Ahsoka, Shaak and the Second Empire – Chapter 1: Off the Ground
Welcome, everyone … as we launch into Volume Two of the Ahsoka Trilogy. If somehow you have found this story via a search, it might make little sense if you have not read Volume One, Ahsoka and the Rebellion, and especially the guide to characters (chapter 53) in that volume. Otherwise, I am glad you found this. If you liked the first, the second promises to be even better. Fasten your seatbelts … We will start out by catching up with our main characters and then we will start to see where this leads. What is meant by "Second" Empire? Where does Ahsoka fit in all that's happening? She will come to realize that much of that is up to her.
Chapter 1: Off the Ground
Shili (Togruta home world) 1 ABY and 1 day
It is the next day. The timeline is 1 year after the Battle of Yavin and the start of the reign of Shaak Ti as the sovereign ruler of the Galaxy. (1 ABY)
The Imperial yacht Empress Shaak had just dropped out of hyperspace and fell into orbit around the planet Shili, the home world of the Togruta people. The Empress herself had arisen from a short, hour-long meditation session, where she started to consider all that now lay before her as the galactic sovereign. The immensity of it threatened to engulf her, so she knew she had to find a way to deconstruct it into its constituent parts. But what really were the parts that mattered? Suddenly, Shaak had found herself surrounded by people she hardly even knew, many of them brought into her orbit by her newly appointed Chief of Staff and Grand Vizier, Valles Santhé.
Valles had ensured Shaak that she would always spend as much time with her as she needed in order to grasp everything, and Shaak had a general idea of where she wanted to go. For starters, there was the need to assert her dominance over the Imperial military and she had to quickly determine who to retain in the important positions – the Moffs, Grand Admirals, and Grand Generals – and to also realize they also must be wondering how things were going to go under the new regime. Another area of importance was to oversee the transition of the Galactic Senate and the new House of Delegates, along with the establishment of the Galactic Court system. And these were just the governmental matters.
Shaak's personal life was also in turmoil as she adjusted to her new role. Anyone and everyone would be wanting a piece of her time and attention and sorting this out could be most troublesome. Of course, Valles was there to assist, and Shaak knew she could never do this job without her trusted Lady Santhé.
Making the trip home with her were her immediate family members, her parents Kaa'shaan and Luu'maas, and her younger brother Tuuk. As Shaak emerged from her private suite on the yacht, she was first joined by her mother.
"Ah, my sweet Shaak. You look troubled. Already your head is uneasy … I warned you that the job is too big, hmm?"
Shaak chuckled. Then she started to embrace her mother, stroking the old lady's rear lek.
"Mama … so little faith you have in me? I will be just fine. But you are correct, there is much to do."
Luu'maas turned around to face her, also stroking one of her daughter's lekku. "I feel you will depend too much on Lady Santhé. She is a smart one, no?"
Shaak inhaled deeply and smiled. "That she is. Yes, we have developed a close working relationship. I am fortunate to have her so near at hand. Her network of contacts is unrivaled. And I believe we are in general agreement as to policy."
Her mother also smiled, but a little less brightly. "My child, do not get too full of yourself and all of this power you possess. Many will take aim at you. Your senses will serve you well, I know that. However, there is much you cannot see. Coruscant is a complex and dangerous place."
Shaak seemed to scoff a little. "Hmmpf … I know that. I have spent much time there in the past. Despite some outward appearances, little has truly changed. I enter with my eyes wide open," she stated, while making a gesture with her right hand, by spreading her fingers wide.
Luu'maas smiled, then turned away, her satin robes rustling slightly as she walked. Then she called over her shoulder. "My darling, I will be spending much time in this new palace they are building for you. I feel you will need me there."
Shaak nodded, then picked up her com device, withdrawing it from a pocket in one of her inner robes, and activating it.
"Father and I will be there shortly." The one on the other end of the conversation could not be heard by anyone other than the Empress. Shaak shook her head. "No, no fanfare. I prefer to move quietly. There will be time enough for parades and celebrations later." A few seconds later, she nodded, then switched off the device and replaced it in her pocket. Shaak then headed for the shuttle, her brother Tuuk having joined her. They walked silently together.
Coruscant (Galactic capital world) 1 ABY, 1 day, 12 standard hours
In a newly constructed set of office buildings near the still-under construction Imperial Palace, Valles Santhé sat at the head of a large conference table. Her seat was raised about a half-metre higher than the others, giving her an air of being first among equals. In reality, however, she was, as those around the table were the new Minister-designates for each of the new Imperial departments in the Empress's new government and they either had all been recommended for their positions by Valles or had been approved by her. These included Defense, Citizen Services, Finance, Commerce and Trade, and the Interior; with each department being further broken down into sub departments such as Health, Education, Environment, Agriculture, Labor, Banking, Securities, and Inter-sector Relations. Valles's conception of government clearly envisioned a government that would delve into almost every realm of the affairs of sentient beings from all over the Galaxy.
The budget for this government would receive some oversight via the new two-house legislature, but it was also unclear what the Imperial prerogative might be on such matters. The Empress was little inclined at first to dig too deep into the weeds of each department, trusting Valles to manage everything. Valles, in turn, also delegated much authority to various sub ministries and these were further delineated by galactic region. It seems that Lady Santhé had already spent much time in planning everything once she knew that Shaak would become Empress. Almost nothing had been left to chance. Her keen organizational mind had already sized up exactly the role each department of the administration would play.
As they prepared to conclude the meeting, she reviewed each role in turn. A critical role would be the Minister of the Interior. This person would have authority over much of galactic law enforcement and would also carry out the decisions of the various levels of the judiciary. Of course, this would extend to the supposed eradication of criminal activity in the Outer Rim and elsewhere. The Minister of Commerce and Trade would act as a facilitator between business and government and was empowered to resolve disputes over things such as patents, tariffs, and cartelization of industries. Valles particularly wanted to prevent oligopolies that could set prices on a galactic scale. The Minister of Citizen Services would likely receive less oversight from the Grand Vizier's office but this was still an important governmental area and the potential for patronage and kickbacks was huge. The Empress herself would likely take more of an interest in the Minister of Finance position and Valles was well aware of Shaak's preferences here. The Banking industry would come under the greatest scrutiny and this would directly affect Her Majesty's own personal accounts and ensure that she would dominate things financially as well as politically and militarily.
Each of the Minister-designates would have to be formally appointed by the Empress, who would presumably do diligence on them so as not to appear to be a rubber stamp. Until this could happen, however, Valles was pressing each of them to push ahead with their plans for each department. As she adjourned the meeting, she shook hands with each of them on their way out. Some felt they ought to kiss her hand, but Valles felt only the Empress herself deserved such deference. She remained in her chairman's seat after they had left her alone in the room. Her inner thoughts on the process went as follows:
I think this was a good meeting overall. We seem to be in general agreement that power must be consolidated if we are to govern effectively. Shaak will hopefully be grateful for our efforts, and it is crucial that she be aware of what we are doing or she could easily sink things. A delicate balance this is. Anyone who paid close attention during her coronation could see the massive power she possesses. It is likely that finding any weak spot with her will be difficult at best, or almost impossible at worst. The best approach with her is to be as supportive as possible.
Coruscant – 1 ABY, 2 days
At the Republika 1000 residential and shopping complex on Coruscant, Ahsoka, now Crown Princess of the Galaxy, had watched her adoptive mother, the Empress, depart Coruscant. She started thinking about what she wanted to do next. Her mind was jumbled with many conflicting needs and she just wanted to clear her head and try to come to grips with her new life. She now had significant power, as she knew that Empress Shaak would depend on her wise counsel.
In the past, physical activity had usually worked for Ahsoka. The surge of blood to her brain due to vigorous activity was gratifying and helped her focus. And the best physical activity she could think of was to duel or spar with one of her fellow Force users, so she decided to call on Maris Brood, fellow Master of the Order, whom she had now known for almost three years. She pulled out her com device and signaled to her now dear friend.
"Hey there …"
Maris, seeing whom it was from, happily responded. "Ashli! I was just thinking about you. What's up?"
"I was hoping you might have some time. I really need to work out with you. Training sabres. The whole bit. Are you up for it?"
"Sure. You know, I was thinking much the same thing, but I thought you might be too busy. Being the Princess and all."
Ahsoka laughed. "I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to do. Palpatine never had anyone under him that might be his successor – it sure wasn't Anakin." Ahsoka paused, then asked, "Can you meet me over here near my apartments?"
"I will be there in a half hour. Looking forward to it, my friend."
Anakin Skywalker, only recently restored to the physical form he had been some twenty years prior, could hear some of their conversation as he awakened. The two of them had continued to explore each others' mutual desires and intimacies, and as time had worn on a bit, his confidence in this area had grown. He noticed that his beloved had already arisen and he called to her.
"What's going on, love?"
She then returned to the bedroom, now fully dressed in training gear and fingering one of her twin pink-bladed lightsabres. "Ani, I am restless. Ahsoka and I are going to have a training session. Would you like to join us – or at least observe?"
Anakin had propped himself up on his elbows while still lying on the bed. "I think I need some more sleep. You two have fun. I would like to see Ahsoka but I'm sure she will have time for me later."
Maris nodded and turned to go. She made her way out of the suite she shared with Anakin and strode to the lift, which she ascended a few levels. As she exited, Ahsoka was already waiting for her. Maris rushed over to her and they hugged, then released, and exchanged smiles.
"So good to see you, your highness …" Maris smirked a little, but was clearly sincere. The Zabrak was never very good at concealing her emotions, which Ahsoka had always found refreshing.
"And you," the Togruta responded, then motioned in a general direction. She was also in training gear, with both of her cherished white-bladed sabres on her belt.
They soon entered the lobby of what appeared to be a fitness center, and were greeted by a receptionist who recognized Ahsoka immediately.
"Good morning, your highness. We are delighted to serve you."
Ahsoka smiled. "Could you find us a training room, please? This is my close friend, Master Maris Brood of the new Imperial Security Bureau, Elite Corps."
"Absolutely, your highness. Master Brood, we are honored to have you as well. Please follow me."
The man led the way, around of couple of turns, and came to a door, which opened as he flashed a card.
Maris and Ahsoka entered the training room, an expansive space, complete with weights and exercise machines to monitor heart rates and other vitals. As they looked around the room, Maris smirked at Ahsoka and noted:
"Do you think we might have wanted a setup like this on Felucia?"
Ahsoka chuckled. "Are you saying Mother was too cheap?"
"Ha! She was at first … you weren't there. But those were good times …"
As the two of them were already suitably dressed, they went to the center of the room. Ahsoka set her sabres to training intensity and watched as Maris did the same. The Togruta quickly struck a fighting pose, and the Zabrak did the same. Maris then twirled her blades by their auxiliary handles in a menacing fashion and the twin hums seemed to slice through the air. Ahsoka then made a thrust toward her, which Maris swiftly countered, then she dropped into a defensive Form III stance. Ahsoka's reaction was to slash with both blades in a scissors motion, then she thrust upward, forcing her opponent onto her back foot. The Togruta then used a new tactic – one that she borrowed from Reema Andujah, her brilliant young apprentice – and made a subtle Force motion by drawing her index finger on her right hand in a tight arc. Maris was then knocked sideways and Ahsoka quickly capitalized with a sharp thrust from her left sabre.
"Some new tricks?" the Zabrak asked, seemingly looking a bit startled.
"Nothing much … I'm surprised Anakin hasn't shown you some."
Maris then took advantage of the lull and went to work, vaulting over Ahsoka, then doing a 180-degree spin followed with a double slash. Now it was Ahsoka's turn to play defense. She then Force-pushed Maris back about a half metre and leaned into the stance, altering the position of her two blades rapidly. The Zabrak grew slightly irritated and then switched off one sabre and tossed it aside. She then attempted to use her upper body strength to gain an advantage and was successful, as Ahsoka was pushed back and had to go on defense again. The Togruta decided to go to one blade as well and then the battle grew more intense.
"You've always had the muscle, Maris …" Ahsoka noted.
"I'll be happy to train with you, Princess," Maris smirked again. "Just say the word."
Ahsoka laughed at that. "I've got a wedding coming up. How would it look for the bride to have stevedore's arms?"
"Ah … this isn't the Ahsoka I remember …" the Zabrak chuckled, and gave her a knowing look.
The two went at it with renewed ferocity. Maris for the most part was the aggressor, cutting off Ahsoka's path and forcing her to one side of the room or the other. Each time, Ahsoka used either acrobatics to escape or some subtle Force movements. Maris didn't much appreciate those, but realized her opponent was inviting her to retaliate, which she did at times. However, neither combatant could force the other to surrender, so after almost 30 minutes – with both women sweating profusely – they agreed to call it a draw. First they bowed to each other in traditional Jedi fashion, then shook hands, and finally hugged, demonstrating the love that close friends and Members of the Order were expected to show each other.
They both signaled via the Force and soon an attendant was coming over to them, offering bottles of water. Both women eagerly grabbed one and downed it quickly. After a few minutes of idle banter, they then followed the attendant into the spa area of the center. Both Ahsoka and Maris were then attended to by two young female humans, who led them to the washing area, where each stripped off her clothing and then proceeded to be washed with sponges and scrubbing brushes that aroused their skin as they were soaped and rinsed. When this was complete, the two of them each got into separate hot tubs as the attendants demonstrated how to use the water jets, varying the intensity and direction. After about 15 minutes in the tub, Ahsoka switched off her jets and emerged from it, while an attendant wrapped her in a white robe. She then exited for the massage table and started what would be an hour-long treatment by the masseur. Not long after that, Maris was on the table across from Ahsoka, receiving a similar workover. Both of them felt wonderful as their muscles were thoroughly treated.
After that, it was time for lunch. Both ladies changed into dresses and left the fitness center to go to a quiet bistro. As they perused the menu, they ordered drinks. Maris had her usual glass of ale while Ahsoka settled for some light wine.
"You know, I had the feeling you were a bit slow in there, Ashli." Maris noted.
"I felt like it. That will have to change. I can't let myself fall behind. I haven't told you, but that Reema, she's a serious test for me right now. You turned her into a fine swordswoman."
Maris nodded, but then added, "I really didn't do that much. She's kind of sneaky. Acting humble but harboring some inner anger and some serious ability. We got along fine, though, but I think she was not happy to be switched to you."
Ahsoka sighed. "I could have handled that better. But who knew she'd get all prickly about it?"
The two compared notes on other topics. Ahsoka mentioned she'd be heading to Shili herself, and would be meeting her younger brother, Mako'ta, for the first time.
"That has to be exciting for you. We had chatted about that a while back. How often does an ex-Jedi – or any kind of Jedi – get to meet family members they never knew they had?"
Ahsoka nodded. "I'm never sure about anything when it comes to history, but I figured I would never get the chance. He's taking care of our mom and dad and I guess I will get to meet them too."
"But Master Shaak became your mom … is she all right with this?"
"Well … sure. I mean, how can she object? She's always encouraged me in every sense and her family accepted me as a granddaughter and niece. I'm lucky to be part of the House of Ti, even as I honor my Tano legacy."
Ahsoka and Maris exchanged smiles, and the Zabrak reached across the table to warmly clasp Ahsoka's hand. The Togruta again changed topics.
"So, friend, are you ready to be a bridesmaid at my wedding on Lianna? I promise you won't have to wear an embarrassing dress."
Maris grinned. "Anything for you, Ahsoka … but if you had told me a year ago that I'd be wearing any kind of dress, I would have laughed long and loud."
"Aw. I'm so glad you changed. The softer side of you is very appealing. Sure won over Anakin. I've not seen him this happy since Padme."
Maris sighed. "Anakin, as you know, has a tender side to him. Once he had the operation and could leave Vader behind, it showed again. He really loves me."
"And how do you feel? Tell the truth, friend …"
"I'm devoted to him. He's been through so much. I had to get to know him – the whole man – to see and understand what he's been feeling, and why. That day on Hoth when we took down Palpatine … it lifted a great burden from him. His soul is at peace and he's very devoted to Master Shaak."
"So, friend, how do you feel about 'Empress' Shaak? It's just us, you can tell me anything. It won't get back to her."
Maris scoffed. "She will find out anyway. I've known her a long time, and I love her like a mother – just like you do – and I can tell you this much: she loves this role. To her, it's all about justice. She cared about the Old Republic but we can't do that again. Taking over now means being strong. You and I both know that she is."
"Of course, of course," Ahsoka sighed again. "But is she getting in too deep? Shaak is so complex. I'm afraid this kind of power is going to her head."
Maris looked sideways at Ahsoka for second, then responded. "Wouldn't that happen to anyone? Come on, she's not going to be like Palpatine. That man was pure evil. Shaak has a loving heart. You and I both know that."
Ahsoka nodded again, slowly. "I just hope you're right."
Maris again grasped Ahsoka's arm, and looked her in the eye firmly. "You know I am."
Shili – 1 ABY, 2 days
As the unmarked shuttle dropped from orbit around Shili, it headed for a spot a few hundred kilometres outside Corvala before landing in a flat area. Night had begun to descend over this part of the planet as Shaak and her father, Kaa'shaan, disembarked. They were then met by a receiving party of four Togruta elders in ceremonial red robes who bowed deeply before the Empress, each solemnly taking her outstretched right hand and gently kissing it. They showed her and her father aboard a speeder van that whisked them away and into a cave-like entrance. As they disappeared into it, the door slid shut behind them and the speeder stopped as all the occupants dismounted. A lift took them deep below the surface, where they exited into a cavernous room that seemingly held hundreds of people. But on this night, the various pews of this underground temple were empty.
Shaak proceeded to seat herself on a beautifully carved wooden throne that had seemingly been prepared for her arrival. Her father then stood behind the throne, a bit to his daughter's left. The four elders dropped to their knees and prayed before her, their arms outstretched as they leaned forward, their foreheads touching the floor of the temple. One of them recited a short incantation in the Togruta language that was translated thus:
To our living god, the supreme Za'an Kaa'duul, we are greatly honored by your presence tonight. We humbly ask that we may be instruments of your peace.
Shaak nodded, then softly commanded. "Rise, all. I am here this night to bring the treasured Force knowledge home to the Togruta people. We have long awaited this day and now it is our time to be blessed with the Power of the Force."
With that, Shaak rose and allowed her robes to open, revealing a shimmering red gown that reached the floor of the temple. Her father lifted her robes from her shoulders and then the Amulet of Kalara could be plainly seen as it began to glow in alternating tones of crimson and midnight blue. All four of the elders fixed their gaze upon the ancient relic as it sent beams of radiant Force energy to each of them from within the Empress herself. She then spoke again, as another mysterious instrument suddenly flew into her left hand. As she grasped it, the object suddenly burst into a violet shade and emanated a halo around Shaak that spread to engulf her worshippers.
"With this wand, I command the power of Shili to embrace my loyal servants of the Force. The long night of terror and evil has now ended. The Wand of Waa'maa'kuu is now alive again. Not since the early years of our forefathers and mothers has this been possible. No one shall threaten our world so long as the Wand remains alive. I – Za'an Kaa'duul – have willed it to be so. We now take our place in the Galaxy as the Chosen World. Let us pray …"
As her father and the four elders stood before her, they turned to face what had become a gathering of hundreds of their fellow Togruta. Males and females alike had quietly entered the Temple Sanctuary and each was clad in a beautiful red and black robe that covered over their montrals. What had become clear at this point was that Shaak had called for all of the Togruta priestly class – the Kuu'gru – to join with her.
"All, be seated, and reveal thy selves before the Force."
The various members of the congregation of Kuu'gru seated themselves as one and uncovered their montrals. Shaak raised the Wand high, spoke a few words and then plunged the gathering into darkness.
"And the word was given – Let There Be Light – and there was Light." At this exact moment, a rainbow of the visible spectrum emanated from the Wand, bathing the Temple Sanctuary in ripples of color. She then caused a current of warm Force energy to pass through everyone in attendance. There was a visible thrill on the faces of the congregants as they firmly believed they had been anointed by the most powerful force in the Galaxy, their fellow Togruta, Shaak Ti.
Most everyone on Shili had watched the coronation ceremony live from Coruscant and there was a strong sense of pride felt by all. It was time for the people of Shili to celebrate their heritage and culture and now the Empress had arrived. As the Temple proceeding concluded, Shaak gave her permission to spread the word that she had arrived and the next day would be designated the Day of the Empress on her home world. As she prepared to leave the Temple, it seemed everyone wanted some time with her, so she spent a few minutes with each small grouping of Kuu'gru and left them all excited over her presence. Each fervently believed he or she had a personal relationship with Za'an Kaa'duul and that she was a loving god and cared deeply for her people. The four elders who had brought Shaak to the Temple then took possession of the Wand of Waa'maa'kuu and returned it to its sacred vessel for safekeeping. For the first time any of them could remember, the Wand had come alive when being wielded by Shaak, further proof that she was their anointed ruler and guardian and that she would always protect them.
As Shaak and her father left, the speeder returned them to their shuttle and they flew to the Ti estate outside of Corvala. Shaak happily reentered the family home and spent a few minutes with her mother and brother before retiring to the guest room and preparing to sleep. These thoughts went through her mind:
The feeling I had a few months ago has surely returned. I am a venerated deity to my people and this is a supreme responsibility which I must take seriously. As if I needed even more pressure … but my people can also be a source of strength for me going forward. I must never let them down. All they have to do is believe in themselves. If I can help bring that about, it will be an achievement to be proud of.
Well, everyone, it feels great to be back telling this story again. There are many plots and subplots to be established here and the scope of the volume will go well beyond the previous. Also, I will be writing more of the backstory for Shaak and Maris and how they came to build their home on Felucia which became the birthplace of the Order.