Chapter 51:
Vader was waiting for Atrox and Mara when they arrived, with Solo at his side. "Apprentice," he greeted Atrox, coldly. "I was just beginning to brief the admiral on the nature of your mission."
Atrox walked up to his master and knelt before him. "Master, I have prepared for my mission. What is it that you would have me do?"
"You will discover the new location of the Rebel base, and acquire whatever information you deem useful. Take whatever prisoners you see fit, do what you will with them. I will leave you to plan the details of the mission. Admiral Solo and your apprentice are to provide whatever aid you require."
Atrox was stunned that his master was giving him this mission. "T- thank you, father. I am honored to be given a mission of this importance," he said looking Vader in the eyes, feeling a great sense of pride. He would discuss Mara's situation with him later.
Vader waved his thanks aside. "Who else could I trust to complete this mission? We've been trying to trace the Rebels for years, with little success. I believe your training is now sufficient for you to accomplish this goal. When do you want to leave?"
"I wanted to discuss something with you first, master." Atrox said, adding through the Force, in private… it is not for the ears of the others, father.
Very well. Come. Vader rose, and led his son into an adjoining chamber of the throne room. "Now, what was it you needed to discuss, my son?"
Atrox's face became cold and hard as he let his anger at his father vent into the Force, feeling the rush of additional power as he did so. "Just when were you planning to tell me that you attacked my apprentice and threatened the life of my child!"
Vader eyed his son. "It was unnecessary for you to be told. No harm came to either of them, and it was an apt test for her skill with a lightsaber. She is improving, learning to use her anger in battle."
"THIS I KNOW!" Atrox screamed, objects in the room beginning to hover high above their heads, beginning to shoot around the room in various directions. The back of Atrox's cloak was flapping around with the breeze caused by the objects' motion. "You… put… my… child… at… risk! Would… you… have… exposed… my… mother… to… that… kind… of… RISK!"
Vader's voice thundered over Atrox's, silencing him. "DO YOU THINK I DON'T KNOW WHAT I DID? IS IT SO HARD FOR YOU TO BELIEVE THAT I MIGHT REGRET DOING IT? HOW DARE YOU IMPLY THAT I WOULD KNOWINGLY RISK THE LIFE OF YOUR FIRSTBORN CHILD!" He lowered his voice slightly. "Do not tell me that you have never done something in the rage of the moment that you later regretted."
Atrox regained control of the Force and the objects hovering above them slowly were put back where they originally were. "Forgive me, father. I… I didn't know."
Vader took a step towards his son, and embraced him. "You are a very worthy apprentice, and I'm very proud of you. I would do anything to ensure your happiness. However… there are times when your training is more important than the happiness of the moment."
Atrox returned Vader's embrace and smiled. "I… understand, father. I will continue to make you proud of me, as your apprentice." Atrox said with every amount of his dedication to his father, to the Sith, and his teachings.
"I am certain that you will." Vader responded. "I trust you will demonstrate your dedication by completing your mission."
Atrox's smile grew dark and twisted as he continued to stare his father in the eyes. "I will take great pleasure in… showing them what I am capable of, not to mention… training my apprentice."
Han noticed that Mara seemed… stiffer than usual, and wondered about the guards surrounding her. Some of them had split off, guarding the entrances, but the majority of them remained in defensive positions around her. He walked over to her, intending to make conversation, only to find the guards close around her, protectively. She scowled even more fiercely, and snapped, "Back off, he's an Imperial officer!"
They stepped aside, accordingly, and Mara glanced at Solo. "Sorry, they have no brains about them whatsoever."
Solo nodded, then asked, "Why do you have them following you around?"
She shrugged. "Ask Vader. It was his idea."
At that moment, Vader and his apprentice reentered the room. Mara shot a glance at Atrox, and touched him through the Force. Master, what happened? I sensed a change in you.
Atrox glanced at her but followed his master. You will see, apprentice.
Vader turned his eyes in her direction. "Jade, a word, if you will." He glanced around the room at the others. "Alone." After Solo and the guards had left the room, he looked down at Mara. "It was never my intent to risk the life of my grandchild. Though, I must say, your abilities are improving. Your master has taught you well."
She looked confused for an instant, but her expression quickly smoothed over. "Yes, Lord Vader."
Atrox looked at Mara and allowed a smile to cross his face. "Your training is progressing quickly, my apprentice. You have made me proud."
A glow of contentment filled her at his praise. "Thank you, master."
Vader walked towards her, and she took a step back, apprehensively. Then Atrox was near, and she felt his protective gaze. Vader reached out, tentatively, to feel the spark of life growing within her, and was again awed by its fragility, and yet, presence.
Mara looked up and found herself staring into his eyes. She saw great caring for his family there, and began to think, perhaps, that he truly wanted to protect his grandchild.
"I am happy for both of you," he admitted, quietly, stepping back from them. He turned away, trying to hide the emotion brushing the surface. "Give me reports on the status of your mission when you can."
Atrox turned towards his master and nodded, "Yes, master." He bowed, and then turned to leave the throne room.
Mara followed him, flicking one last glance at Vader, uncertainly. She fell into step beside Atrox, full of questions. "What happened in there?" she asked, in a low tone. "You and Lord Vader both came out… changed."
Atrox glanced at his apprentice and touched her mind with the Force. This is not a discussion for others to hear.
Forgive me, master. A flash of annoyance crossed her face. I forgot about that blasted entourage. She glared, resentfully, at the guards following behind her.
You better get used to them quickly, apprentice. Soon we will be sharing a ship with them. Atrox said, a smirk present on his face. After a moment he turned towards Admiral Solo. "Admiral, the Emperor briefed you on our mission, did he not?"
"Yes, milord. I'm prepared to serve in whatever capacity you need." Solo replied. He hoped this assignment would get him into some action. He felt restless running a desk job like this admiralty business had been so far.
"You will not be disappointed, Admiral. Of this I assure you." Atrox said, picking up on Solo's thoughts.
"Thanks, milord. I'm sure I won't be," he responded. "What do you need me to do to prepare for the mission?"
"Prepare a ship that will accommodate my apprentice and myself, as well as her guards. You will pilot the shuttle." His face became cold and threatening. "And Admiral… failure will not be tolerated." Atrox added, the threat evident in his voice.
Solo shivered at the cold warning. "I understand, milord. I'll take care of it at once." He saluted the young Sith Lord, and excused himself to carry out his assignment.
Mara glared at her master. This mission is going to be difficult enough without a bunch of red-robed maniacs following me around. They wouldn't even let Solo talk to me a few minutes ago. And they stick out like a Wookiee in a 'trooper barracks.
Atrox chuckled. "Return to your quarters, my apprentice. Prepare for our mission. Be ready in thirty minutes." Atrox looked at the royal guards, "Come with me."
He felt her relief at being released from her 'captors', if only for a short time. Yes, master, she responded, I'll be ready.
The guards hesitated on being asked to leave their charge, then reluctantly, the captain said, "As you command, Lord Atrox."
Another few moments passed and Atrox entered his quarters. "All of you get in here, now." He stated coldly. They filed into the room, standing formally in formation before him, waiting to hear what instructions he had for them.
"You all overheard the details of my mission. You all are coming with my apprentice and myself." He stated coldly, looking at each of them, sensing their expressions through the helmets. "You are all to return to your barracks and gather whatever you could use to disguise yourselves as civilians looking to sign up with the Rebels. Your primary goal remains the same, guarding my apprentice. Not all of you will come with her to infiltrate them, but you all will come prepared to." He paused, his expression darkening. "Failure will not be tolerated. If you are discovered, I assure you, you will be dying a slow, painful death by my hand before the Rebels can even put you in a cell. You now have twenty minutes to meet me and my apprentice in the hanger, and you will remain in full uniform until I tell you otherwise." Atrox said with a deadly chill to his voice.
The guard captain responded, "Lord Atrox, death by your hand is preferable to living with failure." They bowed, as one, and departed to execute his commands.
Atrox began to gather some of his old clothing which he wore before he had turned to the dark side of the Force, and placed it into a pack. After making sure he had what he needed, he set off to the hanger to meet with Admiral Solo.
Solo strode down a boarding ramp just as Atrox entered the hangar. "Lord Atrox," he greeted him. "I think I've got just the thing. It'll take some effort to pull off, but if we can manage it, we can fly right under their radar. I was just about to get your approval, and then make the necessary arrangements."
"Show me." Atrox commanded, amused by Solo's enthusiasm. He accompanied the admiral into the vessel, which appeared to be a requisitioned Corellian gunship. As he toured the decks, he mentally noted what else they would need to effect their deception, and where his own quarters would be.
"Those guards of Lady Mara's are going to have to pass as crewers," Solo observed, more doubtfully. "Can we get them some datapads or simulators to at least familiarize them with what it takes to run a ship this size? We need gunners, crewers, some techs…" he ticked them off absently. "Fortunately, a few of the guns have already been decommissioned, so there's no need to worry about that."
Atrox looked towards the Admiral and said, "We are also going to need to set up a rather large brig as well." He paused, thinking what he could do the Rebels once they were captured. "Have a scan grid or two installed as well. I want some of them to… experience what it means to defy the Empire."
"Of- of course, milord." Solo felt cold inside at the thought of what Atrox intended to do. He couldn't place it, but something about those scan grids gave him a bad feeling. "Is there anything else you wish to see, or shall I finish getting the gear together?"
Atrox touched Solo's mind and whispered, I can sense your… fear, Admiral. Know that as long as you are loyal to me, you need not worry. The scan grids will be for any of my former friends who have betrayed me. After a moment, he spoke aloud, "That will be all for now. Use whatever personnel you need, this is your top priority."
"Y-yes, milord. I'll get on it immediately." Solo left the ship, not entirely sure where he was going to get the materials they needed, but knew Atrox would want them soon. A thought struck him, and he hesitated for a moment, wondering if it was worth the risk, then reluctantly headed for the throne room.
Vader turned as he entered, and raised an eyebrow. "Is there something you need, Admiral?"
Han looked uncomfortable. "Well, uh, there are some things Lord Atrox is gonna need for the mission, and I wasn't sure where to get ahold of them. I'm pretty sure you don't want word of this getting out…" he trailed off.
Vader nodded. "Of course. What is it you need?" Solo handed him a datapad, and after scanning it briefly, Vader pulled out his comlink. "Get me Imperial Intelligence." He listened, briefly, then plugged the comlink into the datapad, uploading the list of supplies. "I want them in Hangar 12 within the hour." He clipped the comlink back to his belt, and handed Solo back his datapad. "Let me know if you require anything further, Admiral. This mission is of utmost importance, and you did right by coming to me."
"Thank you, sir," Solo said, relieved. "I better get back there and make sure there's nothing else that needs to be done."
Mara stood in her quarters, looking thoughtfully around the room. It was plain and unadorned, containing only the bare necessities in the way of comforts, as befitted the Emperor's personal assassin. She had few personal possessions, if any, but boundless resources at her fingertips for use in the service of the Empire. She had tossed a grey combat suit into her old satchel, along with something more formal as well as a few concealment devices she had used to great effect time and again. There was little else she would require, and yet she lingered.
On the surface, it was quite ordinary, though in reality the palace was riddled with passages and elevators concealed within the walls, ceilings and floors. Her room was strategically placed so as to be available to almost anywhere in the palace she might be called to, and she could reach those places quicker than most. She'd spent little time there in the weeks since she had returned from the Emperor's final assignment, and now, she was leaving again, once more on assignment from an Emperor. In that short span, however, her whole world had changed. On the surface, it was as it had been, but it was colored in a different light than it had been before. She slung the satchel over her shoulder, surveyed the room one final time, and headed for the hangar, knowing her master would be waiting.
Nor was she mistaken. She followed his presence in the Force to Hangar 12, and eyed warily the beat-up ship they were to take. Master? she called, cautiously, not seeing him.
Atrox sensed his apprentice's call and touched her mind through the Force. I am in my quarters. They are near the ship's bridge.
I'm on my way, she told him, already entering the ship's interior. It didn't take her long to find the bridge, and with Atrox's presence so close by, finding his quarters was simple. The door slid open before her, and she stepped into the room, turning to face him. "Ready, as you commanded, master," she said, her eyes taking in their surroundings carefully.
Atrox turned and walked up to her, embracing her as he did so. "Very good, apprentice. You may stay here with me."
Mara's expression brightened gladly. "Thank you, my lord," she murmured, as he held her close.
A few minutes later, Atrox's comlink chimed. "Lord Atrox, we're ready. Where do you want us?"
Atrox slowly pulled away from Mara and picked up the comlink. "Meet me in the lounge located by the Crew Quarters, Captain."
Mara glared at the comlink. "Knowing them, they're going to need a map to find it," she muttered under her breath.
"We're on our way, Lord Atrox," the Captain said. "We'll meet you there momentarily."
Atrox deactivated the comlink and put it back on his belt, under his cloak. While doing so, he turned to look at Mara. "Since you feel that they need some sort of guide to find the lounge, apprentice, why don't you go and lead them to it." Atrox said with a smirk on his face.
She glared at him, darkly. "If they need help then they aren't much use as bodyguards," she countered.
Atrox returned her glare with his own dark glare. "Indeed you are right, my apprentice. Right now they do not have a body to guard. Why don't you go give them one."
"Well, if you want to get rid of me, just say so, master." She snapped, as she headed for the door.
Atrox crossed his arms as he watched his apprentice leave the room. As the door shut he turned and walked over to an empty section of his quarters and sat down in a meditative position. He let the dark side flow into him as he reflected over the past several moments. His apprentice had learned her lessons well, though she had yet to learn the proper time and place for applying them. Perhaps… perhaps her pregnancy was contributing to her increasingly unstable emotional state. Regardless, he would reward her when she returned, as he knew she would. Their feelings for each other were too strong for them to wish to be separated for long, he thought with a smile.
Mara met her guards near the entrance ramp, and with a dark scowl, she jerked a thumb over her shoulder. "Come on." They followed her into the interior of the vessel as she led them to the crew's lounge. "I'm sure Lord Atrox will be in to see you shortly," she said, stiffly, and turned to go, still angry and not wanting to see him right then.
The guard captain held up a hand. "I'm sorry, milady, but our orders are to protect you, and we've neglected that duty enough. I'm going to have to ask that you remain here with us."
She glared at the man. "Are you telling me what to do?" she said, a dangerous edge to her voice.
"No, milady, but we're under orders from Lord Vader, and he won't be pleased if we disobey him."
Her expression darkened further. She knew that there was no way she could convince them to disobey direct orders from the Emperor, short of killing them, and she was unwilling to place her child in further danger. She seated herself in a chair, arms crossed, as far from the door as possible, and waited for her master to arrive.
Solo looked over the newly improvised brig, critically. The equipment and force cages were assembled and in a state of readiness in one of the areas. It wasn't perfect, but he figured that Atrox would be satisfied with it. The instructional and simulation disks had been left in the crew's lounge, for the guards to run through. He frowned, trying to think if there was anything else they needed. Lady Mara's guard ought to be here by now, he thought to himself. Not seeing anything else he could do to be useful, he sought out the young Sith Lord to report to him.
He reached Atrox's new quarters, and knocked on the door, wondering if he was inside. The door slid open, and he entered, tentatively. "This better be important, Admiral. You are disrupting my meditations." Atrox said to him, darkly.
"Uh… I got your brig ready, milord. We can leave whenever you're ready."
Atrox's eyes shot open at his words. "Show me your work, Admiral." Atrox said as he got up and turned towards him.
"Er, yessir." Solo led Atrox to the storage area on the first deck that he'd converted into a brig. "I set up the scan grids like you wanted, and the force cages are ready to be enabled whenever you need them."
