Dark Sun Rises: Chapter 7
Onyxa moved through the spaceport, watchful even here in the heart of Imperial space. Stepping up to the terminal, she checked them in planet side, pleased to see that her new master had already arranged their approval. The display flashed green in acceptance, noting their arrival in the data banks. Once everything was approved, Onyxa moved away from the terminal, giving it not a second thought, Vette keeping close off her left shoulder as she was want to do.
The spaceport of Dromund Kaas looked much like any other, but it was not without its special splendour and status. There was the tapestries and bunting all adorned with the Imperial cog adorning the walls and rafters, each hanging proudly throughout. More than just a splash of colour amongst the standard metal grey, Onyxa thought.
As they headed through, Onyxa noted the man waving frantically at them, before quickly making his way over to the two. The man was as short as Vette, balding on top of his head with a ring of brown hair showing that at least at one point, he had some.
" I serve Lord Baras." The man stated as they drew close to him. " He sent me to meet his new apprentice. I made sure I was here on time. I certainly did, yes indeed."
It took considerable effort for Onyxa to keep from frowning or rolling her eyes. An underling, she surmised quickly, and an annoyingly weak simpleton at that. At least Baras could have sent someone who looked the part of a messenger, she thought. Vette pressed in close at Onyxa's side. She was not at all surprised when she heard her whispered voice, low enough so only she would be able to hear it.
"Wow, what a weasel. Dromund Kaas needs some pest control."
Onyxa cast a sideways glance where she could just see her, the corner of her mouth turning up in that smirk she seemed to be in a new habit of flashing her. Damn, Vette thought. She had tried to catch Lady Sith off-guard and distracted that time, but alas she had failed to get that smile she was after. She knew it was not going to be that easy, but she had thought perhaps it might have been a good chance opportunity. One of these days, she mused in her own amusement.
Onyxa spoke with the man, who promptly informed her of the easiest way to get to Kaas City, apparently unaware that she was already well familiar with the city. He was also quite insistent and quick to state that Baras would be waiting anxiously for them, as if under the impression she didn't know that, or that she somehow needed to be instructed on what to do every step of the way. Onyxa was happy once the man ran off. If there was one thing she hated, it was having some weak, obnoxious underling telling her what to do, that she was forced to endure for no other reason than it not being beneficial to just get rid of them. Tempting as it was, removing the nuisance would take too much effort for not nearly enough of a reward to compensate anyone.
Baras might not have been appreciative either, Onyxa knew. Sometimes the most annoying or asinine of people were worth the most value. Nobody would have taken the short, balding and bumbling fool for anything but that. It would allow him a certain measure of anonymity where he could have his uses in overhearing and reporting people. Given Baras' schemes and plans, it would not have surprised Onyxa in the least to find out he was one of, if not a top spy for his new Master. Stepping out the entryway to the spaceport, Onyxa glanced about at the almost tropical forest that surrounded the main landing spot of the planet. Well worn dirt paths ran away off between the trees. Dromund Kaas was certainly no Coruscant, Onyxa decided, but it certainly had its charm if you knew where to look for it.
Her twi'lek companion clearly thought otherwise.
"Welcome to Dromund Kaas." Vette quipped, glancing about herself. "Where freedom goes to die."
Onyxa turned to face the twi'lek sternly, warning her before turning to look about them quickly. The last thing she wanted to see was if anyone had been close enough to overhear. Vette gave a sheepish small smile at her as she noted the hard glare cast her way. She chided herself then for not biting her tongue sooner. Stupid, she thought, knowing better than to say such given where they were and who was about them. She watched Lady Sith reach for her then, grabbing the end of a lekku and tugging sharply. Vette did not try and dodge away, wincing in a quick jolt of pain the action brought. Biting her lower lip, she looked at Onyxa, knowing if that was all she meted out as punishment, she was getting off lucky.
"Mind your tongue." Onyxa said flatly, glad however that no one had been close enough to hear the twi'lek. Such talk could have caused them a great many problems. "Now let's go, Darth Baras will be waiting for us."
Onyxa slowed the speeder and waited for a moment as Vette released her grip around Onyxa's stomach seconds later, hopping off the speeder with an almost youthful exuberance. The Sith had been tempted to smile and laugh more than once, out of sight since the twi'lek could only see her back as they rode the path to Kaas City, Vette whooping in delight the whole way. She had cast a look back enough times, the urge to laugh growing stronger every time she did so, but she managed to keep it suppressed. If there was any doubt they had arrived on Dromund Kaas, Vette had taken care of announcing such. Disembarking herself, Onyxa lead the way up a slight rise to enter the city, descending a long set of stairs and following the walkway around. The walkway would lead them to the sight of a pair of walking bridges, and rising off in the distance beyond the Sith Citadel. Casting Vette a knowing glance, Onyxa steered them through the streets until she spotted a sign for a city cantina, the Nexus Room.
Heading in, Onyxa made right for the bar, ordering a couple drinks for them both before finding a table in one corner where he could put her back to the wall. Vette watched Onyxa curiously, noting her choice of seat. It gave both of them a full view of the room, while ensuring no one could sneak up on her. Even as she sipped at her drink, watching the Lady Sith a moment, she wondered if she should not be ready for trouble. She was really on edge, watching all about, and that made her nervous. She had already come to the conclusion just tagging along was going to put her in the crossfire more often than not. Still, it did beat a holding cell and a shock collar zapping her if she even breathed too hard.
"So next stop we go talk to the walking, talking, therma-slice?" Vette grinned at her, thinking perhaps she would catch her off guard and get that smile out of her.
"We'll go once we're done with our drinks. And I have another reason besides." Onyxa commented, glancing once more about the place and leaving Vette without her prize. "I've got to be ready, Vette. That's why we stopped and are taking our time."
Vette heard the reply and cocked her head to the side questioningly. One hand absently playing with the end of her lekku, she sat there running her words through her mind. Onyxa didn't like her master, and made next to no effort to hide it outside of his presence. Even with that, the utter lack of trust in him was something she didn't quite expect or understand. Sith really were very different, she decided. Onyxa herself was very different from most of them, or at least what she had come to know Sith to be like. I don't think I am ever going to truly understand you, Lady Sith, Vette mused to herself.
"You don't trust him, do you?" Vette finally just outright asked.
"No. It comes with the territory, Vette." Onyxa looked at her pointedly. There was something in her golden eyes, a hard edge and glint that she had only seen in the Sith's darkest moments, making the twi'lek shiver.
"Well too bad we can't just return him off of warranty." The twi'lek joked, and once more Onyxa spared her a small smirk of a grin.
The grin faded quickly as the data pad at her belt started beeping. She pulled it out swiftly, angling the screen so she could get read the message without anyone else getting a glance in the small window of vulnerability.
Safe and sound, just like I promised. No one even saw me disembark. Thanks again for watching my back.
No name for who sent the message, but she didn't need one. She silently released a small breath she had been holding for a while now.
"Friend of yours?" Vette's attempts at hiding her curiosity were hardly subtle. "Boyfriend maybe?"
"The other reason I mentioned before." Another smirk came with the prompt reply, but her eyes hardened with a warning. "Try not to overstep yourself, Vette."
Onyxa exited the cantina and headed across the wide open expanse to the speeder platform. Herding Vette within and having the twi'lek join her for the short ride to the Citadel, Onyxa knew she had delayed them about as long as she could without giving cause for concern. Baras would be expecting them, and delaying for too long would make him doubt Onyxa and question his apprentice's loyalty. At this point it was the last thing Onyxa wanted. The massive tower was broken into three different enclaves. One for the Sith, one for the Mandalorians, and another for the Imperial Intelligence branch of the military. Walking from the platform, Onyxa made right for the middle entrance to find Darth Baras, knowing he would be waiting for them in his chambers.
"Wow, nice lights." Vette commented as they entered the Sith Sanctum. The walkway was suspended, dropping away into nothing, its shape made in the same design as the insignia of the Sith Empire. Giant holo displays shone and flooded the dark space with the bright green glow of that logo.
"Come in here and instant headache." Vette muttered, keeping her eyes diverted down towards the walkway in front of her more.
Onyxa cast a quick glance but said nothing, already focusing on putting up her usual calm, stoic front. She could only hope the twi'lek knew enough to shut up when around Baras. There was only so much she could do to protect her if she drew his wrath upon her. It took only moments before they passed through two doorways and found themselves in Darth Baras' chambers. Onyxa gave a slight bow at the waist to her master as he noticed their arrival. Right on cue she could feel Vette press a little bit closer to her, as if that would somehow shield her from Baras.
"Did it just get considerably colder in here?" Onyxa heard her whisper, and she slipped her hand back to lightly 'push' her, a silent, subtle reminder to keep the comments to herself for the time being.
"Not a moment too soon, apprentice." Baras said, that hollow voice seeming to echo slightly all around them within the chamber. If there was any annoyance at their delay, the man did not show it, expressions hidden behind his mask as it shifted ever so briefly to the twi'lek. "I see you have decided to keep the slave. I hope she amuses you." A pause, perhaps trying to lure out a reaction, then he appeared to merely shrug and continued "I have painstakingly built a vast network of spies and operatives embedded throughout the Sith, Republic, and Jedi alike. I have fingers, eyes, and ears everywhere."
Onyxa arched an eyebrow as she listened to Baras, curious now more than anything. As the man paced, he continued, and Onyxa stood listening and taking it all in. She had questions on what she was hearing but did not interrupt her master. For a brief moment, she wondered if Vette's comment at the spaceport had really gone unnoticed. She would know soon enough, unless Baras was planning to hold onto it for future advantage against her. Be calm, Onyxa reminded herself, paranoid thoughts will only distract you.
"You, my apprentice, are to be my enforcer. Deployed to protect my interests, intimidate my rivals, and to destroy my enemies as I desire." Baras declared, the helmeted head turning to look at her, faceless and without expression. "Rejoice, my apprentice, for it is now time for your tenure to begin."
"You may trust that I will use good judgement." Onyxa stated with a small dip of the head. "What is it you need from me, my master?"
Baras nodded at Onyxa's words and knew he had chosen well. Indeed, the woman before him would serve his purposes as needed. Her strength would bring friend and foe alike in line exactly how he wanted. If they did not, they would be destroyed. She was a weapon to be used without restraint, one Baras fully intended on using, at least until he no longer had any use of her, or if Onyxa failed him. Time would tell just how much he could trust the young Sith in front of him, or when it would be best to dispose of her, should it come to that.
"You will go to the spaceport and meet with Commander Lanklyn." Baras informed his apprentice, "Ensure he and his men are protected as they unload a prisoner there. The prisoner is of great importance to me, and I do not want him lost to me. We must always assume we are being plotted against, even here in the heart of Sith territory."
Onyxa nodded she understood, and Baras dismissed her then with a wave of his hand. Onyxa however remained where she was. The hesitation made Vette pause in midstep as she had been fully prepared to bolt out of there as quick as she could. Darth Baras just creeped her right out, she knew. It was not so much the faceless mask, or the fact he was a Sith Lord. It was the cold, calculated way he moved and spoke. There was just this air of a machine standing in the guise of a man, a imminent harbinger of death that seemed to hover about him.
"You have something on your mind, apprentice?"
"Yes, master." Onyxa said, once again giving a respectful bow of her head to her master. "I believe it would be in the best interests of us both if I did not lodge here. Too many might wish to listen, or keep tabs on me. As you said, we must always be wary we are being plotted against."
Baras listened to his apprentice and nodded as he thought over what had just been said. Indeed, his new apprentice was showing she was quite the thinker. As expected from the daughter of Darth Seraphus. Baras knew she was right in her assessment too. His enemies would keep close watch, try and eavesdrop if they could, to gain any advantage. Waving a hand dismissively once more, he made a mental note to not ever underestimate the intelligence of his newfound weapon. It could easily turn against him if he did so.
"Do as you wish, apprentice. The Empire will provide as you require. Now leave me and see to the task I have set before you."
"Thank you." Onyxa again bowed her head before turning to go, the words almost sticking in her throat but clearly spoken all the same, "My master."
The marketplace of Kaas City was three tiered, the busiest and most packed being the two upper tiers. Onyxa wandered past a couple of stands, noting the wares on sale, eyes scanning for whatever caught her fancy. Glancing about herself every so often, she noted Vette across the wide market bouncing from stall to stall. The blue skinned twi'lek stood out in a crowd, which was not necessarily a bad thing. Onyxa had given her some leeway and free reign to go shop. She'd made her promise to remain in the market, and to be quite careful about her comments, and her conduct. The words shock collar and pain may have been uttered, more than once in fact, and the twi'lek had assured her she would give her no cause in that regard.
She watched that lithe and seemingly delicate form of the twi'lek darting through the crowd, stall to stall. Watching her, Onyxa allowed herself a real smile, albeit fleeting and slight. There was just something about the woman, she knew. Often enough she wanted to laugh or smile, especially at some of her more witty comments. Usually they were done at the most inopportune times, but she was guessing she was trying to get her to do so openly. Trying to figure me out, no doubt. A challenge between us now, she thought with amusement.
Yelling grabbed Onyxa's attention as the normal sounds of the marketplace were disturbed. Golden eyes turned to watch a heavy set man at the centre of a gathering crowd. Attending along with others, more out of curiosity than anything else, Onyxa found Vette sliding up beside her. She flashed a grin before standing on her tiptoes trying to peer over, and around people to see. Onyxa listened a few minutes to the man before rolling her eyes. It was just another citizen going on about atrocities, some bounty hunter tagging people who wound up dead soon after. A sideways glance showed Vette at least was interested, even if the Sith herself was not. Keeps her occupied, she thought ruefully, even as she waited a few more minutes to let her listen.
"Come on, Vette." Onyxa finally said, taking her hand and tugging her from the growing throng. She wanted to get well enough away before security troopers, or worse intelligence officers, eventually showed up.
"Where we going?" Vette asked.
"Home." Onyxa answered simply, and Vette pulled up suddenly, looking at the Sith with wide eyes.
"Home?"
"Yes." She could not help a small smirk forming on her face as she nodded. "I was born here on Dromund Kaas."
"Hey, don't get any ideas." she chided, hip cocked out and fist pressed to it in a defiant stance. It took all the Sith's concentration and focus not to just laugh at her right then and there. "Sure, fine, let's go shopping, let me take you home for some fun. You expect a girl to just jump right into bed with you, huh? That what kind of twi'lek you think I am?"
"Oh, relax." Onyxa raised her hand and shook her head. "There had not been a single thought about anything like that… before now."
"Hey!" Vette cried as the Sith turned and walked away, and she was forced to hurry to catch up and shake off the shock of that last comment. "So you think I'm not good enough for you, or what?"
Onyxa paced the room, looking over the city through the wide window with a relaxed yet careful eye. If she had been anywhere else, in any other building on the planet, she would be quite sure the room would have had a listening device or two. It was good to be home again, yet that was no reason not to be on her guard, if only a little.
No doubt Vette had been quite surprised to see just where someone like her had been born and raised. The entire building was magnificent, but different from what most people would expect from Imperials or Sith. It was reasonably lavished, filled with long corridors, inner balconies, huge rooms and grand staircases that led to the higher levels. Despite this, everything was actually rather simple and uncluttered, not boasting of the family's wealth the way it could have. True, the rooms themselves still bore the typical Sith colours, mostly in shades of red and steel, but done so in a way that was less imposing and more homely. It was such a simple, but startling contrast, one could be forgiven for thinking it was a deliberate tactic to unbalance anyone who entered the home. This was supposed to be the home of a powerful Sith family after all.
The building had a long balcony running its length, with entry to the sitting and bedrooms. Up on the highest floor, the view was actually pretty good, Onyxa had to admit. Vette had already secluded herself in one of the spare bedrooms, leaving Onyxa to stride about the main living area in silence. She'd already checked the time of arrival, as well as made the necessary holo calls to Commander Lanklyn. There was just far too much time between now and then, leaving her wandering about, waiting for that time to pass.
She had already changed into a new suit of armour, one much more fitting for her new position as a true Sith. All of it custom made to her specific instructions.
Much like her training attire on Korriban, her new armour was nearly all black in color, but with deep crimson highlights added that matched the hue of her lightsaber. A pair of black metal bracers overtop a pair of heavy combat gauntlets covered her hands and arms up to the elbow, leaving the biceps unguarded for faster movement. Her legs were protected by knee high metal greaves and thigh guards overtop a pair of black leggings and matching boots. Around her waist was a open leather fauld that reached past her knees, connected to her belt.
Her armor around her neck and torso was clearly of superior make, ensuring unmatched protection without hindering movement, but also quite form-fitting, displaying her shapely figure all the same. The pauldron on her left shoulder was slightly larger than the previous one, sturdy and strong. More than enough to handle the dangers her missions under Baras would surely bring. A simple hooded cloak completed the attire, connected at her armour's collar and reaching to just above the ankle.
It would serve her well, she decided. A pity it hadn't been available to her aboard the Black Talon. A small shrug came and went as she recalled the battle. "The General" had been disposed of, his weakness and inability to persevere his own undoing. Casualties among the Imperial forces involuntarily pushed into fighting on a blatant suicide mission had been reduced to a minimum, thanks to her leading the attack, and Myrrha was safe and unharmed. That was all that mattered to her in the end. The brief encounter with the Jedi's Grandmaster Satele Shan had been surprising, but intriguing. Definitely the warrior and scholar her mother had cautioned her to be.
"Hey."
Vette's soft voice greeted her ears, and Onyxa turned to glance over where she came out of the bedroom. She'd obviously done some purchasing while shopping, the Sith noted. She wore one of her new outfits now, doing a slow twirl before her while Onyxa watched. The fabric was all black, the dress hugging her slender form to accentuate the flare of her hips. It had sheer arms and wide cut out sides that let her pale blue skin show through. It looked good on her, Onyxa had to admit.
"So what do you think?"
"A bit overdressed for babysitting a prisoner transfer, don't you think?" Onyxa commented dryly, drawing a scowl from her. She flashed that smirk once more at her as she scowled. "It is quite… nice."
Vette smiled then, knowing for Lady Sith, 'quite nice' meant she looked damn good in the dress. She'd wondered just how the woman would respond seeing her in it. She had debated waiting until after the mission, but had been unable to contain the thought of catching Onyxa off guard, jaw dropping and eyes widening at the sight of her. She'd waited after donning it, just long enough for her to have been bored from waiting.
"How much time do we have?" Vette asked, part of her wanting to linger in her new dress a while longer.
"We have a little time yet." Onyxa said and shrugged, intentionally looking about the room, anywhere but at the twi'lek. Some things were simply best not even acknowledged, let alone thought about. "The time before we depart is all yours. Feel free to do as you wish until-"
The datapad on her belt beeped again, but this time was using a unique tone Vette had never heard before. And judging by Lady Sith's reaction, it was not something she had been expecting either. She looked... honestly stunned. It was the first time the twi'lek had seen Onyxa caught so off guard. She recovered quickly. "Leave me for now. This is important." Her tone brokered no argument as she suddenly turned and left the room.
The sights and sounds of what just happened left Vette standing there, uncertain exactly what to make of it. This was... new. A chance that had dropped into her lap without warning. The Sith had told her to leave her alone for now... but her curiosity was burning too strong to ignore this. She really wanted to know what this was all about. If it wasn't related to the mission, there was no harm, no foul right?
The meditation chamber was located within the heart of residence, past the training yards and in a largely secluded area of the mansion. It was an area Onyxa was well familiar with, having spent much time here as a child when training and her studies permitted. More than once, she had spent hours simply resting, mediating, channeling the force about her to her will. It had helped her many times overcome the trials and strains of training, and even helped provide answers to her mother's many tests, both with the force and in life.
Such fond memories were quickly cast aside as she activated the chamber's special comm. Now was not the time for indulging in nostalgia. Business first... and explaining herself if need be.
She lowered herself to one knee, bowing deeply as the hologram flared to life. The Sith in front of her was tall and graceful. Her facial features were sharp and angular, hard and piercing eyes framed by long and straight hair that reached to the small of her back. Time had been very kind to the woman, to the point she appeared only in her late twenties to early thirties. It was only the faintest lines near her eyes and mouth that betrayed her near fifty years of age.
Her attire appeared more a customized military uniform than Sith robes. While the hologram did not show it, Onyxa could envision the black and red colours of the sith, with golden decorations adorning the outfit. Knee high leather boots, shiny, skin-tight leggings that hugged her legs and hips, as well as a black top that was form-fitted to her torso, displaying a rather grandiose, womanly figure. The right sleeve was cut off at the elbow, allowing the slim yet heavy-plated mechanical prosthetic arm unhindered movement. A thick and regal gold-plated belt and elegant small cape on her back completed the ensemble.
The lightsaber at her belt bared many similarities to a rapier hilt, even possessing an elegant rose pattern guard that wrapped around to protect the hand.
Onyxa bowing deeply. "Mother. You wished to speak with me?"
"Do you think me blind and deaf, child?" Her words were spoken calmly and without anger, but they still cut deep, making Onyxa flinch. "I already know all about the Black Talon, as well as your 'misadventures' on Korriban beforehand. You have not been very subtle, to put it mildly."
Onyxa remained silent, bracing herself in preparation.
"I am suprised. I did not think Kilran would be so brazen as to force my daughter into one of his personal vendetta's. But then you went ahead and turned it into a success regardless, despite trying to provoke the Jedi's Grandmaster. It... It..." The ferocity of her pose suddenly diminished as she broke into a chuckle, and a faint smile was still on her lips as she added, "It reminds me of myself when I was your age. I trust your actions won't cause too much trouble in the future?"
A wave of relief washed over Onyxa. She bowed a second time, just a little bit deeper. "My apologies mother. I did only what I thought was best, given the circumstances."
"You did well. A little rough and imprecise around the edges, but excellently done. I am pleased you chose to spare Orzik. He's a good man, and his loss would have been most unfortunate to the Empire."
"Thank you mother. ... Myrrha is safe then?"
"She is. And so far, no one appears aware of the connection between the two of you. I must warn you, however; Do not imperil yourself on such needlessly dangerous ventures if you can avoid it. Not only do the Jedi know about you now, but Baras is not to be underestimated. He will be looking for any reason to end you should you make yourself vulnerable. And if he ever learns more about you, it will only make things more difficult. My attempts to keep you hidden can only go so far now that you are his apprentice. It isn't what we planned, but we can still turn this to our favour."
She expected as such, and nodded. "I understand, mother. I will be cautious."
"Good. As for your request... You should know that such a thing is unprecedented. You've placed me in quite the bind. This will require several favours I had hoped to exploit otherwise." she paused, testing her daughter's resolve. Onyxa remained calm and firm, showing no hesitation. "Do you truly believe your decision was right, Onyxa Solaris?"
"I do."
"Do you truly believe he is strong enough to survive the journey ahead? It doesn't matter to me if he dies, but what say you?"
Onyxa's eyes hardened. She showed no fear, no doubt, only the utmost confidence. There was no way that she would back down. "I did what was right and what needed to be done to ensure it. His survival will benefit the Sith." She dipped her head ever so slightly. "His fate rests with you now."
The Darth paused, her countenance one of enigmatic observation as she cupped her chin, mulling it over. Onyxa could not read through it at all, though she made no effort to do so. It was a pointless venture; she would never be able to pierce through it. At last, her mother nodded. "As you have seen fit to spare his life, at no little trouble nor effort on your part, I will see to it he is properly protected. For now. Once he has recovered in full... we shall let the force decide his fate."
Onyxa waited, but when her mother remained silent and it became clear no other answer was forthcoming, she bowed once more. "Thank you, mother."
"Remember this well, Onyxa. You are strong, and will continue to grow stronger still. But strength and power alone are worthless. They must be tempered by your mind, your vigilance, and your will. Do not move forward blindly. The strong live for they are adaptable, while the weak perish because they are not. You have faced a padawan and defeated them, but the galaxy and your journey ahead are vast. From this point forward, you must be prepared for anything."
"By the grace of yours and Tremel's teachings, I will not fail." Once more, Onyxa bowed deeply. "I swear I shall strive to honor our name, mother. I will remain vigilant in the struggles ahead."
Her mother smiled a second time. "I have no doubt you will make me proud, my child. May the force serve you well." Then the smile deepened, a noticeable edge of amusement entering her tone as she added, "Oh, and do inform your twi'lek companion that it is rude to eavesdrop on a Sith's conversation."
Onyxa stiffened, head spinning towards the doorway just in time to see Vette backing away from the door, caught red handed. The Sith rose to her feet in a blink, the hologram fading out as her mother disconnected behind her.
Oh blast...
This is it, she thought as she braced for the end, this is how I die. She squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for the lightsaber to cut her down. Or maybe she was about to be sent flying throughout the room the same way Vemrin had been thrown about the tomb on Korriban. Crushed, broken, dead...
She didn't expect the gentle pressure of Onyxa's hand coming to rest on her head. Hesitantly, Vette cracked an eye open a moment later when she failed to feel the pain or jolt of electrocution through her body she was so sure that was coming. Onyxa was smirking at her again, just slightly. Looking at her, she could see the corner of her mouth turned up in a smile, not a scowl like she feared. It was more the type of smile an older brother or sister gave when their sibling's antics had gone a bit too far, but still cared for them all the same.
"Vette... We'll be heading out soon. Go get dressed."
Still somewhat stunned, Vette weakly nodded, backing away as Onyxa departed, door sliding closed with a soft hiss of air as she left. Leaning against the wall, Vette gave a long slow sigh. For a moment, she really thought she was about to... But no. She didn't do anything. Despite the Sith being well within her rights to lash out, perhaps even slap the shock collar back on for eavesdropping... she hadn't done anything. Even more, she had been amused by it all.
Did Onyxa like her? Sith, Vette frowned with the thought. Why couldn't Lady Sith just let that stoic guard down for two seconds? If she liked her, fine. Hey, even if she didn't, that was okay too. She just wanted to know where things were between them. She hated mysteries and puzzles. Mysteries and puzzles were meant to be solved, not kept wrapped up and hidden. She couldn't even stand wrapped presents on Life Day being out early. She had to find out what they were, one way or another. As she changed, Vette swore one way or another, she was going to figure Onyxa out.
The spaceport was busy with a rush of bodies coming and going. It was a flurry of activity that made Onyxa wonder what was going on. Had it not been that most were troopers or bounty hunters, Onyxa would have thought trouble was coming quickly. She'd caught the vid news about the bounty hunters and their 'Great Hunt' that was going on, and guessed the extra activity likely was due to that. Cross that bridge if and when you come to it, Onyxa reminded herself.
Onyxa glanced about from within the deep hood of her black robe, ever on her guard. Her two new lightsabers hung at her hip, a pair of equal weights that reminded her of the their presence constantly. Vette stood beside her, armed with her own pair of blasters, one strapped on each hip. She'd gotten new armoured clothing as well from the marketplace. A light grey vest overtop a sleeveless black shirt that left her arms bare, leaving her with her full range of motion. Completing the look were gray, form fitting pants and black knee high boots with silver trim. Onyxa would not have ever said it aloud, but the twi'lek looked as beautiful as she was deadly.
Commander Lachlyn and his trooper escort were right where they were supposed to be in the docking bay. Onyxa gave a curt, quick nod as she approached and spoke with the Commander. While unhappy to think Darth Baras required his apprentice to ensure they did their jobs, it was quickly apparent Lachlyn had no real idea of the danger he was in. It didn't take long for her concerns to be confirmed. Without warning, Onyxa found they were surrounded by two different groups of mercenaries and thieves. Vette's fingers fell to her blasters, wiggling in anticipation of a fight. Onyxa cast Vette a quick glance, shaking her head negatively. Vette frowned and arched an eyebrow back at her questioningly.
"Why is it every time I'm out with you, we end up fighting for our lives?" She quipped, to which Onyxa just flashed her a smirk.
"Be ready." Onyxa stated as she moved forward towards two figures exchanging words that were clearly either side's respective leaders. "And keep your head down."
Vette watched the Sith as she spoke briefly with the men. She could feel the tension in Lachlyn and his troopers about her, and it mirrored her own. Her hands remained at her sides, hovering close to her blasters. It was part skill, part practice, but she kept them away just enough not to spook anyone. Onyxa had told her not to draw and open fire on the would be thieves, and she would follow Lady Sith's lead.
Without warning the groups leapt apart, blaster fire tearing across the docking bay between them. Onyxa jumped back as well, before calmly walking the rest of the way back to the group looking almost bored at the carnage around them. Lacklyn's men swung their rifles back and forth, unsure if, or who to shoot. Nobody seemed interested anymore in them or Lachlyn's cargo.
"What did you just do?" Vette asked, violet eyes glancing past the woman to watch the fire fight.
"Nothing much." Onyxa shrugged, giving her that amused smirk once again. "I just showed I was prepared for a fight."
