Chapter 63: Her Day

"Loyal sons and daughters of the Empire, WE have been BETRAYED!"

Darth Avaryss paced around the table in the officers' ready room of the Emperor's Wisdom, the full command staff had been summoned for this briefing. Taya and Abominus stood sentinel by the door as the Sith Lord explained the situation to her troops.

This is where it begins, she thought.

Darth Feer's final days.

The thought made her smile.

It had been a long time coming, but at last…she was here.

She…was ready.

IOI

Their escape from Oridanna had went off without a hitch, Thranton Rink had again proven his skill. The former street rat turned Imperial pilot had managed to slip past the Imperial security net with almost no issue at all. An accomplishment that greatly pleased his master.

She was grateful to have servants that she could count on.

Avaryss had been in no condition to aid in that escape, she had been in the Fury's medical bay, being tended to by Dr. Vrann. The Chiss had taken more readings and given her an injection of an improved version of the serum she had developed. The Doctor had not been happy to hear that she had suffered a seizure on Oridanna, she said it was likely only the first of many.

Avaryss was quickly running out of time. She would need her new body sooner rather than later.

It was just as well, Avaryss had thought as she let the doctor put her into a kolto tank.

I no longer desire to have one drop of Lylos blood flowing through my veins.

The mere thought angered her.

The blood of traitors needed to be purged.

She had been slipping into unconsciousness as the Fury broke through the atmosphere and vanished into hyperspace. Rink told her later that they had not been detected, that they had been gone before planetary security had even had a chance to respond.

Once again, she was pleased.

From there, it had not been hard to find her destroyer.

Now, they had reached their destination, and it fell to Avaryss to take the next step, recruit the allies she needed to move her plans forward.

She was not overly concerned, she knew these people, had fought and bled beside them.

She was confident that they would do what she needed.

They had landed upon The Wisdom with no trouble at all. They were cleared for docking without a single challenge. Captain Kannady had met them when they first boarded, but it was clear from the beginning that he knew where his loyalties lay, who was the one most likely to advance his career.

"Darth Avaryss," he had said when she had first stepped out of the airlock, "By order of Darth Feer, you are hereby ordered to surrender your lightsaber to me, and place yourself into the custody of Imperial Security."

She had smiled when she heard that. She had to give him points for bravery, if nothing else.

"I see," she had said, "and what happens if I say: no?"

"Nothing, my lord," her Captain had responded, "I merely had to inform you of Darth Feer's wishes, now that they are officially in the log, we can get down to business."

He saluted her.

"Where do we go from here?"

She grinned beneath her mask.

"Straight to the top, Captain," she informed him, "I have information for the Dark Council…."

"…It is time that they heard it."

He fell in step behind her as she made her way to the bridge. Kannady had made his choice.

Now, she had to make sure that the rest of the crew made theirs, and that the choice was the right one.

Her only concern at the time had been Necris, her Devish apprentice remained aboard The Wisdom, Avaryss was not sure where her final loyalties might lay.

Had Darth Feer gotten to her, and possibly made her an offer, things could have gotten complicated. Necris' powers had grown considerably since Avaryss had discovered her back on Myrnn 9.

He could have offered to make her his new apprentice. Avaryss had considered that when she ordered her servant to come before her and reaffirm her loyalty to House Avaryss.

If this turned into a fight, things could turn ugly, she thought, she was still healing from her experience in the Sith Temple. Her powers were strong, but her physical form remained…strained.

If the Devish did decide to make trouble, Avaryss would need to destroy her quickly, she would use her most powerful spells, she wouldn't give the talented young Necro-path a chance to bring her abilities to bear.

Fortunately, that had not been necessary, Necris had arrived with Taya and Abominus, she had taken one look at Avaryss and smiled.

"So," she purred, "You are still being among the living, my master?"

"So, it seems, my loyal apprentice," she had replied, "You know what that means, I trust?"

Necris nodded, nodded and dropped to one knee, and said the one phrase that Avaryss was glad to hear.

"What is being thy bidding, my master?"

"Arise, my friend," she said, "We have work to do."

She then turned to Taya and Abominus, the blonde Sith was grinning from ear to ear.

"I'm pleased to see you still live, Avy. I was so worried."

Abominus snorted, her wings flexing against her back.

Avaryss glared at her.

"Do I sense some dissention, my dear monster?"

Abominus grinned, showing a mouth filled with sharp teeth.

"No, master," she replied, "I merely see Taya's continued gushing over you as a waste of valuable time."

The blond Sith sniffed.

"You never did have a sense of the romantic, Nass," Taya said sullenly.

"Enough," Avaryss said, stopping any argument before it could begin. She needed her servants on the same page.

They had no idea what they would soon face when they breached the government tower on Oridanna.

Feer would not make her return an easy one.

They needed to be ready for anything.

IOI

The first step was getting the crew of the Emperor's Wisdom behind her, for this reason she had called a meeting of the senior staff.

It was time for them to hear her intentions, and the evidence that she would soon be presenting to the Dark Council.

Necris stood behind her as that meeting began, Avaryss could feel the Devish reaching out, trying to probe her master, perhaps seeking some weakness she could exploit later.

The thought amused the Sith Lord.

It would be amusing to watch her try, she thought, despite the damage done to her physical form, her connection to the Force had never been stronger, and thanks to Necris, the well-spring of death energy she had taken from the failed spirit still burned within her.

I'm not just a lord right now, she realized, I'm a living weapon!

She longed to get bloodied.

Yet, it was not yet the time, she was still healing, by the time they returned to Oridanna, she would be ready, her wounds reduced to mere scars. Yet, for now, it was wise to keep silent, and not allow others to know the extent of those injuries.

Her ravaged body was all but hidden by a heavy crimson robe and a black hooded cloak over that. She still wore the blank mirror face plate that she had gotten in the Sith Temple. She found that wearing it had a disturbing effect on her soldiers, that, and the way her voice rasped through the mask's vocoder.

That was good.

She understood the value of fear, this meeting was as much about intimidation as it was about explanation, she needed to win these people to her side quickly; without the Wisdom and its crew, she would not be able to guarantee her safety as she made her way back down to Oridanna's surface to confront her master.

It would all be for nothing if her Fury was blown out of the sky by the capital's defenses. She needed to reach the government tower, and confront Lord Feer, lay his failures before the feet of the rest of the Dark Council, and make her challenge to him as public and as final as she could manage.

She continued to pace around the table, she could feel the officers' nervousness. Tales of what she had done at the state dinner back on Oridanna had likely reached the ears of these men and women.

The thought amused her.

Though she was mostly recovered from her battle with the rebel leadership, she still walked with a cane, her right leg was still healing, but the pain gave her a slight limp.

It wasn't that physical weakness that concerned her men, but the cane itself, they knew what she had done with a scepter back in the government tower. A cane would have worked just as well.

The thought almost made her giggle.

Her officers had nothing to fear from her; if they did what she wanted. She had no desire to harm them, and she wouldn't, unless they made her.

Though she couldn't deny making an example out of one at random had some appeal, she would enjoy seeing the shock and horror on the faces of her men.

For now, she held back that desire, their fear was useful enough; turning it to terror would be unnecessary, and possibly counter-productive. These men and women had heard what Beric had said about her, no doubt, the lies that Darth Sadi had had him spread as her failsafe. Some even questioned her being here, they wondered if by allowing her back they were technically committing treason.

She didn't let that bother her. Fear would keep her people in line, as for her injuries, those were being dealt with. The retro-virus that Darth Terrog had injected into her was doing its work. Dr. Vrann assured her that she would be well enough to fight soon; two days floating in a kolto tank had helped with that, the remaining damage done to her body was mostly…cosmetic in nature.

She found herself tempted to take off her mask, show these people what the rebel filth had done. She was still mostly bald with only a few wisps of grey hair. The flesh below her right eye was bubbled up and twisted. She had her sight again, but it was still a bit cloudy, her dark purple eyes still had a slightly hazy look, which made their glow that much more intimidating.

I see more with the Force now, than I do my eyes, but that is okay.

She had gotten use to change.

They had been fortunate enough to catch up with her destroyer, Darth Feer had assigned the vessel to patrol the space near Pholis, in case any surviving rebels tried to take advantage of the situation.

She assured Captain Kannady that he had nothing to worry about, the rebel leadership had been decimated, she had brought proof of this; which was the whole point of this meeting.

They need to see what I've done, see and accept that I, not Feer, am now their one, and only, chance to return to Oridanna and claim absolute glory.

She inspired fear, but now she also needed to inspire greed.

Greed would serve her far better in bringing her men back into her control.

"I've provided you all with the evidence that I collected from the deceased rebel leader Tahl Moritza," she continued, "I'm sure you can reach the same conclusion that I did, having seen this data."

Avaryss shook her head in disgust.

"Darth Feer tore apart Oridanna, a system that had fed the Empire and our war efforts for centuries. He named a rogue Sith as Dark Lord, only to have her betray him and side with a rebellion that has cost us not only credits but thousands of innocent imperial lives, and even then…Sadi's betrayal was not finished."

She sneered beneath her mask.

"She also drew my master's son and heir into their web of deceit, and when he didn't agree with their plans for the future…she killed him."

Avaryss lowered her head.

"This is all Darth Feer's doing, his mismanagement of Oridanna has brought us to this point.

"He MUST be stopped."

The last part was a lie of course, but it was a useful one. Though…it might be considered true from a certain point of view.

Bael had been killed because he had joined Sadi, Avaryss had done the deed, but he would never have been there if not for his master's twisted ambitions, that and his desire for Talitha.

That last part still sickened her. She was glad they were both dead.

She had protected the Imperial bloodline. Now the little sadist and the traitor would not whelp any misbegotten heirs.

Yes.

She had done the Empire a favor.

"My lord?"

She glanced up, General Tekk had spoken. Tekk was the trooper commander aboard the Wisdom, he led the ground teams when they were deployed on-planet.

She sensed his discomfort in this.

"You have a problem, General?"

The man shifted in his seat

"I mean no disrespect, my lord," he continued, "I've led my men in many campaigns for our people. I've fought beside you many times since this new war began. I know you to be a brave woman, who respects strength, and honors the sacrifice of her men."

Avaryss smiled.

"But?" she asked.

"But. What you are asking is tantamount to treason, you are asking us to return to Oridanna, and put the capital city under the guns of this vessel. This ship has served the Empire proudly. I have no desire to see her legacy tainted."

Necris snarled and stepped forward.

"You are questioning our master? You are calling our master a traitor?"

Avaryss stopped the Devish with a raised hand.

"Be calm, my apprentice," she purred, then turned her attention once again to the general.

Once, she would have executed the man for his insolence, and his attempt to question her, now…she knew better.

Avaryss knew her limitations, she was no military genius, or master strategist. She had seen Tekk's skill in the field, and was not afraid of a dissenting opinion.

In fact, these meetings were for dissenting opinions, she allowed open talk among her general, captain, and the rest of her officers, such talk had led them to victory more than once.

The man was merely asking for clarification of the task in hand. She understood that.

She was more than happy to provide an answer.

"I'm not asking for the Wisdom to attack Danna City. I only desire that our gunners cover my ship as I make my way down to the surface. There are those in the capital that will not want to hear my words, they may try to stop me."

She leaned forward.

"A destroyer sitting overhead will be a great deterrent. I have no desire to harm our people, merely to make sure that the Dark Council receives the evidence I have for them. As for the tainting of The Wisdom's honor well…

She shrugged.

"If this all goes wrong, you can put the blame firmly on me. If I fail, I will be dead, and in no position to dispute that claim."

The General nodded and fell silent, the rest of the Sith Order knew how their Imperials reacted around their masters, they would accept that Kannady and the others had no choice. When a Sith gave an order, you cooperated, or you died.

She didn't think they would be punished if she failed. Not that she would be in any position to care one way or the other, she would be dead, and it wouldn't matter.

Not that she intended to fail, oh no, she had waited for far too long for this moment.

Avaryss…would not fail.

She looked over the gathered officers, sensing their emotions, seeking any weakness that might undo what she was about to attempt.

"Know this," she added, "We are not going to Oridanna to start a civil war. This destroyer will not engage any other imperial vessels in orbit, once my Interceptor reaches the government tower, you will withdraw, and await further instruction, from either me, or from Lord Feer."

She nodded.

One way or another, the matter would be settled.

She stood at the head of the table, looking out over her officers, the people that she had led into battle many times.

She could sense Captain Kannady's resolve, she had given him a chance when other Sith had thought him too cautious, he would support her. First Officer Nadol was loyal to his captain, he would follow his commanding officer's lead.

One by one she looked over them all, from General Tekk to Chief Engineer Raddick, they all remained cautious, but she sensed a willingness to obey.

Only one man at the table offered her any sort of challenge.

She smiled.

"Do you have anything to say, Colonel Glasc?"

The loyalty officer shifted in his seat; he had been unusually quiet during this meeting.

Henin Glasc was one of Feer's greatest cronies on this ship, she would have thought him to be the one to object to this plan. The loyalty officer had made no bones in the past about doubting her commitment.

She was surprised to find him so quiet now.

"What," she said, "No questions, Colonel? You don't think that I should reconsider this course of action?"

The man shrugged.

"If the evidence you have presented is genuine, then the Dark Council should see it. We are both loyal children of the Empire. I won't question a Dark Lord's desire to defend herself."

She nodded; a bit surprised.

Normally, Glasc would have done nothing to oppose her master.

She was surprised to see him willing to offer his support now.

You gave him no reason to support you, the darkness within reminded her.

The infighting between Avy and Keera always undercut what you were trying to accomplish. Since that time, you have proven yourself to him, or at the very least, proven that you are willing to go to any length to ensure the Empire's safety and advancement.

Why would he not choose to support you?

That made sense, she thought.

She and Glasc would never be friends, but they didn't have to be friendly to work well together.

Their goals were similar, they both desired to see the Empire rise and become the dominant force in the galaxy.

Plus, he was related to Synestra, perhaps his cousin had spoken on her behalf, convinced Glasc to give her more leeway in carrying out her desires.

If so, that would be hilarious.

She and Lady Feer had been at odds since she had first arrived on Dromund Kaas. Of course, Avaryss' decision to bring Cynn Feer into her life hadn't hurt.

Synestra may not have admitted, it, but she had missed her daughter, she was grateful for the girl to be back in a place of power, and with the loss of Bael…

…it would be interesting to see where Lady Feer's allegiance would be when Avaryss and Feer finally crossed blades.

It would be most interesting indeed.

Avaryss nodded.

"Then…it is decided then," she said, "Prepare the ship to make the jump back to Oridanna. The time had come for me to speak with the Dark Council, if there is nothing else…"

"Um…one last thing, my lord," Glasc said raising his hand.

She turned her masked gaze upon him.

"Yes?"

Glasc sighed.

"Chief Engineer Raddick is a spy. He has a personal hyper-comm link to Darth Feer. He will…"

What happened next was over in a matter of seconds.

Raddick snarled at Glasc and rose from his seat, he tried to pull his sidearm, to shoot Avaryss.

She didn't hesitate or wait for an explanation.

The Sith tilted her head.

SMONTCH!

Chief Engineer Raddick shot into the air like a rocket, he struck the ceiling like he had been launched out of a catapult, a catapult propelled by the Force!

His head was crushed like an overripe melon, his neck snapped as it was driven down into his chest.

The body fell striking the table and splattering the weapons officer and docking bay commander with blood, before falling to the deck twitching.

The Wisdom's weapon's officer squeaked in shock, but she quickly covered her mouth, stifling a scream. Beyond that, no one at the table said a thing, the only sound was that of the dead engineer, his feet twitching against the deck.

Avaryss smiled and removed her mask, letting the officers get a good look at her face. She enjoyed the looks of surprise, and…the sense of disbelief and repulsion.

Beauty was fleeting, she reminded herself, but power…that was eternal.

She giggled as she regarded the dead imperial.

"Well done, Colonel," she purred, "Very well done."

He nodded, trying hard not to look at the corpse.

"Think nothing of it, my lord," he replied, "For the Empire."

She nodded.

Yes, she thought.

For the Empire.

She turned to Captain Kannady.

"Inform Raddick's first subordinate that he is now chief engineer, and send someone down to collect the hyper-comm unit from his quarters, make sure that there are no transmissions between this ship and Oridanna, not until my business is concluded."

As you say, my lord," Kannady replied.

She turned back to Glasc.

"Any other agents I need concern myself with?"

He shook his head, though she did notice that he had turned a bit paler.

Perhaps she had surprised him with how quickly she had taken the initiative, it so, that was his failing.

She no longer had time to play things safe.

Feer needed to be removed, and she needed to consolidate his holdings.

It would make what came next so much easier.

She would need to be ready when HK returned.

He would hopefully have her new body.

I cannot afford to hesitate, she realized. When she reached the capital, she would encounter people that she had once considered allies. Beric, Xen, Dym, who knew what side they had come down on in her absence.

She would offer them a simple choice: Join me…or die.

She could afford nothing else…the time for negotiation and compromise was past.

She could afford no distractions, she would deal with Feer, and then…

…all would be well.

She gave her crew a wicked smile.

"History is on the march, my friends, those that can't keep up, will be left in the dirt to die."

She stood straighter, putting the full weight of her Sith training into her words.

"Set course, back to Oridanna!"

She smiled wickedly.

"My day has come!"