Ahsoka and the Rebellion – Chapter 7: Reassessment and Rectification

At this point, for the sake of the readers, I would like to take a minute to review who are the characters in the story so far and their roles (at this point in the story), in order of their appearance:

Ahsoka Tano (Togruta) Main protagonist – the former Jedi Padawan who left the order and later aided the Rebellion

Hera Syndulla (Twi'lek) Captain of Rebel ship Ghost, and friend to Ahsoka

Shaw Millsap (human) Administrator, Tirana spaceport, (planet) Almania

Frehya Lumoxa (human) Almanian female, assigned to Ahsoka, later becomes her first Apprentice

Gen. Shai'k Je'har Ordo (human) Almanian male, chief of staff, Army of Almania

Tri'ku Je'har (human) Almanian male, Commodore, Almanian planetary defense

Dr. Ashli Tanner (Togruta) alternate identity for Ahsoka

Sana Starros (human) female from Nar Shadda, weapons system consultant

Chelli Lona Aphra (human) female from Core region, weapons system expert, specializing in droids

Lt. Jaf'ra A'jizz (human) male, executive officer for Commodore Je'har (Almanian)

Bail Prestor Organa (human) Senator and consort to Queen Breha of Alderaan, longtime friend of Ahsoka

R8-ND (astromech droid) a.k.a. "Randy", owned by Dr. Tanner

Leia Organa (human) female, Crown Princess of Alderaan, adopted daughter of Bail Organa

Queen Breha (Organa) (human), sovereign ruler of Alderaan

Hedala Fardi (human) female, teenager from (planet) Thabeska, second Apprentice to Ahsoka

Shaak Ti (Togruta) female, Grand Master of the Order, now living on (planet) Felucia, mentor to Ahsoka

Maris Brood (Zabrak) female, former Jedi Padawan, also living on Felucia, apprentice to Shaak Ti

Yoda (?) male, former Jedi Grand Master, exiled to (planet) Dagobah, consultant to Shaak Ti

And there will be many additions to this list as we go on. Thus far, I am excited to see all of the attention the story is getting, from all over the world. Now it's time to continue onward …

Chapter 7: Reassessment and Rectification

It was about three weeks later. Ahsoka finally had made her way back to the Corvala Dawn, accompanied by her Apprentices Hedala and Frehya, and she had fully recovered from the Force lightning blast inflicted on her by her new Master, Shaak Ti. Though it took quite some time for her to understand what had happened to her and why, she had now come to terms with her new existence. Ahsoka Tano was no ordinary Force user, she had graduated to true Master status and had started to explore powers and abilities well beyond what was thought proper for a Jedi to have. But, as she had noted before, Ahsoka was no longer a Jedi, and she was not bound by the old Order's disciplines and rules of apprentices, having had time for numerous training sessions, saw their skills start to improve as Shaak Ti's acolytes pulled no punches. But at the same time, the two of them were rapidly becoming part of the team and were made to feel most welcome. Maris Brood proved to be a stern taskmaster as the girls were often exhausted by the end of each day. Needless to say, Ahsoka was very pleased to hear Maris's reports on the performance of Hedala and Frehya. My girls are working so hard. Their loyalty is quite impressive.

Grand Master Ti had now seemingly embarked on a new era for what were once called the Jedi and what she now simply referred to as The Order. Much of what she discovered was from the remaining holocrons that she recovered from the former Jedi Temple on Coruscant with the help of the former librarian (and onetime Master) Jocasta Nu. Master Nu was later thought killed by Anakin Skywalker after his transformation to Darth Vader, but not before Shaak Ti had left Coruscant with the precious knowledge. As the title of Jedi Master had never been conferred on Anakin, he had no access to these holocrons and therefore little understanding of what Master Ti had taken with her. Armed with this knowledge, (now) Grand Master Ti had constructed an elaborate system of defense and recon that allowed her to convert the planet Felucia into her own private world. All sentient species on this world now answered to her directly, but to anyone not on this world, zero knowledge of her doings could be learned. Vader understood that there was great knowledge at large in the galaxy, as his new Master, Emperor Palpatine, had informed him, and then had tasked him with recovering. But at the current time, he scarcely knew where to start looking. It would not be the first – or last – time that Anakin would fail his Master.

On Ahsoka's mind now were the prodigious Force abilities shown to her by Shaak Ti and what to make of them. Shaak had demonstrated two other capabilities not previously understood to be Jedi abilities. One was the ability to not only deliver direct electric current, but to also issue concentrated laser blasts, in much greater doses than a standard blaster pistol. These could be quite effective as they were wholly unexpected. The other power was something Shaak called the "Vortex", a frightening ability to create a reverse tornado effect and then direct it at anyone or anything. This tornado could range in intensity and even reach the power of a naturally derived storm. And Ahsoka had the feeling there were even more surprises waiting. Through it all, the Grand Master had demonstrated these powers with a soft, almost cloying manner, as if having them was quite natural and proper. She had claimed that it was the Will of the Force. Ahsoka wondered deeply about that, but as of yet had no answers.

Before she could give the order to leave Felucia, the Grand Master approached the Corvala Dawn and asked to be allowed to board. Ahsoka let the ramp down for her and Shaak met her in the conference area. She asked Hedala, Frehya, and R8-ND to go to the bridge and make all preparations for departure, then sat down across from Shaak. Master Ti then grasped both of Ahsoka's hands in hers and addressed her:

"Ahsoka, my dear, are there any other questions you have of me at this time?"

"No, Master – my path is clear now."

"Then you won't have any problem with me accompanying you …"

Ahsoka was mildly surprised. "Master? I had no idea …"

Shaak released her hands. "I want to have a look at things myself. I feel you have already accomplished much since leaving Malachor, so I desire to understand it. As we are now united in spirit, we must be united in understanding."

"So you want to go with us to Almania and the Corporate Sector? You are aware that I travel and conduct business under an alias …"

"Ah yes, Doctor Ashli Tanner, was it?" Ahsoka nodded. "I will then become your mother, 'Doctor Tanner.' They shall receive me as Sha'van Tanner, a retired neurosurgeon."

"A very interesting choice, Master. But, may I ask, who will look after things here on Felucia in your absence?"

"My apprentice, Maris, a most able Knight, will handle this. She has been well-trained for this role. Should any … untimely … exigencies arise, I can be reached. My channels are always free from prying minds, let me assure you."

"Very well, Master. I guess I can relax …"

"Before we leave, my child, there is one last thing we must attend to."

"Oh?"

Shaak motioned to her. "Come with me now. This shall not take very long …"

Almost as if on cue, the two Masters of the Order were then met by a two-seat speeder, apparently summoned by Shaak via the Force. As they got in, it whisked them away for a distance of some 10km, into the forest and then stopped at what almost seemed like a random location. Shaak and Ahsoka jumped down from the speeder and then walked a few paces. Shaak then closed her eyes and reached out with the Force. The ground before them started to tremble and then a small fissure appeared, one that grew large enough for them to pass through. As the two of them entered, they descended gently some 20 metres and found themselves in a small chamber. Shaak gently waved her hand and the chamber was mildly bathed in a soft blue light. Seemingly out of the wall, a panel then slid forward, and upon it were a row of small cubic boxes, each about 10cm on an edge. Shaak then selected one of the boxes and then levitated it over to Ahsoka, who then cradled it in her hands, and started inspecting it carefully.

"What is this, Master?"

"One of my holocrons … I am loaning it to you for a time, so that you may study it during your meditation sessions. You will come to better understand your new abilities. Do not – under any circumstances – allow anyone to share this with you. It is only intended for your usage. At this time, I have set the security on it to enable your entry."

Ahsoka nodded. "Very well, Master. I am most grateful for this opportunity to serve you and The Order. The holocron will remain with me until you wish me to return it."

With that, the panel immediately disappeared back into the wall and the light was extinguished. The two Masters then ascended from the chamber and were back on the forest floor, whereupon the fissure rapidly closed. They got into the speeder and were returned to the Corvala Dawn. The speeder then quickly zoomed away and they boarded the ship. Soon the craft was off the ground and quickly in orbit around Felucia. The hyperdrive then quickly engaged and they were on their way to Almania, about one hour's transit from Felucia.

Meanwhile, on the planet Vaynai, Chelli Lona Aphra and her friend and partner, Sana Starros, are sitting pretty together in swimsuits by the pool at an exclusive hotel. They seem to greatly enjoy having "carte-blanche" access to Dr. Tanner's account and are starting to wonder when their patron will return.

"Chelli, do you recall when she said she would be back?"

"I think it was two weeks or so … she's way late."

"Maybe we can contact her?"

"I tried, with the boys on Almania. They said to "sit tight" …"

"So we keep drinking and gambling on her dime?"

Chelli sighed slightly. "Yeah, I feel a little strange about that … we haven't seen how she might react. I get the feeling the good doctor might have a problem with it."

"But what's done is done, hmm?"

Chelli chuckled. "Of course, but … I think we'll be okay. Let's hope so, anyway. We stand to make a bundle off of this. And besides, I'm having some good luck with those stuffed shirts on Issagra."

Sana also chuckled. "You have such a way about you … I like watching you at work, my friend."

Chelli leaned over and gave her friend a short kiss, which was returned by Sana, then she asked, playfully:

"More spice, sweety?"

"Oh yes, let's!" Sana laughed. "What happens on Vaynai …"

They both repeated together: "Stays on Vaynai!"

The Corvala Dawn landed on Almania at Tirana Spaceport. The four women – Ahsoka, Shaak, Frehya, Hedala – all disembarked and were greeted by Shaw Millsap, the facility administrator.

"Welcome back, ladies …" He bowed slightly to Ahsoka. "Doctor Tanner."

"Hello, sir. How are things with you … with Tirana?"

"As well as can be expected. Commodore Je'har has been asking about you …"

"I'm not surprised. Tell him I will be in touch soon …" she chuckled.

The ship was unloaded and the four were transported by speeder bus to Ahsoka's small mansion. As Shaak looked it over, she draped an arm around Ahsoka's shoulders and pulled her close for a second …

"Quite a lovely place, my child. Very peaceful."

"Glad you like it, Master. I think it will be quite suitable for our reflective sessions, yes?"

"It will do nicely."

Frehya and Hedala went back to their assigned bedroom and started to change clothes. They started comparing notes on the trip they just returned from.

Hedala asked, "she's going to let me stay here?"

"Yes. She asked me to get you settled in. We'll share this room …" Frehya chirped.

"It's really nice. She must be important on this planet … So …" Hedala exhaled. "What do you think of everything?"

Frehya spoke furtively, "Master Shaak is kind of scary in a way. It's like she's just too nice. But we better not talk about her too much. I think she can likely hear everything."

Hedala reflected. "Oh, I don't know … she's kind of like a kindly grandmother. I like her, despite how strange she looks. I never met an older Togruta before. It might be really great for us to learn under her. Her skills must be awesome!"

"Oh, yes … the Force is telling me that. She has massive power."

"Well, I suppose we'd better put on dresses … Ahsoka seems to prefer we look formal."

Frehya nodded. "That's right. We are supposed to be the assistants to a leading scientist, consultant and expert. If you need more clothes, she has provided us an account to order them from. They should arrive within hours."

Hedala whistled softly. "That's sweet … I've never been to this planet before. What's it really like here?"

"Usually quiet. Most of us have to work hard to survive here. The Je'har don't like too many idle hands."

"I see … so Ahsoka – Dr. Tanner – is kind of a big deal here?"

Frehya chuckled at that characterization. "You could say that …"

Ahsoka was in her master suite, when her com-link sounds. She checks and sees it is from Tri'ku Je'har.

"Greetings, Commodore …" She said with a smile.

"Glad to see you have returned, my lady. How was your trip?"

"Quite wonderful, on the whole …"

"I'm so glad. Ahsoka, can we get together tonight?"

"Perhaps. I've got company over …"

At that, Shaak casually walked into the room through the open door. She gazed at Ahsoka for a second, then flicked a finger.

"Just a minute, Commodore …" she switched the com to mute. "Something you need, Master?"

"Oh, I'm good, dear … is there a complication?"

"Not so much. Are you ready to be my mother now?" Ahsoka laughed happily.

"Anytime you would prefer, my child. Can you take me to this world called … Vaynai?"

"Yes. We are going there tomorrow. I need you to meet those consultants I hired. I will also need to get you some things to wear. We can't have you showing up in Jedi robes …" They both laughed at that.

"Very well then … I shall look forward to it. I'm going to my quarters here for some rest."

Ahsoka unmuted the com.

"My apologies, Commodore. Shall I meet with you in town tonight? I would like to have dinner with you."

Tri'ku's mood brightened considerably. "That would be exquisite, my lady …"

"Until then?"

"I will come by your place to get you."

As she switched off the com, Ahsoka had some time to reflect. Master Shaak is so alert. She picks up even the slightest detail. I wonder what she will think about these people here. And what they will think of her… Ahsoka then laid down on her bed for a couple hours' nap. She then arose and made herself ready for dinner with the Commodore. A change into a tight black sequined dress and matching shoes was her choice for the evening and she even applied a little fragrance to up her game. As she emerged into the main living space, Shaak was seated and awaiting her.

"A little planned diversion for tonight, dear?"

"Yes … (?) I need to get out for a bit … don't wait up for me, 'mother' …" Ahsoka giggled.

Hedala and Frehya also came into the main room and were duly impressed when they saw their master.

"You clean up nice, Master Ahsoka …" Hedala whistled. "Got a hot date?"

Ahsoka blushed a little at that, but then headed out. Her subsequent time with Tri'ku Je'har was pleasant, as he was a perfect gentleman. Upon first seeing her, he was most impressed and his speech stuttered slightly:

"Mmm my lady, you are absolutely stunning …"

Ahsoka laughed. "Why thank you, kind sir …"

The two of them had a mostly inconsequential date together. The commodore asked her how the negotiations for the deployment were progressing and Ahsoka told him she would be getting a progress report the next day on Vaynai. He seemed a trifle concerned about things but quickly smoothed it over and remarked that she seemed to have had a satisfying vacation. He asked where she went and she mentioned Alderaan but not Felucia. When the night moved in a more romantic direction, Ahsoka let herself relax while she examined her possible feelings for him. Part of her was most attracted to his strong but refined demeanor, but at the same time she was wary of getting in too deep. They parted on good terms, even exchanging a short kiss after he returned her to her home. When Ahsoka reentered her home, Shaak of course was waiting, but she asked no questions about her "daughter's" evening activity, and simply smiled sweetly at her.

The next day, Ahsoka and Shaak went to the spaceport and left Hedala and Frehya to their own pursuits. When they arrived on Vaynai, Ahsoka rang up Chelli and they went to join her at their hotel. Upon arrival, Ahsoka introduced her "mother" to Chelli and Sana. Their discussion went well, as Chelli kept it strictly focused on business. Ahsoka learned they had made good headway on the Corporate Sector world of Issagra and had negotiated a supply contract for the orbital defense setup, including all droid emplacements. Shaak took careful mental notes while Chelli and Sana did most of the talking, and for the most part remained silent. Afterward, Ahsoka asked Shaak for her reflections on the meeting:

"Interesting partners you have on this one, Ahsoka. Particularly the one called Chelli."

"I'm most impressed with her. She's very sharp."

"I would be wary, my child. She's got her own agenda and may not be telling you everything, just what she believes you want to hear."

Ahsoka nodded. "You're probably right. But at least things are getting done. I can tell the Je'har we are on schedule and within budget. Let's see where things stand once the deployment phase is underway."

Shaak clasped her hands together. "Very well. I would like to examine the materials these two are providing you. I want to know more about how the system as a whole would work."

"Are you thinking what I think you are thinking?"

"Which is?"

"That you might be interested in such a system for Felucia?"

Shaak shook her head. "Not so much … I am naturally suspicious of droid-based systems. I believe they are too easily compromised."

"Yes, I can understand your thinking on that. We both recall what happened on Kamino …"

Another six weeks passed. Shaak returned to Felucia, but visited Almania occasionally to look in on Ahsoka, who found herself enjoying the presence of her Master more and more. It was almost like they had an innate psychological connection and could read each other's thoughts as they were happening. One night on Felucia, Shaak set up a hologram link to Yoda so that he and Ahsoka could converse. Yoda was very supportive and interested in her progress, giving her praise and endorsing Shaak's decision to make Ahsoka a master and start sharing the ancient Jedi knowledge with her. He was also keenly interested in the progress of her two Apprentices, which were coming along nicely. Maris had worked with them on the team-based Force activities and they greatly prospered under the system. To speed up their development, Ahsoka agreed to let them stay on Felucia for ten-day stretches but they would miss her and were always eager to return to her side on Almania.

The Almanian perimeter defense system was being deployed and would be ready for a beta test in another two months. The leadership of the planet had already held a banquet in Ahsoka's honor when deployment commenced, but Shaak was unable to attend this function with her. Chelli Aphra and her girlfriend Sana also attended the gala and enjoyed themselves immensely as some younger members of the Almanian officer corps were smitten with both young ladies once they had gotten themselves dolled up for the affair.

Around this time, Ahsoka received a transmission from Hera Syndulla on the Ghost. Hera was aware of some of the details of Ahsoka's new life and knew that her friend had a shiny new vessel called Corvala Dawn, so she had hailed it, then informed her of the events that had taken place (see Star Wars Rebels Season 3, Episode 3) where Maul had returned to terrorize them. He had held Hera, Zeb, and Sabine prisoner while attempting to gain the Sith holocron that Ezra had spirited off Malachor months earlier. Maul attempted to murder Kanan Jarrus but was unsuccessful, as the Jedi Knight had become more proficient than ever in his use of the Force since losing his eyesight at the hands of Maul during the battle on Malachor against the Inquisitorium. Ahsoka was gratified to learn that everyone had ultimately survived this harrowing encounter and that Maul had left them to lick their wounds. She had some additional questions for her Twi'lek friend:

"Hera, can you tell me exactly how you left things with Maul?"

"Only that he was successful in getting both Jedi and Sith holocrons to open and there was a mix of powers."

"How was he able to open Kanan's Jedi holocron?"

"Unfortunately, Ezra was assisting him …"

Ahsoka sighed. "I think I had better pay you all a visit. There are some things we need to go over. Prepare Kanan for my arrival so he isn't blindsided, but keep Ezra in the dark. I need to see him separately. I will see you on Atollon in two rotations."

"I look forward to seeing you, dear friend …" Hera smiled in reply.

"The feeling is mutual."

Indeed, Maul had been successful in gaining some important information once both holocrons had been opened in the presence of each other. Crucially for him, this included some news on the status of his old foe Obi-Wan Kenobi – now calling himself Ben – and that he was alive, having of course survived Order 66 some 16 years earlier and now apparently living on some planet with "twin suns." But he had little else to go on at this point, so he decided to watch the Ghost and see if anyone came to visit that might be helpful. To understand the psychology of the Son of Dathomir at this point is to know a desperate soul, most of his dreams of galactic conquest and Sith glory having been dashed, and his attempts to rejoin Darth Sidious rudely cast aside as the old man considered him so much discarded trash. Even his short run as ruler of Mandalore didn't last as Ahsoka Tano had led a clone force to that world to overthrow him. She had even been on the verge of defeating him but instead chose to save the lives of her troopers and thus allowed Maul to escape. But he was a beaten man, slinking away to lick his wounds elsewhere in the galaxy. All he could live for now was the fond hope of revenge, a warm feeling that gave him the fuel to soldier on. He lives …

So imagine his glee when, seemingly out of nowhere, appeared a ship that, upon scanning, revealed his old nemesis "Lady Tano" herself, apparently having returned to aid her friends on the Ghost. But what he was unaware of was the presence of another entity massively strong in the Force, and that was of course Grand Master Ti – who had subtly disguised her Force signature and made herself effectively transparent. The two Masters set the Corvala Dawn down on the surface of the world holding the Rebel base, but a few km away from the Ghost's location. Hera had told Kanan privately of Ahsoka's survival on Malachor and her new role in the galaxy, also that she would be paying them a visit soon. Ahsoka was preparing to alert Hera to her arrival when suddenly Maul set his ship down on Atollon and set out to approach the Corvala Dawn with his double-bladed sabre at the ready.

But Ahsoka and Shaak soon detected him, and made their plan quickly:

"My child, I will leave this one to you. Do what you feel you must."

"Understood, Master. This one's mine …"

As Maul got within 100 metres, Ahsoka suddenly rocketed out of the top of the Corvala Dawn with both of her white blades ignited. Maul was ready, though, and attempted to slash hard at the Togruta with both sides of his red double blade. Her answer was a Force push like he had never experienced from her before, one which viciously threw him into an outcropping of rocks. As he tried to recover, she reached out with the Force and shattered the hilt of his double sabre which caused the crystals to disperse wildly away from him. Shaak, still aboard Ahsoka's ship, quietly observed the progress of the contest and smiled. Finish him, my child … a sinister thought that ran through her mind.

But Ahsoka was at heart a compassionate soul, and she did not wish to wantonly slaughter even an individual such as Maul. Yes, she was angry over his treatment of Hera and Kanan, and for many other vile deeds he had perpetrated, such as the cold-blooded murder of Duchess Satine of Mandalore, while her secret lover Obi-Wan was forced to helplessly watch. Maul then pleaded with her to spare him:

"Lady Tano, I beg of you to have mercy … my quarrel was never with you," he hissed.

"Give me just one reason why I should do that!" she spat.

"I feel the power in you, Lady Tano – together we can destroy the Sith …"

Ahsoka snipped, "That's Master Tano to you, wretch …"

Her anger at him rising again, she stepped back and unleashed 20 KW bolts of lightning from her palms, which caught him completely by surprise. He realized, in his sudden agony, that she had become something far beyond what she had been and assumed that she had turned to the Dark Side and had designs of perhaps someday ruling the galaxy herself. As Ahsoka relented from the blasts, he again tried to reach her.

"Master Ahsoka, I beg of you … if you will spare me, I will do no further harm to your friends. It was my foolish mistake to think I could betray you." His tone was again pleading. "Your power is great now, I can see that."

"You are getting on my nerves, Maul."

Maul stuttered. "Y-yes … I c-can see that. All I ask now is that you allow me to at least complete the only quest remaining for me. The galaxy is yours, Master Tano. I will take great pleasure in seeing you destroy those who would attempt to stop you."

Ahsoka scoffed. "And what, pray tell, might that quest be?"

"A simple matter of revenge, Master. For the one who has always stood in my way …"

Ahsoka snipped again at him. "Master Kenobi? You will not obtain his whereabouts from me … now, be gone, wretch, before I change my mind and destroy you once and for all."

"Dear Lady Ahsoka Tano – exalted Master – my deepest gratitude. I will be leaving now."

As he slinked away, Ahsoka watched to ensure he kept his word, and soon saw his ship leaving Atollon. Shaak emerged from Corvala Dawn with a satisfied look on her face and embraced Ahsoka for a second.

"Well done, my child. I especially admire your restraint. For a minute I thought you would kill him."

"I couldn't do it, Master."

"That was your decision, dear. You always must do what you feel is right."

Ahsoka hailed Hera via the com-link, with her location on the planet, and soon she and Kanan approached on foot. Warm embraces ensued as the friends greeted each other. Hera had tears in her eyes to see the Togruta – looking most magnificent, with a certain glow about her. Kanan kissed her on the cheek and spoke:

"It's a miracle. We thought you were gone, for sure."

"I am so happy you are still with us as well. How are you feeling?"

"I am learning to see another way, Ahsoka. It will be all right."

"Hera and Kanan, I want you both to meet someone. May I present Master Shaak Ti …"

Shaak stepped forward. Both Kanan and Hera bowed to her, and Ahsoka informed them of Shaak's new Order, but decided not to divulge the location, nor tell them the full extent of Shaak's powers – or her own. Shaak then told them:

"I believe this location for your Rebel base has already been compromised and you will have to leave this world."

Hera asked with sudden concern, "are you certain?"

"Yes. You may not have much time."

"Can you meet with some of us, Master Ti?"

"I would prefer not to do that at this time, Captain Syndulla. We have another engagement planned."

But the Masters agreed to accompany Hera and Kanan back to the Ghost and they then met Ezra and Sabine, who were most gratified to see Ahsoka's survival and to meet the legendary Shaak Ti as well. Ahsoka decided not to tell them of Maul's encounter with her, knowing it would raise questions she'd rather not answer. Shaak then scanned Ezra via the Force and took him aside, accompanied by Ahsoka:

"I have heard about you, youngling."

Ezra responded nervously. "I hope it was good …"

"Relax, son. You have much promise as a future warrior … but … a word of caution."

"Yes, Master."

"Be not quick to venture into unknown realms. Sith holocrons are fraught with peril. Venture down this path and you will not return," she stated in a grave tone.

Ezra nodded feverishly. "I understand now, Master."

"The one you know as Maul – he shall not trouble you any more. Know that and be safe. I will leave you now."

With that, Ahsoka and Shaak bade farewell to the Ghost crew and returned to Corvala Dawn. They were seen lifting off and heading to parts unknown …

(to be continued!)