Ahsoka Returns – Chapter 12

The Galaxy moves slowly forward, as the New Republic attempts to broaden its mandate to govern … while, at the same time, Outer Rim worlds start to federate.

Thanks to followers: kaltanioso,Perceval23,Shurukkah,truekandra,Dinosaur Imperial Soldier

Chapter 12: A Day of Inspiration

Chandrila, 6 ABY, 1 month, 11 days, 12 hours

Mon Mothma was sitting at her desk in the Chancellor's office at the government complex on Chandrila when her desk com device sounded.

"What is it, Mister Strak?"

"Your excellency, a call from Senator Dragoo."

"Put him through."

As she waited, Mothma picked up the handset so she could talk in private. Soon a voice came on the line.

"Good afternoon, Madam Chancellor. I trust you are feeling well …" the Senator began, in the oily tone that she had become accustomed to when speaking with the Liannese.

"Never better, Willis. Nice of you to ask. What might I do for you?"

"Madam, I am certain you know the situation regarding the draw-down bill. Passage seems imminent, but Senator Wynchell and a few others are concerned … that there is too much of a rush to declare our defense needs as solved … and thus move to spend on other pressing matters such as Mid Rim development."

"Willis, we have gone over this carefully. I am well aware of the move by Chairlady Santhé to take control of Kuat Drive Yard and … though I had misgivings … I thought it best that we work together on the matter. I believe Valles and I are of an accord and I am more than content to allow such consolidation."

"She will be most grateful, Madam Chancellor. Chairlady Santhé extends an invitation for you to attend her coronation as a guest of high honor."

Mothma stifled a chuckle, then replied evenly. "I am happy to attend the celebration. The people of Lianna are indeed fortunate to have such a … visionary leader."

The happy talk continued for a few minutes, and, after their conversation ended, Mothma thought it over carefully. You are indeed an ambitious person, Valles, and you are not one to waste time. But it is far better that I go to Lianna personally – to better take the measure of you – than to sit here and wait for you to come to me.

Mon Mothma had found herself at a crucial juncture in the course of her Galactic Administration. Things were proceeding smoothly in the Senate as she had performed a delicate balancing act between the interests of the various regions of the Galaxy. The best way to gain adherence was to spend liberally on various initiatives to placate those members of the Senate that held her governing coalition together. If there was going to be anything like an attempt to have a democratic form of government, she had to be willing to stand for election and thus present her record to the various systems. She also knew it would be hazardous for her coalition to represent only selected areas of the Galaxy to the exclusion of others, so her appeal had to be broad-based. And, if she wanted to be re-elected, it was necessary to determine from where her strongest opposition might come.

It was clear to her the mostly likely place would be a loose confederation of affluent Outer Rim worlds, chief among these being Lianna, Eriadu, and the Corporate Sector. Perhaps an accommodation might be reached? It was time for Mon Mothma to visit with Valles Santhé and attempt to understand the woman's thinking. At the same time, however, there were many challenges on the horizon. Foremost among these were the rise of various syndicate and pirate groups on the Galactic Outer Rim.

The fall of the Empire after the seeming death of Palpatine has left a power vacuum, which the likes of Black Sun and the Hutt clans are all too willing to fill. Are the Liannese in league with some of these elements? This is something I must know – one way or the other – and though Valles isn't likely to give me much, perhaps some clues might emerge. At the very least, I can keep communication open to her so it is best to be seen as supporting her recent moves to further consolidate power.

Lianna, the City, 6 A.B.Y., 1 month, 15 days, 20 hours

Deep underground in the central district of Lianna City, Valles Santhé was meeting with former Imperial Admirals Rae Sloane and Gallius Rax. They were in a small, dimly lit conference room and Valles was attired in her black body-con catsuit and a light cloak of black and red satin that she had wrapped around her shoulders. The Lady also had placed her lightsabre on the table in front of her as an unspoken symbol. Valles was not in the habit of brandishing the weapon in public and very few knew of its possession by her, but there could be no mistaking its purpose. Rax needed no reminding of her strong Force sensitivity and in one sense, he admired it. In his mind, Lady Santhé – soon to be Queen Valles – was clearly the right person to reassert Imperial power once the time had come. Sloane was less certain about whether Valles might someday succeed in this ambition, but she knew all too well that her cherished sense of order was rapidly disappearing.

The New Republic government seemed to lack the ability to govern much of the Galaxy beyond the Core and Expansion Regions and there were many groups vying for power. Lady Santhé and her newly expanded corporate entity could be the answer as they were now the principal weapons maker in the Galaxy. Up until this point, Valles had publicly backed the New Republic government and pledged Liannese support. Both Sloane and Rax knew, however, that she had plans of her own, but they were as of yet unaware of what these entailed.

Valles was sitting at the head of the table, with her trusted longtime assistant, Lasivia Borges, seated just behind her, and another woman, Santhé Corp officer Ry Kyver, next to her. The two were carefully taking notes as their boss spoke.

"Rae and Galli, I'm entrusting you two to oversee the transformation of two worlds into secret manufacturing bases for us in the years to come. You are going to work with my new associate and head of our new acquisition, Miss Lira Wessex."

As Valles said the name, Wessex strode into the room in a deep blue gown with a lovely fur-trimmed robe over her shoulders. The onetime leading Imperial ship designer was now striking a more glamorous pose than in years past, as her new liege's attitude was starting to rub off on her. Lira nodded her head to Valles in deference, then took a seat at the table. Valles extended a hand toward her, which was a signal to begin her presentation.

"Everyone, I am pleased to be here today on the lovely world of Lianna. Queen Valles has graciously provided me this opportunity to present the following to you." Lira then waved a hand over a spot on the table, which activated a holo projector. A dark planet then appeared. As the view started to zoom in on the planet, a gleaming band around it started to take shape.

"This is the newly chosen world of Xana One – whose name was once Zakuul. As we move in closer, a new facility will be put in place – to be housed in a continuous band of manufacturing plants. These will enable state-of-the-art ship production, along with a new series of weaponry. Some of the new facility is being constructed from the existing plant around Kuat, which we have agreed to dismantle as part of the New Republic's disarmament initiative."

"Thank you, Lira." Valles softly purred. "Rae, my friend, you will be the one to direct much of this effort, in concert with Lira, and …" Valles then gazed at Rax. "Galli, you and Lira will be constructing an entirely new world of Xana Two, modeled upon the onetime "death star" project but ten times larger and far more attractive. I mean, what is the point of building something that is not pleasing to the eye, while still remaining absolutely functional?"

Lira nodded, then continued. "Xana Two will be sited somewhere in the Eastern Wild Space region, about 3000 parsecs from the planet Targonn, while of course, Xana One is in its current location in the Western Reaches, fully protected by the large expanses of nebulae and black holes. The correct course through this maze is a closely guarded secret that was once kept by KDY administrators millennia ago – now it has been passed to the new Santhé-Sienar-Kuat (SSK) conglomerate under the inspired leadership of our gracious and beautiful Queen."

Valles then stood. "We begin tomorrow on our plans to start constructing these new facilities. A series of specially designed ships with advanced hyperdrives will be used by SSK administrators and their personnel to travel to them from Lianna. The plan for Xana One will be to transform the planet entirely, with a new biological blueprint that has been designed by Administrator Kyver here. Ry, please summarize our plans."

Ry, an elegant woman with long curly dark hair and a tan complexion, wearing a silvery gown and flowing gray fur robe, came forward, smiling at Wessex as she took over the projector.

"Everyone, I am Ry Kyver, Senior Vice President of agriculture for Santhé Corp and I will be managing the terraforming project for Xana One. The planet is being prepared now and this phase of the project will take place over the next month. All existing life forms on it have been exterminated and thus we have a blank slate to work with."

She waved a hand over the table as the projector changed its display for a series of slides. "This is Project Yaratilis. We start over with a barren rocky surface. Then we add a sufficient amount of water like this … upon which, we superimpose a new biological infrastructure that will then create a new planetary atmosphere. The intent here is to create a veritable paradise for SSK personnel to live in while their work proceeds overhead in the new manufacturing facilities. We are working in concert with the Droid Gotra Organization to create all new models to be used in all phases of construction. Xana One will be a greatly sought after posting for SSK team members in the enlightened ideals of our gracious and beautiful queen."

Ry then returned to her seat behind Valles, who again rose. "Thank you, Ry. So, as you can see, we shall have much to keep us busy over the months to come."

Later that night, Valles invited both Ry and Lasivia to dinner with her. They had a private dining room at an haute cuisine establishment, and feasted on a seven-course meal. After their opening beverages were brought, Lasivia waited a second, then spoke first.

"Milady, thank you ever so much for allowing me to be part of your great plans. Are we going to carry these out?"

Valles chuckled. "I think you will have to see for yourself, my friend. Ry, your impressions?"

"Everything is going according to plan, my Lady. Have you set the date for your coronation on Lianna?"

"I have … it is in 45 days. The preparations are extensive. I want this planet to have a day to be long remembered."

"Oh, it will, milady." Lasivia smiled, looking lovingly into Valles's dark eyes. "I've been your loyal assistant for almost twenty years and have always been inspired by your bold vision, but also your kindness and genuine love for the people of Lianna – the planet of our birth. We have been laboring diligently to get everything ready for the big event. It will be a day of inspiration."

Yavin IV, 6 ABY, 0 months, 6 days

Earlier, one morning on Yavin IV, Ahsoka awoke with a new sense of purpose aboard her ship Essence II. She had with her the small white holocron that had been given to her by Su, some two months earlier. She had been studying the object and soon determined how to open it via the Force. But this holocron was not like any other she had previously dealt with … indeed, Ahsoka remembered, the only ones I ever opened before belonged to the Jedi Temple and the only time I was ever in the archives of the Temple was when I was being disciplined by the Masters … how dull that was! I wanted nothing more than to get back to lightsabre practice.

After reminiscing, yet again, on the tortuous path she had traveled since those days of what were – for all intents and purposes – her childhood, Ahsoka intently stared at the little white pyramid, willing it to do something – anything! – when suddenly a voice came into her head. Welcome, my child … won't you please come in?

She immediately recognized Su's soothing alto voice, and, for a second, thought of replying, but then, she figured it was some type of recording. "Main menu," she heard herself say aloud, and all of a sudden, suspended in mid-air, there was a holographic display. Written in Galactic Basic script were the following headings:

1 – The Galaxy

2 – Group 17 and beyond

3 – The Force

4 – x

Scanning the choices, and wondering what "group 17" meant, Ahsoka instinctively spoke one of them aloud.
"the Force" she said, and then waited, as another group of options presented itself:

1 – Nature

2 – Ability

3 – Powers

As she thought these over, she wondered what exactly was contained under these broad headings, but decided to try one.

"Powers" she heard herself say, in a strange, lower tone. The next menu was a bit more detailed. It contained various headings but these were written in terms which Ahsoka had never before heard of, certainly not during her time with the Jedi. Words such as Yenilmezlik, Direncé, Akimi, and Kesmek. When she spoke them aloud (unsure of the pronunciation), new sections of text appeared – also written in a strange and unknown language.

Ahsoka – now thoroughly intrigued – started to explore other branches of the menu and soon found the little object contained a nearly encyclopedic level of information. The large section entitled "group 17" was of particular interest. The Togruta realized that it was referring to other galaxies in the more immediate area of the universe to her home galaxy. She read pages and pages and found many similarities. There were histories and other species that were endowed with the Force. Then she went into the Force section called "nature" and learned how to easily detect others who were Force-sensitive. So much to take in, she realized, and sighed. But then her mood quickly changed. I must master as much of this as I can if I am to lead this Galaxy. Master Yoda is gone, so is Master Ti, Master Windu, even Master Kenobi. Luke, Ezra, and Reema are looking to me. I cannot, I must not, fail them.

Yavin IV, 6 ABY, 2 months, 2 days, 18 hours

The Four were again together at the tavern after a grueling training session, but this time Ahsoka concentrated more on lightsabre forms and wanted her Knights to become more adept at the various styles. Ezra clearly needed more work on the defensive style (Form 3) while Reema wanted to polish her aggressive Form 2 style. Luke was working on the more acrobatic Form 4. Ahsoka had each of them face her individually, and though she was clearly the overall master, she wanted to give them as much opportunity as possible to learn. She had steadily become an effective instructor and the others were growing increasingly confident in her leadership. Especially Reema, whom Ahsoka could see had a tremendous amount of raw ability and needed to be pushed to get up to her full potential. The Togruta and the Coruscanti started to reach a more intimate level of communication with each other, and this was something Ahsoka wanted from Ezra and Luke too. She indicated as such this particular afternoon while they were consuming ales.

"I am most pleased with the progress we are making, and I want us to work more on intuitive communication. The Force is strong in all of us individually, but now it can be in the group. As the Four, we can accomplish far more than we can individually. I know we can do it."

"So," noted Ezra. "You mentioned earlier today that you've been studying the holocron Su gave you. What have you learned so far?"

"Many things. But so much of it depends on what we want to put into practice. There is a large amount of knowledge on our home galaxy. The history, especially. It involves many struggles over the millennia and I think Su may have been around to know it firsthand."

Luke gasped. "Do you think she is that old?"

"Yes, somehow I do. But you wouldn't know it to look at her."

Reema eyed Ahsoka with a smile. "Master – do you admire her?"

"I do. She is very wise, and quite kind-hearted. I think she looks after many galaxies besides ours."

Ezra slowly shook his head. "I can't get my head around that. The universe is vast … how much of it might she know?"

"I can't tell right now, but this holocron is so deep. It's like a manual – for everything. The more time I spend with it, the bigger it seems to be. Really. It covers government, warfare, populations and species, and lots of history."

Luke thought it over. "Ahsoka, are there any ideas about the correct way to run things in a galaxy?"

She half-nodded, mostly to herself, then answered. "I think there are, but much of what I've read deals with consequences of various actions. Su is a teacher and she expects us to make up our own minds about things. But there is so much knowledge here … it's like drinking from a firehose."

Ahsoka then stood for a minute. "Luke, Ezra, Reema. We have talked about building a new order. There are ways to do that. First, we have to find other Force-sensitive people. But now I know better how to do that."

"Really?" Ezra asked, somewhat skeptically. But then he thought about it. "It's funny, though. The day I found Reema, it was like the Force was directing me to her. Maybe that can work again …"

"Another thing we are going to need is credits. I have some ideas on that, too. But we are probably going to need more spacecraft – and, I'm thinking we may want to develop our own base of operations. All of this takes money, but the holocron has some ideas on that as well."

Reema thought this whole discussion was rather interesting, but she had some questions, as usual.

"Does that holocron tell us how to find money … because all these things sound very expensive."

Ahsoka laughed. "I have to agree with you there. But yes, it does, and we are going to need a bank."

"What's a good planet for that?"

"Well … I suppose Coruscant is out of the question … but there was something in there about somewhere on the northern Outer Rim. I'll need to study that section again."

The conversation went on like this for over two hours, and the Four had consumed several bottles of ale and had eaten quite a few snacks from the kitchen. As they were getting ready to leave, Ahsoka had one last observation.

"One thing we do need to do is go to Chandrila and make ourselves known to the Chancellor and her staff. Let them know our willingness to support the New Republic government."

Luke had a ready answer. "My sister should be able to help us with that."

The others looked at him, and he added, "she's good friends with Chancellor Mothma."

Ahsoka simply nodded. "Let's do this right away."

Chandrila, Hanna City, 6 ABY, 2 month, 5 days, 22 hours

Ahsoka's ship Essence II, carrying the Four, had arrived at the New Republic capital spaceport, and Luke placed a call to his sister Leia Organa. She was gratified to hear from him and agreed to meet them aboard Ahsoka's ship. Her brother greeted her as she came up the ramp onto the ship. They hugged briefly.

"Luke, it's great to see you again. You seem … different."

"I will explain later," he chuckled. "First, I'd like to introduce you …"

Ezra came over to them, and interrupted. "Princess! It's so good to see you again. Remember me? I'm Ezra Bridger."

Leia laughed. "I sure do. Great to see you too. So glad you came back … from wherever you went."

"Were you speaking with Sabine?"

"I was." Leia paused, as Ahsoka and Reema soon joined them. Luke then broke in.

"Sis, this is Ahsoka Tano. She was a legendary Jedi that once worked with our father – during the Clone Wars."

Ahsoka eyed Leia briefly, taking the measure of her via the Force. Seemingly satisfied, the Togruta smiled, while nodding her head slightly forward.

"I'm pleased to meet you, Leia."

She then gestured toward Reema. "And this, is our new friend, Reema Andujah, from Coruscant. We together make up The Four – a group of Force sensitive and able individuals. We are interested in being of assistance to the New Republic."

Leia returned the nod. "I'm honored to meet you, Ahsoka. I take it you are the leader of the group?"

Ahsoka nodded. "I am."

Leia extended her hand and they grasped each other, and then Ahsoka extended her other hand, indicating for Leia to take it. The former princess somehow knew to acquiesce and the two women exchanged Force energies.

What is happening? Leia first thought, but Ahsoka's pleasant and gentle demeanor immediately soothed her and she felt the Togruta was someone she could trust.

For Ahsoka's part, she detected a well of Force sensitivity in Leia, and wanted to help her develop it, but this subject would have to wait. Leia had many questions, but realized they would be answered in time.

"Let's sit down," Ahsoka suggested, releasing Leia's hands. She then gestured in the direction of the ship's comfortable lounge area and everyone followed her over to it.

"What can you tell us about the state of the New Republic?" Ahsoka opened the discussion.

"Well … I am a close friend of the Chancellor, Mon Mothma, and I am now a member of the Senate. I am following in the footsteps of my adoptive father, Bail Organa – but I now represent the survivors of our world Alderaan."

Ahsoka nodded. "Yes, Luke has explained what happened there. Leia, I knew your adoptive father, because I served the Rebellion in its early days. I actually remember you, as well, but you were a small child at the time. I've been to Alderaan."

"Okay … I guess that helps. Well, anyway," Leia continued. "The government has existed for almost two years and it's still very difficult to organize the Galaxy … so many competing visions. Ahsoka … what kind of help would you and your group want to give us?"

She thought about that for a second, then replied. "We could be a sort of assistance to the military, perhaps, or maybe a general force for doing good things. Have you heard much about the Jedi? Perhaps your brother has mentioned them."

Leia laughed. "Yes, he has, but it's not like he actually served with them. So I don't know all that much."

"Well, that's okay … I did serve with them and I have mixed feelings, but … your brother and I want to work toward building a new organization of Force-sensitive individuals and attempt to recover some of what has been lost."

Leia's eyes grew wide. "That seems quite ambitious. Because I have also learned that I am Force-sensitive, I would be happy to do all I can to help you, Ahsoka."

The discussion went on and Ahsoka explained more about their training and use of lightsabres, while both Ezra and Reema filled Leia in on their background. Leia then suggested setting up a meeting with the Chancellor, which Ahsoka felt would be a good opportunity to understand more directly the political situation in the Galaxy with the defeat of the Empire now in the rear-view mirror.

Chandrila, the Chancellor's office, 6 ABY, 2 month, 12 days, 8 hours

Mon Mothma decided it was time to reach out to Valles Santhé and make arrangements to meet with her on Lianna. She was about to ask her assistant, a Naboo native named Ekmir Strak, to reach out to the Chairlady, when he contacted her instead.

"Madam Chancellor, the group calling itself The Four are here to see you."

"Ah yes ..." Mothma sighed softly, then draw a deep breath. "Please show them in."

In walked Ahsoka, followed by Luke, Ezra, Reema, and Leia, whom the latter of nodded to Mothma as she came in. Ahsoka strode over to Mothma's desk, as the Chancellor rose to greet her. They briefly shook hands, as Ezra also nodded in recognition. Reema also remembered the Chancellor from the earlier time on Chandrila but they had not spoken to each other.

"So," Mothma began, "Ms. Tano, I'm all ears. Please explain what you feel your group can do for the Republic."

Ahsoka smiled. "It is good to finally meet you, Chancellor Mothma. I knew you were an important senator long ago in the Old Republic, when I served in the Jedi Order. But we never had the chance to meet. I was very close to Senator Amidala at the time. And later, I served the Rebellion as the first agent Fulcrum."

Mothma reflected, with a sigh. "Amidala – now that's a name I've not heard in a very long time. Ah, Padmé, how I wish she were here now. Her wise counsel was always welcome … so you were Padawan Tano. She mentioned you occasionally, said you saved her life when that bounty hunter came to Alderaan and attempted to take it."

Ahsoka thought about that time as well and her face grew taut. "That was a wild time, Chancellor. I'm glad I was able to be of assistance." She cleared her throat. "I am Master Tano now."

"You … saved my mother?" Leia gasped. "I never knew."

Ahsoka nodded to Leia quietly, then turned back to Mothma. "What I'm proposing, Chancellor, is a new order of Force-sensitive beings dedicated to preserving peace in the Galaxy. We won't be a restoration of the Jedi, but more of a replacement. As you are no doubt aware, there are no other ex-Jedi around besides myself, but, with my three able assistants here, we will set about creating that new order."

Mothma nodded, then rose and extended her hand. Ahsoka instinctively took it, and was about to kiss it, then thought better and grasped it instead. Their shake was firm.

"Keep me apprised on your progress, Master Tano. I am greatly appreciative of your kind offer and look forward to working with you. In fact – I will provide you a direct line of communication to me or my office. We will provide you up-to-date information on the current status of public affairs in the Galaxy. Do you need anything else from us?"

"Actually," the Togruta responded, "I would be interested in having a small budget, but would prefer it come from another department of your administration instead of as a direct line item to be approved by legislation. Might this be possible?"

"I will look into it, Master Tano. I well understand that you are not starting out with anything like the level of resources the old Jedi once had. For now, the Chancellor's office can stake you to a small sum … say, ten million Republic credits."

Ahsoka grinned for a second. "That would be helpful. I am going to be establishing a banking setup for those funds to be transferred into."

"Very well, my assistant, Mr. Strak, will be working with you."

The Four then showed themselves out of Mothma's office, while Leia remained behind. The two sat down together.

"Leia, I'm very glad that Ahsoka has returned. She was always a brilliant young fighter during the War and I regretted not being able to meet her – even as she later worked for the Rebellion."

"Mon, what do you suppose happened to her?"

"I have no information on that, Leia. It seems she virtually disappeared, only to return again."

"A most curious case. Do you suppose she might wish to divulge?"

"I wouldn't push her. She'll share that with us in due time."

Lianna, the City, 6 ABY, 3 months, 1 day, 20 hours

Valles Santhé was meeting in her palace office with both her assistant Lasivia and her close adviser Ry Kyver. They were discussing the matters of extending Liannese administration beyond its current dominion of the Tion Sectors. Some 17 years earlier, Kyver had begun assisting Valles in establishing farming communities on the planet Pasmin in 11 BBY. From there, other worlds in the surrounding sectors were pulled into the Liannese orbit. Using control of food production on many of the worlds – a plan that required a decade to complete – the Cron Mandate and Allied Tion sectors were effectively Liannese protectorates.

"Ah, Ry, good to see you this evening. We have much to go over regarding the coronation, but more importantly the federation of the remaining worlds in the Thanium Sector."

"My pleasure, Valles. Can we order supper in?"

"Not a problem. Anything you fancy?"

"Let's let Lasivia see to that." Ry turned to the assistant. "That okay with you?"

"Sure. How hungry are you guys?"

"I'm starving. Valles?"

The chairlady smirked. "I'll have whatever you all conjure up. Surprise me."

After some convivial laughter, Valles's expression grew serious.

"Now, please pay attention. The colony on Felucia has already agreed to our dominion, in return for our engineering to make that planet more hospitable. Raxus has also entered into general agreement with us to act as an auxiliary capital for our new Federation."

Ry smiled. "Again, your vision is extraordinary, Valles. I had thought that the Raxians would resist our proposal. Now we effectively control four entire sectors. But they eagerly await your coronation, my queen."

"It just takes the element of persuasion, my dear Ry. Something you already understood when we first got acquainted. But the gentle touch you will find to be far more effective."

"Indeed. I have learned much from you, my queen."

"And your considerable fortune – a few trillion credits, I believe, surely reflects that."

Ry chuckled. "Yes, they now call me Lady Kyver. A term of high exalt on Lianna."

"And you, my dear," Valles purred as she turned to Lasivia. "Aren't you glad you stayed with me? Loyalty is something I believe should be rewarded."

Lasivia lowered her head dutifully. "As much as ever, my queen. It has been my utmost pleasure to serve you."

Valles then turned on the holo projector. A map of the region then was displayed.

"Here we may see our dominions. I am now most interested in pushing northward and eastward."

She stood and took a laser pointer to pinpoint areas of interest.

"Moving east and southeast, we have another potential breadbasket here in Nechako, which we can then use to push into Lothal. Neither of these worlds presents any problem. We can buy effective control over the latter, while essentially occupying the former."

Lasivia spoke up. "If we do that, we should be able to bring pressure against Mon Cala and that entire sector as well."

"Precisely, my dear. But that is not a high priority at this time. Indeed, I would prefer the entire Calamari Sector to remain outside of our orbit. It will make it easier for us to construct Xana Two."

"Right," Lasivia muttered. "Of course. A sound plan."

"Valles," Ry spoke up. "The northward move is a good idea too. Worlds like Vaynai and Almania will be easy picking. This will put us on the doorstep of the Corp Sec."

"How rich we are going to be," Valles laughed. "The Corp Sec will have little choice but to throw in with us."

"And then it's on to Florrum, Korriban, and Zygeria. They will learn to call you Empress Valles!" roared Lasivia.

"I'll drink to that …" Valles then poured three glasses of blue champagne – from the Corporate Sector world of Fether, known for its highly renowned vineyards. Bottles of the finest varieties were as much as ten thousand credits apiece. Using the Force, the soon-to-be crowned Queen caused the glasses to come to the table and the bottle to be opened and decanted.

Ry nodded appreciatively. "Excellent technique, my queen." She took a sip. "Exquisite. Just like your strategy. Spend large money to make even more later. And we do it without even firing a shot."

Lasivia laughed, but then had a question. "What about the New Republic? Will they accept our new arrangement?"

"They will have little choice. They have already ceded the ability to project any level of force this far away from the Core," Valles replied. "From the standpoint of Chandrila, everything is a voluntary arrangement. That's the beauty of it. But we don't want to move too fast. The plan I am outlining here will take the next three to five years. And with it, we shall gain more and more seats in the Senate."

At that moment, Valles noticed her com device lighting up. As she switched it on, she walked back over to her desk, then answered.

"Yes? Oh … very good. Put her through."

Valles then switched it to the speaker on the table.

"Good evening, Chancellor."

"Ah, Valles! So glad I could catch you. How are you feeling, my friend?" Mothma asked, in a jovial manner.

"Never better, love. We are all so looking forward to your visit here. The City is going to be decked out like perhaps never before. Liannese have long craved the cachet of having a monarch."

Mothma smirked at this mention, unseen, of course, by Valles. "I am pleased for your people. I know you will be a devoted leader."

"Your suite is already being prepared in the urban palace, your excellency. I feel certain you will enjoy the appointments. Our galaxy is fortunate to have such a fine executive."

"Very well, Valles. I will be there in two rotations."

"We are looking forward to it, Mon."

To be continued …