Chapter 4: Making the Grade
Vaynai, 1 BBY 9 months, 25 days, 8 hours
It was the next day on Vaynai. A typically beautiful tropical morning again … (when does it ever rain here? Ahsoka thought to herself) and the spaceport attendants were preparing for the departure of the Corvala Dawn. Ahsoka, Frehya, Chelli and Sana all boarded the ship and took their seats in the comfortable leather-upholstered lounge area, as their luggage had already been loaded in the cargo bay in the aft section of the ship. Ahsoka's new astromech, a newer R8-ND model she dubbed "Randy" greeted the passengers in Galactic Basic with the speech modulator enhancement that "his" owner had installed. Ahsoka gave him some quick instructions:
"Randy, we are going to Almania, at Tirana Spaceport. They are expecting us in about 25 minutes."
"Very good, Doctor Tanner. We are go for departure."
She then turned to her fellow passengers:
"I trust you find the accommodations adequate?"
Chelli spoke excitedly: "Excellent … very nice."
Sana concurred: "Absolutely. It's really good to be working with such a class operation."
Frehya then asked: "Have either of you ladies visited Almania before?"
Both shook their heads, as Frehya offered: "Well, we hope that you appreciate the comforts of our modest little world."
Ahsoka then addressed them:
"Upon landing, we will proceed to my residence, and there will be a couple of hours to get ready for our late afternoon meeting. Chelli, do you have all the presentation materials that we spoke about?"
"As agreed, Doctor."
"Very good. Let's sit back and enjoy the flight. Would anyone care for a beverage?" Ahsoka laughed again.
Almania, Tirana City, 1 BBY 9 months, 25 days, 9 hours
The flight over to Almania was routine and soon they landed at Tirana. R8-ND piloted the ship and then attended to getting the passengers' bags taken care of. He then led the four of them off the ship and they were then greeted by a speeder taxi that whisked them to the Tanner estate. The astromech remained with the ship, ready to process any directives that might come from Ahsoka.
As they arrived at her estate, Chelli and Sana were suitably impressed by the elegant architecture and carefully manicured grounds. The interior was equally gracious, with a sleek, modern design and a white and gray overall color scheme. Ahsoka showed them to a guest bedroom, where their luggage had already been delivered. "You two can have some time to rest and prepare. Frehya and I will be in the den area."
Ahsoka and Frehya then spoke privately. Ahsoka told her the expectations for the upcoming meeting and then briefed her servants on what would take place. They signaled their understanding and quickly started getting everything in order. Frehya then asked (somewhat excitedly) about the planned trip to Alderaan.
"Ah, yes – I know you are looking forward to that – as am I. I'm going to attend to some important personal business on this voyage. It will be a long flight – about 20 hours – so it leaves us some time to get more training in. I don't supposed you've ever handled a lightsabre?"
"I have not – are you thinking of teaching me?"
"As a matter of fact, I am … I am suitably impressed with you in many ways, Ms. Lumoxa."
"Thank you, my lady. Would I become a Padawan or something like that?"
"That's more of a formal title, which doesn't mean what it once did, I'm afraid. But in terms of you being a "learner", that's exactly what you are in my view. Your attitude is very refreshing."
"It is my honor to serve under you in any capacity you think appropriate, my lady. I hope to continue to gain your trust."
Almania, Tirana City, 1 BBY 9 months, 25 days, 13 hours
Three hours later, the guests began arriving, including both General Ordo and Commodore Je'har, whom Ahsoka had first met on her first night on Almania. They were enthusiastic in their support of her and saw her plans as a way to further their standing in the planetary government – which, of course, was dominated by Je'har family members and trusted associates. Almania was not strictly an authoritarian regime but the overall efficiency that it seemed to operate under certainly gave that impression to off-worlders. Everyone gathered in Ahsoka's large formal dining area and was treated to a generous amount of local cuisine, with of course, plenty of imported Vaynaian delicacies. Most citizens of Almania could only afford to visit Vaynai once or twice in a lifetime, so it had something of an exotic reputation. Local holo-vid programming often featured it and it was a typical subject for serial dramas and crime-stopper flavored shows.
After the dining table was cleared, the dignitaries moved to the conference room, where Ahsoka's servants brought them after-dinner drinks and some mild derivatives of a stimulating Vaynaian intoxicant known locally as "slick," which always tended to relax guests and facilitate good working relations. This night's company included two leading members of the Almanian legislature, specifically the committee chairmen for armed-services and the planetary budget. They seemed at cross-purposes during the discussion over the new defense perimeter. Chelli was most aggressive in backing Ahsoka's plans, and continued to stress how important it was that Almania have a strong planetary defense.
Chelli argued: "You say you are concerned over the high price tag on our proposals, but you aren't taking into account how the Empire will look upon a world that cannot manage its external issues. If you are attacked by pirates or someone like the Black Sun group you will have some explaining to do …"
General Shaik'h Ordo nodded in agreement. "Exactly, Dr. Aphra. The President understands this as well and he expects some support in the legislature on this matter."
The Armed-services Committee chairman then inquired on the timetable needed to fully implement the system. Ahsoka responded that much of it depended on how aggressive a schedule they were willing to pursue.
Ahsoka then spoke: "Mr. Chairman, if I might suggest … the resources you are willing to commit to this will determine its success or failure. From what I can tell, Almania has a clean reputation on Coruscant. Emperor Palpatine should not have to have this place brought under his more direct scrutiny."
Commodore Tri'ku Je'har added his agreement: "I can't see any reason why we would welcome that, either."
Then the Budget Committee Chairman conceded their points. "All right, I can read your smoke signals … we will have to vote on it later this week. I will try to line up support."
The rest of the meeting proceeded smoothly. Chelli's slide presentation was well received and she also had some video demos of how the systems were expected to function, specifically, the orbiting planetary defense perimeter that consisted of thousands of droid satellites that were self-servicing and drew their energy supply from the planet's star. The system could immediately deploy defensive lasers of varying intensity and was in continuous geo-synchronous orbit that served to cover the entire planet. Such a system would provide Almania with a better defense than many more prosperous worlds. To some outsiders, it might seem a bit extravagant, but Almania's leadership had definite goals in mind, and even Ahsoka was not completely aware of what those might be. Of course, both Chelli and Sana were most concerned over the types of consulting fees the stood to earn by working on this system for the Almanians, and the military brass were more than happy to have some "new toys" to play with. Several toasts were made and the "slick"-fueled evening was a roaring success overall.
As the guests filed out of her residence and were whisked away by speeder limousines, Commodore Je'har stayed behind, wishing a private audience with Ahsoka.
"Ahsoka, if I may say so … you seem to be on top of things. Bringing you aboard was about the best move we've made here in a long time. Your consultants are well prepared and quite impressive, especially Miss Aphra."
Ahsoka blushed a little. "I really appreciate that, sir …"
The commodore was starting to realize that he was more than a little attracted to her romantically. Such a strong female presence was arousing to many but not everyone was equipped to handle it. The two of them strolled into the rear garden of the estate and their discussion grew more personal.
"Has anyone ever told you that you are absolutely beautiful?"
She blushed again. "Not very often, that's for sure."
"Well, I don't mean to be too forward, but I like spending time with you, Lady Ahsoka."
"And I like you as well, Tri'ku. But what are we going to do with that?"
He sighed slightly. "If only we were not so busy …"
"Yes, it's a pity …" Ahsoka gently echoed his sigh.
Ahsoka thought to herself and examined her feelings. Over the years since leaving the Jedi Order, she'd been so caught up with her duties, there had been very little time for her own feelings. That was likely still true. Yet she realized quite correctly that anything like a romantic relationship had not been part of her life – and she felt somehow cheated. The commodore was surely handsome – about 1.85 metres in height, with a dark complexion and cropped black hair, and an understated athletic build – but when was the last time she had even noticed things like that? These feelings would need to be filed away for the present, but she would undoubtedly find herself returning to them.
Almania, Tirana City, 1 BBY 9 months, 24 days, 7 hours
The next morning, Chelli and Sana awoke to a relaxing breakfast with Ahsoka and Frehya. Agreements were reached on the next steps: Chelli and Sana would proceed to the Corporate Sector world of Issagra to negotiate with contractors that would create the droids for the perimeter system, with Chelli providing the specifications. They were also tasked with finalizing the ion cannon systems for the ground defense, and to look into possible purchase of additional Starfighter craft. They would then report back to Almania to review their progress with Ahsoka – about two weeks later.
Ahsoka and Frehya thus made their preparations for the journey to the Core world of Alderaan. Frehya, having never been to Alderaan before, was excited and noted, "I hear it's a beautiful place."
"That it is … I will always remember my first visit, during the Clone Wars."
"Very few from my world have had the chance – I'm very fortunate …"
R8-ND had already punched in the coordinates for their destination, and had pre-cleared their landing arrangements with the appropriate people on the planet, so the Corvala Dawn was soon on its way. The two women got in a few hours of meditation and rest, and after a small meal, Ahsoka decided to get in some more training with her new apprentice. Using actual lightsabres for the session was a bit risky due to Frehya's lack of experience, but Ahsoka had already brought along some wooden replicas that had the same weight. These would be suitable for the basic thrust-and-parry maneuvers she wanted to practice with Frehya.
At first, the older woman was a little flummoxed by the mechanics of sword play, but her persistence showed and she was starting to get the hang of it. Then Ahsoka handed her one of her white sabres and showed her how it functioned. When Frehya first switched it on and heard the buzz and whoosh of the blade as it quickly emerged from the hilt, she oohed in response.
"Wow … that's amazing. What a feeling."
"Now, take a step or two back, and carefully swing it around. Use the same motions we did with the models."
"It seems so natural … your weapon is almost beautiful in the way it feels …"
"Yes, I have worked hard to make it that way … as any Jedi will tell you, it is very important to have an intimate relationship with one's blade."
Frehya took a few more practice swings, then switched the weapon off and handed it back to Ahsoka.
"What a rush … I'm looking forward to getting my own someday."
"That is a process and I will be happy to take you through it, but you have a lot more work in front of you. Becoming my apprentice will be a journey for you – but I believe you have what it takes."
"I will do my best to get there, my lady …" She then curtsied respectfully.
As the two of them settled separately into some reading, Ahsoka considered her new apprentice carefully. She thought about her own training and what it took for her to become a Padawan. She had eagerly thrown herself into the work, as she was only about ten years old and her natural competitiveness made her want to outdo all of the other younglings at the Temple. Of course, she'd had a natural rivalry with both Serra Keto and Barriss Offee – the latter of them being a bit older – yet that rivalry soon became a friendship. But then, something had gone quite wrong for both of those women and she eventually had to face them in serious combat. So it was not easy to train someone to be a proper Jedi. There were too many unforeseen consequences, but Ahsoka admired the older woman. It wasn't a small matter for someone of 50 years of age to take on such responsibility – and she seemed to welcome all challenges. Truly remarkable, Ahsoka thought …
Alderaan, Galactic Core Region, 1 BBY 9 months, 23 days, 18 hours
Eventually, the Corvala Dawn came out of hyperspace and the beautiful disk of Alderaan gleamed in the distance. Leading up to that, Ahsoka and Frehya had continued to work on basic fighting techniques and had some practice with long staffs (similar to those used in the Japanese discipline of Kendo) which taxed Frehya's endurance and she worked up quite a sweat. Nonetheless, the woman seemed truly happy and motivated, which pleased Ahsoka greatly. Before they landed, both women bathed and changed into more formal attire – basic dresses and heels, colorful but modest – for their reception with their host.
As the ship landed in Alderaan's capital, a party came to greet them at the platform. R8-ND saw to the protocols and soon the two women were being transported away to a tony part of town and as they landed, they were then greeted by Senator Bail Organa himself. He ushered them inside and, after exchanging warm hugs with Ahsoka, was introduced to Frehya.
"She's my new apprentice, Bail … I'm very impressed with her possibilities …"
"Ahsoka does me too much honor. I'm afraid I'm just a novice at this point."
Bail smiled, laughed and looked at Frehya: "She will train you well, I am sure of it … Now, I'm sure you both are worn out from such a long journey. I must confess I know very little about Almania."
Ahsoka gave her opinion: "It's actually a fairly nice place – kind of a well-kept secret, of sorts."
Bail laughed heartily. "Well, I won't give it away, Ahsoka …"
Frehya added: "We are trying to make our mark in the galaxy, but we have so far to go."
"So you are from Almania?"
"That's right, lived there all my life. I must say, this world is just lovely. So is this where you live, Senator?"
"Oh no … this is where the royal family of Alderaan accommodates our most honored guests."
More pleasantries are exchanged, as Senator Organa politely described life on Alderaan to Frehya. After the ladies settle into their spacious guest suite, they were then invited to the royal palace to meet Queen Breha and the Organas' adopted daughter, Crown Princess Leia.
Ahsoka stepped forward to her. "I think I remember you well, Leia, from when you were very young. How you've grown …"
"Thank you, Ahsoka. Father was always telling me about you when I was growing up. You're quite a hero to the rebellion … we are most grateful for all you've done."
"Ah yes … I seem to recall you working with Hera Syndulla's group recently on Lothal. You're quite brave, she told me."
"I just want to do what's right … the brave ones are people like you and those who suffer under the heel of the Empire. Hera is just a fantastic leader and such a warrior for the galaxy. We owe her a lot."
Ahsoka nodded to her on that and the two women continued talking together for a bit. Then the Queen called everyone together and openly thanked Ahsoka and Frehya for their work and formally extended her hospitality to them.
"Ladies, we would be most honored if you would consider Alderaan a second home. What you are doing is for the galaxy and we all recognize that with the greatest respect and gratitude. Someday, we will be free again. Free to breathe the sweet air of liberty and extend that to everyone in the galaxy!"
General applause followed that proclamation and everyone toasted the honored guests. All then sat down and partook of a sumptuous meal. Frehya whispered to Ahsoka that she had never even dreamed of this type of luxury. I'm truly blessed, she thought.
Alderaan, House of Organa, 1 BBY 9 months, 23 days, 21 hours
After the meal, Bail and Ahsoka went off together to a private study overlooking the lights and views of Alderaan's exquisite capital city. He spoke first:
"OK, I'm sure you are happy to have all of that out of the way … what can I do for you, friend?"
Ahsoka took a deep breath and exhaled. "Let's talk about that day … when it all went so bad so quickly. What in the stars happened? I've never been able to fully understand it, though I have tried. I just know I'm not getting the full story."
"Well … I'm sure you're quite familiar with the dread "Order 66" …"
"Yes – I almost lost my life – but thanks to my dear friend, clone Captain Rex – I survived. I'd rather not go into detail."
"Quite understandable. Well, anyway, when that happened, our dear friends, General Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Master Yoda worked with us to ensure that Padmé Amidala was able to give birth to her twin babies."
"Oh, I knew that she and Master Anakin were romantically involved, married, even … He tried to keep it quiet but we shared almost everything."
"Ah, but what you may not be aware of was how he fell from grace as a Jedi and even attacked his wife when she refused to join him. We think that attack was likely responsible for her death after the twins were born."
Ahsoka gasped in horror. "Oh, no … I always admired her, she was such a great lady. And Anakin, he clearly worshipped her. I would see his eyes when he spoke her name, and the way he would light up whenever she came before us. I am truly saddened by this news …" Her bright blue eyes started to tear up, and her lekku were also becoming bright blue.
Bail sighed, then continued. "So her twins were born – a daughter and a son … and Obi-Wan, Yoda, and I made a joint decision. Breha and I would take the daughter – she is our precious Leia – to raise as our own, and Obi-Wan would look after the son."
Ahsoka stopped him. "So, wait a minute … Leia is Anakin's daughter? And Obi-Wan is raising Anakin's son? … Oh, I have to process this …" she stammered.
"I know it must seem incredible."
"Yeah … but what's even more incredible is what Anakin has turned into. He calls himself Darth Vader now."
"Yes … it's quite a tragedy. I've heard about some of the things he has done. How did you come to know about this?"
"I'd heard it whispered during some of my involvement with the Rebels. He was responsible for the Inquisitorium – a group dedicated to finding Force users and Force-sensitive people all over the galaxy. I've tangled with them directly myself, and so did my new friend Kanan Jarrus."
Bail reflected: "I remember your first encounter, years ago, on Raada."
"Yes. The one they called the Sixth Brother. I did not set out to kill him … his own anger did that. What has Anakin done to these people?" she spat.
Bail replied, "Something unspeakable, I'm certain."
"But recently, I had the misfortune of going head to head with Anakin, on an awful place called Malachor. I learned why so many refer to it as a curse word."
"What exactly happened?"
"Kanan, Ezra and I had run into Maul on that planet, and soon enough, three of the Inquisitors showed up and eventually Anakin – Vader – followed them there. We actually killed the three but then Vader came and he attacked Ezra. Maul then turned on Kanan and blinded him, then I fought him off for a bit, but Kanan recovered and pushed him off the Sith Temple we had found."
Bail whistled softly. "Ooh … quite an ordeal."
"Yeah … so, to protect Ezra, I had to step in between him and Vader. At first, I was effective. He couldn't keep up with me and I got behind him, then took a swipe at his head. His mask split open. And then I saw the face – I will never forget this – I knew then and there it really was Anakin."
"Oh, my …" Bail gasped.
"At that point, he spoke my name – and he sounded just like he always had – for a minute, we were in the past. It was Skyguy and Snips, like old times … but then he grew angry and asked me how I could have left him. I told him I would never do that again and that I was there for him now."
"That must have been strange."
"But then he turned on me. He said I would die and then he tried to take my head off. Somehow I held him back, but it took everything I had."
Bail shook his head. "Somehow you survived …"
"Yes … because the Temple started to fall apart – I'm not really sure why – but both of us had to get out of there. Once the smoke cleared and I could look around, everyone else was gone. Anakin, Maul, Kanan, Ezra. All I had left were the bodies of the Inquisitors and not much else. I decided to give the one who called herself Seventh Sister a proper funeral – because I knew she was probably not really the enemy here, Anakin was. When I took the helmet and mask off of her, I realized she was actually my old friend Serra Keto. So I was practically in tears. The level of evil was so intense."
Bail reached out to her, took her hand and squeezed it gently. "I'm just so glad you are still with us, dear friend."
"Yep … I was able to use Serra's TIE ship to get off that horrible rock and eventually I made my way to Almania after secretly contacting Hera. I'm now living on that planet – as Dr. Ashli Tanner, weapons and defense expert – and working with the leaders there to help them build a defense system. This is how I met Frehya Lumoxa, my new apprentice."
"Quite a story …"
"So … I guess I should ask … where exactly is Obi-Wan, and what happened to Master Yoda?"
Bail exhaled. "Ahsoka, I can help you with that, but this information is extremely sensitive. If Vader or the Emperor were to learn of it, they could do immense harm to our cause."
"I'm listening …"
"Obi-Wan took Anakin's son – Padmé named him Luke, just before she died. She also named the daughter, Leia. He took Luke to the original home world of Anakin – a place called Tatooine. I've never been there. It's way out on the outer rim."
"I know it. Went there myself during the war. It's run by a bunch of slimy gangsters – the Hutts. So he's still there?"
"Yes. He placed Luke with Anakin's old step-brother, a man named Owen Lars. But he keeps careful watch over the boy, to keep anything foul from happening to him."
"And Yoda?"
"He went to another out-of-the-way world called Dagobah. It's strong with the dark side, they say, so Palpatine won't likely sense him there."
Ahsoka folded her arms and looked Organa in the eye. "OK … I've got it. All right, then. I guess I know what I have to do."
Bail cautioned her. "Ahsoka, please promise me you will be very careful if you do go to either of those worlds."
"Of course. I know now what is at stake. So tell me one more thing: Does Leia know about any of this?:
Bail shook his head again. "She does not … and that is for her own safety, as well as that of her brother."
"Bail … you can count on me. I will not fail you. But I must speak with Obi-Wan."
"I think he will be glad to see you. He likely thinks that he and Yoda are all that is left of the Order."
Ahsoka shook her head solemnly, and as her lekku wiggled, she stated firmly: "Ahhh, no … not by a long shot."
