Chapter 16: Brother
Fear.
It was not an emotion that Avaryss was use to feeling. She had become accustom to inspiring it in others, but not feeling it herself.
Yet in this moment, standing outside her brother's quarters on the Fury. She felt a true sense of fear.
What am I going to say, she wondered, what words was appropriate? How could she explain what had happened, how she had found her way here?
She bit her lower lip, her brow furrowed in thought.
What could she say?
Who cares, the darkness whispered, he is a common soldier, you are on your way to becoming a dark lord of the Sith. It is he that should be worried about confronting you, not the other way around.
You are everything, and he is nothing.
Never forget that.
She frowned.
It was easy to think about, harder to make a reality.
Yes, he was a common soldier, but he was also her brother, her father's son.
That status had to count for something.
She could not simply dismiss him.
Beric had barely spoken to her since they had left Taris. He obeyed her orders, and would say "Yes, my lord," and "No, my lord," where he needed to, but beyond that…nothing.
He had said nothing when Thunn's small vessel had taken off. He had said nothing when they docked with 1A-K3's larger vessel. He had continued to remain silent when she had finally been able to contact Mister Rink and have him pick them all up from said vessel. He held his silence when she had contacted Colonel Essada and requested that he formally be transferred to her command.
In short, her brother had simply shut down, she could not even feel his emotions; they were blunted, hidden behind years of military discipline and training.
Her brother had always had a stubborn streak, she knew that, but it seemed that he also had a very strong will. Even had she possessed the skill of Force persuasion she doubted that she would be able to get him to talk to her.
She was both proud and unsettled by that.
It was clear that they definitely shared the same blood.
She had not risked sending a report to her master until they had left Taris far behind. In truth she had been on edge since they had left orbit in Thunn's private starship. She kept waiting for someone to try and attack them, like they had on Nar Shadda. She kept waiting to see fighters or perhaps a capital ship seeking to block their escape route, none appeared. She stood and watched as 1A-K3's TCS ship vanished into hyperspace, only then did she finally breathe a sigh of relief. By the time that Mister Rink pulled the levers and sent them on their own journey into hyperspace, she was finally prepared to consider the mission a success.
Beric had made himself scarce by that time, choosing to isolate himself in the Interceptor's cargo bay. Rink performed a micro-jump of several hundred light years before coming out and making a course correction that would take them back to Dromund Kaas.
It was during that time that Avaryss sent off a transmission to her master, informing him of her success.
Darth Feer had been most pleased.
She had offered to broadcast him the access code to the carrier frequency they had sought, but he rejected that idea. Even a scrambled transmission could be picked up by the clever, and they had to assume that they were being plotted against, especially now.
He ordered her to bring back the code back, and put it in the hands of Warmaster Feore, personally. The old pure blood's people would decode the transmission, and then he would have a new set of targets for her to investigate.
"You should celebrate when you reach Dromund Kaas," he advised, "Once we have decrypted the messages being sent out by the droids of the Empire I suspect that you will be very busy."
"I welcome that, my lord," she said bowing her head, "I'm eager to see this through to the end."
Her master gave her a warm smile.
"You continue to impress me, my dear child. Stay that course, and all your dreams will be yours."
Avaryss had bowed her head again as her master faded from the hyper-comm. His praise warmed her, and once again, she found herself conflicted.
The man was her mortal enemy. Her alliance with him was a business relationship nothing more, when the time came she would tear him off his throne and leave him broken and finished. She would take his place and her family would finally know rest, vengeance would finally be hers.
Speaking of her family, she thought with a frown.
She had said nothing about Beric to Lord Feer, she had not thought of a good way to bring the subject up. He knew she had taken one of Colonel Essada's men for her staff, but nothing else.
She would need to come up with something, her master would find out eventually, and when that happened she would need to have a proper excuse in place.
Bringing Keera Lylos' brother along on her missions could be considered…a distraction.
When Lord Feer does find out, what will you do? The darkness whispered.
What if he demands Beric's head?
The realization worried her, but not for the reason one might expect.
Avaryss was Sith; she would not allow anything to threaten her survival. If her master asked for Beric Lylos' head, she would do it, but at the same time she would make note of that death.
It would be just another mark in the ledger between her master and her.
One day, she would see all those marks paid back, with interest, and blood.
IOI
As the adrenalin from the mission faded the aches and pains of her recent battle came down hard upon her. She retreated to the medical bay, with Two-Vee in tow, the droid had medical programming so he was more than up to the task to tending to the minor injuries she had received in her duel with that Jedi Knight.
She had suffered several minor chemical and fire burns when she had split open that barrel with her lightsaber. The droid analyzed her wounds and applied the proper creams and sprays to aid in the healing process. He finished his work off with Kolto patches; these would speed up the healing process greatly, and prevent any further scaring.
Avaryss was grateful to hear that last part. She had enough scars as it was.
Changing into a simple black vest and leggings, she went to check up on the members of her crew. They had just come through another interesting mission and she wanted to make sure that they carried no lingering concerns.
She found Holli at work on the HK droid that she had purchased, the engineer had found some interesting information on droid restoration within Sego Thunn's computer. She was knelt down before the droid, probing inside its chasis with this tool or that one. Avaryss did not ask her to stand at attention, preferring to let the young woman work. She was laboring for Avaryss after all. Plus, Holli seemed more confident now of being able to restore the droid to working order, it would take time, but it would be worth it, if it yielded another weapon in her master's arsenal.
Avaryss was pleased.
"Have you served in the Imperial navy long?" she asked the girl, "You mentioned something about your family being travelling mechanics?"
Holli nodded.
"I've been in the Empire for…almost five years now. I did my basic training on Dromund Kaas before being sent to the engineering academy. It was useful to get into the engineering corps, but to be honest, I learn most of what I know from my parents, they taught me and my brother and sister well."
Holli eyes twinkled, lost in a brief happy memory before returning to the job at hand.
My parents have wanders souls," she said with a fond smile, "They travel all over, offering their talents to those in need. There are many places from the center of power that benefit from the skills of a good mechanic or engineer. My parents and siblings are among the best."
"Yet, you chose to leave them, join the Empire?'
"I did," Holli said reaching behind her for a tool.
"Why?"
"During the last war, my parents were quite busy. So many people were in need, so many people needed their expertise. We were just leaving one such world when the Empire arrived. We just managed to slip through the blockade before the full might of the Empire came crashing down."
Holli shook her head.
I remember watching the Imperial fleet moving in. How quickly the heavy cruisers and other warships moved in and secured the planet. I had never seen anything so powerful, or beautiful."
The engineer grinned.
"In that moment, all I wanted was to be aboard one of those ships. I wanted to get inside their engines and find out what made them tick. I think that was the moment that I chose to join the Empire, seeing those ships, the power of them…
"How could we possibly lose?"
The Sith smiled.
"You have chosen wisely then," Avaryss said, " The peace will not last forever, and one day, the galaxy will bow down before the Dark Lords of the Sith."
"I will do what I can to hasten that day, my lord," Holli promised, "You can be sure of that.
Avaryss left her then, returning to her work. As she made her way to the bridge, she noticed something odd.
Holli had barely moved while they had been speaking, yet, she remembered the girl reaching behind her several times for this tool or that, getting it out of the tool box behind her.
The young Sith's eyes narrowed.
The tool box was too far away for Holli to reach for a tool, not without physically getting up and finding it, yet, she had done just that.
Avaryss reached out with the Force. She probed the young Engineer.
She did not sense the Force strongly within her. Holli was not Force sensitive, she had not used telekinesis to retrieve those tools; she did not have the power to do anything like that. Avaryss probed deeper and still found nothing, if anything the girl felt like any other mundane that Avaryss had encountered, but once again, something unexplained had occurred.
She was not sure what to make of that.
She would have to answer those questions. She did not like the unanswered. For now, she would permit Holli to continue her work.
The girl still had use after all.
Rink had been dozing in the pilot's chair as she stepped into the cockpit, his hands resting over his heart as he leaned back in the chair. At first, she had thought the former street rat had not heard her approach.
"You need something, Boss?"
"Any problems," she asked.
He sighed and shook his head no.
"I set us a nice leisurely course back to Dromund Kaas," he informed her, "Anyone seeking to find us on the direct path home will be waiting for quite a while."
He grinned.
"I figured we should be cautious, just in case someone is watching for us. That is a good idea isn't it?"
"It is," she nodded, "You learn quickly, Mister Rink, you are starting to anticipate my commands."
"Merely dancing to the tune you are calling, boss," he said smugly, "That being said, I have to ask. You sure it is a good idea bringing soldier boy along? He could become a problem?"
Her eyes narrowed.
She assumed that soldier boy was a clever nickname for Beric.
"Are you questioning my decisions?" she asked.
"No, just…thinking. You don't strike me as one of those spit and polish types, boss. You like to play by your own rules. Soldier boy strikes me as the follow the established rules type; he might cramp your style."
"Your concern is noted," she said, "In fact, I'm on my way to speak with Lieutenant Lylos right now, make sure that he understands how we do things here."
"Smart move," Rink agreed, "Remember, if you need someone to help remove the body, all you have to do is ask."
Avaryss chuckled.
She should have been insulted by his presumption, but instead was more amused than anything else.
"I'll keep that in mind," she said, "By the way, feel free to give your little Twilek girl's name to Warmaster Feore when we return, he might be able to find a lead or two on her whereabouts."
"Sure thing, boss," he said, "Thanks."
She nodded.
Rink at least was understandable, his motivations were easy to anticipate and use to her advantage.
He was not wrong about Beric.
She sighed.
This would not be the most pleasant of conversations.
IOI
It took her more than a few moments to work up her courage to speak to him; she had stood outside the cargo bay, trying to prepare herself, to psyche herself up.
You are not going into battle, she reminded herself, and Beric will have questions. You simply have to choose the right answers.
There are things that he is not ready to know yet.
You must choose wisely in what you tell him.
She realized that she still had her lightsaber clipped to her belt. She did not plan to use it, but…
If it looks like he will be a threat to my power, then I must do what I must.
I will not have my position threatened…
…Not even by my own blood.
She stepped forward without any further thought. There was no more reason to hesitate.
He was her brother.
She needed to know if he was going to be an ally or a problem. If he was to be a problem, then he would have to be removed.
I won't hesitate, she thought.
I know what must be done.
She found her brother standing at one of the work stations near the back of the hold; he had powered up one of the work benches and was using it to service his weapon. He was disassembling his sniper rifle with almost machine like precision.
Seeing him like that, it stopped her cold.
She remembered her last real conversation with her father; he had also been servicing a weapon when they had met.
She hoped that this conversation would end better than that one did.
"Lieutenant," she called out.
He turned and snapped to attention, a good soldier to the end, it seemed.
Again she felt a small shiver run down her spine.
The years had changed her brother, stripped away the impishness of his features. In many ways he reminded her of a younger version of their father. He had the same build, the same eyes and haircut. He even seemed to stand the same.
She endeavored to not be distracted.
He needed to know how things would be around here.
She would not have him interfering in her plans.
"Is there something that you require of me, my lord?" he asked, his voice as cold an even as a droid's.
She sighed.
"You may stand at ease," she said gesturing, ""I wish to speak freely with you, and off the record."
She gave him a grim smile.
"I'm sure you have many questions."
He stood at ease, but still watched her carefully. She kept her distance, just in case.
She did not think that he would harm her, but it was better safe than sorry, plus, if she needed to draw her weapon she would need room.
If Beric was to fall, she would do it as quickly and painlessly as possible.
She owed him that much.
"I'm not sure what I should ask, my lord," he said coolly, "Seeing you now, being able to look into your eyes. It…it is like looking at a ghost."
She smiled.
"I could say the same, lieutenant."
His eyes narrowed, she felt a flash of anger. Perhaps he thought she was mocking him.
"You use to call me Ric, Keera."
Hearing her former name made her wince.
She should have expected to hear it from his lips again, but still…
It was a reminder of what she had given up, what she had left behind.
She had no desire to be reminded of such things.
"Please do not say that name again, lieutenant," she said.
He gave her a curious look.
"It is your name isn't it?"
She turned on him, her eyes flashing.
"That name, no longer has any use or value for me."
"It was our grandmother's name, don't you remember?"
"I remember much," she replied, "Just the same, do not use it again."
She sighed.
"When we are in private, you may address me either as sister or…or Avy."
"Avy?" he asked.
"Yes," she said, "A friend of mine…she calls me Avy."
He nodded.
"Fair enough, sister, fair enough."
"Thank you, brother."
He shook his head.
"I must confess, when your helmet came off, when I saw your face, I…part of me…it could not believe it."
He looked her up and down.
"You've grown up, the little girl that used to tag along after father and I, she is no longer here, is she?"
"She is gone," Avaryss admitted, "But everything she was…it is a part of me now."
He shook his head again.
"I still can't believe that we found each other again. The galaxy is huge, the chance of the two of us meeting again, the odds are astronomical."
Avaryss shrugged.
"The Force moves us in mysterious ways," she said, "There must be some reason for our reunion. It is now up to us to figure out why."
He sniffed.
"You're saying that we were meant to meet again? It sounds a little far-fetched."
She gave him a sly look.
"Don't underestimate the Force," she held up her hand, blue-violet lightning crackled between her fingers.
"Where the Force is concerned, nothing is impossible."
He nodded, probably not sure what to make of what he was seeing.
"How," he asked, "How did you gain the power of the masters?"
"I was born with the power, brother. Once my powers awakened, I quickly learned that it was impossible for me to deny them. I've spent the last few years training in their use in the Sith Academies, learning to master the ancient arts."
She smiled proudly.
"Now…here I stand before you, a full Sith, an apprentice to a Darth, and one day, I shall be a lord myself, I've foreseen it."
Her brother smiled slightly.
"My sister, the Sith Master, never thought I would be able to say those words."
She giggled.
"You will be surprised what I can accomplish. Given time and further training, anything in the Empire could be mine."
Her brother's expression turned serious. Avaryss felt a slight shift in the Force.
It seemed the banter was done.
His expression was…pained.
"How about the truth," he asked, "What can you tell me about that?"
She frowned.
"It depends on what truth you seek."
"I think you already know, sister," he said, "What happened to our family, sister? What happened on Oridanna?"
She winced.
Here it was, she thought, "What could she tell him?
She needed to be careful.
"What did you hear," she asked him, "What was the official story of what happened?"
Beric frowned.
"They told me you were dead, all of you. That some outlaws had attacked the farm; that they murdered you all and escaped. They told me that our father fought bravely, holding out until reinforcements could arrive, only to have them cut down as well."
Her brother took a shuddering breath.
"I was told that our father died a hero."
Avaryss considered what he had said.
"Is that not how you would wish to remember him?" she asked, "You know what kind of man our father was."
"It is a good story, but that is all it is, a story. It is not the truth, is it?" he gave her an icy look.
"What happened to our family, Keera? I deserve to know."
Her fingers curled into angry fists.
It was hard to say which made her angrier, his use of her former name, or the presumption that he deserved to know what happened.
"You have served in the Imperial Navy long enough to know that not everything can be told to everyone. Some secrets must be kept for the common good." she said, "And besides…"
She smiled cruelly.
"I don't remember you mentioning in your transmissions home that you had joined Black ops? I thought you said you were an officer on a warship."
"Don't change the subject," he said.
"But it is all related," She said, "You are a good soldier, brother. I saw that during our mission together. You understand that some things are better left unsaid, at least until they can cause no harm."
He glared at her.
"So you are not going to tell me what happened?"
"Not yet," she said.
He looked like he was about to yell at her, that he was about to demand more, but then he stopped; he looked down at her belt at the lightsaber hanging there.
Her hand had drifted to it during their conversation.
Did he understand what that meant, she thought he did.
Her brother was not a foolish man.
He met her gaze, she could see the surprise in his eyes, feel it in his emotions.
"Would you hurt me, sister?" he asked.
Her expression turned cold.
"It would not please me, brother," she said, "I refuse that the Force simply brought us back together so that I could play executioner."
"You would slay your own flesh and blood?"
"Not without reason," she sighed, "Look. I give you my word that one day I will tell you the full story about what happened that night. The story is…complicated, and you do not need to live with the distraction, not now."
"You think that knowing the truth would distract me? Part of me died the day that I heard that you were all killed. When it happened, my duty did not seem as important as it once was. I only ended up in black ops because…"
He growled and shook his head. She could feel the anger radiating off of him.
"It does not matter, not anymore." He said, "We're both here, and what has happened in the past no longer matters, does it, my lord?"
Avaryss pursed her lips.
She hated keeping her silence, but at the same time.
"The past is dead," she informed him, "It is to the future that we must look. The Empire is in danger. What we recovered on Taris is just another link in a chain that will aid me in protecting the Empire, protecting our home."
"I need you Ric," she said taking a step towards him, "Your skills will be most useful in the completion of this mission. Together we will be able to protect our empire, restore security and order to its ranks. You took an oath to serve, and I, as a Sith, am holding you to that oath."
Her crimson eyes narrowed.
"Stand with me, brother, and what you desire will be yours, I promise."
Beric continued to glare at her, it was clear that he was not happy with what she had told him, but at the same time, he would not question.
He was an Imperial after all, he knew what would happen if he disobeyed.
His expression became a grim mask.
"I understand my duty, my lord," he said coldly, professionally, "you need a soldier. You have one. I will carry out my duties to the best of my ability."
That is all that I ask lieutenant," she said, "that is all that I want."
She turned to leave, feeling his cold eyes on her back, feeling the betrayal he felt for her denying him.
He does not approve, well that is just too bad?
He would not understand what had happened; the choices she had made?
Who could but another Sith?
She headed back to her quarters, she wanted to be left alone, to meditate and find her center, to find the darkness again.
She wanted to feel its cold embrace.
"Wait."
His words stopped her, the pain in them, the feeling.
She glanced over her shoulder; her brother looked at her with pained eyes, eyes that she had not seen since they were children.
"Sister, Keera, Avy, or whatever else you wish to call yourself, know this…"
"Yes," she hissed.
"I'm….I'm glad you are not dead. Never doubt that I missed you, that I've missed all of you."
She almost sneered at that.
Such foolish sentiment, but as the same time…
…it did no harm to let him think she felt the same.
She smiled weakly.
"I've…I've missed you Ric," she said, "It…it has been far too long."
"It has, sister," he said, "Far too long."
"Get some rest brother," she advised, "We will need to move quickly when the time comes."
She left him then, happy to be free of him, free of the confusing emotions he had awakened in her.
The last lie she had told served its purpose, it should buy her the time she needed. Beric would help her now, but…
…Was it truly a lie?
Had she not missed him, on some level?
She frowned.
She did not want to answer that. She could not.
Her feelings did not matter, the dark side is what mattered, and the defense of the Empire is what mattered.
She could not possess all one day if there was nothing left to possess.
I will save the Empire, she thought, and Emperor save anyone that tried to get in her way.
Hopefully, her brother would understand that, if not, well…
She smiled coldly.
Her crew, her disciples would be ready to help her hide the body.
That was good.
It was nice knowing that she did not stand alone.