Ahsoka and the Rebellion – Chapter 8: Meeting of the Minds

Here we are with another installment of Ahsoka's continuing journey towards self realization and enlightenment. This chapter will be a chance to review some things from the point of view of four of our main characters and to point the way to the next phase of the story.

Chapter 8: Meeting of the Minds

The timeline is now about 1.5 years before the Battle of Yavin … Shaak Ti and Ahsoka Tano decide to go to Felucia before making the journey to Tatooine to meet with Obi-Wan Kenobi. They will also pick up Ahsoka's apprentices, Frehya Lumoxa and Hedala Fardi, who are to accompany their master on the trip.

As she prepared for this important journey, Ahsoka stopped to reflect on her time since the fateful encounter on Malachor. So much had happened – she had established herself as a valued military expert on the small Outer Rim world of Almania, while trading on her Clone Wars background. In doing so, she had obtained a high-income lifestyle, complete with a sleek modern starship to travel the galaxy and a stylish new residence as well. She had learned the fate of Anakin and Padme and their two children (likely unknown to Anakin since his turn to the Dark Side as Darth Vader), and then had re-established contact with the venerated Jedi Master Shaak Ti, now living in secret in a world shrouded in mystery. Master Ti had set about re-establishing the Jedi Order – or something like it – and was growing ever stronger in the Force while accumulating a large store of knowledge. This knowledge extended to once-forbidden uses of the Force – or so they were once deemed to be. Apparently, former Grand Master Yoda had for some unknown reason appeared to sanction Shaak Ti's conduct and teachings. But maybe it was because desperate times called for equally desperate measures.

Anyway, Ahsoka herself was deeply conflicted about her own growing power, which was most recently unleashed on her former nemesis Maul as she had directly applied 20 KW of electric current and thus reduced him to a pleading wretch begging that she spare his life. But this was not how she had viewed her life a while back. Helping the Rebellion against the Empire was certainly fulfilling, but she saw this task as a huge mountain to climb, with a very uncertain outcome. On the other hand, the time she had spent with Shaak was exciting, as the Master was so wise and thoughtful, while at the same time kind and gentle to her. Ahsoka felt like Shaak was becoming her mother in many ways, as she continually referred to her as "my child" and yet this did not bother her at all – in fact she welcomed it. Ahsoka had always longed for belonging and a chance to be part of something. This was why her leaving the Jedi was so painful. It put her on her own and much of the succeeding years were quite lonely as she had to constantly be on guard against those who would do her in – and to find out that the one behind much of the terror that stalked her life was none other than Anakin himself made it all the more unbearable. So that day on Malachor felt like the end to her. But sometimes an end can also be a beginning and Ahsoka was now turning things around and seemingly on a roll.

As for Shaak, finding Ahsoka had been a dream come true – finally an acolyte truly worthy of the title, and someone to pass on the prodigious knowledge she had stashed away after lifting the holocrons from the Temple as Order 66 played out. Shaak had cheated Vader out of something he scarcely knew existed and now her power well exceeded his and perhaps the Emperor's as well. But Shaak Ti was a rather conservative soul, one who preferred to play it safe while at the same time continuing to build up her advantage. Now at last had come the opportunity to start putting her plan in motion. For what good would it do to take down Vader while the Emperor was still strong? Yoda, by his own admission, was simply playing out the string and badly needed someone to pick up the baton and Shaak was really his only option. When they first talked this over a few years earlier, Yoda had confided to her that he had made a nearly fatal miscalculation and had refused to see the danger which was so clearly in front of him, while Palpatine/Sidious had carefully constructed an almost impregnable fortress against which the Jedi had no answer.

But now Shaak was carefully doing much the same thing. She had determined that the Empire was actually not nearly as strong as it pretended to be and soon a shatter point would present itself. More recently, sources had come to her and detailed Palpatine's plans for an armored battle station that would more perfectly ensure his domination for years to come. Putting this many resources into such a weapon could leave the rest of the Empire more vulnerable, she reasoned. How to take this down, she pondered. Her beloved Ahsoka was beginning to take shape as the ideal weapon herself. The new skills were starting to be transferred to her and there was a pressing need to have her grow more comfortable with her new powers. The problem was that being too obvious about this would bring unwanted attention and if Vader were dealt with too early it would put Ahsoka and herself in too high a profile and make them targets. No, the time had not yet come to be so bold.


As Corvala Dawn left the Rebel base world of Atollon, Shaak and Ahsoka decided the time had come to pay a visit to Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, now on the desert world of Tatooine. The planet was at least a full day's journey, even via Ahsoka's fast modern ship, so there would be plenty of time to rest and prepare. Ahsoka wanted to bring her apprentices along because they would gain some new opportunities to sharpen other needed skills. Maris Brood had reported to her about their promise in battle and their rapidly improving fighting skills, and Ahsoka was rightly proud of them. After about 90 minutes in transit, the ship dropped out of hyperspace and the green-blue disk of Felucia was visible in the viewport. Shaak gave a sigh of pleasure, as she had been looking forward to being back on her world again. It had become most soothing to her soul and the rest would reenergize her. Very little happened on Felucia that she didn't know about and everyone there ultimately was answerable to her alone.

After landing, she and Ahsoka went off to Shaak's private residence back in the woods. It was a very tidy little place, a small wooden structure with about four rooms. Ahsoka was a bit surprised as Shaak disrobed in front of her and thus showed off a physique that looked remarkably chiseled for someone of advanced age. We Togruta are a naturally strong people, she thought. Shaak noticed Ahsoka's look of awe and as she changed into a loose fitting gown, she asked playfully and chuckled:

"Admiring my body, my child?

"Very impressive, Master."

"It is always important to unify body and soul to be at peak … I continue to train myself and I would expect much the same."

Ahsoka nodded and smiled. "But of course … You continue to amaze me. Do you know, Master Shaak, I'm starting to see you as more than just a wise master but almost like the mother I never had growing up … would that be all right with you?"

"It would be most welcome, my child. As Jedi, we were not permitted to have such attachments … but I have come to see them as a source of strength – provided they are truly beneficial. This is why I have come to stress the team aspect of our development here on Felucia. When the time comes, our people will be ready – and stronger together."

"Yes, I have seen them – quite remarkable how in tune they are with each other. Your methods are rather effective. I would like to do similar things with Hedala and Frehya."

"Absolutely. I think it wise to bring the two of them with us this time. They will gain much valuable experience. It is also time for them to construct their own sabres."

The two women proceeded to lie next to each other on Shaak's floor, with comfortable silk-like bedding beneath them. As they slipped into a meditative state, they communed with each other via the Force and reached a feeling of unity and balance as their abilities were most complementary.


When the morning came, Ahsoka rose first, with an unmistakable feeling of serenity. Being in the intimate presence of her master – her quasi-adoptive mother – gave her a clear vision now. Together they would solve the mysteries and start the process to take back the galaxy from the evil Empire. She quickly donned her battle gear and went to find her apprentices. Upon reaching them, they were overjoyed to see her.

Frehya spoke first. "We have missed you much, Master …"

"Have you been doing the training … and the exercises? How about the meditation? Is Maris taking good care of you while I was away?" Ahsoka laughed slightly.

Hedala replied, "we're doing our best, Master Ahsoka. Maris works us hard, but we are getting in shape. She's shown me so much about lightsabre forms."

"That's nice … I guess you and I will need to try these out." She gave another soft laugh.

Ahsoka then hugged both of them and told them of the plan to go to Tatooine. As Frehya started getting her things together for the trip, she reflected on all that had happened since Ahsoka Tano entered her life. Frehya Lumoxa was a woman who grew up on Almania but was fortunate enough to get off-world and receive a good education in the Corporate Sector, where she studied commerce and military affairs. Eventually she had a business career that also included a lieutenant's commission in the Self-Defense forces of Almania. But there were few opportunities for advancement beyond a certain level on Almania if one's name was not Je'har and she had resigned herself to finishing her professional life as best she could until retirement. Her previous attempts at romance had ended in unhappy unions that broke apart quickly, so she was more or less a solo act. It was into this mix that Ahsoka had arrived on Almania and almost everything changed. At first, Tano was seemingly just a visiting dignitary that the Je'hars had taken an interest in as she could be of use to them with her knowledge and experience. But it quickly became clear that Ahsoka was not just another boring consultant and it wasn't long before the two of them had become friendly … and then everything opened up for Frehya when she demonstrated her Force abilities for Ahsoka. Now, a few months later, she was an apprentice to Master Tano and traveling the galaxy – an exciting new life for someone who had just entered her sixth decade of existence. Each day started with the promise of possible adventure and though the training was grueling, Frehya thanked herself for keeping her body in shape all those years leading up to the present.

Hedala also looked back at her life as she prepared for the trip. It seems as though Ahsoka had been part of it almost from the beginning, as the former Jedi was the one who discovered Hedala's latent Force abilities and then did her best to ensure these remained as hidden as possible. Once there was a chance to leave her home world, Hedala jumped at it as it would mean a whole new future for the smugglers' daughter as she got the chance to go to Alderaan and meet the royal family of Queen Breha – and this good fortune ended up bringing Ahsoka back into her life. So when the chance to become an apprentice to her arrived, she was more than ready. Now things were getting exciting as the amazing Master Ti and her planet Felucia were becoming a new home for Hedala and she could see herself becoming a true Knight.

Soon, Master Ti was up and about and she had a short meeting with Maris Brood and told her the plan. She would be away for a few days but would return. Maris wanted very much to accompany her master and was disappointed to see that Ahsoka had become the priority. Ahsoka herself was starting to sense this dynamic and certainly did not want any ill will to fester between herself and Maris. She took the Zabrak aside and indicated a desire to work together with her in the future – perhaps even conduct some intelligence and covert missions on behalf of the Rebellion. Maris appreciated the Togruta's attempts to reach out, and looked forward to working with her. Ahsoka wanted very much to get to know her master's longtime assistant as well.

So the four women got underway soon after and plotted the course for Tatooine. As this world was almost on the other side of the galaxy, there would be a long time in transit, with much time for study and some individual training from both Masters. Ahsoka started reminiscing about her earlier time on the planet. She was a young Padawan of 14 years of age when she and Master Anakin had to recover the son of gangster Jabba the Hutt and bring him safely to the boss's palace. Along the way they had trouble with both Count Dooku and his acolyte, Asajj Ventress. Sadly, she is no more, I have heard. Just when she was starting to reassess her turn to the Dark Side … Imagine her as our ally now, with Shaak's knowledge to guide her. She had later learned from Obi-Wan that Anakin had been the one to finally slay the Count, as future Emperor Palpatine watched with glee.

After lifting off from Felucia the ship quickly made the jump and Master Shaak called everyone together. She first asked for a 30-minute communal meditation session, and encouraged each participant to reach out to the group, explaining that these were "team building" moments and they would lead to greater trust. Then the Grand Master decided to ask both Frehya and Hedala if they had any questions for her. At first, they seemed a little hesitant, but Frehya broke the ice:

"Master, is it true that you think the Empire can be overturned? If so, how?"

"Yes. Completely true. The how will take more time, but think about this, Apprentice Lumoxa. I've reviewed some of your history and I know you have served in the military for your home world. What did you learn in the college there about finding the weakest point of the enemy?"

"After you determine it, you must target it with overwhelming force – because you may only get one shot."

Shaak smiled. "Very good answer. Now think about that for a minute. Where would you say the Empire's weak point is?"

"I think that any support they have from the people is not really genuine but they rule by fear, so once people lose the fear they will start to feel they can win."

"And that, my friend, is why I know Master Ahsoka has chosen well. You have identified a solution. Now you need to meditate more on that in the next hour or so. Apprentice Fardi, what do you think of your teammate's answer?"

"I'm unsure. The Empire is so large that it is hard to know where to start. Maybe the Emperor himself?"

Shaak nodded slowly. "Ah … most perceptive, young one … but in his case, your teammate Lumoxa is most correct about only getting one shot. Thank you, ladies, both good questions – and answers. Now is there anything you want to know about me? I realize that Ahsoka did not have the chance to prepare you both for our meeting."

Hedala spoke up. "Yes, were you also just three years old when your career with the Jedi started? And do you still think of yourself as a Jedi?"

"Yes, I was about four years old when they discovered me on Shili. My family was convinced by the Jedi that I should join them and eventually I would do them great honor. Do I consider myself a Jedi today? A very perceptive question, Apprentice Fardi. For the most part, the answer is yes. But there are times when I feel that our ideology did not serve us well. We should have been more alert and aware of the dangers that were all around us during that troubled time."

Frehya scratched her head and looked at Shaak directly. "Were you one of those who saw the danger?"

Shaak returned the gaze and paused for a second. "Only at the last minute. It was what enabled me to escape certain death. Yet I am here with you now. And that, my friend, is the only question that matters at the present time."

Frehya felt that Master Ti had somewhat ducked the question. How could such great Jedi as Shaak and Yoda fail to see that Chancellor Palpatine was actually a Sith Lord? I would think his Dark Side aura would be unmistakable. Frehya guessed that Shaak might not want to address this topic directly, so she kept it to herself.


The voyage continued on, with the four passengers on the Corvala Dawn becoming ever more familiar with each other as they swapped various tales of their pasts. Once the ship finally had dropped out of hyperspace and the sandy brown disk of Tatooine appeared, Shaak asked Ahsoka to put the ship in orbit for a couple of passes as she wanted to scan the planet via the Force before they committed to landing. It wasn't long before she confirmed the presence of Master Kenobi, but then she also detected another presence not far from his. Could this be that other one that Ahsoka hinted at with me earlier? She mulled it over for a bit, then directed Ahsoka to land the ship. As they descended, the planet presented itself as a sand covered world, with seemingly endless dunes. The few settlements seemed far apart and were not prominent. After they had landed, Shaak pointed Ahsoka in the proper direction and the younger Master unloaded one of the ship's speeder bikes – she remarked that these had seen little use thus far since she had owned the ship – for use to travel the planet's surface. Ahsoka then started the bike and soon arrived at a non-descript residence seemingly carved out of the side of an outcropping of rock near one of the planet's more mountainous area.

As Ahsoka dismounted, a hooded and robed figure stepped out and walked toward her … she recognized him immediately, despite his advanced age from when they last saw each other.

"Ahsoka Tano … how wonderful it is to see you. How long has it been?"

Ahsoka pulled her own robe back and put down her hood, showing her full montrals and lekku.

"Obi-Wan? Is it really you" she called cheerfully.

"I'm afraid so. Time is moving on …"

As they came close to each other, each was gazing intently at the other. Kenobi sensed something different about Ahsoka. She seemed to have a sort of glow that hadn't been there before. He made a mental note of it, and then gestured to her to follow him inside and suggested she put the speeder bike where it would be safe.

"The Tuskens are always interested in spare parts or anything they can get their hands on."

"Anakin told me about them. He wasn't too fond of them as I recall. You know, Master Kenobi, I have not been to this place since I was about 14 years old and had just started as Anakin's Padawan. I'd kind of forgotten about it, to tell the truth."

Obi-Wan looked at her fondly, recalling all they had been through together in the past.

"So my friend, what may I do for you … and first, please tell me how you've been doing. After the empire took over, we'd feared the worst, but recently Master Yoda had indicated that he found you were still with us. It was most gratifying to learn that."

Ahsoka chuckled. "Well, what can I say? I am a survivor …"

As they proceeded inside Kenobi's humble abode, he prepared tea for them and made note of her twin lightsabres.

"I see you've constructed some new weapons …"

"Would you like to have a look?" She held one out for him to inspect.

"Thank you …" He examined the details on the hilt, then ignited the blade. "A most unique design. Very tasteful and very much your personal touch. It suits you." He took a couple of swipes and noted the smooth handling.

Ahsoka beamed. "See how well it flows …"

"Indeed. I would not want to face a sabre like this in battle. Ahsoka, I've always been impressed at how you progressed over the years."

She went on to fill him in on how she survived the ordeal of Order 66 and had faked her death, then went into hiding. And later, how she had come across Bail Organa, who had suggested she join the fledgling rebellion against the Empire.

"Are you still working with the rebellion?"

"In an matter of speaking, yes, but I have a new calling these days."

"You know, Ahsoka, I had detected your landing a little while ago. You were not traveling alone."

"That is correct. But before I introduce my friends to you, I wanted to speak to you in private first."

"Very well then …"

She went on to tell him of her more recent doings and then brought up the subject of Malachor and the showdown with Vader.

"Obi-Wan … I wanted to ask you about what happened to Anakin. Bail Organa had told me it was best I ask you about this."

"Yes. It was a most tragic turn of events. We battled – seemingly to the death – on the molten world of Mustafar. Sorry to say, I gravely injured him – severing his legs and arms – but he was literally trying to kill me. I had to leave him behind. That's when I think that Palpatine came to retrieve him."

Ahsoka looked him in the eye. "So it was he who helped rebuild Anakin … into Vader?"

" Oh yes … he's become very much a machine now, but somewhere inside, the real Anakin still remains, I feel certain."

Ahsoka glanced away for a second. "Well, I had thought that. On Malachor, I was able to cut away part of his mask. It was then I knew it was really him. He spoke my name, sounding like his old self for just a minute. But then, he turned against me and tried to kill me. I was heartbroken, but I survived."

Obi-Wan nodded. "Palpatine has done this to him. Reduced him almost to a drone-like existence. Fighting for the Empire is all he has left now."

"It's very sad. I'm not sure anyone can reach him now."

"Perhaps not. But you had to learn that for yourself."

"But now I have a new purpose …"

She brought him up to date on her activities on Almania and Vaynai and also about her new starship, then mentioned her two apprentices.

"They are with me now, at the ship. And one other I know you will be happy to see."

Kenobi mounted the speeder bike behind Ahsoka and they raced over to the Corvala Dawn. As she led him aboard, Hedala and Frehya both greeted her and she introduced them to Kenobi. At that, Shaak then came forward, a picture of elegance in her black robes, and greeted him warmly.

"Master Obi-Wan Kenobi …"

Obi-Wan bowed slightly and smiled. "Master Ti … I am very glad to see you." He quickly noted how different she seemed from when they last had met. "Very happy to know you too are still with us."

Ahsoka spoke up. "Master Ti is my new master, Obi-Wan. She is teaching me many new things since we met a few months ago."

"Where have you been, Master Ti? I really had no idea you were still around."

Shaak laughed. "Master Yoda failed to mention that, I see … have you been in touch with him?"

"Occasionally. Both of us have a lot of free time these days …"

"So I see. Has Ahsoka been filling you in?"

Obi-Wan nodded. "Somewhat. I guess I have a few questions …" He gazed intently at her, a slight bit puzzled.

Shaak chuckled. "I'm sure you do … Come, Obi-Wan, join us in the conference area."

"My pleasure, Master Ti … Ahsoka, this is certainly a fine new ship you have. But I would not want to see some of the locals around here get their hands on it. The Hutts would likely pay well for such a vessel."

"Yes, it has some new features and an advanced hyper drive," Ahsoka remarked.

As they were seated, Ahsoka's droid R8-ND rolled forth with refreshments, and Hedala and Frehya brought a tray featuring tea and some small delicacies from Vaynai.

Ahsoka offered the tray to him. "I think you will find these tasty, Master."

"Yes, I always knew of the Togruta taste for various types of meat and such."

"Master Shaak and I extend our hospitality."

Shaak then spoke. "Now, Obi-Wan, I will get to the point. From our rendezvous with Senator Organa, we understand you are looking after Skywalker's son. Am I correct?"

Obi-Wan looked Shaak in the eye. "Quite correct, Master. He is still very much a boy. I had wanted him to begin training by now. He is almost 17 years now."

"I see. And what seems to be the holdup?"

"He lives with his uncle and aunt, they are moisture farmers on this arid world."

"Soon he will come to know his destiny. What is his name?"

"Luke … Luke Skywalker."

Shaak paused, then tilted her head as her lekku shifted. "Have you yet told him who he really is?"

Obi-Wan shook his head. "No … but the time draws near."

"Master Kenobi, Ahsoka and I have become aware of the latest plan the Empire has for the galaxy."

Ahsoka added, "A level of evil not before seen … they are constructing a super battle station that they will be able to deploy anywhere. It may have the ability to destroy a moon, perhaps even an entire planet, they are speculating. I am also aware that my old nemesis Tarkin is deeply involved."

Obi-Wan stared each Togruta Master in turn, then put his tea cup down on the table and sighed. "It would seem this is the moment the Rebellion must prepare for. Shaak – are you and Ahsoka ready to do your part for the Rebels?"

Shaak looked circumspect. "At this time, we must learn more about this super weapon. Like everything else, it must have a weakness."

Obi-Wan spoke evenly, with a barely perceptible nod. "I don't know how much time we will have …"

Ahsoka then countered. "It may be more than we think at present. The weapon still seems to be a ways from being operational. I hear they have not even test-fired the main battery."

Obi-Wan looked at them both with interest. "Where – or how – did you come by this information?"

Shaak narrowed her eyes. "We have our methods. Let's just say for the time being that they are very effective. I can assure you, Master Kenobi, that we will find out much more in the future. I have detected that the Emperor himself is absolutely determined to keep this project as secret as possible. But anything this large is hard to hide. We will keep you apprised of the situation as we see fit. For now, I would like to provide you with a direct – and fully secure – link to my base of operations."

Obi-Wan nodded. "Thank you, Master Ti. I shall be glad to have such a link. Let's talk more in the morning."

At that, the ladies of the Corvala Dawn invited Obi-Wan Kenobi to spend the Tatooinian night with them aboard the ship. As per her custom when on a strange world, Ahsoka activated the shield and placed the ship under cloaking to prevent it from being viewed by others, then everyone decided to retire for the night. There were more matters to discuss in the morning. Shaak then informed Obi-Wan that she and Yoda had agreed she would be the new Grand Master of the Order, and that she had also promoted Ahsoka to the rank of Master. He congratulated them on these achievements, but silently wondered what Shaak's ultimate plan was. There is a strange energy about her, something I've not felt before.

(to be continued …)