The Dark Academy on Korriban

Vengean listens and says, “This pleases me my apprentice. Proceed to the next phase.” The holo ends and Baras is left alone in his chambers on the edge of the system, the star of Horuset so distant it was just a red pinprick among the sea of stars.

Baras pours wine for himself and sighs as he considers how next to proceed.

The holo flares up and there is Raven Torsin in all her stately glory. She bows her head, “All has proceeded as you have planned, my Master.”

“Good,” he turns and adds, “The Wrath has handled the last bit of evidence for us, faster than I anticipated. I applaud your maneuvering to place the child in your care, it seems sentimentality has won out.”

“I did not enjoy influencing my husband to think I was ill, but it served the larger plan,” she says calmly.

“He did not share everything with you,” Baras says.

“He was a Torsin, as is our son. I admit to a small relief that he has decided to join you,” she says meeting his eyes.

“Moff Brell will ascend as planned, then we wait. Darth Vengean must be appeased and we are not yet ready to remove that obstacle.”

“What of the daughter,” Raven asks.

“She is immaterial. She can live.”

“My years of work and service give me pride, my Master,” she says with nod.

“The Empire is stronger for it, my apprentice. Return to your duties and know your son is in good hands,” he says with no mirth.