Post by Roy on Oct 12, 2015 18:55:06 GMT -5
( Maltez and Epiphany make a trip to Nal Hutta for aggressive negotiations which get out of control when an unbelievable discovery is made. )
Epiphany Meridian
Epiphany Meridian stepped out of the shuttle first once it had landed on Nal Hutta. She was wrapped in a deep blue velvet traveling cloak, which somehow reflected the colors purple and silver as she moved. It covered her form entirely, and make her look like some sort of rich shapeless blob rather than the most renown politician in the entire galaxy. The hood was slung low on her brow, giving only subtle hints of elegantly sculpted eyebrows above her piercing gray eyes. "I got a bad feeling about this." She grumbled back toward the ramp, hoping that Maltez would hear her.
Maltez Buffton
Maltez Buffton changed out of his typical ceremonial armor for once in his life and donned his old battle armor from his hunter days, one Pip would recognize, though it had been upgraded over the years. He does hear Pip as he follows her down the ramp, before being followed by four more armored beings. "You worry too much," he tells her. "The fleet is in orbit. They're not suicidal."
Epiphany Meridian
"Mister Buffton," She began, "You and I have had enough...interludes with the Hutts to know damn well why I feel the way that I do." Her eyes turn back to the spaceport in front of them, "That, and we aren't kids anymore."
Maltez Buffton
"Mister Buffton? Really?" She couldn't see him rolling his eyes, but he knew that she would still know. "Well, Lady Meridian, things are a little different this time." And it was true. The full might of the Buffton fleet, every ship owned by the family and the Cartel combined to forge a force that surpassed anything the Hutts had left to throw at them. Even now the fleet had completely blockaded the Hutt homeworld, weapons trained on the cities. At any moment, Maltez could bring the planet to its knees.
Epiphany Meridian
"Fine" Epiphany snapped. "Lead the way. I'm only here to play translator, anyway." She sighed. Of course she knew Maltez rolled her eyes at her. They've only been playing this game with each other for over three decades.
Maltez Buffton
"So glad you're here," he replies sarcastically, walking past her and starting towards the spaceport, the four guards moving to escort positions for both Maltez and her. "You haven't gotten rusty with your Huttese on me, have you? It's been awhile you know." He calls over his shoulder.
Epiphany Meridian
Ask and ye shall receive. Epiphany released a string of Huttese expletives that would probably sound like nothing more than casual conversation to the untrained ear. Sure beat having a protocol droid, at least, as far as humor was concerned.
Maltez Buffton
Maltez chuckles, shaking his head. "Why yes, I do think this armor makes my ass look good. Thank you for noticing."
Epiphany Meridian
"So, which worm are we seeing first?"
Maltez Buffton
"We're going straight to the top, to the Syndicate. Napha, Dratuu, and Garantah."
Epiphany Meridian
"All three at once? Either they really are that scared about the fleet in orbit, or, they're too stupid to realize what we can do, and it's a trap."
Maltez Buffton
"Neither. I didn't give them a choice in the matter," he says, glancing at her over his shoulder.
Epiphany Meridian
"You don't feel that anything is wrong? That they just said, 'oh sure, Maltez is back from the grave, and is coming to party with his entire fleet so we'll behave?' That is very unbecoming of the Hutts, and you know this."
Maltez Buffton
His confidence was unshakable. "If they don't want their planet reduced to rubble, they'll play nice. I'm calling the shots. I'm not worried about it."
Epiphany Meridian
"Well, in that case." Epiphany responded, before leaning up and giving him a soft kiss on the cheek, "I hope you're right."
Maltez Buffton
"What's the worst that could happen?" He asks with a chuckle after the kiss. "Come, we have group of Hutts to make defecate themselves."
Epiphany Meridian
"Oh don't ask that.Never ask that." Epiphany shook her head, she knew there was a whole lot of options for 'worst'. "Lead the way, oh Bufftonness."
Maltez Buffton
With a nod, Maltez leads them on into the spaceport. For the most part, everyone leaves the entourage alone, as word had begun to spread about the blockade above the planet. Eyes watch them as they move, and the four guards with them appear to be well aware and watching those around. The Buffton himself keeps his gaze ahead, ignoring everything else, the trip taking them to a waiting landspeeder on the other side.
Epiphany Meridian
Whispers abound as they were taken through the streets of Nal Hutta: human, alien, it didn't matter: Maltez Buffton was alive, and he was planetside with former President Meridian. A few wise guys thought it would be smart to get closer to the speeder, perhaps to catch a glimpse of the couple, or, to try to get their best shot in attempt of reward. But, not only were they protected by their own entourage, the Hutts had also made sure that, for now, their guests were to be unharmed, and bodies were being dragged away from the path as they made their way toward the palace.
Maltez Buffton
The attempted interference was completely ignored by the Buffton. He knew he was going to be left alone, he knew no one dared lay a hand on him or his party. The trip to the Palace was a short one and it wouldn't take long for them to arrive and be exiting the speeder, Maltez offering a hand to Epiphany to let her out. The Hutt Palace hadn't changed a bit in the thirty some years since they last made this trip.. just as disgusting as ever; surrounded by the boggy swamp.
Epiphany Meridian
As Epiphany took his hand, her nose wrinkled. "That smell." She griped, "I can't say I've missed that." She stepped down from the speeder, and surveyed the scene. Despite the warmth and humidity of the planet, she kept her cloak on.
Maltez Buffton
The Buffton points to his helmet, a grin hidden beneath. "Thank the gods for filters. Come, our hosts are waiting. I told them I'd be here two hours ago." He offers Pip his arm for this part, while the four guards take up their four point formation around the pair.
Epiphany Meridian
"Ah yes," Epiphany sneered, "guests of the Hutts. Just what I always wanted." She took his arm, and sighed, "Let's do this. Hopefully for the last time."
Maltez Buffton
"For the last time," he promises. "If this deal pans out, I'll have droids on site to handle communication from now on." Stepping forward, the small group enters through the massive doors that opened as soon as they stepped out, with a pair of female Twi'lek twins waiting, smiling towards them. "This way, Lord Buffton. The Council is ready and waiting to see you," they say in unison.
Epiphany Meridian
Epiphany makes a disgusted noise when she sees the Twi'leks. They were slaves, no doubt, as was common with most female Twi'leks in this part of the galaxy. Slaves for what, however, she didn't want to know. Now she removed the hood from her robe, making it a bit more evident who she was. Her black and silver hair was pulled back into a bun encapulated in some sort of sculptured cover, and some tendrils of hair cascaded down over her face.
Maltez Buffton
The Twi'leks both show their recognition of Epiphany, but remain silent, turning to head towards the main amphitheater chamber ahead, where the three Hutts are sitting, waiting, with dozens of attendees of various alien races, all clearly slaves, and numerous guards armed and armored standing around. Maltez shows no hesitation walking forward towards them, taking Pip with them up to the podium addressing the council.
Epiphany Meridian
This is when Epiphany had to take over, Maltez's idea of diplomacy involved a rifle, her's, at least, involved words. Words that they could understand. "Chut chut, patissas. (Greetings, friends.)" She began, "Long time no see."
The Hutts
"Ho ho ho," Narpha laughs at Pip's words. "Meridian. (You greet friends with fleets of war now, do you?)"
Epiphany Meridian
"(You know Maltez, he likes to make an entrance.)" She looked over at her companion, and then to a different worm, "(Garantha, I trust you received my message?")
The Hutts
"(It will get him killed.. again, one of these days.)" Narpha replies, before Garantha answers her question. "(I did, but promptly ignored it. The Buffton spawn insulted us. It deserved to die.)"
Epiphany Meridian
"(I figured you would know by now that the Bufftons are immortal.") Epiphany taunted, and then turned to Garantha, "(nooooo, not my nephews. Either way, after all I have done for you, you treat my family like this?)"
The Hutts
"(It is only our respect for you that the bounty did not include your daughter and granddaughter, Meridian.)"
Epiphany Meridian
("Xaiyla has not affronted you at all, had you included her, this visit would have much different consequences, IF whatever bounty hunter you sent her way survived.)"
Maltez Buffton
Maltez interrupts before the Hutts have a chance to respond. "Can we get to the part where I threaten to blow them to hell if they don't do what I want?"
Epiphany Meridian
Epiphany shoots a glare toward Maltez, and then returns her attention to the Scum and Villainy lounging before her. "(We are here to remind you to release the bounties on the Buffton men. Krevan is already dead. Niko has done nothing and Maltez has assured me that Antor is being dealt with.)"
The Hutts
There were grumbles at Maltez's statement but it mostly went ignored. "(What is in it for us? It is the eldest spawn we want dead most.)"
Epiphany Meridian
Epiphany turned to Maltez, "They want Antor dead, but they want to know what's in it for them should they call the bounties off."
Maltez Buffton
"What? Fuck the bounties, that's already cancelled, they just don't know it yet." He turns from Pip to address the Hutts. "Listen here, you slimy worms. Here's how this is going to go down. You work for me now, end of story. The Hutts answer to the Bufftons, and all profits and all decisions come through me. If you have a problem with that, I start bombarding your disgusting excuse of a planet until there's nothing left but your rotting carcasses baking in the sun. Do we have a deal, or do I get started with your family palaces?"
Epiphany Meridian
Epiphany rolled her eyes as Maltez took over. This wouldn't end well. And yet...something caught her eye, something...off in the corner. A familiar something. No. No way, it couldn't be.
The Hutts
"(You dare threaten us, Buffton! You dare disrespect us like this?! We will not so easily bow before your puny human demands.)" The Hutt turns towards one of the guards beside that familiar looking object. "(Bring him here. Let them see what it means to cross the Hutts.)" The guards nod and start moving the slab of Carbonite over, showing the frozen form of one Xavier Buffton.
Epiphany Meridian
Epiphany snapped back toward the Hutts, figured she was seeing things, and replied to their threats, "(You are the ones that have started this mess! If you had not put the bounties on my nephews you would have no threats!") And then the slab...no. No. Way. Epiphany backed up into Maltez in disbelief at what she was seeing. No. Xavier left. he went through the Rift a year ago, this could not be him. It had to be a joke. "Karking Hutta!" She exclaimed, "(You dare play such tricks on us?)"
The Hutts /Maltez Buffton
"(It is no trick. Do you not recognize your mate?)" Maltez's eyes went wide seeing the tab, and slowly he steps over towards it, getting a closer look. His hand stretches out to one of Xavier's own outstretched hands, it having a single digit held in the air as he was frozen. The Buffton checks the vitals on the side and a chill rolls down his spine. "He's.. Dead."
Epiphany Meridian
Epiphany, on the other, hand, wasn't as calm as Maltez, she pushed the armored man aside really hard, harder than he probably could imagine from her, in order to read the vitals of her daughter's father. "No...No he's not...GET HIM OUT OF HERE! GET HIM OUT!" She started reaching for the dials to release the Buffton from the carbonite, and a guard ripped her from it, throwing her aside to the ground as if she was nothing. BTC guards immediately ran to her aide.
The Hutts /Maltez Buffton
Pushed aside, Maltez snaps out of his stun. "You think that's funny, you fuckers?" He states, reaching for his wrist and triggering the comm. Nothing happens for a few seconds, and then the ground begins to vibrate. "That sounds like.. Napha's family home. Yup." The Hutts begin yelling out their curses, ordering the guards to shoot, but Maltez's four react with lightning quick reflexes, firing with precision and taking down each Hutt guard in rapid secession.
Epiphany Meridian
The carbonite began to dissolve around Xavier, and Epiphany crawled over toward it as the blaster bolts began to fire. Xavier's form melts from the material, armorless, and pale, and falls down toward Epiphany, who catches him to the best of his ability. Contrary to what the vitals read, a soft breath exhales from her ex's lips, and Epiphany hugs him against her body, "He's alive! He's alive!" she shouts, "We gotta get him out of here!"
The Hutts /Maltez Buffton
The Hutts continue screaming their curses, and begin demanding the attacks stop. Maltez, unable to understand them, shrugs it off and keys his comm in for the next target. "That's Dratuu's family. Say bye to the kids." He taunts, while his eyes go to Pip and Xavier.. it isn't possible, is it? Could he be alive?
Epiphany Meridian/Xavier Buffton
Blue eyes slowly open, but so dilated from hibernation they appear cloudy and blind. His body moves only slightly, trying to roll over on his own, power, but Epiphany pushes him back to the ground.
"Xav?" She asks softly, "Are you in there?"
A hand reaches up, and she catches it, "...P..P...Pip?" A raspy voice in between gasps of air, "You?"
"Yes, it's me!"
"...I always.. knew... you'd be the... fucking... Angel of Death."
Epiphany's face faults, and she turns her attention toward Maltez, "Yep, he's alive, alright!"
"...who are you yelling at?"
"Your brother."
"Oh, fuck. I'm already dead."
The Hutts /Maltez Buffton
"Bufftons are immortal," Maltez replies to Xavier, as the pair of Twi'lek slaves run toward Maltez, crying and begging. "Please stop the attacks! The masters are pleading with you to stop!" The Buffton blinks, hitting his comm once more to stop. "Oh. Well shit. Why didn't they say so?" More curses erupt in Huttese, many of them directed at Epiphany.
Epiphany Meridian/Xavier Buffton
"Maltez come over here and get him, I'll deal with this goddamned worms." Epiphany let go of Xav's hand, and stood up.
"Worms?" It was evident that Xavier wasn't going to be moving much. "Oh, I was in carbonite...pirates. Got me before...rift."
Epiphany stared at the trio of filth, "(No, you cannot 'collect the whole set!' And you certainly aren't getting any kind of deal now!)"
The Hutts/Maltez Buffton
The Buffton squints his eyes but does as he's told, moving over towards his brother and kneeling down next to him. "Dammit, Xavier. How did you get taken in by pirates?"
Only Garantah was capable of speaking reasonably, as both others were still in distress at their family homes being attacked. "(Call off your weapons! We'll give you your mate.)"
Epiphany Meridian/Xavier Buffton
Xavier's eyes wandered in the direction of Maltez's voice, "Oh, you know...Looking for love...in all the wrong places... I guess. Ship disabled....great time!" It was clear trying to talk was taxing on him, and the tone of her ex-lover's voice grated into Epiphany's conscience as she overheard him speak, but continued to face the Hutts.
"Maltez, Garantah says if you call it off, we can leave with Xavier." Her eyes narrowed back toward the Hutt, "(You are absolute scum to think you could get away with this.)"
Maltez Buffton
Maltez nods to Xavier, patting his shoulder. "We've got you now, Xav. Take it easy. That damn sickness takes awhile to wear off, as you remember." Hearing pip, he turns towards her with a scowl. "Tell those slimy bastards that's not how this works. They are my bitches now. Everything they own is mine; there are no other negotiations. Them having Xavier?" He states, before hitting his comm and triggering the destruction of Garantah's home and family. "Now we're even."
Epiphany Meridian/Xavier Buffton
"Is...Pip...speaking slimeball again?" Xavier winced, "You know...I think...I'm...staying here."
The explosion rocks before Epiphany could get the word out, chances are, the Hutts could figure it out.
The Hutts/Maltez Buffton
"Xav, you're not staying here. Don't be crazy. And Pip's just working a deal for me, that's all. You know. Old times." Maltez responds. The Hutts were cursing loudly again, with Darpha being the one with reason. "(We will consent to a business arrangement. Stop the slaughter of our young ones.)"
Epiphany Meridian/Xavier Buffton
"They'll consent to an arrangement and demand that you stop killing their children!" Epiphany shouts back to Maltez.
Xavier flails a hand around, looking for his brother, "No...I...I think...I don't think..." He pauses to catch his breath, "I don't think I'm going to make it. Shit...ain't turning back on."
Maltez Buffton
"Fine, fine. Tell 'em I'll hold off and my genocide." His attention going back to Xav, Maltez takes his brother's hand, gripping it tightly. "Don't talk like that, man.. we'll get you through this." His attention briefly goes back to Pip. "Make them call a medic!"
Epiphany Meridian/Xavier Buffton
Epiphany nods, and relays the message, but then turns back to the two, "Maybe we should just get him on our ship and get the hell out of here."
Xavier closed his eyes, but continued to breathe, "Yes please."
Maltez Buffton
Maltez moves to pull Xavier's arm around his neck to help support the younger man's weight and begin making his way towards the exit. One of the guards key in a comm, requesting medical support meet them at the shuttle.
Epiphany Meridian/Xavier Buffton
"Are you jerks leaving me?!" Epiphany turns and shouts as she watches the brothers move toward the door, "Wait!" She jogged to catch up.
Xavier couldn't really muster enough strength to even support himself, though it was a good thing he was without his armor for weight purposes, it was a bad thing he had to rub up against his brother's. "Ow...asshole..."
Maltez Buffton
"You're welcome to come along!" Maltez yells to Pip behind them, with the four soldiers flanking her as they make their own exit. The elder brother turns his attention to the younger, "Don't be a girl, Xav. Would you rather try and crawl out yourself?"
Xavier Buffton
"Clearly, my skin is more sensitive these days." Xavier said flatly, "Where the fuck are we?"
Maltez Buffton
"Where do you think? Didn't you hear the screaming worms?"
Xavier Buffton
"...there's more than one planet with Hutts, jackass."
Maltez Buffton
He rolls his eyes. "Nal Hutta. Happy? You were the grand centerpiece for the Hutt orgy fest. Congrats."
Epiphany Meridian/ Xavier Buffton
"I always thought I'd look magnificent in bronze...carbonite would have to do. Did you get pictures? Was I sexy?"
Epiphany caught up, "Seriously, guys? Already? No, Xavier, you were definitely not sexy."
Xavier replied, "Didn't ask you."
Maltez Buffton
"I missed it, sadly. Pictures are all over the holonet by now, though. Hopefully they caught your good side." Maltez casts a glance to Pip. "Don't be jealous."
Epiphany Meridian/ Xavier Buffton
"...she always was, you know."
"Maltez, stop making him talk, seriously!"
"...it's the hair."
Maltez Buffton
"Yup. She never could get it to look this good." He frowns towards her. "Fine, no more talking until we're sure you're going to live."
Epiphany Meridian
"I'll sit in the back of the speeder with him so you can cover any potential issue." Epiphany climbed into the backseat, and slid over so Maltez could slide Xavier in after her. In the sunlight of the planet, it was clear that the younger of the two Bufftons was indeed, not doing well. His skin was pale, if not translucent and thin in spots. It was possible he had been imprisoned far too long for a safe recovery.
Maltez Buffton
If Maltez was concerned about Xavier's look, he doesn't say anything; his focus is getting them back to the shuttle and that's what he does. Pushing the speeder as fast as it will go, he weaves through the city and back to the starport. He doesn't disembark the speeder, however, and drives it straight in, knocking people out of the way as he needs to.
Epiphany Meridian/ Xavier Buffton
Xavier's head ended up on Epiphany's lap. She put her arms over his his shoulders and chest, and leaned over a bit to help keep him from flopping about as the speeder moved. He opened his eyes to look up at her, well, maybe not her face, but definitely "Her", even if there was nothing but a blur where she would be. "Why hello, baby mama, isn't this nice?"
Epiphany rolled her eyes, "I hate you."
"...I know..."
Maltez Buffton
Maltez rolls his eyes at the pair, taking the speed through the crowded space port, bowling over a couple of people not paying attention to where he was going. He ignores their curses and moves on, making sure to hit the afterburner in their faces as he passes. He finally makes it to the shuttle, which is now two shuttles.. one with a medvac team standing by to take the younger Buffton.
Epiphany Meridian/ Xavier Buffton
As the med team pries Xavier off of Epiphany, the woman's eyes start filling with tears and she was slow to release her grip.
"Let me go, Pip..." He says softly, "We'll argue later, promise. You and me...old times." He reaches a hand up to find her face, but the med droids lift him completely away, and onto the waiting gurney into the other shuttle.
Maltez Buffton
The Buffton watches this occur, then nods to Epiphany. "Go with them, I'll take the other shuttle up."
Epiphany Meridian
Epiphany nods, and leaves the speeder to follow the med team into the other shuttle.
Maltez Buffton
They would meet back on board the Buffton flagship in the hangar bay as the two shuttles make their landing. Maltez would be coming down the ramp of his as soon as it touches down, looking towards the other, waiting for his brother and Pip to emerge.
Epiphany Meridian
Nobody emerged right away. In fact, the hatch to the other shuttle didn't open for several minutes after Maltez stood there. When it did, he would see Epiphany, hovering over the gurney with Xavier on it, holding his hand and speaking to him. Eventually, the droids pried the two apart, and Epiphany watched as they lifted the stretcher, and removed it from the shuttle without so much a blink toward the Boss. Once they had departed, Pip slowly walked from the ramp, and looked at Maltez. Her face was sullen, and she gave a silent, slow shake of the head.
Maltez Buffton
Maltez's expression falls as Pip gives him that look, his eyes locking on the form of his brother being carried away, even as his legs take him closer to the Meridian woman. "What's the word so far?" He asks quietly.
Epiphany Meridian
Epiphany sighs and looks down, "According to the medic droid, it looks like there's internal bleeding that wasn't stopped before he was put into carbonite." She paused, "Without that blood, his organs are shutting down...it's too late for a transfusion, or bacta. His liver and kidneys are already gone." She closed her eyes, "The only thing they can do is make him comfortable."
Maltez Buffton
Maltez remains silent for a long moment after she finishes speaking, before lifting his left wrist and triggering his comm. "Has the news filtered off world yet?" "Yessir, word is spreading throughout the Syndicate. Both that you are the Boss and that you have slain the families." The Buffton shifts his eyes towards Epiphany as he says the next phrase, "Bombard the city, Bilbousa. Leave the Palace last.. I want the worms to know its coming."
Epiphany Meridian
Epiphany looks back up at Maltez, her eyes red with tears that were drying up. For a minute, it looked as if she were moving in for an embrace, but then stopped, and decided to walk past him, one arm over her face as if to shield her emotion, and walked back into where the main cabins where.
Maltez Buffton
The Buffton himself moves over to one of the viewports and watches the destruction rain down from his fleet, blowing the city of millions away.
Epiphany Meridian
"You should go see your brother." She calls to him before entering the door, "He was asking for you."
Maltez Buffton
Satisfied with his symphony of destruction occurring on the planet below, Maltez offers a nod towards Pip and makes his way to the medical center, heading into the room Xavier would be put in.
Xavier Buffton
Xavier was prone on a bed now, wires and machines twisting around limbs and abdomen in futile attempt to prolong his life. He was conscious, but sedated, and blinked up at the shadow of his brother as he entered. "I told you, I'm a dead man." He smirked, "how's my baby?"
Maltez Buffton
"Your ship was never recovered. I'm sorry, Xavier." Maltez replies, trying to deflect with humor.
Xavier Buffton
"Bloody hell, now I got nothing to live for." He forces a chuckle, eyes wandering from the hibernation sickness. "That bucket of bolts got me into this mess."
Maltez Buffton
The older brother chuckles as well, stepping closer to Xavier, and reaching down to place a hand on the other's shoulder. "I blew them to hell for you, Xav. Leveled the entire city. No one will fuck with this family again."
Xavier Buffton
"I can only hope you're right." Xavier muttered, and took a deep, but labored breath. "You didn't answer my question...what's my kid doing?"
Maltez Buffton
"Xai's doing better," he replies with a nod. "Honestly I just came back from the dead myself a few months ago now, so I'm still figuring some of this out. As for what she's doing, apparently she's fighting Evil."
Xavier Buffton
"Everybody needs a hobby." Xavier shrugged, "As long as she ain't shovin' that shit in her veins anymore and Ariane ain't dead, I guess she's doing herself good. She still with that Jedi douchebag?"
Maltez Buffton
"Ariane's alive and well, and unfortunately, she's still on again off again with the nutjob."
Xavier Buffton
"She has the decision making skills of her parents, what can I say?"
Maltez Buffton
"Poor child," Maltez replies with a shake of his head.
Xavier Buffton
"What about your spawn?"
Maltez Buffton
"Eh.. Kara turned out alright."
Xavier Buffton
Xavier forced a eyebrow raise and tried to focus on the blob of color that was his brother, "We throw badass girls, who knew?"
Maltez Buffton
Maltez chuckles. "You remember how tough mom was, right? She kicked our asses on a daily basis. Buffton women aren't to be messed with."
Xavier Buffton
"...well, she may have kicked YOUR ass on a daily basis, I was a fuckin' angel."
Maltez Buffton
"You were a momma's boy, you mean."
Xavier Buffton
"...and? I didn't get my ass beat half as much as you did."
Maltez Buffton
"Yeah yeah," he mutters with a chuckle. "Even if you wore pink underpants till you were thirteen."
Xavier Buffton
"Faded red, man...faded. Red." Xavier forces a laugh, "Ow, that hurts. Damnit."
Maltez Buffton
Maltez winces at the pained laugh. "Right then, keep the comedy to a minimum." He pauses a moment, then sombers up. "I'm not going to tell Xaiyla about this."
Xavier Buffton
Xavier nodded, "I was going to ask you not to...my baby girl does not need to go on destroying the galaxy because she misses her daddy. I want her to keep thinking I just disappeared like I planned to. Though I wish I had my armor to give her."
Maltez Buffton
"We'll track it down, both your armor and the ship.. when the time's right, we'll tell her. But that won't be for some time."
Epiphany Meridian/ Xavier Buffton
Epiphany snuck in behind Maltez, her cloak off and hair down, and watched the two as she tried to keep herself together. Xavier somehow figured it out, either by hearing her footsteps, or, "I can smell your perfume, Pip." He said. "You've been wearing the same thing for 30 years. Seriously, live a little."
Maltez Buffton
Maltez casts a look over his shoulder to her and releases Xavier's hand from his own, stepping back to allow Pip to be next to him. "Same hairstyle, too," he adds softly.
Epiphany Meridian/ Xavier Buffton
"Hey, a classic never dies." Epiphany forces a smile and slides in to sit next to her ...somewhat ex-boyfriend. She takes his hand in her own, and looks down at him, "How are you feeling?"
"...I feel all better, let's go for a walk on the beach in the sunset. Like, right now."
Epiphany rolls her eyes, "You never liked doing that anyway."
"How do you know? You never asked."
"...I don't have time for this." Epiphany went to pull away, but Xavier's grip was still strong, and he managed to not let her get far.
"What's the rush? Who's waiting? Maltez is right here, sweetheart, he can get his turn after I do, but you and I need to talk, let's work all of this out, right now, okay? Because when I fall asleep, you're unplugging me from these machines, got it?"
"No..." Epiphany's eyes welled up and she looked away, but Xavier reached his other hand up to find her face.
"You listen, you listen to me right now...Like Maltez and I were just saying, you don't tell Xai. Don't tell my baby girl you found me like this. Okay?"
Maltez Buffton
"...I'll wait outside. You two need this moment." This wasn't exactly a conversation he wants to hear.
Epiphany Meridian/ Xavier Buffton
Epiphany didn't really want to hear it either, but right now she was locked in whatever last bits of strength that Xavier had left to hold her close to him, she couldn't even get past her own tears to speak a reply coherently.
"I don't care if Maltez stays or leaves or what..." Xavier whispered, his eyes searching the blur for Epiphany as he ran his fingers through her hair, "Listen to me...for just once, Pip...listen. I love you. I have loved you since I met you. Even through the worst of it, every time you turned away, I never stopped loving you. I knew it would be like this...like I said when I came out of the carbonite, I always knew you'd be my little Corellian Angel of Death. And when I close my eyes, I expect to open them back up to see you and my brother waiting for me in Hell, and it will be one big party. It'll be great, just like old times before the kid was born...Until she joins us in Hell, because no child of mine will ever go the other way."
Epiphany was rendered speechless, tears pouring down her cheek and into the palm of Xavier's hand. He wiped under her eyes gently with his thumb, and continued, "Maltez is going to take care of you, like he always has. You and I...we just weren't good for each other, but we made Xai, and we have a grandbaby, and she's cute as shit, ain't she? She's probably a little devil like her mother, and that's good, right? We've done good together, Pip. For all the problems we had, we have done some good."
Maltez Buffton
The elder Buffton brother remains outside the room by the door, his head resting back against the wall. He could hear them still, despite him not wanting to. Despite him wanting to give them their privacy.. this was also the last moments his brother would be alive, and he wasn't going to walk away. He couldn't.
Epiphany Meridian
Xavier continued, "Look, I don't expect you to pull the plug, somewhere behind your exterior of durasteel you have a heart, and I don't want you to have to be in here when I go, that's Maltez's job, but you need to understand everything I just said. This is it. Now, I have one last stupid request for you."
Epiphany swallowed her sobs, trying to keep up with not becoming a total mess. "What?" She asked softly.
"Kiss me goodnight."
Maltez Buffton
As Xavier mentions the last request, Maltez steps away fully, not wanting to know any more. Pip could come find him when she was done.
Epiphany Meridian/ Xavier Buffton
Epiphany agrees, and leans over so that her lips touch Xavier's for the first time in years, and for last time forever. They hold it for as long as Xavier's breath will allow him, and and when it breaks, she keeps her face close to his, kissing his cheek softly a few times in between her hiccuping sobs. Her tears wet his face, but Xavier remains unmoved, not letting any emotion show on his face, not that he ever did. Anything that needed to be said had already been done. Instead, he puts his hand behind her head, and tries to comfort her, knowing it was futile. But he takes in her scent of her thirty-year old perfume as much as he could.
"I want you to go get some sleep..." He says into her ear, "And send my brother back in as you leave."
Nodding, and biting her bottom lip, Epiphany nods and kisses Xavier one last time."I love you." She says barely loud enough for him to hear, but he would, and he would know it was genuine. Epiphany Meridian was not the one to say such things so easily, and she could barely let him go as easily either, but she had no choice, and slid away from his touch slowly until they could reach no more, and then ran from the room without looking back, without another thought.
She would find Maltez walking away, and he would no doubt hear her sobs as she slowly followed behind him, arms crossed over her chest, and in a slump of total defeat and mourning. Epiphany was a proud woman, slouching was not in her character, except for now.
Maltez Buffton
Stopping as he hears those sobs, Maltez turns around to see Epiphany crying over his brother. His face shows mostly sadness. Mostly. A part of him still finds it hard to accept the two of them, but now is by far not the time to even think about that. His brother is dying, and he needs any and all comfort he can get. If Pip provides that, then the elder brother supports it. He opens his arms just wide enough to wrap around her if she approaches.. but Maltez doesn't presume. Not this time.
The opening of his arms wasn't an overt measure; both hands remaining low to his sides, palms outward. It was a very subtle invitation and one he would not force.
Epiphany Meridian
Epiphany actually didn't hesitate, she practically flew into Maltez's arms, completely losing herself in tears and unable to say a damn thing. She could feel immediately as the dampness from her face transferred into his tunic, and couldn't even muster enough composure to offer an apology. At this point, the Corellian woman was completely lost to her emotions, and she didn't know what to do.
Maltez Buffton
The Buffton's arms wrap around her, holding her tight, himself keeping silent. Words didn't have to be said. He would hold her and quietly console her for as long as she needed. This is why he came back, he internally muses. He came back to find his brother, slaughter the Hutts in vengeance, and lend a shoulder to cry on to the woman between them.
Epiphany Meridian
"I'm sorry." Was all she could stammer out, "I'm sorry...this is my fault..." Her words were stiffled into his chest, her arms practically clutching his back for dear life. What she was apologizing for, Meridian wasn't exactly sure, but it was the first words she could muster.
Maltez Buffton
"Shh, stop Pip. This is only the Hutts' fault. And they paid for their sins." He was holding her just as tightly as she was holding him, his chin resting gently atop her head.
Epiphany Meridian
"But...I always pushed him away." She buried her head further into him, "I ruined it. All of it...and now it's too late."
Maltez Buffton
"Pip, stop a second and look at the other side of the cred chip. We thought Xavier was gone forever, and yet here he is. You were given the opportunity to say what you never got the chance to before now, and so was he. Don't look at this as something ruined, look at this as a second chance to say goodbye."
Epiphany Meridian
"You say that like it's so easy..." She lifted her head from his chest, "Why can't we fix him? With all the medicine in the galaxy and this..." she lost herself again. Maltez wouldn't know it, but she cried just as hard when he allegedly died. Only she had kept to herself. But Xavier was different, he was the father of her only child. Dealing with the idea of him running off was one thing, but actually dying? Physically? In her arms? Was another.
Maltez Buffton
"Because the Galaxy is out to get us. It always has been. It always will be. The difference is, we've always been better than it.. but eventually all things eventually catch up, the pendulum swings back the other way, and we get our asses kicked." He frowns, holding her tighter, trying to console the woman in his arms. "But I'm here to tell you it's about to swing back, and this Galaxy will beg for mercy before I'm through with it. Nal Hutta is only the beginning, Pip."
Epiphany Meridian
"How many more of us will have to die?" Epiphany whispered, as she held herself against Maltez's chest tightly, "You need to go see him...He...he wanted to see you again."
Maltez Buffton
"Only one more.." Maltez replies ominously, thinking of his brother in the other room. He gives her one more squeeze before releasing her from his arms and offering a nod. "I'll go see him. You go lay down, Pip. Try to rest. Get a drug from the med bay before you go if you have to."
Epiphany Meridian
"I really don't want to." She said as he pulled away, "but he...he told me to go. I should listen." She wiped her eyes with her hand. "I'll try."
Epiphany Meridian
Epiphany Meridian stepped out of the shuttle first once it had landed on Nal Hutta. She was wrapped in a deep blue velvet traveling cloak, which somehow reflected the colors purple and silver as she moved. It covered her form entirely, and make her look like some sort of rich shapeless blob rather than the most renown politician in the entire galaxy. The hood was slung low on her brow, giving only subtle hints of elegantly sculpted eyebrows above her piercing gray eyes. "I got a bad feeling about this." She grumbled back toward the ramp, hoping that Maltez would hear her.
Maltez Buffton
Maltez Buffton changed out of his typical ceremonial armor for once in his life and donned his old battle armor from his hunter days, one Pip would recognize, though it had been upgraded over the years. He does hear Pip as he follows her down the ramp, before being followed by four more armored beings. "You worry too much," he tells her. "The fleet is in orbit. They're not suicidal."
Epiphany Meridian
"Mister Buffton," She began, "You and I have had enough...interludes with the Hutts to know damn well why I feel the way that I do." Her eyes turn back to the spaceport in front of them, "That, and we aren't kids anymore."
Maltez Buffton
"Mister Buffton? Really?" She couldn't see him rolling his eyes, but he knew that she would still know. "Well, Lady Meridian, things are a little different this time." And it was true. The full might of the Buffton fleet, every ship owned by the family and the Cartel combined to forge a force that surpassed anything the Hutts had left to throw at them. Even now the fleet had completely blockaded the Hutt homeworld, weapons trained on the cities. At any moment, Maltez could bring the planet to its knees.
Epiphany Meridian
"Fine" Epiphany snapped. "Lead the way. I'm only here to play translator, anyway." She sighed. Of course she knew Maltez rolled her eyes at her. They've only been playing this game with each other for over three decades.
Maltez Buffton
"So glad you're here," he replies sarcastically, walking past her and starting towards the spaceport, the four guards moving to escort positions for both Maltez and her. "You haven't gotten rusty with your Huttese on me, have you? It's been awhile you know." He calls over his shoulder.
Epiphany Meridian
Ask and ye shall receive. Epiphany released a string of Huttese expletives that would probably sound like nothing more than casual conversation to the untrained ear. Sure beat having a protocol droid, at least, as far as humor was concerned.
Maltez Buffton
Maltez chuckles, shaking his head. "Why yes, I do think this armor makes my ass look good. Thank you for noticing."
Epiphany Meridian
"So, which worm are we seeing first?"
Maltez Buffton
"We're going straight to the top, to the Syndicate. Napha, Dratuu, and Garantah."
Epiphany Meridian
"All three at once? Either they really are that scared about the fleet in orbit, or, they're too stupid to realize what we can do, and it's a trap."
Maltez Buffton
"Neither. I didn't give them a choice in the matter," he says, glancing at her over his shoulder.
Epiphany Meridian
"You don't feel that anything is wrong? That they just said, 'oh sure, Maltez is back from the grave, and is coming to party with his entire fleet so we'll behave?' That is very unbecoming of the Hutts, and you know this."
Maltez Buffton
His confidence was unshakable. "If they don't want their planet reduced to rubble, they'll play nice. I'm calling the shots. I'm not worried about it."
Epiphany Meridian
"Well, in that case." Epiphany responded, before leaning up and giving him a soft kiss on the cheek, "I hope you're right."
Maltez Buffton
"What's the worst that could happen?" He asks with a chuckle after the kiss. "Come, we have group of Hutts to make defecate themselves."
Epiphany Meridian
"Oh don't ask that.Never ask that." Epiphany shook her head, she knew there was a whole lot of options for 'worst'. "Lead the way, oh Bufftonness."
Maltez Buffton
With a nod, Maltez leads them on into the spaceport. For the most part, everyone leaves the entourage alone, as word had begun to spread about the blockade above the planet. Eyes watch them as they move, and the four guards with them appear to be well aware and watching those around. The Buffton himself keeps his gaze ahead, ignoring everything else, the trip taking them to a waiting landspeeder on the other side.
Epiphany Meridian
Whispers abound as they were taken through the streets of Nal Hutta: human, alien, it didn't matter: Maltez Buffton was alive, and he was planetside with former President Meridian. A few wise guys thought it would be smart to get closer to the speeder, perhaps to catch a glimpse of the couple, or, to try to get their best shot in attempt of reward. But, not only were they protected by their own entourage, the Hutts had also made sure that, for now, their guests were to be unharmed, and bodies were being dragged away from the path as they made their way toward the palace.
Maltez Buffton
The attempted interference was completely ignored by the Buffton. He knew he was going to be left alone, he knew no one dared lay a hand on him or his party. The trip to the Palace was a short one and it wouldn't take long for them to arrive and be exiting the speeder, Maltez offering a hand to Epiphany to let her out. The Hutt Palace hadn't changed a bit in the thirty some years since they last made this trip.. just as disgusting as ever; surrounded by the boggy swamp.
Epiphany Meridian
As Epiphany took his hand, her nose wrinkled. "That smell." She griped, "I can't say I've missed that." She stepped down from the speeder, and surveyed the scene. Despite the warmth and humidity of the planet, she kept her cloak on.
Maltez Buffton
The Buffton points to his helmet, a grin hidden beneath. "Thank the gods for filters. Come, our hosts are waiting. I told them I'd be here two hours ago." He offers Pip his arm for this part, while the four guards take up their four point formation around the pair.
Epiphany Meridian
"Ah yes," Epiphany sneered, "guests of the Hutts. Just what I always wanted." She took his arm, and sighed, "Let's do this. Hopefully for the last time."
Maltez Buffton
"For the last time," he promises. "If this deal pans out, I'll have droids on site to handle communication from now on." Stepping forward, the small group enters through the massive doors that opened as soon as they stepped out, with a pair of female Twi'lek twins waiting, smiling towards them. "This way, Lord Buffton. The Council is ready and waiting to see you," they say in unison.
Epiphany Meridian
Epiphany makes a disgusted noise when she sees the Twi'leks. They were slaves, no doubt, as was common with most female Twi'leks in this part of the galaxy. Slaves for what, however, she didn't want to know. Now she removed the hood from her robe, making it a bit more evident who she was. Her black and silver hair was pulled back into a bun encapulated in some sort of sculptured cover, and some tendrils of hair cascaded down over her face.
Maltez Buffton
The Twi'leks both show their recognition of Epiphany, but remain silent, turning to head towards the main amphitheater chamber ahead, where the three Hutts are sitting, waiting, with dozens of attendees of various alien races, all clearly slaves, and numerous guards armed and armored standing around. Maltez shows no hesitation walking forward towards them, taking Pip with them up to the podium addressing the council.
Epiphany Meridian
This is when Epiphany had to take over, Maltez's idea of diplomacy involved a rifle, her's, at least, involved words. Words that they could understand. "Chut chut, patissas. (Greetings, friends.)" She began, "Long time no see."
The Hutts
"Ho ho ho," Narpha laughs at Pip's words. "Meridian. (You greet friends with fleets of war now, do you?)"
Epiphany Meridian
"(You know Maltez, he likes to make an entrance.)" She looked over at her companion, and then to a different worm, "(Garantha, I trust you received my message?")
The Hutts
"(It will get him killed.. again, one of these days.)" Narpha replies, before Garantha answers her question. "(I did, but promptly ignored it. The Buffton spawn insulted us. It deserved to die.)"
Epiphany Meridian
"(I figured you would know by now that the Bufftons are immortal.") Epiphany taunted, and then turned to Garantha, "(nooooo, not my nephews. Either way, after all I have done for you, you treat my family like this?)"
The Hutts
"(It is only our respect for you that the bounty did not include your daughter and granddaughter, Meridian.)"
Epiphany Meridian
("Xaiyla has not affronted you at all, had you included her, this visit would have much different consequences, IF whatever bounty hunter you sent her way survived.)"
Maltez Buffton
Maltez interrupts before the Hutts have a chance to respond. "Can we get to the part where I threaten to blow them to hell if they don't do what I want?"
Epiphany Meridian
Epiphany shoots a glare toward Maltez, and then returns her attention to the Scum and Villainy lounging before her. "(We are here to remind you to release the bounties on the Buffton men. Krevan is already dead. Niko has done nothing and Maltez has assured me that Antor is being dealt with.)"
The Hutts
There were grumbles at Maltez's statement but it mostly went ignored. "(What is in it for us? It is the eldest spawn we want dead most.)"
Epiphany Meridian
Epiphany turned to Maltez, "They want Antor dead, but they want to know what's in it for them should they call the bounties off."
Maltez Buffton
"What? Fuck the bounties, that's already cancelled, they just don't know it yet." He turns from Pip to address the Hutts. "Listen here, you slimy worms. Here's how this is going to go down. You work for me now, end of story. The Hutts answer to the Bufftons, and all profits and all decisions come through me. If you have a problem with that, I start bombarding your disgusting excuse of a planet until there's nothing left but your rotting carcasses baking in the sun. Do we have a deal, or do I get started with your family palaces?"
Epiphany Meridian
Epiphany rolled her eyes as Maltez took over. This wouldn't end well. And yet...something caught her eye, something...off in the corner. A familiar something. No. No way, it couldn't be.
The Hutts
"(You dare threaten us, Buffton! You dare disrespect us like this?! We will not so easily bow before your puny human demands.)" The Hutt turns towards one of the guards beside that familiar looking object. "(Bring him here. Let them see what it means to cross the Hutts.)" The guards nod and start moving the slab of Carbonite over, showing the frozen form of one Xavier Buffton.
Epiphany Meridian
Epiphany snapped back toward the Hutts, figured she was seeing things, and replied to their threats, "(You are the ones that have started this mess! If you had not put the bounties on my nephews you would have no threats!") And then the slab...no. No. Way. Epiphany backed up into Maltez in disbelief at what she was seeing. No. Xavier left. he went through the Rift a year ago, this could not be him. It had to be a joke. "Karking Hutta!" She exclaimed, "(You dare play such tricks on us?)"
The Hutts /Maltez Buffton
"(It is no trick. Do you not recognize your mate?)" Maltez's eyes went wide seeing the tab, and slowly he steps over towards it, getting a closer look. His hand stretches out to one of Xavier's own outstretched hands, it having a single digit held in the air as he was frozen. The Buffton checks the vitals on the side and a chill rolls down his spine. "He's.. Dead."
Epiphany Meridian
Epiphany, on the other, hand, wasn't as calm as Maltez, she pushed the armored man aside really hard, harder than he probably could imagine from her, in order to read the vitals of her daughter's father. "No...No he's not...GET HIM OUT OF HERE! GET HIM OUT!" She started reaching for the dials to release the Buffton from the carbonite, and a guard ripped her from it, throwing her aside to the ground as if she was nothing. BTC guards immediately ran to her aide.
The Hutts /Maltez Buffton
Pushed aside, Maltez snaps out of his stun. "You think that's funny, you fuckers?" He states, reaching for his wrist and triggering the comm. Nothing happens for a few seconds, and then the ground begins to vibrate. "That sounds like.. Napha's family home. Yup." The Hutts begin yelling out their curses, ordering the guards to shoot, but Maltez's four react with lightning quick reflexes, firing with precision and taking down each Hutt guard in rapid secession.
Epiphany Meridian
The carbonite began to dissolve around Xavier, and Epiphany crawled over toward it as the blaster bolts began to fire. Xavier's form melts from the material, armorless, and pale, and falls down toward Epiphany, who catches him to the best of his ability. Contrary to what the vitals read, a soft breath exhales from her ex's lips, and Epiphany hugs him against her body, "He's alive! He's alive!" she shouts, "We gotta get him out of here!"
The Hutts /Maltez Buffton
The Hutts continue screaming their curses, and begin demanding the attacks stop. Maltez, unable to understand them, shrugs it off and keys his comm in for the next target. "That's Dratuu's family. Say bye to the kids." He taunts, while his eyes go to Pip and Xavier.. it isn't possible, is it? Could he be alive?
Epiphany Meridian/Xavier Buffton
Blue eyes slowly open, but so dilated from hibernation they appear cloudy and blind. His body moves only slightly, trying to roll over on his own, power, but Epiphany pushes him back to the ground.
"Xav?" She asks softly, "Are you in there?"
A hand reaches up, and she catches it, "...P..P...Pip?" A raspy voice in between gasps of air, "You?"
"Yes, it's me!"
"...I always.. knew... you'd be the... fucking... Angel of Death."
Epiphany's face faults, and she turns her attention toward Maltez, "Yep, he's alive, alright!"
"...who are you yelling at?"
"Your brother."
"Oh, fuck. I'm already dead."
The Hutts /Maltez Buffton
"Bufftons are immortal," Maltez replies to Xavier, as the pair of Twi'lek slaves run toward Maltez, crying and begging. "Please stop the attacks! The masters are pleading with you to stop!" The Buffton blinks, hitting his comm once more to stop. "Oh. Well shit. Why didn't they say so?" More curses erupt in Huttese, many of them directed at Epiphany.
Epiphany Meridian/Xavier Buffton
"Maltez come over here and get him, I'll deal with this goddamned worms." Epiphany let go of Xav's hand, and stood up.
"Worms?" It was evident that Xavier wasn't going to be moving much. "Oh, I was in carbonite...pirates. Got me before...rift."
Epiphany stared at the trio of filth, "(No, you cannot 'collect the whole set!' And you certainly aren't getting any kind of deal now!)"
The Hutts/Maltez Buffton
The Buffton squints his eyes but does as he's told, moving over towards his brother and kneeling down next to him. "Dammit, Xavier. How did you get taken in by pirates?"
Only Garantah was capable of speaking reasonably, as both others were still in distress at their family homes being attacked. "(Call off your weapons! We'll give you your mate.)"
Epiphany Meridian/Xavier Buffton
Xavier's eyes wandered in the direction of Maltez's voice, "Oh, you know...Looking for love...in all the wrong places... I guess. Ship disabled....great time!" It was clear trying to talk was taxing on him, and the tone of her ex-lover's voice grated into Epiphany's conscience as she overheard him speak, but continued to face the Hutts.
"Maltez, Garantah says if you call it off, we can leave with Xavier." Her eyes narrowed back toward the Hutt, "(You are absolute scum to think you could get away with this.)"
Maltez Buffton
Maltez nods to Xavier, patting his shoulder. "We've got you now, Xav. Take it easy. That damn sickness takes awhile to wear off, as you remember." Hearing pip, he turns towards her with a scowl. "Tell those slimy bastards that's not how this works. They are my bitches now. Everything they own is mine; there are no other negotiations. Them having Xavier?" He states, before hitting his comm and triggering the destruction of Garantah's home and family. "Now we're even."
Epiphany Meridian/Xavier Buffton
"Is...Pip...speaking slimeball again?" Xavier winced, "You know...I think...I'm...staying here."
The explosion rocks before Epiphany could get the word out, chances are, the Hutts could figure it out.
The Hutts/Maltez Buffton
"Xav, you're not staying here. Don't be crazy. And Pip's just working a deal for me, that's all. You know. Old times." Maltez responds. The Hutts were cursing loudly again, with Darpha being the one with reason. "(We will consent to a business arrangement. Stop the slaughter of our young ones.)"
Epiphany Meridian/Xavier Buffton
"They'll consent to an arrangement and demand that you stop killing their children!" Epiphany shouts back to Maltez.
Xavier flails a hand around, looking for his brother, "No...I...I think...I don't think..." He pauses to catch his breath, "I don't think I'm going to make it. Shit...ain't turning back on."
Maltez Buffton
"Fine, fine. Tell 'em I'll hold off and my genocide." His attention going back to Xav, Maltez takes his brother's hand, gripping it tightly. "Don't talk like that, man.. we'll get you through this." His attention briefly goes back to Pip. "Make them call a medic!"
Epiphany Meridian/Xavier Buffton
Epiphany nods, and relays the message, but then turns back to the two, "Maybe we should just get him on our ship and get the hell out of here."
Xavier closed his eyes, but continued to breathe, "Yes please."
Maltez Buffton
Maltez moves to pull Xavier's arm around his neck to help support the younger man's weight and begin making his way towards the exit. One of the guards key in a comm, requesting medical support meet them at the shuttle.
Epiphany Meridian/Xavier Buffton
"Are you jerks leaving me?!" Epiphany turns and shouts as she watches the brothers move toward the door, "Wait!" She jogged to catch up.
Xavier couldn't really muster enough strength to even support himself, though it was a good thing he was without his armor for weight purposes, it was a bad thing he had to rub up against his brother's. "Ow...asshole..."
Maltez Buffton
"You're welcome to come along!" Maltez yells to Pip behind them, with the four soldiers flanking her as they make their own exit. The elder brother turns his attention to the younger, "Don't be a girl, Xav. Would you rather try and crawl out yourself?"
Xavier Buffton
"Clearly, my skin is more sensitive these days." Xavier said flatly, "Where the fuck are we?"
Maltez Buffton
"Where do you think? Didn't you hear the screaming worms?"
Xavier Buffton
"...there's more than one planet with Hutts, jackass."
Maltez Buffton
He rolls his eyes. "Nal Hutta. Happy? You were the grand centerpiece for the Hutt orgy fest. Congrats."
Epiphany Meridian/ Xavier Buffton
"I always thought I'd look magnificent in bronze...carbonite would have to do. Did you get pictures? Was I sexy?"
Epiphany caught up, "Seriously, guys? Already? No, Xavier, you were definitely not sexy."
Xavier replied, "Didn't ask you."
Maltez Buffton
"I missed it, sadly. Pictures are all over the holonet by now, though. Hopefully they caught your good side." Maltez casts a glance to Pip. "Don't be jealous."
Epiphany Meridian/ Xavier Buffton
"...she always was, you know."
"Maltez, stop making him talk, seriously!"
"...it's the hair."
Maltez Buffton
"Yup. She never could get it to look this good." He frowns towards her. "Fine, no more talking until we're sure you're going to live."
Epiphany Meridian
"I'll sit in the back of the speeder with him so you can cover any potential issue." Epiphany climbed into the backseat, and slid over so Maltez could slide Xavier in after her. In the sunlight of the planet, it was clear that the younger of the two Bufftons was indeed, not doing well. His skin was pale, if not translucent and thin in spots. It was possible he had been imprisoned far too long for a safe recovery.
Maltez Buffton
If Maltez was concerned about Xavier's look, he doesn't say anything; his focus is getting them back to the shuttle and that's what he does. Pushing the speeder as fast as it will go, he weaves through the city and back to the starport. He doesn't disembark the speeder, however, and drives it straight in, knocking people out of the way as he needs to.
Epiphany Meridian/ Xavier Buffton
Xavier's head ended up on Epiphany's lap. She put her arms over his his shoulders and chest, and leaned over a bit to help keep him from flopping about as the speeder moved. He opened his eyes to look up at her, well, maybe not her face, but definitely "Her", even if there was nothing but a blur where she would be. "Why hello, baby mama, isn't this nice?"
Epiphany rolled her eyes, "I hate you."
"...I know..."
Maltez Buffton
Maltez rolls his eyes at the pair, taking the speed through the crowded space port, bowling over a couple of people not paying attention to where he was going. He ignores their curses and moves on, making sure to hit the afterburner in their faces as he passes. He finally makes it to the shuttle, which is now two shuttles.. one with a medvac team standing by to take the younger Buffton.
Epiphany Meridian/ Xavier Buffton
As the med team pries Xavier off of Epiphany, the woman's eyes start filling with tears and she was slow to release her grip.
"Let me go, Pip..." He says softly, "We'll argue later, promise. You and me...old times." He reaches a hand up to find her face, but the med droids lift him completely away, and onto the waiting gurney into the other shuttle.
Maltez Buffton
The Buffton watches this occur, then nods to Epiphany. "Go with them, I'll take the other shuttle up."
Epiphany Meridian
Epiphany nods, and leaves the speeder to follow the med team into the other shuttle.
Maltez Buffton
They would meet back on board the Buffton flagship in the hangar bay as the two shuttles make their landing. Maltez would be coming down the ramp of his as soon as it touches down, looking towards the other, waiting for his brother and Pip to emerge.
Epiphany Meridian
Nobody emerged right away. In fact, the hatch to the other shuttle didn't open for several minutes after Maltez stood there. When it did, he would see Epiphany, hovering over the gurney with Xavier on it, holding his hand and speaking to him. Eventually, the droids pried the two apart, and Epiphany watched as they lifted the stretcher, and removed it from the shuttle without so much a blink toward the Boss. Once they had departed, Pip slowly walked from the ramp, and looked at Maltez. Her face was sullen, and she gave a silent, slow shake of the head.
Maltez Buffton
Maltez's expression falls as Pip gives him that look, his eyes locking on the form of his brother being carried away, even as his legs take him closer to the Meridian woman. "What's the word so far?" He asks quietly.
Epiphany Meridian
Epiphany sighs and looks down, "According to the medic droid, it looks like there's internal bleeding that wasn't stopped before he was put into carbonite." She paused, "Without that blood, his organs are shutting down...it's too late for a transfusion, or bacta. His liver and kidneys are already gone." She closed her eyes, "The only thing they can do is make him comfortable."
Maltez Buffton
Maltez remains silent for a long moment after she finishes speaking, before lifting his left wrist and triggering his comm. "Has the news filtered off world yet?" "Yessir, word is spreading throughout the Syndicate. Both that you are the Boss and that you have slain the families." The Buffton shifts his eyes towards Epiphany as he says the next phrase, "Bombard the city, Bilbousa. Leave the Palace last.. I want the worms to know its coming."
Epiphany Meridian
Epiphany looks back up at Maltez, her eyes red with tears that were drying up. For a minute, it looked as if she were moving in for an embrace, but then stopped, and decided to walk past him, one arm over her face as if to shield her emotion, and walked back into where the main cabins where.
Maltez Buffton
The Buffton himself moves over to one of the viewports and watches the destruction rain down from his fleet, blowing the city of millions away.
Epiphany Meridian
"You should go see your brother." She calls to him before entering the door, "He was asking for you."
Maltez Buffton
Satisfied with his symphony of destruction occurring on the planet below, Maltez offers a nod towards Pip and makes his way to the medical center, heading into the room Xavier would be put in.
Xavier Buffton
Xavier was prone on a bed now, wires and machines twisting around limbs and abdomen in futile attempt to prolong his life. He was conscious, but sedated, and blinked up at the shadow of his brother as he entered. "I told you, I'm a dead man." He smirked, "how's my baby?"
Maltez Buffton
"Your ship was never recovered. I'm sorry, Xavier." Maltez replies, trying to deflect with humor.
Xavier Buffton
"Bloody hell, now I got nothing to live for." He forces a chuckle, eyes wandering from the hibernation sickness. "That bucket of bolts got me into this mess."
Maltez Buffton
The older brother chuckles as well, stepping closer to Xavier, and reaching down to place a hand on the other's shoulder. "I blew them to hell for you, Xav. Leveled the entire city. No one will fuck with this family again."
Xavier Buffton
"I can only hope you're right." Xavier muttered, and took a deep, but labored breath. "You didn't answer my question...what's my kid doing?"
Maltez Buffton
"Xai's doing better," he replies with a nod. "Honestly I just came back from the dead myself a few months ago now, so I'm still figuring some of this out. As for what she's doing, apparently she's fighting Evil."
Xavier Buffton
"Everybody needs a hobby." Xavier shrugged, "As long as she ain't shovin' that shit in her veins anymore and Ariane ain't dead, I guess she's doing herself good. She still with that Jedi douchebag?"
Maltez Buffton
"Ariane's alive and well, and unfortunately, she's still on again off again with the nutjob."
Xavier Buffton
"She has the decision making skills of her parents, what can I say?"
Maltez Buffton
"Poor child," Maltez replies with a shake of his head.
Xavier Buffton
"What about your spawn?"
Maltez Buffton
"Eh.. Kara turned out alright."
Xavier Buffton
Xavier forced a eyebrow raise and tried to focus on the blob of color that was his brother, "We throw badass girls, who knew?"
Maltez Buffton
Maltez chuckles. "You remember how tough mom was, right? She kicked our asses on a daily basis. Buffton women aren't to be messed with."
Xavier Buffton
"...well, she may have kicked YOUR ass on a daily basis, I was a fuckin' angel."
Maltez Buffton
"You were a momma's boy, you mean."
Xavier Buffton
"...and? I didn't get my ass beat half as much as you did."
Maltez Buffton
"Yeah yeah," he mutters with a chuckle. "Even if you wore pink underpants till you were thirteen."
Xavier Buffton
"Faded red, man...faded. Red." Xavier forces a laugh, "Ow, that hurts. Damnit."
Maltez Buffton
Maltez winces at the pained laugh. "Right then, keep the comedy to a minimum." He pauses a moment, then sombers up. "I'm not going to tell Xaiyla about this."
Xavier Buffton
Xavier nodded, "I was going to ask you not to...my baby girl does not need to go on destroying the galaxy because she misses her daddy. I want her to keep thinking I just disappeared like I planned to. Though I wish I had my armor to give her."
Maltez Buffton
"We'll track it down, both your armor and the ship.. when the time's right, we'll tell her. But that won't be for some time."
Epiphany Meridian/ Xavier Buffton
Epiphany snuck in behind Maltez, her cloak off and hair down, and watched the two as she tried to keep herself together. Xavier somehow figured it out, either by hearing her footsteps, or, "I can smell your perfume, Pip." He said. "You've been wearing the same thing for 30 years. Seriously, live a little."
Maltez Buffton
Maltez casts a look over his shoulder to her and releases Xavier's hand from his own, stepping back to allow Pip to be next to him. "Same hairstyle, too," he adds softly.
Epiphany Meridian/ Xavier Buffton
"Hey, a classic never dies." Epiphany forces a smile and slides in to sit next to her ...somewhat ex-boyfriend. She takes his hand in her own, and looks down at him, "How are you feeling?"
"...I feel all better, let's go for a walk on the beach in the sunset. Like, right now."
Epiphany rolls her eyes, "You never liked doing that anyway."
"How do you know? You never asked."
"...I don't have time for this." Epiphany went to pull away, but Xavier's grip was still strong, and he managed to not let her get far.
"What's the rush? Who's waiting? Maltez is right here, sweetheart, he can get his turn after I do, but you and I need to talk, let's work all of this out, right now, okay? Because when I fall asleep, you're unplugging me from these machines, got it?"
"No..." Epiphany's eyes welled up and she looked away, but Xavier reached his other hand up to find her face.
"You listen, you listen to me right now...Like Maltez and I were just saying, you don't tell Xai. Don't tell my baby girl you found me like this. Okay?"
Maltez Buffton
"...I'll wait outside. You two need this moment." This wasn't exactly a conversation he wants to hear.
Epiphany Meridian/ Xavier Buffton
Epiphany didn't really want to hear it either, but right now she was locked in whatever last bits of strength that Xavier had left to hold her close to him, she couldn't even get past her own tears to speak a reply coherently.
"I don't care if Maltez stays or leaves or what..." Xavier whispered, his eyes searching the blur for Epiphany as he ran his fingers through her hair, "Listen to me...for just once, Pip...listen. I love you. I have loved you since I met you. Even through the worst of it, every time you turned away, I never stopped loving you. I knew it would be like this...like I said when I came out of the carbonite, I always knew you'd be my little Corellian Angel of Death. And when I close my eyes, I expect to open them back up to see you and my brother waiting for me in Hell, and it will be one big party. It'll be great, just like old times before the kid was born...Until she joins us in Hell, because no child of mine will ever go the other way."
Epiphany was rendered speechless, tears pouring down her cheek and into the palm of Xavier's hand. He wiped under her eyes gently with his thumb, and continued, "Maltez is going to take care of you, like he always has. You and I...we just weren't good for each other, but we made Xai, and we have a grandbaby, and she's cute as shit, ain't she? She's probably a little devil like her mother, and that's good, right? We've done good together, Pip. For all the problems we had, we have done some good."
Maltez Buffton
The elder Buffton brother remains outside the room by the door, his head resting back against the wall. He could hear them still, despite him not wanting to. Despite him wanting to give them their privacy.. this was also the last moments his brother would be alive, and he wasn't going to walk away. He couldn't.
Epiphany Meridian
Xavier continued, "Look, I don't expect you to pull the plug, somewhere behind your exterior of durasteel you have a heart, and I don't want you to have to be in here when I go, that's Maltez's job, but you need to understand everything I just said. This is it. Now, I have one last stupid request for you."
Epiphany swallowed her sobs, trying to keep up with not becoming a total mess. "What?" She asked softly.
"Kiss me goodnight."
Maltez Buffton
As Xavier mentions the last request, Maltez steps away fully, not wanting to know any more. Pip could come find him when she was done.
Epiphany Meridian/ Xavier Buffton
Epiphany agrees, and leans over so that her lips touch Xavier's for the first time in years, and for last time forever. They hold it for as long as Xavier's breath will allow him, and and when it breaks, she keeps her face close to his, kissing his cheek softly a few times in between her hiccuping sobs. Her tears wet his face, but Xavier remains unmoved, not letting any emotion show on his face, not that he ever did. Anything that needed to be said had already been done. Instead, he puts his hand behind her head, and tries to comfort her, knowing it was futile. But he takes in her scent of her thirty-year old perfume as much as he could.
"I want you to go get some sleep..." He says into her ear, "And send my brother back in as you leave."
Nodding, and biting her bottom lip, Epiphany nods and kisses Xavier one last time."I love you." She says barely loud enough for him to hear, but he would, and he would know it was genuine. Epiphany Meridian was not the one to say such things so easily, and she could barely let him go as easily either, but she had no choice, and slid away from his touch slowly until they could reach no more, and then ran from the room without looking back, without another thought.
She would find Maltez walking away, and he would no doubt hear her sobs as she slowly followed behind him, arms crossed over her chest, and in a slump of total defeat and mourning. Epiphany was a proud woman, slouching was not in her character, except for now.
Maltez Buffton
Stopping as he hears those sobs, Maltez turns around to see Epiphany crying over his brother. His face shows mostly sadness. Mostly. A part of him still finds it hard to accept the two of them, but now is by far not the time to even think about that. His brother is dying, and he needs any and all comfort he can get. If Pip provides that, then the elder brother supports it. He opens his arms just wide enough to wrap around her if she approaches.. but Maltez doesn't presume. Not this time.
The opening of his arms wasn't an overt measure; both hands remaining low to his sides, palms outward. It was a very subtle invitation and one he would not force.
Epiphany Meridian
Epiphany actually didn't hesitate, she practically flew into Maltez's arms, completely losing herself in tears and unable to say a damn thing. She could feel immediately as the dampness from her face transferred into his tunic, and couldn't even muster enough composure to offer an apology. At this point, the Corellian woman was completely lost to her emotions, and she didn't know what to do.
Maltez Buffton
The Buffton's arms wrap around her, holding her tight, himself keeping silent. Words didn't have to be said. He would hold her and quietly console her for as long as she needed. This is why he came back, he internally muses. He came back to find his brother, slaughter the Hutts in vengeance, and lend a shoulder to cry on to the woman between them.
Epiphany Meridian
"I'm sorry." Was all she could stammer out, "I'm sorry...this is my fault..." Her words were stiffled into his chest, her arms practically clutching his back for dear life. What she was apologizing for, Meridian wasn't exactly sure, but it was the first words she could muster.
Maltez Buffton
"Shh, stop Pip. This is only the Hutts' fault. And they paid for their sins." He was holding her just as tightly as she was holding him, his chin resting gently atop her head.
Epiphany Meridian
"But...I always pushed him away." She buried her head further into him, "I ruined it. All of it...and now it's too late."
Maltez Buffton
"Pip, stop a second and look at the other side of the cred chip. We thought Xavier was gone forever, and yet here he is. You were given the opportunity to say what you never got the chance to before now, and so was he. Don't look at this as something ruined, look at this as a second chance to say goodbye."
Epiphany Meridian
"You say that like it's so easy..." She lifted her head from his chest, "Why can't we fix him? With all the medicine in the galaxy and this..." she lost herself again. Maltez wouldn't know it, but she cried just as hard when he allegedly died. Only she had kept to herself. But Xavier was different, he was the father of her only child. Dealing with the idea of him running off was one thing, but actually dying? Physically? In her arms? Was another.
Maltez Buffton
"Because the Galaxy is out to get us. It always has been. It always will be. The difference is, we've always been better than it.. but eventually all things eventually catch up, the pendulum swings back the other way, and we get our asses kicked." He frowns, holding her tighter, trying to console the woman in his arms. "But I'm here to tell you it's about to swing back, and this Galaxy will beg for mercy before I'm through with it. Nal Hutta is only the beginning, Pip."
Epiphany Meridian
"How many more of us will have to die?" Epiphany whispered, as she held herself against Maltez's chest tightly, "You need to go see him...He...he wanted to see you again."
Maltez Buffton
"Only one more.." Maltez replies ominously, thinking of his brother in the other room. He gives her one more squeeze before releasing her from his arms and offering a nod. "I'll go see him. You go lay down, Pip. Try to rest. Get a drug from the med bay before you go if you have to."
Epiphany Meridian
"I really don't want to." She said as he pulled away, "but he...he told me to go. I should listen." She wiped her eyes with her hand. "I'll try."