Chapter Summary: Darth Avriss left Talos behind when she defected from the Empire. Now, she seeks to recruit him into the Alliance.
[Two years ago, during ceasefire with Zakuul]
The conference room's door slid open with a quiet hiss. Avriss breathed, slow and deliberate, suppressing the unpleasant feeling in her gut as Talos walked in. A smile lit up his face when their eyes met.
"You called, my lord?"
Avriss gestured at an adjacent seat, and Talos joined her by the head of the table. With back straight, hands clasped in his lap, he waited for her to speak.
"You have served under my command for nine years, Talos. And your service in that time has been nothing short of exemplary."
Talos beamed. "Merely doing my duty, my lord. But it is nice to be appreciated." He cocked his head, then leaned in conspiratorially, eyes bright with pride and a touch of humour. "But you did not summon me just to sing my praises?"
"No."
A small black box rested on the table in front of her. With two fingers, she slid it over. Talos lifted its lid to find the rank insignia plaque of an Imperial captain within – three red pips in a row and three blue beneath, embossed on a chrome plate.
"My lord! I–, I thank you. I never thought I would ever…"
"It has been a long time coming," Avriss cut in gently, his palpable joy nigh unbearable. Not when it would be short-lived. "You have earned it many times over."
"Thank you."
He had never expressed interest in climbing the ranks, never pursued ambition beyond expanding his wealth of knowledge in history and artifacts. Yet he gazed misty-eyed at the plaque, cradled like a precious thing in his palm. Was it just his own happiness, or was there also the prospect of approval by a distant, demanding military father?
Avriss watched him quietly, a twinge in her chest, before she broke the moment. "With this promotion, you should be assigned a post better served by your expertise. I have arranged for your formal transfer back to the Reclamation Service, with a company under your command. Your new assignment will begin next month."
Talos had grown rigid at the mention of his transfer, and remained still as stone after she finished speaking. All light had been extinguished from his radiant expression. "But–, I…"
His voice wavered, falling silent. He swallowed and forged on, "My lord, I wish to serve you."
"As I said, you will serve better in the Reclamation Service."
Silence stretched on as he stared back, searching her steady gaze. "Have I…done something wrong? Made a mistake?"
"No."
"Have I offended?"
"No. Talos, I just gave you a promotion."
"And a transfer. Away from your crew."
"Yes."
"This…this would not happen to have anything to do with Xalek or Ashara, would it?"
Avriss cocked a brow.
"Xalek left us to forge a path as a Sith Lord in his own right. Ashara plans to leave and explore the galaxy beyond Sith boundaries. They have both stated they wish to grow, on their own. Do you think I wish the same?"
"Whatever you wish, Talos, this transfer will advance your career."
"As opposed to serving a Lord of the Dark Council?"
Avriss clenched her jaw. She could explain further, but it will not change the outcome. "A Lord of the Dark Council will not be questioned on her decisions."
Her voice had lowered into its icy, forbidding depths. Talos' fingers gripped the armrests of his chair, his lips sealed into a thin line against further arguments, in favour of obeying his Sith master – as he had been taught his whole life.
He deserved better. Avriss only hoped that where she had loosened her leash, no other Sith would step in to bind this loyal officer. Not while he was out of her reach, beyond her protection.
Talos took a deep breath, then bowed his head. "As you wish, my lord. I accept this promotion with my deepest gratitude, and will prepare for my transfer."
Avriss nodded – a dismissal – and he rose from his seat. Talos was halfway to the door when he stopped, and turned around.
"One last question, if I may?"
"Ask."
"You never act without a plan in mind. Is this part of one?"
Avriss returned his watchful gaze, carefully placid. "I always have a plan." She could leave it there. She should leave it there. "Where I go next, Talos, you cannot follow."
"I have sworn myself to your service. My place is with you."
"Your place is wherever I choose."
"So it is."
Defeat clouded the faint hope in his eyes, and he bowed out of the room.
Only after the door had long slid shut, and the ever-present hum of starship engines had pressed in around her, did Avriss let out a sigh.
[Current time]
The Alliance base on Odessen was modest and, for a force rebelling against the Eternal Empire, Darth Avriss found it terribly lacking. Though operations ran smoothly now, expansion would soon become a concern, and in turn put pressure on every resource they were discreetly scraping from the galaxy.
As it was, however, the base served its purpose – and countless side glances from Lana had quieted her complaints for the time being. The private office given to her helped as well. It was much smaller than she was used to, and so sparsely furnished it might as well be a prison cell for a Darth of her stature. But it was located high enough to provide a good view of the lush green wilderness unfurling from the mountain's base; something beautiful to glower at, whenever she was reminded of the severe limitations she now worked within.
Sunlight poured through the windows behind Avriss, a rare luxury as she worked on her holoterminal. Mail from her contacts were a constant in her inbox, and screened requests to join the Alliance grew by the number with each passing day. She was reading Aeya'kiso's monthly report, when the doors parted to admit one who could lift her eyes from the screen and not receive a sneer for the interruption.
"Darth Avriss."
"Agent Beniko," Avriss replied with the slightest rasp of humour, and a smile curled Lana's lips.
"Busy?"
"Aren't I always," Avriss deadpanned.
Lana rounded the desk and leaned on its edge beside Avriss. Taking her by the chin, Lana tilted her up for a kiss. Avriss blinked when they parted, taken aback by her love's boldness – then she remembered. They were in the Empire no longer, bound neither by hierarchy nor countless hidden eyes.
"Not too busy for a kiss, apparently," Avriss murmured, gaze drifting involuntarily down to red-painted lips.
Lana chuckled softly, and pecked her again. "Or two."
The self-satisfaction in her voice made Avriss growl, though without ire. If Lana wished to chase her all over the base just to grant a few kisses, she would not complain. Still, curiosity compelled her. "Are you here to fulfill your daily quota of kisses, or did you have actual business with me?"
"I bring you business, Dark Lord," Lana played along. "Doctor Oggurobb has identified a potential recruit. I told the Commander you may like to handle it instead."
"I will not do that Jedi's dirty work for her," Avriss scoffed. She took the datapad Lana held out, and read the message on its screen.
[Greetings, Commander!
I have just been informed of an exciting recruitment opportunity. An individual named Talos Drellik, a truly inspired scholar specializing in archaeology and Force-related technology, is currently leading an expedition on the surface of Yavin 4.
It's in poor taste to poach researchers while they're in the middle of a project, but surely our work here is more important. We simply must have him, Commander! I trust that you are fully capable of convincing him to join us, and I eagerly await word of your success.]
"Ah." She did not open the attached dossier. Why bother, when she knew the man better than any written record?
"So, will you handle it?"
Avriss stared at the datapad, then set it on the desk, earning an appraising look from Lana.
"Is that hesitation?"
"Hm."
"This should be an easy task." When Avriss did not reply, Lana probed, "Do you think he will join us?"
Talos had declared his loyalty to her, even at the prospect of a transfer he was adamant against. But that was before she had pushed him far from her, and the lethal fallout of her defection. He did not know her true intentions then. Had he realised since she had left?
"I do not wish to presume."
"You're not sure."
Lana's bluntness made her teeth grit together. "I did not release him from my service in the…gentlest manner."
"Be that as it may, the Alliance will benefit from his expertise. Should he choose not to serve you again, at least convince him to join the Alliance instead." Lana watched Avriss' stiff expression. "You have concerns?"
"He…is Imperial."
Lana cocked her head.
"He is a son of the Empire. He has parents, family there. If I ask him to defect, he may well be giving up everything he has."
"Like every other Imperial son and daughter on Odessen." Lana regarded her longer, thoughtful and much too perceptive. "Did you not plan to take him back?"
"That is my plan," Avriss ground through her teeth. "But I had considered not doing so."
"For his benefit."
"Yes."
"Darth Avriss placing her follower's well-being over her own needs. Wonders never cease." Lana smiled at her withering glare. "I understand your concern, but the choice should be his, should it not? Just ask, love. If he turns us down, then we will leave him be."
She set a hand on Avriss' shoulder. "He is loyal to the Empire. But he is loyal to you above all. I know he will follow you here, like the rest of us have."
Avriss flicked her eyes at the ceiling. "Technically, I followed you here."
Lana's grip tightened on her shoulder in mock reproach. "As I would follow you in turn," she murmured, bending down to kiss atop her head, careful not to disturb her updo. "Will you do this?"
Avriss growled, low and rough. "Fine."
After the Revanite crisis, Yavin 4 had been left alone by the galaxy, playing host only to the occasional Sith and Jedi archaeological expedition. Without military bases to watch for incursions on the planet, their secret landing had gone smoothly. Leaving Andronikos to guard the ship, Avriss took Khem Val and Ashara on a trek through the dense jungle, to the coordinates where Talos' camp was reported to be.
Although 'camp' was a mild overstatement for the lone tent they found, guarded only by two armoured guards, with no other staff in sight. Avriss had expected a larger complement under Talos' command as captain – disappointing, but not a surprise. The man preferred smaller, tighter teams on digs, streamlining operations for better efficiency. This was a good sign – the promotion had not gone to his head. She doubted anything could.
The guards snapped to attention at their approach, hands reaching for their blasters, but stopped by the sight of Avriss' Sith robes. When they drew closer, however, one guard startled and yanked his blaster rifle from its holster.
"Stop!" He yelled, hefting the blaster in their direction. "Stay right where you are!"
"What are you doing?" His partner hissed. "That's a Sith Lord–"
"That's Darth Avriss! The Dark Lord who defected!"
"Shit." The other drew his blaster as well. "Stop right there! Or–, we'll shoot!"
Avriss slowed, but did not stop immediately. She ambled closer at a deliberate pace, savouring the fear falling from the guards in waves. She had come to a stop when another officer emerged from the tent, clad in sleeker armour suited for scouting instead of combat.
"What's wrong–?" Talos stopped dead at the sight of Avriss. "My lord," he said, almost in reflex, voice hushed.
"Talos."
He stared for a moment, then took a quick breath, composing himself. "At ease, gentlemen. Lower your blasters."
"Captain?" The first guard's helmet tilted towards Talos, but his visor never left Avriss' direction. "That's Darth Avriss. She turned her back on–"
"I am well aware of who she is. Now put your weapons away. Do you really think you can hurt her with those?"
Avriss let her mouth arch into a smirk. The guards looked at Talos, then at each other, bewilderment obvious through their helmets. They lowered their blasters hesitantly – but did not reholster them.
"A word, Captain. In private."
"Of course." Talos reached back and held the tent flap open for Avriss to walk through. To the guards, he said, "Treat our guests courteously, gentlemen. They are friends, and will not hurt you."
He flashed a smile at Ashara, who returned it, before he followed Avriss into the tent. The Sith Lord stood quietly within its cramped, lamp-lit confines, as he walked to his cluttered desk and braced a hand on its surface.
"My lord, I must say, this visit is most unexpected. It has…been a while."
"It has," Avriss agreed. "This is unexpected for me as well."
A fleeting, awkward silence.
"What have you heard of me since we parted ways?"
"Well, it has been difficult to get news of you. But scraps slip through here and there, as you've seen." Talos gestured towards the guards outside, then clasped both hands behind his back, as if he were giving yet another report to his lord. "A close contact told me that you left the Empire. Betrayed us to join a group of rebels called the Alliance. Is it true?"
"Yes, it is."
Talos nodded, gaze faraway in recollection. "Even though much of it is suppressed by the ministries, there are rumours of an alliance between Imperial and Republic rebels. An alliance that aims to defeat Zakuul, and free our respective peoples from the Eternal Empire's rule. That you left the Empire for this…"
He looked back at her, and smiled. "That, I can believe."
Against her will, Avriss' heart shed its hard shell. He still thought the best of her, even after his apparent abandonment. "Yes. And I am here to extend an invitation to you. The Alliance needs a scholar of your skill and knowledge. Will you accept?"
"If I accept, will I work for the Alliance?"
"Yes."
"And…what of you?"
Lana's words echoed in her mind, and Avriss steeled herself. "My crew will always have a place for you, Talos. Should you wish to work with me again. You will be part of the Alliance, regardless."
A smile broke across Talos' face, involuntary and honest, before it was tempered by solemnity. "My answer, Lord Avriss, is yes. I wish to join you in this Alliance. But…I need to know something first."
Avriss nodded.
"Truth be told, these last two years have been…fulfilling. The Reclamation Service is my calling. It always has been, as you knew when you ordered my transfer. But I have been troubled, nonetheless. I often found myself wondering what venture you had set your mind on, that you deemed me unworthy of participating."
His expression turned wistful. "When I heard news of your departure, I…think I understood why you let me go. But I need to hear it from you – why did you leave me behind?"
Avriss regarded him quietly, sifting reassurance from stark truth, weighing them in quantities Talos needed to hear. "I wanted someone within the Empire whom I could trust. Someone who could observe in my stead, and provide information that I know is true."
"But you never reached out to me."
"No. I did not want to compromise your safety by risking communications that Intelligence may detect."
Talos frowned. "My duty to you outweighs my safety."
"Therein lies my dilemma. You have shown me nothing but loyalty for nigh on a decade. I would not repay that with needless suffering. If we had no need of your skills, I would have let you stay within the Empire."
"I am sworn to your service, and my oath still stands. If it leads me to the Alliance, then that is where I will go."
"Your family is in the Empire. If you leave, you may never see them again."
"If I may be so bold…Vestra. You are as much family to me as my blood kin. You, and the crew. To let you face Zakuul on your own, would be a betrayal of no less severity."
Vestra froze, painfully aware that her placid mask had slipped, baring the surprise on her face. With effort, she clawed her composure back together, pulling Avriss' shroud over herself once more.
She heaved a slow sigh and straightened her shoulders, shifting her feet to ground herself. Had she ever expected a different answer from Talos? Perhaps not. But she did wish he possessed a stronger sense of self-preservation, that he would at least hesitate before following her into danger.
She hoped she deserved his faith as much as he thought she did.
"I am glad to have you, Talos. And the crew looks forward to your return. Do you need time to pack?"
"Ah – about that. I was actually here to retrieve a few relics that are…oh, to hell with that!" Talos waved his arms, exasperation mingling with his growing joy. "Just give me a moment to gather my things, and I'll be right with you. Now…my equipment, I'll need that. All of them? But so many datapads…"
He muttered to himself as he snatched up one backpack, methodically slotting in his many datapads and scanners. Leaving him to wrangle with his belongings, Avriss made for the exit, but paused mid-stride.
"Talos." She looked back and found his waiting, expectant gaze. "I only regret that I could not tell you everything before I left."
His smile turned gentle. "I understand. I was kept under quarantine and questioned when you left. I am glad I knew nothing that could give you away."
Why does this feel familiar, Avriss mused, mind drifting to the other half of her heart.
She nodded, and left the tent. When the guards' helmets turned towards her, she raised her hands before they could react. Lightning flew from her fingertips and overwhelmed them easily, both soldiers dropping to the ground in writhing spasms before growing still.
Ashara cocked a brow at her but said nothing, familiar with that particular, non-lethal intensity of lightning. Avriss cocked a brow back, and paced in a patient circuit before the tent, until Talos walked out with a backpack over his shoulders and another in his arms.
He raised his brows at the soldiers in charred armour, then at Avriss.
"They will be out for a few hours. Long enough for us to leave in peace."
"I see. But…could we perhaps move them into the tent? I wouldn't want the wildlife to…"
"Khem."
Khem Val gathered the unconscious soldiers in his large, clawed hands, while Ashara hopped forward to clamp Talos in a firm embrace.
"It's great to have you back, Talos. I missed you."
"And I, you. It is so good to see you again!"
He grinned when they parted, eyes shining, and gratefully handed over his extra pack at Ashara's insistence. "So, you are back with Lord Avriss! How were your travels, Ashara?"
"Oh, they were eye-opening, that's for sure. I'm glad I took the time to explore by myself. It was nice to return to Republic territory and help out for a bit…"
When Khem Val left the tent, soldiers deposited within, he fell in with Avriss as she led the way towards the ship. Ashara and Talos followed after them, chatting away animatedly. Despite herself, Avriss could not help but smile as she listened to Ashara and Talos catch up, talking with such familiarity as if they had spent no number of years working apart from each other.
'Family', hm? The word had hardly crossed Avriss' mind, but she could believe that Talos thought of them as such. Perhaps Ashara, and even Andronikos as well. Whatever term they used to describe the crew, Avriss could not deny that her ship had been awfully quiet and empty for the last two years, with three of its original six inhabitants gone. Ashara's return and subsequent fussing had helped somewhat, restoring some chatter to the Fury's atmosphere. Now Talos' cheerful nature would certainly bring warmth back to it.
Things were starting to feel…normal again. As they had been, when they were still flying from planet to planet, finding and quelling every trouble they came across. The fledgling Alliance may not be ready to take on the galaxy's greatest threat as yet, but with this crew at her side, Avriss was ready to blaze a path towards it.
A/N: Not our usual Lana/Ves fare, but Ves will do something dramatic soon, and we need to gather the crew first. Just one more chapter to lay the groundwork, then…murder and mayhem await.
As I write more about the Alliance, I'll have to do more groundwork such as this. My aim is not 'novelisation', just filling in the gaps in the narrative. Since Ves is not my Outlander, there may be more gaps, so I'll try to keep sections like this brief. My main focus is and always will be Gay Things™.
