Chapter Summary: Lana's illicit activities come to light, and she is forced to flee the Empire. Vestra has to let her go.
[1 year into ceasefire with Zakuul.]
Darth Avriss' library was a cold, forbidding refuge within the Citadel. Most who entered her domain – or any other in this fortress – found no reason to linger longer than necessary, compelled to leave as soon as business was concluded. Precious few were captivated enough – or allowed – to peruse the vast repository of Sith knowledge, and more often than not, Avriss would find herself alone among the shelves. This solitude was comfort enough to be a reason for her return to Kaas City, seeking sorely-needed respite from constant war.
"Lord Avriss, Empress Acina has arrived."
And she did so hate to be intruded upon.
She closed the channel on her comlink, trusting the entrance guard to let the Empress in. Not that he had a choice.
With a quiet sigh, she allowed the holocron in her palm to grow silent, its malicious whispers fading from her mind. Returning it to its cradle on the shelf, Avriss mentally steeled herself when Acina strode alone into the chamber – one of many that comprised the whole library. Despite her visitor's arrival, Avriss didn't bother to acknowledge it; she took her datapad from the shelf, and pretended to be engrossed in a dissertation she was working on.
To her surprise, Acina did not announce herself. Instead, she strode up the flights of stairs at a leisurely pace, to where Avriss stood on the third floor of the library. When Acina reached her, Avriss cast the Empress a disinterested glance, looking her up and down.
"Not even a cup of tea?" She turned back to the datapad, while Acina cocked her head curiously. "I've had better dates."
Acina chuckled with a dry smile, taking no offence, but neither were fooled. They could flirt and strike at each other simultaneously, and it didn't take much for their tones to switch. "If I wanted to court you, Avriss, you will not stand a chance."
"Doubtful. I have standards," Avriss replied airily. "But whatever helps you sleep at night."
"Always with the barbs."
"I find amusement where I can." Avriss glanced at her again. "But I suppose you're not here to entertain me, are you?"
"No, I am not," Acina replied. "I wished to see if you are well."
"You are the Empress, my dear. Not my mother."
"No. I am a friend."
"My, that's rather presumptive of you, isn't it?" Avriss couldn't hide her smirk when Acina rolled her eyes. "I am alive, Acina, and so are you. Now count your blessings and move on, unless there is something you want, other than a failed attempt at intimacy?"
"Must you resist every overture I make?"
"Only because it gives me pleasure."
Acina sighed, with her warm sunset eyes on Avriss, and seemed to think something over. "How are things between you and Lord Beniko?"
Avriss' impassive facade revealed none of her surprise…and suspicion. Avriss and Beniko were now a known secret in the Council's circle. But Acina, despite her long knowledge of this, had never broached such a personal subject with her – not something so close to Avriss' heart, and never while they interacted in official capacities.
Avriss watched her quietly, met with an equally unreadable mask. "I don't see her as much as I'd like, but when do I ever?" She replied off-handedly, browsing the datapad again.
"Our duty to the Empire does demand a lot of attention."
"Indeed."
"But it seems she has much attention left to spare, regardless."
That raised Avriss' eyes from the datapad, but Acina chose that moment to go quiet. Irritation grating on her nerves, she looked back at Acina's guarded expression. When it seemed no information would be volunteered, Avriss realised she was being evaluated, prodded at for a reaction.
Eyes narrowing, she shot at Acina, "If you have something to say, Acina, just say it. I have neither the time nor patience to play your unsubtle little game."
Acina cocked her head, watching Avriss with cool detachment. "Very well. Are you able to explain why our Intelligence operatives have tripped over Lana Beniko's own agents on Zakuul?"
Avriss frowned. "Are they not one and the same?"
"No. These agents were paid out of her own pocket."
The floor began to open up beneath Avriss' feet. But she stood firm, mind working in a frenzy to piece together past conversations with Lana. To bridge the lapse, she leaned into her growing anger and snapped, "If this is a ploy to drive a wedge between us, Acina, it is utterly–"
Her voice died when Acina withdrew a data disc from her belt, and offered it without a word.
Nothing. Avriss could remember nothing Lana had said that could help her make sense of this situation. Left with no answers of her own, Avriss took the disc from Acina, and inserted it into her datapad.
A report, compiled by Intelligence agents on Darth Xarion's command. It contained message trails and detailed transactions between several mercenaries and Lana – who'd acted under proxy identities and through intermediaries, always funnelling funds through bank accounts several times removed from herself. Everything in this report would've required much effort to gather, or even notice – no doubt it was exposed by the incident Acina had mentioned. Lana's activities seemed to have gone dark since then.
It was damning, and evidence enough for Acina to have Lana court-martialed. So why was she here? Did she think Avriss was involved, and wished to extract a confession before having her dragged to an interrogation cell?
Avriss scanned through the report again – then realised what was missing.
"What is her motive?" Avriss murmured. "Her hirelings seem intent on penetrating the palace and its ranks. Aren't we doing the same? Why couldn't she have used our own agents instead?"
Acina merely tilted her head, meeting Avriss' gaze patiently.
"You suspect me, don't you?"
A small smile quirked Acina's lips. "Yes, I do."
"And yet…?"
"I am inclined to believe otherwise," Acina said, each word deliberate. "Despite close surveillance, we have caught nothing that indicates you are involved. But, given that our suspect is the Minister of Intelligence, I cannot discount the possibility that she has successfully obscured her communications with you."
Avriss stared back at her, silent.
"Based on your reaction, however, I wish to trust that you had no knowledge of this." Acina took a step closer – imperious, yet more vulnerable in her proximity. "You may scoff all you like, Avriss, but I do value your presence on the Council. That is why I offer you a chance to end this…peacefully. Whether or not you truly know her motives, you are in the best position to dissuade Minister Beniko from her current course. If she ceases her activities and turns herself in, I will show mercy – she will be stripped of her rank and title for insubordination, but she will keep her life. If she persists, then I shall have to exercise my will as Empress. Do you understand?"
Avriss' jaw clenched tight, but her anger was torn in two directions – at Acina for the threat toward her beloved, and at Lana for drawing this sort of attention upon her. Again.
Strangling her pride, Avriss bowed her head slowly, never breaking eye contact with Acina. "As my Empress commands, so I shall obey."
None dared stand in the way of Darth Avriss as she stormed through the space station with a Dashade at her heels. Hasty salutes were aimed in her direction and ignored as she flew past, black robes billowing behind her. It didn't take long for her to reach Lana Beniko's temporary office, barrelling through the double doors before they'd parted completely.
"What in the fucking hell are you doing, Beniko!" Avriss shouted, stopping just before Lana's desk.
Lana's expression hardened as she stood, eyes flickering to the doors – which had started to slide shut, but not before attracting stares from officers stationed outside. They averted their eyes when Khem Val took up position outside the doors, arms crossed.
Watching Avriss carefully as the doors sealed together, Lana discreetly palmed something under her desk – blocking any listening devices in the office. "I don't understand."
"Don't give me that shit! Why did I have to find out from Acina that you're funding your own operations on Zakuul? That you've been pissing your inheritance into hireling contracts when you have the whole of Intelligence under your command?"
"So she knows." Lana didn't look surprised. "And she went to you? Why?"
"Because she suspects my involvement, Lana. Do you even have to ask?" Avriss snapped, feeling a wild urge to slap something off the desk. But she forced a measure of air into her lungs, cooling a chest filled with hot fury.
"But why did she reveal what she knows, then let you go?"
"Because she could tell I was being played for a fool," she hissed. Avriss paced the length of the desk, trying to wrestle her anger back under control, then stopped before Lana. "Now, tell me what you're doing."
"No."
"You will."
"I will not."
"Do not force me to give you an order."
"You will do no such thing."
"Did you not hear me, Lana! I'm already being implicated in this without knowing what the hell is happening! I look like a bloody idiot!"
"It's for your own good."
"Don't you dare decide for yourself what is good for me."
Lana took a breath, ready to retort, but it left her in a sigh instead. "Avr–, Vestra. I know this is difficult to swallow, but what I am doing – you cannot know. It is for your own safety."
"Oh, you're keeping me safe again?" Avriss shot back, dripping sarcasm, unable to stop herself. "How well did it go the last time, I wonder?"
Lana's face gave nothing away, but a wisp of guilt slipped through the crack in her unyielding facade in the Force. "I have learnt much since then. You will not suffer as you did. Vestra," she added, when Avriss opened her mouth. "Please. I know it's difficult, but I need you to trust me."
"I do trust you, Lana! But my patience has its limits!" She hit the desk with a fist, the sting in her knuckles grounding her. Avriss closed her eyes, forcing herself to stop, and drew a steadying breath. She'd let her anger carry this conversation too far from her original intent. "I cannot help you if I don't know what you wish to accomplish."
"I know." Lana said simply, clearly intending to leave it there. But her eyes lowered in thought, then returned to Avriss. "Suffice to say there is…something missing from this galaxy. Something I have to find, for all our sakes. Any more, you don't need to know."
"Lana, please–"
"I am sorry, Ves." She sounded exhausted, resigned. "I don't foresee a quick resolution to this, and it is clear I have seen the end of Acina's grace. I cannot pull you down with me as well. If you are ever questioned, you will at least be innocent of what I am doing."
"This is not inspiring confidence."
"It is not meant to."
"That is not enough."
"Then I am sorry I cannot give you more."
Gritting her teeth, the last thread of Avriss' patience snapped. She marched around the desk to reach where Lana stood, and grabbed her by the arms, yanking her close so they stood chest-to-chest. Tearing down her own mental shields, Avriss allowed the torrent of emotion in her chest to crash through their bond, battering Lana with such force that it elicited a gasp as she gripped onto Avriss in return.
"Here?" Lana squeezed through her throat, breathless.
"Yes."
"Ves, we need to talk–"
'I am done talking.'
She forced her way through their connection, tearing savagely at Lana's defences. She'd managed to gouge an opening when she received a solid punch to her chest, knocking the wind clean from her lungs, breaking her concentration. She jerked back, and caught a glimpse of fury burning in Lana's eyes, before receiving a slap on her cheek, hard enough to turn her head.
Avriss stared at the wall console before her eyes, the information in its readout making no imprint on her mind, as she reached up to cover the stinging flesh of her cheek. The weight of the world loomed over her head, and started to collapse when she looked into Lana's eyes, finding only the flash of scorn.
"Never do that again," Lana intoned, every word a threat.
"I…" Her voice shook, the reality of what she'd done sinking into her; the pain she'd tried to inflict on Lana in retaliation for the hurt she felt. "I'm sorry. I'm…"
Her throat tightened with shame, trembling fingers falling from her face. Tremors spread from her hands as she took an unsteady step backwards, then another, putting distance between herself and Lana. The only way anyone would be safe from her touch.
"Vestra."
"I'm sorry," she whispered, and turned to flee.
She was halfway to the door when an iron grip clamped onto her arm, tugging her back. Her grief-leaden mind could barely follow as she was pulled firmly to the desk, and pushed up against it, trapped by Lana who stood before her.
"Breathe, Vestra."
She became aware of the audible, broken breaths taken through her mouth, the lightness in her head, the tremors that had overtaken her body. Though she felt steadier with Lana's weight anchoring her against the desk, it only sharpened her instinct to run.
"Breathe, love."
She screwed her eyes shut, flinching from the softer touch in Lana's voice. She tried to move – to shift her feet, pull her arms away – but Lana's grip on her grew tighter, forcing her to stay in place.
"Breathe."
With nowhere she could go, she struggled to bring her breathing under control. If only as a means to be set free soon.
"Look at me."
Vestra nearly whimpered at the gentle command, reluctant to do so. But Lana's hands squeezed at her arms, and she looked up with effort.
"You were out of line," Lana said quietly. "If you were anyone else, I would've broken your bones."
You should have.
"Never do that again."
"Never," she whispered, hushed, eyes dropping from Lana's.
Lana regarded her a moment longer. "We will do this, but we will do it my way. Understood?"
She no longer wanted that connection, a precious gift she'd tried to twist into a tool for her own desperate ends. Her stomach turned when Lana opened herself to the bond, and Vestra folded into herself, hoping against hope that Lana would relent. But her partner reached out, a gentle coax through the Force, and Vestra allowed herself to be pulled in.
She remained passive, setting the reins fully in her partner's hands as Lana's consciousness embraced hers. Lana attached herself to Vestra's mind, and started their gentle, downward drift into the depths of raw, fresh emotion. Lana's instinctual rage at Vestra's attempted violation warmed their bond to a near-painful heat, before it was tempered by the dense, suffocating chill of shame and regret. Heat cooled to warmth, assuaging guilt and wild fears of abandonment, for a reciprocal vow to allow no future transgressions.
Lana let them linger in this moment of reconciliation, before she pulled Vestra further down into older memories. There was a spark of frustration when they treaded waters that would only reveal emotions related to memories, but not the memories themselves. Lana paused, waiting for Vestra to protest; but Vestra quailed under Lana's firmness, and turned pliable in her embrace once more.
They drifted deeper. Rising to meet them first, was the aftermath of Acina's meeting with Avriss. Anger at baseless suspicion, and the realisation she knew nothing of her partner's activities, kept in the dark as before. Then fear – fear of losing her beloved, of living without the one who gave life meaning; of her inability to help, to keep her love from harm. What rose in reply was an echo, a fear of loss; but this was anchored by the weight of elusive knowledge, kept out of Vestra's reach.
Her frustration reared its head again, a sharp current that swept over Lana's steady composure. When it subsided, Lana reached for her – immeasurably soft, a love that sustained her as a sun gave life. Yet it carried a certain sharpness, a willingness to do what was necessary to let this love persist – even if it caused pain. A knot formed in Vestra's chest, and she abandoned all semblance of caution; she pressed against this hard edge, allowing it to dig into herself, deep enough to cut. Lana tried to withdraw, but it was too late – her pain bled free, coating her tongue with a bitter tang.
It was familiar. A taste of poison she'd swallowed and survived countless times before, new though its source may be. And it…was a comfort. A reminder. It was not the end.
Vestra reached out, entwining herself with Lana; and in mutual understanding, they rose back to the surface of their shared consciousness.
Eyes fluttering open, Vestra lifted her head from where she'd leaned forward, resting against Lana. She lifted her hands, still weak, and cradled her love's face.
'Do you understand?'
'Yes.'
'Will you let me go?'
'...Yes.'
She felt the tension in Lana's chest dissipate. While melancholy weighed heavy on her own heart, she found respite in lips that tilted up to meet hers. Gentle, yet fierce; a promise to see them through.
They parted wordlessly. Lana stepped back to straighten her robes, while Vestra pulled on Avriss' mien once more. It had never felt more suffocating.
"I will do what I must," Lana spoke when Avriss pushed herself off the desk. "And I can take care of myself. Do not worry for me."
Avriss nodded – silent, defeated. She straightened her back, taking a breath to compose herself. "I would be remiss not to mention Acina's offer of leniency – if you turn yourself in, you will only be stripped of your title and rank. Your life will not be forfeit."
Lana inclined her head. "So the message is delivered. Thank you."
"Then I have done all I can. What you do next, is of your own will."
"Of course, my lord."
Averting her eyes, Avriss made for the doors, then paused when Lana spoke again.
"And – it would be prudent if you do not…visit spontaneously in the future."
Avriss turned back, staring into Lana's steady gaze. Her heart twisted, finding only pain where she had once sought solace. She nodded again, and took her leave without another word.
"Caf, my lord?"
Avriss looked up from the tablet she was studying, translating its High Sith script into her datapad. Talos' bright smile was a ray of sunshine in this dark ruin, and her mouth curled involuntarily as she took the cylindrical thermos from him. While she unscrewed its cap and inhaled deeply the caf's rich, dark aroma, Talos edged closer to the altar she stood by, peering at the tablet as well.
"All who seek…completion? Shall pay…a price in oil. Hm." Talos cocked his head. "This vernacular is unfamiliar. I must be reading it wrong."
Avriss took another sip of Talos' hand-brewed caf, and lowered the thermos. "Actually, you might be right – I think this is a cake recipe."
"Oh, you're pulling my leg," Talos laughed, taking the scanner clipped to his own belt. "Here, allow me. It's from the time of Marka Ragnos, yes?"
"Correct." Avriss gestured at her datapad. "Carry on from there."
She stepped away from the altar, and strode down the dais as Talos set to work. Craning her head up, she gazed upon the carved reliefs on the ceiling of this octagonal chamber. They depicted a sort of ritual, though its purpose was unclear. A mystery to be solved, and Avriss wished she could be its unraveller. But the demands of her station afforded her no such luxury of time.
"My lord, are you troubled?"
Avriss blinked, glancing back at Talos as she strolled slowly around the chamber, viewing its wall murals. "Of course I am. Since I first sat on the Council, I have been plagued by nothing but trouble."
Talos chuckled. "Burdens of the powerful, eh?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Well, you have been rather…subdued lately. Eating less, sleeping less. We're worried."
Avriss took a long, slow draught from the warm thermos in her hand, biding time. "That's nothing unusual. For me, anyway."
Talos didn't lose his amiable smile as Avriss walked back to the altar, though his gaze was ever-perceptive. "If there is anything I can do…"
"I'm fine, Talos. Thank you." Her tone was mild as she set a firm end to this conversation. Talos' concern was welcome, as always, but the source of her trouble was beyond even her reach. And – she could feel a disturbance at the entrance of the ruin.
As if in confirmation, their comlinks chirped two notes in unison – an established alert signal. They shared a glance and nodded. Talos set his scanner on the altar and withdrew his blaster, turning around to face the open doors of the chamber. Avriss ran her fingertips along the lightsaber hilt at her hip, but left it holstered.
Feeling through the Force, Avriss followed the flare of signatures at the entrance, which flew at one another in a chaotic flurry. Four Force-users and one resistant were known to her, but the other four were not. They pushed deeper into the ruin, one of the five falling, then two of the four. When they drew close enough, Avriss could hear the frantic whir of lightsabers amid the crack of stone splitting under Force blasts.
Khem Val's roar shook the corridor, followed by solid thuds against flesh. Two black-clothed Sith assassins were thrown into the doorway, where they scrambled frantically to their feet, heads turning to where Darth Avriss stood. Their eyes widened in recognition, but even as they made to lunge for her, Khem Val slammed into one, pinning them to the floor with his body. Ashara drove one blue lightsaber into the other's calf, then stabbed her second blade through their right shoulder, forcing them to drop their lightsaber hilt.
The two remaining Sith guards knelt by the assassins, and clamped neural control collars around their necks. Khem and Ashara stood, while the guards hauled the assassins to their feet, dragging them over to Darth Avriss and forcing them to their knees.
One spat the blood in his mouth at the steps beneath her feet, causing Avriss to raise a brow in amusement. Darth Avriss had come to this unearthed Sith enclave on Tatooine not to oversee the excavation, but to lay a trap for the insurgents who denied the legitimacy of Empress Acina and her Dark Council. The Empress had alerted her Councilors to the assassination plot, and dispatched covert agents to each Dark Lord for protection.
With such preparation, it was no surprise that this ambush was foiled easily. But Avriss was disappointed nonetheless, having anticipated a fiercer assault to rile the blood in her veins.
"It seems the Empress' intel is sound. Pass my regards to her, won't you?"
The two guards sent by Acina bowed their heads. "Yes, Dark Lord."
As they spoke, Avriss' holocom clicked. She took the device from her belt, and patched the call through.
"Lord." Xalek's projection appeared over the lens. "You have a visitor."
He spoke not in Basic or Sith, but in Kaleesh – a dialect of his tribe, which he'd taught her long ago. Xalek wished to be discreet, and it piqued her curiosity.
"Who is it?" Avriss replied in kind.
"Rylee Dray. She insists on seeing you. Urgently."
Avriss frowned. Though Rylee had grown much as co-leader of Avriss' cult on Nar Shaddaa, she was never so assertive with the Sith Lord who had raised them from the grungy corners of the smuggler's moon.
"Bring her to my office. I'll be there shortly."
"Yes, lord." Xalek bowed his head, and his projection disappeared.
"Take these two to the camp. I will question them before you hand them to Acina," she addressed the guards, then turned to her crew as the assassins were taken away. "Talos, Ashara – assemble a team and sweep the site for intruders. I don't want anything lurking in the shadows. Khem, with me."
She left without a backward glance, trusting them to get the job done. Khem Val joined her for the trek across the sandy expanse between the ruin and the Imperial excavation camp, and took position by her tent's entrance while she entered its artificially-cooled confines.
At her arrival, Rylee sprang up from the chair where she sat, and bowed at the waist. Xalek, who stood guard beside Rylee, nodded and moved aside to give them space.
Avriss took a moment to look Rylee over. She seemed well; dressed in a tunic and pants cut to her figure, reinforced with sleek light armour, Rylee looked like the subtle co-leader of a Sith Lord's cult-turned-underworld gang. Under Avriss' guiding hand, Rylee and Destris had spread the Spectral Blade's influence beneath the Hutt's noses on Nar Shaddaa, and seized a corner of the black market for themselves. The pair's knowledge of underworld politics and trade, combined with Avriss' intel, had established the Blades' presence on the moon, and even allowed them to operate beyond its bounds.
Since then, Avriss had let them operate autonomously, only exerting her influence as required. During Zakuul's invasion, she'd taken the reins to ensure their survival, and expanded their influence while the Hutts were in disarray. Many had flocked to their ranks during the turmoil, accelerating their growth, and their flourishing trade was one reason Avriss' wealth had rapidly replenished after the invasion.
With the gang prospering on Nar Shaddaa, Avriss wondered what had driven Rylee across the galaxy to find her.
"Rylee. You're a long way from home."
"As is necessary, my lord. I have an urgent message for you."
"Oh?" Avriss cocked a brow, growing wary when Rylee reached into her pocket to retrieve a neatly-folded flimsiplast note. She didn't take it when Rylee held it out. "What is this about?"
"It is confidential. For your eyes only." Rylee waved the note, insistent.
"We are alone. You may speak."
"I–, this message…is not from me." Rylee spoke slowly, as if unsure.
"Then who? Destris?"
"No. It's… I…" Her voice trailed off weakly, a frown etching deeper on her forehead as she tried to recall. "It's from a person in a black cowl," Rylee pieced together the description, deep in thought. "A…woman. She sounded Imperial. I think…she's a Sith. Her eyes are like yours, but brighter."
Avriss' heart leapt. "What was her name, Rylee?"
"She–, she never told me. Or…I cannot remember. I'm sorry." Rylee hung her head, but looked up when Avriss held out a hand. She placed the note on her palm eagerly.
Unfolding the note with care, Avriss was greeted with Lana's crisp handwriting.
'I need to see you. Please.
Return to Kaas City and remain there for two weeks. Do not seek me out. I will come to you.
– L'
Her heart sank like a stone. She had not seen Lana in the two months since their confrontation, and private communications between them had slowed to a trickle, only letting each other know they were still alive. Each message had been another cut of the knife across her soul, which rang hollow with 'I love you's that she could barely feel.
And now, this? She didn't know what she hated more – that Lana had barged back into her life with a plea and command, or that her mind was already planning the voyage to Dromund Kaas.
She'd vowed to give everything to Lana, anything her love wanted. But she'd never expected it to hurt this much.
Keeping a straight face, Avriss ignited the note with a controlled burst of lightning, destroying evidence of Lana's message.
"I'm sorry, my lord," Rylee said, misinterpreting her action. "I realise I may have made a mistake. If I can–"
"She used the Force on you, Rylee. It's not your fault." Avriss kept her voice gentle as she patted the ashes from her hands. Rylee always responded better to the soft touch, whereas Destris required a firmer hand. "Besides, you did well to bring this note to me."
"Oh. I…see?" Rylee was confused, even as her dark brown eyes tried to search Avriss' expression, which softened with a smile.
"You must be tired after such a long journey. Sit." Avriss looked at Xalek. "Send for refreshments."
Xalek bowed his head and left the tent, while Rylee sat back in her chair, still looking disoriented.
"Actually, it wasn't so bad. Your…contact gave me enough credits to book nice accommodations for the journey."
"Really? That's good to know." Avriss forced another smile, and pushed thoughts of Lana from her mind. She settled in a chair beside Rylee, sighing as her tired muscles tried to meld into the stiff cushions. "Now, we should look into some Force resistance training for you and Destris..."
Leaving the expedition on Tatooine to the Reclamation Service, Avriss travelled to Dromund Kaas on the pretext of searching her library for references to the unearthed Sith enclave. She dwelled in the city for a week, feeling more eyes on her than usual, and tended to Sphere matters with a mind constantly kept on edge. As instructed, she did not try to seek Lana out, waiting patiently for her partner's appearance. It was not until another sleepless night, while she worked in her penthouse's office, that she felt Lana assert her presence in their bond.
'Stay where you are.'
Her awareness sharpened to a near-painful edge. Vestra remained seated at her desk, attention no longer on her holoterminal. Reaching out through the Force, she felt for Lana's presence. There was nothing in the vicinity, until a few minutes later, when she felt Lana's signature glide through the air and slow to a stop at the residential tower's mid-level speeder pad. Vestra tensed as she tracked Lana's advance through the tower, up the lift to the topmost level, where she let herself into the penthouse with the keycard Vestra had given her years ago.
Vestra stood from her desk, walking around it as Lana made her way up to the office. When the door slid open, Lana stepped in, her usual confident gait faltering as their eyes met. They stared in silence for the longest time, Lana's discomfort palpable in their close proximity. Vestra's lips parted in a question, which went unvoiced when Lana flew forward, locking her in a tight embrace. Vestra's arms wound around her naturally, and she buried her face in Lana's neck, body weeping in relief at the feel of her partner after months apart.
"I'm sorry," Lana whispered in her ear, causing Vestra to tense again. "I'm sorry, Ves."
"What's happened?" Vestra asked as Lana pulled back. She looked into her love's eyes, filled with remorse she'd never seen, which spiked her anxiety.
"I shouldn't have come. You're in trouble now that I'm here. But I know you will want an explanation." Lana cradled her cheek. "And I want to see you one last time before I leave."
"Leave?" Vestra repeated, empty.
Lana lowered her hand to Vestra's heart, as if to brace them both. "Acina has ordered my arrest. They have laid an ambush for me at the spaceport – HK and a few mercenaries will clear them out before I go," she added, though it did little to quell Vestra's panic.
"Then you're in trouble." Vestra's mind went into overdrive, pulling a plan together. "I can arrange a diversion, pull some of their numbers away from the spaceport. And my safehouses, I'll give you their–"
"No, Ves. You will do nothing. Please," Lana said, grasping at her shoulders. "It is bad enough that I'm here. Acina will move against you for this alone – I cannot let you jeopardise your position even further."
"And what is the alternative, Lana! Would you have me stand by and let them hunt you–?"
"Yes. Please, Ves–"
"Say it, Lana." Vestra grabbed at her in return, holding Lana close, afraid to let her go. "Just say it, and everything I have is at your disposal. My assets, my power, my credits – everything is yours."
"Ves–"
"You cannot expect me to do nothing while you're in danger!"
Lana stared into her desperate gaze, unnervingly calm. "I am asking you to stay back, Vestra. Stay here, where the Empire needs you."
"I don't care about the Empire!" Vestra snapped. "It means nothing to me without you."
"Then stay, as a favour to me. I need you safe, Vestra. Safe – and strong." Lana smiled, wan. "After all, I will need your strength to aid me in the future. And the Empire is where your strength lies."
Her heart tried, but failed to harden at Lana's tactic – which soothed her with a promise of action, a future together. But only if a price was paid first.
"Acina has acted quicker than I'd expected. For now, my best course of action is to flee. But when I'm safe, and ready to move again…" Lana rubbed a hand at Vestra's shoulder. "I will need your help to do so." She smiled again. "Will you do this for me, my love? Will you wait for when I need you most?"
It was practised, damn it. Crafted to strike where Vestra was weakest – her willingness to do anything for her beloved. Vestra's throat tightened; in small, reluctant increments, she loosened her hold on Lana.
"Do I have a choice?" Vestra said quietly.
"Yes, you do." Lana's hands trailed down, clasping hers. "But, for my sake, I ask that you go against your heart. Just this once."
"Just once?" Vestra whispered, sardonic, but felt the fight drain out of her in the face of Lana's resolve. Her head fell forward to rest against Lana's, their fingers curling tight around one another.
It was twisted, in a way – to love someone so deeply that you would do anything they wished you to do. Even if it meant sheathing a blade in your heart, so long as your beloved willed it.
When Vestra had come to terms with their parting – much as she could – Lana made her leave, not allowing Vestra to escort her out so it would look like she'd slipped away in secret.
Lana headed down to the entrance first, while Vestra reached into her locker for a small case she'd once wished she would never have to take. But take it in her hands she did, and went down to the unlit entrance hall where Lana stood waiting for her, cloak donned and boots strapped.
"What is this?" Lana asked when Vestra handed the case to her.
"Cred sticks, kolto vials, synth crystal, lightsaber parts." Vestra rattled off the list, almost toneless, as Lana opened the lid for a peek. "And an emergency transmitter. It'll send your coordinates to my ship when activated."
"I…" Lana stared at its contents, then shut the case. "Did you have this ready for me?"
"Since the last time we met. I thought you might end up in trouble, so…" Vestra waved vaguely, an effort to appear nonchalant. It failed miserably, so she folded her arms instead.
Lana smiled tightly. "Thank you."
Vestra shrugged, playing it off as nothing. Then she noticed Lana reaching for the back of her belt, withdrawing a syringe.
At the tilt of her brow, Lana explained, "Acina will likely take you in for questioning. I believe she will not use extreme measures on you, and I have full confidence in your mental defences. But I'd prefer to take precautions nonetheless." She twisted the syringe, and a needle popped out from one end. "This is a counteragent to our strongest truth serum. Its dosage is not heavy enough to show up on blood tests, but it will alleviate the serum's effects. May I?"
Vestra offered her forearm without protest, and Lana injected the solution quickly, returning the empty vial to her belt. Then Lana pulled out something else – which gave Vestra pause. Her brows drew together in a frown when she realised it was a relic in Lana's hand – a very familiar relic.
"You took that from my ship," Vestra said in disbelief. A thin stone-carved obelisk that fit into a palm, this Sith relic was an artifact used for mental domination. It was kept safely in the cargo hold of her ship, or so she'd thought. Pieces fell into place, but not in a manner that made sense. "Did you use that on Rylee?"
"No. Rylee had no mental defences whatsoever. A firm application of the Force was sufficient to muddle her memory. You, however…I will need help to crack." Lana lifted the relic, an apologetic look in her eyes. "I took this a few days ago. You have not changed the passcode to your relic stash for a long time."
"I suppose I did not expect my own partner to steal from me."
"I am sorry. But it is necessary. I need to remove some details from your memory." Lana took a step forward, and Vestra held her ground despite instinct screaming at her to move back. "I will need you to trust me."
Vestra stared deep into her eyes, and could find no guile. Only remorse. "I…do trust you."
"Thank you." Lana looked down, channelling the Force into the relic, and its inscriptions came to life with a malevolent red glow. "I will only take information that can be used against you – if Acina chooses to read your mind. You will forget that I've given you the truth serum, and anything I've told you about my actions. You will also forget that I'll contact you for help in the future. But you'll remember that I will return to you when I am ready. Do you understand?"
Vestra swallowed against the lump in her throat, and nodded mutely. Lana's gloved hand reached down to hold hers, as she lowered her mental barriers, bracing for Lana's entry. When she nodded, the relic in Lana's hand flashed red, and pain lanced through her skull. Panic rose when she felt Lana's presence enter her mind, but her love waited for her unease to fade before setting to work. With firm yet gentle force, Lana searched through her memories, and carved out chosen sections with clinical accuracy.
Darkness dotted Vestra's vision as Lana worked, and eventually overcame her. When she came to, she was still standing, feeling woozy but anchored by an arm around her waist.
A subtle motion attracted her bleary gaze down, and she wondered what Lana was clipping to the back of her belt. Cold sweat trickled down the sides of her face, which Lana patted away with the hem of her sleeve, smiling softly.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes," Vestra mumbled, uncertain why she felt so…weak. "What happened?"
"Hush, love. You are exhausted," Lana whispered, leaning forward to catch her lips in a slow kiss.
Vestra leaned into it, arms winding around Lana, hugging her tightly as she remembered what was happening. Lana was leaving. This would be their last goodbye for a long time.
"I love you, Ves," Lana murmured against her lips, laying a hand over her heart. "I know it will be difficult, but please – trust in that. You are the reason I fight to keep this galaxy alive."
Her throat constricted painfully, but she swallowed the pressure down before her eyes stung. "I love you too. More than I can ever…"
Lana smiled once more, wistful gaze lingering on Vestra before she stepped back. Pulling the hood of her cloak over her head, Lana moved to the door, and stole one last glance back at Vestra. Regret blended with softest love in those golden eyes, before she turned away and slipped out into the corridor.
Vestra stood alone in the dark, staring as the door's lock turned from green to red, feeling Lana's presence move farther from her. Only when she'd descended to the speeder pad and flown off, did Vestra sag against the nearby wall, weighed down by heartache and the oddest, empty feeling in her head.
She thought back on Lana, knowing her love would return to her. But how? She dug through her memories, desperately searching for the promise from Lana's lips, but found no recollection save for a strong, emotional imprint seared into her mind. The effort set off a throb in her head, further sapping her energy.
Vestra shuffled into the living area, and collapsed onto the sofa, the soft pillow heavenly under her aching head. It took mere minutes for her to sink into unconsciousness, her heart drifting in a direction she could not pinpoint.
The next morning, Darth Avriss received a summons from Empress Acina.
Deeming it wise not to keep the Empress waiting, Avriss arrived at the Citadel with Khem Val at her side, while the morning sun had barely broken through its cloudy veil in the sky. When she reached the Dark Council chambers, she found a uniformed Intelligence agent standing before its doors, flanked by two red-garbed Imperial Guards. They saluted smartly when Avriss drew close.
"Darth Avriss." The agent stepped forward, head dipped in a deferential bow. "Before you enter the chambers, Empress Acina requests that you wear this for the meeting." He lifted the dark metallic bracer held between his hands.
Avriss narrowed her eyes. "What is it?"
"A requirement, my lord," he said simply, then tapped the comlink on his wrist. "Empress Acina, Lord Avriss would know more about the bracer."
"It is a safeguard, Avriss. Put it on – as a favour to me, and yourself. I will not ask again."
Avriss' jaw clenched when Acina cut the line. She looked hard at the bracer, and recognised that it was the only way forward. Though her path into the Citadel had been clear, she'd be a fool to think Acina did not have a contingency to deal with her if she chose to cause trouble.
Holding out her arm, she waited as the agent folded her black sleeve up to the elbow, and secured the bracer over her forearm. Chill from the metal seeped into her skin, but it was the only discomfort it caused her otherwise.
Satisfied with its fit, the agent bowed out of her way with a measured smile, allowing Avriss to pass.
Before she did, however, Avriss spoke in Dashadi, "Stay here, Khem. If they try to take me, slaughter them all."
There was no hesitation in Khem Val's reply. "Yes, my master."
With Khem staying behind, staring beadily at the Guards, Avriss strode into the Council chambers alone. It was empty, save for Acina, who was perched upon her throne. Avriss was halfway through the chamber when a force field came to life with a distant click and hum, trapping her in a cage of red light four-persons wide.
She looked up, and found rows of well-hidden emitters installed in the shadowy heights of the ceiling. "All this effort, just for me?" Avriss drawled. "Keep it up, Acina, and you might just impress me."
"At 0340 hours this morning, Lana Beniko evaded arrest, and killed the agents sent to detain her at the spaceport," Acina said, uninterested in playing along. "Before her arrival at the spaceport, she'd spent nearly an hour at your penthouse. Would you care to explain why?"
"No," Avriss replied, a taunting smile on her lips. "Surely your agents saw that I did not follow her out of the penthouse, nor was I present at the spaceport."
"Do not try my patience, Avriss. Why did Beniko visit you before her escape?"
"How would I know? She told me nothing. Not even the charges for her arrest."
Acina regarded Avriss coldly, then tapped at a control panel on the armrest of her throne. A holo-projected screen appeared before Avriss. Spread across the display were reports of Lana's movements, which had strayed repeatedly into Republic territory in the past months. There was a list of her meetings with…a T7-01, Kira Carsen, and Lord Scourge.
"The former Wrath?" Avriss asked, growing cold as she took in the information.
"As well as a Jedi Knight, and a Republic droid. Known associates of a Jedi Battlemaster, who was the Republic representative on Darth Marr's expedition into Wild Space. Before their collaboration with Marr, they were part of the strike team that assaulted the Dark Temple, and struck down the Voice of the former Sith Emperor." Acina steepled her fingers, eyes never leaving Avriss as she spoke.
Avriss' gaze was frozen on the display as she listened. "Why would…" she whispered, before wrenching herself out of her pall. "What have you gathered from their meetings?"
"You do not know?"
"Tell me, Acina!"
Acina seemed to consider it, a tilt to her head. Her eyes angled down to her armrest, as if reading something, before looking back at Avriss. "Beniko is well-versed in Intelligence tactics. None of our agents were able to infiltrate their meetings, much less ascertain their purpose. Nevertheless, we have executed our own for treason with less damning evidence."
Avriss' fingers curled into white-knuckled fists. "Is that a threat?"
"Yes. Tell me what you know, and I will consider leniency."
A low laugh emanated from her throat before she knew it. "Is this your strategy, Acina? You cannot get the information on your own, so you will beg for it?"
"Is that your answer, Avriss?"
"No. This is – fuck you."
"Very well."
Acina reached for the interface on her own bracer, and keyed in a command. Stings prickled on Avriss' forearm, where hidden needles in the bracer jabbed into her flesh.
"What did you–"
"Truth serum."
Avriss growled. "I will make you regret this, Acina."
"That remains to be seen."
Acina said nothing more, waiting for the serum to run its course. Avriss took measured breaths, feeling a cool, artificial calm spread through her veins. But the compulsion to tell all didn't take hold of her mind.
"Now, Avriss," Acina spoke. "Tell me what you know of Lana Beniko's motives."
"I know nothing," Avriss said quietly, bewildered at the serum's lack of effect.
"Where has she fled?"
"I don't know," Avriss bit at her. "What, you didn't think to track her exit vector?"
"What did she speak of in your penthouse?"
"Nothing."
Acina sighed audibly, and tapped at her bracer's interface again. Needles jabbed into her forearm, delivering a heavier dose that nearly knocked Avriss to her knees. Body growing dangerously weak, Avriss shifted her feet apart to support her weight, and slammed a fist against the forcefield to bring her mind into focus. Trembling breaths fell from her lips, as she fought the inevitable wave of coolness that washed over her. But it still didn't sweep her away, merely crashing past her ironclad will, trying to wear it down.
Why wasn't the serum working? It'd worked harder, faster on her before. Was she really fighting it so well on her own? Or was she deluding herself, already spilling all she knew? It was a thin line; she knew so little of Lana that the truth was her rebellion.
"What are Lana Beniko's motives for seeking out known Republic agents?" Acina asked again.
"I don't know," Avriss growled.
"Where has she gone?"
"I don't know."
"Why was she at your penthouse this morning?"
"To tell me she's leaving."
"Is that all?"
"Yes," Avriss ground out. The effort to hold herself upright was turning into a chore.
"Do you truly know nothing of her? You are closest to her among all. Did she not take you into her confidence?"
"What do you want me to say, Acina!" Avriss hollered, slamming a fist onto the force field again, temper crashing through her composure. "That I know nothing of my own partner? I don't know what is going on in her mind, I don't know where the hell she's gone. I didn't know she'd show up at my house just to tell me she's leaving with no explanation whatsoever. Is that what you want to hear? Do you want to gloat? Throw me onto an interrogation table just for fun?"
Lightning crackled up her arms during the tirade, but a sliver of sense held her back, before she hurt herself in rage. She clutched at the burn within her chest, refusing to allow the serum's chill to set in again.
In her seething silence, Acina rose from the throne, and walked down its long flight of steps. Her gait was even, and she slowed to a stop before Avriss' cage. She met Avriss' burning glare for a long moment, then tapped at the control on her bracer – shutting off the force field, to Avriss' surprise.
Then Acina further closed the distance between them, and set a hand on her shoulder. The contact repulsed Avriss, who swiped it off viciously, turning her back to Acina. She felt a weakness not born of the serum setting into her body; it was shame and humiliation, for losing control in a chemically-induced stupor, for pouring out raw frustration when it should be locked in an impenetrable vault.
And in front of Acina, of all people. Avriss had half a mind to press her lightsaber hilt to her own chest.
"You will be taken in for questioning, your records and possessions searched," Acina said. Her voice had lost its steely note, taking on a gentle touch instead. "I believe what you have said, but you will have to forgive me for being cautious. The perpetrator in question was, after all, our Minister of Intelligence. But you have my assurance that your interrogation will be more…civilised than what was inflicted upon you before. I will oversee it personally."
The corner of Avriss' mouth lifted in a sneer, but she said nothing.
"If you will, please head to the door. My agent will take you to the Ministry."
Her fists clenched, then relaxed. She had a feeling that all had happened according to plan. It was tied to Lana, somehow, though she couldn't quite put a finger on it. Lana, Lana, Lana. At once a source of pain, and inexplicable comfort.
While Avriss strode towards the doors, Acina spoke again.
"And, Avriss. You have my sympathies."
Hollow. It rang as hollow as the shell of her heart, and she had the energy to argue no longer.
When she left the chambers, Acina's agent led her towards the Ministry of Intelligence. At her nod, Khem Val followed behind them, perplexed at Avriss' silence where he had expected anger. But Avriss couldn't find it in herself anymore, staring out at the ordered sprawl of Kaas City as they walked down the length of the Citadel.
All of this, the Empire, meant nothing to her anymore. It was a black hole, to which she had lost her life, her sanity, her soul; bit by bit, with each passing day. And now, it was trying to take her beloved as well. Her very heart.
She would not let it.
Looking away from the city, she thought back on Lana's farewell, the warmth of her love's lips on her own. The ache in her chest intensified, but she bore it with grim resolve. Lana had brought only pain in recent memory, and though she was gone, Vestra knew she had not been forsaken.
Trust in that. You are the reason I fight to keep this galaxy alive.
It was her clearest memory of Lana, and Avriss held it close to her chest; a source of strength to sustain her, an undying hope to hold her beloved in her arms once more.
A/N: Will write more on what they do after, but since the Empire will have less significance in their lives from here on, I'll end 'An Empire's War' here. Also I need some fluff after this depressing arc lol
I commissioned art of Vestra! Look up 'pentacass' on tumblr, tagged 'vestra lenshe'