CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN

SPACE – THE FOUNDRY

The asteroid field was straight ahead, the giant rocks floating in the darkness of space, every so often colliding in a shower of smaller rocks and dust debris. The starship sat back away from the belt of space debris, running on minimal power as it sat and waited. Unless someone flew right up, the ship would be all but unnoticed, just the way the crew and passengers aboard the vessel wanted. The sullustan engineered SoroSuub Nella 342 was a light freighter by nature, though the christened Widowmaker was far from a mere freighter any more. The ship had been upgraded and reworked into a lethal killing machine befitting a bounty hunter. Boosted electronics, weapons package, and shielding made the Widowmaker a formidable craft.

Reyal Bloodmoon watched out the viewport before his attention was captured by the flashing light of an incoming holo call. The bounty hunter cast a glance to the woman who sat to his right, his sister Cevse. The woman shook her head in annoyance before turning her attention back to the sensor readings she was watching carefully. Cevse was so quiet, most of the time Reyal thought his sister a mute. With very short dyed purple hair, black eyes, and tattoos that ran down her neck and over her shoulders and upper chest, she was far from being dainty and what most would consider attractive. That fact was all the more clear when taking into account she had followed the family tradition in being a bounty hunter.

"You want to answer that?" Reyal asked with a bemused smile on his face, watching as Cevse gave him an annoyed glare as an answer.

Reyal was the youngest of the Bloodmoon family, but also had established himself as one of the best shots out of their group. He had become the groups ranged threat, be it mini rockets or a sniper rifle. Reyal sported tattoos as well, the pattern going from forehead to chin down the left side of his face. He kept his head shaved, unlike the others, giving him a unique and personal look. Finally tired of the incessant chime and the blink of light, Reyal hit the button and answered the call.

"I want an update." Darth Marr's visage demanded.

You want an update, Reyal thought in response to the forward demand of their employer, well how about fuck you with a thermite grenade, ya sith bastard! The young bounty hunter nodded his head in greeting before answering quickly, pushing away his thoughts. Around sith he knew enough to keep things to himself and not dwell on thoughts too hard. In the end it was all about business. That and credits, it was always about credits.

"We have tracked them back to their base. We are in position and merely waiting, my lord."

Reyal watched as Cevsa turned to make kissing faces at him taunting him as a kiss ass. Despite the urge to punch his sister in the face, Reyal kept himself composed and did not react. He doubted the sith would have much of a sense of humor. He had not been the most pleasant to deal with even on a business and professional level.

"Very good." Marr nodded his cowled, helmeted head affirmatively at the news. "I want results, and I want all of them. Make sure you wait until they are all present."

"Understood." Reyal answered back, then had the thought to ask, "Dead or alive?"

"No loose ends." Marr stated coldly in reply to the query.

Reyal nodded then watched the connection die. As quick and abrupt as ever, he thought, as he let out a long slow breath to relax. Glancing over at his sister he then punched her in the arm. Cevse just grinned back at him, silent and amused.

"So where do we stand?" Dukzek Bloodmoon asked as he walked into the ship's cockpit, the black eyes looking right to Reyal.

Dukzek was tall and thickly built, a man built to brawl and loving to do so. He was the group's bruiser, large meaty hands able to do a lot of damage in a very short quick time to a person. Where Cevse was quiet, and Reyal was more skill than brawn, Dukzek was loud, and it had been said often enough obnoxious.

"Your ugly mug can relax." Reyal cracked, making note of the man's scarred face and crooked nose from where it had been broken repeatedly over the years. "We sit and wait for all of them to be in there, then we get to have some fun."

"I hate waiting."Dukzek grumbled in complaint before stomping along the long corridor that connected the cockpit to the interior of the ship.

The Wraith had barely touched down and the ramp extended before those gathered let up a cheer as Aela Darkstar escorted Malavai Quinn from the ship. The time in the kolto tank had healed most of the wounds, though Quinn still had aches and pains from his injuries. At least the pain is bearable, he thought. The only real injury Quinn lamented was that of his eye. The cathar's claws had sliced deep, gouging through his eye and blinding him. The loss bothered him, but as practical as ever, Malavai Quinn knew an implant might prove more useful. For the time being he wore a simple black patch over the eye to hide such.

Those gathered greeted the man warmly and quickly, letting Aela guide him past to take him to continue to heal and get rest. Next down the ramp was Torian, grinning and carrying his helmet under one arm. Mako smiled and raced up to hug the young mandalorian, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"You made it!" Mako beamed. "Which is good, now I don't have to kill you!"

Torian laughed at that and winked at the shorter and all too pregnant woman. He had wondered in the heat of battle if they were going to get out of there alive a few times. The rescue had worked out, but not without cost. One of them had not made it, another of them lost but at least alive if not stranded on Balmorra. Glancing back up the ramp at the others coming out, the mandalorian could not help but sigh knowing they had lost one of their group.

"Yeah, I made it." Mako arched an eyebrow at hearing such, noting the saddened tone of the man.

"Who?"

"The jedi." Torian said before giving the woman a small smile and heading down the rest of the ramp, seeing the little jawa running up to him. Seeing Blizz, Torian smiled and stuck his hand out waist high, the little jawa running and leaping up to high five the man.

"Good to see you too short stuff!" Torian joked with Blizz.

Asha Lightstar walked down the ramp, hood drawn up over her head to hide her face. Scourge walked just a step behind and off her right shoulder, keeping close to her. The former sith warrior had been hovering about her since after she had come out of the docking bay. He had said nothing, but Asha knew he was playing guardian. She was grateful for his caring, but she also knew she had decisions to make that had no clear right and wrong. At some point, whether Scourge liked it or not, she would have to talk with the sith about her.

"I'm sorry." Mako said quietly as the two jedi reached her.

Asha stopped and looked towards the woman, before reaching up and removing the hood so that her face was visible. She knew her eyes would be red rimmed and puffy from crying, but there was no helping such. Asha gave a small smile and nodded to Mako, appreciating the sentiment at the very least. It didn't change things, but she knew the woman was sincere and meant such, and the gesture was accepted for what it was.

"Thank you, he is one with the force now."

Mako nodded though in truth she did not really understand such. She had been about force users before, but did not know a lot of them personally and well enough to know the core of the beliefs. She merely did like Teffa, accepted them and their abilities at face value. Unsure what else she could say, she simply gave a small smile and left it at that, letting the two jedi pass.

Kamthar Mantell and Aric Jorgens came down the ramp, both looking about and spotting the rest of Havok Squad waiting for them. Kamthar met the others with loud cheers and hugs. Aric joined him, but then looked past Yuun and Tanno Vik, eyes searching for the one member he didn't see. The cathar frowned then turned to look about only to find himself pounced into by Elara Dorne. The woman had snuck up on him, leaping into him and wrapping herself about him, legs locking at the ankles about his waist. Aric caught her, still stunned even as she kissed him hard and deep to the whoops and jeers of the others.

"Umm… hi." Aric managed to say as she grinned at him.

"Hi back." Elara said and winked at him. "I keep my promises so perhaps you should just carry me on outta here furball, don't think the others wanna watch."

"Speak for yourself." Tanno quipped and smirked even as Aric gave a low growl and glare to the man.

Vette was next out, the twi'lek looking tired but seeing Mako, she smiled and stopped to give her a tight hug. Mako returned the embrace, knowing without a word they were both still worried the next ship arriving would also be missing someone, and hoping if that were the case it was not the one they loved. They had a kinship in that regard, Mako knew.

"Hey there." Vette said in her all too familiar greeting. "Any word from the guys?"

"Nothing." Mako sighed. She had been monitoring for any communication from them, but by now they had to be planetside and there. "All we can do is wait."

A loud crash coming from back up inside the ship made both women turn to stare at the entryway. Vette knew there was only one person that could be, and she knew what had brought it about. The twi'lek caught Mako's questioning glance but said nothing.

Pierce had shut the ship down, left the cockpit and had grabbed his gear. He was the last off the ship, he knew. In the quiet, alone with his thoughts and feelings, the trooper hefted his assault cannon and made for the ramp. He could hear the others out there, and he was happy that Quinn had been rescued, but knowing Jaesa was stranded and lost gnawed at him. Frustration boiled over and the trooper dropped the duffle bag of gear and grabbed the weapon in both hands. In a full forceful swing, Pierce brought the weapon up and over to smash against the table top breaking it and damaging the weapon.

Huffing and staring at the damage he had done, Pierce grunted and dropped the weapon. Necrolis is gonna kill me for damaging the ship, he thought. Shaking his head, Pierce picked up the duffle bag and headed again for the ramp, noting 2V was entering at the noise.

"Oh my. This will not do." The robot stated in the annoyingly chipper voice.

"Do me a favor and clean it up, ok?" Pierce said as he walked past 2V.

"Right away sir. It will look like new, you will see." The robot stated though Pierce could have cared less.

Heading down the ramp, Pierce noted the two women staring and his gaze dropped as he made to pass them. Vette's hand shot out, touching his arm and bringing him up mid-step. The twi'lek smiled softly at him, as did Mako. Pierce knew there was no love lost between Jaesa and Vette, mostly over Necrolis choosing her over his apprentice in their battle for his affection. Still, they had both seemed to get past such and move forward as allies if not friends.

"Jaesa is tough, don't be writing her off yet. She'll be back." Vette said and Pierce gave a small smile and nodded, knowing she was right at that.

"I pity anyone on Balmorra that gets in her way." Pierce finally said and Vette laughed.

KORRIBAN

Loun frowned as she paced back and forth in Abaron's office. The man had locked the door, the security code ensuring no one would suddenly stumble upon them at least. Having discovered that Blackheart appeared to be within the academy itself, Abaron had been the only one able to try and locate him without risk. Having to remain hidden and wait was not sitting well with the Overseer. She was used to being able to take action, and not relying on another.

"You're not going to solve anything wearing a hole in the floor." Raistlis finally said, and Loun cast a look over to the other sith.

Raistlis sat in one of the office chairs, legs stretched out before him, one foot over another with his arms folded across his chest. He was normally the one who wanted to rush in, but in this case there was little he could do but wait. Soon enough they would locate their missing companion, and then the time for action would come. Until then, all Raistlis knew he could do was relax and let what would come happen.

"I suppose you are right at that." Loun admitted grudgingly.

The beep and then hiss of the office door sliding open grabbed both their attention, Raistlis rising to his feet and hand dropping to the hilt of his lightsaber. A moment later as Abaron entered and then re-sealed the door behind him, Raistlis relaxed once more. The Overseer smiled to both before moving and seating himself.

"I am pleased to say I have good news. I have located your missing charge, Loun." Abaron said, though Loun sensed there was something more to the man's statement.

"Well?" Raistlis pressed when the Overseer paused.

"Patience is a virtue." Abaron chided then shook his head before continuing, "It appears he is on the upper level somewhere. I could not be more specific without drawing attention to myself."

Loun suppressed a laugh at the other Overseer's words to Raistlis before sighing and dwelling on the news. While it did make it easier he was not in some heavily guarded facility, it was also alarming. It was far too easy a place to get into and escape, and yet Blackheart remained there. The upper level of the academy temple was for the Dark Council. The Council chambers, as well as private quarters and offices for the members were all located there, guarded by a handful of the best royal guardsmen. What is going on, Loun wondered? Thinking on it was making her get a very uneasy feeling.

"You clearly are thinking like I am." Abaron commented noting the concern and confusion on the man's face.

"I don't like this at all." Loun nodded as she answered. "There's something amiss here."

"There is only one way to find out." Raistlis interjected, shrugging as they both looked at him.

"He's right." Abaron said. "We have a small window at the changing of the guard to get in there and retrieve your missing charge. If we are going to do such, then we do it."

"We do it." Loun said, pointing to Raistlis and herself as she looked to the other Overseer. "You've done more than enough, and I don't want you sticking your neck out any further, Abaron."

Abaron made to argue but then stopped as he saw Loun shake her head and hold a hand up, cutting off his words. She was ensuring he was not involved openly, he knew. It kept him in his position, and gave them an ally amongst their enemies as well. In truth, Abaron was thankful not to be going, but part of him hungered for the action, the possibility for glory and battle. It had been a long time since such an opportunity had come along. In the end though, Abaron knew they might well need him where he was.

"So be it." Abaron said finally. "Let's go get the man."

ZIOST

Kayln Nidor sat in the chair staring at the bank of security screens. Blinking a few times, the chiss rubbed a hand at tired red eyes as the screens all started to blur on her. She had yet to sleep, and it was beginning to catch up with her. With intruders somewhere out there, she knew she would not be getting much rest until they were found. She would not have found a restful sleep anyways, she knew. Her mind kept wandering to thoughts and times she had long ago tried to leave buried in the past.

The chiss sighed and leaned back into the chair, fingers going to the bridge of her nose to rub and press lightly. When the intruders had arrived her first thoughts had been of someone she had not thought about in a long time. It had surprised her, how the memories came rushing back, and with them old feelings she had not bothered with and had locked away. Was it even him? She could not help but both hope and fear he had returned to Ziost. Shaking her head, Kayln knew the odds Teffa Darkstar had come back to the planet were slim to none.

She remembered well the last few days the zabrak had been on Ziost. The fight he had gotten into, the drunken bar brawl later that she knew had been more of a stress release than anything else. Then the issue with Overseer Salvor Salari right after happened. Salari was dead now, long gone, but when Teffa had beaten the man within an inch of his life, it had certainly spelt the end of any career in the Imperial military. Not that Kayln thought Teffa was not justified, and that Salari had not had it coming, but the zabrak had simply gone too far. He had managed to get off Ziost before he had been arrested and charged, with a little help.

Kayln smiled softly at the memory of that final meeting. She had ensured there had been a malfunction in a few select security cameras, and managed to get Teffa out to one of the waiting transports. Some forged documents that hid his identity and background allowed him to sign on with the transport as a maintenance worker and get off planet. The chiss brushed fingertips over her lips, still able to recall the feel of when he had kissed her before she had watched him walk up the ramp and out of her life.

"Oh girl, snap out of it. It wasn't even that good of a kiss." Kayln muttered to herself before returning to her watch of the security feeds.

What if it is him, if he is here? The thought came to her then and the chiss frowned knowing she did not have the answer to such. What will I do if Teffa is here? Kayln knew the others would expect her to do her duty, and she was not in a position to betray them, especially over a long lost love that never was between them. Maybe I am just looking for it to be him, finding a way to make events fit a person, she reminded herself. The attack on guards entering the city, as well as a brawl with some exiting a cantina just screamed to her Teffa, but there was no real proof. She had to keep an open mind and not guess, she knew.

Kayln frowned as she thought about the fact they had yet to capture the intruders on any of the surveillance cameras. Either they were very fortunate, or they knew the citadel and surrounding area. She had already gone over the ship logs and seen nothing out of the ordinary. That meant someone had either come in on a recent transport, or they had a very well equipped ship and the skills to pilot it. Someone who had won the Great Hunt would most likely fall in that category, she thought before having to push it away. Focusing back on the matter, the chiss shook her head and frowned. Even if someone was that skilled and knew the citadel, there was no way they would be able to avoid them, or get away as they had. They've got help from someone on the inside, Kayln surmised. Once again she could not help but think of Teffa. If it was him, she knew only a few people who would be in a position to assist him infiltrating the citadel. She would be taking a chance, she knew, but she had to know. Rising from her chair, the chiss knew right where she was going to go.

Rian Cen Nur kept back in the dark shadowed corner outside of the security center. She was playing a hunch, she knew, one that she was unsure would pay off. Someone had slipped into the Citadel, and then utterly vanished right out from under Janas and Varel. Nobody would be able to do that without help. The kind of help that someone, say the head of security, could provide. The Inquisitor could not be certain, but she was damned sure she was going to find out. Rian heard footsteps before the chiss appeared, giving her enough time to wrap herself in the force and ensure she remained unseen. Wherever Kayln Nidor was going, she was in a hurry, Rian noted.

"Now what are you up to, chiss?" Rian wondered even as she stealthily followed after the woman.

The togruta sith knew there was no reason to doubt the other woman's loyalty, but there was something all too familiar and disturbing about recent events. Rian found it too suspect there was no evidence to tell them who had violated the citadel. They had not been seen or recognized, having gotten around every security measure from surveillance cameras to probe droids. She did not miss the fact that all fell under the control and watchful eye of Kayln Nidor.

Rian had to know, and so she followed the chiss out into the streets of the citadel. One way or another she would determine if the blue skinned woman was on their side or not. If she is not, Rian thought, then I will put a quick end to her betrayal.