AN: This part of the story runs alongside chapters 16-17 of Ahsoka and the Rebellion. In this installment, the divergence from the main SW canon grows wider.

Thanks to new followers: Ash4077

Chapter 35: A Major Move

Lianna, Duchess Ana's palace, 1 BBY, 5 months, 21 days

Countess Ry Kyver awoke after a restful night in one of Duchess Ana's guest suites. Ana's palace was a modest affair when compared with Duchess Berit's and most of Valles Santhé's, but it was still a highly regarded residence worthy of a top noble on the planet Lianna. Extending to about fifty hectares, Ana had built it some six years prior and had moved most of her prized possessions from her earlier estate. Both of her residences were in the southern hemisphere of the planet, and located in a semi-tropical zone. Ana had grown up in such circumstances and she preferred warmer climate. The area was lovely, located along a large lake of some 25,000 square kilometres, that had something of a beach along its shores. Ana's gardens included many fruit trees that yielded delightful melons and berries, and she was permitted to grow her own vegetables so long as they were not sold in markets.

The House of Capra had long been involved in Liannese affairs and was prominent in both agricultural and mining industries – both of which were heavily regulated by authorities in the City with regard to environmental impacts. Use of fertilizer was strictly guided and run-off had to be channeled within any particular farm. Livestock droppings had to be collected by droid and could be donated to a special "bank" that was set up long ago for this purpose. Usually, farms on Lianna were massive concerns, starting at a thousand hectares and going as high as 50 or 100 thousand. These were big businesses and generated large profits, as agricultural goods were expensive in Liannese cities, with most costs passed along. Various organizations were set up among farmers to coordinate harvests so as to get the best prices and the commodity futures markets in the City were carefully watched. But, all in all, the management of agriculture overall was one more area strictly regulated by the central government, which delegated much authority to the 75 regional divisions of the planet.

Mining on Lianna was once (some 200 years earlier) a much bigger business than it was by this time. There were few metals aside from iron ore to be found and the citizenry decided that this activity had come to be more trouble than it was worth. As a result, much of the raw ore was obtained from Lianna's satellite worlds, where many Liannese (including the Capras) had moved to make their fortunes and the cost of living was much lower. Giant ships would ferry the raw material to various orbiting platforms above the Liannese surface, where most heavy industry was conducted and included heavy use of droids, which were far more efficient in low gravity and of course, didn't require a breathable atmosphere. Much trade in heavy materials and industry took place in orbit as this was the simplest way to handle things.

Ana liked to get an early start to her mornings, and Ry had also become accustomed to the Liannese custom of early rising. Thus, they sat down to breakfast, in their light robes, at about 6:00 hours as the Liannese sun was just breaking above the horizon.

"How was your night, Countess?" Ana asked cheerfully.

"It was wonderful. Such a comfortable bed and your guest suite is quite pleasant. I love the view of the lake from it."

"Thank you," the duchess said with a smile. "My family has always prided itself on our level of hospitality."

Ry nodded. "Yes, hospitality is a big deal on Lianna in general. Which is a nice touch. I feel like many of the Core worlds could learn some things from yours."

Ana snorted and stifled an open laugh. "Exactly. We don't tend to place Corellia or Brentaal on our vacation itineraries. Planets like that have far too many people that live in less than desirable circumstances and are rather dull on the whole, even the more exclusive areas on them. I would make an exception, however, for Chandrila and Alderaan. They do a fine job."

Ry took a sip of her mango juice and found it delicious. She nodded and smiled. Then she sampled a bit of something that resembled meat strips but were actually of plant-based material. Ana's recipe added small amounts of spice, which made them tastier. Basically, the meal was small and reflected the hostess's preference for not over-eating. Ana was small and trim and in excellent physical condition, though it was not immediately obvious. She preferred to dress in silks that were made in the region as it was one industry not strictly controlled. Ry had earlier complimented the duchess on her clothing and want to purchase some for herself. This part of the planet was a bit more humid – though nothing like Felucia – and light garments that could breathe were greatly prized. A single dress could go for 1000 credits.

"Well," Ana then said at length, "are we ready to make the trip? I must say, I am more than curious about this planet we are going to. Have you ever been there?"

Ry smiled. She had steadily grown fond of Ana and her less pretentious manner. This was a Liannese big-shot that she could respect. Valles had figured the two would get along well and now Ry could see why.

"Yes, Ana, I have, but only once. It's a forbidding place, and it gives off a strange sensation – for one with Force sensitivity."

Ana's face grew serious. "Really. I suppose Valles knew this, of course."

"Of course," Ry chuckled; a bit uneasy. "But her wish is our command, right?"

"Right!" Ana said, with an enthusiasm she did not feel. "So, let's get dressed and I'll meet you at the landing platform and we'll go to my yacht."

They were soon on their way, a journey of less than two hours to reach Malachor, a mostly northerly route. On the way, Ana was in her private quarters, doing a bit of meditation. She thought about a few things and the best way to play them.
Well, Countess Ry, you are indeed an interesting person, mainly because Valles thinks so highly of you. That can mean only one thing – you have something she wants, or perhaps have already done something for her that she is grateful for. What might that be …

Once they had arrived and dropped from hyperspace, the gray disk of Malachor was soon visible. Ana directed that her yacht (named Concordia II) be placed in high orbit, and she and Ry proceeded to a shuttle. When they had boarded, Ana eased the craft into low orbit so they could begin to survey the planet's surface. They each had donned light jackets after taking readings of the planet's surface. After descending to the surface, Ry did some soil sampling and came to the conclusion that the planet wasn't nearly as barren as had been advertised. She mentioned this to Ana, who replied by way of a question.

"Why do you suppose it has this reputation?"

"Old Jedi folklore, I would say. There have been various battles here over the centuries past."

"Ry, were you in the Jedi?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact. But when the Purge came, I decided to join the Empire. It seemed a better career move … at the time."

Ana returned a crafty smile. "How do you feel about the Empire now? Don't worry, this is off the record, if you prefer."

Ry gave her a sideways glance, but felt relaxed. Ana was becoming someone she felt she could confide in, and less likely to repeat everything to Valles. Yet, Ry wasn't that concerned about the queen's proclivities in this area as she was fairly certain that Valles wanted nothing less than to reign as Galactic Empress herself.

"Ana, it's like anything else. Organizations have a pecking order. People will look for opportunities where they arise."

"I would have to agree. But I'm glad you've decided to make your home with us on Lianna. You're going to find those opportunities keep coming around."

Ry nodded, the changed the subject. "What does the analysis of the planet's core and mantle tell us?"

Ana checked the data that was being compiled on her yacht above. "Still working on it, but there is a normal amount of iron, along with some aluminum. The crust and mantle seem to be mostly silicon-based, nothing unusual there."

"Well," Ry said at length. "I think we've learned enough here. We can put together a report for her if you concur."

Ana chuckled. "Let's take some time on it. For now, I'm looking to do a nice hot soak in a tub abord the Concordia."

"Sounds nice," Ry laughed.

About one hour later, the two had settled into the spa for a relaxing bath. Ana offered her guest some mango-flavored tea to sip during the experience. After a couple of minutes, Ana then asked:

"I don't know about you, but I didn't notice all that much Force activity when we were on the surface."

"Me, either. While we were orbiting in the shuttle, I kept probing, but all I got was some indication there had been a climactic event recently. Like a battle between powerful Force entities … but one that had not been resolved."

Ana sat quietly for a few seconds, then turned to Ry again, and asked in a low tone, "that's quite interesting. I suppose I could meditate on it, but I'd like more of your reflections on it. Ry, could you tell whom might have been in this battle?"

Ry thought deeply, and then it hit her. Vader. Of course. But who else was there?

"Our friend Lord Vader, I think."

"Really? Did you know him?"

Ry laughed. "Unfortunately, I did. And he was a serious nemesis for me in the earlier days of the Empire. But, Ana, someone else was there too, someone I know little about. And this person not only battled him but did serious damage to him."

The duchess mulled it over, but came to no conclusions. She then asked, "do you suppose Valles might have some idea?"

Ry shook her head, but added, "it's always possible, but hard to say whether we might get a straight answer from her."

Ana nodded. "I'm inclined to agree. Let's just keep this between ourselves for now."

"Yes. Let's …" Ry chuckled.

Felucia, Shaak's home, 1 BBY, 5 months, 10 days, 8 hours

Shaak and Ahsoka were talking at the Master's home. Ahsoka at this point did not have her own separate house on Felucia, so she stayed with Shaak when she visited and mostly slept on a series of mats on the floor. She was still mostly living on the planet Almania, where her now-lover had moved into the mansion with her.

Obi-Wan Kenobi had contacted Ahsoka earlier that morning with the news that Maul had died at his hands after attempting to attack him near his home on Tatooine. Shaak was sleeping lightly when the call came in. Ahsoka tried to keep quiet so as not to wake her but Shaak soon deduced what had happened by the part of the conversation she was able to hear.

Once Master Kenobi had signed off, Ahsoka sat down. For some reason, she felt slightly remorseful. Shaak had arisen and silently entered the room, unbeknownst to Ahsoka. She waited for the transmission to end first, then spoke:

"You are conflicted, my child."

Ahsoka turned to her. "Yes … how much of that did you hear, Master?"

"Enough to put it together. I will say this, however. Maul might have been a valuable ally of ours, but things were just too far gone. The Galaxy may be better off without him, sorry to say."

Ahsoka sighed again. "You really believe that?"

Shaak came over to her and put a hand softly on her shoulder. "Your heart is large, my child. It's one of the things I admire most about you. Sometimes I am too harsh in my judgment of others. It's because I have lived a long time and I have seen my share of evil and horrors."

"I'll put it behind me, Mother. Not to worry."

Shaak then contacted Maris. "Can you join us? There has been some news."

Maris signaled in the affirmative and soon arrived.

"Come in, my child," Shaak said softly. They then broke the news to her.

Maris sighed. "I'm sorry to hear that, but, as I told him, he should have been more careful with Master Kenobi. I wanted a better end for Paul. I'd always hoped we might turn him to the Light but I guess it was not to be."

"Paul?" Ahsoka asked, a little confused.

"Yes, that was the name he went by when he was running Crimson Dawn. Paul Talzin, as his mother was …"

"Mother Talzin, of the Night Sisters," Shaak nodded. "Of course."

"I'm sorry for your loss, Maris," Ahsoka turned to her and put a hand on the Zabrak's right shoulder. Maris then hugged Ahsoka briefly.

"Thank you, Ahsoka. I know you didn't much care for him, but …"

"Hey, I get it. You and he had some kind of connection. Maybe if you'd had more time …"

Shaak then answered first. "It was not the Will of the Force, clearly. I'd felt something like this would happen."

Maris looked up briefly, then asked, "how did he die, actually?"

Ahsoka answered. "Obi-Wan said Maul tried to charge him aggressively with a double blade. But the Master used the standard defensive form and split the hilt. Unfortunately his blow penetrated Maul's abdomen. He died soon after."

Maris shook her head, sadly. "I do hope Master Kenobi gave him a proper send-off."

"He did. As his sabre penetrated, he knew the blow was fatal. He caught Maul's body and laid him down gently. Before he died, Maul told him to look after the Chosen One. I assumed he meant Anakin's son Luke, who lives on Tatooine. Anyway, Master Kenobi was able to cremate his body."

"Luke?" Maris asked. "This is the first I've heard of this. How long have you known?"

"For only a couple of months. I told Master Shaak more recently, once we visited with Obi-Wan on Tatooine."

Shaak broke in. "Maris, you remember when we went there a few weeks back?"

Maris nodded, while Shaak continued. "I also paid a visit to Jabba, the local Hutt boss on Tatooine. I did that because I thought he might know something about the battle station project the Empire has been working on."

"Did he?"

"It turns out he did and that enabled us to learn more. But only after he'd done some asking around. We then learned about Geonosis and went there, where we met up with Saw Gerrera, who then told us the project had moved to Scarif. After we went there, we saw it for the first time."

"Yes, of course, you told me about that. Was rather impressive, it seemed?"

"Indeed it was," Ahsoka answered. "We can't let them deploy that thing, but as of now … we don't have much of a plan."

Shaak then spoke up, and summoned a holocron, one she had removed from the vault and was studying further. "My children, I think it's time for me to let you in on something. On this holocron, there is a section regarding the use of the Force to create what was once called the Circle of Light."

Maris and Ahsoka were staring at the holocron in rapt attention as Shaak continued.

"What we can do is start a cycle of energy that goes between us, but then it can expand outward, always returning to us. And each time it does, we can increase the power so various things can happen."

Ahsoka was contemplating these ideas and then asked, "Master, how can we use this? Does it become a weapon?"

Maris also was curious. "Did the ancient Jedi know how to do these things? If so, why did they stop?"

"Valid questions, to be sure," Shaak chuckled. "I think there are many things the Jedi stopped doing because the last thousand years – maybe even the last three thousand – appears to have been a time of overall peace in the Galaxy, so they likely thought it might be unwise to continue to practice what were likely very aggressive methods."

"Did you ever discuss this with Master Yoda? Master Windu?" Ahsoka then asked, growing more curious. "For example, the Force Vortex you unleashed on Geonosis. How did you learn about that?"

"My child, there are many powers that one does not learn about until that person becomes a master. My decision to promote you to that level means I feel you are ready to start learning."

Maris obviously was most curious about this. Years earlier, she had been shown how to shoot electricity from her hands, and then helped Shaak prepare Ahsoka for this same power. She stared at Shaak, who turned to her.

"Maris, I think you will also be ready in the months to come. Ahsoka is a bit more advanced than you and so she will take the journey first, but I foresee a time when you, too, become a master. There is still much work ahead of you, however."

Maris nodded, but smiled, as she contemplated the path ahead of her.

"I understand, Master. I will support Ahsoka. It's like you always say – we are stronger together. It is the Way of the Order."

Shaak nodded, smiling broadly. "And then others will join at some point. Xendar has become a Knight and now he has more responsibility. It seems like only yesterday he came to us as a twelve-year-old boy, but look at him now. And others among the early acolytes are going to join him."

She turned to Ahsoka, "including the two apprentices you have brought into the Order – Frehya and Hedala. I have great belief in their abilities and desires."

Shaak then stood. "It is through the growth in our Order that we will lead a rebellion that will remove Palpatine as the emperor. We are still a fair way away from that day but I can now begin to visualize it."

It was clear to both Ahsoka and Maris that the decision made some 18 years earlier to recover the holocrons from the Jedi Temple on the day of the Purge was going to be the decisive event that would make success against the Empire possible.

Lianna, Valles's office, 1 BBY, 2 months, 25 days, 11 hours

(see Ahsoka and the Rebellion chapter 16-17 for background)

Word wasn't long in coming once the ISD Hammer had been taken down by the Rebels at the Battle of Atollon. Valles felt that the Emperor would be most interested in learning how it happened – especially as it took place in a sector near Lianna. For almost three years, Admiral Thrawn had searched for the rebel base, but it turned out to be maybe five minutes in hyperspace away from Lothal. As she put it together, Valles had more questions than answers – not a situation she liked to be in. It was time for Thrawn to give his account of the battle.

Once he had surveyed all the damage, the admiral knew that Valles would be all over him, demanding answers, but the hard truth was, when it came to the loss of the ISD, he had very few. Yes, the battle overall was a success, in the sense that the rebels' emplacement on the small planet had been routed and completely dislodged, but most of them had made their escape, including whoever or whatever was responsible for the destruction of the ISD Hammer.

As he rode the lift up to the 215th level of the Santhé Tower, Thrawn felt a bit uneasy. Up to this point, he'd had a good rapport with Lady Santhé, but he knew she – and the Emperor – would expect him to know what happened. As Miss Lasivia showed him in, Valles was sitting at her desk, staring at the screens, and dressed in a sharply cut soft black leather dress that showed off her exquisite figure. Her hair was down and perfume minimal, and as she continued to look over her screens, he could see something of a scowl on her pretty face. Looking up, her expression changed to a more congenial one and she stepped forward to him and extended her right hand. Thrawn took it deftly, bowing as he kissed it gently, then extending his left hand to her. Valles allowed him to gently walk her over to her lounge area, whereupon she seated herself, with Thrawn taking a position opposite her. No need to show any fear or apprehension. Let her feel she is in control and we can somehow figure this out.

Valles composed herself, crossing her legs while her dress made stretching sounds as the leather tightened. She smiled, then spoke.

"My dear admiral, suppose you give me your report on the Battle of Atollon."

"Yes, Milady. As you've no doubt already heard, the event was mostly a victory for the Empire. We finally located the base after over a year of searching, and once there, we completely dislodged the rebel presence."

Valles nodded. "Continue."

"But then something happened, and I have little understanding at this time as to how. The rebels found a way to compromise the power core and hyperdrive on the ISD Hammer and this caused the complete loss of the ship and almost all of the crew."

Valles continued to smile, but then asked, "how do you suppose they were able to do that … and … considering the location of the base was very close to Lothal, why did it take so long to locate it?"

Thrawn soon felt her gaze piercing into his consciousness, almost as if she could sense everything he was thinking. This was not a sensation he had ever felt before, not around the Emperor, nor with Lord Vader. It was immediately clear to him that she had a certain power, the nature of which he little understood. But he had to answer, so he gave it a shot.

"Lady Santhé, we spent much time reviewing the systems on the ship. As you likely know, it was a newly commissioned ISD, on only its second mission. I was pleased to have its assistance for the battle and I knew that we could make short work of the rebels. As for the base location, it turned out to be a small encampment that was difficult to detect. To be honest, their strategy of locating so close to Lothal was a good one and we had initially ruled out anything in that sector."

"But, Admiral, you say the power core and hyperdrive were … compromised. How could this have happened? I'm left to conclude one of two things. Either the ship was not well maintained – highly unlikely given its recent commission – or there was some form of sabotage."

As Thrawn thought this over – he'd essentially discounted this at first, but hearing her say it made it seem at least possible, however unlikely.

But Valles continued. "Unless … there is some other power at work here that we have overlooked. You of course recall Mustafar and the strange series of events that took place there over three years ago."

Thrawn nodded. "What are you getting at, milady?"

"Only this. We know the rebels have some ex-Jedi in their ranks. We have to take this seriously."

She then rose and walked briskly back to her desk. "That will be all, Admiral. You may show yourself out."

Thrawn bowed deeply to her and her hand was not offered this time. As he left, he pondered what she might be thinking but Valles was as unreadable as ever. He knew she was not going to be easily placated, but he told himself he would have felt likewise in her position. He had nothing else to do but return to his command ship and await further orders.

Valles picked up her com and tapped a few times.

"Berit? Yes, I need to see you … meet me tonight at Santhia."

Lianna, Valles's suburban palace, 1 BBY, 2 months, 25 days, 21 hours

As Duchess Berit arrived at Santhia, she was immediately shown to the lift, whereupon she ascended to the fifth level of the palace. She strolled in and came to a sitting room, where Valles was holding court, wearing an elegant deep blue gown and chatting with Duchess Ana, who had been staying at the palace for two days.

"Good evening, my dear Berit," Valles chirped, a half-smile on her face. Berit curtsied politely. "My Lady." She nodded to Ana. "Duchess." Ana returned the nod, her expression blank. Valles ignored this and pressed on.

"Ladies, I'm glad you are both here tonight. In case you were unaware, there has been a significant development in the rebellion over the past few days. At the planet Atollon – a small rocky world near Lothal – there was an encounter between the rebels and the forces of Admiral Thrawn. For the most part, this went well as the rebels took serious damage and casualties and were forced to retreat to parts unknown … but … somehow they also unleashed an apparently new capability."

Valles went on to recite from Thrawn's report about the destruction of ISD Hammer. As she did, Valles studied the faces of the two duchesses but they gave little away. At length, she asked, "so what are we to make of this?"

Ana ventured an answer. "Valles, based on what the admiral has told us, I am of the belief that someone among the rebels used the Force in ways that I am totally unfamiliar with."

Berit sat quietly, this not being an area she much understanding of.

Valles smiled. "Ana. I have to agree, but then, of course, this begs the question – who?"

Valles raised her teacup and took a sip, then continued. "Let's look at this. To somehow compromise the workings of an ISD – a brand-new one at that – from another, clearly smaller, vessel, this is a serious capability indeed."

Berit then found her voice. "Valles, are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"Which is?"

"Our friend Master Ti. Could she have perhaps …"

Valles sat quietly, mulling it over. "I don't know … but, yes. I believe she could."

At that point, Ana realized, nothing further needed to be said. The three talked about Liannese affairs and upcoming social events in the City. Berit even offered to consult on Valles's various wardrobe and effects for her coming coronation as Queen – though no date had yet been proposed.

After Ana and Berit had repaired to their guest suites, Valles sat alone on the edge of her bed, clad in a pink nightgown.

Well, Shaak Ti, now I can see what you are capable of. The question is what more? It's not like I can just ask you … but increasingly, I think you may be the key here. Should I divulge how to take down the Project? Not if you can learn how to do it on your own, which it is starting to look like you will … better for me, of course.

Valles turned out the light and laughed softly as she laid down and soon drifted off to sleep.

Lianna, Valles's office, 1 BBY, 1 month, 28 days, 13 hours

About a month later, the Imperial dust had settled regarding the loss of the ISD and Valles heard nothing but praise coming from Coruscant as had become the norm. Palpatine, from her standpoint, only seemed to care about the Death Star project and the loss of one of 20,000 ships didn't bother him tremendously. At least, that was how he framed it when Valles had met with him. Her Outer Rim organization scheme had kept things running smoothly. Now she was back on Lianna and had received a communique from someone she hadn't heard from in a couple of years – the ISB agent Aleksandr Kallus.

She invited him to her office after her lunch break, intrigued over what he might have to tell her. After they had exchanged pleasantries and were seated in the lounge, Valles noted, "you once told me you would contact me if you found a situation worthy of my attention. You may imagine my curiosity in this case."

"I well remember, mi-lady. As it so happens, I thought you might be intrigued by my take on the rebels' successful destruction of the ISD about a month ago."

Valles chuckled. "I've already heard several of those. What makes you think you have a different angle?"

"Well, Lady Santhé, I am no longer with the ISB and have been serving on Admiral Thrawn's flagship, the ISD Chimaera. I can tell you – in no uncertain terms – that incident left the command badly shaken, however much they tried to slough it off later. They literally had no idea how it happened – but they were quite aware of what happened."

"Go on."

"We first heard from the Hammer that there was a major radiation leak coming from the reactor core. Further, it was clear that the bulkheads had literally been opened – how we could not tell, but we felt certain it was not sabotage. It happened quite quickly and there was truly no time for the crew to respond. They had to evacuate the area and attempt to lock things down. Then, while that was happening, the hyperdrive column reported another strange occurrence – a surge of energy had swept in and caused an overload that started a chain reaction, one they were unable to reverse."

Valles raised her hand, wanting to ask a question. "You say an energy surge? Where might that have originated? Did they have details on what it looked like?"

"My Lady … the only detail we got was there was some kind of blinding blue flash, one that lasted maybe a second."

"Were there any theories on how it was delivered?"

"None, mi-lady, but this is where I felt I needed to meet with you."

"Ah … so you have one of your own …"

"Yes. If you'll recall the incident at Mustafar over four years ago, we knew the rebels had at least two people with Jedi training and their … special abilities."

"Hmm, I do. So …"

"Both of those individuals are still with them. But there is now another. One more powerful than either of them."

"Do you have a name, Mister Kallus?"

"I believe so, mi-lady … Ahsoka Tano."

Left unstated at this point was the fact that Kallus had already joined the rebels and was in a position to learn about Ahsoka's involvement with them, having met with them on the new base world of Yavin IV just three months earlier. Kallus was intrigued with Jedi powers and the mysterious phenomenon referred to as The Force. Of course, he had little idea that Valles herself shared such powers and on a greater scale than most.

When she heard him utter the name, Valles's mind raced. She knew that Vader was going to attempt to capture Ahsoka – along with her two Jedi cohorts – after luring her to Malachor. What she didn't know – though she had theories – was how the encounter went. When Vader reached out to her from the barren planet, requiring assistance, she knew something had gone terribly wrong. But she was never quite sure what had happened to Ahsoka. Now, thanks to Kallus, she realized Ahsoka had not only survived but was very likely the one that put Vader in the hospital.

Nodding slowly, she responded. "I see. Well, this has been – again – most informative. Although, I wonder how you are in a position to know this particular detail."

Kallus realized the game was up and he had tipped his hand. Somehow, however, he also felt Valles would not betray him as she was playing her own game within the Imperial structure. He didn't have much detail, only a suspicion. So he came clean.

"Lady Santhé … I know this because I now have infiltrated the rebellion."

Valles smiled. "Is that so …" She then laughed, softly. "And what have you learned of them?"

"They are more powerful than the Imperial brass realizes, and they have some powerful forces behind them."

Valles continued to smile. "Mister Kallus, you realize the chance you are taking by telling me this?"

He nodded, meeting her gaze directly.

"You should be glad that my office is routinely swept for any kind of surveillance devices, thus your secret is safe with me."

"Thank you, mi-lady. Might I be so bold as to ask what your plans are regarding the rebellion?"

Valles laughed again. "Not at this time." But she followed it up with a wink.

Valles then stood, signaling the meeting was over. Kallus rose as well and bowed to her.

"Lady Santhé, I am now in your debt. Whatever you need from me, just ask."

"Very well, I want you to continue to work with Admiral Thrawn. I have my own thoughts about his trustworthiness. I will expect reports periodically. If, somehow, he discovers your duplicity, reach out to this contact – she then relayed it to him – and someone will be there."

She offered her right hand for him to kiss, and as he turned to go, she closed by saying, "good day, Mister Kallus."

After he was gone, Valles ran it over in her mind.

Ah, Master Ti, I now can see your role in the rebellion is complete. Your apprentice, Miss Tano, is most worthy and perhaps you have been training her in your advanced powers. A blinding blue flash? Most intriguing. I can only wonder what else you have in your deck of cards to play. I know this much, however. Once played, it can be used again as needed, and thus no Imperial vessel is safe from you. An excellent situation, my friend. We must reconvene, and soon.

Felucia, the holocron vault, 0 BBY, 11 months, 5 days

[AN: These events are covered in more detail in Ahsoka and the Rebellion, chapter 18]

Two months or so later, Shaak had been reviewing some Force powers from one of the ancient holocrons, and came to a conclusion. It was time to make a major move against the Empire. She decided to keep this plan completely confidential and did not inform Maris or Ahsoka about it until it was ready to roll. Essentially, Shaak had decided it was time to take down Vader and then present him with a choice – serve them or still serve the Emperor. Ahsoka's battle with him on Malachor had exposed his weakness and Shaak knew that his current setup – a quasi-robotic suit that covered his body – would be most vulnerable to a Force Lightning attack. All that was needed was to lure him to a strange (for him) location and the Outer Rim system of Almania would do nicely. Ahsoka had earlier installed a system of droid satellites that contained miniature Kyber crystal powered lasers, and the system had recently demonstrated its functional excellence by obliterating a group of pirate vessels that unwisely launched an attack on the planet.

Shaak had monitored the communications on Coruscant between Palpatine and Vader and knew that they suspected Ahsoka as being the one that had destroyed the ISD Hammer. After a time, Vader had admitted to his master that Ahsoka had done the damage to him on Malachor. But Shaak also knew that Ahsoka had refrained from killing her onetime Jedi master – Knight Anakin Skywalker – and still cared for him despite all that had taken place.

Almania system, Drewwa moon, 0 BBY 9 months, 26 days

About five weeks later, to achieve the lure, Shaak decided to use Ahsoka herself as bait, by setting up a tracking device on her ship Corvala Dawn that would relay a signal back to Coruscant. Ahsoka was already in the Almania system, in her residence on the planet with both of her apprentices (who had recently been named as Padawans in the Order). She had discovered the tracker, which had relayed her position back to Vader. Ahsoka then alerted Shaak on Felucia to what had taken place, and soon, Intrepid V was on its way with both Shaak and Maris aboard. Both Intrepid and Corvala Dawn had been fully cloaked, awaiting the Dark Lord's arrival.

When Vader showed up, Ahsoka had engaged the satellite system and it immediately started to attack his TIEx1 relentlessly, knocking him off balance. Shaak then took remote control of his ship via the Force and landed it on the Almanian moon of Drewwa. Once he was down on the moon, Ahsoka swung her ship into action and then met Vader with a solid 20kw blast of Force electricity – not a jagged version as used by Sith lords, but a clean and direct hit that disabled his legs via short-circuit. Now on his back and practically helpless, Vader then saw Ahsoka and heard her voice loud and clear.

Maris then landed Intrepid a short distance away. She arrived via jetpack to backup Ahsoka and drew her lightsabre as Vader attempted to send projectiles at her, then cut loose with her own electric blast that did even more damage to Vader's robotic setup. At this moment, while he was still conscious, Vader knew that Palpatine's premonition of Ahsoka's new-found level of power had indeed come true. He now considered that Ahsoka had joined the Dark Side as Force Current was never a Jedi power, but who was this other woman? She appeared to be a Zabrak and at first Vader thought she might be related to the Night Sisters. Together, they made quite a team. For a minute, Vader considered the idea that he and Ahsoka might overthrow Palpatine, but then Shaak made her appearance, wearing a black velvet robe over a black silk gown.

"Knight Skywalker. Do you remember me?" she asked softly.

Vader dreaded seeing her – as he remembered their earlier encounters in the Jedi Order – and quickly noted her now greatly increased Force signature, soon realizing that Shaak had been in charge all along, yet had cleverly hidden herself for years, waiting for the right moment to reveal herself and strike. He waited for Shaak to finish him off, but the blow never came. Instead, Shaak calmly waved a hand and he suddenly felt all of his pain cease. He recalled Valles's ability to do that and often sought her out for just that purpose, but Shaak seemed as though she had an even higher level of power as the feeling was immediate.

"Lord Vader, as you are now discovering, I am not a Sith Lady, nor am I any longer a Jedi. I am Grand Master, the ultimate power in this galaxy. But I offer you a chance at redemption, as my daughter has requested. You may ask why. It is simple, really. With great powers come great responsibilities."

Vader quietly shook his head as he gazed at her through the mask.

"It is too late for me, Grand Master. I have only one destiny now. As it is clearly your destiny to rule this galaxy. Anyone can see that now. I cannot be of any service to you and would only get in your way."

"Knight Skywalker – I cannot make this choice for you, but if you were in my service, your name would be redeemed. Your body restored, with all of the youthful vigor you once had. And we will destroy Lord Sidious. You are correct, sir. He has indeed foreseen this, only he knows not from where it will come. But sadly, even I cannot bring Padmé Amidala back to you. Another worthy successor to her you may have, one equally concerned with justice and righteousness. One who will allow you to shine in her reflection."

Vader was losing his ability to fend off such logic. Shaak Ti's offer seemed genuine and was very attractive. She then commanded her subordinates. As he heard them talking, Vader succumbed to unconsciousness.

"Knight Maris, prepare Lord Vader's body. Make him comfortable. We will keep him in a comatose state for a time, to allow him time to heal."

"Yes, Grand Master, it will be done."

"Master Tano, take Padawan Fardi with you and prepare a room on Corvala Dawn for Vader's journey. We will take him to Felucia."

To be continued …