AN: This part of the story runs alongside chapters 23-25 of Ahsoka and the Rebellion. Some of that text is reproduced here, with slight modifications.
Chapter 38: We Shouldn't Make Such Assumptions
Jedha, Western Mid Rim, 0 BBY 1 month, 10 days
Ahsoka, Maris, and Tri'ku Je'har arrived in the Jedha system in Corvala Dawn, a little bit ahead of Cassian Andor and Jyn Erso. Ahsoka instructed them to land first and seek out Saw Gerrera, but they ran into some stormtroopers. She and Maris had to help them beat back the Imperials, then they went to find Gerrera, while meeting Baze Malbus and Chirrut Imwe on the way. Tri'ku, who stayed behind on Ahsoka's ship, signaled that the Death Star had arrived in the system.
Ahsoka and Jyn went in to see Saw, while Maris and the others waited outside. Gerrera played the message from Galen Erso, confirming what he had told Ahsoka earlier, that Galen had designed a flaw into the Death Star's exhaust system. Soon, the ground began to shake, as the super-laser was used to fire a test shot on Jedha City. Maris came in to tell them it was time to leave. Ahsoka offered to help Saw, who was badly damaged from earlier fighting, get out, but he chose to stay behind. His last words to her were, "win this, whatever it takes." She replied, "old friend – count on it." Ahsoka and Maris then got back on the Corvala Dawn as Tri'ku maneuvered it close to where they were. Jyn, Cassian, Baze, and Chirrut, along with Bodhi Rook, the defected Imperial pilot, made it out on the UT-60D ship that Andor had piloted to the system.
Both ships then traversed the Galaxy to Eadu, a planet on the Eastern Outer Rim, a few hours south of Lothal. They were going to attempt to rescue Galen Erso, who was being held by Orson Krennic and the Imperials at a shuttle depot. The UT-60D ship ran into a storm on the descent and had to crash land. As they arrived, a squad of rebel X-wings did also, and started firing on the Imperials that were on the ground. Krennic made it to a shuttle and was able to leave, but Erso did not and was mortally wounded from an explosion caused by the rebel fighters. Jyn got to her father just as he was dying. Bodhi Rook was able to steal an Imperial cargo shuttle and got everyone aboard, while Corvala Dawn descended and provided covering fire so they could escape some remaining stormtroopers at the depot. Both ships left soon after and set their course for Yavin IV.
Yavin IV, Gordian Reach Sector, North Central Outer Rim, 0 BBY 1 month, 7 days
At the Alliance base. Jyn thanked Ahsoka and Maris for helping them try to save her father and then getting them away safely. At the base, the Alliance leadership met and was of the general opinion that any mission to get the Death Star plans had little chance of success and they did not want to waste the effort. Jyn gave an impassioned speech and asked them how they could live with themselves if they did not at least try to fight. Ahsoka joined her and asked how they could call themselves a rebellion.
Outside afterward, Andor, Malbus, Imwe, and Rook all told Jyn and Ahsoka that they had to do something and they were willing to help her. Ahsoka and Maris agreed and they came up with a plan. They would all go to Scarif to attempt to get the plans, but first they would take a detour to Almania, where Ahsoka had another Imperial ship – a TIEv1 advanced fighter that she had renamed Shili Avenger. Together, they would take that ship, plus the purloined shuttle – which Andor and Rook renamed Rogue One – and head to Scarif, with Corvala Dawn also accompanying them.
Before she left, though, Ahsoka met privately with Garm Bel-Iblis and Admiral Raddus of the Alliance and they agreed this chance had to be taken once they knew that Ahsoka and Maris would also be part of the mission – thus increasing the chances for success. Maris took Ahsoka aside, telling her how honored she was to be working alongside her as this was the mission that would determine the success or failure of the rebellion.
Aboard the Death Star, Western Mid Rim, 0 BBY 0 months, 28 days
Darth Vader had been aboard the Death Star when the test shot was fired on Jedha, and he could sense Ahsoka's presence in the system when it arrived. He'd found himself zeroing in on her position and noted that she had descended to the surface, along with the Zabrak who had fired electricity at him back in the Almanian system. What is Tano doing down there? Vader was conflicted. Part of him hoped she would get away in time to escape the blast but another part hoped she would not, as he knew the Emperor would be relieved and this would take some of the pressure off his apprentice. The very last thing he wanted was to keep having to explain why Ahsoka Tano kept getting away with things. No doubt she and her band of rebels are going to Scarif, as Tano knows all about the Death Star and its vulnerability. But when exactly?
Of course she did get away and then disappeared to go who knew where. Maybe it didn't matter, but the Dark Lord felt certain that Masters Tano and Ti would eventually try to destroy the Death Star, and considering what they were doing to Star Destroyers, they could well be successful. And if that happened, then he would seriously have to consider abandoning the Emperor. At some point, it seemed inevitable that Shaak and Palpatine would go toe to toe, and Vader wanted to be able to side with whoever won that battle. He wasn't sure – yet – but had a suspicion that Shaak would be the one.
Something about her … can't quite put my finger on it. She is undeniably powerful – I've seen it myself – but just how did she become so powerful? She was just a normal Jedi Master when I knew her, but maybe she was hiding something much more significant. Masters Windu and Yoda always seemed to respect her and they never disagreed with her in front of the Council – at least not when I was there. And if she prevailed there would be little standing in her way and she could be the new Empress. What type of Empire might she run? Difficult to say, but there is more than a little Dark Side aura surrounding her – it's unmistakable, at least to me it is – and that is something she never showed in the old days. Tano would clearly be her apprentice, but maybe there is still a place for me as well, if I show my loyalty to her. I had long thought that Lord Sidious was the true power in the Galaxy but what if I was mistaken? I need much more knowledge and understanding. Ti, Tano, and I – if we are together, no one will be able to stop us.
He also knew that if the rebels wanted to destroy the Death Star, they would need to obtain the plans for it, which meant their next stop had to be Scarif, as that was where they were kept. The biggest question for him now was whether he should do anything to stop them. Even if they failed, Grand Master Ti would surely have a backup plan.
But then another thought occurred to him – what about Valles Santhé? As he thought of the beautiful Liannese queen, he started to wonder just what her role in all of this had been – and whose side she was truly on. Of course, there was no time to visit her now, and Vader found himself hoping that she would not board the Death Star if Shaak and the rebels were to succeed in destroying it.
Scarif, Abrion Sector, Southeast Outer Rim, 0 BBY 0 months, 7 days
[AN: this scene taken from Ahsoka and the Rebellion chapter 23 and is a shortened version.]
Ahsoka, along with Maris, directed the strategy to be used when they went to Scarif to obtain the Death Star plans. There were three ships involved: Ahsoka's Corvala Dawn, the purloined Imperial shuttle that was named Rogue One, and onetime Inquisitor's TIEv1 which Ahsoka used to get off Malachor and she named Shili Avenger – which she partly named in response to Vader telling her that "revenge is not the Jedi Way."
Using the two former Imperial craft, they were able to penetrate the planetary shield around Scarif and proceed down to the surface. Ahsoka and Maris used Shili Avenger, while Tri'ku stayed slightly behind in Corvala Dawn, and the others: Jyn Erso, Cassian Andor, Bodhi Rook, Chirrut Imwe, and Baze Malbus took Rogue One down as well, also carrying a small group of rebel marines. Others in the rebel fleet stayed behind, but were ready to arrive once the signal came from Tri'ku in Corvala Dawn.
The group on Rogue One was able to ambush a group of approaching Imperials and took their uniforms. This enabled Jyn and Cassian to gain entrance into the Citadel complex, where they infiltrated the base's computers and found the plans, with the aid of droid K-2SO, who had also arrived on Rogue One. The Imperial director Orson Krennic had also returned to Scarif to search the base's files, and discovered the rebel attack, so he ordered the base garrison to respond. Ahsoka and Maris soon landed in Shili Avenger, then swung into action with their lightsabres, taking out three AT walkers and several stormtroopers. Cassian then alerted Ahsoka by com that he and Jyn had the plans. It was time to get the shield opened, which could be done by the rebel fleet once it arrived. In order to contact the fleet commander, Admiral Raddus, they first had to take out the jamming device on the planet. Once this was done, the fleet took out a Star Destroyer with torpedoes, which led to a chain of events that destroyed the shield generator that had also been orbiting the planet.
Unfortunately, the Imperials unleashed a squad of Death Troopers, who killed both Malbus and Imwe before Maris could finish them off before she found the jamming device and destroyed it with her sabre. The Imperials also blew up Rogue One and Rook died onboard, but Ahsoka and Maris made it back to Shili Avenger. Andor then contacted Ahsoka, telling her they had disabled Krennic and Jyn was ready to transmit the plans, which she did after Raddus signaled they were ready to receive them on the rebel flagship, Profundity.
At that moment, the Death Star arrived from hyperspace. Maris and Ahsoka made it aboard the Shili Avenger and were in the air. They tried desperately to reach Jyn and Cassian, who were now frantically trying to get down to the ground from up in the tower. Grand Moff Tarkin then gave the order to destroy the base using the Death Star's laser, to attempt to prevent the plans from being sent. Even though Jyn and Cassian made it out of the tower, Ahsoka was not able to get to them in time. Soon, everything on the ground was vaporized by the massive lasers, including the entire base and everyone in it (including Krennic). Jyn and Cassian made it to the beach and died in each other's arms. Ahsoka yanked Shili Avenger upward and they sped off to intercept Profundity, which she ordered to transmit the plans (as a copy) to Corvala Dawn, which Tri'ku had brought within range.
Within seconds, the Imperial Star Destroyer Devastator dropped out of hyperspace, with Darth Vader in command. A number of Rebel ships (including Ghost, piloted by now-General Hera Syndulla) were able to escape into hyperspace and head back to Yavin IV. The Devastator opened fire on the Profundity, causing the ship's shields to give way and the rebel ship was soon crippled. Vader led a boarding party onto Profundity, attempting to get the stolen plans. They killed many rebels on board, but the plans were successfully transferred onto the Alderaanian corvette Tantive IV. This ship, which was carrying Leia Organa (it had belonged to her adoptive father Bail Organa), made the jump and escaped, carrying the plans.
As Vader stood on the deck of the Profundity, watching Tantive escape, Ahsoka then contacted him. She ordered him to follow Tantive and let Tarkin and the others think it was carrying the only copy of the plans. After contacting Tri'ku on Corvala Dawn, she confirmed they had the other copy and she and Maris docked with the Avenger. The plan was for Tri'ku to take the TIEv1 to Felucia, while Ahsoka and Maris would head to Tatooine in Dawn. Ahsoka then contacted Leia and told her to go there also so the plans could be delivered to Obi-Wan Kenobi, who would find a way to get them to Yavin IV. She was told to load the plans into a droid and eject it in an escape pod, which would get them down to the surface of the desert planet.
Lianna, the City, Valles's office, 0 BBY 6 days, 6 hours
Liannese Queen Valles had both Duchesses Ana and Berit in her office and they had just received a report from Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin. He had to report that the rebels had gone to Scarif and were able to get ahold of the Death Star plans, but no one in the Imperial high command were terribly concerned by that and their next objective was to find the rebel base and destroy it, now that the battle station was fully operational. He also said they had captured Alderaanian Princess Leia Organa and they were interrogating her to learn the location of the base. Valles closed the transmission by thanking him for the update. She then turned to her trusted subordinates and chuckled slightly. They glanced at each other but said nothing, apparently believing they both had the same opinion. Berit knew about the flaw in the exhaust ports which made the Death Star vulnerable, and she had informed Ana about a month earlier, once Valles had decided to accede to the Throne of Lianna and become Queen of the planet.
"Ladies, it is time we discuss these recent happenings on Scarif. It seems our friend Shaak Ti has decided to put her plan into action. Her operatives went to that planet and were able to find the plans for the battle station, thus they will soon learn how to destroy it. Once that happens, things are going to get interesting … to say the least."
Valles laughed loudly upon making this declaration, which unnerved both of her duchesses. This particular morning had started off rather early, almost as if Valles knew what was taking place before Tarkin had contacted her. The queen was wearing a turquoise gown of light silk that seemed to reflect light, and she had a regal-looking robe in the same shade that had elegant fur trim. Gauging Berit's and Ana's reaction, Valles softened her tone.
"My friends, not to worry. If they carry out this mission, a number of things are going to change and we on Lianna will be in a position to profit even greater than before. The Emperor will be rather angry about this and I fully expect him to call and ask me to join him on Coruscant. Once I am there, I will then point out the shortcomings of the entire project – starting with the decision to build it on Geonosis. It was that original design which was responsible for the flaw that will cause its destruction."
Berit looked at Valles directly. "My Queen, I had thought the design flaw was deliberately created by Galen Erso. Was I wrong?"
"Not at all, dear Berit. But I have also learned that Mister Erso passed away a couple of weeks ago on Eadu. A most unfortunate set of circumstances. I was ready to offer him a position with Santhé Corp and we will start working on the new version of the Project soon enough, after I have presented this idea to the Emperor."
Ana chuckled, thinking of the irony of it all. "Valles, if I didn't know better, I would think you planned this whole thing."
The Queen looked at her and winked. "Let's just keep that between us, dear Ana. But I don't want to take undue credit away from Shaak."
Berit laughed softly, realizing that Valles was still very much as she had been before naming herself Queen. What's next – a push to become Empress of the Galaxy? If so, who might be the new Queen … Ana … or myself? But she was also shrewd enough to know it was far too early to be concerned over this. Still … just as she was growing a little bit fond of Ana, who was truly a worthy rival and basically a decent person on the whole, it seemed as though circumstances might pit them against each other yet again.
Yavin IV rebel base (and other locations), 0 BBY, 0 months, 1 day
[AN: this of course was the basic plot of the movie. Star Wars episode 4 – A New Hope; with the differences brought to it by Shaak and Ahsoka, this is a summary of chapter 24 in Ahsoka and the Rebellion]
From the ISD Devastator, Vader reported back to Ahsoka, telling her they had taken Princess Leia into custody. Ahsoka told him to send a squad of troopers to the Tatooine surface, then she and Maris took Corvala Dawn down as well. Ahsoka contacted Shaak on Felucia to give her the status of the mission, telling her they had at least two copies of the Death Star plans and that she would be heading to Yavin after meeting with Obi-Wan and Luke Skywalker.
Once Ahsoka and Maris had detected Luke's location, they drove away some Tusken Raiders that were about to attack him. The three of them then went to Kenobi's small home and informed him about the Death Star plans stored inside R2D2 but Ahsoka did not tell him about Vader having joined them as Shaak still wanted that kept strictly secret. While Kenobi showed Luke his father's lightsabre, Maris took Ahsoka aside and mentioned that the Imperials had landed and they had to cut them off. They sped off to the Lars homestead and arrived in time to defeat and dispose of the small group of troopers that had come to search for the droid that had the Death Star plans.
When Luke and Obi-Wan then joined them, Ahsoka explained to Owen that Luke would be joining the rebellion. She agreed to fully compensate them for the loss of the droids and Luke's services. Then she and Maris took them over to Corvala Dawn and they made the short hop over to Mos Eisley. Luke and Obi-Wan took R2 and 3PO, then looked for a pilot that could take them to Alderaan, where they believed Leia would want them to go. Ahsoka agreed, as Bail Organa was a leader of the rebellion and this was his home world as well. Luke wanted to join with Ahsoka and Maris, but they had to go to Felucia instead and he couldn't come with them at that time. Obi-Wan then met with Han Solo and Chewbacca and arranged to go on the Millennium Falcon to Alderaan.
But when they arrived there, the planet was "missing" and all there was instead were a large number of asteroids, smaller objects and general debris. It wasn't long before they saw the Death Star and marveled at its immense size, at first thinking it was a small moon. Of course, Alderaan had earlier been destroyed by the battle station in an attempt to get Leia to reveal the location of the rebel base. Tarkin took the decision to test the effectiveness of the super laser at full power by using in on Alderaan, although, his friends on Lianna – Valles chief among them – would have argued firmly against the action. Better to test the laser on an uninhabited small planet, of which there were perhaps billions in the Galaxy as few worlds had the needed characteristics to support life. Tarkin perhaps figured the Emperor would support the action in any event.
The Falcon was soon pulled into the Death Star by tractor beam. Han and Luke followed Obi-Wan's plan to hide in storage compartments so that the troopers who boarded the ship wouldn't find them. Soon after, Luke discovered Leia's whereabouts in the detention center and they went to rescue her. Eventually, they all made it back to the Falcon, but Obi-Wan ran into Vader and got into a lightsabre duel with him. Vader was younger and stronger and Obi-Wan knew this would not end up like their duel some 19 years earlier on Mustafar. Once he saw that Luke was watching, Obi-Wan decided to sacrifice himself so that Luke, Leia and the others could get back on the ship. Of course, Luke was horrified to see Kenobi apparently die, but Vader was confused, as Kenobi's body simply disappeared. This was something that would puzzle him for a long time afterward, but he kept that to himself. Despite Vader's decision to side with Shaak and the rebels, he'd had a score to settle with Kenobi and this was deeply personal – on many levels, as he was once Obi-Wan's apprentice starting as far back as 32 BBY, when Anakin was only nine years old. When Obi-Wan's body was gone, Vader had to ask himself if this was really happening. He felt cheated inside that he had not killed Kenobi directly, as the latter had clearly given himself up … but why? And there was one other thing. Kenobi had told him, "you can't win – if you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you could possibly imagine." What did that mean? Vader knew the answers weren't coming at this time, but he resolved to find out ... someday.
As the Millennium Falcon lifted off and got clear of the Death Star – due to Kenobi's deactivation of the tractor beam – they'd had to fight off four TIE interceptors. Han and Luke manned the cannon and destroyed them all, then they made the jump to hyperspace, headed for Yavin IV. Leia then told them the Empire had let them escape as they had put a tracking device on the ship in order to learn the location of the rebel base. She was relieved, however, that the droids had made it safely off the Death Star as well. When Han asked about their importance, Leia informed him about the Death Star plans and the effort it took to get them.
Ahsoka and Maris had gone to Felucia, where they discussed the destruction of Alderaan with Shaak. As they meditated together, Shaak determined the location of the Death Star and that it was headed to Yavin. "Time to take it down, my child," she said. "Yes, Mother," Ahsoka replied. "That it is."
Intrepid V left with Shaak and Maris aboard, while on Corvala Dawn, Ahsoka was joined by her apprentices Hedala Fardi and Frehya Lumoxa. When they reached Yavin IV, they had learned there was a two-hour window at best before the Death Star would get there – the trip from Alderaan would take about 10-12 hours and the Falcon had at least a one-hour head start, plus it was measurably faster in hyperspace than the huge battle station. Ahsoka loaded her copy of the plans into the computers at the rebel base and they soon found three suitable avenues of attack. The decision was made to use X-wing interceptor craft for the job, even though they were at best equal to the ability of the basic TIE models. The Empire had not yet contracted with Santhé-Sienar for the more advanced Defender series (which would have given them a clear advantage), as they were not yet being produced in sufficient numbers – partly due to Arihnda Pryce's blunders on Lothal over a year earlier. Hera Syndulla was one of those who volunteered to pilot one of the X-wings and Ahsoka was inclined to give her the best shot at the target, due to her reputation as perhaps the top pilot in the rebellion.
The Falcon soon landed, and Luke was also given a chance to fly one of the X-wings, along with his boyhood friend from Tatooine, Biggs Darklighter. Shaak wanted to meet Luke first, so as to gain a better understanding of the Force profile of Anakin's son. She'd earlier met Leia on Yavin IV, when she had gone there with Bail Organa. Leia had helped the rebellion in various ways over the past three years, and Shaak immediately knew that she, too, was a Skywalker. Shaak also took the time to explain Kenobi's death to Luke and how he would always be with them "in spirit." She then informed Luke that he would also become an apprentice to Ahsoka. Before they left on the mission, Ahsoka told Luke that R2 had once been his father's astromech droid. This only confirmed Luke's place in the rebellion – it had come to be something that was truly in his blood.
Ahsoka and Shaak met privately and planned to use their ships to also attack the battle station, but to do so in stealth mode. Both ships were now armed with droid satellite craft that would work well against the Imperial TIE craft. The plan was to let one of the rebel pilots fire the killing shot but to also secretly fire shots of their own around the same time. This was so Palpatine would never suspect them as being complicit in the Death Star's destruction. Once they approached the battle station, both Shaak and Ahsoka fired concentrated atomic weapon blasts at the surface, which caused considerable damage, but the hull was some two kilometres thick and they knew they could not penetrate it fast enough. The exhaust port plan was the only option. Both Ahsoka and Shaak's weapons systems (being controlled by Hedala and Maris respectively) were triangulating and taking out the TIEs, so Vader ordered more of them into the battle.
Aboard the Death Star, Vader figured that Shaak and Ahsoka – whom he could easily sense were in the vicinity – were going to do something that would destroy the Death Star, just as they had earlier done the same to at least four ISD. He knew it was time to evacuate and leave the station to the rest of the Imperial command, who had little idea of what was about to befall them. As the X-wings had mostly been destroyed by the increased number of TIEs, Ahsoka figured she was going to have to do the job herself. Shaak contacted her and told her to get in position and fire. Yet Luke was also drawing a bead on one of the exhaust ports. As Vader closed in on him, he detected a strong Force presence and figured it was Tano, so he planned to target Luke's X-wing. The Imperial officers had now detected the danger being presented to the station by the X-wings and advised Tarkin that he evacuate for his own safety, but the Grand Moff laughed at this notion and awaited the moment when they would be in firing range of the base and would end the rebellion once and for all.
As Vader was about to destroy his own son (of course, not knowing that), Han Solo showed up with the Falcon and rammed him from behind. This enabled Luke to take the shot, just as both Ahsoka and Shaak had their ships in position. Luke announced it and fired the torpedo, while the same happened on both Intrepid and Corvala Dawn. All three shots hit the main reactor within seconds of each other and it was time to get clear. Vader was knocked clear by the Falcon, and he regained control of his TIEx1 and saw the battle station starting to rumble, just as Luke and the other rebels were also heading away at top speed. Shaak took several images of the explosion as the Intrepid left the scene, while Vader jumped to hyperspace and headed off to his private sanctum on Mustafar. He also made plans to head for Lianna and meet with Valles a bit later.
There was jubilation on Yavin IV over the incredible victory the rebellion had just pulled off. As Ahsoka thought about the victory, she also was in sorrow over the destruction of Alderaan and the loss of her good friend Bail Organa, a true stalwart of the rebellion. She commiserated with Leia over the loss of the planet and her adoptive parents – neither realizing that Breha (now Bail's widow) was secretly on Lianna. Shaak was thinking ahead, knowing that Palpatine would be furious over the outcome at Yavin and she was looking forward to reviewing the recordings she was making of the Imperial Palace during the aftermath of the battle. Shaak had her own plans and was preparing a message for Darth Sidious. Maris was celebrating the victory with Hedala and Frehya, though Hedala was also sad about the destruction of Alderaan and the likely death of those who had been her friends on the planet.
Shaak was about to call her people together and make a short address to the rebels, but then an alarm sounded. Another Imperial Star Destroyer had appeared in the sector and was getting ready to attack the base. She immediately swung into action, telling Ahsoka to get Corvala Dawn ready. As Ahsoka's astromech, R8-ND manned the helm, Ahsoka deployed about twenty of the satellite droids from her main cargo hold, including some of these that had just seen action against the Death Star. As they drew closer to the ISD, she and Shaak each took one of the cannons and launched torpedoes at both bow and stern of the ship, (named Nullifier II), scoring direct hits. While the Imperials scrambled to recover, Shaak nodded to Ahsoka, as if to say, it's time, let's do it. They both set up the Circle of Light and soon targeted the ISD's reactor, causing radiation to spill out over the ship. A minute or so later, a chain reaction ensued that eventually tore the ship apart. Satisfied, Ahsoka and Shaak returned to the base.
Afterward, Ahsoka and Shaak reconvened with the Rebel leadership and discussed where the next base should be. They knew the Imps would be back, and maybe soon. The destruction of the battle station likely had them eager for revenge, but then Shaak pointed out that a good portion of the Imperial high command was aboard the Death Star when it blew and this would take them awhile to recover from. It would be almost like starting over. Still, they had to get going on a new base. The consensus decided on the Pantora System, located in the Southeastern corner of the Outer Rim. This one had a minimal Imperial presence and was not one of the worlds paying tribute to Lianna. Valles had earlier discussed this setup with Shaak, who decided to take advantage of it.
Somewhere in the Gordian Reach Sector, 0 ABY, 0 months, 1 day
The Dark Ship had been in the nearby vicinity of Yavin when the battle took place. Su had asked her two adored apprentices, Lizza and Magnifica, to join her for the viewing.
"My children, observe what is about to happen. The downfall of a great folly, entertained by the one who believes himself to be the ruler of the primary galaxy of Group 17. Over twenty years and considerable effort and material went into the construction of the spheroid-shaped object you see here on the screen. We have closed to within about 1000 kilometres of it but they are unable to detect us – even though our craft is hundreds of times larger. Our purpose here is not to interfere. I am one of the Guides and this section of the Universe is my purview, having been assigned it by the Pontificates many thousands of years prior."
Lizza and Magnifica stared at the screen and then watched as the Death Star battle station was destroyed.
"What?" Lizza gasped. "Huh, how did that happen? That thing was the size of a small moon. As you had directed me, Mother Su, I learned what I could about it and it seemed far superior to any other weapon system in the Galaxy."
Magnifica laughed. "Well, Sister dear, it just shows we shouldn't make such assumptions."
Su smiled and stroked Magnifica's long golden hair. "Indeed we should not. But keep watching, my children."
An Imperial Star Destroyer soon appeared, having dropped from hyperspace. It was preparing to the attack the Yavin IV base, but about five minutes later, a small ship then appeared, which fired torpedo blasts at the ISD, causing damage to the bow and the bridge area of the stern.
"Why would they design the ships that way?" Magnifica asked. "It's like they are just asking to be attacked there."
Lizza nodded, then glanced at Su. The younger sister had asked a question which made perfect sense to her and it was curious why the Empire had commissioned such ship designs.
"You've already answered that, my child," Su purred softly. "It's all due to assumptions. The Empire of this galaxy doesn't believe anyone is going to be able to counter them so they weren't concerned with such questions."
But then, Ahsoka and Shaak's Circle of Light attack began, showing up as a bright blue beam on the screen, as the Dark Ship was able to capture its essence where others in the vicinity could not. They watched as the ISD became unstable, then self-destructed. Lizza clapped her palms together softly, as if to indicate a good cleanup operation had taken place.
"What … was ... that?" Magnifica asked, wide eyed.
Su chuckled. "An advanced technique. One which I haven't seen in this galaxy for … about 4000 years. Someone has done their research. I'm actually impressed. And that someone appears to be in opposition to this empire and he who would presume to rule this galaxy. The same one I paid a little visit to … about two years ago."
"Who might this be, Mother Su?" Lizza asked, her eyes widening as she considered Su's analysis.
"I have some ideas. There is a certain individual, one that once was part of the Jedi Order, just as you once were. But this person was far in advance of you, and likely still is."
"It's not my friend Ahsoka, by any chance?"
"It is not. But your friend has advanced greatly in ability and power. She continues to learn, just as you have. You should be proud of her."
"Have you visited her?" Lizza was growing more curious by the minute.
"Yes, actually, but not in person. She was given a small sample of bota – our enhanced version of it – and was given the chance to learn about it on her own."
"Did she? Learn, I mean …"
"Perhaps. She had a very serious encounter with the one that was once her master in the Jedi. She passed that test and continues to thrive."
Lizza sighed. "I would love to visit with her again."
"That may still happen, but there is more for you ahead first. You and your sister have to work together."
Hearing that, Magnifica, who had gone off by herself for a minute, rejoined them.
"What shall we work on, Mother Su?"
"The need to work together and support each other. If you two are to be my students, if you are to join the Guides in a junior capacity, you must trust each other."
Lizza reached out her hand to Magnifica, who took it gently. They grasped each other firmly, then looked each other in the eye. Su then rose and took their hands in hers – her left with Lizza's right, her right with Magnifica's left. The circle complete, Su released a torrent of energy through both of them. The effect of it bound them together as it coursed through seemingly every millimetre of their two bodies, for five whole minutes. When Su released them, they looked at each other lovingly, as sisters united. As they stood quietly together, Su then spoke in a low tone:
"As my children in the Force, I hereby anoint you. Darth Lizza – once a Jedi Knight, now a powerful force in her own right, and Darth Magnifica – a creation of pure power and beauty, truly the embodiment of magnificence. Together you two will be indomitable and supreme. Many lessons you will learn as you come to take your place as my pride and joy. Future Guides of the Universe, region 25, and my treasured servants."
Lizza was a bit confused. "Darth? Am I a dark Lady now?"
Su smiled, then looked each of them in eye separately. "Much more than that, my child. Dark, yes, but Light as well, for what is one without the other? This is why we have a Dark Ship and a Light Ship, and on these vessels, we travel the Universe and see it from both vantages and perspectives. A trip through space, but also through time. This is the role of the Guides."
Su then looked up and clapped her hands. The Dark Ship quickly went into hyperspace, leaving Yavin and the Primary Galaxy of Group 17 behind. They were bound for somewhere, but Su didn't elaborate. Instead she waved a hand and then placed both of her servants on a bed, where she covered them in dark silks and let them have a blissful sleep.
Coruscant, 0 ABY, 0 months, 2 days
Shaak, having returned from Yavin, went to her holocron vault and activated the system to review the recordings of the Imperial Palace throne room area, where Palpatine was likely to first learn of the destruction of the Death Star. But she thought about this and realized he likely already knew via the Force.
In the beginning – Zon-Khadul created the stars, the planets and the nebulae
And the galaxy was without form, and void … and Darkness was on the face of the deep.
And the Spirit of Zon moved upon the face of the deep …
And Zon said, Let there be light, and there Was light.
And Zon saw the light – and saw that it was Good
And Zon divided the Light from the Darkness.
So went the message – accompanied by a rhythmic electronic instrumental backing – that Shaak sent via her system into the Imperial Palace. As the short poem concluded, an image of the Death Star's destruction, which had spread into thousands of individual points of light, was made to appear as a hologram in the palace. The image hung in the air for a few minutes.
Palpatine, while watching and listening to this presentation, soon realized there could be no mistaking the intent of the sender – the rebels had not only succeeded in blowing away the Death Star, and with it, most of the Imperial command structure, but they were clearly ascendant, and their leader – whomever that really was – had openly challenged the Imperial authority. This must not be allowed to stand …
As Palpatine listened to the selection, he grew enraged and had it captured and played back over and over. He told himself he somehow knew that particular voice. It was a soft female voice, but one with an undeniable ring of confidence and mastery, one that was perfectly in harmony with the music that accompanied it. It was music of a kind the Emperor had never heard before. Zon-Khadul? He wracked his brain over this reference, then remembered the visitor he'd had some two years prior. This person – appearing as a female – could seemingly use matter transfer to come and go and clearly belonged to a superior civilization from some other galaxy. She spoke of "group 17" as if she knew the other galactic groups and could easily travel between them – a journey that would take months for anyone in this galaxy. And finally, when he tried to blast her with Force Lighting, she turned it back on him – double, perhaps triple fold in intensity. She spoke of the "experiment" being over. And then, of his "replacement." …
"Enjoy your remaining time."
"How long might I have, your majesty?"
Su chuckled. "That depends … but the moment will arrive, perhaps sooner than you think."
"Will I know?"
"You will. That is all. Good day to you, Emperor Palpatine."
So … has the moment arrived? The voice, with the music, talking of Zon … this is not Madam Su. When she said there would be a replacement, whom did she mean?
Try as he might, he could not imagine anyone with the power to do what Madam Su had suggested … so perhaps it was someone from outside the Galaxy. This still seemed unlikely. But now the Death Star was gone, along with a good part of the Imperial high command. He had to rebuild, and there was no one he could turn to … except one. He gave it some thought and then decided to take a couple of days. No need to move with haste. Perhaps that was why the rebels were able to destroy the Death Star. Details were missed, corners cut, all to please him. Because they didn't want to disappoint him, to face his wrath. Ah, but she will know how to handle this. The lovely – and powerful – Queen of Lianna.
Coruscant, the Imperial Palace, 0 ABY, 0 months, 5 days
Valles was on her way to Coruscant in her (now royal) yacht Bella Donna and she was mulling it over in her mind. The Emperor had sent her a remarkably gentle note – considering the frame of mind he had to be in. It basically said, "I'd really like to see you and congrats again on becoming queen." Palpatine was often understated in his approach, especially to her and so she was attempting to analyze this from his standpoint. If it were me, I'd be angry, but more so at myself for failing to see how things might have gone wrong. I'm going in with that framework and let's see if we can put our heads together on this.
Once she had dropped out of hyperspace and was approaching the Galactic Capital, Valles had gone to the flight deck of her yacht – something she normally didn't do – and she wanted to see how things looked from orbit. The captain and his team on the bridge were delighted to see her, especially now that she had become Queen. Valles was her usual genial self and she smiled often as the men were eagerly pointing things out to her pertaining to the ship and on the Coruscanti surface below. She watched as they made arrangements for her shuttle (newly refurbished as the Liannese royal vessel) to take her down to the Imperial Palace for her appointment with the Emperor. This trip was not made public knowledge back on Lianna and the planetary media there were not alerted, although some were keen to learn all they could about Her Majesty's travel schedule. Valles was more than adept at keeping such things confidential, and her various staff were all too happy to do her bidding.
She returned to her private suite and changed into a black and red flowing gown with a short train, then donned a furry robe over it that matched the color scheme. As usual, she put on multiple necklaces and bracelets, and a modest tiara that accented her luxurious hair, and topped it off with a mild dose of her Liannese blossom scented fragrance. The shuttle ride down was uneventful, except when they landed. Two of her staffers exited first and laid out a red carpet for her to walk on and a short trumpet fanfare was played.
"Announcing Her Majesty, Valles the First, Queen of Lianna and its tributary worlds."
A short applause was heard from those gathered on the platform, but this was just a touch embarrassing for her, as she preferred to arrive without fanfare or tributes, but she also realized this was expected of someone in her position. A repulsor throne arrived for her and she was helped onto it. A short ride commenced, taking her inside the palace and then up to the Emperor's throne and receiving area. Expecting her arrival, Palpatine had once again dressed the part of a Galactic ruler and presented himself as best he could.
Valles got off the repulsor, approached him halfway, then curtsied. Palpatine smiled as he bowed to her, then took her right hand and kissed it gently, then led her over to another throne that he had provided expressly for her and helped her take her seat. As she made herself comfortable, the Emperor returned to his throne and sat. The two of them stared at each other for a few seconds, then he spoke.
"Welcome to Coruscant, your Majesty. I was delighted to hear of your accession to the Liannese throne, an honor you so richly deserved."
"Thank you, Sire. I am pleased to be here today and am at your service. Let's see if we can find a way to proceed."
Palpatine gave her a sly look, then laughed softly. "My dear Queen Valles, I was hoping you would have some ideas about that. After all, I had entrusted you with seeing the Project to its completion. Which you most certainly did … but what of the obvious flaw in the design?"
Valles had been preparing for this, and took a deep breath before answering. "Sire, I must take full responsibility for that. It seems that the original design for the station had built this flaw in from the beginning. I had pressed various people about whether they knew of any possible areas of failure that might exist. No one came forward. Now, looking at it in retrospect, I believe that none of them wanted to admit their shortcomings in this area."
Palpatine looked at her sympathetically. "Valles, my apologies for that. I suspect you are correct, but how would you have handled it?"
"Well … Sire, this project began over twenty years ago and I was a teenager at the time, so I cannot get a good perspective on the course of its development. But I can provide you with what I believe to be the best way to build something like this, and I don't believe it should take longer than two years."
"Two years? They assured me that was impossible. What would your organization do differently?"
Valles by this time had relaxed and was now in her element. "We would put more resources into it and the schedule could be collapsed sufficiently. Having gained a full appreciation of the various elements needed, I feel certain we can obtain the metals and other components to build something on this scale. The biggest question at present would be how to obtain more crystals to build another super laser system. Unfortunately, from my reports, there is almost nothing that could be salvaged from the first station."
Palpatine sighed softly. "Yes … my dear Queen. That would be my chief concern."
"So, Sire, you are already thinking about a rebuild?"
"Absolutely, Valles. And it should be done by the Santhé organization. My dear girl, this will make you the richest person in the Galaxy, if you aren't already. Solve these problems and the Empire will be in your debt."
"I appreciate that, Sire."
He then rose and came over to her, then extended his hand to help her to her feet. They walked together, exited the throne area and receiving room, and then came to a large window that overlooked a good portion of the cityscape that was in the local vicinity of the palace. The usual Coruscanti traffic patterns could be seen, along with many tall buildings stretching into the distance, seemingly without end. Palpatine then spoke.
"Valles, may I be completely honest with you?"
"Of course, Sire."
"I am getting on in years, and my body is deteriorating. So far, none of my scientists have a solution and they lack any true understanding of the Force."
Valles took a breath cycle, then commented.
"Sheev, this is because midichlorian enhancement is not understood by them. Such experimentation is dangerous as there are few specimens to work with, and the Force, as you know, has a mind of its own, so to speak."
"Yes, Valles, at long last I have come to understand that. There was a time when I thought I could overcome that and enforce my will upon it. I now realize I have been mistaken … but you are the first person I have ever shared this with."
"I am honored, Sire. I get the feeling there is something you want to tell me."
"Indeed. For a long time, I have searched for an apprentice, one worthy of the position. So far, only failure. My latest has been a disappointment. When he was young, he seemed the perfect candidate, and I did all I could to groom him, but it seems the injuries he suffered were too much to overcome."
She waited for him to continue. After a few seconds, he collected his thoughts and resumed.
"Valles, have you ever thought of being the Galactic Empress?"
Valles chuckled, a bit uneasily. "Sire … I …"
He then cackled in his trademark manner. "Of course you have, my dear. And that's why I am discussing this with you now. I know of your great power, which continues to grow, and I also admire the complete loyalty you have shown me."
She started to answer, then held back as he raised a hand, having more to say.
"That is why, dear girl, you, and only you, are qualified to be my successor. They will follow you and you won't need to force them. I have seen how your people on Lianna regard you. A beautiful young queen that inspires them. But a woman in full who knows her power and will use it when she needs to. That is the makeup of a Galactic Empress."
Valles sighed and gazed out the window. "I don't know what to say, Sheev. Are you proposing that I take your place?"
He laughed. "Not immediately, of course. You just became Queen and have not even celebrated with a proper coronation. But I wanted to gauge your capacity, and I see I have been correct about you. Valles, work with me, and we shall build a bond that will control this galaxy like it has never been before. We will build another battle station and then as many more as we need."
Valles turned to him and took his hand in hers. "Yes, Sire, I can do that for you. But my way has always been to win the hearts and minds of my people, along with providing in them the confidence that their lives are better with me in charge. I can certainly extend that to the Galaxy. But I am not in a hurry … we can plan this together and go forward. Yes, my power grows, and with it, my perception. I can see a day coming where I will have the ability to see anything I want in this galaxy. You have awakened that in me."
Palpatine looked her in the eye, then released her hand, and smiled. "Good. We go forward together. Valles, please present your proposal and schedule for the new Death Star. Take a month or so to work it out, then we shall meet again."
They exchanged pleasantries and kissed each other's cheeks gently. Then Palpatine gallantly led her back to the throne area, where they sat, admiring each other and feeling good about what would happen going forward. For his part, the worries about Vader's loyalty and the rise of Ahsoka Tano had faded for the time being. Valles could crush them easily, if need be, but her strategy of winning their allegiance was superior, he had to admit that. The best way to deal with resistance was to control it, and she clearly had a plan for that. Somehow, he reasoned, she had known that they had a plan to destroy the first Death Star, but the new one, that she would design and build, would never be vulnerable as the first one was. Because the Santhé organization was superior in every way to the original developers, the infernal Geonosians. And the droids of Santhé Corp were as well, when compared to the crude models that were built for the Clone Wars. Valles was not only lovely, but smart and effective, yet loyal. This combination made her the ideal successor – when that day eventually came.
But Valles, once back aboard Belladonna, and in her private suite, readying herself for bed, had a different view.
I am far from ready to seek the Galactic throne, but that doesn't mean I don't want it. Palpatine, I am not fooled by your professed desire to see me as your successor. Unless I am misreading your statements about ageing and deteriorating. I now know that doesn't have to happen, thanks to the work of my dear Countess Kyver. Yes, the one who once was in your employ, but you let Vader discourage her and then hound her around the Galaxy. I am only too glad I came across her talents when I did and I have no intention of ever letting her go. So we shall build our version of the new battle station and I will get my scientists working on a more suitable design for the super laser than using Kyber crystals, but no hurry on that – we will have enough of this material currently available for that job. The answer – longer term – will be in the Clouzon-36 discovery that Ry and Ana have brought to me. Its properties will be easier to harness. So, Sheev, I greatly appreciate your confidence in me. It is not misplaced.
With that, she sank into the luxurious sheets and blankets and fell into a blissful sleep.
Lianna, the City, Valles's office, 0 ABY, 0 months, 12 days
A week later, after Valles had returned home, she began to settle deeper into her role as Queen. She met with the Leader of the Legislature, Willis Dragoo, and worked out a schedule for the confirmation of the Minister-designates, and his own promotion to be the first Prime Minister of Her Majesty's Government. Dragoo was also to be named as a Baron in the Peerage, reporting up to Grand Duchess Berit. Both Berit and Ana would soon be named to those new roles and others were to be named as Dukes and Counts. Eventually, all 75 planetary districts would be represented in the Peerage and this body would become an informal advisor to the Queen. The Santhé Urban Palace would get something of a makeover to the public areas on the first three floors, along with new headquarters buildings for the coming Ministries to be constructed in the same neighborhood. This also involved relocation of some families, whose City estates were on land needed for this purpose. But Valles found little in the way of resistance after she staged a gala at the Palace and invited everyone concerned. As the families were given the honor of meeting with the Queen directly, they were only too happy to accommodate Valles's wishes, obviously not wanting to stand in the way of the popular monarch. If Valles had control of Lianna before on an informal basis, there was little doubt that she had it now, in an even more direct way.
After having met with Dragoo again, Valles returned to her office (from which she still wanted to conduct her business, preferring its location and the ability to oversee everything in the City from her perch on the 215th level of the building, some 800 metres above the streets. She was happily going through her mail (the notes that Lasivia had pre-screened) and checking the schedule, then noticed that Vader had made an appointment, something she'd always told him he could do, so long as her schedule could accommodate it.
When the Dark Lord arrived about two hours later, he seemed a bit unsettled, which Valles immediately detected. Clearly, the destruction of the Project has put him in something of a bind. I'll need to set his expectations. She had Lasivia prepare his canister of chilled water in advance, so it was on her desk when he arrived. As he entered the office, Valles was already standing in front of her desk. As he took her hand, he kissed it, then knelt before her.
"Your Majesty. I have learned the news of your accession. Most deserved and congratulations to the Queen are in order."
"Thank you, Anakin. I am most gratified by the acceptance I have gained. I will rule Lianna with a loving hand."
She then led him over to the lounge area, where he took his usual seat on the long sectional sofa, then affixed his extension tube to the canister after Valles levitated it over to him from her desk. He took a long drink, savoring the cool water, which had been flavored with a touch of Liannese tropical fruits. Putting the canister on the low table in front of him, he turned to Valles, who sat passively on the Queen's chair before him.
"Queen Valles," he heard himself say for the first time. "I would expect you to discuss the matter of the Death Star."
She chuckled, then smiled. "I'm listening."
"Master Ahsoka Tano informed me the week before that she and one other of the rebels had gained the schematic plans of the station and obviously, they learned the way in and the deed was soon complete. I feel I played the hand well. But I'm wondering about the Emperor. How will he see this?"
Valles snapped her head forward in an exaggerated nod. "As a setback, of course, and the work of a traitor to the Empire." She took a deep breath, then exhaled. "About what anyone would expect. And when you think of it, for what other reason was the exhaust shaft system designed the way it was?"
Vader considered that, and returned the nod. "Your Majesty, that was indeed the purpose. Not everyone is in favor of actions such as the destruction of Alderaan."
"Indeed so, my good lord. And someone took a decision that was not his to take … but, regrettably, he is not here to account for himself. Perhaps the best result, where he is concerned."
"I must say, I cannot explain it."
"I suppose you were there ... whom should be to blame, if he were still with us?"
"Grand Moff Tarkin, your Majesty. He was attempting to learn the location of the rebel base and believed that Princess Leia of Alderaan knew it. I told him that she would never willingly betray the rebels, after he realized that she had lied to us."
Valles smiled, then tilted her head slightly. "Lied? In what sense?"
"He threatened to destroy Alderaan unless she told him the location of the rebel base. When she answered that it was on Dantooine, Tarkin claimed that was too far away and it would be better to test the super laser on Alderaan. Then he gave the order to fire."
Valles gulped inwardly at this revelation. Hard to believe Tarkin would do that. Clearly, he was getting a bit too self-important. No matter, his usefulness to me had come to an end anyway. Had he survived, I would have ordered his termination for this rash action. She then asked, "what happened next?"
"The report came back that Dantooine was deserted. There may have been a base there at one time, but that was no longer the case. He then ordered the termination of the princess, but the rebels had already broken her out of the detention block."
Valles chuckled again. "How fortunate for her. And I suppose they somehow escaped the Death Star after that?"
"Yes, your majesty. I ordered a tracker to be placed on the ship they were using, a small freighter. We permitted them to leave with her on board, then put up token resistance … of four TIE interceptors. Once they had jumped to hyperspace, we simply tracked them."
"To where, exactly?"
"Another Outer Rim world, Yavin. Not far from Mandalore."
Valles nodded. "So that's where they set up. So I suppose Shaak Ti and Ahsoka Tano finished things off once the station arrived."
"Correct, your Majesty. They ultimately led us into an ambush, but who would have believed it?"
"Well, then, I guess it's a form of revenge – for Alderaan – but they would have destroyed it even if Alderaan was still around."
Vader nodded. "That was their plan."
Valles sat silently for a few seconds, then noted, "I suppose the Emperor will want to see you about this. How will you handle it?"
"He's going to ask me what I plan to do about it. Which … is nothing, of course. I will simply await his orders."
Valles laughed openly. "He's not likely to appreciate that. But you remain his apprentice."
"I do. I am prepared for his response. Most of the Imperial command has also been killed … as I'm sure you are fully aware."
Valles grew serious. "An unfortunate circumstance. We likely lost many of our best officers along with untold thousands of personnel. It doesn't make up for Alderaan, but still …" She then took a deep breath and exhaled. "Anyway, we just have to carry on. So, my friend, I want to thank you for providing me all of this detail, and I'm grateful that you were not on the station when it was destroyed. I suppose you had planned to get away all the same. Am I correct?"
"You are, your Majesty. As I mentioned, Ahsoka Tano contacted me. I knew it was only a matter of time before she and Master Ti carried out the mission. They are the leaders of the rebellion now."
"Thank you, Anakin. Well, I've got other business to attend to. I will await any further news from you at some future date."
With that, Queen Valles stood and walked briskly back to her desk. "You may show yourself out."
Vader nodded, then headed back to the landing platform and his TIEx1 ship. There was nothing more to be said.
Valles thought it over, laughing softly. Well, my friend Sheev, have fun with Anakin, but meanwhile, we shall draw up the plan for creation of a replacement station. I now have a free hand in its design, as it will be the first of a series of craft that will answer to me, and me only. It is time now to call Master Ti in to see me and I shall attend to whichever needs she may have. I have little doubt that she and I see eye to eye on what will happen to you, Sheev.
To be continued …