Chapter Eighteen: Journeys
The shuttle hatch opened as Lorrik and Jresh approached. The vessel was one of the standardized vessels utilized by the Empire. Gray. Compact. Angular. The same model that had once dumped them amidst the wastes of Korriban. The same model that had just recently ferried them to the orbital station. Setting their packed belongings loosely amongst the passenger area, the pair ducked their heads into the cockpit, only to see a droid sitting patiently where an organic pilot would usually reside. The humanoid machine resembled the protocol and factotum droids that could be seen maintaining the station, as well as the more technically oriented sections of the Academy.
Swiveling around in its seat, the droid greeted the two new occupants. "Greetings masters," the pilot sounded off with an overbearing politeness. "I am Astromechanical Logistics Droid 438. It is my duty and privilege to provide you transport wherever you may desire."
The inquisitor looked upon the mechanical pilot with a curious glee. "Honestly, when was the last time we met someone this nice?"
"It's a droid. Its emotional state is just programming," Jresh offered.
"People aren't any different, our software just has a few more… bugs," Lorrik joked. Approaching the droid, the inquisitor pulled a sheet of flimsiplast from his robes. "ALD, can you take us to these coordinates?"
The pilot took the sheet, holding it in front of his mechanical eyes for but a moment. "Certainly master. I shall set a course immediately." The droid went straight to inputting the coordinates into the navicomputer, already running the internal calculations required to expedite the journey. The vessel lifted itself from its landing struts, hovering a short distance above the hangar floor. With none of the other shuttles impeding its path, the starship left the confines of the orbital station, setting out on its journey.
The two travelers watched as the holoprojector that sat beside the pilot lit up, displaying a luminescent map of the known galaxy. Data points began to pop up as the map focused, zooming in toward a nondescript planet nestled in the Outer Rim. Ortess-3. Name given not by any inhabitants, but by offworld charters before they knew anything more than its location. The Imperial databank provided limited details. Size. Number of moons. Nothing regarding its populace or mining operations.
"Ortess-3. So that's what it was called," Lorrik said, almost whispering. The inquisitor looked to his companion, whom looked upon the holoprojector with quiet fascination. "Go ahead, the co-pilot's chair is empty."
"The droid has everything under control," Jresh replied, not removing his gaze from the console. "I'd not interfere."
"Come on," Lorrik teased. "Astromechanics is the closest thing you've had to a hobby, and it's not like the Academy could accommodate it like me and my cooking."
"I'd only consider it passing interest-"
"A passing interest that more than expedited our trip through the wastes," Lorrik reminded. "It's good to have something in your life that doesn't involve punching and stabbing."
The warrior momentarily tore his gaze from the ship's console to lock eyes with his companion. The inquisitor offered nothing more than a gentle smile, one that proved contagious. Without another word, the Pureblood entered the cockpit, placing himself in the co-pilot's chair. Turning around, he saw that Lorrik had already retreated into the passenger bay, leaving him alone with the droid.
Jresh looked over the console that stretched out in front of him. The various panels and dials were automated to remain under the droid's control, but the Pureblood was more than happy to devote to them his full attention.
"All systems ready," the droid stated. "Shall we make the jump to lightspeed, master?"
"Proceed," Jresh directed.
Without delay, the droid engaged the hyperdrive. Destination set, there was a momentary calm as the vessel floated amongst the stars. Soon, the countless specks of light began to stretch across the black canvas as the shuttle jumped to lightspeed. Staring out the viewport, Jresh looked in awe at the swirling tunnel of hyperspace, a sight he had not seen in over a decade.
Back in the passenger bay, Lorrik sat alone. The Human was hunched over, chin resting on his interlocked hands. They had left Korriban. They had left the Academy. He knew this day would eventually come, but never quite like this. Lorrik had long abandoned hope of seeing his family again. He had left everything behind, with no knowledge of how to return. He had never even learned the name of the planet he and the other slaves toiled on.
The chance existed that said planet was not their current destination, but merely where Olto Yerrig currently resided. But the inquisitor would not permit such a thought within his mind. He knew, with every fiber of his being, that they were heading toward that barren, relentless world. The world Tash's apprentice plucked him from over ten years ago. The chance existed that his parents had not survived all those years. But that too would receive no attention. He knew they were still alive. He knew. He knew. He had to know.
As the shuttle traveled through hyperspace, there was little to do other than wait. Hours upon hours passed. The warrior and inquisitor would keep to themselves, occasionally checking up on one another, making sure the other was okay. Though neither truly knew what would constitute okay. Or whether it was truly a time to be okay. They knew their destination, but not what awaited them there.
Sitting in the co-pilot's chair, Jresh watched the console in front of him light up as the hyperspace tunnel collapsed. The stars returned to their usual place as dots amongst the void. In front of the vessel, a planet of faded yellows and hazes stood before them. Ortess-3.
"Lorrik, we're here," Jresh shouted toward the passenger bay. The inquisitor rushed to the cockpit, awestruck with the sight of the looming planet. His lips began to quiver as he struggled to find the words. "ALD, take us down."
"Right away, master," the droid called out. The shuttle approached the planet's surface as fast as its sub-light engines would allow. The vessel firmly in the hands of its pilot, Jresh removed himself from his seat, ushering himself toward the passenger bay. The Pureblood found his companion frozen in place ahead of him, eyes staring off into the distance.
"Don't worry, everything will be okay," Jresh said.
"I'm not entirely sure that's up to us," Lorrik muttered. Shaking his head, the inquisitor shook himself from his stupor, retreating into the passenger bay alongside his companion. The two gathered themselves, preparing for whatever might await them on the planet's surface. As the shuttle passed through the hazy atmosphere of the industrial world, the pilot received a transmission.
"Masters, someone from the surface is asking our names and purpose," the droid declared.
"Tell them we're Sith, and leave it at that," Lorrik shouted to the cockpit.
"Is that wise?" Jresh asked.
"I've no idea the current terms of Tash and Yerrig's relationship," Lorrik explained. "My departure seemed cordial enough, but then again I was a child at the time. And ten years is more than enough time for relations to sour. Just be prepared for anything."
The shuttle descended until it has passed through the thick smog that dominated the sky, setting its sights on a clearing beside a grandiose structure. A clearing that aligned with the set of planetary coordinates provided by Vai Thorel. The shuttle extended its landing gears as it touched down upon the smooth pavement that surrounded the home and office of Olto Yerrig.
"Open the doors, ALD," Lorrik softly directed. Without delay, the entrance ramp unfolded from the vessel's chassis, and the exterior hatch rescinded itself. With a mutual nod, the two Sith stepped from the confines of the shuttle.
The filtered sunlight that passed through the polluted sky lit the area, granting the visitors full view their surroundings. Surroundings populated by armed guards training their weapons on the unscheduled Sith. The guards were garbed in dark colors, protected by armor afforded only to the best security forces. Their faces were concealed behind masked helmets, threatening visages meant to provoke fear from the local workers.
Lorrik took a step forward, the guards reaffirming their rifle barrels toward the Human. The two Sith remained calm, panning their gazes across the horizon, looking beyond those who had them in their sights. The inquisitor thought how to proceed, but he knew with each passing second of silence, their presence would be less and less tolerated.
"We are the servants of Darth Tash, and require an audience with Olto Yerrig," Lorrik bellowed with a presence previously unheard of. The tension remained, but somehow the air seemed calm. Slowly, the guards lowered their weapons.
"Come with us," one of the enforcers directed through the modulation of his helmet. One by one the guards broke their encircling formation, opening a path for the visitors. The two Sith began to walk, flanked by Yerrig's security guiding them toward his domicile.
Lorrik and Jresh kept their heads low, doing nothing to arouse any suspicions. Walking upon the paved ground, the inquisitor saw the progress his former master had made in the last decade. His palace, though expanded, remained far less opulent than those owned by Hutts or nobles. The majority of his earnings had been reinvested in the mines. Digging operations had spread far beyond the nearby mountains. Transit systems had been implemented, expediting the movements of workers and minerals. Things were unpleasant, dirty, but ultimately recognizable in all forms to the former slave.
Passing through the grand archway leading into Yerrig palace, the two visitors immediately found themselves amongst a stark contrast to the world outside. Everything about the structure's interior was smooth and polished. Grandiose pillars lined the foyer, artistic structures and paintings providing a sense of wealth and regality, even more so than the last time Lorrik had stepped foot within.
At the far end of the entrance hall, a figure rushed toward the Sith flanked by two armed guards of his own. The man was garbed in soft attire, filled with the body of a man who spent little of the past ten years working out. The inquisitor instantly recognized the Human. Olto Yerrig. The man's pace was hurried, but he bore no sign of rejection toward his visitors. In fact, he appeared beholden to them.
"Sith!" Yerrig called out, a great distance still separating the two parties. "I sincerely apologize for the lack of a warm welcome, your visit was unscheduled. Had I known you were coming I would have prepared a much more pleasant arrival. Please, what can I do for you?"
The two Sith remained silent as they approached Yerrig. When they finally met at the center of the hall, there was an awkward silence as the businessman did everything in his power to avoid upsetting his visitors. Finally, the inquisitor spoke.
"Our business concerns the boy taken from here ten years ago," Lorrik carefully stated.
"Ah, yes, the Velash child," Yerrig perfectly recalled. "I have kept my word with Mr. Thorel, the boy's parents have been taken care of."
Lorrik's eyes widened. "Taken care of?"
"That's correct. They reside here in the palace. I've made sure they've remained in good health," Yerrig explained.
"Good… good," Lorrik muttered. "Might we see them?"
"Of course," Yerrig said with a quick bow of his head. "Right this way, right this way." Turning his back on the visitors, Yerrig began leading them deeper into the palace. Passing more and more displays of opulence and pride, the Sith were eventually taken to a nondescript chamber. "This is where they reside."
"May we have some privacy?" Lorrik asked.
"Absolutely," Yerrig declared with a dip of his head. There was a pause as the man looked to the floor, his feet firmly planet. "My lords, pardon my ignorance, but what exactly will you do with them? Is our agreement with Mr. Thorel and your master still in place?"
"Yes, you needn't worry about that," Lorrik quickly replied. "We merely have a few question we believe only they can answer. Your cooperation is appreciated and noted."
Without another word, Yerrig backed away with yet another subtle bow of his head, allowing the two visitors free access to the chamber. Lorrik took a deep breath before opening the door. Stepping inside, the two Sith found themselves within a humble dwelling, at least, in comparison to the palace that surrounded it. Lightly decorated. Soft colors. Serene.
Closing the door behind them, the two Sith cautiously ventured into the chamber. The small living area gave way to hallways and other rooms, a self-contained home within Yerrig's. It was warm. Inviting. Peaceful. It was unlike anything the inquisitor had expected. Meanwhile, it reminded the warrior of the colonial estate he had once called his home. As the two studied their surroundings with a pleasant wonder, a figure emerged from one of the halls.
"If you're going to check on us, you can at least…" the man began, before slowly drifting away at the sight of the visitors. Where he had expected one of Yerrig's enforcers, he stood before a pair of robed individuals. "Who… who are…?"
A female voice emanated from one of the distant rooms. "Garen? Is everything alright?" The man was speechless. He stood frozen, eyes locked with the those of the inquisitor. Or rather, eye, as his right was covered with a cloth patch. Emerging from the hallway, the woman moved to her husband's flank. "Garen, what's going on?" Only after ending her sentence did see lay eyes upon the visitors.
"Mom… dad…" Lorrik softly muttered. His lips trembled. His eyes watered. His legs grew weak. It had been a decade since he stood in the presence of the pair of plain folk, the subtle signs of aging apparent on their faces. But in that moment, time had lost all meaning.
"Lorrik, is that really you?" Garen offered, a tear forming beneath his good eye.
The inquisitor rushed forward with glee, throwing his arms around his parents. They did the same to their son, enveloping them in their loving embrace. As they held each other closely, Lorrik felt himself becoming lost in wondrous delight, burdens slowly being lifted from his soul. Only after a few seconds did he realize that he could only feel three arms around him. Breaking away, the son saw that his mother's left arm was missing at the shoulder.
"Mom, what happened?" Lorrik hastily asked.
"The mine collapse took its toll on both of us," Meylin regretfully explained. "Your father lost an eye. I an arm. But don't worry. That day is long behind us, and we could have lost so much more. We're just so relieved to know you're safe."
"Me too… me too," Lorrik softly whispered. Perking up, the inquisitor turned around to see his companion patiently standing by the door. "Oh! Mom, dad, this is Jresh Takuul. He's been my training partner for the past two years, and a good friend. More than a good friend."
"Then what's he doing over there? Come here, come here," Garen waved his son's partner over. Jresh hesitantly complied, slowly making his way over to the group. Standing beside his companion, the warrior was shocked to find the father's arms already wrapping themselves around him. As he received the impromptu hug, the Pureblood locked eyes with his partner, giving him a silent, wide-eyed stare.
Lorrik offered a soft chuckle as he watched the warrior squirm. "It usually takes a while before he'll let anyone hug him."
"I can see your parents were good influences on you," Jresh muttered, still enduring Garen's hug. "I must say, this isn't exactly what I expected."
"You and me both," Lorrik declared. "Why are you two living with Yerrig?"
"He moved us in a day or two after you left, after we were cleared from the medical bay," Meylin explained. "Yerrig said we didn't have to work anymore. That he would take care of us."
Garen released his grip, turning his attention back toward his son. "The man who arranged your departure… he arranged some deal regarding us as well. Yerrig's done everything in his power to keep us safe."
"He has, has he?" Lorrik muttered, stroking his chin. "Listen, I'm going to have a brief conversation with Yerrig. I need you two to stay here."
"Lorrik… please, you've only just arrived," his mother reminded him. "It's been years since we've seen one another. Whatever you need to do can wait."
"I would love nothing more than to stay, and I promise, I'll be back as soon as I can," Lorrik stated. "But if we want this meeting to last any longer, there's something I need to take care of first." The inquisitor wrapped his arms around his parents one more time before heading toward the door.
Jresh passed his gaze from person to person before settling on the worried couple. "Don't worry. I'll make sure he returns safely." Fear had not yet been purged from the parents' hearts, but they ultimately believe in their son and his friend. They offered a firm nod of their heads as the two Sith retreated from the domicile.
Right before opening the door, Lorrik paused. "Do the doors lock?"
The father replied with a hesitant 'yes'.
"You ought to lock it behind us," Lorrik suggested.
"Yerrig won't like that," Garen muttered.
"Trust me, it'll be the least of his concerns," Lorrik declared. Without another word, the two Sith lowered their heads and made their way back into the palace interior.
Stepping out of the domicile, Lorrik and Jresh could see Yerrig waiting on the opposite side of the grandiose chamber, waiting for the Sith's return.
"How do you want to proceed?" Jresh mentally conversed with his partner.
"I want some answers," Lorrik mentally replied. "After that, we're shutting this place down."
"If we cause trouble, a lot of people could get caught in the crossfire. Including your parents," Jresh advised.
"Then we'll simply have to provide Yerrig terms he'll find agreeable," Lorrik replied.
"You're willing to negotiate with that man?"
"I willing to offer him a choice. And if he doesn't see reason, we'll force him to."
Lorrik and Jresh made their way toward Yerrig, who eagerly awaited their company.
"Gentlemen. Gentlemen. Did receive the answers you desired?" Yerrig warmly asked.
"Most. But not all," Lorrik declared. "Please, we'd like to discuss… business."
"Oh, of course. Please, follow me to my office."
Together the three walked, a small accompaniment of armed guard following in their wake. A brief journey through the pristine palace halls led the Sith to Yerrig's office, a place of efficiency amidst the grandiose splendor. Stepping into the compact room, Lorrik and Jresh were surrounded by databanks and terminals situated against the rounded walls. Surveys and maps of planetary excavations littered Yerrig's desk, only a single corner left uncovered. Upon that unmarred spot sat a crystal, cut and sealed within a small display case. A memento, of the first bounty yielded from the mines. The very piece Lorrik had delivered all those years ago.
"Now," Yerrig began, situating himself behind his cluttered desk. "How may I be of service to you and your master?"
Standing just inside the office's threshold, Lorrik and Jresh could feel the discerning gaze of the security forces weighing heavy upon them.
"Must we be forced to proceed under the scrutiny of your men?" Lorrik asked. "It's rather disrespectful."
"I… we… I'd prefer it if…" Yerrig stammered, before letting out a mournful sigh. "Very well. Men, you are dismissed." The guards nodded their head and retreated from the compact chamber, leaving the three men alone. "I'm sorry. It's just that this visit is rather unusual. Your master has never sent anyone aside from the annual checkups. And you're not the usual men."
"I understand, this is new to us as well," Lorrik admitted, purposefully speaking with ambiguity. "Tell me, who were you expecting?"
"No one, to be honest, considering your unscheduled visit," Yerrig explained. "But I'd never turn away Tash's men. You can count on that."
"That is good to hear," Lorrik stated. "Has Vai visited recently? Vai Thorel?"
"No, he hasn't been here since the first visit," Yerrig answered.
"I see," Lorrik muttered, processing the information. "Mr. Yerrig, about the deal you currently have with our master. Would you consider it satisfactory?"
"But of course!" Yerrig declared. "Our supply chains have run uninterrupted years, all thanks to your master. More than worth the five percent he asks." The inquisitor scratched his chin.
"And what of the one regarding the Velash family?" Lorrik insisted.
"While I do not understand it, I would not dare question it," Yerrig proclaimed. "If their safety is required for our relationship to remain intact, I will continue to provide for them."
"Did Tash give you any idea on why he might want them protected?" Lorrik asked.
"No, Mr. Thorel did not provide a reason, merely a consequence for failure."
"So… it was Vai whom arranged their current situation…"
"Correct. I assumed his words were his masters. Was I mistaken?" Yerrig asked.
"Oh, no. No no no. You did well," Lorrik stated.
Yerrig breathed a sigh of relief, wiping his forehead. "Hearing that from one of Darth Tash's men is absolutely wonderful."
"Well, I'm happy that you're happy," Lorrik declared, all smiles. "However, me and partner have a slight confession to make." Yerrig offered the curious arch of his brow as he continued to stare at the inquisitor, not noticing the warrior maneuvering himself to block the doorway. "You see, we don't actually work for Tash."
"What?" Yerrig exclaimed, jumping from his seat. "Then who… who are you?" The man's words we heated, but whimpered with an subtly brewing fear.
"The name's Lorrik. Lorrik Velash," the inquisitor declared, eye's coldly staring down his former slaver.
"L-Lorrik?" Yerrig stammered. "What are you doing here?"
"Oh, you know, thought I'd stop by, see the parents, see what my ex-owner was up to," Lorrik explained.
"Well, you've seen how I've kept them safe, right?" Yerrig struggled to vocalize, head shaking as he appeared to be searching for something under his desk.
"Yerrig, please don't tell me you're trying to activate some sort of security system. 'Cause if it turned out that you were, we'd have to kill you. And we don't want that, now do we?" Lorrik nonchalantly stated.
Yerrig released a frightened chuckle. "No, of course no. So, what can I do for you? Is there anything you want? Anything you need? I technically freed your parents the day you left, so they're no longer slaves. That's good to hear, right?"
"It's downright delightful, Yerrig," Lorrik declared. "But I'm afraid I'm going to need more than that."
"Of course, whatever you need. I've got credits. Ships. Weapons. Guards. Everything a young Sith could possibly need. Tell me what you want and it's yours," Yerrig pleaded.
"You see, that's kind of the opposite of what I want," Lorrik replied. "I don't actually want anything for myself. But so long as you're in the mood to give away your own things… how about you free all your slaves?"
"Are you insane? I can't mine without a workforce!"
"Oh, well then, the solution's obvious. Shut down the mines too," Lorrik directed. "Then again, like I said earlier, me and my partner here could just kill you." The inquisitor raised his right hand, arc of electricity beginning to envelope his gloved digits.
"Nononono. That's fine, I'll do whatever you want, just don't kill me," Yerrig pleaded.
"Glad we could reach an agreement. Tell me, where do you keep your records?" Lorrik asked.
Yerrig quickly shuffled to the wall behind his desk, tearing down one of the printed maps that hung from the wall and revealing a small built-in safe. Punching in a quick code, he swung to door open, revealing a series of datapads and holorecordings.
"Everything you need is in this safe," Yerrig hastily declared. "The safe and these terminals. They're all unlocked, I swear. You may peruse them at your convenience. Is that, uh, is that good? Can I go?"
"Sure. Leave this place, and never come back. Jresh, let the man out," Lorrik advised. Watching the warrior step out of the way of the entrance, Yerrig remained for a moment by his safe.
"Do you think, maybe, I could take a few credits?" Yerrig cautiously asked. "I won't exactly have access to my accounts." All he received was the cold, uncaring stare of the inquisitor's piercing gaze. "Okay, I'll just be going then."
"Lorrik, I'll escort Yerrig to his ship," Jresh declared. "Wouldn't want him getting lost along the way." The inquisitor nodded, and the two men exited the office, leaving Lorrik alone in the office. Flustered, Yerrig made his way toward the palace exit, the warrior marching by his side. The posted sentries looked upon their employer in confusion.
"Sir," one spoke up. "Is everything alright?"
"Yes, yes, everything's fine," Yerrig hurriedly declared. "Come on, men, we're leaving."
"Leaving, sir?"
"Don't question me, just move!" Yerrig shouted. The Sith continued to escort the man out of his own home, as more and more armed guards followed in their stead. As Yerrig approached the end of the foyer, he turned around to see a small accompaniment of security were now following them.
"Don't get any ideas, Yerrig," Jresh sternly whispered, piercing the man to his core. He immediately corrected his stance, keeping his eyes forward as he approached the outer threshold of his palace.
Out in the open, Yerrig stood beneath the filtered light of the planet's sun, wallowing in defeat. His body grew weak, his limbs flaccid as he slowly lost the will to continue.
"Sir, what exactly is going on?" one of the trailing guards asked.
"We're leaving. For good. You're all fired. Done. There's nothing left for us here," Yerrig morosely proclaimed. As the guards looked to one another in confusion, the warrior stepped in front of their former employer.
"Yerrig," Jresh stoically began. "My partner has allowed you to continue amongst the living. Considering your pasts, I find myself questioning why. However, I do have a question for you. Were you to abandon everything you started here, could you start a new operation elsewhere?"
"What do you mean?" Yerrig cautiously asked.
"What I mean is, whatever you were digging here. Were you to know of another source, or of something similar, could you begin your operation anew. Without guidance from Tash?"
"It would all depend on the circumstances," Yerrig softly declared.
"Is there a set of circumstances wherein you could start a new dig site. Unbeholden to Tash. Unbeknownst to my partner?"
Yerrig stared at the Pureblood, before letting out a soft chortle. "Ah, I see what you're getting at. A new operation with someone else getting a cut of the profits. Someone like yourself, right? Well, I suppose it would take a lot of time and investment, but if you can protect me, help me get things off the ground, we can have a new operation up and running. And if you can give me the same results Tash did, I'd be more than happy to cut you in."
"That's what I thought," Jresh whispered to himself.
Without further delay, the warrior raised his hands and grasped ahold of Yerrig's head, and in one swift motion, snapped his neck. As his lifeless body fell to the ground, the surrounding guards jumped at the sight, letting out a series of gasps. Slowly, the Pureblood turned to face them, his eyes stoic and determined.
"Yerrig's operations on this planet are ending. His slaves will be freed and his mines closed. Whatever credits this man has accrued will be given to his former workers, and whomever amongst you wishes to stay and guard them. Anyone who wishes to leave may do so. If anyone thinks to disrupt or harm the newly freed slaves, you will receive the same fate as your former employer. Deliver this message to the other guards."
Jresh stepped away from the corpse, circumventing the guards who still stood in disbelief at what had just occurred. Just as he was about to reenter the palace, the warrior paused, turning back toward the gathered figures.
"And one of you, escort Yerrig to his ship."