Chapter 56:

Beron awoke to a dull ache in his hand, and a general ache everywhere else. He opened his eyes, blearily, and found himself staring into a pair of glaring emerald eyes, tinged with gold. Wide awake now, he tried to sit up, slowly taking in the form of Atrox's apprentice standing over him. He tried to prop himself up with his hands, only to remember, all too sharply, the loss of his hand to this same woman. "What do you want?" he asked, his voice still hoarse from his ordeal. "I gave you all the information I had…"

She didn't answer as she continued to stare at him coldly. Something about the man was nauseating, and she felt her stomach twinge in spite of herself. Maybe there's a complication… an infection in his wound I'm picking up on, she thought to herself, absently. It was still early in the morning, and most of the other crew members were still asleep. The feelings didn't lessen as the minutes passed, and she found herself hoping Atrox would come soon.

A moment later Atrox walked into the room, a hard expression on his face. He stormed up to the newly christened Imperial and stared into his eyes, staring into the depths of his soul.

Beron quailed under his piercing gaze, feeling like his mind was laid bare before him. A touch of fear shook his heart, as he realized he had no more information to offer, and that he could be of no further use to the Sith Lord.

Atrox muttered a single phrase as he placed a gloved hand on Beron's wounded arm and began to heal it using the Force, as he had done before to himself and his father. "Remain still."

Panic began to set in as his wrist seared with pain. After a few moments, it subsided, and he opened his eyes, cautiously. Awed, he flexed his new hand, tentatively, and lifted his gaze up to meet Atrox's. "I… I don't know what to say, sir," he murmured.

"You're welcome, Ensign. Leave us."

He stood, as steadily as he could, and hastened out. Mara eyed him as he left, her expression grim as the nausea threatened to overwhelm her.

"What's wrong, apprentice?" Atrox said, his voice gentler as he walked towards her and supported her.

She frowned, not trusting herself to speak. I… I don't know. I… I thought it was his wound that was affecting me, but… It took all of her willpower not to run for the refresher.

"Come with me." Atrox said quietly, leading her towards the fresher. Could it be the pregnancy?

A spasm of fear crossed her face, almost causing her to lose control. The baby… you don't think something's wrong, do you?

Don't worry for now, we will consult the doctor and my father as well.

She tried to do as he asked, but could not completely quell the fear building up inside her. They reached the fresher, and she rushed inside, her twisting stomach refusing to be stilled.

The final preparations in order, Vader guided the shuttle up, his wife in the copilot's seat beside him. Suddenly he frowned. He sensed… worry… through the bond he shared with his son. Immediately he reached out and touched his mind. What has happened?

Mara has become ill, father. Came Atrox' reply.

Vader paused, startled. Ill? How? What are her symptoms?

She just now threw up.

He frowned again. The child has not been harmed, has it?

Not that I can tell, but Mara is worried.

I will consult your mother in the matter, Vader said at last. She has some experience in this area.

Padmé was watching him, as he hadn't moved the ship for several minutes. "What's wrong?" she asked.

Vader glanced at her. "Mara appears to be suffering from… vomiting, perhaps other things, and they are both worried about the child."

Padmé smiled knowingly. "Oh, she's got morning sickness. I had that with the twins, it was awful."

"You mean this is… normal?"

She laughed. "Very normal. You were gone while I had it, and it was over before you returned. But it's a good sign that the pregnancy is going well."

Vader nodded. "I'll pass that along to them, then. Hopefully it will reassure them." He touched his link with Atrox again. Your mother said that it is a normal stage of pregnancy and that she experienced this… morning sickness… while she was expecting you and your sister.

You tell Mara Jade that she is sick because of her child and see how she takes it. Atrox sent back bitterly, knowing his apprentice's reaction would not be pleasant.

Vader hid his amusement from his son, and replied, Would you rather have her believe there is something wrong?

No, father.

Vader paused. Your mother said it is only for a short period of time early on in the pregnancy. Perhaps you could consult a doctor to give you some advice on how to curb its effects.

Atrox turned towards Mara and opened his mind to her, showing her the information his father had just relayed to him.

She was still pale, but visibly relieved that her symptoms were normal. How long is this supposed to go on?

To be honest, I do not know. I believe it will depend on if we are having twins or not. Atrox sent through the Force. If you are feeling up to it, and would like to vent… you may wish to pay the Rebel a visit with his former comrade and perform an interrogation just for the sake of testing our new Ensign. He added as a side thought, Leia is coming with my master.

She considered his suggestion briefly, then cringed. Perhaps… another time, master. A trace of a frown crossed her face. Your sister is coming? Why?

I presume she asked to, or is being forced to by my master, attempting to test her true loyalties.

I'm sure you're right, master. She paused, thinking for a moment, then asked, What are your orders, master? Is there something I need to do to prepare for the mission?

Your orders are to remain here, on the ship, my apprentice. Tend to the rebels as you see fit.

She frowned. I don't understand, master. I was under the impression I was to lead the team infiltrating the Rebel base.

You were to, my apprentice. I want you to; however, my master has ordered that you will remain here, no exceptions. Atrox explained.

I… see, master. A slight frown crossed Mara's face as she pushed aside the nausea to focus on the mission. Who will be leading the team instead?

"My master." Came the whispered reply.

There was nothing she could say to that, so she simply said, "Then with your permission, master, I'll go check on our friend in the brig." She went to find their latest recruit, knowing it would be amusing to bring him with her.

Atrox nodded, and left for the bridge.

Ensign Beron nervously followed Mara back up to the brig, wondering what she wanted with him. As soon as they entered, the former spy began shouting at them, railing uselessly against the force cage despite the electrical burns it caused. "You traitor! You'll be sorry before this is over!"

"Shut up!" Mara snapped, suddenly not feeling well enough to put up with this pointless bickering. She turned her glare toward Beron. "Prepare him for interrogation," she said flatly.

Cringing under her stare, he quickly went to do as she asked. As soon as the force field was lowered, the Rebel lunged at him, but Mara used the Force to ensure he was motionless while Beron secured him. Once he was ready, Mara instructed, "Find out everything he knows about the Rebellion. Information about the base, their codes, everything. Oh, and start at level two. Each time he refuses to cooperate, raise it a level."

Beron grudgingly did as she commanded, and forced out the first question. "Tell me what you know about the Rebel Alliance."

"You won't get anything from me," he shouted. "You're all traitors!"

Feeling Mara's eyes boring into his back, he reluctantly raised the machine up another level. "Don't do this, Graston. If… if you tell them what they want to know, they can be merciful. Lord Atrox fixed my hand. And if you don't, they'll make you suffer. You already know that."

"Go to hell, Beron," Graston spat. "You're just another traitor now, brainwashed into their cause. I'll die before I tell you anything."

Satisfied with the ensign's performance and wearied with the Rebel's ranting, Mara knocked him unconscious. "You'll do. Put him away, ensign. After that you're dismissed."

Beron hastily locked the Rebel back in his cage and fled Mara's presence, relieved that the uncomfortable assignment was over.

Admiral Solo joined Atrox at the viewport and said tentatively, "If all goes well we should be arriving at Myrkr the day after tomorrow, sir."

"Very good, Admiral. I will reward you greatly for your excellent work, as well as Admiral Piett. You have shown great leadership on this mission." Atrox praised.

"Uh… thank you, sir." Solo replied, a bit disconcerted by the Sith Lord's unusual good mood.

"If you wish it, Solo. There is a new addition to the crew here, see that he is up to date on Imperial Regulations, after your shift on the Bridge. I will be sure to make it worth your while." Atrox said quietly.

"Yessir, I'll get on it as soon as I'm done here," Solo promised.

"Good, see me when you are done, and I shall present you with your reward." Atrox said.

"I'll do that, sir. Thank you." Solo said, and resumed his duties on the bridge for the remainder of his shift.

A few minutes later, Admiral Piett entered the bridge, relieving Solo of his responsibilities. Solo left to carry out Atrox's orders, and Piett began checking on the ship's status.

Leia sensed the shuttle enter hyperspace, as well as her father's presence on board, and, briefly, Atrox's sense. She frowned. Was Vader going to drop her at a prison colony on the way to Myrkr? Regardless, she knew they had to talk before they reached their destination. Hesitantly, remembering his anger, she reached out to him. Father?

Prisoner.

She bit back an angry retort, knowing it would not help her any. I wished to apologize for the things I said before. It was wrong of me to accuse you of things over which you had no control, and I was wrong to deny you the respect you are due. The only excuse I can offer is that I was concerned for the safety of my friends; however, it would have been better if I had spoken with you about it civilly rather than lose my temper. For that, too, I apologize.

I do not want excuses. Vader replied harshly. You are still to be disciplined for your actions, and the hurt you have caused me. You can either remain in the brig on Lord Atrox's ship, or assist us on the surface below. Respect this one decision I am permitting you for the moment, if you were anyone else, you would not be living at the moment.

Leia was silent, knowing that he meant what he said. I will accompany you, Lord Vader, she said at last, using his title in response to his previous words.

As you wish, my daughter. Vader replied silently, using the Force to release her from her cell.

She rose, and joined them in the cockpit; apprehension filling her more than ever. Padmé looked up and gave her a small smile, waving her towards a seat next to them.

Vader noted that his daughter entered the cockpit, but gave no acknowledgment of her whatsoever. Instead, he ignored her presence and continued piloting the shuttle.

Sensing the tension between them, Padmé broke the silence. "When will we be arriving at Myrkr?"

Vader looked towards his wife and quietly answered, "Within two to three days."

She nodded, and fell silent, knowing there was little she could do to repair the damage done to her husband and daughter's relationship. At last, she stood, and went to the sleeping quarters, leaving them alone to talk together, if they chose.

Vader continued to pilot. At least I still have a son.

She stared at him for a moment, then regained control of her temper and said icily, Is he a son, or is he an apprentice?

Vader immediately turned and slapped his daughter on the cheek, hard. "You will respect me and your brother, girl," he said, locking eyes with her.

She glared back at him, ignoring the pain from where he struck her. "Do you have any idea what I've sacrificed by being here, with my family? Could you turn your back on your precious Empire tomorrow, if that's what it took to be with my mother and me? Would you?" She held his gaze for a moment, then turned away and muttered, "Maybe if you showed me a little respect and consideration you'd see some in return."

Vader's glare penetrated Leia's very soul, "I would do anything for my wife, my son. However, as of late, that would not be true for you, given your recent attitude towards me. You would do well to heed this warning before we arrive on your brother's ship... he has no doubt sensed the pain you have caused me, and will want to... speak to you about it. Did you ever consider that my son would actually care for me? You however... don't, I can tell."

She turned her head and stared straight into his eyes. "You are my father. You are the reason I'm alive. It would be a lie for me to say that I have always cared about you, but a lot of things have changed since then. I know that you are capable of great evil, and I've seen you commit such acts, but you are also a good man, and… I love you." She rose and began to leave, not sure she wanted to face his reaction.

Vader reached out with the Force, stopping Leia before she could leave the cockpit. "You are my daughter, young one. Have you wondered why I have not forcibly begun training you in the ways of the Sith?" Vader muttered quietly.

She turned back to face him. "I… had wondered that," she admitted.

Vader looked her in the eyes, "I could have trained you, you know. You would have made just as good a Sith as your brother. You are so like me in so many ways, like your brother, but you are so like your mother as well. I could not destroy that. Also, I felt that... I owed you for... what happened in our past." When he finished, he turned away, the pain all too evident.

She closed the gap between them, and bent down and embraced him, tightly, traces of tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

Vader reached down and returned his daughter's tight embrace, a tear in his own eye. "I love you, Leia. I hope you can forgive our past."

"I forgive you, father. I… I hope you can forgive me for the things I said."

Padmé heard the sudden quiet, and peeked in the door to the cockpit, cautiously. She smiled when she saw them embracing each other, and quietly slipped out again, unwilling to spoil the moment.

"You are forgiven, my daughter." Vader whispered, enjoying the moment with his daughter, feeling her genuine love for him. "I understand if you do not want me to train you in the Force, but if you want to, I would mean a lot to me to be able to train you at least in some things... when I am not training your brother."

Leia lifted her head to look into his eyes, seriously. "I trust you, father. You are welcome to teach me anything you feel I should know."

Vader smiled, and filled himself with his daughter's love and trust, sending her his own love. He reached up and placed his palm where he had struck her earlier and used the Force to heal the damage that he had done. "I am so sorry for this, Leia," he said, a tear running down his cheek.

She took his hand in hers, and said softly, "I have forgiven you, father. It's in the past now."

Vader was left speechless at his daughter's statement. "I love you Leia, so much. It is hard to imagine that a month ago we were enemies, seeking to destroy each other."

Leia smiled, wistfully. "I certainly couldn't have predicted that all of this would happen. Least of all that you would be my father. But you're not the monster I thought you were."

Vader looked at Leia. "Knowing what you do now, would you have done anything differently when you were still in the Alliance?"

She looked away, uncertainly. "I… I don't know. I still feel that the Empire has infringed upon the rights of its citizens, and committed atrocities against them. I know you were a part of that, but I also know that Palpatine had you in his power. But I could not have just stood by and let him do the things he did. I… I tried to solve things diplomatically, I served in the Imperial Senate until I was captured and it was dissolved. Perhaps… I could have had more compassion for you, if I'd known…" she trailed off.

He continued to look at Leia. "You know that you are the Emperor's daughter, you could ask him and also give him input. But there are times when more... aggressive negotiations are needed." Vader said softly.

She frowned. "That was why the Alliance was founded, because Palpatine was not open to more peaceful means. You and mother would know more about dealing with him directly than I. By the time I was old enough to make a difference, civil war was about to break loose." Her expression softened a little. "But if you were willing to discuss things… even change some things… perhaps 'aggressive negotiations', as you call them, would not be needed."

"Unfortunately, in this case, there is really no option. It is out of my hands. Your brother wants to punish those who betrayed his friendship. He will not kill them. He, like me, does not tolerate betrayal. Even though I am his master and he is submissive to my will, he will not let this go. He will find a way to accomplish his goals." Vader said quietly.

She looked into his eyes, searchingly. "Isn't there something you can do? They're… they're good people, who want their families to have a safe galaxy to live in, without fear of oppression or extermination." She looked away, disquieted. "They're going to feel like I betrayed them."

Vader pulled her head back so she was looking him in the eyes. "No. They won't. I will see to that," he said coolly. "You know your brother; he is just as stubborn as I am, more so even. He will find one way or another to do this."

She sighed. "I know." She shook her head. "I hardly know him anymore; he's not the same person who saved my life aboard the Death Star. And he won't let me get close enough to even try to figure out why he feels the way he does."

"He feels betrayed by you, at best, severely hurt. You fled when he was attempting to tell you of your heritage, and continued to flee after he told you through the Force."

Her eyes hardened, briefly, then she shut it out of her thoughts. "Perhaps he and I will need to talk when we get there. About a number of things."

"Your diplomatic skills will come in handy there I bet." Vader nudged her with his elbow playfully. On a more serious note he added, "Just be careful when you do it."

She made a wry face. "I'll try not to get myself electrocuted in the process."