A/N: It was way more fun to tell the Warrior's story from Vette's point of view. Might have to write more with her. Quick note about my head cannon with the Warrior: 'Xakersta' was the name he took for himself after completing the Sith trials, Darth Imperious was the name granted to him on becoming the Emperor's Wrath. Hope there's no confusion.

"Is it all right if I check out the food kiosk while you look around at Creepy Sith Stuff Inc.," Vette asked Xakersta. They'd just made it to Carrick Station from Korriban, and her new Sith Overlord had wanted to shop for supplies before heading to the capital of the Sith Empire. It was a trip Vette had no intention of completing. She'd broken out of worse than being controlled by an electrical shock collar while in the heart of the Empire. Sure, nothing was currently coming to mind, but really, how hard could it be? First, she just needed something to eat. She hadn't eaten since she tried breaking into that tomb since her jailer had not been inclined to feed her while she was incarcerated. Seriously rude. No wonder Sith had no friends, probably threw lousy parties too…

"Help yourself," he replied, breaking her train of thought as he glanced at her quickly before returning his gaze to the lightsaber enhancements on display. As a reward for recovering Naga Sadow's lightsaber he was given a large stipend to upgrade his gear. "Do you require credits?"

"Well, it's not like I got paid for my portion of the tomb raiding," Vette quipped, instantly regretting her choice of words. Sith were sensitive to that kind of thing, which given the fact he still held the control for her shock collar could mean she could suffer for that.

Instead, he smirked while tapping a few buttons on a control located on his left bracer. Instantly hers pinged indicating that he'd transferred some credits to her. Vette's eyes boggled when she saw how much. "Be sure to get something for me as well. Acolytes were not fed much better than the prisoners."

"Yeah, you got it," Vette stammered, surprised by his actions. Mentally shrugging it off, she headed to the nearest kiosk, trying not to be obvious as she looked for flaws in the stations security system. Unfortunately, she stopped paying attention to what was going on around her and suddenly found her path blocked by an Imperial soldier, the dark look on his face making her nervous. She mumbled and apology and turned around, just to see two more soldiers behind her and another to her right. She could feel her stomach drop as she turned to face the one that had initially blocked her path as he started to speak.

"Look what we have here boys. Lost, little slave?"

"Just on getting something to eat for my master," Vette answered, hoping to stall until she could discover a way out. Thinking on her feet, she added, "He's Darth Baras' new apprentice, you wouldn't want to mess with him."

"I'm sure he won't mind if we play with you for a bit," the one to her left said, moving closer to her. Vette instinctively stepped away and realized her mistake. They'd chosen their attack point well, the passage way they were forcing her down was short and out of sight of the promenade at the center of the station.

"Please don't do this," Vette begged, knowing it was useless even as she spoke. Despite the crowds, no one was moving to stop them.

"Oh, I like it when they beg," their leader said with a vicious smile. "Let's hear another."

"I agree, beg for your life," a voice behind them thundered. Before Vette knew what was going on, all four of the soldiers were in the air, grasping their necks as some invisible force choked them. Looking behind them, she saw Xakersta, eyes flashing red in his anger.

"Apologies my Lord," he gasped out. "We didn't know she was yours, we thought she was just another slave."

"And that gives you the right to take what you want from others," he demanded, momentarily tightening his grip. "I should kill you all here as a lesson to others for this behavior."

"Please, just let them go," Vette pleaded. She hated them for what they tried to do to her, but he was scaring her and didn't want to see what he was capable of in this state.

Vette's voice was the shock he needed to break him of his anger. Eyes returning to brown, he released his grip on the men, all of them crashing to the ground gasping for breath. Towering over them menacingly, he threatened in a low voice, "Thank Vette for her mercy, because that is the only reason you live. Let this day serve as a reminder the next time you wish to take from someone that which they do not wish to give."

"Yes, my Lord. Thank you… Vette… you are most kind," the leader gasped before they all ran off.

Dazed by what had just happened, Vette looked over to see Xakersta had walked down the passageway she'd almost been dragged into. He was breathing heavy, and his eyes were darting back and forth as if he were trapped in a memory he didn't want.

"Are you ok," Vette asked, stepping close to him, but far enough away in case he lashed out.

Instead of answering, he quickly moved behind her and started pushing buttons on her collar. She didn't know what he was doing until he placed the shock collar in her hands. Vette looked at it dumbfounded, still trying to figure out what just happened.

"I beg your forgiveness, Vette," he apologized quietly. "I had thought it would be safer for you if that was on, that if others thought you belonged to someone they wouldn't… I never thought they would be so bold. If I had known, I would have taken it off once we were on the transport from Korriban."

"Wait, you planned on taking this off?" Vette was stunned, Sith weren't known for leniency. "Now I wished I had asked sooner."

"Neither the collar nor the slavery were my idea. You are not my slave, Vette," he answered, stepping away from her. Turning his back to her, he added, "You are free to go at any time, I will not hold you against your will."

Was he serious? She could go, just like that? Deciding not to question it, Vette was just about to take off when she took a close look at him. Xakersta was not the proud Sith who stood up to Darth Baras or the Imperials threatening her. He looked almost broken, like someone used to having things he cared about taken from him. The thought she might have something in common with a Sith was mindboggling. Her instincts told her to run, but her gut was telling her to stick around.

Coming to decision she knew she was going to regret, she stepped next to Xakersta so they stood shoulder to shoulder, and asked, "So do we have time to eat before our shuttle leaves for Dromund Kaas?"

The look of hope in his eyes caused Vette's stomach to flip, a reaction she really hated herself for. She should not be making nice with a Sith, that usually resulted in a shortened life expectancy.

"I believe we still have time," he answered, leading her out. Instead of the kiosk she was originally headed to, he took her to a restaurant in the center of the station.

They ate in companionable silence until Vette asked, "So what's next? I mean what's the plan from here, other than the orders from Darth Creepy Robes."

"You and me, working together, taking down the galaxy," he answered. Vette couldn't tell if he was being genuine, but there was a glint in his eye that seemed to be amusement. "What do you think?"

"What? Uh… sure, me and my buddy the Sith, nobody's gonna pick on me at school," she stammered, trying to wrap her head around what he'd said. Now she knew he was amused. "Never mind, let's get out of here before we miss our shuttle."

"As you decree," he replied with an exaggerated bow.

"You're not at all what I expected," Vette sad as she looked him over. "That's a good thing."

"We're all set for lift off," Vette announced, standing at the threshold of Xak's quarters. They had just wrapped up Balmorra and were headed to Nar Shadda. "Captain Stick-Up-His-Butt insisted on handling the details." She was not a fan of their new addition, but in truth she hated piloting in Imperial space, ass holes always gave her a hard time since she was a Twi'lek. She was more than happy to pawn that job to Quinn, and had the pleasure of giving him a hard time while he was at it. Win-win.

"Thank you, Vette," the Sith answered, voice sounding strained. He was sitting on his bed, eyes focused on something he held in his hands. "Was there anything else?"

"No, that was it," she answered. Normally she could at least get a smile out of him, he really wasn't as intimidating as the front he put on unless he had reason to be. She was even able to get away with calling him by a nickname (as long as Darth Creepy Face wasn't in earshot). But he'd been off ever since he met with some woman just before they left. "You ok?"

"I'm fine," he snapped. Sighing he continued, "Just a lot on my mind. I apologize if I've been distant."

"It's fine. Wanna talk about it?" Vette couldn't believe it, but the big guy had started to mean something to her. She had few friends in her life, fewer that were still around, and she couldn't fight the instinct that wanted to help.

He didn't answer, still hadn't even looked at her. She was just about to slip away when he stood and walked toward her, holding out the object in his hands to her. Carefully, she took it and looked it over. It was a picture of two teenage boys, clearly twins. The one on the left had shaggy brown hair and a large smile that met his brown eyes. He had a mischievous glint to his eye and his smile was playful. The one on the right had matching eyes to his brother, far more serious, and dark blond hair cut in a short familiar style.

"Is this you," Vette asked, pointing to the boy on the right.

"Yes," Xak answered, voice tight. "The other boy in the picture is my twin brother, it was taken shortly before the Sith discovered me. The woman who met with me at the space port was my mother. She informed me…" his voice gave out, but he shook his head and tried again. "After I left, my brother…. He's gone," he finally forced out.

"I'm so sorry, Xakersta," Vette comforted softly, placing a hand on his arm. "I know what it's like, losing family. My sister was taken when she was young."

"By who," he asked, voiced laced with sympathy.

"The Hutts. She was young and beautiful, I'm sure you can guess what they wanted her for," Vette sighed. "I'm not sure if she's even still alive. I have someone looking, but he keeps hitting dead ends. Anyway, point is, I know how much that hurts…"

"Give him my access to Imperial records," Xakersta interrupted. He seemed to be fighting to reign in his anger, the same anger he showed when the soldiers cornered her. "If you need help to cover his costs, do not hesitate to come to me."

"Are you serious?" Vette couldn't believe it. She was trying to comfort him and instead he was turning this around to help her.

"Family is precious," he answered softly, taking the picture back from her. "I have missed the chance to reunite with mine. I would spare you that pain."

"You're amazing, you know that," she replied.

"Does that mean you'll finally get that drink with me," he asked, a ghost of a smile returning to his eyes.

"Don't push it," Vette joked.

"Really not what I pictured from a Sith, must be Vette's influence," Taunt said contemplatively, looking Xakersta over.

"Nope, that's all him," Vette replied, unable to keep the awe from her voice. She couldn't believe everything Xak had done, there was no way she could have gotten the Star of Kala'unn without him. And now he was just giving it to her old team without asking for anything in return. "Amazing, right?"

"I see," Taunt replied with a knowing smile before turning to Xakersta. "Good luck cracking that safe."

"Am I missing something?"

"Just jokes love," she replied with an almost condescending smile. Vette loved Taunt like the sister she'd lost, but she hated it when they treated her like a kid.

"You coming with us, girl," Plasmajack asked.

"I…"

"It's ok, Vette," Xakersta interjected softly. "I told you before you were free to leave at any time."

She looked at him and saw honesty there, but also like his heart was breaking. Confused at the emotions she was feeling, she answered, still looking at Xakersta, "No, I've found my place. I'm going to stay put for a while." The relief and happiness that washed over his face caused a smile of her own, and she turned back to her friends, "But I promise to keep in touch."

"You've at least got time for a meal, right," Taunt asked. "Let's show a Sith a good time."

"Nobody celebrates like Sith celebrate," he replied, playful arrogance back in place.

"Challenge accepted," Plasmajack announced happily. "First drink on the Sith of course."

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Xakersta replied, eyes lighting up.

Taunt signaled to Vette to let the boys go first, looping her arm through Vette's as they strode several steps behind.

"I don't care what species you are, all men are the same," Taunt sighed with a smile. Ahead, Xak had gotten into a drinking challenge with Plasmajack and Flash, the three of them loudly boasting of their prowess.

"Isn't that the truth," Vette laughed. "They should be careful, I've seen him go head to head with the Black Ops guy on our crew, and he's conditioned to handle poisoning."

"I'll keep an eye on the other two," Taunt promised. "I want you to know, I approve."

"Of what?"

"Of him. You found a good one."

"I don't understand."

"You will," Taunt answered, resting her head on Vette's shoulder while they walked.

Vette couldn't focus, no matter how hard she tried. Finally, she gave up, leaning against her console and let her thoughts run free, waiting to see where they led.

"You got a serious look in your eye," Xak said from where he rested against the entrance to the cargo bay.

"First time for everything," Vette sighed without looking at him as he stepped in front of her. "Ok, so I've been thinking. About you, about me, about all of that. You're a super powerful Sith Lord who can have anything he wants. I'm a former slave and a thief. And you choose me? Seriously?"

"Seriously," he replied. "You're beautiful, charming, sometimes crazy, and always exciting. What man wouldn't choose you?"

"Umm…. Speechless," Vette stammered. "To be continued."

"You don't have to shut me down," he said gently.

"Yes, I really do," she insisted. "Look, it's just a lot to take in. I promise, later ok?"

"As you wish," Xakersta said with a bow. "Take the time you need, I wish you to be sure."

Vette had cleared the ship out. Jaesa had comm'd ahead with the suggestion, only saying there had been an incident while on Hoth. Vette had refused to go down, glad that the new apprentice's enthusiasm had amused Xak enough to take her instead. Jaesa wouldn't say what happened, or even tell her what was going on in Xak's head to make the former Jedi warn the ship should be empty. She made some claim about 'respecting his privacy' -what a load of nerf dung that was- and only saying it would be best if the others were not around while he calmed down.

Vette's thoughts were interrupted when she heard Xakersta enter the ship. She knew it must be bad if she could hear him in his quarters from her place in the engine room. She debated for a while before finally deciding to go check on him.

When she found him, he was muttering to himself, angrily throwing things around with the force. A small figurine when wild, and almost nailed her in the head.

"Careful or the Universe will be down one cute Twi'lek," Vette joked, starting to question the wisdom of coming so soon to check on him.

"Vette, I'm sorry, I didn't know you were there," he apologized, anger receding. His eyes had been an angry red, but were slowly turning back to their calmer brown color.

"It's my fault, I know better than to sneak up on an angry Sith," she replied.

"Where is everyone else," Xakersta asked.

"Gone," Vette explained. "Jaesa messaged ahead you might need some privacy."

"Did she say anything else," he demanded.

"Nope, not even when I prodded. She actually hung up on me." That earned her a small smile, but it was gone quickly. "I'm here if you want to talk about it, or I can head out with the rest of the crew."

Xakersta looked her over before softly replying, "I would prefer it if you stay."

"What happened down there," Vette asked, slowly entering his quarters and perching on his desk. Most times Xakersta was calm, but when he got like this, he was more like a wild animal where one quick move could startle him. She supposed wounded animal would be more apt in this case, judging by the look in his eyes.

"I ran into an acolyte, now Lord, I trained with on Ziost," he explained, his voice sounding tight. "He brought up memories I have been trying to forget."

"I understand," Vette said sympathetically. She thought over her next words before carefully asking, "Is that where it happened?"

"Where what happened," he demanded.

"You don't have to talk about it, but I promise to keep it between us if you do. I know how deadly any perceived weakness can be around Sith."

He stared at Vette with disbelief before stammering, "How…"

"My people are regularly abused like that, the signs are easy when you've seen it enough: Your reaction when the soldiers cornered me, your anger when you realized what my sister had been taken for…"

"I had not realized I was so obvious," Xakersta said softly, head bowed in shame.

"You weren't," Vette quickly answered, "it was just obvious to me. I'm here if you want to talk, but I'll respect your desire for privacy."

Sitting heavily on the bed, he quietly confessed, "On Ziost, when I was an acolyte, I was lured out into the surrounding forest. He had me pinned before I even knew what was going on. I fought back, but he was a Darth… I was no match."

"I'm so sorry," Vette said, wishing there was something better to say, as she moved next to him on the bed, putting her arms around him.

"He had just gotten my pants off when his head exploded."

"What?" That was not the sequence of events she had been expecting.

"Some assassin used his distraction to get a shot on him. A Chiss I'd never seen before or since. After he took off I ran to the overseers to inform them of the murder. Shortly thereafter I was sent to Korriban." Unsure of what to say, Vette kept quiet and rubbed comforting circles on his back. "You must think me weak," he whispered, head turned away and bowed in shame.

"Why would I think that," Vette asked. "Because someone took advantage of you?"

"I couldn't defend myself when I needed to. What man allows that to happen?"

"You think I'm that superficial I'll hold something like that against you? I get that Lt. Pierce and Capt. No-Fun look down on me, but I thought you knew better." Vette was hurt he thought she'd think less of him, especially for something like that. "I love you, you hard headed Sith. That means something where I'm from," she snapped at him, hurt mixing with anger. Belatedly she realized that was the first time she'd told him that. She had planned for something a little less fight oriented, but things rarely went according to plan for her.

Xakersta was stunned by her confession before muttering as he looked away, "You're only saying that because you pity me."

Before she could stop herself, she smacked the back of his head. He faced her, stunned by her actions.

"Ok, first of all, I don't just say that, to anyone. In fact, you're the first person I've ever said it to. Second, I don't pity you, I admire you. You helped me when no one else would and you go out of your way to help others, not really a Sithy trait. Finally, and you better listen to this one cause I'm not repeating it, no one talks down about the guy I love, especially you. You survived something horrific and came out stronger, and I'll keep saying it until it finally gets through your thick skull, but you are not weak because of what happened. Am I clear?"

Stunned, Xakersta nodded, mouth open in surprise. "You hit me."

"Yeah, I did," Vette answered, embarrassed as she looked down. She'd never reacted like that before. "I needed to get your attention and I'm not sure what came over me…"

"No one's done that to me since my brother and I would fight," he said before reaching his hand under her chin and gently urged her to look at him. When she finally did, she saw a small smile on his face. "He was also the last one to accuse me of being stubborn. Did you mean it?"

"The thick skull thing? Absolutely."

"Not that," he laughed, eyes finally lighting up, "but I'll keep that in mind. I love you too Vette, and I promise I will do everything in my power to keep you safe."

"I'm not helpless, you know," she sighed as she melted into his embrace. For the first time in longer than she could remember, Vette finally felt as if she'd come home.

"I know, it's one of the many things I love about you," he answered holding her tighter. "All the same, you're mine and I will do all in my power to keep you safe."

"Just so long as you remember that you're also mine," Vette replied, "and no one messes with you. Unless it's some creepy sith-y thing. In which case I'll be there, but I'll be really mad about having to deal with it. You know how much that stuff creeps me out."

"I'll keep it in mind," he laughed, holding her close to him.