Ahsoka and the Rebellion – Chapter 29: The Vision

At this time, I want to explain what it is about Ahsoka Tano that made her so special for me. There is little doubt that she captured the hearts and imagination of nearly everyone that viewed the Clone Wars animated series, and there were a number of elements about her that were crucial. The way she was drawn in the series emphasized her facial features: eyes and lips in particular, and of course her bright lekku that gave her the exotic quality that we had come to expect from Star Wars almost from the beginning when we met the Jawas and Tuskens and then all the various sentients in the Mos Eisley cantina on Tatooine. But she was so much more, and a major reason was the voice portrayal of her by Ashley Eckstein, who gave Ahsoka her heart.

The storylines in the Clone Wars started her off as a brash and cocky teenager who gradually gained experience and became a true SW hero. By the end of her run in CW, watching her walk away from the Jedi Temple was a very emotional moment, mostly because she had won our hearts and we wanted the best for her. Quite a lot for an animated character to accomplish and I can think of few others over my long life that ever came close. One might be Fred Flintstone, who was the animated counterpart of Jackie Gleason's lovable Ralph Kramden in the Honeymooners. Both Fred and Ahsoka made you care about them – but she was completely original.

Along the way she has had so many who love her and some have a hard time explaining why they do. As for me, as I explained in my profile, Ahsoka Tano was someone I had never even heard of when this year began – and now I have written over 100,000 words in tribute to her and all her friends. Quite remarkable. But this story is about more than Ahsoka. She is of course the chief protagonist but there are a number of others in it who are important: Shaak, Frehya, Tri'ku, Hedala, Maris, and of course, Luke and Anakin. Every one of these main players will be fully explored before this tale ends.

A nod to new followers: xthorntailx, just a crazy-man.

Chapter 29: The Vision

It is now 3 weeks ABY. Shaak, Maris, Ahsoka, and Frehya are on their way in the Grand Master's ship Intrepid V to the planet Chandrila, which is in the Core region of the Galaxy and the home of Mon Mothma, but it's also where they are planning to meet with former Jedi Master Jocasta Nu. Once this meeting was over, Ahsoka planned to return to Yavin IV and oversee the progress of the rebels' evacuation to Pantora and the Almanian moon of Drewwa. She was concerned over reports that Princess Leia had gotten herself into a couple of tight spots trying to assist a group calling itself the Survivors of Alderaan. The women were having a general discussion on the way.

"So, Master, do you feel you can trust this? I mean, we know Jocasta from before but do we really know her now? I never liked her very much back in the old days."

Shaak chuckled at Maris. "I understand, dear. But she and I have a strong friendship. If not for her, we wouldn't have all the holocrons we have. And, even better, we can now add the ones she took with her. This is a great opportunity."

Frehya nodded. "Yes. From what Shaak tells me, Master Nu was the leading archivist in the Jedi Order. We are quite fortunate that she survived the Purge."

Ahsoka laughed and looked at her former apprentice. "It's going to give you a lot more work, I think. But Maris is right. Jocasta was only helpful for the Masters. Padawans like us were expected to do busy work for her. I got punished for disobeying orders once and had to pull security duty at the Temple."

Frehya laughed along with her. "You? Punished for insubordination … tsk tsk." She shook her head in mock disapproval.

Maris joined in. "I guess if we are going to air our dirty laundry … I too was forced to do Temple duty. She was scrutinizing me every step of the way. Mean old witch …"

Ahsoka looked at her and roared with laughter. "Why am I not surprised? But later she helped me locate the thief that stole my lightsabre. I was so scared Anakin would find out, but she kept it quiet."

Shaak was following this exchange with a slightly bemused look on her normally inscrutable face. She finally spoke up after drumming her fingers on the conference table. "Let's not be too harsh on our old friend. Many things have changed and I'd guess she will be quite happy to see both of you, and also to meet Padawan Frehya. The Order is the best hope for the future of the Galaxy. We must do all we can to make it even stronger."

After they quieted down, Ahsoka wanted to speak with Shaak in private. As they went into her Master's quarters, she mentioned the latest news about Leia. Shaak listened intently, then responded.

"I'm not sure it's such a good idea for her to take such risks. In the future, I prefer she be accompanied by someone from the Order when she takes on the Imperials so boldly."

Ahsoka nodded in agreement. "I will be meeting with her on Yavin after we are done with Jocasta. I think this is a good training opportunity for Luke and Hedala."

"Say, I've been meaning to ask you about that. What is your evaluation of them as a partnership?"

"Too early to tell, Mother, but I think she is a good one to work with him. Hedala is a very bright girl and she's quite helpful. She's also rather aggressive and it should be good for him to get his competitive nature going. He is Anakin's son after all."

Shaak took a couple of deep breaths, then folded her arms and stared back at Ahsoka.

"Keep me up to date on them. I feel a certain responsibility for taking on Vader's son."

"Mother, when should we bring them all up to date? Leia, Luke and Anakin, that is."

Shaak appeared to be considering the idea, and stroked her chin momentarily.

"At this time, I still feel it would complicate matters. But you are correct, my child. It is not good to keep them ignorant for too long. With both Bail and Obi-Wan having passed, this duty falls to us. I want to do this right. Luke and Leia should know they are brother and sister, but it will change many things. As for Vader – I still need more convincing that he can be trusted. There is still far too much in him that may be loyal to the Emperor."


At about this same time, on the Core world of Bar'leth, Chelli Lona Aphra was starting to get her plans together. She had completed the remaining exams that would award her a full doctorate in Galactic archaeology and was getting dressed up for a ceremony at the University. The next day, she had planned to purchase a starship that would provide ample hauling capability, for when some of her larger archaeological finds had to be extracted. At the current time, Chelli did not think she wanted to designate any particular planet or system as a home base, as she also preferred to work alone.

To purchase the ship – which she dubbed Ark Angel – required a good bit of her savings and she started thinking of another way to earn credits. Chelli thought about reaching out to Ahsoka, but then thought better of it, not wanting to use up her promised favor from the Togruta until she really needed it. So she then hit on the idea of doing some advanced droid repair and customization work, then selling the units to pirate or syndicate buyers on the Outer Rim. It was not much of a secret that the outer reaches of the Galaxy were becoming "wild zones" again now that the Empire had become severely stretched with the destruction of the Death Star. Chelli would soon head for the Corp-Sec to look up some old contacts, but first she thought to visit The Wheel, a giant space station located in the Maldrood Sector on the Mid Rim, and about the halfway point of her journey.


On Coruscant, Darth Vader started to put his plan into action as well. For the time being, he had to "play nice" with newly installed Grand General Tagge, so he reported to the General and asked what his assignments would be. Tagge knew he had to start getting the Outer Rim under control, but considering the immense amount of space to be covered, that would be a daunting proposition without the Death Star to hold systems in line. At the same time, Vader was looking for opportunities to make Tagge look bad, and considering his basic lack of scruples, he was willing to do whatever it took to make that happen.

The first part of his plan would involve finding new allies to back him. Of course, he could just go to Ahsoka and Shaak and they might be willing to give him what he needed. The problem was that he wasn't sure exactly what Shaak wanted him to do – her only directive was for him to regain the confidence of the Emperor. And the only way he understood was to undermine the guy above him. But how to do it? That would take some careful planning, something he had a talent for. He needed a partner, someone with an inventive mind and someone that understood weapons and tactics.


The Intrepid had entered the Chandrila system and Frehya arranged for a landing in Hanna City, the principal metropolitan area on the planet. It was a mostly peaceful place, one that was tolerant of diverse species and all manner of relationships between sexes and species. It was also the home of the Alliance leader Mon Mothma, who had represented the world in the Republic and Imperial Senate, and was about a half-hour's journey from Coruscant. Shaak knew fully well that they would be close enough to attract the attention of the Emperor from such a place and she engaged the various methods of Force energy diversion she had built into her ship. After they had made the arrangements, the ship landed and Jin-lo Rayce was on hand to welcome them. He greeted the four of them as they debarked from the Intrepid:

"Greetings, Madam Grand Master." He said cheerfully and knelt before the group.

Shaak nodded and extended her hand, which Padawan Rayce duly kissed.

"Good to see you again, sir. I present Master Ahsoka Tano, Knight Maris Brood, and Padawan Frehya Lumoxa."

Rayce rose and bowed to the three of them as they stood behind Shaak.

"It is rare indeed that we have such distinguished visitors. Master Tano, you have always been one of my heroes. Your bravery and skill are legendary among those who know the history."

Ahsoka laughed softly. "Why, thank you …"

Rayce continued. "I have been asked to show you to Master Jocasta Nu and our group of Force adepts. We have been looking forward to this for some time."

He led them to a speeder limo that took them deeper into the city. They arrived at what appeared to be an office complex and then they were raised to the 50th floor of building where they landed and everyone got out. As they went inside, former Jedi Master and archivist Jocasta Nu was waiting for them in a richly appointed conference room. When she first spotted Shaak, she approached with a smile, then curtsied before her old friend.

"It has been so long, my dear Shaak. I see you are looking quite well."

Shaak laughed and smiled at Jocasta. The two of them hugged. "Can you imagine my surprise – and my gratification – when I learned you were still with us? You have made me a liar, old friend …"

Jocasta immediately recognized Ahsoka and Maris. "Ladies, it is great to see you also. Ahsoka Tano. Maris Brood. Both former Padawans … You both seem so powerful now."

Ahsoka smiled and half-curtsied, and she glared at Maris, who soon did the same.

Jocasta then turned to Frehya. "And who might this beautiful lady be?"

Frehya blushed slightly and introduced herself. "I am Frehya Lumoxa, Padawan of the Order, and executive assistant to Grand Master Ti. So good to meet you, Master Nu." She gave a full curtsy.

Shaak then spoke. "Now that we have the formalities out of the way, Padawan Lumoxa has put together a short presentation about the Order that we would like to show you."

Jocasta glanced at Frehya with a smile. "That would be wonderful. And Shaak, I would also like to assure you that I have installed sophisticated Force blocking capability on this complex, which is the property of my group, so that all of us who are gifted with the Force can relax knowing that the Imperial Palace cannot readily penetrate our proceedings."

Maris glanced uneasily at Ahsoka, but the Togruta gave no outward indication. She instead quietly reached for the Zabrak's hand under the table and squeezed it reassuringly, giving a soothing feeling to her friend. Shaak pretended not to notice any of this and smiled at Jocasta. "Very good."

Frehya had located the facility's data port and plugged in a small device. Then a hologram presentation began that demonstrated the various facilities on Felucia and some slides with names of the members of the Order and their titles and responsibilities were shown on the wall in the room. Jocasta took mental notes and made a few observations. She seemed to be impressed with the organization overall.

"You have certainly built something to be proud of. Shaak, I look forward to seeing all of this firsthand. Especially I would like to observe your people in training."

Frehya continued the presentation and came to the topic of holocron storage and utilization. "Master Nu, we understand that you also have much in the way of knowledge that can be added to our collection."

Jocasta smiled at Frehya, whom she seemed to be taking an inordinate interest in. "That's quite correct. Indeed, to merge our two collections has been a principal aim of mine once I learned of your existence. I have some ideas I would like to share with you all. Shaak, based on the directory of your Order, might I assume that Master Tano and Knight Brood are your two principal subordinates?"

Shaak simply replied, "that's right."

"Well, then. I believe we should not waste any time. The Empire would dearly like to get its hands on what we have and I can see that your operation on Felucia seems quite secure. Are we in agreement?"

Shaak nodded again. "Yes. We are."

Ahsoka then spoke up. "So how quickly do we want to move on this? Master Nu, it is quite fortunate that we have come together at this point..."

Maris, who had remained silent until this moment, finally weighed in. "When shall we meet these would-be warriors of yours, Jocasta?" Her tone was slightly mocking, but her expression serious as she gazed at the archivist.

Jocasta didn't miss a beat. "I was planning a session with them for later today. We have several rooms available to our group in this building. Padawan Rayce has been working on that presentation for you, Knight Brood." She turned to Ahsoka. "Master Tano, provided your method of transport is fully secure, we can transfer everything. I am greatly looking forward to seeing the Felucia installation."

Shaak smiled and also looked toward Nu. "I think you will be most pleased with my vessel, Intrepid V, as it is state-of-the-art when it comes to those considerations. It also has the latest in defensive – and offensive – capabilities."

Jocasta then rose. "Very well, Grand Master. I will leave all of that in your most capable hands. Now, ladies, please accompany me. Padawan Rayce would like to present the Agents of Ossus." She then led the group to the elevator and they descended several levels, then emerged into a large open space that resembled a small arena, complete with seating on either side of the main floor.

Jin-lo Rayce then emerged as the group was seated on one side of the arena. At that point, the overhead lights came on and a group of twelve figures could be seen, all standing at attention. Shaak rose and all saluted her in unison. Jocasta stepped forward. "As you were," she commanded. "Mr. Rayce?"

Jin-lo then took charge of the proceeding. "Ladies, we are going to demonstrate our basic abilities to you this morning." He signaled to two of the Agents, who strode to the center of the space, while the others were seated across from Shaak and her party. The two selected Agents, both humans, ignited training lightsabres and proceeded to duel. Maris scoffed as she watched them, thinking to herself: such wasted effort … they have no form at all, slashing at each other like children.

Ahsoka, as usual, was looking for different things. One of the two, a dark-haired girl no older than Hedala (and maybe younger), was giving off a distinct Force signature. She had a great attitude, full of energy and positivity. You need a teacher, the Togruta thought. Her opponent appeared to be a few years older and he made plenty of mistakes. After watching this for a few minutes, Ahsoka couldn't help but insert herself into the action. She rose from her seat and signaled to Rayce, who immediately halted the competition.

Ahsoka approached both Agents and asked for their names:

"Reema Andujah" said the dark-haired girl, who was relatively short at 1.6 metres.

"Cerno M'fan" said the other, a sandy-haired man of about 1.8 metres in height.

Ahsoka then introduced herself to them and decided to test their teamwork. She drew one of her white blades and set it at training level intensity. Then she asked them both to attack her. At first they were hesitant, but Reema decided to go for it and soon Cerno joined her. The girl rushed Ahsoka with her sabre held high, but the Togruta deftly stepped aside and parried the blow easily, then spun around and did the same when the male Agent attacked in similar fashion. This type of action went on for a few minutes, then she took each of them aside and was giving them some beginners' level tips. After some 15 minutes went by, Ahsoka called them together and praised them.

"Both of you were working hard there. I can tell you want to be part of something bigger."

She turned to Rayce. "Padawan, are these your two most able acolytes?" He nodded to her.

Ahsoka signaled to Maris, who came up to her. They whispered a little between themselves, then Ahsoka spoke.

"Apprentice Reema, Apprentice Cerno. We are inviting you both to accompany us to Felucia with Master Nu. You each have shown me sufficient ability and attitude and we would like to train you as Members of the Order."

Shaak and Jocasta had remained silent during this session, but the Grand Master then stepped forward onto the floor and asked each of them in turn to give her their hands so she could adequately scan them. When Shaak held their hands they could feel an immediate surge of energy that was warm and inviting. As she let them both go, they turned to each other with excitement. Shaak then spoke.

"Padawan Rayce, I would like to commend you for doing a good job with training these two acolytes. You certainly had very little in the way of resources to work with and yet I sense I will have at least two capable future Members here. Their swordsmanship will need more development but that is certainly doable. At this time, I would like to see the rest of your group."

Rayce signaled for the others to join them on the arena floor. As they stood at attention, Shaak walked among them and inspected them carefully. She smiled at each in turn and thanked them for wanting to be part of an organization that was dedicated to bringing justice and righteousness to the Galaxy. They were a motley group, made up of various species and ages, but mostly male, as only two of the remaining ten people were women. After her inspection, Shaak then asked Jocasta to show everyone back to the conference area upstairs. Once everyone had filed into the room and was seated, the GM introduced herself and then outlined the schedule.

The new members, Reema and Cerno, would fly back to Felucia with Shaak, Ahsoka, Maris, and Frehya, along with Jocasta. Rayce and the others would remain on Chandrila and would soon be getting the chance to audition their talents. After a communal meal was brought into the room and shared by the group, it was time to get on with business. Jocasta, Reema, and Cerno boarded the Intrepid V and were provided sleeping quarters for the journey to Felucia, which would take about 20 hours.


The next day, they arrived on Felucia. Reema and Cerno were taken by Maris to the bunkhouse to meet some of their new teammates in the Order, while Shaak and Frehya showed Jocasta the underground temple where the holocrons of the Order were stored. She especially liked the overall sense of organization it had, and Frehya explained that she was working on a way to cross-reference everything and that should would also be overseeing the addition of all the holocrons that Jocasta had brought with them.

It seemed that Jocasta and Frehya would get along quite well together, as Frehya was also moving quickly to standardize the administration of the Felucia installation and get its finances in order as well. She had recently learned from Shaak that the Order could access huge assets and these were placed in various depository institutions around the Galaxy. When the time came, the Order would be looking to gain control over weapons production as well, once the Empire had fallen and the New Republic would be established.

Ahsoka explained that she had to return to Yavin and monitor the progress being made on the evacuation of the rebel base. In her mind, it would be far better to have more than one place in the Galaxy to use as a base going forward. She informed Hedala and Luke that they were to accompany her on the trip. Luke was looking forward to seeing Han and Leia again as well. Ahsoka informed Shaak about all of her plans, then said her goodbyes to Maris and they were off, aboard the Corvala Dawn.

That night, Shaak invited Jocasta to spend some time at her home so they could discuss their plans going forward. As Master Nu entered the home, she was charmed by the tidy arrangement of everything and loved the comfortable furniture, much of it made from Wroshyr wood brought from Kashyyyk. Shaak brewed up an herbal beverage mix, made from a combination of three different Felucian herbs and sat down to partake of it with her guest.

"Friend, have you had the chance to visit Felucia before?"

"Only once, long ago," Jocasta answered. "I don't remember much about it, though. You've really created something special here. Such exquisite taste and design. I've really missed you, friend."

Shaak smiled sweetly. "Jo, if only I had known you were still with us. I would have invited you here long ago."

"How long have you been here?"

"It's getting close to 20 years. Now the place belongs entirely to me. We have an elaborate setup that prevents outsiders from being able to access this planet. If they enter the system, they may think they see something but they really do not. It can be disorienting and very confusing. But for friends and allies, it is a safe haven."

Jocasta smiled. "I would very much like to set up a residence here, if that would be all right with you."

"I'd like that very much, too. We have so much to discuss …"

"Ah, Shaak … I see the years have been kind to you. How lovely you still look. So distinguished."

They both laughed heartily at that.

"But I see you have become more fashion conscious. The black robes really suit you, dear."

Shaak's lekku brightened at this mention. "I was just tired of the same old look … just one of many – shall we say – disagreements … I'd had with the Jedi Order."

Jocasta sighed. "Yes. But of course we could never say a thing about those … so, tell me, old friend … what is The Order, as you call it, really all about?"

Shaak lifted both arms and then spread her hands apart, appearing to take in the total sweep of the Galaxy in so doing.

"Jo, it's about restoring a sense of order – not the brutal, narcissistic style of Palpatine – and also a sense of belonging. The peoples of our galaxy must be made to feel that they are not forgotten."

"Shaak … it's a wonderful vision … but how does it become reality?"

"Believe it or not … I have a plan."

Jocasta Nu leaned forward in her chair and grinned at Shaak. "Of course you do, dear. I would love to hear it."

Shaak sipped her beverage, and looked at her friend, then nodded.

"Well, of course, you know this is a work in progress. The first thing I had to do was establish this base of operations and make it as secure as possible. Then, I wanted to rebuild the Jedi with my own design. I wanted to avoid what I saw were the flaws in the old order. After reaching this conception, it was time to begin recruiting people. I started with my dear Maris, who accompanied me the day I left Coruscant."

Jocasta nodded. "I remember it all too well. Skywalker would have killed both of us if he had been able to. But you and Maris escaped. And I was not far behind." She took a deep breath and exhaled. "Please continue."

Shaak smiled. "Once ensconced here, I started to review the information on the holocrons I was able to take with me. It became very clear to me that there were so many more things I could do with the Force. Vast new powers. New understandings and abilities. I started to listen to things that nature was telling me. Jo, in the morning, I want to walk with you through the forest, and you shall come to understand. This place is very strong with the Force – and it has been since the beginning. I cannot think of a better location for our knowledge to be held. The wisdom of the ages … kept safe and secure ... by the Force itself."

"Ah, I would like that very much. So tell me … all about these wonderful people you have with you now. Miss Ahsoka has certainly evolved … as has Miss Maris."

Shaak smiled as she thought of her two favorite apprentices. "Yes. I've even adopted Ahsoka as my daughter. She means so much to me … and she is also my conscience. Maris is my enforcer, almost my anvil … always willing to carry out my directives. But she has become so much more, especially recently. At first, I thought she would be upset about me paying so much attention to Ahsoka, but my daughter reached out to her and made her feel loved and cherished. It's brought out a new side of Maris – she's grown as a person. But now I also have another very valuable asset. You've met Miss Frehya."

Jocasta nodded again. "Very impressive, that one. I can tell we are going to get along wonderfully. She's quite intelligent and has the Force with her."

"Yes, she said always knew that, growing up."

"Where did you find her?"

"Ahsoka was the one who actually did. On an out of the way planet called Almania. She'd had a military career there and also understands business and organizations. She's also a wonderful hostess and very good at providing hospitality. She was Ahsoka's first apprentice but I can see her talents are utterly wasted on a battlefield."

"How did she feel about that?"

"She was a little disappointed. She told me she'd always dreamed of being a Jedi warrior and fighting hard to make the Galaxy a better place. But I explained to her that she could still do that … and that there are many ways to serve."

Jocasta Nu stopped to reflect for a bit. "So where are you taking this whole thing? And do you think you can use my people – the Agents – in your plans?"

Shaak smiled. "Absolutely. I already can detect latent power and ability. The one called Reema. Most impressive. Wherever did you find her?"

"Ah, I knew you would like her. She grew up on Coruscant, but she's still only 17 years old. Very good learner. Very attentive."

"I'm afraid Maris only saw her inelegant sword work. Now she can be trained in the correct manner."

"So my friend … do you have a plan for taking down Palpatine … and Vader?"

"It is in progress. As for Vader, Ahsoka has reached out to her former master. Things on that front are coming along nicely."

"Wonderful, Shaak, my friend. With Vader on our side, we should be able to win the day."

"Yes. I'm counting on that, Jo. And I have so many plans for the Galaxy."

"I think I understand what those are … such as restoring the Republic?"

"Only to a point. We must be cautious. The Old Republic had grown weaker with its age. This time, we must find a balance."

"What type of balance do you have in mind?"

"One that takes into account the realities and the general nature of people. That they are driven by emotion and often prompt to make foolish choices. And of course, we cannot have a galaxy where so many unsavory elements have free rein."

"You are of course referring to the pirate groups like Black Sun and some of the crime syndicates."

Shaak nodded. "But I am under no illusions about what it might take to subdue them. I would, if possible, like to retain much of the current Imperial fleet with which to keep order."

"So … do you envision something of a constitutional monarchy, like many systems, among them Naboo and Mon Calamari, currently have?"

"That's more what I am aiming at."

"And would you like to take Palpatine's place and become Empress? But a kinder and gentler version."

Shaak took a long drink and finished her beverage. She looked around for a bit, then returned her gaze to Jocasta Nu.

"If that is what is needed …"

Jocasta smiled and returned the look back to Shaak, clearly agreeing with this idea.

"Oh … I think it will be just what is needed. You have a vision, Shaak. And you will be greatly loved. No one has a greater understanding of the Force and how to balance it. My Lady, I await your direction."

(to be continued …)