My thanks to everyone who has read this story and to more and more of those who have listed it as a favorite. It's quite gratifying to see my very first effort get this kind of reception. I realize that Ahsoka Tano is such a special character and more than that, she has been an inspiration to so many fans who have been touched by her in the adventures that she has appeared in. It was in the spirit that I decided to write this saga of the life of Ahsoka and her contributions to defeat the Empire, and the love of the galaxy for what she had helped to create. So on we go, as the events of Rogue One and A New Hope draw nearer …
Chapter 12: A Call to Arms
Geonosis, Arkanis Sector, SE Outer Rim, 1 BBY 6 months, 20 days, 16 hours
Ahsoka, Shaak, Frehya, and Hedala had traveled to the mostly barren world of Geonosis. They met with Saw Gerrera, who had passed on information about the Empire's 20-year battle station project – which would come to be known as "Death Star" – and the news that it had moved from Geonosis to another planet about 90 minutes away, called Scarif. Saw told them he'd heard from Galen Erso, who had claimed to have designed a flaw into the design of the station – but to find out what it was, they would have to get their hands on the plans and technical readout. That did not figure to be a simple endeavor as this other planet would be well-guarded. The Empire had taken great pains to ensure that the project would stay as secret as possible – which is why they had perpetrated a genocide against the Geonosian species so that no one on that world could give away any info on the nature of the project and key details. Nevertheless, things had a way of leaking out slowly anyway.
So when Ahsoka asked Shaak what the plan was now, the elder Togruta didn't answer right away. She stroked her chin and noted:
"It is quite correct that the planet Scarif will be heavily guarded. I'm hearing from my sources that the station may be over 150 km in diameter. Anything that large will be quite costly to build – the raw materials alone are going to be vast in quantity – and can you imagine how much energy it would take for a station of that size to travel through hyperspace?"
Ahsoka nodded slowly. "This seems like a crazy plan. Why would they do that instead of building more Star Destroyers, especially that huge new class?"
Shaak paused for a second. "Yes the new SSD are rather massive, and they have over 20,000 of the normal Imperial class star destroyer – each about 1.6 km long. Most anyone would be satisfied with this level of armament, but no, they want this new station as well."
"Master, why do you think that is?"
"My child, it's becoming clear to me. It's not just the size, but also the firepower that is the reason. You remember Saw telling us that this thing may be able to destroy an entire planet."
"Yes … unfortunately … do you believe him?"
Shaak looked at her more intently, her eyes narrowing. "I think we must consider it. We can now see what type of mind this Palpatine really has."
"He's a maniac." Ahsoka shook her head angrily. "So, are we going to Scarif?"
"Not immediately. I think first, we go next door to Tatooine and visit our friend Master Kenobi, and then drop in on Jabba."
Ahsoka smiled. "Yes. Let's."
Tatooine, Kenobi residence, 1 BBY 6 months, 20 days, 18 hours
The two then called in Hedala and Frehya to inform them of the plan. Shaak stressed they would work as a team and produce a show of force. "Lightsabres visible," she ordered. The ship then quickly exited Geonosis, and literally within seconds after making the jump, was dropping out and into Tatooine orbit.
They touched down near Obi-Wan's humble residence. Shaak felt his Force presence and the four walked a short distance and he, also alerted to their presence, came out to meet them.
"Welcome back, ladies! To what do I owe this fortunate circumstance?"
Shaak and Ahsoka smiled at him, while Hedala and Frehya curtsied.
"Master Obi-Wan," Shaak said slowly, while continuing to smile. "We hope we are not intruding on your day. There are some things we would like to bring to your attention."
"Not at all, Master Ti. Always happy to see you … and you as well, Master Tano."
Shaak asked Hedala and Frehya to keep watch outside while she and Ahsoka joined Obi-Wan inside. They nodded and checked the settings on their training sabres.
Shaak proceeded to review all they had learned regarding the Death Star project. Obi-Wan listened carefully, betraying no outward emotion, then weighed in.
"We must find out as much as we can regarding this project. I think those plans will be vital, but getting ahold of them seems nearly impossible."
Shaak nodded. "Our next move will be to travel to the Scarif system and observe things from a distance. This ship has some useful features that will allow us to be relatively undetected, thanks to Master Tano. She really is a fine engineer."
Obi-Wan nodded. "Anakin and I were always impressed whenever Ahsoka decided she wanted to learn something new. It wasn't long before she would master it." He took a deep breath. "You must be careful to keep the Empire from learning of your presence. I also would expect Darth Vader to drop in from time to time so he can report back to the Emperor."
Shaak agreed. "I think so. Palpatine likely doesn't trust anyone quite as much, so he would want Vader to check on the accuracy of the information he will be getting from Tarkin and the others."
Obi-Wan cautioned her. "And if Vader detects your presence, he will likely want to destroy you."
Shaak's eyes narrowed. "We will be ready."
She motioned for Ahsoka to head out so she could speak with Obi-Wan in private.
He then told her "Ahsoka has always been rather emotional. Anakin usually had to calm her down. I think you will do the same for her."
Shaak smiled again. "Master Kenobi, my daughter has great passion for doing what she believes is right. Under my guidance, she is learning how best to use that energy. Ahsoka is no longer who she was back when you and Skywalker were training her. She better understands her role in the future of the galaxy now – and how it is evolving."
"So, you have adopted her? Very interesting. She's always wanted to belong to someone or something. You know, I've always been rather fond of her. She was brave and talented and usually cheerful and fun to be around. Anakin adored her and she often kept him from acting recklessly. He was quite despondent when she left us."
"Obi-Wan, she is still all of those things … but she is now also a leader. Those two who serve under her practically worship her, and she takes that responsibility very seriously."
"Master Ti, how do you think we can deal with this 'Death Star', as you call it?"
Shaak paused a second and extended the tip of her tongue, as if tasting the air. "I will be quite candid with you, friend … I just don't have enough information at present. But I feel certain that an opportunity will present itself. We just have to be prepared."
Meanwhile, the two apprentices outside chatted for a bit before Ahsoka joined them. "Frehya, what do you think about this Death Star? Sounds quite scary – which is probably how they want it to sound."
"Well … for an organization that says they are all about 'order' and 'peace', they sure put a lot of emphasis on death. I guess if everyone is dead, there will be peace."
Hedala shook her head. "I don't understand why we were supposed to hate the Jedi. All of them I've met so far seem like really decent people. They sure weren't building Destroyers and Death Stars."
"Yep, we are on the right side here. And Master Shaak is nobody to mess with. Did you see how she just created a tornado? I wonder what else she can do."
"Something tells me we're going to find out …"
At that time, Ahsoka came outside to join them. They immediately looked to her for direction and she gave it.
"My friends, we are soon to pay a visit to another new acquaintance of Master Shaak's … someone you've already met. He's not your normal garden variety gangster, but she seems to trust him. Keep your hands on your sabres when we are inside his abode."
Shaak chuckled as she stepped out of Obi-Wan's home and walked over to the Corvala Dawn. Obi-Wan came out also and met Ahsoka briefly. "Stay safe, my friend."
She smiled and looked at him kindly. "Of course – who will you have to worry about otherwise?"
He patted her on the shoulder as she started up the ramp into the ship.
Tatooine, Jabba's palace, 1 BBY 6 months, 20 days, 19 hours
As Ahsoka settled into the pilot's chair, she looked around to see that everyone was accounted for, then engaged the engines. Soon they were above the desert surface of Tatooine, and they traveled for a few minutes before setting down within walking distance of Jabba the Hutt's palace. This time, when Shaak led the party of four to the entrance they were warmly received, as Jabba had made it clear that any time the great Grand Master dropped by, she was to be received as visiting royalty. So the four of them trooped in and were led to the main room where Jabba, as always, was perched on his raised dais a few feet off the floor.
R8-ND was again on hand to handle translation duties while Shaak spoke calmly.
"Greetings, my good friend Jabba, lord of Tatooine. We have been studying the information you have sent us and we are proud to present another installment on the total we agreed upon."
Shaak signaled to Frehya, who stepped forward with a small case, which she opened to reveal 25,000 Imperial credits gleaming in the light. Jabba's Twi'lek servant took the case from her, then the Hutt spoke:
"My dear Grand Master, how are you this fine evening?"
Shaak nodded gently. "Wonderful as always, your lordship," she chuckled. "We are going to be paying a call on our Imperial friends later tonight and I was wondering whether you might help me with this planet called Scarif."
Jabba seemed to consider her request, then spoke in a low tone.
"What exactly would the Lady like to know?"
"Jabba, my friend, might your people have any credentials that would gain us access to that world? I understand it is guarded by a shield and gate."
Jabba laughed loudly and his flabby exterior jiggled in the process, while Shaak smiled broadly. Even Ahsoka, who up to this point had carried a stern expression on her face, couldn't help but crack a smile herself. What kind of game is the Master playing? She wondered.
Jabba spoke in a jocular (for him) mode. "Perhaps if the Lady could scare up another 50,000 credits?"
Shaak laughed out loud. "Allow me to consider it."
Jabba seemed to accept her seeming acquiescence and made an offer. "I can have my people look into it for you. There might be someone on the inside we can contact."
Shaak replied. "Fair enough. We weren't planning to go inside tonight anyway. More to get the feel of things, if you get my drift."
"Always ready to be of help, Grand Master. Your credit is always good with us."
Ahsoka thought for a minute, and was about to say something, then thought better of it. She said instead, "thank you for your help, Jabba."
The Hutt shifted for a second as she spoke, then glanced at her. He seemed to perk up, and then asked, "Is this the young Padawan Tano all grown up?"
Ahsoka nodded.
Jabba continued, "Dear Ahsoka, I will always be in your debt for everything you did to save my son Rotta back then. A Hutt of honor always is grateful to such kind service. Anything I can do for you, please name it."
Ahsoka was surprised by his graciousness, and thanked him. "I was happy to do it. I hated seeing your innocent child being used as a pawn by the likes of Ventress and Dooku."
He laughed again. "Your master is quite lucky to have you on her side. Best of luck against the Empire. They have been bad for business, quite bad."
Shaak then signaled that she would be going, then gave Jabba a farewell bow. "Until we meet again, Grand Master," he said as they left. Soon they were back aboard Ahsoka's ship and making preparations for the next trip.
"How long until we reach the Scarif system?" Shaak asked Ahsoka.
"About 90 minutes or so."
"Good. Enough time to get a short nap." Shaak went aft to her quarters and laid herself down.
Scarif (vicinity), Abrion Sector, SE Outer Rim, 1 BBY 6 months, 19 days
Ahsoka announced they were coming out of hyperspace and Shaak made her way to the Corvala Dawn bridge. The GM seemingly went into some type of trance. She sat straight up with her hands high above her head and her eyes closed. In the distance, the planet was visible as a small blue expanse. Ahsoka put her ship into cloaked mode and they continued on toward the planet.
As the mostly blue disc of Scarif started to grow in size, Shaak stirred slightly and then gave the command to halt their forward progress. Ahsoka was able to apply slight pressure via retros to slow the ship and more or less hold their current position. "Full mag", Shaak ordered, and as the screen was changed, they could spot a large rounded object, but few details were visible other than a circular dimple on the northern hemisphere just above the equator. Hedala gasped. "What is that thing?"
Ahsoka shook her head. "Something to do with the weapons system, you can be sure."
Shaak drummed her fingers on the surface in front of her while she pondered what to do next.
"We've got to get closer," she decided. "Let's go in halfway from here."
The ship proceeded in, and they were in a much better position, able to observe various craft coming and going. The space around the station was a hive of activity, mostly freighters and various hauling vessels, some heading to the planet's surface, others jumping to hyperspace.
"Well, this is what we came for, Master ..." Ahsoka remarked. "That thing is incredible."
Shaak nodded. "OK, now that we've seen it, let me go over the obvious questions. One – how close is it to being finished? Two – how does it work, in other words, how would it destroy a moon or a planet? Three – how many people know about this? Who's got some more?" she laughed.
Frehya spoke up. "Do you think they know we're here?"
"Good question!" Ahsoka exclaimed, but then, more calmly, "we should be safe for now. This ship has some of the latest equipment."
Shaak drummed her fingers some more, then said, "we're likely not going to learn much from out here. Ahsoka, let's take a closer look at the planet. I want to see this security setup in action. Then let's pre-program a course for Corellia. There's an important meeting about to take place there that we should be at."
"Sure thing, Master Shaak. But wouldn't Maris want to be part of the meeting?"
"My child, Maris has important duties on Felucia. But we will be certain to bring her up to speed on it later. I'm glad you are thinking of her."
Ahsoka nodded and thought about Maris Brood and how she seemed to be left out of too many of Master Shaak's affairs – likely because of me, she thought. If I were in her position, I wouldn't like that.
Ahsoka eased the ship away from the Death Star in construction and fell into an orbital track around Scarif. She activated her ship's scanning capabilities as they passed over the surface. Soon they came upon what appeared to be the shield gate, mentioned by Saw and confirmed by Jabba. Two Imperial class Star Destroyers were guarding the approach. They could see one ship – perhaps a shuttle – passing through it and heading for the surface below. Further down, they could also make out what appeared to be a huge tower-like structure on the ground.
Then a squadron of TIE fighters started heading for them – eight ships in all – but they were unable to detect the presence of Corvala Dawn and passed them harmlessly.
"Seen enough yet, Master?" Ahsoka snipped.
"Not quite." Shaak replied. "Let's take a close pass over the Death Star and then make the jump. Are we all set for that?"
"Roger, Roger," Ahsoka giggled. As the ship gathered speed and got closer to the station, there was an attempt to hail them from somewhere, most likely by the Imperials below.
"Make no contact. Let them think they're just hearing things."
"What if they scanned us?" Ahsoka asked.
"They won't be able to do much about it. We will be gone."
"Got it, boss."
With that, Corvala Dawn roared over the battle station, its recorders snapping away. As they left it behind, they made the jump to light speed and were gone. Ahsoka breathed a sigh of relief. She wasn't prepared for a space battle and didn't want her brand new spaceship to get scuffed up – at least not until she had installed her own miniature version of the new Almanian defense system, with high powered lasers and satellite droids.
As they made their way across the galaxy to the Core world of Corellia, Shaak suggested they have a meal together. The trip was about 13 hours in duration, so after they had eaten, they moved into the conference room. There, Shaak laid out what this leg of their journey was all about.
"The rebellion is starting to take shape. Tomorrow you will meet some of the leaders. Some you already know, such as Bail Organa. Others are new to you – Mon Mothma and Garm Bel-Iblis – but we all share the same sentiment, a love of liberty and a hatred of Palpatine and his regime. Ahsoka, Bail had asked that you join us and – when he realized that you were now my adopted daughter – that I be there as well. This is our chance to make our voices heard."
"So I will be a part of this?" Ahsoka asked. "I want to speak my mind too. As one who knew Darth Vader from before he was that, I can maybe offer another point of view."
"We will also be representing Obi-Wan and any other remaining Jedi, like Kanan Jarrus. As it stands now, along with Master Yoda, we are more or less all that is left of that Order."
"But Master, are we not starting a new Order? Maris seems to think so, and I think I agree. The Jedi had too many restrictions. It was part of why Anakin turned, and maybe I would have too, had I stayed. I'm beginning to think it was very fortunate that I left. I can see clearer as a result."
Shaak smiled. "Yes. I can certainly see why you feel that way. But what's done is done. However – I am not rebuilding the Jedi Order, I am founding a new organization. We will refer to it as the Order of The Galaxy, or the OTG."
Ahsoka grinned. "Are you going to announce that tomorrow, Mother?"
Shaak shook her head. "The time is not yet right for that, but there will come a day. Come, my child, it is time for us to meditate together, about all we have seen today and what we will do tomorrow."
Corellia, Core Region, 1 BBY 6 months, 18 days
The next day, Corvala Dawn arrived on the heavily urbanized world of Corellia. It was known as a planet of great ship builders and much galactic commerce went through there, due to the intersection of two principal hyperspace lanes. The governments of Corellia and of its four sister worlds in the same star system were basically democratic, but the large business interests had inordinate influence – much like other worlds of this type in the galaxy. When Ahsoka's ship touched down, it was greeted by a group loyal to the rebel cause. The four of them – all dressed up and ready to make the best impression – were taken off to a conference center where Bail Organa was awaiting them.
As they arrived, Bail came over to meet them, and was accompanied by his adopted daughter Leia, who was excited to see her Togruta friend.
"So great to see you, Ahsoka," the teenaged princess gushed.
Ahsoka smiled. "Leia, I have someone I want you to meet. This is Grand Master Shaak Ti. She is my new adoptive mother."
Leia was a bit surprised by this development, but she was quite cordial with Shaak. "I am very happy to meet you, Master Ti. We really love Ahsoka and it's so good for her to finally have a family."
Shaak nodded and smiled.
Leia was also pleased to see Frehya and Hedala. "How are things with you, Hedala? Is Ahsoka taking good care of you?" she laughed lightly.
Hedala responded in similar fashion. "The best, my princess. She is such a great leader and so skilled. I'm learning so much from her."
Bail then spoke up. "Ladies, this way. I want you all to meet a couple more good friends."
As they headed into the ballroom, Mon Mothma, a short red-headed woman with blue eyes and a strong gaze, came forward. Bail introduced her to Ahsoka and Shaak, with the latter taking a full measure of the woman. Mothma herself extended warm greetings to both Togruta. Bail explained that Mon had been a senator for her Core world of Chandrila for a number of years. She was about 45 years old at the time of this meeting.
The other important dignitary on hand was Senator Garm Bel-Iblis, from Corellia, and the host of this meeting. He had called it at the time he believed it was right and his fellow senators Mothma and Organa were the most able leaders he could think of. The three were all from Core worlds and each had ample reasons to oppose Emperor Palpatine, Bel-Iblis most of all, as Imperial agents had murdered his wife and children. When the Togruta ladies were introduced to him, he bowed deeply and heartily welcomed them to the cause. Shaak scanned him and felt moved by the man's personal history, but at this point, the Grand Master was just happy to see the rebellion becoming more than just idle talk.
As everyone sat down, there was a sumptuous lunch served, then the meeting began and Bel-Iblis wanted to recognize Shaak first. As she rose to speak, she asked for the projector to be turned on and then proceeded to display the recent images of the Death Star that had been taken from aboard the Corvala Dawn. Jaws dropped as the immense scale of the station could be seen and Shaak stated that the purpose of the construction ought to be clear to everyone in the room. "Palpatine plans to use this to wipe out any and all opposition and send a message of terror to everyone in the galaxy. We now have our pretext for revolution."
As Shaak took her seat, the others applauded her and congratulated her on being able to obtain the pictures. Mothma thanked her directly as she recognized the dangers they had risked in going to Scarif which was so heavily guarded. "I think we all can now see why the Emperor has tried to keep this project secret for as long as he could. This monstrous instrument of horrors is aimed at all of us. We must do whatever we can to stand against this plan."
Senators Organa and Bel-Iblis also spoke from the heart about the need to oppose the Empire, saying that from the very start, the entire purpose was an insidious plan to remove any and all possible opposition by Senator Palpatine of Naboo, who became Chancellor under false pretenses and then expanded his power at every opportunity. This of course extended to the betrayal of the Jedi Order via trumped-up charges and the entire ruse of the Clone Wars. Ahsoka also was given the chance to say a few words, and though she was clearly nervous at first, one glance at her mother gave her courage.
"I have seen personally the evil of this man Palpatine, who wormed his way into the confidence of my former Master Anakin Skywalker and caused him to become his agent of death and destruction as the heinous Darth Vader, someone who personally killed many of those who were once my friends and his. But today, I swear by everything that is right and good in this galaxy, that I will not rest until this evil is defeated once and for all, and if I have to face my onetime master again, I promise that he too will go down. For the Revolution!"
As she sat down, Ahsoka heard the applause ringing in her ears and for a second realized it had echoed what had been in her recurring dream. So this is what it feels like, she thought, and nodded her head vigorously forward. Bel-Iblis rose again and took the moment to salute Mon Mothma, who then proceeded to read from her self-penned Declaration of Rebellion. (The full text can be seen here: wiki/Declaration_of_Rebellion/Legends)
We, the beings of the Rebel Alliance, do this day send forth this Declaration to His Majesty, the Emperor, and to all sentient beings in the Galaxy, to make clear to all the Purposes and Goals of this Rebellion.
We firmly acknowledge the importance and necessity of the institution of Galactic Government. We accept that all must subjugate themselves to that Government, giving up certain rights and freedoms, in return for peace, prosperity and happiness for all.
We believe that the Galactic Government derives its power and right to rule from the consent of the governed. We believe that, should the rights of free beings be willfully and malignantly usurped, it is the unalienable right of said beings to alter or abolish said Government.
The history of the present Galactic Empire is of repeated injuries upon its members, with the direct objective of establishing you, Emperor Palpatine, as absolute tyrant over the Galaxy.
You have instituted a policy of blatant racism and genocide against the nonhuman peoples of the Galaxy;
You have overthrown the chosen leaders of planets, replacing them with Moffs and Governors of your choice;
You have expanded the military far beyond what is necessary and prudent, for the sole purpose of oppressing your subjects.
We, the Rebel Alliance, do therefore in the name—and by the authority—of the free beings of the Galaxy, solemnly publish and declare our intentions:
To fight and oppose you and your forces, by any and all means at our disposal;
To refuse any Imperial law contrary to the rights of free beings;
To bring about your destruction and the destruction of the Galactic Empire;
To make forever free all beings in the galaxy.
To these ends, we pledge our property, our honor, and our lives.
As she finished, and the applause had subsided, everyone had made a solemn vow. The meeting broke up and as the participants filed out of the ballroom, Mothma wanted to speak with Shaak and Ahsoka privately.
"We must do whatever we can to stand against this Death Star, as you call it. How can I help?"
Shaak smiled at her and then answered. "Senator, this will not be a simple matter. I have come across more information that states that the battle station is inherently unstable, and there exists a shatter point that we can exploit. But the critical piece here is to somehow obtain the plans for the station. We have reason to believe they will be found on the planet below those photographs we provided."
Mothma looked her in the eye and reached to take one of Shaak's hands in hers, as a gesture of support and solidarity. "Master Ti, we will take this evidence you have provided and keep it strictly secret. We don't know yet how much time we have, but we will make every effort to get those plans."
"Senator Mothma, I would be most grateful if you would keep my daughter and I apprised on any progress you are able to make toward that goal. We will continue to do what we can on our end."
Ahsoka then poured them each a glass of Corellian ale and raised it in a toast, which others quickly echoed:
To the REVOLUTION!
To be continued …
