Conflict: A Star Wars Tale (Closed)

[Dreamwalker85]

(Closed for Velvetsatin)

Murkhana, a planet that had been ravaged by war thanks to separatists. These unruly individuals refused to join The Empire and paid the price for it, often with their own lives. They had just witnessed The Empire’s power thanks to a unified show of force between Emperor the Tarkin and Darth Vader, the two individuals in the Emperor’s tightest of circles. It was just after the short lived, and secretive, festivities of Tarkin becoming appointed to the newly minted position Grand Moff. Nearly six years had passed since Order 66 went out to the clone troopers, and they turned on their now former Jedi companions. None were spared, but few were able to escape thanks to warnings.

One of Anakin Skywalker’s last acts of compassion was actually warning someone. The message was a simple text that said, “Hide until you know it’s safe.” This message wasn’t for Padme as she was not a target, only force users were on Trooper Radars. Asoka vanished some time before, and Anakin hadn’t seen her since. This went out to another.

When Darth Vader landed on Murkhana he felt a presence that hadn’t been felt in some time. The only reason he did not chase it upon first landing was the mission. He knew that his presence did not go unnoticed. Even if it was only the familiar tremor that was felt in the force the man knew his whereabouts for the last five years had been revealed. To most Anakin Skywalker was dead. To the one he was just hiding under a black helmet that represented fear, oppression and dominance while going by a new name.

Now, that he was back on the planet Darth Vader was looking for the source of this disturbance. As his custom designed tie-fighter landed the troopers still stationed on the planet were confused. Getting out of the fighter the man clad in black moved with slow purpose.

All troops in the docking bay stood at attention save for the one that went to greet Palpatine’s right hand man and top enforcer.

“My lord Vader, we did not expect your presence,” the trooper said while saluting Vader before moving out of the way to let the sith pass.

“I am here to crush the last of the separatist cell,” Vader’s voice was firm even through the amplified sound that came from the vox box inside his helmet.

“Sir, we are in the midst of tracking down the last of the cell now. Thanks to your and Grand Moff Palpatine’s efforts Murkhana is days away from succeeding into the Empire,” the Trooper tried not to question, but was trying to assure Vader that his presence was not needed here. Someone as important as Vader should have been elsewhere handling bigger threats.

Turning toward the trooper the black emotionless lenses stared into similar ones on the trooper helm, “Are you questioning my presence?”

“No sir.”

“See that you don’t. This cell has a force sensitive with them. I’ll handle the matter personally.”

“Are you sure?” the trooper asked in astonishment. He wasn’t questioning Vader, but the new troops that weren’t clones thought of force sensitive users as a myth. Those that had it were Vader, Palpatine, maybe a few survivors and no one else.

Vader’s hand rose. It clenched at nothingness, but the Trooper began to gag and choke. “Are you questioning the power of The Force?”

The other troopers still in the hangar remained still. Some were wincing under their helmets, but they did not want to meet the same fate as their C.O. so none helped or spoke up for him. Continuing his grip Vader asked, “Do you still question The Force?”

The trooper was choking and gagging, but managed to get a, “No…”

Suddenly Vader let the man down. Staring at the Trooper that managed to keep his helmet on despite falling to his hands and knees with no self-restraint, Vader said in a firm voice “If you question me or The Force again your squad will need a new commander.” It was a warning that showed Vader’s reputation on insubordination.

“Yes..Yes..My Lord,” the Trooper said between coughs, gasps for breathe, and anything else that could have caused air to rush to his lungs sooner.

Moving past everyone the Sith began on his journey. He moved through the sea of ruined buildings. If the questions hadn’t been asked Vader wouldn’t have struck at the Trooper. Deep down the man knew that any story given had grounds to be questioned by any astute member of The Empire. The Attack was to show that Vader’s will was not to be questioned no matter what. Stories were going to pass from this troop, then whoever they told were going to add another detail and so forth. It solidified Vader’s reputation and showed no weakness.

Although Vader knew he was not on Murkhana for any reason that involved insurgents. Even The Emperor knew that wasn’t Vader’s motives when he was off toward the planet. Palpatine just didn’t question Vader on this personal matter because a soldier who had good morale was a loyal one. This little journey to Murkhana would have made Vader more loyal, and maybe something else could have come from it. Palpatine had trusted in the force because he did not foresee a change in Vader’s loyalty, at least not today. It was why Vader was –allowed- to do this.

A good thirty minutes of walking took Vader deeper into the planet. He had no need for a map, or guide. The presence in The Force guided him like a beacon that only spoke to him on this miserable rock of a homeworld.

When Vader stopped he was on the second floor of a permacrete building. Both the first floor and the second floor had gaping holes in many parts. The building had seen combat between separatists, and the imperial presence. It was more appropriate to call this place the ruins of a building instead of an actual one.

Building officials would have condemned the place and dozens like it. However, these dilapidated places managed to stay up, and provide adequate hiding places. Vader stood in a doorway, and spoke, “You’re safe now.”

As he said the words the man remembered every encounter they had together starting with the beginning.

Nearly Seven Years Ago in a Galaxy Far Far Away…

Anakin Skywalker, a year away from being Vader, was walking down a hallway on Fort Anaxes. The planet had seen war due to the Clone Wars that ravaged the galaxy. Anaxes was a rocky world that had breath taking red foliage.

The planet was experiencing a quieter time due to the separatists being driven back. Anakin was moving down a corridor at the military fort, of the same name as the planet, talking with an individual. “So what you’re telling me is she’s force sensitive?” he asked.

Wearing his untraditional black leather inner robes accented with the dark brown sleeves, pants and everything else Anakin looked at the man. He apparently knew a Force Sensitive. Asokah and him were no longer Master and Padawan. It did create a void that he could not explain.

When people asked about what severed their relationship Anakin just said, “People change.” Deep down he didn’t know what the woman knew. That concerned him, but it was no matter. She had no reason to be jealous, concerned or whatever she was.

Anakin still was unable to shake that void. It was why he was entertaining the current conversation. The military base was filled top to bottom with metal walls. Boots, some conversations and other noises echoed down the corridors. Every hall and doorway was shaped like a hexagon.

The pair were moving toward a door. Many refugees from the violence of the Clone War battles that still ravaged the planet, even though the blaster had long since been silenced, were using the available rooms as makeshift public areas that included bedrooms that looked like more compact version of different barracks here, and other places people could have survived in.

Anakin was being led to one of these places with the promise of finding someone that had the force. He felt their presnence, but it was feint. Honestly, Anakin was a bit…preoccupied, so he only half-listened to the story. The man missed a few key details about the relation between who he was talking to, and who was about to be introduced. For all Anakin could have known they could have been strangers. What he didn’t know was the impact this person was going to have on his life.

 

[Dreamwalker85]

Anakin felt that presence in the force. It was faint, but there was potential. Sometimes small tremors in the force were just weak signals from people with potential. Other times they were weak. No one was ever completely sure until some type of training, a few meetings or something similar.

One of the first things Anakin noticed was her striking beauty. Ryelle had a beauty that made him think of fragile things. Like an untouched flower he saw sometimes on the harsh battlefields on this planet. Something unbelievably beautiful and bright in a dark world, but Anakin looked her over. His gaze could have been seen as an assessment. Anyone could have thought he was sizing her up. That was the original intent, but halfway through Anakin for some reason was getting an eyeful.

Shaking his head he took the offered hand then shook it softly, "Anakin. Your brother tells me you have potential in the force," the man smiled softly at her. His voice carried the tone of business. "I would like to take you somewhere on the planet and see what you know," he was smiling at her just trying to make her feel alright. Yes, this was a test but he didn't want anything interfering with it like nerves.

Now, he waited to see how Ryelle and her brother were going to react to such a desire.

 

[Dreamwalker85]

Anakin looked to Ryelle, "The force works in mysterious ways. Just because your brother got training at a proper age doesn't mean it forgot about you. It was simply not your destiny to get trained like he did," the words were honest, sincere and meant for comfort. There was a big commotion about Anakin training before he was a Padawan. First, the council did not like Master Qui-Gon having what looked like two Padawans between Anakin and Obi-Wan. Second, Anakin was a new jedi at a young age, but the Jedi preferred finding students when they were much younger. They wanted three and four year olds because the first five years of a person's life knowledge really sticks. They felt teaching younglings during this cycle the knowledge would have stuck better. Yet, Anakin was a well-respected member of the Republic and Jedi. No green jedi would have guessed Anakin didn't get training at a very young age on Coruscant.

Then her brother spoke. Anakin didn't snap, but he made it clear that Ryelle's brother had no part in these decisions, "I do not need your permission to take your sister." Anakin's voice was firm. The friendly nature was gone for the briefest of moments. Even Anakin shook his head at it, but the man didn't apologize. Just because the words were a little harsh didn't make the validity any less true. Ryelle's brother was inconsequential.

Once in the speeder Anakin asked in the usual friendly yet somewhat neutral tone, "Ready to go?" It was like the firmness of his voice and what happened mere moments ago was forgotten completely. With Ryelle's permission the speeder took off.

Ryelle could have seen the planet from a few different angles. The speeder went past places that looked serene. These were worthy of paintings between the Anaxes rocky terrain that could have made anyone feel like they were on a mountain at any given point, and the large red leaves of native plants it was like a strange amalgamation between the forest and rocky plains. It was truly breath-taking.

Then there was the war ravaged places. Small towns that had seen the different devastation that came with war. Buildings were scorched with blaster fire, explosives and who knew what else. Sometimes the buildings didn't survive and they lay in rubble. Clone Troopers were there helping be the peacekeepers in this time of rebuilding. They were providing security, food that caused long lines of people seeking nourishment, and whatever relief that could have been given to the survivors. Abraxes had a bit of everything.

Anakin didn't stop until they were in a clearing far away from everyone else. When the vehicle stopped and was off he got out of the vehicle. Both hands were offered to the woman to help her out. The spot they were in felt like a clearing for a cliff just without the cliff. Black boots moved Anakin out to a spot where he made an "X." His eyes went to Ryelle, "Sit or stand here. It's better to sit. I know it'll make you a little dirty, but it will help you concentrate," he offered with a small smile as if to say "This was okay" without using the actual words.

About three to four feet away from the "X" Anakin set down a couple of very small stones. They would have been perfect for skipping across the water. Together the pair were a good fifteen to twenty feet from the speeder. It was far enough away to forget aout it until someone looked in the direction.

"I want you to close your eyes, clear your mind, and try reaching out to the small stones. Use the force. Just picturing yourself reaching out to them, and taking them," Anakin's voice firmed up. He was slipping into the role of Master. He was testing to see if Ryelle could have lifted up objects with the force. It was one of three very basic tests. Master Yoda barely touched Anakin's belt line yet the small-sized Master was able to move ships with the force all by using it to extend outward, and touch what he wished.

Whether Ryelle was successful or not, Anakin was encouraging with words like, "It's okay," "Just trust in the force," "Clear your mind," he was trying very hard to see that she did well. Even if she could not pass this test he said, "The force works in mysterious ways. Trust in it and it will show you what you were meant for," he said. A black gloved hand was offered to her.

Helping Ryelle up Anakin smiled. "This next test may be tricky." He wasn't sure if she could have felt a difference between his black gloved hand and the fleshy one. Underneath the glove was a sea of circuitry and metal. It was Anakin's artificial hand.

Moving behind her Anakin pressed close and undid the sash to his robes. At first this was an innocent gesture. Then as he brought the sash to her eyes, He said trust me. His voice was a whisper in her ear. Something inside him surged. Deep down he wanted to do this again for different reasons. What went unseen by each of them was his eyes turning a little yellow as he started to blindfold Ryelle. Lingering for a few moments Anakin was unsure what to do, but eventually a thought helped him push away for a moment. Then in his absent mindedness he realized what needed to be done.

He went back to her and reached around her. Placing into her hands was his lightsaber. Pressing the button with a thumb Anakin brought it to life with a crack and a sizzle. "Be very careful with that," he warned.

Going away from the woman he continued, "This next test is to see if you can use the force to see. To trust in your senses and the force to help guide you," pushing aside all of his own thoughts on the surface, and deep down. "If you can see with the force you won't get pelted. I'm not going to throw these at you hard, but you will feel them if they make it through. Are you ready?" he asked. When Ryelle gave the okay Anakin picked up some of the small stones, from the same pile earlier, and began to toss them at her. With her blinded he was testing her senses. If she had an idea she could have clumsily blocked the simple stones with the light saber. If not then she was going to feel the small pelt of a stone being tossed lightly at her.

 

[Dreamwalker85]

Deep down Anakin was unsure how this was going to go. Some students that had potential were one-trick ponies. They had their uses. The archives always needed caretakers. While, some of the librarians in these areas trained their saber skills to rival no one else, but because they could not dip into the force so readily like others and this would have led to their downfall against some threats. However, for most threats individuals like this were okay, and they were still seen as a valuable part in the order. Every cog had their place to make the machine work. Unfortunately, these cogs were never going to see the field.

Ryelle’s movement of the stones impressed Anakin, but he did not want to jump to conclusions. Since Asokah had left him he was partially afraid of trusting another. She was a good student. Maybe a little too good due to her headstrong and curious nature, deep down he made a vow his next student would be different. Better. She wasn’t going to be some ungrateful brat that didn’t see the good of what he was doing! For a second his eyes changed briefly then he looked to the stones. Shaking his head the thoughts dissipated.

This was when he got up to blindfold Ryelle. When sitting down he was scatterbrained too, but he had more control. He had more control, more training. Although his thoughts wanted to focus on why it felt so good to be behind her, why it felt so good to put that blindfold on her. Those thoughts swirled as he reached out with the force. Taking the stones he flung them at her.

As she was pelted Anakin felt disappointed. He was getting thoughts of Ryelle being a one-trick pony. It was a shame because Ryelle had so much potential. Then the hissing noise of stone meeting sabre filled the air. Another hiss and pride filled him. “That’s enough,” he said softly.

Anakin moved around her again. Like before the heat rose in him. Both hands reached around her. A hand flicked off the sabre before he took it. How, she asked him if things pleased him made him shudder deep down. Pushing that aside for now Anakin grabbed his communicator.

Staring at the device he figured a trip to Coruscant or Naboo would have sufficed. No hard, no foul and as he brought the device to his lips. A large tremor went through the force. There might have been a chance Ryelle felt it. To her the sensation would have been very brief, but she could tell it was coming from very far away.

“Garel. You will go to Garel,” the voice from faraway said. No one knew this, but it was Senator Palpatine speaking. He was using the force to help manipulate Anakin. For a long time now the man had done subtle whispers. Rarely did he reach out and use the force like this. He could sense there was some turmoil in Anakin. This was a leverage he could have used. He didn’t know what Anakin was conflicted about. Just had a hint of conflict along with a desire to go back to Padme. That insipient woman was going to ruin everything. She brought out the best in him, but in very misguided ways. He needed those two separated so that the best of Anakin could be brought out in a better way. One that was more deserving of Anakin’s talents.

For a brief second Anakin’s face went blank. Then he shook his head a moment later. Turning the device on, “Master Kenobi. I’m heading to Garel. I found a force sensitive out here. She has some business out there before I can bring her back.”
Ben Kenobi, on the other end, furrowed his brows. “How did you find a Jedi out there? We did searches.”

“Well, you missed one,” Anakin gave Ryelle a smile. “She’s my new Padawan.”

“You know you will have to bring her to the coun-“

Anakin started to fiddle with the device, “Ben. You’re breaking up,” he said then turned the device up.

If Ryelle had ever faked a dropped communication she would have recognized exactly what was being done. He looked at her and gave a smile.

“The council will make you do a lot of tests. You can be my Padawan, but there’s red tape. So, right now it’s unofficial. Garel would be a good place for us to go. I can train you. If you have anything back at camp we can head there. If not I can take the speeder to transport and we can leave now,” Anakin was just trying to be helpful as he spoke.

As he waited Anakin just felt Garel was right. Something about that planet just felt right. Imaginging them alone together on the planet did make Anakin let loose a small yet visible shudder. That thought entertained him quite a bit, for reasons he had yet to understand.

 

[Dreamwalker85]

There was concern from Obi-Wan on the other end of the communicator. First, he knew Ankain was making it sound like his communicator was breaking up. Second, Garel was a neutral planet that made the trip back to Coruscant days longer from his current position. Something wasn’t right, but the Jedi Master was unable to put his finger on it.

Anakin looked at Ryelle, “Shall we?” he gave a soft smile. Getting back in the speeder he waited for her then took off. The trip to the base was uneventful. Although, Anakin did ask Ryelle if she was nervous then followed up with, “You shouldn’t be. The work will be hard, but it will be worth it. If you’re bothered about anything it shouldn’t be becoming a Jedi. It should be how sore becoming a Jedi will make you,” a grin was on his face.

Once Ryelle had everything she needed Anakin pointed toward a BTL-B Y-Wing, “We need to commandeer that,” he told a Clone Trooper.

They nodded, “Right away sir.”

Looking at Ryelle, Anakin said, “You’ll need to take gunner. Space should be clear. This is the only type of small craft we have available that’s not a one-seater.” Plus, Anakin arrived on a gunner ship so this was their only option.

Opening the gunner ship troopers helped Ryelle inside. It was cramped, but the seat was comfortable. Anakin got in the pilot’s spot. He talked on the ship’s interpersonal com, “I won’t do too many spins. Promise.” True to his word there were no spins, but a few sharp turns happened.

She could see all of the stars in the vast black that was space. The stars twinkled. Everything was peaceful. Like the speeder ride, this was pretty uneventful. Only the sights could have been taken in.

Garel was a planet not like many others. Much of the planet landscape had a purple hue that would have made flowers jealous. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much vegistations, and there were urban landscapes that stood out. All of buildings brought the added color to make the planet more than just various purples.

Everything went okay from docking to getting out of the ship. When Anakin got out he pulled some dark brown robes over him. Yes, it was a signal that the man moving was a jedi, but it didn’t say which one. It offered some subterfuge at least.

The pair had to bob and weave through streets filled with people, droids, and even some sentient species of aliens that were humanoid sans a few differences. Ryelle could have seen everything from shops that offered the finest clothes, food that came from different planets across the galaxy thanks to Garel’s diverse traffic, and all manner of things that were probably just completely alien to Ryelle if she didn’t see much of the galaxy.
Anakin checked back on Ryelle from time to time to make sure she was keeping up. “I made arrangements on the way here. This will be our home for the next few weeks, maybe a couple of months while your training is underway,” the words were said after they strode into a large building
In the grand scale of things it was a medium sized shipping facility that had long since been cleared out. From top to bottom the place was duracrete. Near the roof there were metal foundations that held up the roof. The offices were cleared out too. Moving into the offices Anakin nodded, “We will sleep here. Then you will train out there,” he pointed out toward the empty facility.
There were no beds so their first night sleeping in offices was awkward and possibly uncomfortable. Day two Anakin was gone most of the day. From there the Jedi was in and out for the day. First it started with two queen sized beds, one placed in each office. Then came the various sheet and bedding. Odd bits and pieces came next. It was hard making out what they were meant for until Anakin had placed them down.

An obstacle course had taken shape. Anakin had found small pieces of barrels that had the tops rounded off. They were going to hurt if tripped over. A misstep wasn’t going to be too bad. Embarassing because the canisters were bound to make a large noise if a mistepped foot banged into them. Bruising of the body, but it was bound to wound pride.

Fencing followed. He made it like a rope wall that was going to need to be climbed and scaled down. Outlined were two rectangular spots. The number “10” was written inside them. All of it was done in a white paint. Following that was a was a ten foot pool that went across horizontally and was a good six feet off the ground thanks to a makeshift support.

Then there was a pathway made in a big turning curve. Then a giant white line a few feet before the metal obstacles began. Any metal to metal, or metal to duracrete fusing he used his lightsaber for.

When he was done Ankain explained it, “Ryelle. You’re going to start at the giant white line in the floor,” his gloved hand pointed at it. “You’re going to lift your legs putting your feet in and out of the holes. Scale the fence. Ten pushups in one square, ten situps in the other, I will assist when necessary. Then you will climb across to the other side before dropping down to do a hard sprint toward the finish. You are to do this ten times tomorrow, this starts your training,” he warned. For the night there was time just to get some food and prepare.

 

[Dreamwalker85]

Anakin had watched Ryelle working. All the while his mind drifted. As the thoughts drifted he looked at the swaying of the woman's breasts, how her muscles gleamed and then each time he thought of Padme. The thoughts of her pushed away temptation. They pushed away all of the doubt that he had. For a moment he watched her as a Master should have seen his Padawan.

Sensing this change within Anakin even from several light years away Palpatine's brows furrowed. There was a weakness to exploit. Padme had been getting in the way of Anakin's potential. Ryelle was a crowbar to help exploit that. Keeping Padme safe only went so far.

Focusing on Anakin, Palpatine began to whisper in the force "Look at her. Look at what she can do for you. Picture it," the words weren't able to reach Ryelle. Palpatine was too strong in the force. If he was careless with the words, there was a chance. That would have been like using a blunt kitchen knife in the situation. The master manipulator, Palpatine, was like a surgeon with a scalpel and exact cuts mixed with precision.

As Ryellle worked around the training facility Anakin was seeing her in various state of dress. Everything from tight clothes that accented her features, slave gear often used by hutts when they had indentured someone, and even wearing nothing while she was splayed open to him. While these thoughts ran through his mind his eyes flashed yellow. She would have been too focused on training to notice.

By the time Ryelle made it to him, Anakin's eyes were normal. Out of nowhere she dropped to her knees. With her gaze focused on his well polished boots, the man's eyes slipped to their previous yellow hue. "No. Undo my belt and push down my uniform Padawan," the words were soft yet very firm. Now, he was trying to sense her emotions for reactions.

 

[Dreamwalker85]

"That's not what I requested, Padawan," Anakin's voice was firm as he stood there unmoving. He pointed to the spot in front of him. "Service me," it was an order. His cock was hard and partially hidden by his tunic. The man's cock was as long and thick as a light Saber hilt. This was going to be very untraditional training, but to Anakin it felt right.