Chapter 24
In silence, the Shadow Redeemer orbited the planet Zonama, flanked by a pair of support craft. The remainder of the fleet held position just outside of orbit. On the planet’s surface, the planetary base was nearing completion after nearly two standard weeks of work. The rate of construction was greatly enhanced through the assistance of the Force users. Joash compacted the ground using his gravity technique to ensure complete stability under the structure. Athin and Rend assisted in lifting many pieces into place as the fleet did not possess all of the standard equipment typically used to assemble structures. As the Capital ship continues to orbit, a shuttle approaches and enters the hangar bay before setting down gently. Sun, garbed in her black robes and armor strode down the ramp after it opened. Her footsteps were silent as she navigated the corridors of the flagship until she arrived at the door to Anhiel’s quarters. Gently, she knocks on the metal door and steps back, awaiting a response. From within the room, the authoritative voice of the Admiral calls out, “You may enter.” After keying open the door, Sun steps inside and bows low, “You wished to see me, Grandmaster?”
Anhiel sat at a desk, reviewing data on the built-in monitor. Without looking up, she addresses the younger woman in a mild tone, “My apologies, Commander. I expected to be done by now but this final report has taken much longer to review than I expected.” Sun straightens and smiles, “It is not a problem, Ma’am.” Exhaling deeply, Anhiel continues while still gazing at the screen, “This should only take a few more minutes, make yourself comfortable.” After nodding, Sun slowly moves deeper into the room. She looks around with her usual curiosity as she had never been in the High Admiral’s quarters before. Along the wall mid way into the room stood two sabers that rested on stands perched upon a shelf. Without thinking, Sun moves rather quickly to begin inspecting them more closely. The hilts are identical to the naked eye, fashioned out of a bright silver metal. Each end expands slightly from the diameter of the center. The silver metal is made in individual panels that come together nearly seamlessly. In the seams lies a glossy black material. As Sun looks closer, she can sense the deeper components, which elicited a wide smile and an onslaught of questions she moves to ask Anhiel. Before she can voice the questions, she notices the white haired woman is no longer at the desk. Instead, she stands just behind the young Padawan with appraising blue eyes. Sun turns around, somewhat startled yet she manages to inquire, “Your sabers are beautiful, Grandmaster. How did you craft them?” Anhiel’s features fall slightly as the memory of the saber’s creation rises in her mind. Noticing the shift in the older woman’s demeanor, Sun moves to speak again but is interrupted by a quiet tone, “I did not fashion those sabers.” The statement brought a confused look to the Padawan’s face as she reflexively asked, “Aren’t sabers crafted by the wielder?” Anhiel straightens, folding her hands behind her back as she often does before she continues in the same tone, “Usually, yes.” Sun’s head begins to tilt to the side as she attempts to understand but Anhiel preempts the follow up questions. With a deep breath, Anhiel speaks in a solemn tone, “My previous partner, Dulci, crafted them for me just before the war.” Sun nods very slowly as she speaks, “She is the one you shared a Force bond with?” Anhiel nods once, “That is correct.” Several long, silent moments pass before the Padawan speaks once more, “Grandmaster, I do not understand much about Force bonds. How was she able to fashion such beautiful sabers that fit your needs?”
Contemplation crosses the older woman’s face as she ponders whether or not she wishes to continue answering. After several more moments she responds, “Dulci always possessed an affinity for the exquisite. Her eye wrap was adorned with an ornate lace pattern which had fibers of pure silver interwoven throughout the lace. Before I deployed, for the first time, she presented these sabers to me.” Anhiel pauses, taking a deep breath before she continues, “They are fashioned out of Phrik, with Duro filling the seams. A Force Bond allows for your bondmate to gain an understanding of you that often exceeds your own understanding of yourself. Through our bond, she was able to make these weapons with a level of detail specific to me that I do not believe I could exceed myself. Your keen eye may have noticed that the left hilt is ever so slightly smaller than the right.” Sun turns once more towards the sabers and examines them closely before she nods slightly, “She was even able to account for the differences between your hands?” Anhiel nods, “That is correct. Something I had not noticed about myself. These were built for me by someone who understood me at the most personal level and they represent what she saw in me.” The young Padawan looks over the hilts once more, noting the silver color of the metal, the simple elegance in their design, and the petite size of the hilts. She turns once more to Anhiel and looks at the woman with her vibrant green eyes, “Your sabers are magnificent works of art, Master Anhiel. I wish I could have met Dulci. Someone that could be so important to you must have been beyond special.” After the statement finishes, Sun raises a hand to her mouth quickly and begins to apologize, “I am sorry, that was out of line.” The smile Anhiel gave was surprising to the Padawan as she listened to the woman’s words, “She was indeed special, Sun. And she would have enjoyed your company. I often wonder why she gravitated to someone such as I. Her outlook on the universe was much more light than my own, even before she...” The sentence trails off as Anhiel clears her throat. “You may examine them closer if you wish. I know of no one else that will appreciate the craftsmanship more than you.” A very wide smile forms on Sun’s face as glee radiates throughout her presence, “Thank you, Grandmaster. I swear I will be gentle with them.” Anhiel returns a slight smile, suppressing the painful feelings that were trying to rise up, “I have no doubt, Sun.” She beckons to the table and chairs at the center of the room, “Let’s sit and discuss why I called you here.”
The pair moves to the table, taking seats opposite of each other. The Padawan, holding one of the sabers in awe not noticing the grimace that her Grandmaster was experiencing, speaks, “I have never seen such elegant craftsmanship. Somehow, I can tell there is something different about these sabers. Materials that are familiar but not typically used for saber construction.” Anhiel, still battling against the pain, responds, “Very good Padawan. What do you sense?” Sun, holding the singular weapon in her hand, expands her presence into the petite saber and responds, “I sense Carbonite and a more durable power core.” Anhiel, feeling relief, smiles and replies, “You are correct again. The focusing lens frame is made of Carbonite and the power supply is a dual stage Diatium power core.” Sun's eyes widened before speaking, “Do you know how hard it is to forge Carbonite in such a small form? It is nearly impossible. The construction of these sabers speak volumes about Dulci. They are masterpieces.” The young Padawan pauses before continuing, “Dulci was a Miraluka, correct?” Anhiel nods slightly. Sun’s face scrunches somewhat as she thinks intently, “That is fascinating. Someone that does not see as most made some of the most exquisite sabers. Miraluka sight fascinates me. I should speak with Athin more when time allows…” Her voice trails off as she realizes she was rambling before she hands one of Anhiel’s weapons back. Anhiel speaks after taking hold of the hilt, “Now back to the matters at hand.” Sun fidgets with her braid as she waits for Anhiel to elaborate on why she is here. “How has your training been going on the techniques I provided?” Blinking rapidly, Sun responds “I believe it is going well. The sound suppression technique has come quickly. I suspect it is because this outfit already greatly reduces sound production. I have had a bit of trouble with Invisibility, but my gear also handles most of that. In fact, I was able to increase the efficacy of the stealth unit and modify it to be able to adapt the appearance of the outfit.” Anhiel listens quietly as the young woman continues, “I suspect that my skill with Force Suppression is lacking and as for Kill….” She trails off, not sure how to bridge the subject. Mercifully, Anhiel interjects, “Your progress is impressive and sufficient enough for why I called you here.” Intrigued, Sun straightens up in her seat, listening intently. “In the next week, I will be sending Mirr and Rend on a reconnaissance mission. I would like you to join them.” Sun nods, “Of course, Admiral.” Anhiel chuckles slightly, “You misunderstand, Sun. Neither Mirr nor your master will know you are coming. It is time we begin testing your stealth abilities. You will join their mission without their knowledge.”
The remainder of the conversation breezes by the young Padawan as she remains surprised by what Anhiel wanted her to do. They discuss various details before Sun does a demonstration of the upgrades she made to her armor and robes. Sun pulls her right arm sleeve up to reveal a small inconspicuous bracelet. “With this little trinket I can change this outfit to any color that I require either piece by piece or in its entirety.” The younger woman, whose robes and mask were black as deep space, smoothly transitions robes to a bright pink hue. She then makes a few more adjustments near the clasp allowing for only a portion of the outfit to change to a crisp white. Sun continues excitedly, “The modifications I made have enhanced the cloaking ability to a near perfect concealment.” Sun continues to manipulate the small keys on her bracelet until her body starts to disappear leaving only her wrist and head, above the nose, exposed. “You see in the light the suit does not quite conceal perfectly.” Anhiel appraises the younger Jedi and can see the flickering of the fabric in the light as it is constantly adjusting to the conditions. The Grandmaster replies, “Remarkable.” The Padawan nods before continuing, “I call it adaptive camouflage. In dimly lit places I become completely invisible.” She keys her wrist jewelry one more time and her suit returns to its standard color as Anhiel responds, “I believe you are ready to test these modifications in the field.” Sun bows low to Anhiel before addressing her once more, “I will do my best on this mission, Admiral.” Anhiel inclines her head slightly in response but Sun continues in a more timid tone as she remains bowed, “And thank you…for sharing what you did. I have seen that you do not feel worthy, but I know Dulci felt otherwise just by looking at the sabers she crafted for you. Rend, Joash, Athin, and I feel the same way, Grandmaster.” A fleeting look of discomfort washes over Anhiel’s features, the source of the discomfort stemming from her inability to readily accept compassion from others. Unsure how to respond, she settles with changing the subject. “I look forward to seeing how your mission goes, Commander Veruna.” Sun straightens, nodding slightly before she begins to stride towards the door, exiting the room.
Anhiel sits quietly for several minutes alone in the room. Slowly she turns the saber hilt that Sun had been examining over in her hand, closely admiring the craftsmanship with a solemn face. The hiss of the door opening went unnoticed as she continued to look over the saber, stirring memories of a distant past as she did until a hand rested on her shoulder, pulling the woman out of contemplation. Quickly she looks up to her left and offers a weak smile to the man, “I thought you were not returning until later?” Athin chuckles before looking down with a somber expression, “It is later, Anhiel. Much later and you need to rest.” Anhiel glances over at the digital clock on the far wall and realizes it is several hours later than she thought it was. “I lost track of time, it would seem.” She rests her head in her palms, rubbing her face several times as she feels the exhaustion setting in. Exhaling deeply, she begins to rise from her seat. “I suppose you are right. It is time to turn in.” She glances to her left, letting her blue eyes flit over Athin, “Would you stay with me tonight?” The question surprises the Miraluka, causing a short silence before he responds, “If that is what you wish, Anhiel.” She nods, in confirmation as she waves her left hand vaguely, causing a button on the door controls to depress, locking the door for the evening. As Anhiel removes the cape of her uniform and folds it, she speaks calmly, “I am going to jump in the refresher. I won’t be long.” Athin nods, “Take your time. I’ll uuuuhhhh…” His voice trails off as he looks around, which elicits a smirk from the woman as she walks towards the refresher, “Make yourself comfortable Athin, I will be back shortly.” Anhiel enters the refresher room and sheds her uniform after turning on the flow of water. After it heats, she steps in and looks up into the stream, letting it wash over her as steam rises around her. She spends nearly ten minutes washing her hair and body while Athin slowly paces in the room outside. As she steps out of the refresher and grabs a towel to dry off, Athin elects to remove his robes, hanging them in the small closet by the entrance to the room. A couple minutes later, Anhiel exits with damp hair, the silver strands hanging down to her shoulder blades. Her skin is bare, save for the gray compression bra and tight underwear in the style of shorts, exposing the slightest amount of her toned buttocks. Quietly she looks at Athin, who stands near the bed still unsure what he should be doing, before she walks up behind him. Her gentle touch surprises the man as she begins to loosen his under tunic while addressing him in a new, sultry tone. “I am not the only one that needs to rest, Athin. I am aware that you have been helping with the base’s construction.” He chuckles while Anhiel steps around him to the rather large bed for a military vessel. “I suppose you are right, as usual.” The soft rustle of blankets can be heard as Anhiel pulls the covers back before she hits a nearby button to cut the lights and crawls into the bed. She slides her legs under the covers but leaves the rest of her body exposed as she awaits her partner. After swallowing, Athin removes his under tunic, revealing toned musculature and fair skin. He nervously approaches the bed and sits down on the edge, only laying down after several long moments. Anhiel pulls up the covers over both of them with her right arm as she lies on her left side facing the wall. Athin lays flat on his back, nervousness radiating from him as he still was processing many things about his new relationship with the woman beside him. He continued to think to himself for several minutes until he felt Anhiel stir beside him. Before he could turn, the faintest hint of blue eyes appeared above him, followed by the sensation of soft, small lips upon his own. The kiss was gentle, lasting many seconds before the woman pulled away and lied back down with her back to the man. She pressed back into his side, waiting patiently for Athin’s response. After several more moments, Athin rotates to his left side, wrapping his right arm around the woman’s bare midsection before he pulls her closer, allowing her petite body to nestle itself against his larger frame.
Anhiel’s shoulders rise and fall gently as her breathing begins to slow. A feeling of comfort blankets the woman as she rests within the embrace of her partner. Athin sensed the shift in her aura which brought calmness to himself as well. Gently he tightened his right arm around the woman's midsection, feeling the stony muscles of her abdomen. The large scar from her hip and across her back presses into Athin’s midsection. The couple lies still for several minutes, Anhiel’s breathing continues to slow as she drifts off into a deep slumber. Athin follows suit after several minutes, his consciousness slowly fading until the woman nestled next to him begins to shift erratically, a low growl escaping her lips. Surprised, the Miraluka sits up quickly and appraises Anhiel’s aura which swirled in an all too familiar pattern. Athin pulls back on the woman, rotating her onto her back as the fit continues. He sits up, placing his left hand on her left shoulder and his right hand on her right hip, shaking her moderately in an attempt to wake her from the fit. “Anhiel…Anhiel!” He calls, continuing to attempt to rouse her. Another minute passes before a sense of relief washes over Athin as her shaking begins to subside. His right hand comes up to caress her face gently while she grimaces, returning to consciousness. Slowly, her eyelids open to reveal wide blue eyes with dilated pupils. The concern on Athin’s face registers with the woman as she returns to consciousness, causing her features to fall in shame with the realization of what occurred. Turning her head to the side she comments quietly, “I am sorry…” Athin’s left hand rotates Anhiel’s head back to face him as he looks down with a serious face, “No more apologizing, Anhiel. You asked me to stand by your side and I will. What is troubling you? It has been a long time since your last fit.” Anhiel sighs deeply before she responds, “Sun was interested in my sabers and I explained their origin to her. I suspect bringing up those memories caused me to reach for the bond once more while I slept.” Athin is puzzled by her words. Tilting his head he asks, “The origin of your sabers?” Nodding slightly Anhiel continues, “I did not create those sabers. Dulci did. Through our bond she crafted a pair of sabers for me.” A long sigh escapes her before she continues, “It has been many years since I wielded them. They fit me better than the sabers I fashioned myself.” Athin runs his hands through some locks of Anhiel’s silvery white hair as he queries quietly, “Why did you decide to wield them once more?” Blue eyes look off to the left as Anhiel reluctantly responds, “They were made for me to go to war. After Dulci’s death, I put them away. However, when I was asked to take on this role, I felt them calling to me once more. As I said before, I am an instrument of war and they were made in my image for that purpose.” Athin offers a light smile despite the woman’s attempt to put herself down, “There is beauty in war, even if it is difficult to see. Despite how you may feel, Dulci felt different, as shown by the sabers she crafted you.” Athin pauses, stroking Anhiel’s left cheek gently, “And I feel different as well. So let that thought go. You are what the Force needs you to be.” Anhiel sighs heavily, giving Athin a sheepish smile as she nods slightly in acceptance. The Miraluka leans down gently to kiss the woman below him, then sits back up after several moments to query, “Let’s go back to sleep, Admiral.” Anhiel chuckles lightly at Athin’s feigned formality, rolling back onto her left side to allow the man to pull her close once more. Athin stays awake until he feels his partner drift off into a deep sleep once more before he allows himself to follow suit.
Morning comes and on the planet’s surface atop a plateau that overlooks the compound, two young Jedi are engaged in a light sparring session with some single bladed training swords. “You seem to be mastering form V well, Padawan.” Sun leaps backwards and lands crouched in the initial stance and replies, “Thank you, Master. I have been practicing.” The two continue to spar with one another in their preferred forms as the elder Jedi and the Miraluka can be found meditating nearby, speaking quietly as well. Joash’s gruff voice joked with Athin, “I am surprised you are planetside so early.” Athin’s face remains neutral as he responds, “Anhiel is quite an early riser.” The older man turns a devious eye towards the Miraluka as he questions him in a knowing tone, “And how would our illustrious Grandmaster’s early rising impact you in your quarters?” Athin clears his throat in response which elicits a long chuckle from Joash that continues until Mirr strolls up onto the plateau. The Mandolorian strides towards Rend with his helmet clutched between his right arm and his side. “Young Master Jedi, is now an appropriate time for me to spar with your trainee?” Rend abruptly halts the session and turns towards the Mandalorian. The young master gives a swift nod as he replies, “Sure. I will stand by and make suggestions as needed. Choose your weapon.” Mirr draws his Beskar sword as he makes his way a few meters away from Sun and positions himself in a relaxed stance. Sun, slightly apprehensive at what was transpiring peers at her Master with a concerned look on her face. Rend returns a confident look and addresses his Padawan, “Sun, this will be different from how you have typically trained, but the approach is the same. Let the Force flow through you and guide your movements.” Sun, slightly intimidated, nods and gets in her crouched stance with her training sword in the reverse grip.
Mirr places his helmet upon his head and gives Rend a nod indicating he is ready, Sun also nods and prepares for the session. Rend gives the signal and the session starts. Mirr switches his weapon to his left hand and drops his blade allowing it to drag the ground as he sprints toward Sun. As she braces for a swing he flings the loose material he had generated by the sword tip into Sun's face causing her to flinch allowing him to grab the Padawan’s weapon hand and get behind her holding his sword to her throat. Astonished at how quickly he moved, Sun taps his hand signaling she yields. Rend with a stern voice exclaims, “Mirr, why did you show mercy?” Sun cleans her face, astonished at what she had just heard. Rend addresses Sun, “Padawan, you have to be ready for anything when dealing with a combatant. Clear your mind and expand your presence. The Force will guide your movements.”
The two step back to their respective starting places and nod again. This time just before Rend gives the signal Mirr leaps with the assistance of his jet pack towards Sun and delivers a kick to her right shoulder. His kick sent Sun to the ground where she slid a meter or so before she rolled up wincing in pain. “Sun, you can do this, don’t give in to fear, and be confident in yourself and your teachings.” Rend exclaims with his hand cupped around his mouth to direct his voice clearly in her direction. Sun quiets her mind and expands her presence as she rises. She focuses on her feet as she sprints towards her assailant without making a sound.
Mirr is walking away when he turns his head to Rend, “She isn't ready to spar with…” He couldn’t finish his sentence when Sun’s Shadow caught his eye speeding his direction. Mirr whips around just in time to deflect a low slash. Sun leaps into the air connecting a kick to his helmet causing him to stumble backwards. He regroups and says, “I see you have more fight in you yet.” He makes several wide steps in a weaving fashion swinging his sword at Sun when he is within reach. She engages his blade allowing it to disperse its energy around her and towards the ground as she crouches and sweeps his legs. A loud thud sounds as Mirr lands on his side. Sun moves to make him yield when he rolls and springs up. Sun continues to strike and defend showing her progress. Mirr, starting to understand his opponent, doesn’t try to overpower the young Jedi, instead opts for speedious thrusts and strike combinations. This continues for several long minutes until Mirr, during one of his attack patterns, spins and flashes his jetpack causing Sun to throw her arms across her face for protection when she receives a back kick to the abdomen. The young Padawan drops to her knees, slumping over in vision-narrowing pain. Mirr steps to her, placing his sword on the back of her neck signifying his victory.
Mirr removes his helmet exposing his sweat drenched face, “You are very smart and skilled but naive. Your opponents in battle have only one objective. To kill you.” Rend walks over to the still hunched over woman and helps her up onto her feet. Sun responds with the little breath she can gather, “I will not lose again.” Taken aback by the comment, Mirr smiles and responds, “I look forward to it.” He turns and walks back to the settlement structure to get cleaned up. As the Mandalorian walks towards the compound, his communicator begins to beep. He keys it on in a single motion and is surprised to hear the Admiral’s voice on the other end. “Mirr, report to the Shadow Redeemer immediately. I have a mission for you.” “As you command, Admiral.”