Chapter Text
Vader’s cruiser touched down in the private docking bay of the Statera Palace, the morning rays of sunlight filtering through the leaves and vines that dominated the stonework. The loading plank lowered and the former Sith took a deep breath, relishing in the life that was brimming in the air. Despite nearly a decade of life in this second chance of his, the novelty of clean, unfiltered air was never lost on him. His time on the dying, decaying world of Melida/Daan just made him appreciate it more.
After taking a moment to let the air settle around him, Vader turned to the meditation chamber where he’d left young Ben. He had kept his distance from the boy, simply sliding some food through a specialized slot at the bottom of the door. He wanted Ben to have the chance to settle and come to terms with everything without his interference. Now, he unsealed the doors, opening them to reveal his young charge,
Ben jumped slightly when the pneumatic hiss of the door pulled him from his meditation, but there was a calmness in his gaze that hadn't been there before. He seemed more at peace than before, more centered and accepting. Upon meeting the gaze of the former Sith, the boy carefully got to his feet. He was a bit unsteady after several days of meditation, but easily regained his stability before offering a formal bow to Vader.
“Greetings, Master.” His words were somewhat stiff, but there was not nearly as much terror or unease as before. A vast improvement already.
“We have arrived, young Ben.” Vader extended a hand toward the boy. “Come, your new home awaits.”
Ben hesitated briefly before taking the offered hand, allowing himself to be pulled into Vader’s embrace. He wrapped his arm around the boy’s shoulder, acting as a steady presence as they descended the loading ramp. The moment the two stepped into the light of the morning, Ben had to shield his eyes, raising a hand to block out the light. He blinked before his gaze settled on the foliage waving in the slight wind. With a slight chuckle, Vader led the boy out of the docking bay and out into the large courtyard that made up the grand entrance of the palace.
High walls surrounded the entire building, brimming with plants and flowers in gorgeous cool colors. A grand gate stretched over a welcoming entrance, the metal doors spread open for all. The path leading to the palace was clean and well-maintained, the stonework forming intricate patterns that clearly took time to create. Soft grass, shady trees, and fields of flowers filled the courtyard, making the area feel so alive. People of various races were milling about, gardening, cleaning, or simply walking around while chatting.
Needless to say, Ben was stunned, his gaze flicking from one sight to another. It reminded the former Sith of when he was a boy and he’d first come to Coruscant.
“Not what you were expecting?” Vader quipped, his voice light and almost teasing. “Perhaps you were thinking I had a dark fortress tucked away in some untamed jungle, far from civilization.”
Ben let out a startled noise, his face flush with embarrassment and shame. His gaze fell and he shuffled his feet slightly.
“Maybe a little…” he muttered under his breath, though not quite quiet enough to avoid being heard.
Vader chuckled, unable to keep from ruffling the boy's hair. “I could hardly create a thriving Empire on such a planet, though I will admit that there is much of Statera that is quite untamed and uncivilized.”
One of the vines clinging to the wall nearest them reached out, flicking at the back of Vader’s head. The man just gently waved the vine away, unbothered. Meanwhile, Ben’s thoughts seemed to be centered on this newest revelation.
“Empire, Master?”
“Indeed. With the inclusion of Melida/Daan, I now have three planets under my control. Of course, it will take time to make all three truly prosperous, but I am content with the progress being made thus far.”
Ben swallowed hard, nervously wringing his hands. “Wh… May I ask what the third planet is, Master?”
“Tatooine. It’s a bit rough around the edges and I’m still working to root out the last of the Hutt’s influence, but it is coming along quite nicely.” Vader smiled slightly, then cleared his throat. “But, that is for another time.” The former Sith ushered Ben toward the palace. “Come along, young one. It’s time to see your new home.”
~\~/~
Ben didn’t know what to make of his Master. Everything he’d seen so far completely contradicted what he had learned about Sith Lords in the Jedi Temple. Not only was Statera a beautiful place full of life, but every person they passed on their way through the palace looked genuinely happy. More than that, whenever they greeted Lord Vader, he would always reply to them by name. Why would a Sith Lord care to learn the names of the servants scrubbing his floors? Had they been hand-picked like him?
These thoughts were at the forefront of Ben’s mind right up until he was led to a large door. It opened for him, revealing a spacious bedroom unlike anything the former Padawan had seen. There was a large bed on a slightly raised platform, gauzy curtains hanging over it. A dresser was pressed against the wall with a vanity next to it. Soft, green carpets covered the stone floor and a large, open balcony overlooked the town below.
“This will be your room from now on,” Lord Vader declared, which startled Ben to the point he almost jumped. “Feel free to alter it however you please. The door to the right of your bed leads to a private washroom. While the palace does have a natural hot spring that serves as a public bath, I figured you would do better if you had the chance to bathe privately.”
Ben was stunned, his mouth agape as he attempted to come to terms with everything. After days of confinement in the small cell on his Master’s ship, he had assumed he would be given similar accommodations once they arrived. As a slave, being given private quarters was a privilege in and of itself, and yet he was given such lavish quarters? His eyes drifted across the room, quietly wondering what the cost of such luxuries would be.
“Go on and get yourself cleaned up,” his Master commanded. “I’ll have fresh robes delivered shortly, and one of the servants will be along to help you with your hair.”
“Y-Yes, Master,” Ben quickly stammered, giving his Master a hasty bow.
Lord Vader smiled at him, a warm hand gently petting his head before his owner turned and left the room. The doors sealed shut behind him, though this time, Ben didn’t get the sense that he was locked in. Slowly, he turned toward his new room, releasing a shaky breath. As much as the grand room was overwhelming, his Master had given him a task. He needed to make himself presentable, so that’s what he was going to do.
Ben located the washroom easily, quietly grateful that it was a modest affair. A shower, a place to relieve himself, a sink, and a small cabinet for necessities. He had been provided with towels and soap, so he quickly turned on the water and began to scrub himself down. After months of living in the sewers of Melida/Daan, having the chance to clean himself fully was like heaven. It was made better by the hot water and soft soaps that were a luxury, even back in the temple.
Once he was clean, he toweled himself off, then went to see about clean clothes. Thankfully, his Master’s promise of fresh robes had come through much quicker than he’d imagined, in the form of a neat pile of folded cloth on the vanity. There was even a pair of woven sandals waiting for him. Ben made short work of dressing himself, surprised not only by the softness of the fabric but also by how the outfit was modest and flattering.
Given the opulence of his chambers, at least to his untrained eye, Ben had begun to consider that his Master wanted him for some unseemly purpose. And yet, the robes he was given were quite simple, and flattering, and didn’t leave him feeling at all exposed. The tunic was a light gray color, lacking sleeves but folding comfortably over his chest and stomach. The trousers were dark gray and the belt provided was black. Putting on the woven sandals, Ben was startled by a knock on the door.
“Excuse me,” a young woman’s voice called through the door. “Lord Vader sent me to help you.”
Hastily, Ben straightened up, smoothing out his new robes. “Come in.”
The doors opened and a human woman walked in. She looked like a motherly figure, especially when she smiled at the young boy. She had a small case in her hand, which she set down on the vanity.
“My name’s Eilani,” she introduced, tilting her head in a slight bow. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“I’m Ben,” he replied, finding himself oddly nervous. As a slave, was he not subservient to her? He was still wearing the collar from Melida/Daan, so there was no chance she didn’t know what he was. And yet…
“Let’s get you taken care of,” Eilani insisted, gesturing to the stool in front of the vanity. Quickly, Ben took his seat, straightening his back before facing the mirror. The woman opened the case she’d brought, revealing scissors and razors he recognized as barber tools. “Lord Vader said your hair was likely to be damaged after unavoidable disrepair. Thankfully, you don’t seem to be too badly off. A quick trim and you should be good. Do you want to keep your braid here?”
Ben had been just quietly listening, under the assumption that Eilani would be grooming him to match whatever standard Lord Vader had given her. So, when the question finally registered, he was left a bit surprised. His hand went to the braid, the symbol of his rank as a Jedi padawan. In truth, he should have removed it the day he handed over his lightsaber, but a kernel of hope had stayed his hand. He’d held out on the belief that one day, someone would come for him, to take him back to the Order…
But now, he knew that day would never come.
“May I… borrow your scissors?” he asked quietly.
Eilani pushed the case toward him and he removed the scissors. Taking the braid in hand, he closed his eyes and cut it off.
Snip.
Ben gasped as he almost dropped the scissors, holding the braid in his other hand. He looked down at it, a mix of emotions churning in his stomach. Without another word, he returned the scissors to Eilani, cradling the braid.
“Thank you,” he said quietly. “Please, do as you will.”
Even with the collar blocking his connection to the Force, Ben could sense Eilani’s quiet concern and was grateful that she didn’t bring it up. Instead, she quietly ran a brush through his still shower-damp hair, beginning her assigned task. He kept his eyes closed, continuing to hold his braid for as long as he was able.
~\~/~
Vader sat in his throne room, going over some of the various reports that had piled up in his absence. He had to admit that even running his small Empire was already proving to be quite paperwork-heavy, something he’d only gotten a glimpse of during his tenure as Emperor Palpatine’s Fist. He was already trying to find potential bureaucratic personnel who could help to alleviate some of the more tedious parts of his job, but his pickings were slim at best.
He quietly dreaded the day he would need to introduce himself to the Galactic Senate.
As Vader continued his paperwork, the doors to the throne room opened. He looked up, his gaze softening as he laid eyes on young Ben, in the company of Eilani. The older Freed was kindly escorting her young charge up to the throne, likely offering him comfort through her gentle presence. She was always good with the younger Freed, which is why he had called her to help with Ben. He looked much better than before, especially with his hair clean and neatly trimmed and pulled back in a loose tail. His padawan braid was gone, which made Vader feel better. Ben didn’t belong to the Jedi any longer.
“I’ve brought Ben to you, as requested, My Lord,” Eilani declared, giving the emperor a polite bow. Ben was quick to copy her, which had Vader smile.
“A fine job as always. Thank you, Eilani.” He waited for her to take her leave as he set his holopad aside. His protocol droid assistant took it from him, allowing him to rise from his throne and approach the still-bowing Ben. “How do you feel, young one? Better after a chance to clean yourself?”
“Much better, Master. Thank you for the opportunity to make myself presentable to you.”
Vader couldn’t help but sigh, feeling the anxiety and concern that clouded the boy’s Force signature. It was clear that he couldn’t wait any longer to do what needed to be done. He took hold of the boy’s chin, lifting his face so their eyes met.
“Come, join me.”
He took the boy’s hand, leading him over to the throne. There was plenty of space in front of it, and a quick snap of his fingers had one of the servants on standby delivering a cushion. It was placed in front of the throne and Ben was quick to kneel on it.
“There is no need to be afraid,” Vader said softly, taking his seat on the throne. “I have no desire to bring harm to you in any way, shape, or form. In truth, I hope to prove that I have nothing but your best interests at heart.”
The swirling anxiety remained, which had Vader internally sighing. This would not be easy. Then, he got an idea. With a gentle flick of two of his fingers, the Emperor pulled Ben off the cushion, depositing him on the wide arm of the throne. Immediately, the boy stiffened but did seem somewhat relieved he hadn’t been placed in Vader’s lap. Clearly, he’d made the right choice on where to put him.
“Perhaps this will help. If you promise to behave and to not try and dispel your emotions into the Force, I will remove your collar.” Honestly, he wanted to get rid of it the moment they reached Statera, but until he had the chance to properly connect with his young charge, it was too risky. “How does that sound?”
Ben had been immediately taken by the prospect of the collar being removed, eagerly nodding his consent. There had been some discomfort at the idea of being touched, but it was pushed down. Vader chose to ignore it for the time being, flicking his hand so the collar would fall away. He took it, handing it off to one of the servants on standby before gently rubbing the back of the boy’s neck with his free hand.
“Just relax for me,” he said gently, turning to address the rest of his staff briefly. “Leave us. Ensure we are not disturbed unless it is an emergency.”
Without a word, the rest of the staff bowed before taking their leave of the throne room. The doors closed behind them and Vader waved a hand to shutter the windows. This left the room with enough gentle light to illuminate everything without overwhelming the senses. Perfect for meditation.
“It’s alright, young one.” He continued rubbing the boy’s neck, hoping to coax him into a meditative trance. “You have nothing to fear with me.”
~\~/~
Ben didn’t realize just how starved he was for a kind touch until he felt his Master’s warm hand on his neck. It soothed the scars left by the bomb collar from Bandomeer, as well as the marks from the suppression collar. More than that, the gentle motions of his Master’s fingers were lulling him to relax, especially now that he could finally lose himself to the Force once more. He slipped into its comforting embrace, seeking solace from his churning emotions as the power of his new Master began to curl around him.
Much to his surprise, the darkened aura wasn’t oppressive or choking like he had anticipated. Instead, there was a warmth and a softness to his Master’s Force signature. He observed it as best he could, realizing that his instincts weren’t screaming danger at him like they had on Melida/Daan. In fact, swimming in the Force of his new Master’s power, Ben felt a sense of contentment that made no sense. Almost as if sensing his confusion, Lord Vader began to speak, his voice distant and soothing.
“You need not fear my power, young one. It is not the darkness you were trained to fear, though neither is it the Light you were made to worship.”
“Then…” The young man’s voice hardly felt like his own, the words slurred slightly as he was buffeted by his Master’s power. “What is your power…?”
There was a moment of contemplative silence, that very power continuing to engulf and surround him, like a warm blanket on a cold night.
“The Jedi believe that the Dark Side is naught but a shortcut to power. One that takes its toll on those who draw from it.”
“The quick and easy path…” Ben lazily spoke up, parroting the words Master Yoda had spoken many times.
“And to those who forsake the Light, it is.” Ben felt the warmth of his Master’s power gently curling around in, reminding him of the small animals that his creche-mates would attempt to keep as pets. “To be able to truly harness the power of the Force, one must embrace true balance. To not be blinded by the Light, and not be swallowed by the Dark. That is the power I wield; the power of true equilibrium.”
By now, Ben could feel his Master beginning to probe at his shields, pressing against them with a gentle insistence. It felt like he was waiting for an invitation, for permission to come in. At first, the boy wanted to close himself off, the ingrained terror of the unknown and the raw feeling of his shattered trust from Master Jinn making him weary of the touch. However, it did not go beyond that soft insistence.
“Please, let me in,” Lord Vader requested, the warm fingers on his neck rubbing at the tension built up in the muscles. “Open yourself to me. Let me show you that your fate is not one of suffering, but salvation.”
Instincts beaten into him since infancy were screaming at him to keep his shields up, to make sure that this strange, darkened power did not taint his soul. And yet, the words of his Master, of true balance, rang in his ears. If what Lord Vader said was true, then… Did he really have anything to fear? And even if he was afraid, he belonged to his new Master, and slaves always obeyed.
Slowly, almost reluctantly, he lowered his shields, and his Master’s power flooded his body. He gasped, feeling the terror and unease from before being carefully broken down. His anxieties were met with calming reassurance, an overwhelming feeling of safety, and a sense of belonging he hadn’t felt since… ever.
Within this cocoon of comfort, Ben felt something akin to gentle hands cupping the frayed edges of the bond he’d held with Master Jinn. They curled around the burning wound, forming a new connection that felt even stronger than before. The pain and loss were soothed by those soft hands, replaced by a sense of love and belonging. It felt nothing like the bond he’d made with his old Master, which felt more like an obligation or desperation. This one… It made it clear that he was well and truly wanted.
Unable to hold back any longer, Ben collapsed into his Master’s arms. He gripped onto those soft robes, finally allowing himself to sob. Warm arms engulfed him along with his Master’s power, bringing back long faded memories of a mother whose face he could no longer remember.
“You are mine now, Ben.” Words that had once felt like a death sentence now carried a promise of safety. “Nothing in this world will take you from me. You have been mine for longer than you know, and not a day went by that I did not long for you. Here, you will know peace. Here, you will know love.”
Ben shuddered, a small sob ripping from his throat. It was everything he had ever wanted, almost far too good to be true. He let himself be held, accepting his place with his new Master as he cried in relief.
“Let it out, little one,” Vader whispered, petting his head. “You have been through so much, but you are safe now. You are mine now, and I will protect you.”