me how you feel." She retorted. "You've left him an orphan! And for what?! Because you were ordered to?!"
"Oh, so he becomes a sob story and all of a sudden you find him attractive." Wraith bit back.
"What...? No! Wraith's that's not-"
"Then prove me wrong! Tell me there's not something going on between you two!" He demanded. "I've seen the way you two share little looks. Little affirming motions. You like him, don't you?" To that end, Ahsoka could not respond. Sure, there were a few things about Lux she did like, things that Wraith didn't have. But as for Lux as a whole? Well... "Your silence speaks volumes." Wraith rumbled.
"You're overreacting!" Ahsoka shot back.
"Am I? Or are you just trying to protect yourself as your deception comes back to bite you?" His words stung as he accused her. Ahsoka felt trapped, realizing her own questioning and probing had brought this on. Unfortunately, her actions had also netted her this moment of trouble and she could not excuse them any further. Instead of seeking something calm and rational, her emotions tapped into a different outlet and exploded.
"Deception? You're gonna lecture me on deception?! After you lied to a room full of people, including me!" She shouted. Wraith set nothing, his mouth about to curl into a snarl. It was then that Ahsoka looked away from him. "Hypocrite." She muttered under her breath.
And Wraith had nothing more to say.
The silence wore on, soon reaching the point of unbearable. It seemed he had gotten his answer and his mouthguard closed up as he turned on heel and made for his waiting shuttle.
"Tell your new boy-toy to watch his back... my knife will be in it soon enough." Wraith growled as he entered his shuttle and slammed the door controls, cutting off Ahsoka with a sheet of durasteel without another word.
Both the Phoenix and Wraith's Aka'jor left Carlac not long after his final exchange with Lux. Ahsoka took the controls as she intended to, finally, take Lux to Coruscant. She was dirty and in desperate need of a shower, a change of clothes, and maybe some bacta too. For now, she would have to deal with her damp outfit. But then R2 beeped an alert.
"What do you mean the escape pod has been activated?" She wondered. Quickly realizing it had to be Lux, as he had a penchant for doing things like this, she rose from her seat and headed aft. "Artoo, the ship is yours!" Making for the lower levels, she found the pod sealed and Lux at the controls. She pounded on the door. "Lux! What are you doing?" He left the controls and stood opposite her on the other side of the door.
"I can't go with you. You know that." He stated. "I won't go to the Republic."
"We can at least try." Ahsoka countered. "I'd help you, we could change things together." She promised. Her desire to help others was still strong and not limited to just Wraith.
"I'd like to think we'd make a good team." Lux mused, his expression regarding her with fondness as he smiled softly. He pressed his hand to the glass opposite hers. "I'm sure we'll meet again. But I just can't do things your way." He liked her and appreciated her presence when dealing with Wraith. Lux dearly hoped that he and Ahsoka could work things out, just in a different way. Just so long as Wraith was out of the picture...
He could tell there was something more to them than a simple 'professional respect' as she'd called it. To have him so close at hand like he had been on Carlac? That didn't seem right for two individuals who were supposed to be enemies. What it was, he didn't know. But so long as Ahsoka defended him instead of acting as Wraith's ally... well, it was good enough for him to hope.
Elsewhere, Wraith called up Count Dooku and the Sith appeared before him on his console.
"Sir, Bonteri and his Jedi aid tried to enlist Death Watch to help him, but things went south." Wraith explained. "I stood back and watched, relations soured between them before I needed to intervene." He'd changed dusters before starting this transmission, ensuring the blood staining his arctic one would not be seen. His words seemed to please Dooku.
"And where are they now?"
"Leaving Carlac. If they're going to Coruscant, I don't think I should follow." Wraith replied.
"No, you shouldn't. Job well done, soldier. You've done what you can." Dooku praised. "If Bonteri's claims get out, we will work on denouncing them and ensuring they come across as lies. The Shadownet will prove very useful for such a thing." Wraith nodded in agreement, but then sighed.
"I'm sorry I've brought this trouble upon us, sir. It's my fault Bonteri's not dead." He apologized. Not only was the Confederacy paying for his mistake, but now he was too.
"Sometimes all you can do is react," Dooku agreed, "now you'll just have to wait for a moment to rectify such a mistake." Wraith nodded again and then fell silent, feeling determined to fix his mistake if only to permanently separate Lux from Ahsoka. Dooku probed him and discovered he was deep in thought.
"Something bothering you, soldier?" He pried.
"I just wish things had panned out like the last guy I tried to kill but didn't." Wraith replied.
"Indeed. CeeTee Fourteen-Oh-Nine is a resource the Techno Union continues to tap, thanks to you." Dooku agreed. Emir Tambor had managed improve the combat-strategy algorithms that battle droids used, thanks to the resource that was the Clone Trooper known as Echo.
"Yeah... thanks to me." Wraith quietly mused. His thoughts still proved chaotic, and Dooku sensed it.
"Something more you wish to add?" The Sith queried. In a way, Wraith was still reeling from all the interpersonal confrontations that had plagued him while on Carlac. But he found a way to channel his chaos into passion, a passionate fury that simmered within his soul. He decided
"I'm... sorry for my dalliances with Tano while on Zygerria. That was unprofessional of me." He finally stated. Dooku had not been expecting such a response from him, but was still pleased by his words.
"Apology accepted." Wraith nodded.
"And you needn't worry about my loyalty or commitment, sir." He continued. "Seeing now what kind of people want you dead... well, they'll have to go through me first." He vowed, a growl punctuating his words. "Just tell me who's a problem... and I'll deal with them." Dooku smiled almost sinisterly.
"Your profession is also accepted." He calmly responded.
That was just what he wanted to hear.
Author's Note: Hope y'all enjoyed! Stay safe and see you next chapter.
