Chapter Summary: Reunion after a year apart.
[Continuation of the last chapter. 2 years into ceasefire with Zakuul.]
Korriban. Birthplace and burial grounds of the Sith. Home to secrets and artifacts hidden within the tombs of ancient Dark Lords, where bones of failed acolytes lay strewn across bloodstained floors, a macabre tribute to past glory. It was here that she clawed her way out of the throng, overcoming stacked odds to prove herself worthy to be Sith.
She had not tread its grounds for a long time. She had little reason to, content to let desperate acolytes and ambitious Sith Lords retrieve buried relics in a bid for her favour. She'd long recognised that Korriban was but a single speck in a galaxy rife with secrets yet uncovered, and cast her eyes towards far-flung mysteries while others remained to dig in the dirt.
Yet here she stood, atop a jagged cliff's edge overlooking the Valley of the Dark Lords far below. She had once hungered for secrets hidden within those forbidding ruins, delved into dark depths on a promise of long-lost power. But it was not why she stood here now. She couldn't even remember making the journey here.
An odd stillness kept her in place. She was not the seeker here, no. She was…waiting.
Vestra closed her eyes, face turned up to the red-tinted sky, its blazing sun gentler than she had ever felt. It was no coincidence – neither was the familiar warmth that pressed up against her back, sturdy arms winding around her waist, as a chin came to rest upon her shoulder.
Vestra kept her eyes closed, unwilling to let this moment pass, fingers winding around the arms that held her. Deep down, she knew this was improbable; but it had been so long, she did not care.
They stood together in silence, an eternity passing them by in a crawl. Then soft hair brushed against her neck as the head on her shoulder turned, lips teasing her ear.
'I'll see you soon.'
Vestra woke with a jolt in her chest, as phantom warmth faded from her skin, leaving her bereft. With Lana's parting words fresh in her mind, Vestra reached blindly for the comlink beside her pillow, fumbling with its controls before opening a channel to the ship's bridge.
"Has the navicomputer received anything?"
"No." Andronikos' reply was quick. "Did…you just wake up?"
She realised belatedly that she'd all but slurred the question. Gathering herself, Vestra spoke more clearly this time, "Alert me if something comes in."
"You expecting something?"
"Just…tell me if there is."
"Gotcha."
Satisfied, she let the comlink fall from her grasp, and rolled over onto her side. She reached out with a hand, lingering on the cold, empty spot beside her, then grabbed the unused pillow and hugged it to her chest. A poor substitute for the real thing, but it helped her dream better when she closed her eyes.
Soon. Vestra wondered when.
She received the answer weeks later, while she was on Yavin IV, overseeing a joint venture between the Spheres of Ancient Knowledge and Biotic Science. This particular expedition had located a lost temple of Naga Sadow; according to unearthed writings, this temple hid the secret to creating a strain of Sithspawn more lethal and obedient than those forged from methods of Sith alchemy known today. The location to this temple had been lost during the conflicts of Sadow's time on Yavin; but it would remain hidden no longer, his secrets retrieved to create a new breed of Sithspawn for the war.
Empress Acina had requested for Darth Avriss to take command here. Despite the Spheres' restructuring, age-old feuds still ran hot between them, and the presence of a Dark Lord would serve as a stabilising influence.
Though she was well-aware of Acina guiding her towards a less intense project as a 'reward' for her recent victorious campaign, Avriss couldn't help but begrudge the Empress for her mercy. After spending months on the battlefield as the Republic's nightmare come to life, being forced to play mediator between Sith scholars felt more like a punishment than prize.
"The whole point of our expedition here is to gain knowledge!"
"And that knowledge lies within the tomb, not in the beasts you would waste our troops to capture!"
"These beasts could be our key to the secrets hidden within the tomb–"
"Your interest in these beasts is purely academic, and frankly, inane. Who cares what binds them while they tear through our soldiers–"
A crackle of lightning. "How dare you disrespect our work!"
"That is enough!" Avriss snapped. Her voice cut sharply through the heated argument, which quieted immediately, allowing deferential silence to fall over the command tent.
"Whether these Massassi are blood-bound to protect this tomb is not purely academic. If we can find the source of their devotion, we can break them. But," she added, just as Lord Verican started to smirk. "I will not waste time trying to capture the few for study while the host of Massassi guards continue to pick off our forces."
Verican's smirk evaporated under Lord Garix's victorious side-eye.
"Rally our troops, and have them ready for an assault at dawn." Avriss tapped at the war table's controls, bringing up a holomap of the tomb and its surrounding jungle, where their forces made camp. She drew a semi-circular offensive perimeter around the tomb's grounds. "We will destroy the Massassi patrolling the courtyard, and force their survivors into the tomb. Do not, under any circumstance, pursue them within."
She tightened the perimeter, concentrating it outside the tomb's stone doors. "Once the courtyard is secured, set up a defensive perimeter outside the entrance. Any Massassi that ventures out must be killed on sight. Garix, deploy probe droids with stealth capabilities to map the layout of the tomb, and ascertain the Massassi numbers left within. Verican, gather a team of ten to gather samples from dead Massassi for study. You have until the droids' return to identify a way to break the Massassi's blood bond to the tomb. If nothing is found, we will push our way into the tomb with brute force. I will lead both assaults. Understood?"
"Yes, my lord," Lord Garix replied, while Verican nodded with a set to his jaw.
"Then you are dismissed."
Both Sith bowed dutifully out of the tent. When the tent flap had fallen back in place behind them, Avriss lowered her head, pinching the bridge of her nose.
"They are but bickering fools," Khem Val rumbled behind her, where he stood watch over his master. "Their personal ambitions blind them to the greater goal."
"It will take time to overcome the habit of centuries. If they ever overcome it." She glanced back at her faithful servant. "It was the same in your time, was it not?"
Khem Val nodded. "A great will is needed to unite a people so willfully fractured."
"Will there be one great enough, I wonder."
He did not give an answer, and she required none. It was a question she'd pondered since Acina had set out to unite the Empire, trying to bridge the deep rifts between so many Sith. A colossal undertaking, and even if it succeeded – which Avriss highly doubted – she expected that the Empress would not live to see it in her lifetime.
Her comlink chirped, interrupting her thoughts, and she patched Xalek through.
"My lord, Captain Kalen Alpeir has something to deliver."
"I was not expecting a delivery."
"He claims to bear an important message," Xalek said, then switched to Kaleesh. "I do not sense malice, but I recommend that Khem Val stand ready."
"Very well. Let him in."
A Reclamation captain entered the tent with a small black case in his hands. He came to a stop before the war table, and saluted smartly.
"Dark Lord. Captain Kalen Alpeir, at your service."
"My apprentice said you have something to deliver?"
"Yes, my lord."
Avriss glanced back at Khem, who strode forward and took the case from the captain. Cautiously, he opened the case…and found nothing alarming within, judging by his lack of reaction. In fact, his stiff expression looked a touch quizzical, as he handed it to Avriss.
She took it, surprise tempered by sudden wariness when she gazed upon its contents. A clear packet of hard malt candy lay within, the type she liked to eat when stressed. Beside it was an obsidian ring with elegant silver engravings, sitting atop a folded flimsiplast note. Slipping it from beneath the ring, she unfolded it to read its short message.
'Kethyn I. Tell your welcoming committee at the spaceport that you seek the Sith recluse. If they give you trouble – tell them you are a debt repaid.'
No signature – none was needed. Avriss recognised the handwriting.
Raising her eyes from the note, she regarded the captain sharply. "Where did you get this?"
"From a mutual contact, my lord." In a smooth, discreet motion, Captain Alpeir flashed the Intelligence badge hidden in his palm. "She said you would recognise it."
"I do."
She continued to watch the captain longer, who hid his discomfort well under the scrutiny. Avriss had been the one who'd instructed Lana to seed agents in every Sphere during the Zakuulan invasion. It appeared Lana hadn't withdrawn them and, apparently, still trusted at least one. How many loyal contacts in the Empire did she have left? Was she using these agents to keep an eye on the Empire, and on Avriss as well? Or was this a trap laid by her peers, to manipulate her into revealing her heart's true loyalties, even after a year of impeccable service on the Dark Council? Only time would tell.
Placing the note back in the case, Avriss said, "Your delivery is appreciated, Captain."
He bowed at the waist. "I am ever at your service, Lord Avriss."
At the wave of her hand, Alpeir took his leave.
Avriss stood in silence for a moment, before giving in to temptation. Breaking the packet open, she took one candy and popped it into her mouth, sweetness melting over her tongue. The stiffness in her shoulders started to loosen, and Avriss couldn't stop a small smile that rose to her lips. Even lightyears away, Lana knew just what to do.
Avriss indulged in the taste longer, then shut the case.
It was now imperative that this expedition be completed with all haste.
After two weeks on Yavin IV, Darth Avriss flew off to tend to her own matters, giving no second thought to the Empress' commendation for delivering ancient secrets so expeditiously. Kethyn I was five days away via hyperspace travel, and she could scarcely control herself when their ship landed at the moon's only active spaceport.
She paced in the airlock, flanked by Khem Val, Ashara, and Xalek, while Andronikos and Talos manned the ship's turrets should things go awry. When the ramp outside was finally lowered, she composed herself, donning Darth Avriss' mien as the doors slid open. She strode down the ramp with Khem and Ashara behind her, to meet the squad of armoured guards who had arrived to receive them, blasters aimed in their direction.
At the squad's head was a man in civilian attire – the mayor of the moon's settlement, according to the databanks. He stepped forward, careful to stay closer to his guards than the Sith Lord who stood quietly, regarding him with obvious disdain.
"What do you want, Sith?"
His hostility was wrapped in the velvet glove of barely-intact civility, and Avriss could sense his caustic hatred towards her. No surprise – Kethyn I had been strip-mined of minerals and abandoned by the Empire years ago, when their tradeworthy resources were pillaged clean. Left without Imperial support, its inhabitants were forced to grow into an insular, self-sustaining society. From the hangar's dull durasteel walls patched over with duracrete and plasteel, to the scuffed and well-worn quality of the guards' arms and armour, it was obvious they'd survived – and only just survived.
"I seek the Sith recluse."
A helmeted guard behind the mayor snorted. "Another Sith. Open our doors any wider and more will force their way back."
Avriss laughed unpleasantly. "You think too highly of yourselves. Even from here, I can see you have nothing left worth taking."
She heard Ashara's boot shifting over the floor behind her, while anger flashed past the mayor's face.
"I will have to ask you to leave–"
"The recluse says you may consider me a debt repaid."
The mayor froze, eyes growing a fraction wider in rising anger, then recomposed himself. He seemed to deflate – with much effort – then gestured for his guards to stand down. Amid the reluctant lowering of blasters, he said, "Fine. But cause any trouble, and we will respond in force."
"You can try."
Avriss nearly smirked when she felt a faint eddy in the Force knocking her in the back – a reproach from Ashara. But she stood her ground.
Under her unwavering stare, the mayor swallowed any vitriol he harboured, and led the guards out of the hangar.
Turning back, she gestured for Ashara to stay with Xalek and guard the ship as planned. At Ashara's nod, she strutted out of the spaceport with Khem Val, chin held high amid the hostile looks shot their way. The mayor hadn't given her directions, but he didn't need to. Her Force bond had come to life the moment they'd landed at the spaceport, and she felt Lana tugging at her from the southeast.
Exiting the spaceport, she walked through the town with Khem, and entered an older residential district that had been left empty – probably awaiting restoration works, judging from the scaffolds and equipment set up around the dilapidated buildings.
She followed the streets down towards the southeast, and eventually came upon a two-storey house that seemed to have kept better than its neighbours, with compound walls tall enough to afford its residents privacy. Her heart beat faster as they crossed the gates, then it leapt at her ribs when her eyes fell upon Lana, who stood waiting by the front door.
Vestra moved towards her, not realising that her feet were moving faster, and faster until she'd broken into a run. By then, it was too late to slow down. She collided into Lana, arms wrapping tight around her love's waist, clutching the shorter woman to herself as she spun in a circle, eliciting a delighted laugh from Lana.
As she set Lana down, still holding her tight, her lips were already roaming over Lana's jaw, cheeks, nose, eyes – showering her with kisses that coaxed a rare grin from Lana. When their lips finally met in a long, deep kiss, Vestra felt her heart settle after a year of drifting in its personal void.
"I've missed you," Vestra whispered.
"I can tell," Lana crooned, pecking her on the lips again, and Vestra stole another in return.
Lana smiled at her, adoration alight in her eyes, then looked over Vestra's shoulder at Khem – who'd stationed himself at a respectful distance, angled so he could look at the gates while keeping them in his peripheral vision.
"It is good to see you, Khem Val."
Khem glanced over, nodded, and returned to his vigil.
When Lana's attention turned back to Vestra, she was still wrapped around Lana, head resting on her shoulder. "Where are the rest?"
An indistinct grumble. "With the ship." She tapped the comlink on her wrist. "Come over."
"You sure you're done?" Ashara asked.
"Or don't come. I'd like that. Bye."
Ashara's retort was cut off when Vestra shut her comlink. With a sigh, Vestra pulled back reluctantly to look Lana over, fingers stroking her jaw.
"You look…good, actually. Healthier, even."
It was no empty compliment. Lana's cheeks were fuller, and her sturdy frame filled out her robes nicely. More than that, Lana's aura in the Force felt lighter than it had ever been during her last few years in the Empire. As if she had less weighing on her shoulders.
"Yes. It turns out, not managing an entire ministry does wonders for your health."
"Really? I should try that too."
Lana smirked and cupped her cheek, thumb stroking softly. "You don't have to. You look as beautiful as ever."
"You just want more kisses," Vestra purred.
"Do I never?"
They drifted back together, lips meeting in a gentle kiss that led into another, and another.
"See? I told you they'd still be all over each other."
"None of us doubted, Ash." Andronikos chuckled, casually saluting Lana as they neared the couple.
Following behind him were Talos, who waved with a smile, and Xalek, who simply nodded his greeting. Ashara was the only one who dared move forward, setting a hand on Vestra's shoulder to pry her away.
"Come on, let someone else get a turn."
Vestra refused to let go, then pouted when Lana nudged her back, so that Ashara could close in for a hug.
"I'm glad to see you well, Lana. The way you left had us worried sick."
"I know. And it's good to see you too."
Lana seemed to have more to say, but fell silent when she glanced at the gates, the fondness in her eyes turning to wariness. Vestra didn't have to look – she could feel others who had followed after the crew, and were now standing at a distance from the house.
"They really are a suspicious lot," Lana murmured.
"Will they pose any danger?" Vestra asked.
"Only directly. Their animosity towards the Empire ensures they won't contact them, at least. But let us head in. There's space for everyone to stay a while." Lana tapped her comlink. "HK, keep an eye on our observers. If they stray too close, warning shots only."
"Disappointment: as you command, master."
"He's on the roof," Lana explained at Vestra's curious look, as their hands found each other. "Come, I'll put on some tea."
The moment Vestra laid eyes on Lana's spartan rations, which were more suitable for a military camp, she forbade its use and commandeered the kitchen for the night. Though her ship had little space for lavish supplies, there was enough for a meal more satisfying than whatever Lana had, and she sent her crew to fetch a generous portion for dinner.
When the sun had set after a day's bustle, Vestra was seated at the round dining table with a glass of wine in hand, waiting while Talos ladled rich nerf stew over plates of fragrant rice. Not what Vestra would make for Lana, not ideally after a year apart, but it was a comfort dish both her love and crew enjoyed, so it was a good compromise.
While Ashara started to set the plates on the table, Andronikos entered the kitchen with Xalek and Khem Val, inhaling deeply as he sat down.
"Wow, I can't remember the last time you made something that smelled this good."
Vestra's eyes shot to him. "What is that supposed to mean?"
Andronikos paused for a second, realising he'd set his foot on a landmine. Apparently he was gambling that it's a dud, because he continued, "No offense, your cooking is great and all, but your heart just wasn't in it for the last year."
"Yeah."
"Excuse me?" Vestra now glared at Ashara as well, who'd finished setting the plates and came to sit between her and Andronikos.
"Your food tasted so sad. Just like you."
"I was not sad."
"Sure…you definitely weren't moping because Lana was away."
"I don't mope!" Vestra protested, feeling a sense of déjà vu.
"She doesn't mope, Ash," Andronikos said, as Talos set a large bowl of salad at the centre of the table, beside a stack of toasted baguette slices. "She just gets piss drunk and lies face down on the floor, trying not to cry."
Ashara burst into a laugh, stifled halfway when Vestra grabbed napkins from the table, which she flung into their faces.
"Play nice, Ves."
A calming hand came to rest on her shoulder, as Lana pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
"Look, you can barely hide your smile. Hopeless." Ashara shook her head, effortlessly bearing the brunt of Vestra's smile-turned-scowl as Lana sat with them.
While the crew dug into their meals in earnest, Lana took a mouthful of warm stew and rice, and groaned quietly, setting a hand on Vestra's knee. "I've really missed you."
"Me, or my cooking?" Vestra asked drily, relieved the jesting had died down in favour of food.
"Both." Lana smiled, squeezing her knee.
"So, Lana," Talos spoke, sliding easily into the peaceful silence that settled over them. "You never mentioned what you've been up to since you left the Empire. Or why you left, come to think of it."
"Do you really want to know what a traitor has been doing?"
Talos smiled. "My lord vouches for you. And I believe your heart still lies with the Empire."
"I appreciate your confidence, but…"
"Come on, Lana. We can help you," Ashara joined in, unknowingly voicing Vestra's offer that Lana had turned down long ago. "You don't have to do it alone, and we can be discreet."
Vestra remained quiet, slowly picking away at her stew, while the crew pelted Lana with questions to which they would not receive the answers. Not even she had the privilege of Lana's confidence.
Not yet.
Lana weathered the casual interrogation with grace, until the crew finally let the matter rest. They settled in the living room after dinner, passing the time playing sabacc and chatting by the fireplace. It was past midnight when they retired to the many bedrooms in the house, and Vestra found restful slumber in Lana's bed, the pair holding each other close through the night.
The next day started late, but they were not on a schedule anyway. After breakfast, they explored the abandoned districts outside of town – which had made up a much bigger city before the Imperials left, forcing the locals to band closer together for survival.
In mid-afternoon, Xalek wished to hunt in the wilds outside the old city's borders, and fulfil a few hunting bounties that had been put up in town. With Andronikos and Ashara following him, Talos and Khem were left to return to the house with Vestra and Lana.
Back in safe shelter, Lana took Vestra by the hand, and led her back to their room. She reached into her personal locker, and handed to Vestra a secure datapad and holocom – both of which had been sliced by her, and would connect to Lana via thrice-encrypted channels.
"Now you can contact me any time you want."
Vestra smiled slightly. "Good to know."
As she placed the devices into her pack, she caught Lana still watching her, and cocked a brow in response.
"Ves…it's time."
She had no idea what Lana meant, but she didn't need to. Vestra put on a smirk and sauntered close, so they stood barely a finger apart. "Is it now," she purred.
Lana rolled her eyes, keeping Vestra at bay with a hand on her chest. "Sit down, please."
At her gesture, Vestra took a seat on the corner of the bed, watching Lana retrieve something from a compact case she kept in the wardrobe. She keyed in a code rapidly and lifted its lid, taking out a thin, stone-carved obelisk that fit into a palm. A Sith relic used for mental domination, which Vestra had thought lost or stolen from her stash.
"Did you…take that from me?" Vestra asked, bewildered.
"Yes. You will understand everything in a minute. Trust me." Lana approached her. "Before I left, I removed some of your memories of me – with your permission, of course."
"The gaps in my memory. That's why I can't remember certain things about you," Vestra said slowly.
"Yes, but I did not destroy them outright. Rather, I kept them here until the time was right." Lana raised the relic. "Now I wish to return them to you. May I?"
"Yes." Vestra's reply was instant, but a mote of thick dread rose to her throat at the prospect. Something told her that she would not like it. That ignorance had been bliss, which would now be taken from her.
Lana set a hand on her shoulder, holding her steady. The Sith inscriptions on the relic flashed red, and Vestra's vision went dark immediately. She felt herself grab onto Lana in panic, but forced herself to keep calm as Lana pushed into her mind. Memories trickled to her in pieces – their argument over Lana's illicit activities, Lana's use of the relic on her, the injection of a truth serum's counteragent, the promises to reach out when she needed help, the stubborn refusal to confide in Vestra.
The process was much gentler than when her memories had been carved out. Vestra did not lose consciousness this time, and could feel her head being pulled close, cradled against Lana's chest as she adjusted to the restored memories. Vestra stayed in her embrace, eyes closed, allowing everything to sink in – including old resentment that bubbled up to the surface, soothed over by their reunion.
Her fingers dug into Lana's robes, steadying herself, as she pulled back to look into Lana's eyes.
"Will you not tell me?" Vestra asked, quiet, as if afraid to be denied again.
This time, however, Lana smiled wanly. She ran a hand down Vestra's black tresses in thought.
"Let's take a walk."
Their walk took them along the edge of the abandoned city, avoiding unwelcome eyes as they picked their way towards the old Imperial base in the northern district. Lana wished to be certain of their privacy, and so led Vestra down into the base's underground bunkers, where they could be alone. Armed with Lana's electronic lock pick, the heavy reinforced doors proved no obstacle as they plunged into the base's dark depths, their way lit by high-powered lamps clipped to their belts.
Lana consulted a map on her handheld holoprojector, directing them to the armoury, where they could look for abandoned equipment that could be salvaged for parts. It was a pretext, of course; neither expected to find anything worthwhile. It was standard evacuation protocol to remove sensitive documents and functional equipment before locking the base down. But it didn't stop them from opening lockers and crates, going through the motions to keep their hands busy.
"Before I forget – congratulations on your latest campaign. I heard Darth Avriss was such a terror that Republic forces surrendered the moment she landed on their planet."
"I find that a thorough orbital bombardment beforehand can be very persuasive," Vestra replied offhandedly, as she stared at the cracked visor of the helmet in her hands. "That, and the fact that I conquered three sectors before arriving on their planet. They practically grovelled before me."
She tossed the helmet back into its crate, looking around to find an amused smirk on Lana's face. Vestra rolled her eyes, knowing she'd walked into Lana's trap once again – mention an achievement, and she would continue to pat herself on the back, relieving Lana of the effort.
"But you already knew that," Vestra sighed, patting the dust from her gloved hands. "That's just how we are now, isn't it? You know everything about my actions, yet I know nothing of yours."
Lana's smile wavered, but remained on her lips. "Not any longer, I hope."
She reached into the shelf she'd unlocked, and picked out one datapad among many, trying to switch it on. "I've kept an eye on you for the past year, and it seems you have fully gained Acina's trust since my departure. Now that your position is secure, I think it's time I told you everything."
Vestra merely cocked her head, waiting for Lana to continue.
"There is a reason I used freelancers instead of Intelligence agents for my infiltration missions on Zakuul. The Empire wanted to embed eyes in their power structure, to identify weaknesses that can be exploited to our advantage. But I had a different goal."
Lana grew silent, stubbornly tweaking the exposed wires beneath the power switch, and was rewarded when the datapad's screen came alive with a flicker.
"I was, and still am, looking for the Jedi Battlemaster who was with Darth Marr on his flagship, when Zakuul attacked his expeditionary fleet."
"The same Jedi you'd worked with during the Revanite crisis," Vestra supplied, having studied Lana's exploits during that time.
"Yes. And on Ziost, as well."
"Why are you looking for her?"
"Intelligence combed through the data we'd salvaged from the flagship's black box a dozen times, and there is every indication that Master Aelirra had been with Darth Marr throughout the attack. I have reason to believe she was captured alongside him. Yet I've only felt Marr's passing. Not hers."
"That is no guarantee she is still alive."
"No, but I've consulted with her crew as well. They have not felt her passing either."
"That is still no guarantee."
Lana frowned at the datapad, its screen blinking rapidly before dying with a sputter. She replaced it on the shelf with a sigh. "I know. But I still have to try, regardless."
"What's so special about this Jedi that you have to find her, specifically?"
"She is strong with the Force, and has triumphed over the Emperor twice, to date. Thrice, if we count Ziost. In our short time together, she has displayed enough fortitude for me to believe she is the key to subduing Arcann."
"She is just one person, Lana." Vestra took a step forward, not liking the far away quality to Lana's usual sober gaze. "Strong in the Force or not, she is just one. And a Jedi."
Lana seemed to hesitate. "I…"
"What can she do that I cannot?"
Lana's eyes flicked back to her, and Vestra realised she'd spoken too much, shown a glimpse of grievance that had surged in the last minute without her awareness.
Lana regarded her in silence, then smiled faintly. "Are you jealous?"
"That's not the point, Lana!" Vestra's frustration burst forth at the gentle jab. "You sacrificed your place, your life in the Empire, and for what? The slim chance that your Jedi survived? That, even if you brought her back, she could pull off a miracle and break Zakuul's grip over the galaxy? Do you have any idea how insane you sound?"
"Vestra–"
"You left me, left us, for someone you–, you–," Vestra stuttered, thrown off by her second lapse, and the sudden realisation that she might've diminished Lana's overarching goal to stop Zakuul. But the fact that Lana had jeopardised her life in the Empire, as a Sith, in this one impossible endeavour was…unthinkable.
She stood, fists clenched tight, stewing in the reality of the situation laid out before her. Much as she wanted to lash out, to release her vexation in a cathartic tirade, she bit on her tongue close to the point of blood. She refused to allow their precious reunion to end in another argument that could tear them apart.
In her silence, Lana reached out to take her hand. But Vestra jerked away, not ready for the contact, and put more distance between them as she paced in the armoury's encompassing darkness, well-aware of Lana's eyes on her.
"Vestra, I know it seems–"
"I need air," Vestra cut in. Even the mere sound of Lana's voice threatened to break her self-control at this moment.
Lana brought up her holoprojector, consulting the map again. "The closest observation tower is this way."
Vestra caught a glimpse of the route highlighted in red, then marched off in the direction Lana pointed, leaving her partner to follow close at her heels. The climb up to the tower's peak was steep, but not an arduous task for two Sith accustomed to the strenuous demands of war.
When they'd reached the top observation deck, stepping out onto the external walkway, their breaths had grown a little heavier, but Vestra relished it. The little exercise had worked off much of her frustration, and the deep breath of fresh air she drew into her lungs quelled most of the fire in her chest.
Lana stood behind her, still silent, and she didn't bother to speak. Instead, she stared out at the dense green of the wilderness around the city, marred by a swath of barren earth, draped in the deep orange-red glow of the setting sun. She stood unmoving for a few long minutes, allowing calm to settle over her. Then she moved to a section of the walkway where the guard rails had long rusted and fallen off, and sat on its edge, legs hanging over a fatal drop to the ground.
She felt Lana move closer to her, then stop with clear hesitation. Vestra remembered Lana's deep, quiet fear, and had nearly stood up again when her partner joined her on the edge. Lana sat beside her, and Vestra allowed her to shift closer for a sense of safety, pressing up against her side.
They sat together for a while, then Vestra reached into an inner pocket of her coat, taking out a palm-sized tin. Lana looked on curiously, and chuckled when she flipped its lid open, revealing the stash of chocolate wafers inside.
Vestra took one and tossed it into her mouth, then offered the tin to Lana.
"Just one. You only deserve the one."
Lana smirked. Never breaking eye contact, she held Vestra's wrist and took one, two, three wafers, fitting them all into her mouth. She cocked a brow in challenge, and received a firm headbutt on the forehead in chide. Lana laughed, muffled through the wafers, and Vestra could barely keep the scowl on her face.
Tension broken, they sat together in companionable silence, watching the sun dip slowly into the horizon.
"I know this seems…mad," Lana spoke quietly. "Sometimes I wonder if I hadn't lost my mind, to stake so much on one person. But everything I've seen of her, the person that she is…it makes me believe she is the key."
She set a pacifying hand on Vestra's arm, as if anticipating another outburst. "Her strength in the Force, and yours, are comparable. And I know you have much more at your disposal to wage a war against Zakuul. But this is different. She is different. And if there is anything we've learnt from the invasion, we need something different to break us free. Our old methods won't serve us much longer."
Vestra could feel Lana's emotions roiling beneath the surface, things she couldn't put into words. So she opened herself to the bond, and Lana gratefully reciprocated, twining their souls together. Vestra held still, feeling the splinter of doubt buried deep within Lana's certainty, her fear for a galaxy that may never overthrow its oppressor, and…a surprisingly soft touch of affection.
"You care for her," Vestra murmured.
Lana smiled, wan. "I'm not sure if I may call her a friend, but…I would trust her. And perhaps, finding her alive would do my heart good, as well."
Vestra stared at her, wondering how strong this Jedi's influence was, to have instilled such dogged faith in a steadfast realist. She felt a small, long-withered corner of her heart twist, and had to turn back to the horizon to hide the wry smile that quirked the corner of her lips.
Was she jealous? Perhaps. But it was ridiculous to begrudge someone she'd never even met. And that Lana had finally found someone outside their circle whom she would call a friend – it was a precedent for one so guarded, and it piqued Vestra's curiosity.
Perhaps she should see this Jedi for herself, appraise with her own eyes the one who had so earned Lana's respect.
"I won't pretend to understand, or be thrilled about this," Vestra said slowly, sliding the tin back into her pocket. "But what's done is done, and I can hardly drag you back to the Empire against your will. And…if it will set your mind at ease, I will not interfere."
She laid a hand over Lana's, squeezing it gently. "You know I'm always here for you."
"I know."
Lana's smile was almost enough to set the galaxy right again. Almost.
Vestra rose to her feet with a sigh, helping Lana up as well. "Let's head back down before it goes dark." She grabbed Lana by the hand, when her partner turned back to the tower. "We're not going through that musty base again."
Lana frowned in confusion, then understanding dawned on her face when Vestra shifted her feet, lining the back of her boots on the edge of the walkway, where they'd just sat.
"Ves, wait–"
"Trust me." Vestra tugged on her hand, but allowed Lana to step forward of her own volition. When Lana's eyes darted down to the ground far below them, Vestra caught her chin, tilting it up so their eyes met.
"Hold onto me."
Strong arms wrapped around her waist tightly, hands gripping onto Vestra's belt for extra security. Lana's heart pounded next to Vestra's, an echo through the Force, betraying her heightened fear.
Vestra held onto Lana as well, kissing her deeply to focus Lana's attention on herself. "I love you, Lana."
"And I love you. Despite your maddening disregard for heights."
Vestra laughed softly, guiding Lana's head to rest on her shoulder. "I will never let you go," she whispered.
Attuning herself to the Force, Vestra gathered its strands about them, as Lana did the same.
"Ready?"
"When you are." Her voice sounded muffled against Vestra's shoulder.
Vestra smiled, knowing Lana's eyes were screwed shut. She felt the ghost of Lana's adrenaline through their bond, but also the firmness of her trust in Vestra – the willingness to follow her, wherever she led.
With the Force at her back, and her love in her arms, Vestra tipped them over the edge.