Ahsoka and the Rebellion – Chapter 37: Meeting on Pantora

Thanks to everyone for making it this far … but it's not over yet. Some newer pieces of the puzzle start to emerge.

Chapter 37: Meeting on Pantora

One month passes. It is now 6 months ABY.

Ahsoka Tano had received a communiqué from the office of the Chairman, Valles Santhe, from the planet Lianna. It cordially invited her to stay at Lady Santhe's residence on the planet and discuss the progress that Santhe-Sienar had made on the request from the Order. Shaak is also listed as an invitee but when she was shown it by her daughter, she responded thus:

"My child, I will let you handle this. It doesn't seem she is asking for any payments as of yet."

"Might it be all right for me to take Hedala and Luke with me?"

"I should think so. Just make sure they dress formally. Our hostess is an important woman and should be shown respect."

"Very well, Mother. I'm actually looking forward to the visit. She seems genuinely decent. Didn't you think so, as well?"

Shaak chuckled. "Of course, what else would she be, considering the amount we are spending? But yes, I rather liked her on the whole. Have a great time, my dear."

At the Assembly Hall on Felucia, Reema Andujah had been in an intense training session with her master, Knight Maris Brood. The young Acolyte was making steady progress over the time she had been on Felucia and Maris was working her hard. Despite many difficult lessons that might have discouraged someone without her level of determination, Reema's sword work grew ever crisper, as did her tactics, and she was starting to enjoy her training. Maris was supportive when she felt it was deserved. It had become more and more apparent to her that Reema had a strong relationship with the Force, and they talked about it after a morning session.

"You know," Maris noted. "I am seeing your ability to anticipate my movements really grow. It's rather impressive. You are seriously on your way."

Reema bowed to her master (Maris didn't like all the curtsying and preferred her student show more pride), and replied. "Thank you, Maris. You are a great teacher. I've come to see why you are so strict and thorough. It's the best way to learn."

Maris nodded. "That's my belief, anyway. I'm not in the habit of giving private lessons, but you are an exceptional talent. It didn't take long for me to see that. I'm putting you in for Padawan consideration. This is a great honor for someone to reach so quickly. Master Ahsoka must also recommend you before the GM will accept, but I think she will have no issues. Especially once she sees you work."

"Master," Reema asked, "Do you think it's all right for me to use the Force in my training?"

Maris laughed loudly. "All right? My friend, it is strongly encouraged. But few Acolytes are able to do much at first. They may be sensitive to the Force but that's a long way from knowing how to use it in battle or even just a duel."

"Great, so then you won't mind if I …"

"Not at all. Give it your best shot. However, I think it best to study these aspects under Master Tano. She will possibly be able to give you some private time as well, but she is quite busy these days. We have so much to do."

Reema seemed to mull this over. She started to say something, then thought better of it. I should be careful with Master Maris, even though I think she likes me. Using the Force against her might be a mistake. I will ask Master Ahsoka.

Later that same morning, Ahsoka had just concluded a training session with Hedala and Luke. First they dueled each other, then they went 2-on-1 against her, which was always an exercise in frustration as Master Tano rarely made any mistakes. Both of her apprentices often found themselves on the floor as she intended to use the session as a means of building their determination and resolve. Hedala started to push back against Ahsoka with the Force, but only enough to throw the Togruta a little off her game and give Luke a fighting chance. Her apprentices were sweating buckets by the time the session was over. Ahsoka extended her hand to pull Luke up and then slapped him on the back.

"Good job … both of you!" She shouted with encouragement.

Hedala shook her head wearily. "Wow, Master, you didn't hold back. I could have sworn it was Maris teaching us today."

Ahsoka smiled. "Nothing wrong with a little hard work. I've got some news for you both."

"What is it?" Luke asked.

"You two are getting some recognition. Hedala, you will be bumped up to Padawan, third level, and Luke … you are now on the short list to make Padawan, first level."

Hedala beamed. "Thank you, Master Ahsoka."

Luke nodded. "Great! … When is it going to be official?"

"Once Maris signs off on it, then Shaak will be announcing it soon in a general session. You two have worked hard and made much progress. I don't see why you both can't become Knights of the Order … Hedala, you are now just one step away. Be proud … both of you." Ahsoka nodded her head vigorously, and smiled.

"Oh … and I have some more news. You two will be accompanying me tomorrow on a trip to Lianna. Pack your dress uniforms and some other nice clothes. I will expect you at the launch platform for the Corvala Dawn after breakfast."

Over the past month, a number of changes had taken place as the activity of Felucia grew ever more involved. Over two thousand Rebel troopers had been dispatched to the planet and they worked under the direction of Frehya and two of the Knights to construct new barracks. They would be conducting drills and other activity and the harsh climate of Felucia would help to mold them into a cohesive fighting force. Many were expected to join in the work of building the new base on the planet Hoth.

Member of the Order were now issued dress uniforms for when they would travel off-world to various destinations. These uniforms would also show the member's designated rank of Acolyte, Padawan, or Knight, with the level number also shown.

As the Corvala Dawn left Felucia the next morning bound for Lianna, Ahsoka then filled her apprentices in on what would be taking place.

"We are going to be meeting some representatives of the Santhe-Sienar Corporation. They are the contractors that are building our new battle cruisers and TIE Defender strike craft."

Luke interrupted excitedly. "I've seen a couple of those already. Can't wait to fly one!"

Ahsoka chuckled. "Yep, we've got a couple of them now for demonstration purposes. The Corporation is building 200 of them for us."

"Sounds like we are getting ready for a battle," Hedala remarked.

"I have nothing definite on that yet." Ahsoka replied.

Ahsoka went on to explain to them about Valles Santhe and her importance, also that she and Shaak seemed to be on the lady's trusted list. Soon they dropped out of hyperspace and were heading for the pre-arranged landing platform, this time not in the city but somewhere about 50 km outside. The company men met them and they got into a limo speeder and were on their way to what looked to be a palatial estate with carefully manicured grounds. A work crew was managing the blue grass and various small fruit trees were being trimmed as Ahsoka and her party arrived. The speeder took them inside the building, where they got out and walked inside. Valles was waiting for them, wearing an elegant silk ensemble, several necklaces and bracelets, a golden tiara glittering with precious stones, and a gracious smile on her face. Her long black hair had been shined to perfection. Luke was stunned by her appearance, thinking he was surely in the presence of royalty.

Ahsoka curtsied to Valles and Hedala soon did the same, while Luke bowed deeply.

"Ms. Santhe ... Valles … may I present my apprentices, Hedala Fardi and Luke Skywalker."

"It is my pleasure to meet you both," Valles said pleasantly. "Skywalker? By any chance …"

"Yes ma'am," Luke answered, "my father was Anakin Skywalker."

"I remember him well," Valles sighed, then laughed. "I was at that impressionable age when I met him, not the boring corporate queen I am now. Your father was most dashing … yet so young. I'm afraid I had a silly crush on him."

Ahsoka laughed. "He never said a thing … I was his apprentice then, but never got to come to this lovely world."

Valles laughed again, then tossed her luxurious hair. "Please allow me to show you around. This is one of my more intimate palaces."

How many palaces does she have? Hedala wondered, clearly impressed by the woman and her regal air. She must be absolutely loaded … and I thought Leia's family was rich.

Ahsoka chuckled. "Valles, I'm curious about what one of your more expansive residences might look like … a lady like yourself likely has many to choose from."

"Indeed. This one is modest in scope, with only about 100 rooms on five levels. But I thought that you might enjoy it more than one of the ones I have in the city, which are considerably larger. Lianna City has about 100 million people so it can get loud and annoying. I find it more restoring to come out here."

She briskly strode through the halls, pointing out various features to her guests, until they arrived at a beautiful sitting room that opened out to a large balcony that overlooked a huge pool below and the rolling expanse of lawn behind, seemingly going on for several km. The Lianna sun shone brightly and reflected off of various surfaces around the pool area, making for a lovely effect.

Ahsoka sighed as she looked out over it. "Very nice, Valles. You have such excellent taste. Who does your landscaping and decorating? They really know their stuff."

The lady laughed in a self-assured way. "Believe it or not, Ahsoka, I did most of the design on this one myself. I'm kind of proud of it."

Luke, and especially, Hedala, were knocked out by the opulence of the place.

"I could get to like it here," he noted with a smirk.

Valles turned her head toward him and smiled, her eyes seeming to twinkle.

"Me too …" Hedala noted. "Ms. Valles, your place is amazing. I love it."

"Thank you, dear."

After the tour had finished, their hostess invited them down to the pool area so they could talk business. She signaled for some appetizers and some bottles of ale also arrived. Then she turned a little more serious after they had toasted each other.

"Ahsoka, in spite of my seeming prosperity, I often have little time to enjoy it. I'm so grateful to have such honored guests. Being out of the office is always a treat."

"Valles, are we keeping you from anything?"

"Oh … heavens no. I am the boss, after all … and I do make things run on time."

"Did you have a schedule for us?" The Togruta inquired.

"Not really. I thought I would ask what you would like to do … aside from the obvious, of course."

"Well, I suppose I had better have a look at one of the cruisers. I understand our people gave you all the custom specs we were looking to have done."

Valles smirked and tossed her hair again, then gazed at Ahsoka. "We can do that. It's … a short journey from here, about one hour. We'll take one of my personal craft."

Hedala could stand it no longer, as her curiosity was brimming over. "Ms. Valles, I can't help but wonder, but you might be easily the richest person I ever met …"

Valles smiled at her. "That's right. I can see why you might think that. But there are those richer than I, although none on Liana ... however, I like to think I know how to spend it better than most."

"How … rich are you, if you don't mind me asking."

"I don't mind at all, dear. A few trillion credits, give or take. But I do hope you won't hold it against me …"

After more of Valles's quiet boasting – which Luke and Hedala seemed to greatly enjoy – she showed them to three guest rooms, each of which were actually mini-suites, with spacious baths and huge beds. Valles had some business to conduct so she left them for awhile, with plans to take them into the city for dinner at the Santhe Tower overlooking everything. Ahsoka asked Luke and Hedala to join her in her room.

Hedala gasped once they were alone together. "This woman probably owns this whole planet. But she seems so nice."

Ahsoka smiled. "Yes, indeed. Actually she told us last month she only owns about a quarter of the planet, but … if you ask me, she seems kind of lonely."

"Really?" Luke asked. "You would think everyone wants to be her friend. Plus she's beautiful, too," he noted wistfully.

Ahsoka nodded, then remarked. "Someone in her position has to be quite careful. There must be many who are jealous of her and want to take her down. It's not always easy, knowing whom you can trust. I would expect her to have a large detail of security people who probably are never very far away."

They then had a sumptuous dinner in town, on the 215th floor of the Santhe Tower, on a platform that rotated so that diners could glimpse Lianna City – a metropolis that seemed to go on forever – in all directions. Ahsoka and Hedala wore dark sequined gowns, while Luke changed into a tailored velvet jacket and slacks, and of course, their hostess carried herself like a queen – and everyone seemed to act as though she was one – with flowing gowns and robes that trailed behind her. Ahsoka carefully detected Valles's armed bodyguards in the area. She had thought about bringing her sabres but decided to leave them on the Corvala Dawn in locked compartments. Of course, she had such great proficiency in the Force that she knew she wouldn't really need them at this time. She had found herself becoming fond of Valles, despite the woman's great arrogance, and feeling protective of her as well. In spite of everything, she's really a good person, and seems to care about everyone. And they seem to realize that, too. Everyone here tells me there's no poverty on Lianna and it's mostly because of Valles.

The next day, they went with Valles to look over an almost-completed battle cruiser for the Order, one about 600 metres long. Ahsoka asked many technical questions but for the most part seemed satisfied with the answers. They later inspected the TIE Defender production line, and Valles let it slip that they were in the running to get a new Imperial contract to do some of the work on a replacement Death Star – only she didn't call it a death star, the name she used was "peacekeeper." Ahsoka wondered about this. How much does Valles know about Shaak's plans? I get the feeling she is well aware of what we're doing and very much wants to be part of it down the road.

Over lunch at the plant, Ahsoka asked Valles if the company might be able to spare an engineer, particularly one with experience in droid systems. Valles offered Jaybo Hood, a name that sounded familiar to Ahsoka. She then had the plant manager page him and have him report to the dining room. When Hood arrived, he saw immediately that it was Chairman Santhe, so he bowed obsequiously to her when he came to her table.

"Good afternoon, Madam Chairman, what may I do for you?"

"Mister Hood … I am offering you the chance to get off-world for an extended period. Let me introduce you to Master Ahsoka Tano of the Order."

Hood bowed to Ahsoka, then noted, "Ahsoka Tano … I seem to recall the name. Didn't you once work with Anakin Skywalker?"

Ahsoka laughed. "Sure did. In fact … he has returned to us. The Jedi Order is no more, but the New Order of the Galaxy has taken its place."

Jaybo noted, "I hadn't heard. Are you with the Empire now?"

Ahsoka chuckled. "In a manner of speaking …"

"So what do you need, Master Tano?"

Hedala and Luke remained silent as well as Valles, who nodded as Ahsoka mentioned the New Order being part of the Empire.

Ahsoka continued. "Your boss here recommended you when I asked for an engineer with extensive droid experience."

Jaybo smiled. "I'm your man."

"You say you knew Anakin?"

"That's right. He and Master Kenobi were in a bit of trouble with a laser web shield over my old home world of Iego. I was able to get them out of it. Unfortunately, your friend Anakin destroyed a number of the droids I had reconditioned."

"That's regrettable," Ahsoka noted. "But so like Anakin. Where did you get those droids … I'm just curious."

"Oh, they were left behind when the Separatists left our world."

Ahsoka seemed impressed. "I think you will work out perfectly. Ever been to Felucia?"

"No, I have not. These days, it's kind of shut off. If you fly through there, it's almost like it doesn't exist. Rather strange."

"Ah yes." Ahsoka laughed. "We rather like it that way. Mr. Hood, we are looking forward to working with you. Whatever Valles is paying you, we will top it. What do you say?"

"Oh, don't mind me …" Valles interrupted in mock indignation.

Ahsoka caught herself. "My apologies, madam. But he seems perfect for our needs."

She smiled and laughed. "Well, of course, dear. You said you needed a droid engineer …"

Jaybo laughed as well. "I'm looking forward to it. Should be a real change from Lianna."

"You can bet on it," Ahsoka chuckled.

After some more light banter, Jaybo agreed to meet them the following morning for the trip to Felucia. Valles then brought her guests back to the suburban palace where they were staying. After a quiet dinner, Luke had gone to his suite, then noticed that Hedala was waiting for him. She had changed into a pretty dress that was somewhat revealing. As he closed the door behind him, Hedala aggressively approached, flipping her beautiful hair that was all relaxed and loose.

"You know you want to kiss me, Luke …" she said seductively, and pushed out her lips toward him.

Luke thought about it for just a second, then realized she was right. "Do I ever …" he replied. They were quickly in each others' arms, as Hedala then used a slight Force nudge to get them over to the sofa, where things started moving fast. Hedala then pulled away from him for a second and spoke softly. "I can tell you are new at this. Don't worry. I am too."

Luke felt better about that, as he looked into her bright emerald eyes. He caressed her hair, something he'd wanted to do for some time.

"Dala … I …" He wasn't quite sure what he wanted to tell her. That he'd had a crush on the sexy blonde? Or just that … what would Ahsoka say? "Yes?" she replied, and smiled broadly. "Let's take our time, OK?"

"No, it's not that. There's just been so much I've wanted to say to you, but I couldn't find the words, and I got nervous. I knew you liked me."

"Oh yeah?" She asked playfully. "Whatever gave you that impression?"

At this time, Ahsoka went to Hedala's room, looking for her. It wasn't long before she realized what had happened, and she smiled. I was wondering how long that would take to happen. Nice going, girl.

In the morning, Valles served her guests a hearty Lianna-style breakfast, and then they rode together into the city, whereupon they were dropped at the spaceport. The Corvala Dawn was waiting, along with Jaybo Hood, who was on time as expected. Valles Santhe expected everyone in her organization to be strictly punctual and she was no exception. She hugged all three of them as they bid her goodbye.

"Master Tano, I am looking forward to visiting Felucia and seeing the gracious Grand Master again … soon!" Valles chirped as they started to walk away.

"I will be sure to tell her," Ahsoka called out as she waved goodbye and disappeared into the ship.

The trip was short and uneventful. Jaybo admired Ahsoka's ship and they chatted about it for a while, as Luke and Hedala sat together in the lounge, eyeing each other furtively. Once they had landed, Ahsoka escorted Jaybo over to the laboratory building where Chelli Aphra was hard at work. Ahsoka introduced the two of them and then left, as Chelli started showing Jaybo her lab and introduced him to BT-1 and Triple Zero.

Both Jaybo and Chelli hit it off well, as each realized the other had extensive knowledge of the field. Soon they were completing each others' sentences, and laughing heartily. When Chelli explained that she had done some reconditioning of Clone War era machines, Jaybo mentioned that he'd been doing the same since he was ten years old. The two of them started collaborating on how to improve on some of the basic models from the old days. Vader had told Chelli earlier that they would be needing intelligent machines to take over many of the functions on the new battle cruisers as the number of troops that would received at first might be limited, and he had little faith in the basic B1 battle droid.

As they talked it over, Chelli mentioned:

"Jay, you might be interested to know that I came into possession of the Triple Zero personality matrix software a few months ago."

"Chelli … yes. I would like to get a look at that. I'd heard about it and there were some online chat forums I was participating in where it was mentioned."

"I've already loaded a prototype into my protocol droid 0-0-0 … a word of caution, he is fiercely loyal to me. It might take him a while to see you are on the same team with Vader and myself."

"Hmm … I'd heard that the personality types were very sophisticated. I'm thinking we might be able to create different models for military use. However did you get ahold of the package?"

Chelli laughed. "I'm not ready to go into that. The Droid Gotra originally hired me after the work I had done for a pirate gang. One that the retired bounty hunter Cad Bane referred to me. So I went off to retrieve it, but I got into some tight spots and Vader showed up to help me. Turns out he'd heard about me too."

Jaybo nodded. "Looks like the DG's loss is our gain. Does Master Tano know all about this?"

"Of course. She's Vader's new superior. He tells her everything …"

Later that day, Grand Master Shaak Ti decided it was time to assert her control over the Rebel Alliance. She was not formally in command but the leaders all respected her greatly and she also had the financial resources to make things happen. She called Maris and Ahsoka to join her and the three of them headed for the Pantora system in the Intrepid V to pay a call on former Senator Riyo Chuchi, who had won the election to serve as her world's Supreme Chancellor. She was the youngest in Pantoran history to hold the executive office.

Once Shaak and her party had arrived at the Chancellor's palace, Riyo met them personally and escorted them to their guest accommodations. From there, Shaak contacted Mon Mothma, Garm Bel-Iblis, Admiral Gial Ackbar, General Dodonna, and Admiral Raddus, and told each of them to meet her at the palace. She had some news about a new strategy and also the progress she was making against the Empire on her own with the Order. Everyone was able to get together that night and they filed into the large conference room that Shaak had been given by order of Chancellor Chuchi. The Grand Master was sitting at the head of the table, flanked by Ahsoka and Maris (who was elated to be included in such an important meeting – though she had little idea what she might say when given the chance).

As everyone took their seats, they calmly and respectfully waited for their host to give her presentation. Shaak had been given a small data drive prepared by Frehya that she plugged into the system so that its content could be displayed on the wall. It outlined all of the organizational steps that the Order was taking to up the fight against the Empire. Among these was the construction of a new base on Hoth, in the Anoat sector in the southwestern region of the Outer Rim. This base would be in some sense a decoy – as the current base in the Pantora system would remain as is – meant to draw Imperial ships into a compromised position where they could be destroyed. This plan was going to play out over the next four months. Next, she announced that Darth Vader was no longer the Emperor's apprentice and had now come over to the Alliance side and was eventually going to reemerge under his former identity as Anakin Skywalker. Both of his children, Luke Skywalker, and Leia Organa Skywalker, had been introduced to their father and were an important factor in his decision. Finally, Shaak described a longer range plan to lure the Emperor himself into a trap where his power would be drained and he would soon resign the throne to a caretaker – which would be Shaak herself.

After she had outlined this plan, she agreed to take questions. Predictably, Mon Mothma had the first one:

"Grand Master Ti, so you intend to become Empress of the Galaxy? How is this an improvement …?"

Shaak looked her in the eye, firmly, but spoke in her usual gentle tones.

"Senator Mothma, I am proposing a new form of governance for the Galaxy. It will be nothing like what we have now. I will not be the type of leader who wishes to rule by fear – but I also intend to be a strong leader, one that can inspire confidence. And I shall have the backing of Palpatine himself."

Ahsoka found her mind racing as she considered her mother's bold course of action. I can't believe she just told them she wants to be the Empress of the Galaxy ... but they seem to be taking her seriously.

Bel-Iblis was next. "Master Ti. You know I have the deepest respect for you. You are wise, you are compassionate. But how would you organize your new government … and how would you be able to persuade Palpatine to step down?"

Shaak looked at him and smiled. "His time is near, he just doesn't know it yet. But I can assure you, sir, that I now have what it takes."

Ackbar was next. "Master Shaak …" he spoke in his usual gravelly voice. "How will we deal with the Imperial fleet? They have thousands of Star Destroyers and several Super Star Destroyers. I need to understand your plan."

She nodded. "Of course you do, Admiral. Essentially, once I ascend to the Throne, I intend to inspire loyalty among the Imperial Command. Anyone that is willing to serve and swear allegiance to me will continue in his or her current position. There are many fine officers in the Imperial ranks. They will come to understand that the Empire of the Galaxy will continue, but the composition of the Empire is what will be changing."

"And how do you plan to inspire this loyalty?" Raddus asked. "I mean no disrespect, Master, but this seems a very difficult task."

"You are correct, Admiral. But I will first have the backing of the current Emperor. He will be broadcasting a statement to announce his plans and turn over the power to me. And I shall be standing at his side when this takes place. It will be a peaceful transfer. Then I will give a short statement outlining my plans and my commitment to the trillions of citizens of the Galaxy that I will be a leader for everyone – and – I will also explain what I admire about the Empire and even give a short endorsement of all he did for the Galaxy. What are those things, you may ask? A very important thing is the need to keep the peace and maintain order. We cannot return to the situation we had under the Republic where corruption reigned and the various groups like the Trade Federation, the Commerce Guild, and the Techno Union were able to purchase the votes they needed in the Senate. Those days shall not return so long as I sit on the Throne of the Galaxy."

Mothma, clearly feeling uneasy at this turn of events, was nevertheless intrigued. She realized that Shaak had great resources behind her and a huge amount of power, even if she might not understand where that power came from. But tonight Shaak's normally implacable expression had been replaced by a veneer of kindness, one that seemed genuine. She wanted to get more of Shaak's vision explained to the group.

"Shaak, my friend. You should know that I have the greatest admiration for you and your organization. No one else has done more to inspire confidence … you have even started to restore the Jedi, or, at least your new vision of what the Jedi should be. But tell us … what about the voice of the people? Who shall speak for them at your new Court?"

Shaak smiled. "Senator Mothma. I have not told you often enough how much I admire you, as well. You were willing to risk everything for the sake of what you believe is right. I am quite similar. The difference is that I now have the means to make our dreams a reality. You ask me about the voice of the people. Of course, I intend to be that voice, but I will not govern as an autocrat or a dictator, needing the adoring masses to prop up my self-esteem. No. I will move to bring about a restructuring of the Imperial government. We shall keep some things in place, but at the same time, build new institutions that will ensure our rule is just and is for the benefit of the people – of every sentient species."

Mothma followed up. "I appreciate that greatly, Shaak. What of the legislative and judicial powers? Do you have a plan for those as well?"

"Indeed I do, Senator. First, I intend to see the Galactic Senate restored as a true lawmaking body, and make it a requirement for every member of that body to sign a statement renouncing any conflicts of interest or taking payments in return for voting a certain way. Next, I also intend to establish a second legislative body that will act as a check on the Senate, perhaps we can call it the House of Delegates. The important thing is for the people to have confidence that we serve them and not the special interests. Finally, it is necessary for us to create a system of courts that can encompass every sector of the Galaxy. And it should also go without saying that we want to encourage local self-governance wherever possible. So that worlds such as Mandalore … Naboo … Corellia … Muunilinst … and a host of others can manage their affairs the way they wish in accordance with their own cultures."

Mothma smiled. "I like much of what I am hearing from you, Shaak." She turned to the others at the table. "How about you? Can we get behind our next sovereign?"

Bel-Iblis spoke. "She has my support. Unconditionally. Shaak, you are demonstrating to us that you have the vision to be the leader this Galaxy so badly needs."

Ackbar then weighed in. "Grand Master Shaak. Your ideas are sound. We can back you. I know I speak for my world of Mon Calamari when I say we have seen enough of corruption and thievery. I'm not sure I understand about how you will get Palpatine to resign and hand it over to you … but if you can do that, you have my undying loyalty."

Shaak turned to him and smiled broadly. "Thank you my friend. I can do my part but I will also need all of you, especially once it's time to govern. We have a huge task before us. I've made a number of statements here tonight. I expect you all to hold me to them. If we work together, we can succeed. We all want the same result."

As the questions were answered and the discussion continued, after three hours, the group had come to a conclusion – they were ready to sign on to Shaak's plan, even if they weren't entirely sure how she was going to accomplish it. The rebellion had indeed come a long way, and though it still had a long way to go, for the first time there was a feeling that it could be successful.

As Ahsoka and Maris accompanied Shaak back to their quarters at the Chancellor's Palace, Ahsoka wanted her mother to know how she felt, as well.

"I am so impressed with you, Master. You are truly a great lady. How could anyone have underestimated you? It seems you were always overlooked."

Shaak smiled. "Ah, my child. In the end it is those who are truly dedicated that accomplish great things. But we have much work still to do. Maris, my dear. You were awfully quiet tonight. Was there anything you wanted to add?"

"Well, Master … this evening really made me think. Maybe I should spend some time studying some of these concepts if I am going to be of value to you in your new job as Empress. But I'm so proud of you. I always knew you were the true leader. Now everyone else will soon know as well. You're great, Master. Truly great."

Shaak smiled, then patted Maris on the shoulder affectionately. "Thank you, dear."

She turned to Ahsoka. "So on we go … but I am going to bed. Goodnight, my children."

(to be continued …)