Chapter 3: Getting It Right


Vaynai, Chorlian Sector, NE Outer Rim, 1 BBY 9 months, 28 days, 19 hours

Two months passed. During the interval, Ahsoka Tano (as "Ashli Tanner") had become something of a fixture on the cocktail circuit of Vaynai's swanky clubs and eateries. Aided in part by an open checkbook (courtesy of the expense account provided to her by the military and political leadership of the planet Almania), she built a favorable reputation among the company representatives of various defense contractors headquartered in the Corporate Sector of the galaxy. Appearing as a typical business executive, clad in "serious" suits, "sensible" shoes, and wearing thick eyeglasses over her bright blue eyes, she seemed anything but the former Jedi butt kicker from the Clone Wars days, or even the more serious operative for the Rebel Alliance. No, Doctor Tanner was all about having a good time and getting some serious business done while she reveled.

Along the way, she cultivated some contacts among the corporate bigwigs, who were impressed with her portfolio of clients (or her apparent portfolio – at the current time, the Je'har leaders of Almania being the principal ones) her keen intellect and wealth of weapons system knowledge, and, foremost, the amount of business she was bringing them. Defense contractors were usually only interested in what they could upsell their clients – but she was no pushover, having carefully analyzed Almania's chief military needs. At that time, she had mostly negotiated some contracts for light strike craft (some Y-wing prototypes) and beefed-up ground defenses. But she had more complex designs in mind … this night was seemingly another meet-and-greet at an elegant club, but as she waited at the bar, accompanied by her assistant Frehya Lumoxa, a couple of young female humans approached … one of them, a dark-skinned gal of no more than 25 years of age, hailed Ahsoka:

"Good evening – Doctor Tanner, I presume?" She laughed.

"Why yes, it is … to whom do I have the pleasure?"

"I'm Sana Starros and this is my pal Chelli … we hear you are looking for some consultants on a defense project, am I right?"

"Perhaps … that would depend on your qualifications."

"Chelli is quite well versed on the subject … she has an education – as do I – from a leading core-world university, and we have Imperial pedigrees."

At this, Ahsoka was a little irritated at the presumption of the younger women, and their seeming lack of experience. She snipped at them: "Is that right? And does your friend talk, too?"

Chelli responded in a similar tone: "You bet, honey … and you'd best listen to us, huh?"

Sana attempted to smooth things over. "Dr. Tanner, we would like to take just a little of your valuable time … if you might hear our proposal?"

Frehya interjected, while busily taking notes. "My boss has little time for frivolities, ladies … so … "

Chelli quickly cut her off: "Yes, Dr. Tanner, you may not believe it, but I am also a doctor. I understand quite a bit about planetary defense and integrated force vectors applied to the perimeters. You are looking for that kind of capability, no?"

Ahsoka paused for a second. "I might be … let's find a better place to discuss this?"

Sana responded. "Lead the way, madam."


Almania, Tirana City, 1 BBY 9 months, 27 days

Meanwhile, back on the planet Almania, Commodore Tri'ku Je'har was reviewing some plans with his exec, Lieutenant Jaf'ra A'jizz. They are discussing Ahsoka's proposal for installing some type of perimeter defense setup around their planet, among other topics.

"So, Jafra, what do you think of Dr. Tanner's ideas?"

"Sounds expensive – a lot of ray shielding in orbital space. If an Imperial Star Destroyer got close we might give them a bloody nose, but they'd quickly recover."

"I don't think we would take that approach with the Empire. I'm more interested in putting the squeeze on pirates or some of these annoying junior syndicates who are looking to make their name by slagging over a small world like us."

"Well then, it could be quite effective, but still … we've already spent a fair amount procuring those fighter ships and we don't yet know how much those ion cannon she wants to install on the ground will set us back. Are you sure this stuff will pay for itself?"

"I've already explained everything to the President … he seems on board with it. If we ever hope to be in any kind of alliance, he wants to demonstrate we can hold up our end. Another 2 million credits should be doable."

"From my talks with Tanner, I think she's got another plan in mind. She seems to favor using droids where possible. Apparently one of her new friends in the Sector put her onto it."

"Let's keep an open mind. She seems to know what she's doing … We'll see her in two rotations."


Vaynai, 1 BBY 9 months, 28 days, 20 hours

Ahsoka and her prospective partners settled into a private room elsewhere in the club. Chelli Lona Aphra, a striking black-haired, light-skinned young woman of no more than 20 years, had captured Ahsoka's attention as she rattled off various facts, while Frehya ordered some rounds of tasty seafood hors d'oeuvres, while the ale continued to flow. Sana was content to let her friend do most of the talking and as they seemed to have arrived at some sort of agreement, Chelli asked a more personal question:

"So Ashli, how long have you been doing this biz?"

"For a few years … I have a military background."

"Really … how so?"

"It goes back to the Clone Wars."

"Wow, that was when I was just a little girl … you must have some great stories …"

Ahsoka smiled. "Some other time …"

"So you will be taking us back with you to Almania, then?"

"We'll be leaving in a couple of days … I have your contact info. Goodnight, ladies …!"

Ahsoka then motioned for Frehya to accompany her back to a luxury hotel they were staying at on the beach. As they entered their suite, Ahsoka turned to her new friend, and asked:

"Now what was that particular matter of importance you wanted to share with me?"

"As we've become friends, Ahsoka, I feel like it's time that you knew something more personal about me."

"Go on …"

Frehya exhaled slowly, then folded her hands carefully.

"I'm not sure how to say this … it's just that this is not the kind of subject one can easily bring up, but I think you, more than most, will understand. Ahsoka, I am a Force-sensitive person. Nothing like you, of course, but I've known this for a long time …"

Ahsoka was a little bit startled. "Are you quite sure?"

Frehya proceeded to go over her history with the former Jedi. As she explained, she demonstrated her ability by levitating some small objects in the room. Ahsoka was suitably impressed, but then cautioned her assistant.

"Well, I am indeed impressed … but I must tell you, it is quite dangerous to be showing off these talents to just anyone."

"I well understand, my lady … but as we've become friends, I really was dying to let you know. It was always my dream to have a chance to do something with this ability. To serve under such a great warrior as you is a supreme honor. Can you train me?"

"I suppose I might … but I don't want to expose you to anything unwelcome. You must promise to keep this subject strictly confidential." She then let out a laugh. "But … I must say I never dreamed of having an apprentice who was this much older than I."

"As you wish, my lady."

"Perhaps you can join me for my workout in the morning and then we could come back upstairs for some more personalized training?"

Frehya nodded to her with a smile: "That would be wonderful …"

"Fine … then I believe I will retire for the evening. Those girls we met with are hardcore drinkers …" She laughed again. "I could easily see our session devolving into girlish silliness …"

After Frehya left her room, Ahsoka then decided to contact an old friend, using the secret Holo-Net channel: Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan. Organa had been instrumental in bringing Ahsoka into the Rebel Alliance years ago after her successful conclusion of the events on Raada, and then her skirmishes with Black Sun and other nefarious groups had brought her to his attention. They had worked together to create the "Fulcrum" intel network for communicating among various Rebel assets, including her friend Hera Syndulla. Tonight, Ahsoka is looking for some answers, in particular, what exactly happened on the first Empire Day and with Order 66. Bail had alluded to it in past meetings with her, but had never explained it in detail. Now she needed to start making sense of things. Fortunately, the attempt to reach him is successful:

"Good evening to you, Fulcrum … it's been too long. How is everything going, Ahsoka?"

"I've been through a lot lately. We have some catching up to do, my friend."

"That we do. I've missed you. How is Hera … and Kanan?"

"There've been some mishaps. But I wanted to chat about some history, if you don't mind …"

"Not a problem … but I think we had better meet in person. May I interest you in a trip to Alderaan?"

Ahsoka reflected fondly: "That would be nice. I'd also like to bring my new assistant along. I think you'll like her. How about I get back with you in two days and we can firm things up? I have a new ship so the trip should be pleasant enough."

"I'm looking forward to it, old friend."

"Fulcrum out."


Vaynai, 1 BBY 9 months, 27 days, 10 hours

The next morning, Ahsoka and Frehya got in a workout in the hotel spa, one that featured much stretching and some light weights. Then they returned to their suite and Ahsoka began to instruct her new apprentice in some basic fighting techniques. Frehya put up some resistance as she pivoted, spun and moved quickly, but Ahsoka was a step ahead as she countered and locked up her apprentice in a reverse chicken-wing hold. As they continued to spar, Ahsoka told her:

"You've got some good basic ability. With a few sessions, I can get you into Jedi shape …" she laughed.

"Thank you, my lady. I hope to measure up."

"I think you just might … Now let's explore the Force together."

With that, Ahsoka and Frehya sat cross-legged on the hotel room floor opposite each other. The ex-Jedi then reached across to her apprentice using the Force as they meditated together. Within seconds, each of them had risen about a half meter off the floor as they concentrated on each other. The exercise continued for a minute or so and then they came together. Ahsoka then sat behind Frehya and placed a hand on her shoulder. She then quietly instructed Frehya to reach out and concentrate.

"Now see if you can picture our friends from last night – Miss Aphra and Miss Starros – do you sense them?"

"Yes … I think they are not far away … but I don't see where just yet."

"That's fine … at this point, I just want you to use your abilities. The Force is connected to all living entities. We only have to learn to distinguish each one independently. Such techniques will make you more aware of your own place within the universe."

The two of them continued with the exercise awhile longer, when just as they were finishing, their door chime went off. Frehya rose and stepped toward the door, but Ahsoka raised a hand to stop her.

"Reach out, now, Frehya, and tell me who it is."

"Oh! It's Miss Aphra – I can almost picture her face. I guess she's hard to forget."

"Very good, you've got excellent recall skills."

"I wonder what she wants …"

Ahsoka raised a hand to her forehead. "I believe it's another proposal. She's really quite persistent. Invite her in."

Frehya went over to the door as Ahsoka opened it with a short motion of her hand, and she saw Chelli standing there, somewhat surprised, as Ahsoka greeted her from across the room and chuckled.

"Good morning, Miss Aphra … did you sleep well?"

"Huh? Aphra stopped for a second, then recovered. "Ah, yes … please call me Chelli. Ashli, I've been considering some of what we talked about last night …"

"Why don't we meet you in about 30 minutes downstairs?"

The rest of the day passed uneventfully. Ahsoka and Chelli continued to talk over various weapon systems and Chelli's intricate knowledge started to make a strong impression. Ahsoka started to consider making her more of a partner, while believing she could be useful in negotiating with the Corporate Sector reps and execs.


Vaynai, 1 BBY 9 months, 26 days, 8 hours

The next day, they made plans to go to Almania in Ahsoka's new ship – which she has dubbed Corvala Dawn, after her home world's capital city. The ship was elegant and sleek, with pleasing lines. Well concealed were the defensive and offensive capabilities, such as ion cannon turrets and lasers. The ship had been delivered to Ahsoka about one month prior, and since then, she had been working carefully to customize it as she wanted. Inside, there were a number of small staterooms and a conference area, with a wing for formal dining. Ahsoka also purchased a basic astromech droid with a speech modulator that could be used when she wanted his thoughts to be understood by her guests onboard as necessary. The ship also had an advanced hyperdrive that would cut the time needed on voyages by 50%, meaning the hop between Vaynai and Almania was now only about 20 minutes. The ship's computers had been pre-loaded with various clearance codes needed to gain landing clearances at most major worlds and destinations, some of this information being augmented by Ahsoka's own programming.

Thus far, Ahsoka's Je'har clients had delivered on all the promises and requests they had granted her. The new residence on Almania – a spacious mansion with several rooms – was up to her expectations and she had moved to install additional features to enable protection and detection capabilities that would expand her natural Force abilities. She felt certain that no one would be able to take her by surprise. Now it was time to put her plan for Almania's defense into motion. With Chelli Lona Aphra, she now had a useful ally that would help her to do this quicker than she had originally planned.

While doing this, Ahsoka then made plans for her upcoming voyage to Alderaan. She felt certain that she would soon learn some crucial information.