CHAPTER SIXTY

DROMUND KAAS

It was almost fitting, Teffa Darkstar thought, that the skies had grown overcast and angry above Dromund Kaas city. It was as if the skies themselves wept for Necrolis, showing their tears amidst bursts of lightning to mark their anger at the sudden emptiness his passing had left in the galaxy. Was it the work of the force? Teffa did not know, and in truth had never really been fond of mystical ways. He accepted it at face value, but not being force sensitive, he had just grown accustomed to relying on his own wits and his blasters.

The city had been flooded by a collection of people from all stations and across the Empire. There were a few he recognized from their time on Ziost, as well as those he recognized from the Dark Council, Imperial command structure, and even a few acolytes had come. Standing amidst a sea of black cloaked figures, most with deep cowls drawn up, he felt oddly enough very out of place.

Teffa had worn his old tionese armour as he always had, but for once had not worn his helmet. Mako wore a black cloak, while Vette had surprised them by wearing Necrolis' black and red gree armour, his lightsaber hanging at her hip. Jaesa stood on the other side of Vette, the sith woman in her usual midriff barring hooded top, but she had ensured it had been dyed black and red. Teffa had seen her all morning working on her lightsaber, and after a short time watching noted she was replacing the weapon's colour crystal. Gone would be her golden lightsaber, replaced with Necrolis' red colour using his crystal from the saber he had her keep. Teffa thought it a fitting tribute.

Beside the sith, Pierce and Malavai Quinn stood. Both men looked like they had gotten little sleep, which Teffa did not doubt was the case at all. Both wore Imperial black military dress. For once neither quibbled about the other's rank, they simply stood together as if on full display. Aela Darkstar stood behind the men, beside her was Bloodshade, and at her side was Blizz. Behind the women stood the imposing and towering figure of the muscled deshade.

Bloodshade stood in the rain, having left her helmet off for the occasion. She felt every drop of rain on her skin, the coldness of the wind as it blew against it. Behind her she heard Khem say something. Tulak Horde something or other, as he always did. Today it simply grated on her nerves. Spinning about, Bloodshade stood before the creature, craning her neck back to glare up at him.

"I don't give a damn right now about Tulak Horde and how he would or would not like such." Bloodshade seethed at the deshade. "So you shut up now, or I will shut you up. You will not disrespect Necrolis, do you hear me?"

"You do not comprehend." Khem growled out back at the ratattaki woman. "Greatness such as Tulak Horde need no monument. They are remembered by those left behind, by their deeds and what they accomplished. Necrolis needs no monument. He conquered worlds, he lived and died for the Empire. No puny monument can be made worthy of such sith."

Bloodshade made to say something but stopped. Staring at the deshade, she took a deep calming breath before resting a hand up against the chiselled chest of Khem Val. Chewing her lip a moment, Bloodshade let her head drop.

"I am sorry, Khem. You speak the truth and it could not have been said better." Bloodshade half whispered the words before looking up once more at the deshade. He was her strength, her protector. He had gone well beyond being a bound creature to her. "I fear I am not at all myself right now."

Khem Val nodded to the woman. He understood all too well. When great sith died, those close to them and about them felt that loss. He had known such, and now so would the little sith. He knew in the end it would only strengthen her. She was stronger than she knew, she just had not realized her full potential yet.

Vette stood and felt every rain drop that fell as it landed on her. The cold dampness crept in, but it could not match the empty chill that was within her. Part of her wanted to rage, to lash out and hold accountable every last soul. The other part of her wanted to simply curl up and hide away from the world. Standing in the large square, she looked about her taking everything in. Troopers stood in formation, the square decorated with the trappings of the Empire, dark red banners soaked and barely moving in the light wind that swirled about. Royal guard lined either side of the stairs that lead down into the square. To her right she could see the monument for Necrolis sitting on the stand that rose out of the middle of the larger of the three pools of water.

The monument was black obsidian, carved into the form of a large Imperial cog. On either side of it a pair of red crystal lightsabers rose up and crossed. It was a nice monument as far as they went, Vette knew. That mattered little to the twi'lek, and she would have traded any and everything just to have Necrolis back. No platitudes or tributes could make up for such. To the left of the monument she could see the raised platform that had been erected, and atop it the Dark Council stood. Vette's gaze narrowed as she stared at Darth Marr. Her hands clenched and unclenched at her sides, her right moving to touch the lightsaber at her hip. For a moment she wondered how close she would get and if she could kill Marr, but she pushed aside the foolish notion.

Glancing about once more over the mass of hooded figures, Vette noticed Teffa, or more importantly three hooded and robed figures that had moved up beside the bounty hunter. When the closest turned their concealed head, the twi'lek caught sight of red hair and pale skin. Moving over, Vette's eyes narrowed suspiciously until the woman looked at her with bright blue eyes.

"What are you doing here?" Vette stated coldly.

"Vette." Teffa put an arm out ensuring the twi'lek stayed separated from the others.

'We came to be here to pay our respects." Tormen Darklight stated, dark brown eyes seeing how upset Vette was, not that he could blame her in the least.

"You don't belong here." Vette shot back with a glare.

"Vette, that's enough." Teffa growled, stepping fully between the three and the twi'lek. "Necrolis would not be happy with you for this. Asha is his sister and has every right to be here with us. Tormen and Kira respected him enough to risk their lives to come. Now stop drawing unwanted attention with such an outburst and calm down."

Vette looked at Teffa, the anger suddenly there and now gone. Lower lip trembling, Vette grabbed a hold of Teffa, face pressed to the cold hard armour of his chest. She knew she should not have said what she did. She was tired and worn out. Tired of hurting, tired of crying, Vette was simply tired of life. Settling herself, Vette drew back and then looked about to take in Asha, Kira, and Tormen. She gave them a small smile and nodded.

"Just try and remember to breathe." Asha offered with a small smile to the other woman. Vette gave a soft small laugh and nodded.

Darth Marr stood on the platform and looked out over the assembly, pleased to see such a turn out for the moment. Glancing at the monument, Marr let his gaze linger on it. You were right, he thought as he recalled the conversation he had with Necrolis before Korriban. It was strange to see how perceptive Necrolis had in fact been. Everything he said had come to pass and been true. The Empire was unified, but Marr could not help but wonder in that moment, standing there looking out over so many gathered, if the cost of such had been far too high and detrimental in the long term. Would things still look as good down the road as they did at the present?

His gaze moved down to the group gathered before the monument, given space about them by everyone else. Those of the Darkstar line, Necrolis' family. His eyes found Necrolis' wife easily enough. She wore his armour, and Marr noted, his weapon. It seemed fitting, and he smiled behind his faceplate knowing she represented the man well. He had not understood Necrolis marrying the woman, not when he could have had a pure blooded sith mate, even Loun. Now, seeing the twi'lek, taking in the strength she radiated out even if she did not realize such, Marr understood what Necrolis had seen in her. Seeing it was time, Marr moved over to the podium that had been set up, raising both hands high even as a hush fell over the crowd. Waiting a moment more, Marr spoke and began the proceedings.

"We gather here to mark the loss of, and the contributions to the Empire in life, made by Necrolis Darkstar, the Emperor's Wrath. This monument is in his honour, placed here to mark his service to our Emperor and the galaxy. Let this monument stand as long as Dromund Kaas, and our Empire. Let all that view it know the glory and the cost of true loyalty and service. Let it be a signal of strength, a guide to point the way to a strong, united Empire that shall rise to any challenge, overcome any foe, and forge this galaxy into our Emperor's vision."

Marr raised both hands high even as a cheer went up at his words. At that moment five Imperial fighters crossed overhead from the citadel, out towards the Wall, leaving in their wake lines of red hued smoke. The effect was stunning even if the rain wiped it away quickly. Marr turned to the upper level to his left and raised an arm before lowering it. The city speakers came to life, the Imperial march put out even as from the upper level three artillery batteries simultaneously fired. Slowly and drawn out, the batteries fired in unison for six volleys. When done, the field commander of Dromund Kaas approached the platform and from the dais itself the Imperial banner was detached and folded. The man walked in crisp steps over to where the Darkstar family stood and watched. The man presented himself before Vette, snapping a sharp salute to her before handing over the folded banner.

Vette took the folded banner before the tears began anew. Breathe, just breathe, she reminded herself. The sith revere strength, don't make him look bad. Keep it together girl. Vette kept running those thoughts through her mind, forcing herself to remain where she was and endure. I will not make him look bad, Vette swore silently. Feeling a hand on her shoulder, Vette turned and cast a glance over her shoulder to see red eyes watching her from out of the deep black hood.

"You're doing fine." Shadellis said softly and winked at the twi'lek. "We're all here with you, don't forget that."

Vette gave a weak smile and nodded before turning to look back at the proceedings as the Dark Council rose one by one, taking a moment as they left to each nod to the monument in respect before departing. Once they had filed out, everyone else began to leave as well. As quickly as they had gathered, they now departed. Vette waited, as did the others, until almost all were gone. Relatively alone, Vette walked forward on her own, moving through the water that surrounded the monument to stand before it. She took a moment, staring at the folded banner in her hands before gently placing it to rest on the base of the monument. Putting a hand to the cold hard stone, Vette let her gaze slide over the mounted metal plaque. It was cold and simple, as expected. In service to the Empire. Necrolis Darkstar. Wrath of the Emperor.

"You deserve better, more." Vette whispered, blinking hard even as the tears rolled down her cheeks.

"He has it."

Vette opened her eyes and turned to see Shadellis standing behind her with Asha. Vette frowned in confusion, looking between the women. She did not understand the comment at all. Asha smiled and Shadellis moved up to her and put a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"He has more." Shadellis said, elaborating so Vette would understand. "He has us, Vette."

"There is no death, only the force." Asha added. "He is here with all of us, and lives on through us. He loved you, very much. It was that love that gave him such strength."

Vette looked at both women and nodded before settling for giving both tight hugs. She did not have words at all to say what she was thinking or feeling. She knew she was too tired, too lost in emotions to even try and say anything. She had made it through the ceremony, but it had taken all she had. With one of them on either side, she walked back, wanting nothing more than to head to her room in the Citadel.

Pyrannus stood and watched the proceedings. With her were Raistlis, Pumirra, and Blackheart. The four of them were intentionally removed from the platform where the Dark Council had been. Marr had not wanted them seen to stir any resentment. For once she understood completely. The time for fighting had come and gone. It would come again, but not now. Looking through the rain from the upper level, Pyrannus let beige eyes take in the monument, and those who represented Necrolis Darkstar's family.

"What are you thinking, sister?" Pumirra asked as she joined her sister, even as the two men walked towards the Nexus Cantina.

"I am thinking we will be fortunate to have such a monument to mark our passing, sister." Pyrannus answered truthfully.

Pumirra arched an eyebrow and cast a glance at her sister. It was strange to hear such from her, the tone she spoke in. She was growing into being sith, Pumirra realized. She was discovering it was not simply enough to be strong and have the ability to fight. Oh, Pyrannus knew guile, and how to be cunning, but always only towards a goal. She had kept life at bay, not realizing she needed to live as well as wage war.

"Strange isn't it?" Pumirra asked her.

"What?"

"It is strange, sister." Pumirra answered back. "All the time spent learning to wage war, to fight and be strong. All that time, you especially, have not actually enjoyed yourself and lived life. Now you are seeing such, and I can sense the change within you."

Pyrannus gave her sister a hard stare before shaking her head and looking back down at the monument. Had she been right? The question rattled around in her thoughts as she looked out over the square below. Had the fight with Necrolis truly changed her? Frowning, Pyrannus leaned on the top of the wall before her.

"Tell me truthfully, sister." Pyrannus finally said. "Did Raistlis truly save my life?"

"He did." Pumirra answered back. "It was surprising. Well, perhaps not so surprising."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Pyrannus turned her head to question her sister, growing defensive.

"It means, it's not that surprising." Pumirra said. "Honestly, you two can hate each other all you like but it's damn clear you two need to get a room and fuck each other stupid and get it over with."

Pyrannus growled and made to say something to that statement, but ended up shaking her head and looking back to Necrolis' monument. She had seen the twi'lek who had been married to him. She had stood tall and unwavering, and Pyrannus had to admit she had represented him well. She would not have called Necrolis a fool, and not weak at all. And there he was with a wife, a life outside of just being sith. Had she been wrong about keeping herself apart from everyone, including keeping Pumirra at arms length? Shaking her head again, the cathar thought about Raistlis and of his actions. Was there something more there? She had to admit it had been fun, but sex was after all just sex. Or was it more with him? Annoyed she growled, shoving away the thoughts.

"Come on, sister." Pumirra finally said with a grin of amusement at seeing her sister so off balance. "I think you need to get good and drunk."

The room was lavish and large, the view out over Kaas city had the weather been fairer would have been stunning. As it was, the surroundings made Vette uncomfortable. Sitting on the plush couch, she watched Shadellis lead the others in searching the room. She could not blame the chiss. Having worked for Imperial Intelligence, she knew all too well how easy it was to be under surveillance. Vette giggled a bit as Blizz skipped past waving the sensor unit about and then using it to scan himself.

"Scan every inch of this room." Shadellis stated, even as she worked her scanner over more of the furniture.

"We aren't going to find anything." Bloodshade muttered, having the thought she could just have everyone leave and bathe the room in lightning to fry any electronics. At least it would be faster, she mused.

"Keep scanning." Shadellis remarked back.

Torian Cadera shook his head and stopped scanning over by the large windows that ran along one side of the room. Setting the scanner down the mandalorian looked across the room at Shadellis and threw his arms up in annoyance.

"We ain't found shit!"

Vette burst into laughter as did Bloodshade, while Shadellis just shook her head. It was the first Vette could remember really feeling like herself in the last few days. It felt good to laugh, to be about everyone. She knew the feeling was fleeting, but she allowed herself to enjoy the moment while it lasted.

Teffa Darkstar entered the room and looked about, Mako coming in with him and heading straight for the couch where she settled next to Vette. The bounty hunter walked about the room before looking at Shadellis and chuckling.

"Still ever the agent hmm, sis?" The bounty hunter remarked with a smirk.

Shadellis rolled her eyes and threw her hands up. Giving up she set the scanner on a small end table and flopped into the comfortable embrace of a chair. Perhaps she was in fact being paranoid, but after everything they had gone through, she was not going to just be lax at all. Teffa chuckled as he watched the chiss woman, then moved over to the large table in the middle of the room where he pulled out a device from a pouch on his belt and activated it.

"Sneaky." Shadellis commented as she noted the jamming device. Leave it to Teffa to have one of those handy, she thought.

Night had fallen and turned almost early morning by the time Vette found herself almost alone. One by one the other members of the family, and those closest to them, had filtered out of her room. Most had left once they had shared a meal together, leaving Vette alone with Mako, Asha, and Aela. Tired, Vette looked about at them, seeing both Asha and Aela seemed intent on staying with her. She could not blame them for their concern, knowing she had indeed been very emotional and almost non-functioning for days. They, along with Mako, had indeed been there for her and she was thankful for that support. Even so, Vette wanted time to herself.

Looking over to Mako, she noted the pregnant woman had settled herself in the corner of the couch surrounded by most of the throw pillows in the room. She was sound asleep and Vette rose and grabbed a light blanket and draped it over the woman. Turning she noticed Asha and Aela both looking over at her and Vette smiled and crossed the room to them.

"I need some air, I'm going to go for a walk here." She said watching them exchange quick glances between them.

"I can come with you." Aela said, more a statement than a question.

"Honestly?" Vette rolled her eyes and shook her head before looking at both of the other women. "I'm fine, stop worrying over me. You're going to drive me to drink at this rate. I just need to get some air, clear my head."

Aela frowned and looked to the jedi. Asha grinned before shrugging at the sith woman. There was not much they could do, and she knew they were not going to be able to stay with Vette all the time anyways. She did not get a sense the blue skinned woman was vulnerable or in any danger from herself. Still it was Dromund Kaas, she reminded herself.

"Is it really safe to go wandering about this late?" Asha finally asked.

Vette answered the question by going and grabbing Necrolis' lightsaber and clipping it to her belt before strapping her blaster in its holster to her left thigh. Done, she held her hands out to her sides on the women, looking to them as if modelling the weapons. Aela laughed and waved a hand at the twi'lek to go, while Asha merely gave Vette a nod and wink.

Vette left her room, took the turbolift down and then walked out to the speeder pad. A quick ride and she was across and landed close to the Nexus Room cantina. The night was still and quiet about her. Save for an occasional guard patrol walking about the city was practically empty. The only sounds were the engines of the speeders on occasion, and the sounds of music and revelry she could hear coming from the cantina as she walked by.

The rain had stopped finally, though every so often the low thick cloud cover was lit up by a sheet of lightning. Vette took in a deep breathe of the moist air and let her feet carry her where she wanted to go. There was only one destination for her. Walking down the stairs, she descended to the lower square and moved over to Necrolis' monument. Looking at it she somehow felt closer to him, as if by being there she had his presence with her. She knew it was foolish and silly, but it was simply comforting even if it was no more than a trick of her mind and fanciful wishing.

Booted feet crossed through the shallow water of the pond to stand before it. Her calm was quickly shattered as her eyes took in damage to the monument. Swearing she wiped at the surface trying to get a better look at what had been done below the plaque. Dark stone, wet still from the rain, she had trouble making out what had been gouged into the surface at first. Panicked and upset, Vette had to fight back the urge to cry. Someone had desecrated the monument and it had not even been there a full day. Lightning flashed and in that bright flare, Vette saw what had been done. Her fingers moved over the chiselled letters that had been carved into the stone surface. A smile spread over her lips. Etched into the monument surface was a personalized message, a single word.

Brother.

Vette stood and looked about, not seeing anyone at first. Thunder rolled overhead and when the lightning flashed once more, she spotted him. It took a bit of work but she caught sight of the outline, as distinct as his armour was. There was no doubt Teffa Darkstar stood on the building rooftop not far from where she was. Vette did not fight the tears at all, for the first time they were not in sorrow. Raising her hand she waved for a moment, watching as the dark distant figure waved back before she saw the flash of his small thrusters and he disappeared past the building.

Vette turned to look once more at the monument, making a note to send a message such was not to be fixed or touched. The plaque she could have cared less about. It was merely words. What had been placed in stone itself was personal and meant far more. It bespoke of who Necrolis had been, and how his family felt about him. Vette could think of nothing that would make it more personal meaningful than what Teffa had inscribed.