Well, there's no going back now. Mon Mothma has channeled her inner Thomas Jefferson and the word is out – the rebellion is on. Our favorite Togruta and her master are right where they should be, smack in the middle of the action. But this installment of the story takes a look at some of our main characters and what is going through their minds as the galaxy moves toward open conflict.


Chapter 13: Of War – and Love


Hyperspace, en-route to Felucia, 1 BBY 6 months, 17 days

Ahsoka and Shaak chatted on the Corvala Dawn as it was en-route to Felucia after the big meeting on Corellia. Mon Mothma and the others had laid down the ultimatum – it was time now to stand against tyranny – are you with us? And while the two of them looked on in the training room as Hedala and Frehya dueled, hundreds of other star systems across the galaxy had received word of the formation of the Alliance and were ready to join – some quite eagerly.

"There's no going back now, Master. Can we pull this off?"

"Fancy speeches are all very fine, my child, but we have to back them up."

Ahsoka nodded. "I'm ready. And I know you are. And those two …" she gestured in the direction of the apprentices. "… well, I've loved their attitude from the beginning."

The meeting had ended with the signing of something that would come to be known as the Corellian Treaty. It spelled out the relationship between Alderaanian, Chandrilan, and Corellian resistance forces, and soon, other worlds' rebel cells would come to add their signatures and stamps to it as well. Bail Organa was ready to commit large sums of money from the Alderaanian royal house, while Garm Bel-Iblis could offer up over one hundred capital ships, and Mon Mothma's world would supply much of the manpower in the form of troops. Shaak Ti and Ahsoka Tano, representing what remained of the Jedi Order, also offered their efforts in the gaining of needed intelligence on Imperial developments. Mothma had even resigned from her seat in the Imperial Senate, believing she had done all she could there as that body continued to slide deeper into irrelevance.

Ahsoka was looking forward to her return to Almania and wanted to show the pictures of the Death Star to the leadership there, starting with her new friend Commodore Je'har. She also wanted to contact Hera Syndulla and review what had happened. Shaak simply wanted to return home and rest and relax for a bit, while determining her next move. Organa, Bel-Iblis and Mothma all greatly valued her wise counsel as they wanted to consolidate the movement. It was also agreed at the meeting that Mothma would serve as the Chief of State for the Rebel Alliance, a position she had sworn to resign upon the death, resignation or overthrow of Emperor Palpatine. Then a convention would be held – at an as-yet undetermined location – to draft a new constitution for the galaxy and to proclaim what would be the New Galactic Republic.

But Shaak thought most of this talk was foolishly premature. Winning this fight would take effort, determination, and more than a little luck. However, as she would continually drill into Ahsoka's mind, what you did each day could go a long way toward getting that "luck" on your side. "May the Force be with you" was always a common greeting among the believers, but the new Order of The Galaxy lived it every day. The next objective would be a rendezvous of the new rebel fleet above the Outer Rim world of Dantooine, and Mothma would broadcast a speech via the Holo-Net to urge the galaxy to rise up and join the growing rebellion. After that, there would be training exercises for fighter squadrons as the Alliance plotted how to gain those plans for the Death Star on Scarif.


Felucia, Shaak's home, 1 BBY 6 months, 16 days, 9 hours

Ahsoka was eager to get back to her estate on Almania but Shaak convinced her to stay overnight on Felucia. As they landed, Maris came to see Ahsoka and the two walked off together for a bit, while Hedala and Frehya sat for a while with Master Shaak. She invited the two apprentices into her private residence about 2 km from where the Corvala Dawn landed. She then brewed a tea-like beverage and offered it to them.

"What is it, Master Shaak?" Frehya queried.

"An herbal beverage from the woods around my home. It will allow you to reach deeper into the Force."

Hedala sipped hers slowly and found herself quite at ease and relaxed. The chair that Shaak motioned her to sit in seemed as comfortable as the ones at the Royal Palace on Alderaan, although it appeared quite plain. Frehya did the same and also found her mind relaxed but also quite aware.

Shaak then spoke gently. "Ladies, are we in agreement about taking the steps required by rebellion? I don't want you to answer me now, but instead … look inside and answer your own thoughts. The coming times will demand much from you, as we face a devious and determined opponent."

Frehya stared back at Shaak from what seemed a deep pit or well. She settled into a seeming trance and the Grand Master's words were clear and stark …

"Both of you were chosen to be here – at this time and place – by the Will of the Force. Do you understand what that means?"

They both sat there motionless and allowed the peace of the moment start to wash over them like a wave. But instead of drowning in it, they were floating upon it. Shaak waved a hand gently and a small fire began in an urn-like receptacle from somewhere in the room. The aroma from it reached the group and they slowly inhaled the inviting breeze.

"It was the will of the Force that both of you – Apprentice Lumoxa and Apprentice Fardi – should possess your unique and exceptional abilities. When you were young, did you have great visions of what you might become? Places you would go? The journey you have started with my daughter – Master Ahsoka – is, and has always been, your destiny. She has great belief in you both. This is why you are with us at this important moment …"

Shaak went silent and let the experience continue for another five minutes or so. Hedala looked at Frehya and smiled, and Frehya smiled back. Whatever this is, it's like nothing I've ever been or done … they both thought together. When the interlude ended, Shaak extinguished the fire quietly with another flick of her finger and the gals had finished their beverages.

"Is there anything either of you want to ask me?" she said in a soft and pleasant manner.

Hedala had only one question. "What happens next?" Frehya nodded, and glanced at Shaak.

"Tomorrow you will accompany your master on her journey to her current home world. She has much to attend to there. Whatever she needs from you, I want you to be there for her. In time, Ahsoka will determine your next steps. We both have been watching your training and development. It is time for you both to assume the rank of Padawan. She will prepare you for that. One of your first tasks is to learn how to construct your own lightsabres. In time, I see you both as Knights of the Order of The Galaxy. It is your destiny. Be proud, Frehya and Hedala. You have already accomplished much. Ahsoka will be waiting for you, I bid you both goodnight."


Felucia, Maris's home, 1 BBY 6 months, 16 days, 12 hours

Ahsoka had gone off with Maris to the latter's own small home, which consisted of four small rooms. As they sat together, Maris asked her to bring her up to date. Ahsoka described the journey to Tatooine and Scarif, with the Death Star, and then about the meeting on Corellia, and meeting the leaders of the new Rebel Alliance. The two of them drank water together and Maris served her a small portion of a root-based substance that was somewhat spicy.

"Very tasty," Ahsoka noted.

"It's my own blend," Maris said proudly. "A Zabrak recipe, but made with Felucian ingredients."

Ahsoka nodded and smiled. "I admire your talent for cooking. It's something I've never had much time to learn."

"Ahsoka," she asked, "What is the Master's plan for the Rebellion? What will be our roles?"

Ahsoka took a deep breath and exhaled.

"For now, nothing immediately connected. I am heading back to Almania in the morning and taking my apprentices with me. Master Shaak has agreed they will become Padawans of the new Order, but they will face some further tests – of which I am to devise."

Maris nodded. "Would you like any assistance with that, Master Ahsoka? I only ask because I have already trained some of our Acolytes here in that role. Two more of them are close to earning the designation of Padawan."

"Hmm," Ahsoka reflected. "That might be valuable for me, Maris. I really appreciate your cooperative attitude and all you have done to make me feel welcome. We come from different worlds, and likely have different experiences, but you have shown me how to break down barriers. The Master has chosen well – as usual – and she must be quite proud of you."

Maris lowered her head, then smiled. "As you know, Master Shaak can be very tight with praise. But I know in my heart that she values me. What the Master wants to see most of all is everyone working together. For that to happen, we must put aside our personal feelings."

Ahsoka thought this to be a trifle dissembling. She tried another approach. "Maris, I must ask you, did you want to accompany us to Corellia?"

The Zabrak smiled. "That would have been a chance for me to learn much. But the Master did not see the need for it at this time."

She's hiding something, Ahsoka thought. But I won't get much out of her tonight.

"Can I ask something else? What does the term Acolyte mean to you and Master Shaak?"

"It is merely someone who is in our group. Someone that may become a potential member of the Order."

"So, those people whom you are training … how many have become members?"

"Actually … none at present. Master of the Order means becoming a Knight – like I have. The training is long and rigorous, just like it was for the Jedi. We have serious purposes here, Master Ahsoka. And Master Shaak decides all matters of promotion"

"I see. Most impressive, actually. Again, you are to be commended."

Ahsoka wondered whether the Zabrak believed she was being sincere in her praise. Maris seemed naturally suspicious of such behavior and clearly had a most interesting personal history. Still, nothing in her demeanor gave Ahsoka any cause for concern. Indeed, she found the woman's character to be attractive and desired having her as a friend. She felt that few ever earned that position with Maris Brood.

Maris, for her part, was a bit unsettled when Ahsoka Tano first arrived on Felucia and even more so when Master Ti seemed to accept her so quickly. The decision to make Ahsoka her adopted daughter further upset her sense of balance. She told herself it was more due to them both being Togruta, but also reflected that she did not really know their earlier history. Clearly, Master Shaak respects her greatly … and not just because of her many talents as a warrior. Maris knew she had to make it work with Ahsoka or Master Shaak would lose respect for her, so she did her best. But as she got to know Ahsoka, her suspicions started to lessen. Ahsoka seemed to be trying her best to reach out to her and what more could she really ask for? I suppose I could trust her, she thought, and realized that there was much she could learn from her as well.

Two hours later, when Hedala and Frehya caught up to them, the two were saying their goodbyes. Maris then grasped Ahsoka's hand warmly and looked her in the eye. "Until we meet again, Master Ahsoka. Take care of yourself, my friend." Ahsoka smiled back warmly. "You too, friend. I'm looking forward to it."

She turned to her apprentices. "You two will be staying in the bunkhouse with the other acolytes tonight. I want you both to start building closer relationships. These people are your teammates and you will learn to depend upon each other. I will look for you in the morning."


Felucia, Shaak's home, 1 BBY 6 months, 16 days, 15 hours

Maris then led them to the bunkhouse and they chatted together as they walked off. Ahsoka turned and headed to the Grand Master's residence. When she arrived, Shaak had laid out cushions on her floor for them to sit on and had set up the holo transmitter. "We have important business to conduct, my dear Ahsoka. Please be seated."

As the transmitter engaged, a familiar form appeared. "A good night for you, Master Shaak, I hope it is."

"The best, Master Yoda. And I would like to introduce to you my daughter, Master Ahsoka."

"A gratifying piece of news, this is. Ahsoka … fortunate, you are. Complete, your training will be."

Ahsoka smiled and spoke, "I am very happy right now, Master Yoda. Shaak has already shown me so much. But also the value of love."

Shaak broke in. "We wanted to inform you of the developments we have made with the rebellion. Senators Mothma, Organa, and Bel Iblis have all met and I was with them. Together we declared our agreement to stand against the Emperor. Many other systems are now joining the cause."

Yoda seemed pleased. "A good start, this is. Required, though, caution is. Listen to the Force, Grand Master Ti."

Shaak replied. "My thoughts exactly. I told everyone we are not ready to openly stand against the Empire. But our courage and intelligence can rally more to our side. Tonight I wanted to bring you further news about the Death Star project. We have now seen it. I will transmit these images to you now."

As Yoda looked over the pictures, a scowl came over his face. "Heard of this, I had. A long time in planning, Sidious has spent."

Ahsoka spoke up. "We believe, Master, that it is possible to destroy this instrument of evil. Once we obtain the plans we will have our strategy."

Yoda thought a second, then spoke slowly. "Yesssss," he noted. "A good strategy it is, Master Ahsoka."

Shaak added, "We will keep you informed, Master. For now, though, it is business as usual. We next must inform Master Kenobi about the status of the Revolution. Young Skywalker may be ready to take his first steps to joining us. But in the meantime, Ahsoka and I will keep watch over all developments. Palpatine will not take us by surprise, and neither will his apprentice." She closed that last word with a hiss as her coal black eyes narrowed.

Yoda nodded but then spoke, "Powerful, Vader is. With caution, you must approach."

Ahsoka added, "Master Yoda, he tried to kill me before, but I am ready for him this time. I still believe the good in Anakin exists, but Master Shaak is less certain."

Yoda responded, "Your heart you must follow, Master Tano. But corrupted badly, your old master has been. To deceive you, he will try. As weakness, he will see your kindness."

Ahsoka nodded. "I know that, Master. My plan is to penetrate his outer defenses."

Yoda seemed to scoff slightly. "The Force, may it be with you … Master Tano."

Shaak was ready to sign off. "Any last words for us, Grand Master Yoda?"

"For you, only the same, Grand Master Ti."

As they terminated the transmission, the two Togruta masters looked at each other and nodded. Then they prepared themselves to lie down for the night. Ahsoka welcomed the togetherness, as she was growing ever closer to her new mother. She slept quite soundly, as she usually did in her presence.


Almania, Ahsoka's residence, 1 BBY 6 months, 15 days, 8 hours

The next day, Ahsoka rose early, said her goodbyes to Shaak, and went to fetch her apprentices. The three of them boarded Corvala Dawn and Ahsoka gave the direction. "Set our course for Almania, Randy." The astromech answered, "Yes, Doctor Tanner," and they were soon on their way. A couple of hours later, they had arrived at their destination and they were then transported to Ahsoka's home. She spoke to them about the process by which they would achieve the designation of Padawan and they became visibly excited, at which Ahsoka smiled. "The two of you have traveled together on this journey. I am most proud of you both. The next steps will be another test, but we are sure you will rise to this opportunity."


Almania, Stonia City, 1 BBY 6 months, 15 days, 12 hours

She later contacted her new friend – and seeming love interest – Commodore Tri'ku Je'har of the Almanian Planetary Defense command. She wanted to have another working lunch, but he suggested something a little more intimate: a private dining room at one of the Almanian capital's finest restaurants. He brought Ahsoka to the city of Stonia aboard his private shuttle craft, which she was admiring. "I like how you've personalized this vessel, Tri'ku," she remarked. "It shows me you have more than just a typical military mindset."

As they two entered the restaurant, and were being shown to the private room, Tri'ku took her hand gently and squeezed it. Ahsoka felt a charge of excitement as this contact was made, and again her lekku turned bluer. They were seated in such a way that they could be alongside each other as they were served. They ordered Almanian ale to start their meal and then settled in next to each other. Tri'ku's heart rate accelerated as the beautiful Togruta was so close to him. They each smiled and both reached for the other's hand at the same time. Tri'ku leaned in for a kiss and Ahsoka welcomed it. As he pulled away, she smiled again. A menu was brought along with their drinks and Tri'ku asked what the business was that she wanted to discuss.

"Commodore … I was so enjoying the lead-in," Ahsoka snipped playfully, as her tails got even bluer.

"You're getting quite aroused," he laughed.

"I'm glad we are in private …" she paused. "But yes, I've got to catch you up. I think you will find this of great interest."

"I'm all ears," he chuckled. "Or at least, mostly …"

"Tri'ku, I've just come from Corellia, where we had a meeting of major importance."

"Ah …"

"At the meeting were Senators Mothma, Organa, and Bel Iblis. Are you familiar with them?"

Tri'ku smiled. "Indeed I am."

"Then you no doubt realize they are among the leaders of the Rebellion. We decided to declare open revolt against Emperor Palpatine."

The Commodore turned serious. "You realize what can happen, yes? They have over 20,000 Star Destroyers and millions of Stormtroopers. If they want to make an example of someone – or someplace – they will."

Ahsoka turned equally serious. "We are fully aware. And … we've seen the Death Star – the giant battle station – up close. I've got some pictures to show you."

After viewing the shots, he took her hand again.

"Ahsoka, I understand what this means to you, and believe me, I sympathize. But we are a small world and the last thing we can afford is the Empire showing up to make an example of us."

"Tri'ku, look, that's not what I'm asking. I don't want anything to happen to this place, either. I rather enjoy my time spent here – and with you (she smiled warmly on that) – so I fully expect Almania to stay out of the revolt. But I wanted to let you all know what's been taking place."

"We appreciate that, my friend. And the leadership will certainly want to see those pictures. I don't know how you were able to get them – I don't really want to know – but if they get out there, someone's head will roll. As you mentioned last time we were together, they are fanatic about keeping things secret."

"Absolutely, Tri'ku … so fanatic that they attempted genocide on the entire Geonosian species. So, yes, we are fully aware of what we are up against. But are we supposed to just let these things take place?"

Je'har shook his head. "Of course not, these are monstrous, egregious, and heinous. I am certainly willing to lend a hand – but only behind the scenes."

Ahsoka nodded. "That's what I plan to do as well. I can't tell you more at the current time, but my people are very much involved in the planning. Someone with your background could be useful to the rebel cause."

"Ahsoka, I've come to greatly enjoy our time together. I never would have believed that I would fall in love with someone like you but it's the truth. Your strength and determination are as attractive as your exotic beauty."

As they finished their meal together, they embraced again and kissed tenderly and with more passion than before. He wanted to come home with her but she put on the brakes. This is moving just a bit too fast, she thought.

"Ahsoka, I will tell everyone about this news. We will need to set up a more formal meeting so we can review everything."

"That will be fine. There is someone I want you to meet, Tri'ku. She is not only my spiritual mentor, she is also now my mother – and also an excellent military thinker. She has been here once before, as she wanted to see the defense system I'm having installed in Almanian orbital space."

"I will look forward to it. Now, let's get you home."


Almania, Ahsoka's residence, 1 BBY 6 months, 15 days, 22 hours

After Tri'ku Je'har had left Ahsoka's home, his thoughts were racing. He could tell she had much more she wanted to tell him, and he very much wanted her to trust him. He knew fully well that his planet would not want to join the rebellion – at least not formally – but at the same time, there was a sense of distaste about the Empire and Palpatine in particular. He wondered how many other worlds like Almania felt the same way. But he had no right to speak for the fifty million souls of Almania and he had sworn by his duty as a military officer to always consider the welfare and safety of his people.

At the same time, Je'har had fallen for the exotic Togruta beauty with the heart of a lion, and had been bold enough to tell her. He knew of her past as a Jedi Padawan and her daring exploits on various battlefields around the galaxy – all while she was still a teenager. Ahsoka was indeed quite attractive and she had a bashful and shy nature to go with her strong character. Tri'ku knew he was possibly getting in far over his head, but he told himself he didn't care. How many women like Ahsoka had he ever met? The answer was zero. He felt he would do almost anything for her, but joining the rebellion? It was soon going to be time to stand up and be counted. If that's what it might take to win Ahsoka's love, then so be it. But let's do it smart, his shrewd military mind told him.

Once Ahsoka was alone, she thought long and hard. Was she falling in love with Tri'ku Je'har? She hadn't wanted to consider this possibility before, but now it could not be ignored. An affair with him could complicate things tremendously, but at the same time, her heart was excited – maybe for the first time ever – and this was much more of a mature reaction than she'd ever had before. She thought back to her times with Lux Bonteri – as short as they were – and the feeling of anger she'd had over his stubbornness. Why would she get so upset if he wasn't more than just a friend to her? But then he seemed to forget about her to chase after Steela Gerrera – a brave, strong, and worthy woman, to be sure – so that was that. The whole thing reminded her of why Jedi weren't supposed to have such attachments, and she had closed off her heart to concentrate on her duties. But then came the Temple bombing debacle and the cruel accusations. She'd been as steadfast and true as anyone in the Order, but who (other than Anakin) gave a rat's ass about that? The whole thing showed her that committing oneself to anything could often lead to a broken heart.

So here she was again – older but no wiser? All she knew was this felt different, and exhilarating at the same time. "Bring … It … On!" She cried out triumphantly … so much so that Hedala heard her and rushed to her, filled with concern. But Ahsoka calmed her apprentice, saying it was a private matter and not to worry. She later went to sleep with deep contentment and some excitement as well, wondering what might happen next.

To be continued …