Disobedience - Part 1

He dared not shift in his thoughts until he was nearly at the ship. It had barely been an hour… should he call her back? It might be interesting for her to see how he did things. Perhaps there would be something she could learn just by waiting and watching? Hm… it could be dangerous. If she was seen…

He pondered his choice, wondering whether he ought to contact her. She would be training likely, or perhaps returned to work- he stopped, hearing voices as he approached the ship. He caught the scent of a familiar and delicious perfume as he lingered for a moment, listening closer.


Zaiya watched as her master's broad, cloaked back disappeared into the city. She said nothing, nor did she move. What were her options? Return to her makeshift existence of waiting for him? It was not the way of the Sith to exercise such patience. Though that clashed with some of her own teachings already. From Hondo she had learned a silver tongue could be just as adequate as a blaster, how had he put it…?

Speak softly, and carry a strong weapon. ...something like that. She paced at the base of the ramp, contemplating the choices before her. She could return, wait for him to call on her, months from now… or never if he found himself wishing to push her away after that… moment between them. She could go find him, risking seeing Sidious and him recognising her. No, not a good option. A frown crossed her brow for a moment… then… she turned, her face smoothing into a calm smile.

"Sixy, you look like you need a bit of a tune up. I noticed a loose wire earlier." She cooed playfully.

[Impossible. I am in prime condition.] Sixy responded. Zaiya slid her hands behind her back, clasped together as she approached the droid.

"Mm, no doubt about that. You are indeed one of a kind, my friend, however, I am curious as to what this, is?" She reached to the droid's side, tugging gently on a wire that seemed to be fraying and out of place.

[How-How is this possible?] The light tug created a speech relay malfunction. Hm, this wouldn't do.

"Not to worry, my metallic companion, I am more than equipped to assist in this endeavour. You have tools available, yes?" She asked, releasing the delicate wire.

[Maintenance on the ship is conducted here, the tools will be there.] Sixy pointed at the cabinets behind her against the wall. Perfect. She moved to the station, moving a small stool and toolbox out towards the opening of the ship. [Why here? It serves no function.] Sixy asked as Zaiya instructed it to assist her.

"No practical function maybe, but I enjoy the view." She grinned, glancing out at the red sky. It reminded her of home. That, and being in front of the ramp both guarded the ship and ensured he could not sneak past her when he returned. She shed the cloak, sitting on the small stool as she used the small tools to open Sixy's side panel. "Were you always a sith training droid, Sixy?" She asked curiously.

[My memory banks contain no knowledge of other functions.] it responded in that same flat monotone voice as it always did.

"So, have you always trained my master?" She asked, looking up through her lashes at him. There was a long pause.

[I am not permitted to disclose such information.]

"Understood. As his apprentice, my concern is of course his safety and protection." She assured.

[My programming does not include safety measures. My function is to test in battle and to pilot on occasion.] it replied. Hm, no ground there.

"You are to complete the mission, is that right?" She asked, choosing a different approach.

[Correct.]

"Then I believe the more information I have, the better prepared I am to assist my master in his mission." She reasoned. There was another pause, she could almost hear it's processors working.

[Your logic is acceptable.] Sixy responded.

"Excellent, I knew you were a superior droid." She grinned, and for a second swore she could have spotted pride in it's ocular implants. "How long have you known - er, served as the master's droid?"

[Unknown, there are gaps in my memory records. However, it can be estimated that it has been approximately less than ten years.] She focused on soldering the closest wire connection, summoning her magick once the wire was secure. This droid needed a little more than a wire restored.

"Ten years…" She mused, nodding as though knowing that time she'd had stolen from her didn't burn in her chest like a thousand suns. "Are you able to tell me of his progress… outside of training?"

[This is an irrelevant inquiry.] Sixy responded.

"Perhaps at first glance, though as a clever droid, you would know that organic minds can often be plagued with emotion. To ensure that does not occur, I must know more." She once again used logic to ensure the droid cooperated as the green smoke rose from her hand, filtering within the cavity, and subtly shifting the wires and cables, not yet enough to require a power down.

[My assessment indicates your arrival has been the greatest factor in this aspect.] Sixy responded flatly. Zaiya paused, glancing up with a raised pale brow.

"Sassy for a droid, aren't you?" She asked with a smirk. This is what she was looking for.

[I am not capable of such things.] it replied swiftly. Zaiya just grinned. The magick took hold then, and suddenly the droid went dark as her magic changed the internal structure, rewiring one or two points, adding some armour to the structure of the chest and back plates. It would become much faster and stronger this way. And hopefully…

She spent a lot of time focusing on the ichor, using her power subtly, disassembling and reassembling the droid, enhancing it with the Nightsister magick. Some time passed, and after a few clicks and whirrs the droid once again came to life.

[What happened?] it asked with a little more lilt in it's voice.

"My apologies, in an effort to ensure the wire would not be caught again, I had to shift some things. Not to worry. You are in perfect order."

[I am a droid. I do not worry.] it retorted swiftly.

"Of course. Now, you were telling me about our master's disposition in the time you have known him?" She asked in a sweet tone.

[Yes.] Sixy nodded slowly. [The master was once more defiant than currently. However, any rebellious acts were… punished.]

"I understand." She nodded in return. She wasn't sure she wanted to know what was done to him, lest she lose her composure completely and attempt to kill Sidious here and now.

[The master is very efficient in his missions.] Sixy added, unprompted.

"He is." She nodded. "I knew him once, and he always shone brighter than the sun of Dathomir."

[How does an organic being… shine, in such a manner? Was he… luminescent?] The droid queried. Zaiya just laughed.

"No, it was more of a metaphor. I mean that he was vibrant, bright, had a fire that could not be extinguished. I admired his power even then. I never understood why the sisters treated him lesser, he was stronger than all of us. He is a true Prince of Dathomir." She beamed, proudly. "I knew then that I wanted to stay by his side, that through me he had a chance to leave the planet. To be more, to do more. To take the opportunities he deserved." She smiled, a sense of nostalgia overcame her. Though the droid's next question was like a bucket of cold reality all over again.

[Why then did that not happen?] it asked, a sense of curiosity in its voice.

"Sidious happened," She replied venomously. "He stole the future my Prince deserved and so… I must do what I must to set it right. I would do anything, even if it takes my life. I made an oath, long ago."

[Master does not speak of this history.] Sixy stated, seemingly confused.

"He would not remember, perhaps Sidious stole the memories, I do not know. But it does not change my mission. Even if he resents me, I will do what I can to ensure he is freed."

[Master is not free?]

"No. Powerful yes, but not truly free. I cannot abide by it, but I can bide my time." She shrugged.

[You have not spoken of this to our Master?]

"No, since his memory is missing much of our initial time together, it would be unwise to tell him everything at once. I would never lie of course, if he asks I would tell him… but if Sidious has done something to his memory, if he learns of the past… my master might be in danger from knowing too much too quickly. I did not come this far to put him in danger. My task is the same, whether he knows me or not." The nightsister closed up the panel and tightened the last screw when she felt something. Her blue eyes flicked up and she saw her master standing there, fully cloaked. His expression was dark, though she did not know what it meant. "Master." She nodded. How long was he there? Did he hear what she had been saying? She kept her face neutral.

"I thought it was implied you were to continue training." the male hissed as he gracefully approached.

"Yes, my master, however I noted Sixy was in need of repair and felt it would be prudent to do so before moving on. I was not aware you were returning so soon." She stood at attention, hands behind her back. Ready to take any punishment if he deemed this minor defiance worthy of it. His eyes met hers, the endless gold once more, searching her face. What was he looking for? Defiance? Sarcasm? She kept a calm expression and looked back, she had nothing to hide. Not from him.

After a moment he seemed to gain wherever he was looking for and looked away, toward the droid, assessing her handiwork through his senses.

"You will join me for my mission." He stated cooly, looking at her with an even glare. If he heard any of what he said then he gave no indication. Zaiya was surprised. Wouldn't there be a risk of his Master finding her if she joined him? With a moment of hesitation, she nodded, using her power to gently push the stool she had been using back to its position by the cabinets. She was in no position to question her master. With a nod, she headed into the ship, following him up the ramp.


She learned their destination as they travelled, Kellux system. They were to find a Trade Federation station and secure the safety of those within. Zaiya had to be certain that it would be safe for her to be seen, the last thing she wanted was her Master to be put in any danger unnecessarily.

Once they were underway, the two Sith spoke little, an air of professionalism settled between them. Neither acknowledged the previous activities they had engaged in, and the little they spoke to each other was his instructions to her to follow him as a shadow. Watch, do not engage, do not be seen, stay cloaked. With a nod, she pulled up her hood, it was a disappointment to not be able to show her skills, to be able to do the one thing she had pledged herself to do and protect him. Not that he needed it, but she felt uncomfortable either way.

It seemed he noticed this unease in her, and in an offer of compensation perhaps, he suggested she take the guns of the ship, and shoot down all of the pirate's ships surrounding the main blockade station. A wicked grin crossed her lips and she nodded. Her master was strangely kind for a Sith.

She took up the gunner's position in the cockpit, focusing the force as her master had taught her. The moment they de-cloaked, she fired. The first ship exploding in fiery rain, the rest of the single-pilot orb-wings scrambled. They attempted to defend, to avoid… but it was no use. From the proton torpedoes to the mines… the pirates were annihilated in minutes.

"Well done, my apprentice." he spoke softly as she stepped away from the console. She bowed her head in an offer of thanks and reverence. Her master did not wait to board the Federation Station, and Zaiya was fortunate enough to witness the Zabrak cut his way through all the pirates that stood in his way. There was barely a pause in his step as he moved forward, the Nightsister several paces behind, anyone still clinging to life, she dispatched for her master, though it seemed he was incredibly efficient. She was not surprised, his skill, power, agility and technique left her in awe. How did he manage to look bored while doing all this? Zaiya shook her head, she would be this powerful one day. No, even more powerful! Then she could protect him and be an apprentice worthy of being in his service.

The door to the main hub was closed, in a futile effort to keep him at bay. She nearly laughed, they had no idea what was coming for them! The door did not hold, and he burst through it, making Zaiya hurry to peer through into the carnage inside the room. She lingered by the door, her blue eyes sparkling in awe at how fast he moved. The bloodshed was not her focus, it was just a part of their task. It was a shame, they would have been useful peons if they were not in their way.

Suddenly a voice spoke up, claiming they knew what he was. She tensed. The two of them were meant to be secret! Though it proved to be worse. He assumed her Master was a Jedi. Her lip curled, but she remained still, listening.

They spoke, and the fool attempted to bargain for his life -by revealing the location of a captured Jedi Padawan! One that was being held by someone called Xev Xrexus to be sold in a black market auction. The entire mood in that room changed. She felt it, the shift from boredom… to extreme focus. She felt the tension, and knew her master would not ignore this. He spoke less of it, though she could feel it, the frustration, the sense of stagnation. Her master wanted more than he was given. Not just the scraps, he wanted to prove himself. Of course he did, it's what he had wanted when he was young. He always strived to be more, to be better. For one that commanded respect and attention whenever he entered a room… to be forced to hide, to become dull with disuse. It went against everything he was, this part of him, this was the part she knew, that had remained through the torturous upbringing and training. She knew his choice before he even spoke, and entered the room as the last pirate was slain. The Pirate didn't know where the Padawan was. The Neimoidian spoke up and had not yet seen her.

"Well done! Well done! You've saved me… and you've uncovered information for which we'll be rewarded greatly when we inform Lord Sidious-"

"A pity…" The Sith spoke quietly, but enough to silence the Neimoidian. Zaiya moved to stand behind him, still remaining unseen as the focus was all on her master. "The pirates killed everyone on this vessel before I arrived." Zaiya used her power, strangling the life out of him within seconds. The two apprentices made eye contact as the corpse dropped. There were no words, but they both knew.

Sidious had his plans and secrets, and now they had theirs. Not only a secret apprentice, but the opportunity to kill a Jedi. They would not have this opportunity again. Time was of the essence.


-+ Notes +-

Oh look at that we have delved into Darth Maul 2017 comic!

Can you believe this is chapter 27/28 and we are not even up to the movies? What the heck! Eitherway, I hope you will enjoy this chapter, lil bit of banter with Sixy. I like this droid, I need to have him do more stuff.

As always, any feedback, likes, comments are ALWAYS appreciated. You have no idea how much they make my day! Have a lovely lovely week my friends, I shall see you next week for Disobedience Part2 -electricboogaloo!