AN: Valles makes a major discovery while Shaak is confronted. Ahsoka comes to a crossroads, as does Vader.

Thanks to new followers: OdeClock

Chapter 30: Pleased to Meet You

Felucia, Thanium Sector, 4 BBY 1 month, 17 days

Valles Santhé was flying her customized version of the TIE Defender, which was designed for her small frame and had a few other modifications for her basic comfort. Slightly over a year earlier, she had been returning home from a visit to Muunilinst when her Force sensitivity had been tripped. Feeling that it was too important to ignore – and knowing it was neither Vader nor Palpatine – Valles ordered her yacht to drop from hyperspace for about one hour so she could do some observation and meditation. The signals had been emanating from the Felucia system, a planet less than a half hour away from Lianna and very much in the general neighborhood. Most Liannese had little desire to visit Felucia, as the climate was hot, humid, and generally inhospitable to the pampered citizenry of Lianna. Valles herself had little previous desire to extend her dominion to include the jungle planet and there were rumors that the place had a poisoned water supply after the events of the Clone War came to an end some 15 years prior.

As she drew closer, Valles moved to conceal her Force signature, and soon she was in sight of the planet. It appeared as a lime-green world with many clouds, but otherwise inhabitable, and she settled into an orbital path about 100 km above the surface. Soon the presence of multiple Force-sensitive beings was detectable, but only by someone as astute as Valles, who at an early age exhibited this skill.

On the ground below, Shaak's technicians in the block house had sighted the craft, and contacted her.

"Master, an unidentified ship is orbiting us. Appears to be a small one or two-person tactical craft."

Shaak reached out with the Force, but found nothing amiss, then responded.

"I'll take care of this personally. Do nothing until you hear from me."

She then summoned her speeder and went off to a cleared area – somewhat away from most of the established buildings of the Order – and then dismounted. Raising both hands to the sky, Shaak soon detected the craft. Then she used the Force to slow its speed and pulled on it.

Valles could feel her ship starting to be slowed down, then realized what it was. The Force-sensitive presence I detected earlier is here now. Somehow she felt the presence would not be harmful, so she let it pull her Defender in for a landing and soon touched down softly. Unstrapping herself from the pilot's chair, Valles then popped the canopy and climbed out of the ship. Her silvery "space suit" fit her body snugly but soon she could feel the stifling humidity of the planet's surface. Valles removed her helmet and let her hair descend behind her, then started to look around.

She didn't have long to wait. Once Shaak was satisfied the ship had been brought down safely, she calmly walked over to it. The Liannese visitor stared at her for a minute, realizing she was facing a Togruta female, one that emanated raw power to such a degree that Valles was struck by it. Oh, my … She raised a hand to hail Shaak, then shouted. "Excuse me, I was just passing through the area. I hope I'm not disturbing anything."

Shaak came closer, her face bereft of any expression and her dark eyes completely opaque. The visitor was clearly a human female, small in stature but an adult. A quick scan gave away nothing other than the woman's seemingly benign intentions.

"Hello. What may I do for you?"

"Yes, I'm pleased to meet you." Valles stepped forward, smiling. "My name is Valles. I'm from Lianna. Not far from here."

A flash of recognition came over Shaak as she realized this shortish woman was the famous person that she had been discussing in recent weeks with Maris and Varda. Shaak softened her gaze and gave a thin smile.

"And my name is Shaak. Pleased to meet you, Valles."

The Liannese feigned a blush, or at least thought she did. The truth was somewhere in between. She seems relatively civilized. Shaak's overwhelming Force signature was hitting her full in the face, as it were. Valles, on the other hand, did not want to divulge her full identity, and instead made some polite small talk.

"You know," she started, "most of we Liannese think that this planet is basically uninhabitable … but I can see that was an incorrect assumption."

"Valles," Shaak chuckled. "Please join me at my home. It's a short distance from here. Does your ship need any repairs?"

Valles laughed. "I think I can manage. It's a fairly new model. But I'd be honored to be your guest, Madam Shaak."

Shaak approached the ship and looked it over. She soon realized it was a new variation on the classic Twin-Ion Engine starfighter craft manufactured by Santhé-Sienar on Lianna, but she had no desire to question Valles on this. She then beckoned Valles to ride in her speeder, which the Liannese did as Shaak helped her aboard. After a short ride, they were in front of Shaak's small abode.

Once inside, Shaak showed Valles to a seat, then offered her some cold tea, a slightly soothing and refreshing beverage but one with no hallucinogenic properties.

"Thank you, madam," Valles said softly. "This certainly takes the heat off that humid outside air."

Shaak laughed. "I'm glad you like it. I imagine that suit of yours is rather uncomfortable here."

Valles sighed. "Yes. The weather on Lianna is basically controlled, so the climate is suitable for all of our citizenry."

"Lianna sounds nice. I've actually visited one or two times. Everything seems very civilized. Cleanest city I've seen so far."

The two women then stared at each other for a few seconds, when the awkwardness of the moment moved Valles to make conversation.

"So, Shaak, if you don't mind my asking, what is it you do here on Felucia?"

Shaak chuckled, and softened her gaze somewhat. "I'm an herbal healer, known as Madame Tea. My people on Shili have long practiced that art."

Valles thought for a minute about what she knew of Shili, then answered. "Oh, yes, of course. The Togruta and their native medicinal crafts. Is it peaceful for you here, dear?"

Shaak soon realized that Valles was very much the ingratiator, seemingly always ready for any situation. It seems she could charm the birds right out of the trees.

"Yes … it is. I've been here for a long time. The heat is actually very good for my physiology."

"Hmm, I guess so. But I wish I'd brought along some nice light silks," Valles laughed.

Shaak had her guard up, as this was not anything like a normal woman she was hosting. Still, it was hard not to like her. She's after something, though. Why would she come here?

"So, Valles, why did you come here if the Liannese think it's a less than desirable place?"

A valid question. This Togruta is seemingly wise. "Well, Shaak, I'm not sure if you've heard of me, but I'm actually a person of great importance on my home world and we have reached out to all habitable planets within about a two-hour journey. I'm a business person and we're always looking for new markets."

"What exactly do you sell?" Shaak played along.

"Just about anything these days. When I took over the company, we were mostly known for our various weaponry. Now, almost anything goes."

Shaak smiled and looked into the eyes of the seemingly sincere woman before her. "You must be a very busy person, Valles. I suppose I should be honored that you were able to pay me a visit."

"Oh, not at all, Shaak. But, seeing as how we are practically neighbors – of sorts – I would be gratified were we to stay in contact. Your herbal medicine regimes might find a market in Lianna City." Plus, you have a story, my friend, one I would very much like to know more about. Anyone with the obvious power you possess, but somehow having been able to evade Palpatine all these years is most intriguing.

Shaak laughed. "I'm not really in it for the money … but I appreciate your suggestion. I'd be happy to be in contact with you." But there's something about you that doesn't quite add up. How have you been able to work your magic with Palpatine and Vader … they would seem to be immune to your tactics.

Valles had finished her beverage, and politely waited for her hostess to rise first, which Shaak, taking the cue, eventually did.

"I hate to leave prematurely, Shaak … but …"

"I know," the Togruta chuckled. "You're a busy lady."

Little more was said, as both women appreciated that they were sizing each other up, and had realized their collective intelligence was formidable. The short trip back to Valles's ship was quiet. Upon reaching the ship, Shaak effortlessly leapt from her speeder and then graciously helped Valles out of it.

"Oh my, quite the athlete you are, Shaak."

The Togruta couldn't help but laugh. "To live on Felucia, it's best to stay in top condition."

"Well, I must say I'm impressed." Valles then climbed back into the TIE Defender. What I'm most impressed with, of course, are the number of Force-sensitive individuals living here with you. This need not be divulged to anyone at this time. Your secrets are safe with me.

"So long, Madam Shaak."

"Farewell, Miss Santhé. Safe travels."

Valles fired up the engines, and Shaak watched her lift off and then quickly jump to hyperspace. As the Liannese made her short journey home – a trip lasting 15 minutes – she considered carefully what she had witnessed. A quick check of her com device (that had direct access to her various files from Lianna – these were also available on the Belladonna) gave her the entry information on Shaak Ti of Shili. Quickly skimming it, Valles mused …

So, my new friend, you were the third-ranking Jedi before the Purge and once apprenticed to Count Dooku. I can certainly discern your power has only grown since the Wars ended. Does Anakin know that you survived? Does Palpatine? Do they need to? I would say the answer to all of these is no. And thus, this is a card that should not be played until the proper time arrives. What of the Project, then? We shall complete its construction, and then let's see what happens next. Shaak is likely the hidden leader of the Rebellion, and if the Rebellion were to learn of the Project, they will want to destroy it – a goal that may well be in my best interests. Is Shaak strong enough to carry this out? Perhaps so…

The would-be queen chuckled softly as she considered all of these thoughts. Her dream of becoming Galactic Empress had become more of a realistic possibility than ever before in her mind. Valles knew she would have allies – Queen Vestalia of Hapes being one, but now a new candidate had arrived.

Felucia, Assembly Hall, 4 BBY 1 month, 10 days

Shaak had a feeling there was more to Valles Santhé than was immediately apparent, but she was unaware that the Liannese also possessed great ability in the Force. She knew it was time to bring Maris and Varda into the discussion. After an "all hands" meeting in the Assembly Hall, where Shaak praised the hard work and devotion of the acolytes, she called her lieutenants into her office. As they were seated, the Master opened the discussion.

"You two will both be interested by this. About 16 rotations ago, we had a visitor. Not just anyone, but the would-be Queen of Lianna herself."

Varda gasped for a second. "Valles Santhé?"

Maris perked up at the name, but remained silent.

"The same," Shaak chuckled. "She's quite the enigma. Very personable and polite. The pictures I've seen don't do her justice – she's quite lovely. When she took off her helmet, all her hair came undone and it was easy to see."

Maris snorted. "What do you suppose she thought of you, Master?"

"Hard to tell, but she seemed pleased to make my acquaintance."

Varda had been thinking it over, then finally asked, "considering how she's attempting to colonize all of the nearby worlds, do you suppose she may have designs on us?"

"For some reason – which I am still meditating on – I do not," Shaak replied in a flat tone. "It's almost … as if … she sees Felucia as mine, though I'm unsure as to why."

Maris was skeptical and it showed on her face, as she frowned. "Master, I think this could be trouble. We're in no position to deal with Lianna and the Empire. I'm a bit concerned."

"I understand," Shaak said softly. "I think it best, therefore, that I keep the lines of communication open to her. We have to make it clear we are no threat to her designs – whether they be on behalf of the Empire, or more personal in nature. I will carry on any exchanges one to one with her only."

"I hope you are correct, Master Shaak," Varda noted. "Everything we are doing depends upon it. Consider the large investment we have made with this planet."

Shaak simply nodded, with a solemn expression, while Maris sat silently, emotionless. I must trust in the Force, the Zabrak decided.

Lianna, Valles's office, 3 BBY, 9 months, 15 days, 11 hours

Imperial Security Bureau agent Aleksandr Kallus had been summoned to Lianna to meet with Chairlady Valles and was most curious about the Lady's motives. Once seated in her office, he had been directed to the lounge area and was waiting for Valles to appear. She soon did, in an elegant gown and robe of a turquoise shade that matched the Liannese sky visible from the 215th level windows. As Valles strolled in, Kallus immediately rose and bowed deeply to her. She chuckled and extended her right hand – which jingled with the platinum bracelets she had on. He kissed it dutifully, and then assisted her into her chair, while waiting for her to commence the meeting.

"Good day to you, sir," Valles trilled softly. "I suppose you're wondering exactly why I've called you here today."

"Might I offer a guess, milady?" He laughed, feeling at ease in her company, as she was smiling broadly.

She simply nodded, with a chuckle.

"You no doubt want to understand what took place at Mustafar – from my point of view."

"Go ahead, Agent. Inform me."

"My Lady, I had reservations that the Mustafar strategy would be successful."

Valles smiled. "How so?"

"Because the Jedi we captured proved to be far more resilient than Moff Tarkin realized. When his apprentice showed up, they turned the tide and we ended up losing an Inquisitor and a Star Destroyer – a high price to pay."

"I am aware of that, Mr Kallus. Explain to me how you would've handled it."

"Yes, milady. Going to Mustafar was the mistake. That planet's system is very unstable and it put our ship in jeopardy. I would have taken Jarrus to a more secure Imperial world such as Lianna, perhaps. There, we could have captured the rebel ship when it came to rescue him."

"And, you are certain they would have come? That the rebels are motivated by concerns other than the success of their rebellion?"

"I am, Lady Santhé. I've already had encounters with the Spectre group. They are intensely loyal to one another … almost like a family, you might say."

Valles smiled again. "I see. So what would you have me do with Tarkin, considering his failure?"

"Oh, I cannot presume to recommend any direct course, milady. Only that his strategic thinking may not live up to its reputation."

"So how might this .. 'reputation' … as you put it, have come about? Was it mostly self-promotion on his part?"

"To a degree, I think so, Lady Santhé. It is well known among the command that he has a long-standing personal relationship with the Emperor. Wilhuff Tarkin is very much an opportunist."

Valles softly laughed. "So they say …"

She then stood, taking a moment to smooth her gown, then looked at Kallus, who also quickly rose, eye to eye.

"Is there anything else you think I should be aware of, concerning the Outer Rim, the rebellion, and all?"

"Only this, Lady Santhé … make sure you are getting accurate information from those reporting to you. The Imperial command is continually looking over its collective shoulders. They'll tell you what they think you want to hear."

Valles nodded, tightly. "Nothing I didn't already know, sir, but it's good to hear it from someone else. Kallus, you are the kind of person that I need more of right now in this whole operation. I would appreciate it if you contact me directly – or at least leave word – when you find a situation worthy of my attention."

She then extended her right hand again. Taking it gently, and giving it a slight touch while looking her in the eye and smiling, Kallus kissed it in a reverent manner.

"My dear lady, your company is refreshing and most pleasant. I will not only be happy to contact you, but consider it a distinct honor. You may count on me, milady."

Pulling her hand away, she smiled again and proceeded to her desk. Kallus bowed and then exited the room. Valles then touched a spot on one of her array of screens.

"Lasivia, dear, who's up next?"

"Lord Vader, milady. In about two hours."

"Ah, very well. Shall we grab some lunch?"

Lianna, Valles's office, 3 BBY, 9 months, 15 days, 14 hours

Valles and Lasivia had returned from their meal, where the Chairlady surprised her loyal, longtime assistant with a cash bonus of about 50,000 credits. Lasivia thanked herself for having the foresight to wear one of her favorite dresses, one that Valles had earlier complimented. She returned to her desk with a spring in her step.

As Valles took her seat behind her desk, Vader soon arrived in the TIEx1, docking at the Chairlady's private platform. He soon came in, and, seeing Valles at her desk, walked over to her and lowered his head slightly. She smiled, then extended her hand in the direction of the lounge.

"It's good to see you again, Lady Santhé. You are looking well."

Valles gave another soft laugh as she rose. They walked a few steps together, then he turned to face her directly, grasping both of her hands carefully. I've missed you …

She returned the greeting. What can I do for you? Something's happened ... I can tell.

They continued over to the couch, where, before taking his seat, the Dark Lord took Valles's right hand gently and held it to his mask for a couple of seconds. She probed him carefully, detecting some emotional upheaval. They each sat down.

"Lady Santhé … thank you for finding time to see me. I realize how busy you are."

"Not at all, Anakin. I'm glad you feel you can confide in me. What seems to be the trouble?" Valles sounded her most sincere, and, somewhere inside her, it was genuine.

"My Lady, I recently had an encounter with someone from my past. We were once very close. For some reason, I thought she had perished, indeed, I was almost certain."

"She?" Valles asked tentatively.

"Yes. Someone I loved … almost like a sister. We saved each other many times during the war."

"Who, exactly … if you don't mind my asking."

"It's all right … Ahsoka Tano."

Valles searched her memory, then it came. "Oh, yes. I know whom you are referring to. She was rather a hero back then."

The Chairlady took a sip from her water glass while Vader took the canister that had already been provided for him and drank. Having uttered the name, the memory was no easier to bear. In his mind, the one Jedi – or former Jedi, in her case – that he really cared about at all was Ahsoka Tano. Much time had gone by, but it hardly mattered.

"She was," Vader said slowly. "And I was sure – about five years ago, now – that I had found her grave on Denova. Along with some of the soldiers that served her – served me, as well."

"But now? Has something changed?" Valles was leaning forward in her seat, her normally placid exterior now somewhat flushed, as her interest was piqued.

"Yes. A few days ago, I clearly detected her. I had succeeded in tricking the rebels into revealing the location of at least some of their fleet. When I arrived, I started destroying a number of their strike craft, then I bombarded the cruiser as well and scored a direct hit that knocked out their hyperdrive. The rebels knew then they had to escape. I contacted the Relentless and it, along with another ship, soon arrived. We had a tractor beam set up to capture the small freighter they had used at Mustafar a few months earlier. As I drew closer to the freighter, I clearly detected my old apprentice. And I'm certain she detected me as well."

"So then what happened? Did you capture her?"

"We did not. The captain of the freighter made a daring maneuver and escaped the tractor beams – which ended up capturing my ship instead. That freighter knew that if they got between the Star Destroyers, the beam would activate, but they made the jump to hyperspace at the same time."

Valles exhaled audibly, then laughed. "I must say, I'd like to know more about this freighter – and its pilot."

"It's called the Ghost, my lady. And the other Jedi, Kanan Jarrus, and his apprentice, were also aboard with Tano."

Valles sighed. "So how do you feel about this? That she is still alive …" She tilted her head at an angle as she gazed into Vader's mask, using the Force to penetrate his subconscious.

Vader thought about it and realized he wasn't sure how he actually felt. Most of the time he evaded his feelings, usually pushing ahead to the next objective, knowing that Palpatine was always expecting one thing or another from him. It seemingly didn't leave time for much else. To do his sworn duty and concentrate on it, was his principal way of avoiding the continual pain he was in. But Valles had a way of numbing that pain and allowing him the ability to reflect. And he soon realized that Ahsoka being alive mattered a great deal to him.

"I feel … strangely glad about it." As he uttered the words, he also thought, about how often was he ever glad – about anything?

Valles offered, "you know, Anakin, she is clearly with the rebels. You'll need to send your agents to find her."

"Yes. It is unavoidable. The Emperor will want her alive."

Valles nodded, then gave a crafty smile. "Tell me about this one, the Grand Inquisitor … why is he dead?"

Vader knew the answer, but didn't want to face it. Again, Valles gave him little choice in the matter.

"My lady, he was defeated – by Jarrus and his apprentice."

"Yes, I am aware of that. Did you attempt to capture them?"

"Indeed. I traveled to Lothal, once Tarkin had contacted me. I moved on them but they were able to get away because one of the rebels planted detonators on a pair of walkers. When they went off, the walkers fell on me."

"Oh … were you hurt?"

"Not really, but they escaped me and got to a stolen shuttle. But they were unaware that I had placed a tracker on it, so they led us directly to where their fleet was waiting."

"And then the other events took place, leading to their escape on the freighter."

"Yes."

Valles exhaled again, then smiled. "But we will find them, yes?"

"We will."

At that, Valles rose, as did Vader. Knowing their meeting was over made him a little sad, as he greatly enjoyed any time with her. But he also greatly wanted to find Ahsoka. As he turned and headed for the landing platform and his ship, he bowed and said farewell to his Liannese friend – perhaps the only one he had in the Galaxy.

Lothal, 3 BBY, 4 months, 4 days

Five months later, Vader got the call he'd been waiting for. It was from one of the Inquisitors, the one calling herself Seventh Sister. She told him they had located all three of the wanted Jedi – Jarrus, Bridger, and, most importantly, Tano. They had entered an old Jedi Temple on Lothal and she believed they had been pinned down inside. Vader returned to Lothal in his TIEx1 ship and orbited the planet, reaching out with the Force until he had located the temple.

Soon enough, he had detected Ahsoka. Kanan and Ezra were there as well, but he had little regard for their abilities and felt that Seventh Sister and her cohort, Fifth Brother, could easily handle them. After all, he'd already faced them earlier and they had shown little in the way of sabre skills or Force ability. However, the attempt to reach out to his onetime Padawan awakened many emotions inside of him. Her decision to leave the Jedi – now some 15 years ago – still aroused anger in him. On that day, he pleaded with her to remain in the Order. After all, no one worked harder than he had to clear her name. You were selfish! You abandoned me! Do you know what I've become? As these thoughts arose in his mind, he could also feel them being directed toward her. Yes, he did catch up with her a few months later as she and Bo-Katan Kryze arrived in the Mandalore system. He'd been happy to catch up with her again and he'd shown her how the 332nd Clone Battalion troops had changed their helmets to honor her. "Loyalty means everything to the clones," he'd told her.

He further recalled presenting new – and improved – lightsabres to her, and seeing her face light up in response. A beautiful moment of reconciliation, but it was cut short as the call came from Coruscant and the purported kidnapping of the Supreme Chancellor that required he go there and free him. All of it, of course, nothing more than a ruse, a careful staging of events for his benefit. As he recalled his decapitation of Count Dooku – an act not in accordance with Jedi principle – he recalled his steady slide to the Dark Side. But a weary feeling of resignation came over him. It's far too late now … I made my choice. But still, there was a feeling, one he could not deny. It raised its head that day on Denova when he saw those clone helmets and found one of those blue-bladed sabres in the snow. He felt something then, surely, but refused to confront it. Now, knowing at last that she had survived gave him a very different perspective. It was time to confront her.

For Ahsoka's part, the reunion on Mandalore touched something inside of her, a feeling of gratitude, but something more. Her personal journey after leaving the Jedi was a time of deep reflection – what did she want to be, want to do? Ahsoka came to no definitive conclusion but she trusted in the Force, as it had never let her down. But now, during meditation in the Lothal temple, Anakin's voice came to her. His admonitions shook her to the core – was he right? What did he mean by "what I've become?" And then it struck her, a psychological slap in the face. That creature in the black helmet and mask – the same one that Ezra and Kanan described to her – was what he had become. No … it can't be. Anakin, you were always on the Light Side … what happened?

Little did she realize, however, that he was not far away. Ahsoka soon caught up with Kanan and Ezra and the three of them escaped the Temple and were able to get to the Phantom (the Ghost's smaller companion ship) and were quickly away from Lothal. Vader made his landing and realized that his long-awaited meeting with Ahsoka would have to wait. As the Inquisitors came to him and explained what happened, he wasn't happy, but at least he could say the remaining Jedi were driven off of Lothal. The only opinion that mattered to him at present was that of Valles Santhé, and he felt comfortable explaining things to her – the Lady seemed to have an abundance of patience. Vader reflected upon the Emperor's decision. A wise choice, putting her in charge … she doesn't make snap judgments..

Dantooine, 3 BBY, 2 months, 14 days

About seven weeks later, Master Shaak Ti was on the rebel base planet of Dantooine. A meeting between her and Senators Garm Bel Iblis, Bail Organa, and Mon Mothma had the current state of the rebellion in terms of people and resources, Shaak pointed out that most missions up to this point had essentially been raids on various Core and Mid-rim worlds that had scored various supplies and caches of weapons and fuel. But it was becoming clear that the rebels needed to make a big score, the kind of hit that focused Imperial attention. It had now been over a year since the loss of ISD Sovereign at Mustafar, and that ship was only destroyed due to Imperial blunders, which Ahsoka Tano had told the senators after she had the full rundown from the Ghost crew.

But Shaak was never one to lose sight of the bigger picture, and she professed herself pleased with things overall. As she filed out of the underground conference room and headed toward her ship, now recently christened as the Intrepid IV (after more improvements),Ahsoka approached her and Shaak gave her an uncharacteristic hug and the two Togruta walked up the ramp and boarded the Intrepid. They sat in the ship's lounge and Shaak served a cool herbal beverage.

"What's on your mind, my child?" Shaak asked softly.

"Master Shaak, recently a strange thing happened to me. I was in an old Jedi Temple on Lothal, with Kanan and Ezra. While meditating, I clearly heard Anakin speaking to me, only, he wasn't pleased with me at all. Instead he seemed to be blaming me."

"For what, exactly?" Shaak had perked up and was staring at her.

"I'm not entirely sure. He said 'do you know what I've become?' and then I clearly saw a vision. It was a figure all in black, with a rounded helmet."

Shaak nodded. "That was Darth Vader. Ahsoka, I'm not sure if you realize this, but that's what happened to Anakin."

Ahsoka's jaw dropped. "I had come to believe he was dead, killed during the Purge of the Jedi."

"No. He was the one that carried out much of the Purge, along with the clones."

Ahsoka shook her head slowly. "I guess I never really understood that. When that whole thing was taking place, I was busy fighting for my life against the very soldiers who had honored me the day before."

Shaak sighed. "That had to be a very traumatic experience. The fact of your survival shows the level of talent and ability you possessed – even at still such an early age. Ahsoka, you are clearly a treasure, and it's a shame that wasn't better understood."

"Thank you, Master Shaak. But I'm quite upset over what happened to Anakin. How long have you known about it?"

"Almost from the day it happened, although he had not yet transformed into the figure he is today at that time."

"You mean the helmet and all the black?"

"Yes, but it was more than that. Something happened to cause this. I'm not entirely certain, but I suspect Anakin was badly damaged and had to be repaired – if not completely overhauled."

Ahsoka gasped. "That sounds awful … I can only imagine how he felt. You know how close we were."

"Yes," Shaak muttered.

There was a short silence, as each considered what the other had said. Then, Shaak spoke in a solemn tone.

"Ahsoka, you know that you cannot confront him at this time. You must continue to avoid that. He is very strong and we need you in the rebellion."

Ahsoka nodded, and gave a tight grin. "I know … so you think there is no way I could reach him?"

"I would tend to doubt it. The Force tells me he only wants to forget the past. The memories are too painful."

Shaak took a sip of her cold drink. "Ahsoka, you understand what it means to be a Sith lord, do you not?"

"I only know what I was taught during my time in the Jedi, those years in the Temple. They are purely evil, only concerned with power and selfish gain …" She stopped for a second, then asked, "Master Shaak, did you know the Chancellor was a Sith?"

"Not until that day – when he declared himself Emperor. He did a good job, concealing his true nature from all of us. We have no one but ourselves to blame for it." Shaak pursed her lips, while shaking her head slowly.

"So, what can we do, ultimately? Can they be stopped?"

"My child … they can. But it will take a complex and detailed plan. The Force tells me they have weaknesses. We've only to find them."

"Master Shaak, do we have a chance?"

"We do, my child."

There was another long silence, then Ahsoka cleared her throat and stood, having finished her beverage. Shaak joined her, then came to her side, holding out her hands. Somehow Ahsoka knew to grasp them. As she did, a second later, she could feel an intense warmth emanating from within Shaak, now coursing through her entire body. But there was more. A subconscious voice came to her, in Shaak's soothing tone. Your time is coming, Ahsoka Tano, my fellow daughter of Shili. Soon you will embrace it and start to become the one the Force intends you to be.

Shaak then released Ahsoka's hands, and the two Togruta females stood, silently gazing into each other's eyes. A tingle came over Ahsoka and her lekku started to change color, growing more blue, especially the tips. Nothing was said, and then Ahsoka exited the Intrepid and descended the ramp. She made her way over to where her ship, Essence, was waiting for her. She climbed aboard and went to the flight deck, then started preparing for launch. Much was on her mind and she wanted to return to Void Station, then to decide on what she might do next.

Atollon, Dominus Sector, Eastern Outer Rim, 3 BBY, 0 months, 2 days

Ezra Bridger was taking a short nap, while lying on the sand of the planet Atollon, a quiet and mostly barren world, not far from Lothal, but, for the time being, a place mostly off the radar scope of the Empire and Santhé Corp. The Liannese had little interest in the planet as it was not terribly fertile, having little water and a short growing season anyway, as its axis was severely tilted. And so long as Valles Santhé and her firm weren't interested, the Imperials weren't either.

Hera Syndulla and the others of the Phoenix Cell had decided to make this planet their new outpost and they had moved some resources and small ships to it. Eventually, Atollon became the site of their new base, which they named for Hera's C1-10P droid, whose pet name was "Chopper." As Ezra lay there, he had become intrigued about something he had learned from the old Jedi Master Yoda, who had communicated with him when he recently inside the Jedi Temple on Lothal. Yoda had mentioned Malachor and told him to find it, but Ezra was unsure of who, or what, Malachor was.

But then, Ahsoka appeared, standing above him as he awakened. She had used the Force to find Kanan and Ezra's whereabouts and mentioned this to Ezra. Upon seeing her, he rose and stood next to her, then asked her about Malachor. "What is it?"

She answered, "Malachor is a planet, in the northeastern Outer Rim, but it was always off-limits to Jedi, because it has so much Dark Side energy.

"Why would Yoda tell me to find it?"

"I really don't know, to be honest, It's one of the biggest mysteries about the Force. Just when you think you've learned something, you find out how much more you still don't know."

"Have you ever been to Malachor?"

"No … but I think I will be going there."

"Do you want to go?"

"The Force is telling me I must … it's something I have to do. I'm not sure why, but it also told me to find you and Kanan. So here we are … and we're going to Malachor."

"How far away is it from here?"

She thought it over. "Probably about 4 to 5 hours."

At this point, Kanan joined them, seeing that she was back.

"Hello, Ahsoka. So, we're going?"

She nodded, realizing that he had received the same direction from the Force as she did. For the first time in a long while, Ahsoka realized she now had responsibilities beyond herself and was something of a more senior person among the Jedi survivors. Even though she had quit the Order, it didn't matter because she still represented the Light Side of the Force and felt a duty to it, which encompassed looking out for others, like Kanan, and especially Ezra, who were less experienced than she. Her recent meeting with Shaak Ti seemed to instill this feeling in her. But just then, another urge was tugging at her subconscious. She turned to them.

"Hey, there's something I have to do. I will meet up with you on the Phantom in about an hour, then we can leave."

"Okay," Ezra replied. Kanan simply nodded, and the two of them went back to the Ghost, presumably to inform the other crew members of their plans.

Ahsoka, meanwhile, started walking in an opposite direction and after about ten minutes, she came to a particular rock outcropping.

"Good morning, sir," she said aloud.

At that point, the rocks seemed to move, and as they did, the form of a large creature emerged. It was several times larger than Ahsoka, and it had the equivalent of a smile on its face. Then it spoke to her, in a deep, yet soft tone.

"Good morning to you, Ahsoka Tano, former Jedi Knight."

Ahsoka laughed at this, thinking to correct it, then realized she likely had become a Knight after all she had been through.

"I seek your wisdom, great Bendu. The Master – Madam Shaak Ti – has recommended you."

It was now the Bendu's turn to laugh. "Madam Shaak … I highly recommend her as well. Few have accomplished more since the demise of the Jedi."

"I know what you mean," Ahsoka noted, though, in her heart, she really did not, only that she received some strong signals from Shaak directly in both of their meetings thus far. "I'm searching for answers, great Bendu. About my former master, Anakin Skywalker, and Darth Vader."

"And you expect him to give you those answers?"

"Perhaps," she muttered, "But I really don't know. Something happened to him. I want to understand it."

"He was consumed, Miss Tano. By his own fear and his inability to come to terms with it."

"Do you mean the Emperor?"

"Yes. He has corrupted nearly everyone he encounters – and he will do the same to you. You must be cautious, if you intend to survive."

"I don't understand. I have no desire to see him. I know he is evil."

"But your former master is his servant."

"I know," she said slowly.

"You are set on this confrontation then?"

"I have to know the truth."

"So be it, but understand this, much will change as a result of this encounter, including you."

"Isn't that true of all things, as time advances?"

"My dear, when I say change, I mean death."

"So I will die?"

"Will you? I didn't know that. Goodbye then, Ahsoka Tano, former Jedi Knight."

Ahsoka took a step back at that. She hadn't really considered all of the possibilities a meeting with Anakin in his current state might involve. Is he going to kill me? Do I have enough power to hold him off?

She pulled herself together. "Thank you, great Bendu. I hope to see you again."

"And good day to you, Ahsoka Tano. And may the Force be with you."

As she left Bendu and headed back to Chopper Base, Ahsoka had much to think about. Upon arriving, told Kanan she wanted to spend some time alone in meditation. He understood, and wanted to do the same. Ahsoka found a quiet place, and went into a trancelike state. Maybe it's not me who will die … what if it will be Anakin himself? Or Kanan, or Ezra? No, I don't think so. He wasn't referring to them. It's time to find out.

To be continued …