NAR SHADDAA
"You will get out of this, my lord."
"Quinn! No!"
Necrolis could only stare, watching what transpired as if the whole galaxy had suddenly gone into slow motion. One moment they were preparing to face their certain doom together, the next they were left stunned in disbelief.
Malavai Quinn stood at the edge of the corridor that lead to the landing pad where the ships were docked and waiting. Teffa was holding Torian, the young mandalorian seriously wounded and out of the fight. Necrolis had backed up expecting Quinn to be right there beside him, only to find he had stopped. With the HK assassin droids pushed back momentarily it was a very brief respite before they advanced again.
Quinn spoke, then before Necrolis could act against such, he slapped his hand against the control panel, activating the energy shield that came to life in a flash of transparent pink glowing energy. Once activated it sealed the corridor from the arrivals area, effectively closing them off from the attacking droids. Quinn then stepped back and blasted a single shot into the controls frying them.
"Quinn what are you doing?" Necrolis demanded, slamming a fist against the energy shield.
"I told you I would make it up to you one day, my lord." Quinn said calmly, giving the sith a small smile. "You spared my life, and now I use that gift to serve and save yours."
"No! Quinn don't do this!" Necrolis growled once again slamming a fist against the shield. Turning he glanced to Teffa. "Tell Mako to access the shield, drop this fucking thing!"
Teffa glanced up from Torian and shook his head. As much as he disliked it, the man had made his choice and there was no time left at all. Even if Mako accessed the system and dropped the shield, it only meant his sacrifice was in vain and they all died. Necrolis growled seeing his brother shaking his head against the idea, and turned back to the shield.
Lightsaber flicked on, Necrolis jammed it into the shield energy trying to overload the generator by creating a feedback. Sparks rained everywhere before the massing energy pulsed launching Necrolis backwards off his feet to land on his back, glaring at the wall of energy still alive. The comm kicked on as he heard Aela's voice.
"Quinn what are you doing? Get your ass back here now!" Aela screamed.
"Sorry, that is an order I am unable to follow." Quinn answered back in that annoyingly calm voice. "My lord, see to it she is safe. That is all I ask."
"Quinn…" Necrolis said his name softly, rising to move and stand by the energy shield, watching as the man gave his attention back to the advancing droids, shooting at them as he made them out of the fire and smoke.
Teffa Darkstar held the young mandalorian in one arm, free hand pressing to the wound in his chest to apply pressure. He could see the readouts in his helmet that showed his life signs were slipping away. If he didn't get him to the medical bay on the StarWolf soon, Torian was not going to make it. Damn it, this has all gone to hell, the bounty hunter thought. Skadge and Gault were lost, but he would worry about that after he had saved Torian. He couldn't lose all of them.
"Dammit kid!" Teffa growled. "C'mon, kid. Stay with me here."
"It's not so bad." Torian said before coughing on some of his own blood, a slow trickle of it sliding from the corner of his mouth. "I got…"
"Stay with me, Torian." Teffa demanded frowning inside his helmet. "You ain't finished, kid!"
"I got to fight beside the Great Hunt champion." Torian got the words out, reaching up a hand to grasp at Teffa's armoured shoulder. "I get to die fighting with him. It's not so bad a way to go. They'll tell stories won't they?"
"Sure, kid." Teffa said, though in truth he had no real idea. "But not yet. You're going to live!"
Teffa swore under his breath and then looked over to where Necrolis stood watching his comrade through the shield. Nothing I can do there, he knew. Rising he lifted Torian into both arms before calling out to his brother.
"Necrolis, it's time." The bounty hunter said voice low. "I have to get Torian to the ship."
"Go." Necrolis said without looking over, waving a hand at his brother.
"Quinn!" Aela yelled as she raced towards the men down the corridor, Vette close behind right on her heels, blasters in both hands.
Teffa moved past the two of them, knowing Necrolis would deal with their sister and his wife. All that mattered at that moment was getting Torian into a kolto tank and stabilizing him. Aela barely even registered the wounded man or her brother, rushing by and slamming both fists into the energy shield. Once again she yelled at Quinn, who cast a single glance back over his shoulder.
"Malavai Quinn you get your ass past this shield this fucking instance!" Aela threatened.
"Aela, you will always be mine." Quinn said into the comm without looking at them. "I love you. Now go!"
"We are not leaving without you!" Aela growled slamming her fists once again against the energy shield.
"Necrolis, please… get her out of here!" Quinn begged as he squeezed off a couple more shots at one of the many targets.
Necrolis said nothing but even as Aela Darkstar pounded futiley against the energy shield he moved up and grabbed her. Tossing her up over a shoulder, he ignored her screams to be put down and the punches she rained down on his back and shoulder. Glancing to Vette, Necrolis shook his head scowling as he made for the ship.
Vette watched everything as it unfolded. She'd holstered her blasters, one hand covering her mouth even as the tears welled up in her eyes. She could see Quinn beyond the shield firing away even as the droids began massing and marching forward on him. Helpless to aid him, knowing there was no chance of escape for him, she felt as if she had been kicked in the stomach by a reek.
"Quinn.." Vette said his name softly into the comm.
"Get out of here, Vette. Take care of him for me!"
"Oh sure," Vette said though the giggle died in her throat, "Now you play the hero and get that stick out of your ass!"
"Guess I hung out with you too long." Quinn said, moving back to stand at the shield, knowing there was little time left. "Go, Vette."
"Malavai…" Vette raised a hand, pressing it flat against the shield, tears finally coming to streak down her cheeks.
Quinn looked back before raising his hand on the other side to hers. His dark eyes met hers, took in the tears before he nodded and gave her a soft smile.
"My life serves a purpose, I served our lord with all I had, Vette, including my life. It has been my great honour."
Tears streaming freely, Vette whirled and raced for the ships. She didn't look back at all, just let her feet drive into the ground, drive her forward. She could hear the blaster fire even as she raced up the gangplank, hand slapping at the controls and then turning to stare through her tears as it slowly rose into place sealing the ship. The last thing she saw was the empty entry to the corridor where no one else would be coming up.
SPACE - THE WRAITH
"You fucking bastard!"
Necrolis knew it was coming, and simply took the punch his sister threw square on his chin. The force of the blow snapped his head back and to the right and he could feel the ache shoot through his jaw. He gave a slight grunt before rolling his neck from side to side and then staring hard back at the enraged woman before him.
He'd set her down, stepping back as she ripped off her gloves and tossed them across the deck plating of the lounge in the Wraith. Vette stood nearby, hand over her mouth in shock as Aela threw the punch. She half expected the two sith to go at it right then and there, but Necrolis seemed too focused, too calm. That scared her all the more.
Asha Lightstar stayed off to one side, hovering outside the medical bay where Pierce had disappeared with Tormen. The trooper had assured her he would be alright, and he at least had some basic knowledge of medicine even if it was just field dressings and such. Watching the sith, she had to worry what would happen next.
Aela Darkstar went to punch Necrolis again but he raised an arm and blocked it and she settled for bursting into tears and pounding her bare fists against his chest plate. Necrolis rested a hand on her shoulder a moment before that same hand moved to grab the front of her armour. He yanked her then, shaking her, slamming their armour together hard enough Vette thought from the sound it had broken both pieces. Dark red eyes were alight with fury as Necrolis bore his gaze into her tear filled grey eyes.
"Use it." Necrolis growled and bit the words out. "Use that anger, that hate. Let it turn to strength."
Aela looked up at him, confused and unsure and feeling gutted. When she went to speak, Necrolis lightly placed the fingers of his free hand over her lips silencing her. She was not sure if her brother had not had such a firm grasp of her, that she would have had the strength to remain standing.
"Use it Aela, because when we find the son of a bitch who did this, we're going to kill the fucker slowly and painfully."
"We kill him, Necrolis." Aela looked up anger etching across her features even as more tears slipped from her eyes. "I want his head."
Necrolis nodded at that, then let the woman go. His gaze moved to Vette even as Aela turned and made her way slowly towards the quarters she had shared with Quinn. Vette caught the look and when he nodded after the other sith, Vette returned the nod and rushed to him, kissing him before moving after the other woman.
Pierce came out of the medical bay and looked about before nodding to Necrolis. It was clear to see Pierce was in a foul mood, not that any of them were going to not be, Necrolis knew. A part of their family had been torn from them. That wound was not going to heal anytime soon.
"He's going to live." Pierce commented, glancing to the jedi and then Necrolis. "Couple broken ribs and a few lacerations. He's patched up and resting with some pain stims in him."
Necrolis nodded even as Asha thanked the trooper. It was a bit of good news at least, he knew. They had lost enough people for one day. He made a note to call over and find out if the young mandolorian in Teffa's crew had pulled through as well. He did not know him well, but he was hoping he still lived. His brother had lost enough people as well.
"Pierce help Jaesa, co-ordinate with Teffa and see where we are going."
"Yes sir, right away."
"Pierce." Necrolis said, making the big man pause as he made for the steps and walkway to the cockpit.
"Sir." Pierce gave a small smile and nod to him. " I know, we all do."
SPACE - THE STARWOLF
The StarWolf rose fast and sure, the engines pushed for as much thrust as they could churn out, getting the ship out of orbit and into the star filled darkness of space. Mako marvelled how responsive the system was, and gave a small smile at her handiwork. She had done a damn good job calibrating and setting the systems, even if she did say so herself.
Beside Mako, Blizz was sitting in the weapons seat, the little jawa restless and feet swinging over the edge of the seat. Normally she would have laughed with how cute the little guy was, but there was little to laugh about at the moment. Skadge and Gault were dead, and she could only hope Torian was not joining them. Their crew had taken a hell of a beating. Losing them made Mako think of Braden and Jory, and she had to fight back the tears that threatened to come unwanted to her. Absently one hand dropped to caress over her swollen belly. She had been angry Teffa had kept her on the ship, but he had been right to do so, she knew.
"Blizz miss big purple. No more calling Blizz little shit." Blizz said, his head downcast in that large hood. " No more broken horn. Pretty one not leave Blizz, ok?"
Mako burst into tears then, she couldn't help it. Leaning over she grabbed the little jawa in a tight hug and cried. Blizz was not sure why she was hugging him, but crying, but then he did not much care. She was upset, and Blizz did what he felt he should. He hugged her back and patted her shoulder with his small hand.
"Blizz no go anywhere either." The little jawa said.
Mid deck, Teffa Darkstar paced before the kolto tank, watching Torian floating in it. Grabbing the tionese helmet and ripping it off he sent it hurling across the medical bay to slam into the far bulkhead. Turning back to the tank, Teffa let his gaze slide over the readouts, before taking a couple calming breaths. The displays all read stable, for which he was grateful. Torian was going to make it. It was more than he could say for Skadge or Gault. The chime of the internal comm system caught his attention and Teffa moved over to the controls and pressed the activation button.
"Teffa, we have an incoming call from Shadelis. I'm patching in the Wraith as well here." Mako's voice said. "How's Torian?"
"Copy that, go ahead." Teffa replied, then added, "The kids a damn tough little bugger. He's going to be fine."
Teffa waited until he heard the line crackle and both voices greeted him. It was time to find out where they would go to ground to regroup. It was all they could do now.
SPACE - THE WRAITH
Aela Darkstar sat on the bed in the quarters she had gotten to share with Quinn. Looking about she had to once again fight back the tears. Taking deep breaths she frowned and then looked back to the twi'lek who was staying close by with her. She spared Vette a small smile, before wiping at her watering eyes. She knew as bad as the pain and hurt was for her, it was shared with those who Quinn had called family.
"You think Necrolis is going to hold a grudge over that punch?" Aela asked with a small little laugh.
Vette smiled and shook her head negatively even as she moved to place a small hand on the woman's shoulder. She knew Necrolis was furious, but it was not at her. They had a shared grief, but they knew given their relationship it was all the worse for Aela. Sitting next to the sith, Vette put a hand lightly over hers and gave a reassuring squeeze.
"He didn't hate you, you know." Aela suddenly broke the silence, her words catching Vette off guard.
"We sort of… well, we didn't get along." Vette fought to try and explain their relationship, but found she couldn't. Shaking her head she just looked back at the other woman and shrugged.
"He loved being on this ship, he wouldn't leave. I know, I asked him to come with me. He loved serving Necrolis and being here. He thought you had so much potential, he just got so frustrated with how you never seemed to take things serious."
Vette stared at the woman and felt her eyes start to water even as her lekku trembled. Quinn had actually liked her? All they ever did was trade barbs and jabs. Oh she'd never say it, but she had often admired his calm clear focus, but he was such a stuffy starch collared Imperial officer, it made her crazy. She guessed she might have not tried to poke at him so much, but dammit he had asked for it.
"I… I didn't…" Vette couldn't seem to make the words come out.
"He wouldn't tell you such." Aela admitted before looking about the quarters once more. "I miss him, Vette, so much."
Aela Darkstar let the tears come again, leaning into the hug the twi'lek offered as she wrapped her arms about her, their heads resting against one another. Vette could not find any words at all for how she felt, knowing nothing would ease the ache and hurt Aela felt with Quinn's loss. Vette let her own tears come then too, knowing Malavai Quinn had touched all of them, and everyone would be mourning his loss.
Asha Lightstar felt a bit out of place aboard the Wraith. With Tormen sleeping in a stim induced rest, and the rest aboard mourning the loss of their shipmate, it left her sitting in the lounge area by herself. The loud thud that echoed through the ship caught her attention however, and she rose to follow and investigate. More thuds reverberated through the ship guiding her to the cargo bay. Pressing the controls she opened the door and stepped inside.
Blue eyes swept over the cargo bay, watching as a large durasteel container went sailing across the length of the bay to hit and explode against the far wall. Amidst the carnage stood Necrolis. His anger, his unchecked rage, had him exuding power like Asha had never seen before. It literally ebbed and flowed like fire off him, a glowing reddish black swirling that danced with his seething fury.
"You trying to make a new entry in the hull?" Asha said, thinking levity the best at such a time.
Necrolis growled and his jaw clenched, even as he breathed heavily. He had found his way to the bay, alone. It was the only place where he was able to be alone and let go of his building fury and frustration. Asha's presence caught him off guard but also helped him snap out of the dark place he had ventured into.
"Just redecorating." Necrolis tossed out even as he felt himself calming down, the power ebbing away from him. He would be tired after such he knew, he always was if he tapped too far into the force.
"I can see such." Asha stated, glancing about before moving and sitting on the edge of a crate that somehow had managed to remain intact.
Necrolis studied the young woman a moment. She was attractive enough, though taller than he was. She was broad shouldered anything but a typical woman. Her flame red hair cascaded about her face and down past her shoulders, standing out. There was certainly no mistaking her. The pale blue eyes were catching, holding an intense gaze that bespoke an intelligence that did not fit her age. There was just something about her, and it nagged at Necrolis.
"Your man Quinn, what he did was quite brave and selfless."
"It was stupid." Necrolis growled catching the woman off guard. "Damn duty first stupid bastard."
Asha gave a small smile, nodding as she understood it was his frustration and grief talking, nothing more. Necrolis was their leader, but they shared ties to one another beyond just being his crew. They had been through a lot, and that closeness that was normally their strength, now had turned to a pain they shared. It was eating at all of them. Would it be any different had it been one of my own, Asha thought.
"Your words to Aela, remember them." Asha offered, and Necrolis stopped his pacing like a caged animal and stared at her.
"Oh I will have my revenge, jedi, even if you do not understand such."
"I do." Asha said back quickly to him. "We jedi may try and find peace instead of revenge, but it does not mean I don't understand. If it was one of my own, I can't say such would not be in my thoughts at all, Necrolis. In the end though, there is only the force, we all return there."
Necrolis nodded at that then, taking a long deep breath before looking back at the woman. He had to wonder what she would really do if it was one of her own that had fallen. Would she be able to follow that code the jedi clung to? Or would she find solace in falling and embracing the ways of the sith?
"Your crew needs you, we all do." Asha said softly, rising from where she sat. "You may not realize it but while Teffa can bark orders, they are all looking to you. You're the one person who keeps them all focused and unified. If you get caught up locking yourself away in here, we're all in trouble."
Necrolis heard the words and cocked a head to the side as he watched the jedi turn and head to the door once more. Asha opened it, then stepped through, turning to look back at the sith one more time as she reached for the controls to close the cargo bay once again.
"Just something to think about. Don't grieve too long or let it consume you."