Whining quietly, the air circulator pushed out a less than perfect product, which meant not as dusty as the outside, into the cluttered room. A round edged, metal door kept out unwanted guests from her rented hovel and faced the large, flat bed on the opposite wall whose headboard rose to the twelve foot ceiling in a tall, dark grey block whose borders hugged the sides of the bed itself. Three narrow, tall windows rose from the floor and flanked small square tables to either side of Gratia's pillows. She had been listening to the rattling for nearly five years now as her lack of engineering skill disallowed repair.
"Get up, time to train," she could almost hear him say and glanced to the small chronometer to the right whose red numbers dully glowed in the darkness. '05:17'
Sighing, she pushed herself up and sat for a long moment, staring into the dimly lit room towards the left where the round table sat quietly and fronted an inset kitchenette complete with autochef supported by a small refrigeration unit. To the right, a small workstation in whose seat rested her droid - the only companion she trusted. "H.K., get up," she called.
In an instant, narrow red lights illuminated as the human-like droid straightened and turned to glance at it's master. "Good morning, madam," his deep, gravely voice greeted as he stood. "Will there be any required retirement of biologics today?"
She grinned darkly, "We'll see. Just sit tight and turn on the holo for me while I get cleaned up." As his metal feet tapped across the permacrete tiles, she pushed herself out from underneath the comfortable blanket and swung her legs out. Suraf had become her home, irregardless of her distaste for the constant heat and humidity, and now that she had ingrained herself within the underworld, a place of refuge. Rising, she motioned with her hand which prompted the blanket to pull up towards the near corner as she opened the door to the refresher and stepped inside. Springing to life, the small light over the mirror highlighted her soft skin, dark hair and blue eyes as she closed the door and pushed the square tab on the left wall. Suddenly, a shower of hot water cascaded over her lithe frame which woke her to it's embrace.
Once done, she dressed in soft, dark leathers and pulled her raven hair into a ponytail which she tied with a black, furry coil as she walked to the dining table whose center sported a hologram of the local news anchor.
"...and last night found the bodies of three members of the Hellion's swoop gang in the alleyway. Their long time quarrel with the Blackwings has been an ongoing feud between the rival clans for nearly thirty-four years and which has no end in sight. In other news.."
Gratia ignored the rest as she sat down in the faded, black padded chair whose metal frame and single support had seen better days. "You monitoring the police band," she inquired as she began eating.
"Yes, madam. No information yet as to suspects outside of the rival clan," the maroon colored droid stated as he walked to the weapons locker whose sandstone walls matched the rest of the room's interior.
There was no doubt that the local constabulary would always point their fingers at the enemy of those fallen in Kulunda and she would never give them a reason to think otherwise. As she watched the nearly translucent broadcast, blue eyes widened at the sight of two men in blue uniforms walking across the background of the scene as the reporter spoke to two racers for the upcoming meet. The duo's short haircuts, clean shaven look and serious eyes told her that trouble may have found her finally. "H.K., try the secure lines for any transmissions to space also." These guys hopefully were that sloppy, but she doubted it. It was worth a try.
"Switching," he informed.
She finished breakfast and turned, placing the dish into the autochef's receiving door, then mentally tapped the 'off' button for the holoprojector as she moved towards the door. With each step, she debated even going to Ostasz to collect her money. Perhaps they should just leave town.
"Madam, are you well," her personal guardian queried.
"I'm fine," she glanced to him and immediately noticed the newly installed autocannon hidden beneath his right forearm which both appeared thicker than on a normal Hunter-Killer unit. "There are two agents in town, keep your receptors open."
He eyed her quietly for a long moment. "Madam, unless I've been turned off..."
"You know what I mean." She turned towards the door and reached towards the inset panel and tapped a small, red button. Grinding to their right, the heavy door opened and allowed more stale, recirculated air into her nostrils and she stepped out into the main concourse. Turning left, she mentally touched the circuitry for the locking mechanism once the door closed - a feature she added herself some time after moving in. Her affinity for electronic security devices had been one selling factor to her master many years ago as well as the driving force to her first few missions under his employ.
Through the rounded hallway they passed several families and kids off to school and followed them to the main lobby door which opened to the day. Golden sunlight poured from the east onto the permacrete thoroughfare bordered in deep orange from the many dust storms they had to endure as well as the few violent thunderstorms which caked the soil into the cracks and crevasses during their short winter and spring. Life on Suraf was such a joyous occasion she thought as they walked passed the awaiting shuttle, while children embarked on another day, crossed the street and headed northward along the storefronts. Narrow alleys and side streets divided large, round topped buildings which most were three stories, and home to the twelve thousand tightly packed occupants whose mundane lives were beneath the notice of the assassin living in their midst.
Soon, the front of the large cantina came into view as she noticed the fancy speeders parked near the entrance belonging to the ten guards spaced along the patio and within sight of the door and rear loading dock.
"Still nothing," she asked and glanced towards the pair moving to intercept her on the walkway.
"No, madam. Mostly reports to the local ranger's office about a plan to raid the Hellion's hideout on the western side of town."
"Good." She slowed as a beefy arm raised. "What," she glared at the guard in her path.
"Business is closed until nine, come back then."
Blue eyes narrowed. "Tell him I'm here to collect."
The human guard touched the small com device in his ear, then nodded. "Alright, but he stays outside," brown eyes motioned to the droid.
Gratia glanced to her companion. "I'll only be a moment."
"Yes, madam."
* * *
Through the darkened club, she walked towards the private room where her employer lounged on a large couch, only custom made furniture suited to the hutt, as she mentally counted all the sentients in the building. Five resided in the kitchen, four in the main office and Ostasz in the room with his usual entourage of seven. She pushed the door open and walked into the music filled chamber. Eyes watched her as the sparse lighting danced along her curves and shone off of her loose clothing and long hair. In the room's center, she noticed the pair of Twi'Lek girls who entertained as she veered left to the large slug's couch.
"You're early," his deep voice commented. "Although, I'm glad that things went as they did. You've done an exemplary job for me these past years."
"Cut to the chase, Ostasz. We've tried and it just didn't work out, I'm sorry," she cut in sarcastically. "Or, are you trying to tell me that there's a bonus in it for me if I do something else?"
Large, red eyes stared for a moment, then the hutt chuckled loudly, stubby fat arms to his immense chest. "No, I have your money." He motioned and a beautifully polished, silver protocol droid stiffly moved towards her, coinpurse in his hand which he extended and she received. "There is however, an opportunity for you to gain my deepest gratitude and perhaps double the normal reward...."
Blue eyes narrowed in the intense sunlight of the coming afternoon as Gratia moved along the main street, lined with various electronic shops, market, cantina and a large speeder repair shop and junkyard. One of the many hangouts for the more unsavory of Kulunda, it had become one of the many places to find several lieutenants of the Hellion gang. A place that most ignored from a distance.
Four smiles from unshaven, tanned men of various sizes gained her immediate ire as she walked up to the oldest, his bare chest and thick arms proudly displayed as he leaned against the sandstone wall.
"Hey there, baby. What can I do to you," he grinned and eyed her up and down as his friends chuckled.
"I need to talk to Moray," she stated unemotionally.
Brown eyes rose to hers. "He's busy. But, you and I can entertain one another until he's ready to see you."
"Tempting as that offer is, I'll have to pass. Thanks anyway." She mentally scanned the others standing there and noted their boss was inside the two story office building, then to their promiscuous sergeant, "I'll see him now," she persuaded with a subtle motion of her right hand.
"You can see him now." He straightened and turned into the yard. "This way." Bikes and a few speeders filled the small entrance to the junkyard as salvage droids and a few human mechanics tended to several under a large awning as they passed. Opening the main door, she followed the thug into the cooler interior which stank of stim and body odor, making her wince. Up the stairs and finally into a smaller office he led and she mentally counted four others in there with the boss, one of them his girlfriend, or someone's, who all looked up.
"What's she doing in here," the middle-aged boss angrily inquired, pointing at Gratia.
"She needs to talk to you," her escort informed.
Moray rose, drawing his blaster pistol and prompted the other three to do the same. "You came into the wrong place, darlin'. I invite guests, not the other way around."
Gratia smiled as she raised her hands defensively. "Hold on. I didn't come for a fight, but with an offer and some information."
"You've got five seconds before I blow a hole in that pretty chest."
"Your lieutenant, Braccus has decided to supplant you. He's working with two local cops and has turned over evidence of your drug ring and smuggling. If you get to these cops quick enough, you can keep them from calling in backup."
"Cops don't scare me, little one. And before I kill you, you're going to do me a favor," he grinned.
"How about Sector Rangers?" A comment that wiped the smile off of his strong, rounded face. "Thought so."
The tense moments lingered as Moray finally lowered the pistol. "Who are the cops?"
She reached into her jacket, then produced a holoimager and placed it palm up and tapped the small, white button. Springing to life, the scene of two clean shaven, well dressed men walking behind the recent interview with a pair of swoop riders emerged. "These two in the back here."
He leaned in for a closer look. "Those two aren't locals. Who are they?"
"New recruits the mayor brought in. He knows you own most of his force so, he's apparently gotten some help from outside. If they go public with their information, you guys might as well say goodbye to your palace here," she said, trying not to laugh.
Steel-grey eyes rose to her. "And what do you want for this information?"
She turned the imager off and replaced it into her pocket. "Just the satisfaction that I can go back to my hovel and enjoy my life again."
His brow furrowed as two of his cohorts chuckled. "You're kidding right? These kinds of favors always come with a price. I wasn't born yesterday."
She sighed. "You guys run the streets, everyone knows that. Why can't one of those living under that umbrella just want to help out once in a while? You've survived this long from help and a blind eye from the locals, right?" He finally holstered his pistol and relaxed as the others did the same.
Nodding, "Alright. What's your name?"
"Lana." He was buying it.
"We'll take care of this, thanks," he motioned towards the door and she responded in kind as she turned and headed back downstairs. All too easy.
* * *
That night, she watched from the shadow of a rooftop as a stiff, cold breeze wafted in from the desert. Lights from various front doors lit the street below as the group of men climbed out of the speeder and off of a few bikes nearby. She could sense five more in the rear of the hotel making their way into the kitchen. The building wasn't very big and so could be hit from various angles rather quickly. Guns brandished, Moray and his men burst into the main entrance. It didn't take long for the gunfire to erupt as they made their way through the dining room and upstairs. Explosions and muffled screams pierced the night as brilliant flashes illuminated from various windows. These guys were reckless; she loved it. Smiling to herself, she knew one issue was resolved and someone else would take the fall for it as she slid backwards and off of the rooftop. Time to leave this town behind, finally.
She headed towards the starport whose small main building sported little more than a lobby and upstairs command center. Waiting inside, she noticed her droid companion waiting with two, dark bags. All she had left to claim from her small, one room home. As she approached, a flag of danger went up, stopping her in her tracks as the tall droid's red eyes turned to her right, then raised his arm and fired. Red bolts lit up the entryway as she sprinted left and towards the awaiting ship. Thunderous roar from the engines coupled with the piercing whine of repulsors filled the air and muffled the firefight ensuing within the lobby against unseen attackers as she ran for the lowered rampway. Crouched at the lower support, rifle aimed beyond her, the first mate motioned inside.
"Go, hurry," he yelled. Upwards, she sprinted, then turned right and headed towards the cockpit as the gangway lifted in time with the freighter.
"Get strapped in," the intercom echoed within the narrow confines. She hopped into the navigator's seat behind the pilot and pulled the straps across her lap, then buckled them as the golden lights of Kulunda peeled away and disappeared. "Hope you said goodbye to your droid," the younger, male voice stated from the copilot's seat as she glanced towards the bearded human.
"Yeah."
"Good. We'll be entering hyper shortly, so sit tight."
Constant thunder from the air they cut through filled the cabin as the older pilot calculated the jump in the nav between their seats, then straightened as he waited for the result. Clouds raced behind them as the night sky filled with stars and soon, they elongated and disappeared.
Blue eyes scanned the long list of choices on the autochef's display and noted a theme as boots tapped upon the metal grated floor towards her. "Ahrisa" looked good and she tapped the choice with her fingernail and waited.
"You didn't tell us that the departure would be hot," the pilot's deeper voice stated as he neared, turned and leaned against the long counter, arms folded.
"A surprise for both of us," she replied as the low hum soon dissipated and the plate of spicy food was revealed by the raised door.
"Uh huh." Blue eyes glanced to the older smuggler and she sensed a building apprehension. "Why would anyone be wanting to stop a waitress from leaving home?"
Gratia grinned as she removed the plate and began stirring the hot noddles. "I take it this was your first trip to Suraf," she asked as she turned and stepped to the small table centering a rounded couch of light blue leather and sat down.
"Yeah."
"That world was well known for it's violence. Swoop gangs run everything," she informed and took her first bite. It had been a while since she had the pleasure of the Core World delicacy. Not bad.
"So why would they be after you?"
She shrugged. "Maybe they just wanted the droid. I have no idea." Attacking her droid wasn't a wise career choice for any of the gang members, someone else was responsible for that and she had a feeling she knew who.
He nodded skeptically as a grin crept across his rounded face. "Waitresses must make a good living in Kulunda then. Not only able to afford this trip but, also owning a H. K. unit. Impressive."
Blue eyes stared for a long moment at the pilot as she ate, knowing her cover story wouldn't have fooled most but, she needed the ride. "Tips are amazing sometimes. The droid I found and my boyfriend fixed it for me as a birthday present."
"Okay," he relented. "I understand the need for secrecy," hands went up defensively as the overhead lights danced upon the wrinkles in his dark brown jacket. "I just want to make sure you haven't brought a world of hurt down on me and my crew, that's all."
"I have no idea who those people were. And that's the truth." His brown eyes locked with hers for a long moment and he soon nodded. She wasn't lying about that much at least. Gratia continued eating as he lingered and soon his first mate walked in from the gunwell.
"We have anyone follow us up," the pilot asked.
"No," Ervin nodded as he leaned over the couch across from her, green eyes admiring their new guest. "I would've liked to have had the chance to grab that Y. T. Twelve-Ten though. It was in pretty good shape."
Chuckling, the veteran stepped closer. "We should be arriving on Istria within a few hours," a revelation that immediately grabbed her attention. "Little detour before we head to Talogi Station. Won't take long."
"Okay," she nodded, then went back to her dinner. As Arlen headed back to the front of the ship, the younger redheaded crewman remained. Her mind raced through the possibilities that Birkita may have found out that Gratia's faked accident was a coverup and that a favorite apprentice was in hiding. A few calls to the Brotherhood would've dispatched enforcers in no time. She would have to run to Wild Space to escape this threat, if she wanted to plan on any type of retirement.
"Smells good," Ervin interrupted.
"You guys visit the Core often?" A question that gave the smuggler a moment of pause.
"How'd you know where that recipe came from?"
"I used to work in a cantina. Pilots brought all kinds of recipes and drinks back with them."
He straightened, "Huh". Freckled hands fidgeted nervously as his eyes fell from hers. "No," he shook his head, disheveled red hair hung around his eyes. "Just twice for me actually."
"You mentioned a freighter back in Kulunda. What was so special about it?"
He grinned. "It had some nice upgrades to the engines," he excitedly moved around to sit across from her. "I noticed the piping and could swear they had Evader GT's in it, which is pretty pricey for just some neck out here." His descriptions piqued her interest.
"Any particular markings on the ship?"
Brow furrowed in thought, "Yeah. A maroon symbol over the cockpit tubeway. Looked like some stylized serpent head with two scythes, one on either side." An emblem that she knew all too well.
A very short trip would give Gratia little time to contemplate the previous revelations and act on them accordingly. Time was of the essence and she could afford no mistakes as at least a pair of enforcers were hot on her trail. She had to assume so at least. No doubts, her droid gave them a good fight but, realistically wouldn't last long.
Cross-legged on the dark blue carpet, she sighed and allowed her mind to delve into the Force. The door was secured but, she knew the crew would have little trouble getting into a room on their own ship. Hopefully, they would respect her privacy for she wasn't the best pilot in the world. Slowly, the three beings onboard with her evanesced into the currents of power that she swam into hungrily. Spiritually, her soul filled quickly and she was again ready for any eventuality ahead. As she concentrated, her mind began forming images of three men in darkly padded armor underneath long, black coats as they walked through a busy thoroughfare. Markings on their necks gained her attention as she maneuvered around to notice the small tattoos etched below their left ears. Earned through tests of skill and willpower, these assassins were part of the Brotherhood and the creases emanating from the corners of their eyes and mouth told of veterans.
Their surroundings appeared like a long concourse to a starport and she hoped it wasn't the one they were headed to.
The vision faded as her breathing steadied and Gratia relaxed. An unwelcome presence stood in the doorway as blue eyes opened and looked up to see the redheaded first mate. "Hi."
He nodded, "You into some type of meditation or something?"
"Very astute," she replied dryly and knew as the words rolled from her tongue, a translation was in order as his head cocked to the side, prompting her to smile.
Ervin shrugged. "I've seen a lot of older guys do similar things back on Tython some years back. Kind of cool."
"Hmm," she pushed herself up and stretched.
"So....you want a tour of the ship?"
"Not really, but thanks." Seen one you've seen them all and she knew that wasn't his motive for the invitation.
"Okay." Green eyes drifted through the narrow confines between the two sets of bunked beds.
"How soon do we arrive on Istria?"
"Shortly. Probably hear the old man announce it over the com here in a minute or two. He loves that stuff, makes him feel important."
Blue eyes smiled at the naivety. "Yeah, I'm sure that's what it is."
"How old are you?"
One question a woman is never asked. "Why," she straightened as hands went into pockets, lightsaber felt underneath her right armpit.
"Just curious. Not that it matters." As the uncomfortable discussion continued, the pilot's deeper voice soon interrupted.
"Strap in, we're arriving at Lockport in a few." Gratia moved towards the galley as Ervin headed into the gunwell and she plopped into the couch and pulled the belt across her lap, then buckled it. Why would these guys need to stop over at a casino, she mused. The owner was a well known criminal which put her on the defensive immediately. Time would tell as she waited as engines strained against the planet's atmosphere and soon she heard the repulsor engines kick in and bring them in for a landing.
Unbuckling her belt, she waited as the crew made their way into the galley and stood near the entrance as Arlen pushed a button next to the now opening rampway. It lowered to more humid air and the cacophony of distant whine of nearby engines and other passing traffic as she rose.
"What's the plan," she inquired and gained Arlen's attention.
"Have a pickup which is going to take a day, so I thought we'd get a room here and give us some time to lose some money."
She nodded with little enthusiasm. "I gave you all my money as the droid had the rest in my bags," she lied. "Think I'll just stay on board." A revelation that met with a long pause as all three of them stared at her blankly. "Or not."
"I'll float you some money," Ervin volunteered. Being in debt to the wide-eyed teenager wasn't what she had in mind but, it may not matter anyway if the trio that she had seen in her vision were here.
"Thanks," she smiled noncommittally and moved to follow them down the ramp as each dipped into pockets and pulled out their identifications and realized she had none of her own. A checkpoint at the entry to the starport would also be a hurdle, but none that she hadn't faced before.
Sunlight pierced the partly clouded sky as the large, half-circular landing pad broke up the distant jungle with grey permacrete. No fence but, she had a feeling the open land between was secured somehow. Another tidbit of information that might be useful later as Gratia remained with her trio of male counterparts who now walked into the shade of the long windowed walkway which looked familiar. Her senses piqued, she continually scanned the crowd for the trio of enforcers.
Elegant lighting throughout the lobby told of a wealth of credits that flowed through this small city built by the one called "Mister O.". Gold and brass accents contrasted from dark greyish-blue marble floors and walls as well as sparse plants strategically placed throughout giving the rich clientele a more welcome atmosphere.
As the quartet moved to the long desk, Gratia's eyes remained peeled for the trio of darkly clad men. Oddly, she hadn't found them waiting in the concourse upon their arrival. Shooting her and these three ignorant crewmen then jumping on their own ship for a quick escape made more sense unless the Brotherhood also had a grievance against the mayor of this immense credit sink. A mistake that she could use to her advantage when the time came.
"She and I can share a room and you two take the other," Ervin mentioned and gained her immediate attention as Arlen glanced to the shocked female in their midst.
"I'm not sure she agrees." The young one could be useful when the time came.
Nodding, she grinned. "No, that'll be fine." A comment that gained everyone's attention and she noted the younger redhead's adrenaline rush in time with an accelerated heartbeat.
"Okay," Arlen shrugged, turned and gathered the key cards and led them towards the turbolift as he handed Ervin one. They gathered with a small group of couples upon reaching the large, bluish door whose rounded entryway protruded from the wall and she slipped her arm through Ervin's. An act that undoubtedly shocked the young engineer as green eyes locked with her sultry smile.
A means to an end, she thought.
Once they eventually reached their room, he unlocked the door and she noted the pilot and co-pilot's attention as he led her inside. Her senses piqued, she noted something odd in the air and immediately scanned the room.
"You want me to order anything for lunch," Ervin asked as she moved cautiously into the dressing room and scanned the refresher beyond.
"Sure," she replied, distractedly.
"This place has the best Blue Ale also," he informed as blue eyes noted every fixture and appliance. "We stopped here a few months ago...." His voice cut off suddenly and she froze, spun and drew her lightsaber, then cautiously moved back towards the doorway. From the shadow of the large closet, she slowly peered around the doorframe to note her roommate's feet hovering above the tan carpet, hands grasping his own neck as he fought to breathe.
"Interesting company you keep these days," the deeper male voice stated and Gratia noticed the dark form standing in the far corner, hidden in the shadow of the dimly lit room. Cover blown, she expanded her search mentally and noted his cohorts in the hallway outside as they moved to the door. She charged Ervin, tackled him and used him as a body shield as they both crashed through the fourth story window and out into midair. Gasping for breath, the young man's body in her arms tensed.
"Are you out of your mind," he screamed as they plummeted downward. People below in the large plaza looked up, some screamed as they ran to get out of the way of the duo while others stared in disbelief. Spinning their legs downward, she used the Force to slow their descent, then landed safely onto the permacrete. Hair disheveled moreso than normal now, Ervin's wide eyes glanced to her as she sprinted from him.
Hot on her trail now, she knew the assassin wouldn't stop until she was dead and felt him not far behind. Noticed in the nick of time, she leapt over a chair mentally tossed in her path, then turned left and headed towards a sidestreet within the covered town. People dodged aside as her heart pumped in time with her legs. She needed to find a good choke point and soon noticed an alley which she sped into. Pushing past two young boys, apparently smoking out of their parent's sight, she moved behind a large, box-like trash bin, spun and waited. Sighing, she eased her breathing and opened her mind as he approached the entrance to the narrow, tall confines and stopped.
"She was disappointed that you weren't actually dead, as was your master," he continued calmly, mature voice echoed within the three story walls which rose to a transparisteel ceiling. Becoming invisible to mental search, she blended into the background and waited as his partners soon arrived, then each moved into one of the buildings bordering the tense moment. "I was told not to kill you, but bring you home. That's why you've survived this long."
'Keep talking,' she thought to herself as booted footsteps echoed off of the dark grey permacrete as he slowly approached. Not long now.
"Too bad you had to kill those two Sector Rangers back on Suraf, now you've become an outlaw. Not as smart as they thought you were, apparently. It's going to be nearly impossible to keep running now that they know all about you. S.E.O.'s are going to be hot on the trail of the murderer of law enforcement officers. Especially two of their own."
As he neared the front of the bin, and his friends were well inside the buildings, she acted. Leaping upon the assassin, red blade now alight, she attacked him. Two quick strokes nearly removed his head from his shoulders as he backed, vibrosword at the ready. Blocks and feints sent echoing thrums and sharp pops with each strike into the air and soon gained much unneeded attention at the end of the alley. This fight was taking too long, she thought to herself as the sudden unfamiliar pops of a distant weapon caught him from behind, making his agile body stiffen suddenly. With the advantage now, she parried and swiped, removing his weapon and the hand that held it. Crying out, the assassin dropped to the ground at her feet and blue eyes rose to notice Arlen, Cori and Ervin with their pistols extended towards her.
She picked up his sword, then jumped up to the landing on the third floor of the eastern building. There were two more to take out still and they would fight her tooth and nail once they found out their captain was dead.
"Get back down here," Arlen yelled and she angrily glanced back as they kept their pistols trained on her.
"There's two more, you idiot."
"I know that. Let's go." He was going to turn her in himself and gain some reward for his deed. A true mercenary. She mentally glanced into the room through the narrow gap in the curtain and could feel the assassin beyond as he sprinted towards her. Crashing through the thin transparisteel, vibrosword extended, she ducked the blade and cut along his torso, sending the now limp body against the metal railing. Crashing suddenly onto the metal grated floor, she removed his sword as a second trophy and sheathed it through her belt. Blue eyes moved to the building across from her and noted the remaining soldier of the Brotherhood not so foolhardy as he stopped within the distant room. Eyes glared at her through the thin curtain as she stood.
"This isn't over," he mentally threatened.
"Yes it is," she replied and leapt down into the alley.
She strode confidently towards the trio as they lowered their weapons. Wisely, she thought to herself and noted that most of the tourists behind and around them backed also. Her senses piqued as a quartet of determined individuals were heading their way, probably local police coming to investigate the fight.
"Let's get out of here," Arlen motioned and led his duo of crewmen back towards the hotel and away from the cops. She watched them go and walked into the crowd and quietly made her way through the myriad of colors in dress towards the parting onlookers. Blue eyes glanced to the left and noted the four uniformed lackeys of the owning crime lord hurriedly move to the alley. Picking up her pace, she moved into another side street which took her deeper into the center of the rooved town. Lighted booths and shops gave atmosphere to the closed confines of the street as shoppers strolled with their children or loved ones, taking no notice of the assassin escaping justice. She hoped not at least.
A central plaza opened up in an enormous circle whose immense window opened up to the partly clouded sky above. Within the railed street that circumnavigated the terraced theatre below, she picked out more guards interspersed among the crowd, now looking around. Concentrating, her oval, tanned face morphed in time with her hair and eye color as she continued moving towards the northern part of town. Calmly walking past the uniformed officers, she pulled both vibroswords upwards into her long, black leather jacket. Soon, brown eyes glanced into a long, windowed wall and noted an enormous bank of tables. One of the many casinos here and another good place to get lost in. Gratia moved to the nearest door and pulled it open then walked inside as the quieter, echoed hum of voices and footsteps were muffled by louder celebrations as well as shouts of dismay and anger.
Through the many crowded sabacc and pazaak tables, she found a restaurant to her right and bar to the left. Beyond, a cluster of turbolifts commanded the back wall near the large lobby to another hotel. All richly adorned, the blast of color reflected from polished brass and marble as she walked through towards the bathroom. As she passed a group of well dressed men in suits, one of them cleared his throat.
"Afternoon," he interrupted as she glanced to the middle aged businessman. Short cropped, dark hair and brown eyes accented a strong, clean shaven jawline.
"Hi," she replied distractedly and continued towards the alcove and bathroom doors beyond.
"Can I buy you a drink?"
"Maybe in a second, thanks."
He nodded and grinned, "Sure".
Gratia pressed on to the door and pushed it open, then walked towards one of the stalls as a pair of ladies in elegant gowns of silk preened and adjusted. Ignoring their prideful boasting, she moved into the rearmost enclosure and closed the door. Quickly, she removed both swords and stood them up inside the toilet, blade down. Anyone looking at her feet would notice the unusual pointed steel and she couldn't afford more attention. Loosening her belt, she reached below her beltline and peeled a tiny, black sliver attached to her skin, then raised it closer to her eyes and began unfolding it. Soon, the pin-sized item became a large, round interdimensional hole that she then lowered both trophies into, then refolded the thin, black cloth into it's former shape. Once returned to her hiding place, she rebuckled her belt and flushed, then walked out.
To her dismay, brown eyes caught sight of the businessman standing in front of the door, smiling as he leaned against the wall, hands clasped before him.
"Sorry, this bathroom is for females, unless you have an embarrassing secret," she glanced at his midsection, then back up.
"No," he replied, still amused. "Actually, I do have a secret but, it has nothing to do with gender." He straightened and stepped closer. "My father owns this place and he has cameras everywhere. It helps to keep an eye on everyone that comes and goes, for a lot of reasons. Also, Cyric told us about your abilities and I have to say, you're an amazing woman."
Her brow furrowed, "Cyric?"
"Yeah, the guy your friend's shot in the alley."
Her head raised, "Oh," then lowered again. "So, what now?"
"Actually, my father doesn't want this kind of trouble here, as you can probably understand. But, he also wants to end all this confusion as quickly and quietly as possible. If you come with me, I can get you out of here and to some place safe where you can escape this mess."
She studied him for a long moment and quickly noted the myriad of thoughts racing through his mind. Not all of them favorable to her at the moment. "So, you know about the one's that Cyric works for then?"
He nodded. "They arrived a day before you did with a large sum of money and a lot of threats. My father doesn't do well in those kind of situations and neither do I."
"So, then you realize that once they find out that you helped me, this place is under new ownership also."
Handsome features smiled as bluish-grey eyes glanced towards the stalls, then back. "We have a lot more friends in high places, I'm not worried." Gratia grinned at his arrogance and knew this guy and his father were flirting with disaster.
"Where's your ship?"
He motioned, "This way". She nodded and moved to follow and suddenly, the floor's gravity became so great her body collapsed to the floor. A man trap, she thought as she blacked out....
A putrid stench assaulted her nose as Gratia awoke to humid surroundings. Her first thought was the pens kept under the training area back at the academy and she opened her eyes to notice the darkened interior. Grey, rounded walls contained the hay strewn floor and her senses piqued to hear the heavy, labored breathing of someone or something else in here with her. Calming herself, she slowly scanned the shadows to find the object of her concern laying not ten feet from her. It's large, dark form stretched for more than thirty feet, though as her eyes adjusted she realized it wasn't one, but many.
Quietly, she peered up to the ceiling to notice the grated hole and a well lit, tan colored roof beyond. Finally looking down, she found that her captors had left her clothed at least but, had taken her lightsaber. Understandably. Far and to the right, she noted the small alcove and probably the entrance to this prison. Quietly, she pushed herself up and sat and glanced back to ensure her hosts remained asleep and quickly realized her atunement to the Force was cut off somehow. Probably drugged, she thought. A realization that suddenly made her nervous as blue eyes widened.
"Good morning," a female voice called from high above and prompted her to look up to the one face she hoped not to see again. Birkita's trademark bald forehead was beautifully adorned with Sith markings in maroon beginning in sharp angles from her cheeks and arcing over her brow. "I was hoping you'd come back to us at some point," the master glowered as steel-blue eyes narrowed in dark amusement.
"I take it you didn't get the flash messages I sent?" Their voices woke her roommates whose large, orange eyes gleamed as a large group of pinpricks turned and gazed at her as they slowly rose.
Birkita grinned. "I see you haven't lost your sense of humor. Good. I would hate to think all those years of training went to a coward."
"Trust me, I've put it to good use." No reason in trying to quieten her voice now, she thought as she stood.
"So I've heard. Just disheartening that all that talent was wasted on some crime lord instead of where it was meant for."
"I did plenty for this Order," too much, she thought to herself. "Lest we forget."
Birkita shook her head, "I haven't. Neither has he, that's why we couldn't leave you loose in the Tauri Sector like that. Your place is here with us, you just lost your focus and could no longer find it in yourself to remain loyal. Shame." She leaned down and gazed to the six legged beasts now risen and forming a loose circle around their prey. "Seems a discouraging end to your life's pursuits. Pity."
"That's only because you're too afraid to come fight me yourself." A biting challenge that gained the master's full attention and narrowed her brow in anger.
"I'm going to enjoy watching you die, just like those three incompetent fools that tried to save you in Lockport."
"They were a means to an end, I could care less about those mercenaries."
"Remain defiant. I would hate to watch you lay down screaming while they eat you," Birkita straightened as another set of boots resounded off of the vaulted hall above to soon reveal another female with similar tattoos on her forehead. "I'd like you to meet your replacement, Ione. She's the one that found and directed Cyric to your whereabouts."
Gratia gazed into the unemotional green eyes and noted the bald head, accept for a topknot which poured long, black hair that fell down her front to nearly touch the black leather belt. Both wore the traditional black outfits with blood red piping and seams. She nodded at the new lackey in more sympathy than respect. "Did they make you kill your own sister also?" The memory resurfaced and calmed her spirit somewhat as the hot breath from the predators whose shoulders reached her hip neared. Black furry, manes framed the large head whose protruding mouth displayed an amazing amount of sharp, serrated teeth.
"No," Ione grinned. "My honor was killing the rest of yours." A proud declaration that turned serenity into focused power and helped cut through the thin veneer that the suppressing drugs had laid. She nodded, grinned and closed her eyes and touched the Force around her, turning the animal instinct of these beasts into a more protective demeanor. Soon, the gutteral growling eased and relaxed as she smiled. Blue eyes looked back up to Birkita whose face melted into rage.
"You're still our prisoner. Enjoy your moment of respite. They're going to get hungry sooner or later," a revelation that preceded her departure as Ione studied her for a long moment, then followed.
Gratia knew that her spirit would effect these ceti as well and tried her best to keep anger in check as she scanned them as some slowly walked away while five remained at her feet. Closer study found the long black, vertical stripes within their deep purple bodies and knew their power from reputation. Omicron Ceti was the breeding ground for these hunters and had been used by many guilds and organizations for protection over the centuries. Blue eyes glanced towards the entrance door as an idea formulated in her mind.
In the darkened security room, the quiet guard stared at the bank of monitors as each flashed to various rooms and hallways within the Sith academy here on Mycale. A variety of radio traffic emanated from consoles behind him, manned by three others on this boring duty. As brown eyes glanced from one monitor to another, a red light blinked and caught his attention. Somehow the door to the pens was unlocked.
"Sergeant, I've got a breach in the stables," he called out and grabbed the attention of the darkly clothed man behind him who spun in his chair and scooted closer.
"The handlers going in there to feed?"
The guard glanced to the camera view to the open door and watched as a large host of animals began running out, "No, sir. They're loose!"
Tapping the headset hanging from his right ear, the sergeant eyed the scene. "Security, we have a breach in the cellar level, doors Four-A and B are unlocked and open. Get a team to the garage immediately." He glanced to the operator who found the problem, "Replay that back and find out who opened it."
"Yes, sir." Practised fingers immediately tapped on the keyboard and replayed the past ten minutes of feed and found that no one had entered the handler's rooms at all. Odd. "Sir, no one did."
Steel-blue eyes widened as the sergeant spun around in his chair and glided closer to his own console. "Madam, we have an escape attempt going on right now...."
* * *
Roars echoed through the halls and muffled the cacophony of screams and gunfire as the large wave of purple and black muscle ripped through everything in their path. Spatters of blood painted various rooms as the group of predators led another troop of various other species, some remaining behind to feast on the delicacies left them. In the forefront of the pack, a trio of ceti sprinted towards the open garage door as flanking members charged gunmen, rending flesh and armor alike as if made of thin norak wood.
Shouts and commands barked from a small group behind and to their left and soon, their avenue of escape quickly began to narrow as the garage door slid inward. Pushing on, the trio jumped through the gap to freedom and kept running as their cohorts continued their ghastly chore inside the larger arena.
Open grass was soon enveloped in jungle as the trio felt more at home finally. Darker, the shade and open air was a welcome change from their previous accomodations as the predators continued their flight through the forest and headed east, over small brooks to soon find a meadow and slow to a prance. Their leader turned his thick neck to glance back and soon stopped, prompting the others to follow suit.
From one of the middle stripes, fingers peeled back the flaps to her hiding place and soon Gratia emerged as if being reborn from the side of the large beast. As she slipped out through the manhole-sized opening, she landed on her back as the three onlookers stared in amazement. Once her legs were free, she immediately folded the interdimensional hole and returned it to it's place beneath her beltline.
"Thanks guys," she smiled and could hear the whine of repulsor engines in the distance. "But, you're going to have to run now." Without waiting for a goodbye, she sprinted into the forest and headed south. She knew she wouldn't be able to use that trick very often but, was glad that this instance could be used to her advantage. Pulses in the Force alerted her to someone ahead and she slowed her pace while closing herself off and used her natural senses instead. Heel-toeing through the dense underbrush, she moved at an angle from where the disturbance was felt, hoping to avoid it if possible.
Chirps and buzzing from life around her gave life to the jungle as she moved quietly until soon noticing a speeder sitting idle at the turn of a nearby road. No distinguishing marks on it gave her any idea who it belonged to, but her blue eyes soon turned to the right and noted a silhouette amidst the vines and trees. About twenty feet from her, the individual was crouched but, she could make out some distinguishing features....such as a topknot of long hair.
A grin cut across her tanned face and she scanned for more help. Or would Ione be out here alone, hoping for the sole glory of capturing their escaped prisoner? Pride was a powerful ally sometimes. She crept forward towards the sleek, light blue vehicle and once reaching the treeline, noted odd shapes in the grass between she and it. Quickly hidden, the traps had been tried once before, she wasn't going to fall for that again and quickly scanned beyond and around the speeder for other things to be wary of.
"You know," the sultry female voice behind and to the right interrupted her train of thought and her attention immediately shot to the tattooed face of Birkita. "I was amazed at how much you've learned since being gone for only a year-and-a-half. I'm impressed."
Gratia stood and noticed Ione approach to stand to her master's left. "Thanks," she replied dryly. "Amazing what you can learn when you read," blue eyes glanced to the eager apprentice, then back to her previous master.
Birkita nodded, amused as she grinned. "How did you get out of there? My curiousity is piqued and I want to know before I kill you."
Gratia finally smiled. "Trade secret." With a thought, she force-pushed Ione into Birkita, who dodged the body flying at her to watch the helpless understudy be hurled into the air and land on one of their own traps which exploded into a flash of green, gelatinous goo. Dodging to the right, she narrowly missed being cut in two by the red, pulsing blade of light as Birkita then sidestepped the flurry of punches and sweeping leg as Gratia fought for her life, knowing one hit from the lightsaber and this whole escape was for nought. Angry thrums swept through the foliage as Gratia ducked and dodged while throwing a few of her own strikes when possible. Soon, she saw an opening and kicked, knocking Birkita backwards and into a tree. With that, Gratia turned and leaped through the high boughs and continued her escape by bouncing through the thick limbs, hurling herself deeper into the morass of green and grey-brown.
She soon found a river and dropped down to it, then noticed a searing pain in her right side. Glancing down, she winced as fingers pulled back a long dark cut in her woolen tunic to note burned flesh. She had been hit after all. Blue eyes quickly glanced back in the direction she had come to notice no one pursuing. Birkita was more patient than that and probably would spend time getting Ione out of the glop before she suffocated, although probably not too gently.
Turning east, she had to find shelter and food. The wound was cauterized but, still hurt and nearly everyone on this planet was either allied with the Academy or the crimelord that lived here, so she was going to have to be careful either way.
"We having fun yet," she whispered to herself smiling and continued on.
After two days of hiding and moving through the verdant hills, Gratia soon peered down to a stand of large trees and noticed a speeder parked near a campsite. Around the grey boulders, she scanned the river that cut through the valley below and continued southeast and found no tourists in the area. Mycale was well known among the social elite as the playground for the families while their male counterparts hunted big game on the sister world of Azotus. Bingor, the hutt lord that ruled from this rich world of resorts and other services enjoyed his home and having a tenuous peace with the Academy helped also.
Until something gave the two powerful groups a reason to fight.
She carefully made her way down into the treeline and watched and listened through the call of various birds for any sign of occupants in the camp, but found none. Carefully, she stepped out into the open and noticed both tents closed up and no evidence of a recent cookfire or any other items about. Blue eyes then turned to the bronze colored speeder and noted the larger vehicle meant for a large group or a few with a lot of gear to haul. Judging by the tent sizes, she guessed at least four until hearing movement in the soft underbrush ahead and noticed a younger couple emerge, then stop as their eyes met.
"Morning," the younger male greeted. By his face and build she guessed about seventeen.
"Hi," she grinned. "I hate to bother you but, do you have a medpac or anything you could spare?" She motioned to her wound and the female gasped, then moved quickly towards the speeder as she pulled a set of keys from her pant's pocket and unlocked it. Useful information as she joined the blonde at the passenger side door.
"How'd you get injured," the boy asked.
Gratia shook her head, "I slipped this morning and landed on the corner of the pan and grate I was cooking on," she explained as his companion handed Gratia the dark blue, rectangular container.
"You out here alone," she asked.
"Yeah," she nodded and moved to the hood of the vehicle and opened the case, then rummaged through it for a salve and bandages. "Been beautiful out here lately, hasn't it?"
"Sure has," the female agreed as Gratia applied the milky colored paste and gently rubbed it in, wincing. "That really looks bad, you should get to a hospital or something."
"I will, thanks," she returned the salve and pulled up her shirt and began tightly wrapping the bandage around her abdomen, then secured it. Once first aid was complete, she turned to the couple. "There are a lot of dangerous animals out here. You out here alone?"
"No," the tall, thin teenager began. "My sister and her boyfriend are swimming," she motioned back towards the river.
"Ah," Gratia heard all she needed to and motioned with her right hand. "I should go now."
"You should go now," the blonde repeated and handed her the keys, then led her boyfriend back towards the tents as Gratia quickly moved around the front of the speeder, pulled open the door and got in. Once started, she quickly drove from the scene and followed the dirt road to a two-lane highway and headed south.
Growing up on this world afforded her a lot of useful information as to the area as well as the politics. As she pushed the speeder down the lonely road, she also remembered a particular junkyard not too far away. It wouldn't take Birkita long to find out how she had accelerated her escape and who the vehicle belonged to, so she had to ditch this one fast.
Sunlight warmly burned upon the grey road as well as the deep green trees around her and she suddenly felt danger from behind. Glancing into the rearview mirror, she saw no one pursuing but, heard the whine of repulsor engines and quickly veered into the forest as an explosion ripped into the road, sending chunks of permacrete into the air as the speeder suddenly stopped as she hit a tree. She jumped out through the passenger side and ran as the air speeder screamed overhead as it passed. Her legs pumping, she heard it bank and turn towards her as she frantically searched for somewhere to hide or at least protect her from blaster bolts as suddenly the trees exploded above. Shards of wood splintered and shot in every direction as she ducked behind a large trunk and waited out the barrage. Once the speeder made it's second pass, she took off again.
Sweat poured from her forehead and soaked her clothing as she ran for her life. Using only her natural ability, she refrained from using her powers knowing how quickly the enemy could home in on her location. Though, she knew that her energy wouldn't last too much longer and soon noticed the sound of lapping water ahead. Pushing on, she heard rushing water and once approaching it, dove into the river. Coolness shocked her burning body initially as she came up for a gasp of air and realized too late how crazy this idea was. There was no telling where this river was headed but, she needed a way to reserve her energy also as she glanced above and behind for the craft. That moment caught sight of the white vehicle but, missed the boulder that she bounced off of which sent her reeling along the turbulent flow. Left arm now numb, she tried to nurse it and work out any soreness. Once satisfied, she took a deep breath and dove into the current. Using her arms and legs, she pushed herself faster along the rocky bottom and dodged the large, grey obstacles as they emerged.
Soon, the rush became faster and she realized what was ahead. Pushing up with her legs, she swam towards shore just in time to miss being carried over the waterfall's edge and grabbed onto a rock, then pulled herself to safety. Gratia lay on the rocky shoreline for a long moment and stared up into the deep blue sky between the bordering green leaves. Catching her breath, she realized how exhilarating this chase had been so far, and not necessarily in a good way. She calmed herself and finally sat up as the thunder to her right reminded her again how close she had come to death.
"Trials remind you that you're still alive. Learn from them. Embrace them and grow stronger," her martial trainer stated time and again. "With strength I gain victory." She grinned to herself, reciting the old adage in her mind.
Gratia sighed and thought long and hard about where she was headed and what to do next. Too many options still lay open, she just had to figure out which would gain her the most advantage.
Giving her clothes a little time to air dry, she finally pressed on through the forest. Rocky outcroppings and sudden descents from the hillside soon found the outlaw near another highway. Or was it the same one, just at another point? Male voices ahead argued amongst themselves and she crouched to get a better look at the trio of modestly dressed humans. Remaining hidden she studied the surroundings for another ambush and soon determined there was none and cautiously moved closer.
"...it's the stupid converter," a smaller, gruff voice stated as she eyed the short, dark brown hair, slender build, but also noticed the pistol in a shoulder holster hidden beneath his black coat whose pockets on the sleeve and front reminded her of a flight jacket. "I told you that before we left," he pointed into the opened hood as both companions stood with their back to her.
"Rory said it was fixed," the middle one shrugged. Taller, his dirty blonde pony tail curled gently beneath it's thin band as he turned and she noted an unshaven, strong face.
"Guess we just have to pay him a visit then when we get back," the first commented as he leaned into the engine, now masked by the second. The third was of medium height but, muscular as the backs of both arms resembled thick ropes but, the pistol hidden beneath the tan vest at his beltline kept her attention moreso than his features.
"No doubt. Muir's going to be upset with you if we don't hurry."
"I'm working as fast as I can, unless you want to help."
"Mason," the third finally spoke up. "Relax."
"Then tell him to get off my back," the first wiped his hands and walked around to the far side of the speeder. The racy lines of the vehicle smacked of money and she began to wonder if they were hitmen or some of Bingor's muscle. Either way, she didn't need the attention and decided to move left. Suddenly the air around her lit up from blaster fire. Red bolts seared lines between the trees and leaves and she quickly dodged to cover.
"I told you," the first excitedly reminded. "I told you she'd be here." He laughed maniacally and continued firing, more to keep her head down than anything and she quickly moved upward onto the first, thick branch. Peering around the tree, she noticed the other two fan out and begin moving in on the flanks, pistols pointed at her last location. So, she waited.
They must've had a sensor of some type to find her in the woods. Well funded, these guys at least weren't amateurs.
Keeping her mind open to the dangers around her, she noticed the taller one close while the third, muscular one remained farther away while he moved around. She leaped through the air and caught the taller one in the chest, kicking him backwards as he tried to raise his pistol for a shot. Gratia then dodged, and brought him up to become her body shield, then grabbed his pistol and shot at the mechanic near the speeder as three bolts hit her shield squarely. Right arm spun around to the other flanker as he crouched and aimed at the side of the tree, then waited for him to emerge. As his hand and pistol broke the plane of the thick trunk, she fired into his face and the shooter disappeared into the brush. Now limp in her arm, she dropped the first victim and sprinted towards the vehicle, aiming at the hood and windshield as the support nervously rose and aimed. Two shots hit him in the chest as his stubbed rifle fired red bolts into the air, then he fell backwards onto the pavement.
The hunter rounded the hood quickly and noticed the third target down, then immediately scanned the long stretch of road behind her. Other than the fading echo of gunfire, the sounds of the forest returned. Now she was armed again and though blasters weren't her first choice, they were better than nothing at all. She pulled the hood down and ran to the body in the road and grabbed his rifle, then hopped into the speeder, cranked the ignition and took off.
"Very well done," the radio crackled to life and she immediately recognized her fan.
"Thanks, Birkita."
"Now that you have a vehicle, where do you think you can run? Mycale isn't very hospitable once Bingor finds out you've just killed three of his men, not to mention the mess you made at the Academy. You're quickly running out of avenues of escape and friends."
"I never had any friends to begin with. You taught me that," she reminded as she continued racing down the two-lane road as it gently dipped and rose with the terrain.
"We were your family. I watched you grow into the beautiful assassin that you've become. Your successes are because of what I trained you to be."
"My successes are because of what I pushed myself to be, thank you very much. You only supplied the direction." A long pause lingered as she listened to the engine roar.
"Where do you think you're going?" Gratia just smiled to herself. "If you honestly think you're going to escape this world a second time, you're mad."
"We'll see."
Birkita chuckled. "Yes, you will." Suddenly, the interior of the vehicle exploded in a cloud of green which encased her in a stifling mass that quickly began to harden. Realizing now her mistake and unable to free herself, she continued pressing on the gas pedal angrily until she passed out.
* * *
The fragrant essence of mori'klita perfumed the air as Gratia awoke to the comforts of a thickly padded mattress and silk blankets and sheets. Totally confused, she opened her eyes to the lavish surroundings. Deep blue velvet curtains graced each corner of the four-post bed, tied at their center to the black, polished wrought iron posts. Elegant lighting fixtures of brass candleholders on the walls hung over intricately carved, dark wooden furniture as she pushed herself up. Holding the thick, black comforter and red sheet to herself, she gazed to the left to notice a large window seat which flanked a large fireplace. Three sets of tall, bullet-shaped windows rose high and looked out to a golden sky and dimly highlighted the many throw pillows which lay on the rounded couch. Beyond her feet, she peered into lighter colored marble flooring which surrounded a sunken tub. On the right, next to the long dresser she glanced into a darkened entrance to a large walk-in closet and the far wall of glass doors, each fronted with a thin veil of white curtains suspended between the thin, inner wooden frames at the top and bottom.
Was this a dream, she mused and wiped her tired eyes, then glanced again at the expensively decorated bedroom. Nope.
After getting dressed in a pair of pajamas folded neatly in the top drawer of the large dresser, she sighed and headed for the middle glass door. Pulling aside the curtain, her view opened to a two-story interior surrounding a large pool centering a large, salmon colored stone floor. Once seeing no one about, she pulled the door open and stepped out into the warmer exterior. Looking up, blue eyes noted the transparasteel ceiling as large, puffy grey clouds whose bottoms were highlighted in lighter red in the morning sky. She then scanned the surrounding railed walkway that joined a multitude of bedrooms on the second floor and wondered if she had been brought to a secluded hotel. No droids in sight made her wonder about that theory though as she moved to the nearby stair which descended to the pool side.
As she warily made her way downward, she glanced to her left and noticed a large dining room through another bank of glass doors, these ornately decorated in lighter wood frame. Farther left and behind she recognized a workout room full of weightlifting and exercise equipment surrounding a large, dark blue mat on the floor. As she reached the bottom, a distant door behind her opened and prompted her to peer right and around the railing to notice an older woman step out.
"Good morning," her kind voice greeted as she headed around to the far side of the pool. "How'd you sleep?"
Gratia nodded slightly, "Fine. Where am I and who are you?" By the look of the modestly dressed, older woman in her forties, she assumed now some wealthy patron or investor into Bingor's financial empire. Long, greying blonde hair was pulled up into a loose bun at the back of her head. Well tanned, the creases also belayed someone who enjoyed their wealth.
She chuckled lightly. "You're in our home and my name's Caelin. Yours?"
The guest eyed the host for a long moment as the woman continued around the pool and beyond the second staircase to a windowed door on the far side.
"Lana," she lied, still unsure of the whole situation. "How'd I get here?"
"I brought you," the kind smile as Caelin stepped into the darker interior of a large living room and disappeared. Nicely decorated with large, comfortable furniture, she noticed the end of a long couch and end table supporting a large, ornate lamp and curtained window beyond. Gratia glanced towards the still open door that the home's owner came through and noticed a large, seemingly empty room whose white floor reflected morning light beyond.
"You're more than welcome to remain with us as long as you like," Caelin stated as she re-emerged and closed the door to the living room and headed back towards the end of the pool. "It's actually nice to have someone stay with us again, it's been a while," she smiled. "Would you like to join us," she motioned towards the open door. "I'll make breakfast here shortly. You're probably hungry, aren't you?"
Gratia felt like she hadn't eaten in a few days and nodded. Relenting, she moved to follow Caelin who led her into the smooth floored room and once inside, she noticed various musical instruments standing on frames, or commanding the right and left walls. Once closing the door behind her, Caelin led her through that room and into a long sitting area whose back wall was nearly consumed in more windows that all looked out onto a wide, grassy yard and long beach beyond. The horizon beyond those forty yards was an immense lake or ocean framed in tall trees that flanked the yard.
"Lana, this is my husband," the hostess interrupted. "Nealon."
Gratia glanced at the older gentleman sitting in a large, lounge chair and noticed the kind smile from him also. "Morning." Greying black hair framed strong features as did the light blue pullover and tan pants.
"Have a seat," he motioned to a large chair to his right as Caelin resumed her spot on the long couch which split the long room in half. She moved to the thickly padded chair and sat down, then pulled her legs to her and finally noticed the light sounds coming from the hidden speakers somewhere throughout the room whose floral patterned rugs, large pictures of faraway and scenic moments all smacked of a woman's touch. Even the large fireplace that centered the outside wall had it's mantle sporting two, silver vases on the ends with vibrant flowers standing in them.
"Beautiful home," she commented and was beginning to wonder if Birkita had sold her to these people as a house slave.
"Thank you," Nealon smiled as Caelin picked up a knitting set and continued her project. "We've been here about eight years now. Bought it from a friend who wanted to escape the Sith. He ended up heading to Celanon, if I remember correctly," he glanced to his wife who nodded.
"That's what Teresa said, yeah." She looked at Gratia, "My cousin and her family."
Nodding, she was bewildered at the atmosphere, especially with all she had been through up to this point. "How long have I been here?"
"About two days," Caelin informed.
Brow furrowed, Gratia's confusion strengthened. "And you said you brought me here. How?" She noticed Nealon's concern immediately as he glanced to his wife, then brown eyes turned to her.
"We found you and decided that was no way for someone to die. No matter what you may have done." He straightened in his chair. "The only thing I ask of you is that you respect our home. You're not our prisoner, nor are you bound to stay here any longer than you want to. You are welcome to remain with us as long as you wish though and I hope that you'll at least stay long enough to enjoy some of Caelin's good cooking."
Still unphased, she stared at him and half-nodded. "Who are you people?"
He grinned as his strong, long fingers pulled at an errant string on the arm of the chair. "I'm retired from the shipping business and my wife and I have a soft spot for hard luck cases."
"You still work for Bingor then?"
His brow furrowed this time. "No way. I wouldn't work for that slug. My business was legitimate and became quite successful until trouble arrived on Khanfu and changed everyone's life. Now we're going to enjoy our money and remain here on Jedda the rest of our lives. As long as they..."
"Did you say Jedda?!" An interruption that garnered a smile and nod. "That's more than two days travel from Mycale." Another revelation that quietened the mood considerably.
"I have a really fast ship," Nealon stated and she could tell he was lying immediately.
Her head cocked to the side and downward. "Try again."
"Does it really matter how you got here," Caelin interjected. "You're safe from whomever was trying to kill you. Isn't that enough?"
Blue eyes studied them both for a long moment and she realized it was, then nodded. "I guess so, yeah," she replied quietly. "So, what's for breakfast? I'm starving."
She strolled through the large dining room whose centerpiece was a long, ornately carved table that sat twenty as each place setting uniformly displayed told of either Caelin's hopes for a dinner party one day or a lot more friends than they had divulged thus far. A fireplace commanded the back wall and was flanked by two window seats mirroring the one in her bedroom. A large display case full of various plates with painted scenes on them, tankards of various sizes as well as a large collection of crystal goblets, tea set and bowls topped off the cherished momentos. To her right, the large kitchen whose breakfast bar separated it from the dining area as Caelin and Nealon both worked on breakfast. Smells of bacon and biscuits made her mouth water and she finally heard her stomach growling.
"Did you grow up on Mycale," Nealon finally asked as she glanced underneath the cabinets and began walking towards them.
"Yes," she nodded, her bare feet padding on the large tiled floor. "How about you two?"
"I'm from Opilio originally," he began. "My father was in the shipping business also and got me started when I was about fourteen. Mom wasn't too happy about that, but you know how headstrong young men can be." Blue eyes noted the inset entrance to the left which led out into the large lobby and bathroom on the left wall and continued into the kitchen and saw the open door straight ahead that led into the wash room and pantry with another door farther on. "I met Caelin during a pickup in Acre, not far from here and we kept in touch for about eight months, then I finally convinced her to join us in the main office. She couldn't get rid of me after that."
"Though I tried time and again," she turned and smiled as they reminisced and Gratia turned to them, then stopped at the edge of the breakfast bar. She leaned over and opened the oven door momentarily, then rose again as it shut. "Have you been in love, Lana?"
She wasn't even sure what that was, in truth. "No."
"Well, someday," Caelin grinned and turned back to the pans on the stove. 'Count on it,' she thought to herself skeptically. This whole scene was making her uncomfortable and she hoped the meal would be ready soon as her stomach ache could be caused by either the hunger or the emotional words floating through the air.
"How old are you, Lana? If you don't mind me asking," Nealon inquired as he opened the refrigerator door and glanced to her.
She never worried about it and wasn't totally sure, actually. "Twenty-four," she guessed.
"Still got your whole life ahead of you then," he grinned and handed his wife the milk container.
"I do now," her irritation at the whole scene in the speeder, the talk with Birkita who laughed at her stupidity and now being saved by two idealistic retiree's was becoming taxing. The lively, jazz style music piped through the whole house wasn't helping either. She sighed loudly and apparently grabbed Caelin's attention.
"Almost ready, hold on," she chuckled. Thoughts, regrets and anger began to roil in her mind and she suddenly turned and moved into the bathroom, closed the door behind her and quickly moved to the toilet and sat atop the closed lid. Leaning over, she buried her face in her hands and began sobbing uncontrollably. This wasn't like her at all. 'Shut up, you weakling,' she chastised herself but, the tears kept streaming until her eyes hurt. In the darkness, she remained until finally was able to calm down and wiped her cheeks. She felt around to find the tissue and blew her nose, then stood, raised the lid and threw the paper into the bowl, then walked to the sink as it flushed. Leaning over the sink as she turned on the water, she couldn't believe how things had unravelled so easily. This wasn't like her at all and wondered if some type of drug had been induced while she slept here.
Gratia washed her face, turned off the water and dried with a towel laying to the side of the sink. Finally collected, she headed back and opened the door, then walked out into the dining area as the couple set bowls full of food onto the table.
"Ready," Caelin smiled as they sat down, then motioned to an empty place across from her as Nealon claimed the seat at the head. Quietly, Gratia moved around to the chair and sat, then began dishing out some of the food, the smell assaulting her nose again and resumed the mouth watering. They ate quietly for a long moment and Gratia feared she couldn't eat fast enough to fill the void in her gut.
"There's plenty, so...," Nealon chuckled. "I told you she could cook."
Gratia's brow rose in agreement as she shoveled another mouth full in. At least if this whole ruse was another trap, she would fight on a full stomach.
"Easy there, darling," Caelin cautioned. "You're going to make yourself sick."
"Like you said, it's been a while," she replied, shooting a bit of egg onto the table. Ignoring the errant shard, she continued feasting.
* * *
Once the meal was consumed, she explored the home a bit more and walked into the foyer whose vaulted ceiling protected an array of large paintings that escorted both sweeping staircases that flanked both walls and pointed at the double doors at the front. Centered in the entryway, an immense marble vase whose squat, dark grey walls also held an electric blue, marblelized swirl in it that matched the surrounding bench seat. Above, a crystal chandelier hovered whose multitude of tiny lights reflected off of the shiny, rose colored, marble floor.
Blue eyes turned to her left as she studied the first painting. Centered in the forest scene, a warrior held a long, viborspear whose point rested in the ground as he looked down to a maiden sitting against the tree on the opposite side as she read a book. In the background, a large palace which resembled one she had seen holoimages of on Khanfu, the sector's capitol.
"I always loved that one," Caelin interrupted as the older woman walked up. Gratia nodded quietly without offering commentary. "Are you okay?"
Blue eyes turned to her hostess, "Why?"
Sympathetic eyes smiled. "We heard you in the bathroom earlier. Just wanted you to know I'm here if you need someone too talk to."
Gratia grinned coyly and turned back to the painting. "I'm fine."
"You're very strong willed, I can see that. It's the only way you've survived this long, isn't it?"
She really wanted to get involved in this? Fine. "What's your stand on the Sith Empire that's ruling this end of the galaxy now?"
Caelin grew obviously uncomfortable as she glanced towards the wall. "We've stayed out of their way and they've left us alone. I think that's how most people survive occupations."
Gratia grinned at the irony of that statement. "How fitting that you save me then." A reply that garnered the older woman's attention.
"I knew the risks, but I also know what I felt in my heart was right. Like Nealon said, we couldn't let you die that way. It wasn't right."
Turning to the rescuer squarely, blue eyes narrowed. "Then you're an idiot," she motioned around her. "You're going to risk all of this to rescue an assassin? What exactly did you do for his shipping company?"
Caelin studied her for a long moment. "Took care of the books."
Nodding, she chuckled in disgust. "Enjoy this freedom then, for as long as it lasts for once they find out where I am, you've forfeited your retirement. You understand that, right?"
She smiled with determination. "Some things are worth the risk. Aren't they?" Blue eyes stared into Gratia's and she suddenly felt like there was more to this story than had been told thus far. "You've risked more than I ever did by sparing her life that day. That's why you had to run, wasn't it?"
Suddenly feeling as if her soul was bared in the open, she stepped back. "How did you know about that?"
"You and your Order aren't the only one with gifts."
Avoiding divulging her life story any longer, Gratia made her way into the exercise room and scanned the new gear situated around the walls. To her immediate right, she found what she was looking for. Suspended on a terraced rack, wooden staves and swords of various lengths reminded her of the academy and she moved to the nearest set of longswords. Well balanced for practise weapons, she walked to the center of the large mat and began going through her kata's, enjoying not only stretching her muscles but also centering herself again. A much needed break with all that had happened the past few days.
Once she was warmed up, the air around her hummed as both weapons became a blur as she combined strikes with kicks in all directions until soon, Caelin and Nealon both stepped in quietly to watch. She finished her workout with an angry backspin, block and upward cut. Now completed, she stretched again as sweat soaked her body, then bowed and walked both weapons to the rack.
"Amazing," Nealon complimented. "You've definitely perfected the Ariol' Sai. I'm impressed."
Gratia nodded and turned to head towards the door they covered.
"Was your master Echani?"
"No," she shook her head. "How do you know about them?"
Nealon grinned. "I've seen much of this side of the galaxy, trust me."
Blue eyes glanced to his wife. "I'm learning a lot of interesting things about you two lately," she looked back at him. "Anything else you want to tell me?"
Nealon shifted his weight. "Perhaps after your shower, we can all sit down and talk."
She nodded. "Sure."
* * *
Once cleaned up and changed in another set of baggy pants and sleeveless shirt, she reclaimed her chair in the sun room. Hair combed out, she felt renewed again and it felt great to remove nearly a week of dirt, even though she felt fairly clean when she woke up here which meant Caelin probably did the honors after rescuing her.
"I'm also a student of the Force," Caelin began. "I studied under my master on Opilio long before I met Nealon. There was a small school and temple in the mountains there. I think the Sith closed it down permanently some years ago though," she informed sadly and Gratia nodded in confirmation. "Once I was sent away to find my own place in the galaxy, I found some friends here on Jedda and settled in while studying further under Master Tyle who was the resident Jedi Protector. I'm not a jedi myself but, some of his skills helped expand my knowledge which I keep hidden most of the time. Not safe to be different nowadays."
"How did you keep your abilities masked when you noticed and rescued me then?"
Caelin smiled. "I've learned a trick or two." Hands clasped and pressed between her thighs and she eyed Gratia. "How about you?"
She realized agreeing to this conversation meant she probably had to contribute at some point. "I was found at an early age - don't remember when - and trained since I can remember," her mind drifted back to moments in her memory. "Once it was determined what my proficiency was, they decided to have me train with various other masters." She glanced to Nealon. "That's where I learned the sword and other weapons." Blue eyes drifted to the coffee table and large bouquet centered on it in a large glass bowl. "I spent six years on Suraf as a base while traveling back and forth to the Academy until about a year-and-a-half ago." She cut off any further description, noticing how quickly painful memories of those days surfaced.
Nealon cleared his throat, "My business actually supplied various jedi bases as well as supporting families. Politicians and such. I've been as far into the Core as Corellia and a few other interesting worlds in between. Primarily here in the Tauri Sector and Talogi Station though." He took a long drink of tea and set the glass down onto the end table as she glanced to him. "Once the Sith fleet arrived I helped some families escape to the Core while the jedi remained here to fight. Not an easy task, believe me. But, we did a good job in rescuing most of them. I had a great crew that flew with me," he nodded and grinned as brown eyes gazed outside to the ocean beyond.
"Yes they were," Caelin agreed, then eyed their guest. "What will you do now, Lana? You can't go back to anything familiar or they'll find you again."
She shrugged. "Not sure, really. Hadn't thought about it much," she lied. The more they knew the more of a danger this couple was to her and themselves. It was best to keep her plans to herself.
Caelin nodded, leaving the question alone. "You've proven resourceful thus far, I'm sure you'll be alright. For now anyway." A comment that raised blue eyes to the other force user in the room.
"Was there anyone else nearby when you found me?"
"No," Caelin shook her head in thought. "But, I think they were on their way." She chuckled. "Wish I could've seen their faces when they tried to cut you out and found an empty hollow instead."
Brow furrowed, Gratia's confusion as to the method of extraction compounded. "What? How could you get me out without cutting through that mess?"
Nealon eyed his wife and nodded. She eyed an ashtray on the coffee table, and motioned with her left hand. In an instant, the object disappeared and reappeared in her hand. "Like that." It then returned to it's previous spot on the table in the same manner.
"That's incredible," Gratia leaned forward with interest. "Have you ever trained anyone else?"
Caelin shook her head. "No. As a matter of fact, because of the nature of your training, I'm not sure I could."
"I'd like to find out."
The older woman grinned and shrugged. "We'll see. Maybe later."
"Okay."
Her toes sank into the sand of the beach that stretched for miles as Gratia's eyes were lost in the endless blue stretched out along the horizon. An immense body that moved land, yet was moved itseslf by the wind and other forces outside of it's control. She pondered that point for a long moment as she felt a presence approach from the house. Older, his footsteps moved through the manicured lawn with a relaxed stroll and she could feel the power that emanated from the man, without even turning to look at him. Nealon and Caelin had been talking to him for the whole of the afternoon as Gratia walked the beach. The sun warmed her head and arms as she stood, waiting for the inevitable introduction.
"We find ourselves at an interesting crossroads, you and I," his mature, soft voice stated. "At any other time and place, we'd fight for our ideals and principles, swearing the other's guilt as our blade's crossed in anger," he chuckled as she listened. "And now, we have a common enemy." Clearing his throat, he joined her side on the beach. Greying dark hair fell onto his shoulders as piercing brown eyes squinted, narrowed by the sun. Thinly cropped beard also liberally sprinkled with grey pointed downward towards a modest, tan shirt and dark brown pants which belayed the healthy jedi from a hidden moon in Calista.
"Indeed," she finally replied, curious as to the direction of the flowery introduction.
"Do they know of us," he asked, then turned to her, leathery skin creased with age.
"They do, just not your whereabouts, last I heard." Blue eyes turned to the jedi master. "Though, you're high on the priority list, trust me."
He grinned. "I have no doubts of that at all." A strong, gnarled hand extended, "I'm Kaliman by the way."
She turned to face the larger man and bridged the wide gulf between them, "Gratia." He nodded as their hands fell away and she noted a hint of recognition in his eyes.
"You've made quite a name for yourself over the years. Redemption is never easy for one so stained, is it?"
Lips arced into a wry grin as she glanced to the large home her hosts had brought her to, then back. "I'm not looking for redemption, that's for you and yours. All I want is for them to pay for what they've done to me and my friends. I have the location and names of their hierarchy as well as an intimate knowledge of the layout of their base. Other allies on various worlds are also yours to use as you will. If you don't have that information already," she shrugged.
Kaliman nodded quietly as brown eyes studied her. "Not ones for breeding a lasting loyalty, are they?"
Her hand rose, "Listen, you keep that rhetoric for those wanting to join the Flowery Brotherhood. I'm not interested." She sighed as hands went to hips. "Are you in this or not?"
"They've brought the war to us and there are plenty who want their freedom back. I've been talking to several interested parties that want to join and fight them," he nodded. "Yes, we're in."
"Good," she turned towards the mansion and headed back as he joined her.
"Once this is over, I'll ensure that everyone knows you've helped us. I'll try my best to keep you from the line of fire, if you let me."
"I have my own scores to settle, so know that if you're targeting them I'll be in the middle." Blue, determined eyes glanced to the older commander. "Just let me avenge my sisters before you finish the place off. Alright?" Kaliman nodded but, she knew better. Once the trigger happy novices within his army got the chance, there was no telling where the missiles and blaster bolts would fly.
"You have a week to do what you need to, then we'll be there."
"Alright." He opened the door and stepped back, allowing her to enter the long sun room and notice Caelin approach her as the two men continued into the house to discuss further details.
"I'm sorry the training for that ability didn't work for you," the aged force user smiled sympathetically. "I'm sure you have all you need already to do what has to be done," hands wrung nervously as Gratia nodded, ready to get back to Mycale and kill Birkita and Ione. Surprised, Caelin suddenly hugged her tightly and she initially jerked to retreat but, found herself returning the gesture. "Take care of yourself and I hope to see you again once this is over."
Gratia grinned as they parted. "I'll get my things and be ready in a minute." Caelin nodded and backed, allowing her to quickly head upstairs to change and gather the weapons that had been collected from her lap during the rescue a week prior. Once done, she scanned the comfortable room she had enjoyed while here but, it was time to end years of abuse and slavery. Birkita may have the ability of Farseeing but, she wouldn't see this coming.
"Ready," the quiet, motherly tone asked from behind her and Gratia turned to notice Caelin standing in the doorway.
"Yep," Gratia nodded and sighed. Blue eyes closed in concentration as the mage's arms floated outwards from her body then began to glow faintly and the object of the exercise felt herself become lighter as the darker colors around her swirled until becoming bright light, then faded....
* * *
From the darkened alcove, she glanced out into the lighted central command center who's circular, raised platform sported a bank of raised consoles. Emitting various colors from the monitors, she walked out slowly into the laboratory and between two, circular containers which resembled bacta tanks. Tubes and piping extended from each into the walls behind them and her eyes noticed the warehouse full of uniform rows of these, perhaps a hundred or more in all. Blue eyes glanced into the nearest on her right to notice the horrid, twisted body growing within and began to recognize the head shaped like that of a rodian. So the rumors were true, she mused.
She stepped to the rim of light and peered around to the left to notice a medical droid tending to his own duties, quietly stooped over another computer in the center of the main walkway, perpendicular to the ranks of pipes along the ceiling carrying valuable fluids to and from the projects contained here. Right hand dug into her jacket pocket and retrieved a small, hand-held computer. Blue eyes peered into the small screen as she linked to the local net, knowing that Bingor's syndicate kept in touch of everything going on within their realm of influence. How they missed this place was beyond Gratia as she raised the computer and slowly panned with it, giving everyone outside this building a firsthand glimpse into the Sith project.
Once done, she turned and quietly moved through the ranks of large containers towards a distant door. As she passed more and more bodies hung by tubes in the light green liquid, her eyes soon caught sight of a familiar face which made her stop. Studying his face closer, she noted the patchy beard which used to be full and belonged to Cori, the co-pilot of Ervin's ship. Shocked, she turned and studied the neighboring tanks and soon found Cyric as well as the second member of the Brotherhood she killed. All being turned into some automaton for a new, larger army and which both were added to the gallery she was gathering.
Not wanting to be caught in here any longer, she moved quickly towards the exit. Once turning the corner to the last tank, she noticed a pair of guards standing near the closed door quietly at either side. She backed and slid the stubbed rifle out of her jacket and raised it as she slowly moved around the edge of the windowed cylinder, then fired and dropped the first while the second moved to unholster his pistol, then shot him also. Klaxons sounded in the hallway beyond as a red light sprung to life over the exit door and she sprinted towards it. Pushing on the bar, it didn't budge which prompted her to back from it. Concentrating, she motioned outward with both hands and the metal door exploded away from her and sailed into another pair of guards responding to the emergency.
She sprinted over the door and second pair of armored bodies into the narrow corridor and kept running onward towards a large set of offices. Dimly lit except for the occasional, rhythmic pulse of the red light, the rooms beyond were quiet as she moved passed rows of desks and towards a long wall of windows beyond. Without looking for a door, she leaped and crashed through the glass and out into a shallow, manicured rank of shrubs and landed hard on the mowed lawn. As she rolled and moved to rise, she recognized the long gathering of dark grey, armored vehicles in the parking lot, their weapons trained on her as were the Sith Army troops between.
"Well, well," Birkita's voice echoed from the glare of headlights. "What do we have here?"
Gratia stood and continued her recording as she raised the hand computer to her belt, ensuring that the building's outside was captured in the ample light supplied by the vehicles. Once done, she returned it to her pocket as a female silhouette moved out through the men and machinery as Birkita walked across the short distance between them.
"I was hoping to see you again," the Sith master began. A once beautiful woman twisted into becoming the epitome of darkness by the dark lord that called the Tauri Sector home.
"Same here," Gratia smiled. In one swift motion, she raised the rifle up and fired the automatic weapon with impunity as Birkita dodged then began deflecting the remaining bolts in time for the cornered infiltrator to close with her. She blocked the master's arm holding the lightsaber away from her while delivering a flurry of punches which the other parried or sidestepped. Gratia then grabbed Birkita by the throat, twisted her body and slammed the older woman to the ground as the host of soldiers looked on. Angrily, she then slammed her knee into the weapon arm and pinned it to the ground at the wrist as both women fought, each blow hungrily searching it's mark.
From her left, Gratia felt the pulse of danger, rolled to her right while grabbing Birkita's arm and raised the lightsaber to block two shots from one of the vehicles. Now free, the master then rolled backwards and leaped to her feet as Gratia tried to keep her target between she and the shooter. Suddenly, she felt the heat penetrate her side and knock her into the bushes. Pain intensified as she looked up to see Ione move towards her, rifle at the ready and her vision soon......
* * *
Blue eyes fluttered open to focus on the stone ceiling above. Cold grey walls flanked her on the metal table which she found she had been chained to as her head rose to hear the clanking of metal on metal. Anger at all she had failed to do, arms tensed as fists clenched as she tried in vain to break free.
"You can keep doing that all day," Ione ridiculed. "It's not going to work." The younger acolyte moved to her left, grinning with satisfaction as Gratia soon relaxed. "Unbelievable that they wanted me to take your place. I say that spot was always vacant," green eyes looked down in disgust.
"When you've logged all the kills that I have, sister, then we'll talk."
Ione nodded and grinned, mockingly. "Right. And how'd a veteran with your clout get taken down so easily? Twice."
A grin cut across Gratia's sweat covered face. "Did you ever stop to think that this was all in my plans? What happened the last time I was here?"
Brow furrowed, "You've got a messed up sense of accomplishment. From what I see, you're about to die with no ceti to carry you out this time." Her long fingers rose and she held up a thin, dark sliver between thumb and forefinger. "I like this too, thanks."
Suddenly, Gratia motioned and the 'hiding place' flew from Ione's fingers to Gratia's mouth and she then swallowed. "That's mine."
In anger, the younger sith student raised her lightsaber and ignited it. "Now I'll just have to get it back."
"Wait," Birkita interrupted from behind and both glanced to see the bald master who strolled in, olive eyes narrowed in frustration. "We have other business to attend to first."
Gratia watched as Ione backed, and blew a kiss to her and smiled, then received a slap which echoed loudly in the small chamber as Birkita leaned over. "Hi, mom," she mocked.
"You think your plan is foolproof? I have news for you, the fleet that was on it's way here is now engaged with another belonging to our ally, Bingor. Not only was your trip here for nought, but so was the transmission you tried to send from inside the warehouse." Shaking her head in disgust, Birkita sneered as she backed. "This one deserves a longer, more painful death than a merciful cut from a blade. I think you should go get some old friends," she glanced sidelong to Ione. "Perhaps they're hungry by now."
Ione grinned darkly, "Love to." Her saber disengaged, she replaced it on her belt and strode from the room.
"A buffet," Gratia grinned, her left cheek still burning from the slap. "Good, I'm starving."
Birkita's amusement didn't wane as she studied the prisoner on the table. "Keep up your spirits. That's what I used to love about you, it's just too bad you weren't in jedi robes then I would've taken more pride out of watching you die."
"Have any laying around?"
"Not yet," the grin faded. "I plan on feasting on your new friends soon though, my blade's grown eager with the sound of battle not far from here."
"I look forward to seeing that fight, if only it were possible."
Birkita leaned forward again. "Don't worry, they'll tell you all about it when they join you," she winked and rose as the sounds of angry sneers and slapping footfalls echoed in the hallway beyond as they approached. Blue eyes glanced towards the door as Ione herded the quartet into the room and Gratia recognized the female figures within the horrid, bent forms before her. "Recognize your old friends," Birkita smirked as she backed then glanced to the automatons who hungrily eyed the prize on the table before them.
Gratia calmed her breathing and closed her eyes, then touched the minds of those in these twisted bodies to find the remnants of her sisters. Those killed for their allegiance to this doctrine that only served the greedy and selfish. She turned that wanting into a desire to please their new master, then gave them a conflicting directive.
"Feed, my children," Birkita commanded as the group, simply clothed in dark grey pants and shirt began to roar in anger. Instead of rushing the free meal, they charged their benefactor who backed in shock. Ione moved to push the nearest towards Gratia but was knocked backwards into the wall by the inhumanly stronger beast in human form.
As she tried to sit up, Gratia suddenly found herself standing beside the table instead of on it. It took a moment to gain her bearings as Birkita ignited her saber and cut down the first of her assailants, then move to keep the other three at bay. She realized that Caelin hadn't kept out of the fight after all and thanked her benefactor mentally for the second rescue. Leaping through the air, she kicked Ione against the wall a second time, then reached out for her saber, mentally calling it to her hand. In an instant, she received the weapon and pushed the button to ignite it as the near-bald woman jumped to her feet and laughed.
"It's only usable by me," Ione chided as Gratia found the weapon useless. Still in her fist, she punched instead and used the weapon's handle for more force added to her anger now welling up within. In a blur, fists and feet soon knocked the acolyte onto the ground unconscious and she turned her attention to the master now alone with four bodies at her feet.
"I tire of these games of yours," Birkita moved to engage and Gratia complied. She dodged the first two swipes of the red blade and closed with the equally agile woman, keeping inside her arc and firing into the body while blocking the weapon arm outward and away until knocking the weapon free. As it clanked and skidded across the stone tiled floor, she poured all of her energy into her martial styles. Bloodied amidst the fury between them, both tirelessly punched and kicked in a flurry of motion until Gratia found an opening. A fast roundhouse kick knocked the master into the bank of monitors at the back of the room. Painfully, the older veteran slammed into the outer edge as Gratia moved in for more and threw right after left into the body and face of the one who had taken everything from her.
As Birkita slumped to the floor, she stood over her defeated foe in satisfaction. Badly bruised and bloodied herself, she felt the presence behind her of someone familiar and turned to recognize Kaliman in the doorway. Surveying the scene, the jedi master glanced up to her.
"Is it over?"
Gratia looked down at the bodies around her, then nodded. "Yeah, she's yours." Blue eyes turned and pointed to Ione in the corner. "That one too." She realized the chaos of battle in the rooms and hallways beyond this one had been tuned out during her own fight. Sighing, she tossed Ione's lightsaber to him and he caught it, then motioned for several men behind him to gather the prisoners. Once the two Sith were carried out, she glanced down to the four remaining bodies as memories of who they were returned. Her vision clouded with tears as he stepped closer.
"I'll help you bury them," he quietly volunteered.
"Thanks."