Unknown Space

Myrtenaster

"Well, this is exciting."

Weiss glanced aside at the blonde Corellian pilot after her seemingly casual comment. Yang's indolent posture at the helm belied what the Echani woman knew to be a raging maelstrom of fear and anger that lurked below the surface. Likely the only reason the volatile pilot hadn't yet erupted was the presence of her orange-haired lover at her side, every so often giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. Nora hadn't left Yang's presence but for a handful of minutes since they'd departed Nar Shaddaa, always keeping a concerned gaze on Yang with her bright turquoise eyes.

It was curious to the Mandalorian woman how such a seemingly volatile relationship could prove to be so steadying as if they balanced each other perfectly.

Well, I would know something about that, now, wouldn't I?

"Udesiir, vod, gedet'ye," she murmured out loud before clearing her throat and translating. "Please be calm, Yang. We won't be here for long."

Here was a point in deep space, somewhere along the border between the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire. There were no discernable navigation markers or hyperspace relays, just endless black visible through the viewport and on the scanners, sprinkled with a myriad of pinpricks of light.

She was startled out of her reverie by the blonde's next words.

"You called me vod," Yang stated curiously, glancing at the platinum-haired Echani out of the corner of her eye.

"Er, elek…" Weiss turned and busied herself with the comm station, fiddling with some of the controls. "It's not just you, I do consider all of you vode now. Certainly more than crew."

"Uh-huh." She could hear the grin in the pilot's voice even without looking. "I think we've been adopted, babe."

"You think so?" Nora answered humorously. "Does that mean we get to call her mom now?"

"It's not like…" Weiss looked over her armored shoulder at the pair of snickering women, unable to truly hold onto her ire as the thick tension was notably eased. "Utreekove, the lot of you."

"I would call these two several things, perhaps," Pyrrha laughed as she walked onto the bridge. "I do not know if fools would be one of them." She was closely followed by her blond Mandalorian lover who was now geared up fully in his blue and gold armor, helmet tucked under his arm.

"Oh, k'uur," the smaller Mandalorian grumbled irritably.

"Yes, dear."

Jaune stepped forward, setting his buy'ce on the console before gingerly plopping down into the copilot's seat. "Nothing yet?" he grunted.

Weiss shook her head. "Nayc. We're early."

"And you're still not gonna tell us what's goin' on?" Yang interjected acerbically. "Why we're not rescuing my little sister already?"

"All will be well, Yang," another familiar voice spoke up. Blake walked in, coming to a stop near Weiss while her apprentice took up station at the entrance to the bridge. "Have faith."

"Faith in what, the Force?" the blonde quipped.

"No, in Weiss."

The platinum-haired Mandalorian gazed up at her Cathar lover wonderingly. "You say the sweetest things, cyar'ika," she murmured.

"Mmm." Blake leaned over and gave her a sweet, slow kiss. "I wouldn't mind a hint or two, though," she murmured against Weiss' lips.

She let out a soft snort as she moved back. "I told you all, we're meeting someone. Hopefully."

"Hopefully?"

Weiss nodded firmly at the blonde pilot's skeptical tone. "I can assure you-"

She broke off at a shrill beeping from the console. With a flicker of premonition, a squat, ungainly-looking spacecruiser exited from hyperspace practically on top of them.

Yang gave a start but visibly restrained herself from slapping on the vessel's shields. "Um… So, are these your friends, then?"

Nodding once more, Weiss' grin grew to be a bit more feral at the sight before them. The bulky cruiser was likely of similar tonnage to her own sleekly elegant craft, but the similarities ended there. It had a trio of wings, two above and one under, each of which ended in a plethora of blaster and ion cannons. Bulky armor plating made it seem like the head of a gigantic Wraid from Tatooine. The D-5 Mantis Patrol Craft was an ugly yet deadly warship, plain and simple, and would easily chew her beloved craft into debris.

And she'd never seen anything quite so beautiful in her life.

Letting out a sigh of relief, she quickly open an audio-only channel to the other ship.

"This is the Myrtenaster. Su cuy'gar, ner vode, and vor entye for coming on such short notice."

A familiar voice came back across the speakers. "This is the Fortune's Favour," Coco Adel replied archly. "Ba'gedet'ye, ner vod, those pirates were a pushover anyway. They're not going anywhere. So what's the plan?"

Weiss glanced around the room, her grin widening at the pleased looks on the others' faces. "Give us just a moment to assemble around the main holoterminal and we'll explain the situation."

Ten minutes later the crew was settled either in couches or standing attentively as Weiss finished with her summary. The flickering holoimage of Coco regarded her and the others gravely.

"Well," the brunette finally sighed explosively. "Troch, you've had a rough time of it… So the idea, then, is to invade a Sith planet to rescue your ad'ika?"

Weiss nodded slowly. "I do have a plan. It will require all of us, especially you and your crew, vod." She glanced down at her datapad. "We'd need your clearance codes to get onto that quadrant since you have active Imperial contracts… From what we were able to dig up, Mistral is currently garrisoned by a full akaata of verde plus heavy assault beskar'ade." She glanced around, chagrined at the confused looks Yang and Nora were giving her. "Er, ni ceta. That is, a battalion of troops and heavy assault droids."

"Hmm. Is that all?" Coco's fingers strummed along the belt of power packs slung across her shoulder. "You do realize if this ever gets out, we'll be considered aru'e within the Sith worlds?"

"I do." The Echani woman swallowed hard. "I know this is a lot to ask…"

Her friend barked out a laugh, waving away her concern. "Kandosii, ner vod! If I can't fight me a Jetii, maybe we can kill some Darjetiie while we're there! So what's the actual plan, then?"

Weiss smiled grimly. "Here's what we'll do…"

Sith Empire

Mistral

Ruby stumbled slightly as she was led off of the Sith cruiser and into a cavernous landing bay. There was a bustle of activity as soldiers, droids, and service personnel scrambled about, though everyone gave the small group a wide berth. Her hands were secured before her with heavy binders on her wrists.

If I didn't know better, I'd think they were bein' cautious of me...

The petite brunette still couldn't quite figure out why in the galaxy she'd been taken, or what these Sith wanted her for. Nobody had answered her questions when she'd been in contact with any of her captors, though for the most part she'd just been left alone in her cell.

She hoped with all of her might that the brief contact she'd felt with Blake had been enough for them to find her… before it was too late.

Escape was certainly the last thing on her mind at the moment. Setting aside the number of Imperial troops and droids standing guard attentively around the perimeter of the area, her escorts were not the kind of people she wanted to tangle with unarmed and alone, not to mention with her hands secured.

Corellian she may be, but even she didn't like those odds.

Her gait faltered once more at the none-too gentle prodding from behind with what seemed to be an unlit lightsaber. "Move it, squirt," came the gruff and uncaring voice of the one she'd heard referred to as Mercury.

The massive figure leading their procession, his wide girth blocking the brunette's view of their destination, turned his head slightly, crimson brow furrowed slightly. "Leave her be," he rumbled with a calm voice that nonetheless brokered no disobedience.

Ruby picked up on the very soft snort from behind, but Mercury did indeed stop trying to propel her at a faster pace. Not for the first time, she wondered what sort of Sith this Darth Hazel was, possessing almost a sort of honor. He had her and Jaune, not to mention ZW-31, at his mercy, and could have easily eliminated the others.

And yet, he remained true to his word and merely took her captive, leaving Jaune alive and, hopefully, her sister's droid without any irreparable damage.

Not any kinda Sith I've ever heard of…

At that thought, the diminutive mechanic's gaze flickered between the escorts on either side of her. The Twi'lek girl seemed to exude a certain… malevolence, as if she'd be more than happy to cripple Ruby if she gave her any trouble.

The Zabrak… Darth Tyrian… Well, he simply scared the shavit out of her.

Even now the dark-robed Sith Lord seemed to be mumbling under his breath, giggling every so often at some unheard joke. The Corellian girl could almost see the dark shroud surrounding the deranged Sith, like a miasma that threatened to pull her in and leave her a writhing ball of pain.

She shuddered briefly at the random and perhaps overly dramatic thought. Maybe it was the hallway that they were now traversing, having left the cavernous bay some time ago. All around Ruby was stone of a dark grey that looked black in between the dim light sconces. Their footing was muffled by a thick carpet in a red so dark it reminded her uncomfortably of dried blood. The passageway just felt… wrong to her somehow.

Their procession came to a halt abruptly when Ruby heard the swish of a turbolift door opening. She let out a startled squawk as she almost ran into the back of the Sith Pureblood in front of her. Darth Hazel turned his head again to look down on her, and perhaps it was a trick of the dim lighting but Ruby could have sworn the side of his mouth quirked slightly.

Not my fault I'm so small, she grumbled internally. The brunette shot an impotent glare forward, though her head only came up to the middle of his back.

"I will take her from here," a husky, sensual voice announced quietly. "Lord Hazel, Lord Tyrian. You have my profound thanks as well as that of our Lady."

The Sith Pureblood inclined his head respectfully before turning and striding back down the hallway without another word. Darth Tyrian stood for a moment longer, his crazed muttering silenced as his golden irises bored into Ruby intently.

She swallowed as he bent over her slightly, sniffing the air before leaning back with a thoughtful hum.

"Well, now," the Zabrak mused with far more sanity than she'd heard from him previously. "This will certainly be interesting."

With that, he whirled around in a swirl of black robes and sauntered off, once more giggling under his breath.

Ruby finally had the chance to look at the newcomer and she was immediately forced to take a step back at the sheer presence of the woman standing before her. The raven-haired human had amber eyes that almost reminded her of Blake, but these were far more intense, far more intimidating. She was certainly beautiful, but in an almost arrogant way, as if this Sith was used to getting whatever and whoever she wanted through force or guile.

And then would most assuredly and nonchalantly discard them once used up.

With a firm nod, the woman turned smoothly, not ruffling her black robes in the least as she glided forward and into the waiting turbolift. "Mercury, Emerald, with me."

"Yes, My Lady Cinder," the Twi'lek replied with an eager undertone. The grey-haired human simply grunted but still moved forward, propelling Ruby with an invisible push of what must have been the Force.

Ruby put her bound hands out in front of her as she stumbled inside, catching herself on the railing lining the interior and preventing a spill onto the floor. She gave Mercury another glare, but this one had as little effect as any she'd inflicted upon her hosts to date.

The turbolift smoothly went into motion, sending them upwards at what must have been a dizzying pace, though the trip lasted but a few seconds. Before she knew it she was in another large room, easily three stories high and brightly lit from the multiple chandeliers and sconces around the perimeter. The walls here were durasteel but lined with drapery and plexiglass windows looking out across a barren, hostile landscape poorly illuminated by the distant white star.

The red carpeted floor rose gradually up to meet a series of steps midway, continuing towards a large raised platform where an ornate chair sat. There were several doors around the room, none of which looked to be easily accessible.

And then there was the Rattataki woman.

Ruby had never seen one of the reclusive warrior race before, but the tales of their harsh homeworld were things best told around campfires and in hushed tones. This woman had the typical bald pate and bone-white skin, clearly visible as the hood of her robe was pulled back as soon as the brunette entered the room. Glowing red eyes observed their entrance as a slow smile crept across the Sith Lord's dark-veined face, offering the Corellian mechanic no reassurance whatsoever.

"Well, hello, Ruby Rose," the woman greeted her with a surprisingly melodic voice. "My name is Lady Salem. Welcome to my home."

The small brunette cleared her throat and gave what she hoped to be a more-or-less respectful nod as she didn't really want to start antagonizing her host just yet. "Um, thanks?" She immediately winced at her squeaky tone.

Salem gestured with one slender hand, and Cinder took Ruby by the arm, leading her forward and towards the steps. The brunette had to squint slightly to keep her footing as she still hadn't adjusted to the brilliant illumination.

"So, uh, why is it so bright in here?"

Cinder paused, looking down at the captive incredulously.

"Well, I mean… you guys are Sith, aren't you supposed to have dark and moody lighting?" Ruby gave a guileless shrug. "Just wondering."

She quickly regretted her impudence as the Sith's grip on her elbow tightened painfully while behind her a growling began, seemingly from the Twi'lek girl.

What happened to being not irritating? she chastised herself.

Lady Salem, however, laughed lightly, causing the grip to loosen once more.

"Oh, I like your spirit, little one," the Rattataki woman chuckled. "Would you prefer it a bit dimmer?"

"Yes, please," the brunette replied meekly. "Um, it's kinda giving me a headache."

With a flick of Salem's fingers, the bright lights reduced by half, eliciting a sigh of relief from the petite Corellian.

"Better?"

"Yes, much, thank you."

Cinder pulled her forward once more until they were at the top landing and standing before the Sith Lord, who regarded Ruby with a small smile still tugging at her mouth.

"You will not need those anymore."

Ruby gave a surprised start as the magcuffs slipped from her wrists. Handy trick, that...

"However…"

The brunette's silver eyes shot up at the new tone that laced her host's words, causing her heart to drop into her boots.

Salem's smile had now turned into a dark smirk. "I do apologize for this."

With another flick of her hand, the Dark Lord sent Ruby flying sideways into a wall. The mechanic let out another squawk of surprise as her wrists and ankles were now bound to the wall by some sort of durasteel restraints, suspending her several feet above the ground.

"Now then, my little friend," Salem purred, gliding forward and with a new, eager light in her crimson eyes. "Let me tell you about a certain prophecy that you will find very, very interesting…"

Ruby could only whimper in fear as Cinder joined the other woman, a matching anticipatory smirk on her dangerously beautiful face.

Dramatis Personae (in order of appearance):

Yang Xiao Long - Human female from Corellia. Smuggler, talented pilot, and droid tinkerer.

ZW-31 - Yang's custom astromech droid.

Ruby Rose - Human female from Corellia. Smuggler, skilled mechanic, and gun nut.

P3-NY - Ruby's astromech droid.

Lady Salem - Rattataki female. Sith Lord and advisor to the Emperor.

Lady Cinder Fall - Human female. Sith Lord Inquisitor.

Darth Hazel - Sith Pureblood male. Sith Lord Warrior.\

Darth Tyrian - Zabrak male. Sith Lord Inquisitor.

Emerald Sustrai - Twi'lek female. Sith Marauder.

Mercury Black - Human male. Sith Warrior.

Weiss Schnee - Echani female from Eshan. Mandalorian bounty hunter.

Pyrrha Nikos - Human female from Alderaan. Mandalorian bounty hunter.

Jaune Arc - Human male from Mandalore. Mandalorian bounty hunter trainee.

Hei "Junior" Xiong - Human male from Tatooine. Gangster and information broker.

Melanie Malachite - Devaronian female exiled from Devaron. Bodyguard and assassin.

Miltia Malachite - Devaronian female exiled from Devaron. Bodyguard and assassin.

Blake Belladonna - Half-Cathar female from Cathar. Jedi Master.

Lie Ren - Mirialan male from Makeb. Jedi Apprentice to Master Belladonna.

Master Ozpin - Human male from Coruscant. Jedi Master and Council Member.

Nora Valkyrie - Human female from Ord Mantell. Republic Commando.

Neptune Vasilias - Devaronian male from Nar Shaddaa. Migrant Merchants' Guild.

Sun Wukong - Zabrak male from Nar Shaddaa. Grifter, middle-man, thief.

Coco Adel - Human Female from Coruscant. Mandalorian bounty hunter.

Fox Alistair - Miraluka Male from Nar Shaddaa. Mandalorian bounty hunter.

Velvet Scarlatina - Mirialan Female from Nar Shaddaa. Mandalorian bounty hunter.

Yatsuhashi Daichi - Human Male from Balmorra. Mandalorian bounty hunter.

A/N: Ugh, I am so very sorry with how long it took to update this story. Life has been rather interesting lately, full of changes and stress, but I'm trying to get back into writing mode. Expect updates to come a bit slower than before, unfortunately.

So, then. Are we prepared for all-out action? Buckle up, 'cause the next chapters will be quite a ride...

Stay shiny!