Ahsoka, Shaak and the Second Empire – Chapter 13: A Challenge Rises
Things move into a new phase with this installment. Shaak starts laying down the law and Ahsoka and Maris work together to find a solution to a new vexation. Thanks to followers: Dark Yellow Dino
Chapter 13: A Challenge Rises
The Unknown Regions, Far West, 1 ABY 4 months, 10 days
Darth Magnifica and the dark world-ship were en route to an unspecified destination, which she had been provided by Empress Su – also known as the Supreme Leader. Once this position had been reached, the world-ship emerged from hyperspace into a field of stable asteroids that contained large quantities of metal ore. Magnifica (wearing a gleaming one-piece uniform-like like garment in something similar to red latex, that followed every curve and detail of her perfect body, as her soft blonde looks streamed behind her) was standing proudly, in a control room with a bank of technicians and rows of console screens before them spread out in front of her. She came up behind a couple of men who were coordinating operations to start mining the nearby asteroids. Soon, hundreds of droid-manned and piloted ships were streaming out from the surface of the world-ship. They were being tracked from the control room as they landed and started extracting various materials.
"Does this meet with your approval, milady?" a dark uniformed supervisor asked, his insignia gleaming in bright gold.
"Very good," Magnifica said quietly. "See that we get the production line going within the next 10 hours. The Supreme Leader will tolerate no mistakes. Every model must meet specifications."
The man snapped a salute. "Absolutely, your magnificence."
She smiled, then patted him on the shoulder. One thing Magnifica could count on was total devotion by every member of her crew. But she treated them fairly, rewarding excellence and loyalty in various ways, while severely punishing those who gave her any back talk. The men and women of the dark-ship had seen things few others could imagine, and they hailed from various galaxies among different groupings, or "congalaxiations" as the Supreme Leader termed them.
Magnifica strode away to another part of the vast (well over 100 square metres) control area, lifting her nose slightly and sniffing the air purposely, as her luxurious red cape trailed behind her with her hair bouncing along over it. She then came upon a different bank of screens and technicians and observed their progress. The screens seemed to be scanning a vast hangar area of some sort, where row upon row of battle cruisers were being attended to by droids of various shapes and sizes.
"Have you outfitted the ships as the Supreme Leader requested?" Magnifica asked, still speaking in soft tones.
He turned and saluted. "Yes, milady. We did the research as you directed. 25-year-old designs, patterned after those in the conflict from that era in the primary galaxy of Group 17."
Mag chuckled softly, as the team took her through some demonstrations. These included formations, deployments, and fighting technique.
"You have done well, Captain. And you shall be rewarded. These are sure to raise a few eyebrows."
The vast craft known as the "dark-ship" was the size of a large moon, some 3000 km in diameter and considerably larger than the original Death Star, by a factor of over 1000. It was powered – by a technique not understood by the scientists of the "primary galaxy" – but one that essentially mimicked a dwarf star deep inside its surface. The surface of the dark-ship was pock-marked with something that appeared to be small craters, but otherwise was a smooth and sleek black that mostly blended in with its deep space surroundings and emitted no light whatsoever and could approach almost completely silent. This power enabled it to transit most galaxies in a few minutes and go from congalaxiation to congalaxiation in a matter of days. Although Magnifica appeared to be in command of this particular operation, the ship could not be directed anywhere without the express wish and desire of the Supreme Leader, Empress Su.
At this time, Magnifica seemingly had her orders and did not need to check in with her master. As she thought about Su, her affection welled up inside. Your love is everything to me, beautiful and wise mother. Just say the word and I will do whatever you ask.
Avalonia, 1 ABY 4 months, 13 days
After another couple of weeks on Avalonia, during which Shaak met with other members of her administration – and a visit from the top group of senators – the Empress decided it was time to return to the capital. She sat meditating for a quiet hour before boarding the shuttle that would take her to her yacht Empress Shaak.
It's time to get back to things. If I stay away too long, they might think they can do things that I won't notice. People are always going to be that way, testing the limits. Of course, this is more likely to happen out here on the Outer Rim even more than on Coruscant. Sometimes I wonder how Sheev wanted to handle things. It seemed he was usually content to stay on the throne and let everyone wonder what he was up to and what he truly cared about. Anakin clearly tested those limits, which shouldn't have surprised anyone who actually knew him.
How relaxing it has been out here. A whole planet, to do exactly as I please with … but it will also lull me into a false sense of security. The visit from the strange one calling herself Su was surely a wake-up call. But what is that one's real intent? How exactly does she appear and disappear so easily … seems like a form of matter transfer, something we had worked on for centuries but never quite mastered. Well, at least it seems to be possible. And I can well imagine there are a few other things she can do. Su certainly seems amiable enough, but then again, so does Valles. Better the devil you know, they say, than the one you do not. I'd sure like to spend some time with the one calling herself Lizza, however. Unless I'm way off base, I'd bet she and Su are associated somehow. So now I am left to ponder the image she sent me two months ago in the old Temple on Coruscant. Lizza, Su, and a third figure whose name I have yet to learn. Time for my able ones to go in search of answers, and I know just where I want to send them.
Soon, the Empress's maidens were there to escort her to the shuttle. Shaak dressed light for the occasion, in a simple black gown with a few small precious stones on the shoulder straps. She waved off an offered repulsor chair and proudly led Tuu and Emu down the stairs at a leisurely pace, as various attendants bowed and curtsied to her. Everyone had been made aware that she was leaving and some were sorry to see her go, as her presence was usually invigorating. During her month-long stay, the Empress had even asked a few fortunate souls to join her on walks around the palace grounds and some were even permitted to join in group meditation sessions. Shaak had learned from Valles how important it was for a leader to have the common touch and the emotional bonds she was building continued to grow.
The royal speeder awaited as Shaak was helped in by her maidens. Soon they were whisked away to the spaceport and taken directly on board the luxurious Imperial shuttle with its pink and green decorative trim all over and the "SR" monogram in elegant script found everywhere. The trip to the yacht was uneventful, and soon Shaak was aboard and being taken to her private suite. The Empress decided a long nap was in order, so she changed into a plain white satin gown and laid down upon her lavish bed.
Coruscant, New Imperial Palace, Level 11 – the Empress's private suite, 1 ABY 4 months, 14 days
The next day, she awoke from her royal bed at her Imperial Palace on Coruscant, having seemingly slept for most of the past 24 hours. There were times when Shaak could simply shut down most of her mind's activity and use the interval for rest and repair. Not that the previous weeks had been especially stressful, even Su's visit, but Shaak wanted a clear head. She somehow sensed that her decision making in the period that lay ahead of her might be most crucial, and as she slept, a number of images came to her. These included Valles, Su, Maris, Ahsoka, and Anakin, but also the laughing face of Jabba the Hutt and other crime lords from the Outer Rim. Older images of people like Jocasta Nu and Mace Windu also were there, along with younger talents such as Reema, Hedala, Luke, and Leia.
Before she had arisen, Anakin and Maris arrived in her anteroom, having both been given a royal summons the night before. After being served caf, they chatted for a bit, awaiting their cue to go meet with Shaak.
"Did you miss her, Anakin?" Maris chuckled. "I know I did. I don't see nearly enough of my old master."
Anakin nodded. "It didn't take me long to see how close you two really were. I'm just happy you both stayed hidden from me so well. Shaak is quite a genius when it comes to the Force. My former master never realized it – until it was too late."
Maris laughed openly, and Anakin returned it, then reached across to touch her forearm, at which she smiled and returned the gesture. "So what do you suppose she wants to talk about, Ani? We never needed a reason in the old days. It was how I learned so much, just from sitting with her and sharing various things. It was amazing all the different things she knew. She'd spend hours with a single holocron, basically mining the information off of it."
Anakin shook his slightly. "I kind of wish now that she had been my master when I was a Padawan. Not that I didn't respect Obi-Wan, but I think things might have been very different for me with a more experienced Master, like Qui-Gon, or Shaak. You are very lucky, dear, to have had all that time with her. It's made you such a fine Master in your own right. My son is also lucky to have you training him."
She smiled back and nodded. "Luke has a real hunger for knowledge himself. You should be most proud of him – and Leia, too – your children have some great DNA running through them. Padme sounds like a great lady, I wish I had met her. I hope, sometimes, that she can see us and know that I'm taking good care of her Anakin."
Anakin smiled, and simply noted, "you are, my dearest. You surely are. In so many ways, I think you are even more suited to me than she was. I will always remember her fondly, but in many ways we were so very different. I just had a hunger for her, one that led me to a very dark place. But with you, I feel the need to be that better person. I still feel I have so much to answer for … the years when I was lost and simply an instrument of evil, in his hands."
At this point, Emu and Tuu reappeared. "Her Majesty will see you both now, Master Skywalker and Master Brood."
They led the two once-Jedi back to a comfortable lounge, right off of Shaak's favorite study and meditation area, where she was standing barefoot in a shimmery blue gown. Shaak stepped forward to hug each of them in turn.
"I missed you, Master. We hope you got plenty of rest on Avalonia. It was an honor helping in the development of it," Maris remarked.
Shaak nodded. "Yes, you and Ahsoka started things off there. She's told me since how good it felt to destroy that old Sith temple that she was once trapped in." The Empress turned to Anakin. "With you."
Anakin was a bit red-faced over that. Not sure of what to say, he mumbled, "I was a different person then …"
Shaak laughed, "Well, upon reflection, I'm very glad you both made it out of there. I know where she went, but I never quite knew where you went."
Anakin realized he was expected to answer. He cleared his throat, smiled, and looked Shaak in the eye. "Master, I went to my abode on Mustafar. I had bacta tanks there, and I needed to heal. Ahsoka, as it turned out, did some serious damage to me, not that I didn't deserve it – I tried to kill her. But I couldn't gamble on facing him with such shame on me."
"So how did you end up explaining it to the Emperor?" Shaak chuckled.
"I told him that Maul had helped her escape. A lie, I know, but one he never called me on. To this day, I'm not sure why."
Shaak looked at him and smiled gently. "I think I know. Sheev has always been much weaker underneath than the person he presented to you – and to many others. You might be quite surprised to know what became of him after Hoth. But, my good friend Anakin, he'd always wanted to project this image to make you afraid to lie to him, even though he couldn't care less. For the most part, he knew when he was being told the truth. He's still a very shrewd judge of character."
"Still?" Anakin sounded confused. "So … he lives?"
Shaak nodded. "But enough about him." She then turned to Maris. "My darling, how are you feeling these days?"
"I'm well, Master. But a little restless."
Shaak laughed softly. "Uh huh. Well, I've got just the thing. In the next few days, you and Anakin will take the Ravager and return to the Unknown Regions. I want you to explore the Western Reaches. A standard battle group will accompany you."
Maris seemed a touch surprised. "Master Shaak – do you expect us to run into some opposition? I think we've settled things with the Chiss. They only wanted autonomy within their own system, which I told them you fully agreed with. So now they are telling us of their loyalty to the Empire, and especially to you."
"Which reminds me," Shaak said slowly. "Thrawn has asked me to restore his commission in the Imperial Navy, do either of you want to weigh in on that subject?'
"He is not Grand Admiral material," Anakin stated, while glancing at Maris, who nodded in agreement. "Even before, I had my doubts about where his true loyalties lay."
"Then perhaps I will restore him as an Admiral, leaving him two ranks to rise to. Which might still be possible if he shows his allegiance."
Anakin smiled and nodded. "Seems like a wise course. Once he has rejoined the ranks, he might prove useful in supporting our new mission to the Western Reaches. He likely knows the area as well as any of us."
"Very well," Shaak replied. "After he has met with me, I will dispatch him to the Chiss Ascendancy. He will join with your forces and be placed in command of a standard ISD."
"A bit of a demotion, your majesty, don't you think?" Anakin asked with a chuckle. "That's more a role for a captain, where a full admiral – at the least – should command a battle group."
Shaak gave him a deadpan stare. "I am well aware of that, Lord Skywalker." She then smiled. "As I stated, he must earn his way back to a position of trust with me."
Maris then spoke up. "Master Shaak, I knew you wanted us to go to the Western Reaches, so this is not much of a surprise for me. Can you tell me what Ahsoka is up to? If she's not busy, I would like to have her along on this mission."
Shaak thought about it for a second. "She might be available. I suppose her honeymoon period is now over and she and her husband would like to get into something interesting." Shaak picked up her com device and pushed a few buttons, then looked up. "It just so happens she is back on Coruscant."
Maris laughed. "Well. Such good timing. When would you like us to start out? I could find the Princess and sound her out. I suppose, if she's willing to come, it would make her the senior officer on the mission. Both Anakin and I would report to her."
Shaak nodded, then looked at Anakin. "Is that all right with you?"
He nodded. "Of course. I was once her master, but I am more than willing to defer to her judgment. She's quite open to advice and is a good commander. This has been true for a long time."
Felucia, The Order HQ area, 1 ABY, 4 months, 15 days
Newly knighted Member of the Order Reema Andujah and Padawan second degree Ezra Bridger sat together eating the evening meal in the Assembly Hall dining area. Certain aspects of the old facilities of the Order had been upgraded since Shaak's coronation as Empress, as she had directed these improvements. The Assembly Hall was further expanded and a more intimate dining area was created, one that resembled a restaurant – for Knights and Padawans only – with soft lighting and comfortable seating. The regular acolytes still had to use the cafeteria style food service. The bunkhouse was also renovated and expanded such that Padawans and Knights (the ones that didn't yet have their own separate homes on the planet) could have some privacy with doors that closed. Shaak had fondly remembered her own quarters at the old Jedi Temple.
As they were about finished eating, Reema, feeling playful, snuggled up close and whispered in his ear.
"Ezra …"
"Yes …?"
"What are we doing?"
"What do you mean, exactly?" He chuckled.
"I mean, what would you like to do?"
"I'd like to make Knight … but, I just made Padawan 2, so maybe that's a little … ambitious?"
"Please. You've got this. Seriously."
Ezra, his heart pumping with the vote of confidence from his girlfriend, turned and kissed her on the lips. Reema embraced him quickly as her arousal escalated and the kiss became passionate. He moved to stroke her long black hair. As she released him and drew away, she turned her head angularly and smiled. He reached for her hand. She grasped it and smiled some more.
"Shall we?" Reema said softly.
Not knowing exactly what she was getting at, he simply replied, "Sure …"
They stood together and pushed away from the table and Reema led him outside.
"Ezra, you know they made me a Knight of the Order … so that means I get to build myself a house, here on Felucia."
"Okay … so you want me to help?"
"I appreciate the offer, but it's already done. The Santhé people took care of it for me. It seems that anything the Order needs, they have been directed to take care of. Maybe on express orders of Lady Valles herself. I'm not sure."
"Wow, she's really a big deal … looks like you've got friends in high places."
"Ezra!" She laughed. "I hardly know her." A statement that was truer than she knew, but which Reema thought was a bit dishonest.
They walked for about five minutes, and came upon a modest little house. Reema waved a hand and the door slid open. They stepped inside, and as he was looking around, Reema grabbed him and pulled him into another embrace.
"This is probably a better place to make out, huh …"
He nodded and chuckled. "Reema, I'm going to get into trouble with you. I can see that. But somehow, I don't care …"
She laughed again. "We can't have that, now. Ezra, you and I are going to go far. The Force is telling me that. I do love you, it's not a game to me. But we need to get off of Felucia. This steamy jungle rock is not where we want to be."
Ezra nodded again. "I hear you, love. So how do we do it? I figured I had to stay here if I'm going to get promoted in this Order. And I don't want to go against the Empress."
"Hey! I feel the same way. Shaak seems to like me. She gave me some direct training before sending me back here. I'm supposed to be Ahsoka's apprentice, but she's got me reporting to Frehya." Reema said that name as if it left a bad taste in her mouth.
"What? You don't like her? She seems really smart," Ezra said slowly.
"Oh, no … it's nothing personal. Ez, you're second degree now. You wanna kick your career into gear? We've got to work with Ahsoka. I know she's sick of the princess gig. She wants to draw sabres and kick butt – just like we do.
"Hey, I love Ahsoka – we had some good times together, years ago …"
She cut him off. "Frehya and Cobo aren't going to teach us anything. Considering your history on Lothal and the other places you went, it's an insult you aren't higher in this outfit than you are. But we have to get you one of those amazing pink lightsabres. I've got mine."
"So how do we do that? Knight Cobo said I was almost ready to go crystal hunting in the cave. Can you open it?"
"Yep. But I'm not ready to just go in there and do it. Knight Xendar is no dummy. He will likely catch us, and it's not the kind of thing you – or I – want on our records."
They sat down together on the couch in her small main room. "Let's sit tight, for now," she said. "I have a feeling things will change."
Coruscant, New Imperial Palace, Level 11 – Ahsoka's private suite, 1 ABY 4 months, 17 days, 8 hours
Ahsoka and Tri'ku were having a hearty breakfast together in her private suite at Shaak's Imperial Palace. As they were wrapping up, the Princess's com device lit up, signaling an incoming call. Ahsoka decided to answer it.
"Maris, is that you? I've missed our get-togethers …"
The answer came quickly. "Hello, Ashli. It has been a while. How're things? Did you two have a nice vacation?"
Ahsoka sighed. "We did … and we got to see Naboo again – they remembered me! Also Vaynai, Serenno, and Raxus. Everyone is so nice …"
Maris laughed. "I've got some news … and a proposal. Might I drop by?"
"Sure! … Looking forward to it. I will see you in two hours."
Coruscant, New Imperial Palace, Level 10 – Empress's general receiving room, 1 ABY 4 months, 17 days, 9 hours
Shaak was seated on her throne downstairs, planning to have audiences with a number of invited guests. Seated to her right was her apprentice and fellow Togruta, Padawan Muu'saama of the Order, who was there to take mental notes as she had received her first lesson in this technique earlier from the Empress. She was also acting as a secretary, dressed in the olive-and-black uniform of the Order, with her lightsabre clearly visible, and her lekku neatly detailed. Her majesty had donned her imperial pink and green colors, with an elegant gown and two robes, while her treasured amulet winked in a soft blue shade. Her feet were bare, but her hands were in elegant white velvet gloves, while her lekku were detailed in sharply contrasting black and white.
"Who is my first guest?" Shaak said softly.
"Admiral Thrawn, my master."
Shaak chuckled. "Send him in."
Muu'saama pressed a button on her com device that sent a signal to the "green room" that adjoined the general receiving room and was where official guests were expected to wait for their turn to receive their audience with the Empress. Palpatine had a similar system in his old palace, which had once been the Jedi Temple.
Soon, the admiral appeared, being well-acquainted with the protocol. As he approached the throne, he knelt before Shaak and gently kissed her right hand when it was offered.
"You may rise, Admiral," Shaak announced as she waved her left hand and a repulsor chair slid into view. She nodded her head in its direction as Thrawn took a seat.
"Ah, Mitth'raw'nuruodo …" Shaak said, pronouncing his name slowly, carefully enunciating each syllable. "I have learned that you recently paid a visit to my home world of Shili."
"Your majesty, I did, and I found it most educational."
"Oh?" Shaak cocked her head in mock surprise, as her lekku jiggled a little. "What was it about us that caught your attention?"
"Your people have a quiet sense of dignity, and, might I say, a gravitas. It was quite refreshing."
"And so you feel you may have learned something about me, as well?" Shaak chuckled.
"I would never presume …" he started, but Shaak cut him off.
"Admiral, do you know why I granted you this audience? I was well aware that you wanted to meet with me." He waited while she took a deep breath and exhaled. "It just so happens that we are in need of some special knowledge you likely possess regarding the makeup and layout of the Western Reaches. Would that be correct?"
"It would, your majesty. There are various aspects of this area that I may provide for you and your able command personnel."
"Might you indulge me, Admiral, with a couple of highlights or examples?" Shaak had turned her gaze directly on him and had started probing with the Force. Her amulet was slowly changing shades, from blue to green.
Thrawn was carefully noting all of these details. He then answered.
"Madam Empress. I might call attention to some of the history and features of the Western Reaches. In particular, a planet called Zakuul."
"Yes. I know of it. Admiral, during my time with the Jedi, I was well versed in galactic history, and this continued in my studies during the long time I spent out of general circulation."
"Of course, your majesty, but I wanted to point out some … more recent observations."
Shaak softened her gaze. "I'm listening."
"There have been some sightings of a most unusual nature. From time to time, another planet seems to appear in the sector but it soon disappears."
"Have any of your people been able to observe or analyze this planet?"
"It is not quite the size and mass currently believed necessary to support much in the way of life. We could not detect any sort of atmosphere, yet the calculated mass showed a high density."
Shaak remained silent and seemed to be doing a quick meditation. As he waited patiently, she snapped out of it.
"Admiral Thrawn, I am pleased with this information. As we both know, Zakuul was once the seat of power in the area we call the Unknown Regions today. That ancient empire once battled both the Sith and the Galactic Republic for dominance, but, apparently, no trace of it remains today."
She paused for a second, then continued. "Admiral, you are to join with the battle group in support of the Ravager as it sets out to explore the Western Reaches. You, and those from the Chiss world of Csilla will brief Masters Brood and Skywalker, who will command the Ravager and its associated ships. They will assign you to command an ISD as part of the group. I have already briefed the Masters on this mission. Crown Princess Ahsoka may also be accompanying and she will be my personal representative and as such, has supreme authority. Are there any questions?"
"None, my Empress. Your wishes are most clear. I look forward to serving you and having the chance to prove my loyalty – and that of the Chiss Ascendancy. We are now part of the Empire … your Empire."
Shaak smiled, then rose, as did Thrawn. She again extended her right hand for him to kiss. After he had done that, Shaak concluded his visit with the following words.
"I'm glad we had this exchange, Admiral. My apprentice will show you out. She will give you the various information concerning your assignment and the ships involved. That is all."
Thrawn calmly bowed, then turned and headed toward the exit, as he waited for Muu'saama. The younger Togruta then led him out and handed him a small drive containing the information and codes he would need to join the mission. She then returned and sat at her master's side.
Coruscant, New Imperial Palace, Level 11 – Ahsoka's private suite, 1 ABY 4 months, 17 days, 10 hours
Maris arrived at Ahsoka's suite in her Order uniform. The Princess greeted her as her maidens showed her into a lounge and bar area near the kitchen.
"Well! Old pal, you look ready for … for something ..." Ahsoka laughed.
Tri'ku came in, and smirked. "Something about a woman in uniform. Gets me motivated." He and Maris embraced and kissed each other on the cheek.
"How the hell are you, Commodore?!" Maris roared happily. Then she embraced Ahsoka and they kissed gently. "Congrats, again, you old Togruta."
"So, what's up?" Ahsoka smiled.
"Ashli, we're going on a mission. Would you like to be part of it? It's to the Western Reaches."
Ahsoka was silent for a bit. Tri'ku filled in for her. "When would this happen?"
"Within a few days. We are now putting together the group. Anakin and I will be on the Ravager, with Admiral Sloane in command. There will be a full battle group with at least three ISDs and all troops and strike craft."
Ahsoka finally responded. "Why there … Why now?"
"Shaak thinks something is up, but she wouldn't tell us much." Maris looked at her old friend hopefully, as she really wanted her to agree.
Ahsoka sat down, put one hand under her chin while she pondered it, reaching out to Maris with the Force. She had questions … that was sure, but knew Maris wasn't going to have the answers.
"Maris … I would like to talk to the Empress about this first. Maybe I can get more out of her than you or Anakin. I know Mother doesn't just order this big of a force together on a whim. She smells something, and I'd like to know what it is." She turned to her husband. "Tri? Would you care to weigh in?"
He looked a little perplexed. "We are talking about the Unknown Regions here, correct? So … the one calling herself Lizza …"
Ahsoka nodded. "Is that it, Mair? Is Mother thinking about her again?"
"I'm not sure, but I would think it's safe to say … but likely more than that."
Ahsoka then told Maris about the little holocron with the samba music and Su's appearance.
Maris's eyes opened wide. "What are we walking into, Ahsoka?"
"I don't know. But I need more information. If we go out there, I have a feeling that lady in white will somehow reappear."
She paused for a second, then snapped her head to look in Maris's direction. "Tell Mother I'm coming along."
Maris smirked. "She's counting on that."
Coruscant orbit, SSD Ravager, Command Level, 1 ABY 4 months, 20 days, 12 hours
About three days later, the battle group assigned to carry out the mission to the Western Reaches had been assembled and the ships were in orbit around Coruscant. The Empress had come aboard in her personal shuttle directly from her palace on the planet below. In a conference room aboard the Ravager, Princess Ahsoka, Master Brood, Master Skywalker, Admiral Rae Sloane, and Admiral Thrawn sat waiting for Shaak to arrive. The Empress came alone and entered the room, opening the door with the Force. Everyone rose as she entered.
"Please be seated. I will keep this brief," Shaak stated, continuing to stand. She was dressed in a plain black velvet robe, much like the ones she wore in her later years on Felucia, when she was building the Order. She did, however, have on matching velvet slippers.
"Everyone, you know why I have convened this mission to the Western Outer Rim. I have reason to believe that there are some unexplained circumstances, the details of which I have provided in your briefing materials. The theatre commander for this mission will be Princess Ahsoka. You shall consider her as my stand-in and her word and decisions on any military matter are final. Admiral Sloane will be in charge of the Ravager, while Admiral Thrawn has the three-ISD battle group. I expect you all to be in-theatre within 24 standard hours. The Princess will report to me at regular intervals. Are there any questions?"
Glancing around, she could see there weren't any, but the tension in the room was thick. Shaak's ever-present amulet shone a steady white.
"Very well. I shall be leaving, and may the Force be with you all."
Felucia, The Order HQ area, 1 ABY, 4 months, 22 days, 7 hours
The Imperial Yacht Empress Shaak arrived in system early in the morning, and the Empress was in a most business-like mood, as she was accompanied only by her apprentice Muu'saama, who was again in the uniform of the Order. Shaak quickly dressed, again in a black velvet robe and slippers, then strode briskly out of her private suite on the yacht. Various personnel bowed to her as she and Muu'saama passed. The two of them boarded the on-ship transporter and soon arrived at the hangar bay, where they were escorted to a waiting shuttle that took them to the planet below.
Arriving at the Order sector of the planet, the shuttle touched down and the Empress and her apprentice debarked. Shaak raised her com device, pressed a button, and spoke.
"Knight Silkaw, we are here. I will see you presently at the Assembly Hall – in my office."
She switched off the com, then waved a hand and her personal speeder soon arrived. It was in immaculate condition, though it hadn't been used in months. Shaak and Muu'saama boarded and a few minutes later, arrived at the Hall. They glanced around the scenery during the trip and the Empress was pleased that all seemed in order. The Assembly Hall had recently received a general renovation and was looking most proper for her visit. Smiling, Shaak waved her hand and the entrance opened for her, while various Order personnel were soon aware of her presence. They stopped what they were doing and all bowed. Shaak and her apprentice briskly strode into the building and proceeded to her office, where Xendar was waiting.
He bowed deeply and took Shaak's hand to kiss it. She chuckled softly. "Good to see you, sir. You are looking well."
"Thank you, your majesty. We are most gratified for your presence here today. I hope all is in order."
"It is, Knight."
Shaak then seated herself behind the desk, which was neatly arranged in readiness for her visit. Muu'saama stood at attention behind her master, while Xendar took a seat across the desk from the Empress.
"I will get to the point – as you knew I would." She laughed softly.
"My Empress, I have known you for a long time. If I may say so, you really haven't changed all that much, which gives us all great comfort," he said tactfully.
She laughed a little louder. "Hey! It's me. No crown, no fancy robe. I'm back here on the sweaty rock we all loved. And I'm glad to see you too. So, what I need right now is to see Knight Andujah and Padawan Bridger. Might you summon them, please?"
Xendar took out his com and used it to alert Reema. He turned back to Shaak. "Master, give them a few minutes. I know they want to look their best for you."
Shaak chuckled, and Xendar proceeded to fill her in on all the improvements that he and Frehya had made to the Order Sector as it was now being referred to.
Reema and Ezra were again alone in her house when they received the summons. They looked at each other, feeling a touch nervous.
"She's here!" Reema exclaimed, stating the obvious, but adding a touch of urgency.
"I guess we'd better get ready, at least my uniform is pressed."
"Mine will be fine. I don't wear it too often. Not on this nasty planet. Last thing I want to do is get sweaty, but at least the Hall is cool."
A few minutes later they walked into Shaak's office after Xendar showed them in.
"Greetings!" Shaak said pleasantly. "I know you are wondering what the old girl wants," she chuckled. "We're going to take a journey."
Reema, always the impudent one, had to ask. "Where are we going, your majesty?"
"I will explain on the way. Perhaps you two had better pack some things. We will be away for a few days."
Shaak then took out her com device, switched it on, then flipped through a couple of screens, and then spoke into it.
"Are you in-system? … Good. Prepare for my private vessel. I will arrive in an hour. Out."
Ezra and Reema looked at each other nervously. Shaak, easily reading their minds, spoke softly.
"I'd heard that you both were looking for something a little more … exciting … am I correct?"
Reema bravely answered. "Yes, Master Shaak. But, we had no idea you were able to hear us."
Shaak stood and came over to them, then placed a hand on each of their shoulders. This seemed to calm them, especially Reema.
"My children, not to worry. I am quite pleased with the progress you both are making. Knight Reema, it is most rare that anyone becomes a Knight as quickly as you have. Your ability is quite remarkable and you should be proud. At the same time, however, realize how much more there is to know – about the universe, and, about yourself. Padawan Ezra, you also must not be in too much of a hurry. The things you want will come your way, all in good time. Both of you must be aware you are not training to be Jedi, as that order no longer exists. Your journey will be a difficult one, but there are many stops along the way. Even though I am the Empress of the Galaxy, I always make time for those in the organization I founded here so many years ago. Yes, Felucia is a difficult place to live and train, but it has always made people stronger. Master Maris was the first one I trained and she is a perfect example."
Shaak then took a hand of each acolyte and sent warm energy into them both. As she released them, she said, "come, both of you, Knight Xendar will signal you when we are ready to leave."
They then left the office and hurried back to Reema's home. Ezra had apparently moved in so getting his things together was an easy matter. They looked at each other for a minute while they were packing.
Shaak and Xendar shared a couple of laughs, then he asked, "are you planning on taking the Intrepid?"
She smiled. "Why, yes. It's been a while since I flew it. I trust you've kept it safe."
Xendar nodded. "Absolutely, your majesty. You of course heard about Lady Santhé's attempt to study it."
Shaak laughed. "You did the right thing. From now on, I am asking both Frehya and yourself to keep an eye on her whenever she comes to this planet. Valles is not only Force-sensitive, she is quite skillful. We must be aware."
A half-hour passed and Shaak and Xendar had walked to the hangar area where the ship was kept. Soon, Ezra and Reema arrived.
"Thank you, Knight Xendar," Shaak said and smiled. "We shall take it from here." She turned to her students. "Let's board."
After they had stowed their bags – Shaak had assigned them each separate staterooms – they joined the Empress on the flight deck. Shaak asked Reema to take the right seat, while Ezra sat behind her. She started explaining the controls on the ship used for basic flight and then asked Reema to take them up.
A few minutes later, they could see a massive ship ahead. It was an Imperial Super Star Destroyer, often referred to as a "dreadnaught" by the crew. Shaak contacted the ship and announced her presence. A tractor beam pulled them in and soon they were debarking. Crew members fetched Reema and Ezra's bags and everyone rode away. Both Reema and Ezra, wide-eyed by this time, just watched as things unfolded. The Empress, of course, had her own designated suite onboard the ship and she soon set up in it, changing into a basic black satin gown, while Ezra and Reema remained in their dress uniforms.
"Friends, this ship is called the Punisher. An apt name, because it carries enough firepower and weaponry to deal out significant harm." A knock came at the door, and soon Shaak's apprentice Muu'saama entered, also still in her uniform. She quietly took her seat next to Shaak, who was on a portable throne, which all Imperial ships were now expected to provide for the Empress. Shaak could use them as a means of touring the huge vessels should she so desire. Soon, another knock came. As Shaak Force-opened the door, in walked a senior Imperial officer.
"Ah, Admiral Gallius Rax. I am pleased to see you. Are you well?" Shaak chirped merrily.
"I am, your majesty," Rax answered as he knelt before her, took her hand and kissed it gently. "We are, of course, most gratified that you could join us. What may I do for you, my Empress?"
"Set our course for the Hutt Space, Admiral. I'm going to pay a visit to an old friend."
To be continued …