In this installment, Ahsoka gets to enjoy a little down time and find some enjoyment. Life can be very short and we have to take that time to "stop and smell the roses" … because the serious stuff will always be there. Darth Vader – in search of the mysterious Force presence – reflects on what has happened to his former apprentice, realizing that she was still out there somewhere.
Chapter 15: Living It Up
Vaynai, Beachcomber Hotel, 1 BBY 5 months, 28 days
It was the next day on Vaynai. As Ahsoka Tano awoke, she went to check her financial accounts and positions for the closing prices from the previous session of trading. She'd had a bell-ringer of a day and her position – which started at about a half-million credits – now stood at somewhere around 2.5 million. Her jaw dropped upon reading the news and for a second she wanted to jump for joy and do a victory dance – but that was not behavior befitting a Master of the Order, who would be expected to maintain an even disposition. The Jedi were traditionally not interested in financial gain individually, but there were certain members of that Order who were tasked with managing those affairs. Ahsoka knew very little about how that area worked, however, though she'd gotten the feeling that Master Shaak was familiar with it. She had learned recently to never be surprised at any talents that Shaak Ti might display. Over the many years Shaak had already been a Jedi Master, she spent much of her time immersing herself in various affairs of the Order and had struck up friendships with various other Masters that were involved in the areas in which she held an interest.
After heading to the hotel café and having a light meal, she contacted Tri'ku and left a voice message. "Hello, love … it's Ashli … would you like to meet me on Vaynai later today? Once you've finished your work … we've got some celebrating to do. I'm going to be a very rich Togruta …" she chirped most happily.
When Tri'ku played back her message, his heart leapt. I'm not missing this. He decided not to go in uniform and to look more relaxed. Vaynai was a place he hadn't been in a while and he was looking forward to seeing it again. But Ahsoka sounded quite happy. This could be the chance he'd been dreaming of.
The Togruta master missed no detail in getting herself ready for their encounter. Decked out in a sparkling azure gown and covered with various jewels and baubles, she was quite a sight. Her eyes were stunning. Even her lekku sparkled. Once the dark-haired Commodore had touched down on the archipelago and was headed for her hotel, he indicated his impending arrival. "See you very soon, my dear." As soon as he spotted her across the large lobby area near the casino, he knew he was underdressed, but upon meeting him, she was in a festive mood and absolutely radiant. It was time to party …
Ahsoka explained to Tri'ku about her killing in the markets from the day before and insisted they celebrate. Everything was her treat. They were seated in a VIP section of a fancy restaurant and she ordered a deliciously intoxicating Vaynaian equivalent of champagne – a form of sparkling beverage in a soft blue shade. Tri'ku was overwhelmed by his companion and her stunning appearance. So this is how a Togruta relaxes. All he knew was he hoped the night would never end. After they'd had a light dinner, she followed up by ordering a milder version of Spice – which served to further enhance the attraction they felt for each other as they sniffed its gentle aroma. [Note: Spice was a legal substance – in certain limited strengths – in various parts of the galaxy where a well-heeled clientele demanded its availability.] They soon were on their way up to her suite for the night and the relationship between the Almanian naval chief-of-staff and the Togruta Master was thoroughly consummated.
The next morning, as they both awakened together, they traded amorous looks and much laughter. "I think I'm in love," Ahsoka snipped tenderly. "So this is what it feels like." Tri'ku returned her feelings and noted, "It's been a long time for me, love. This part of life has not been kind to this old sailor." Ahsoka giggled a bit – feeling the after-effects of the Spice – and looked affectionately over at him. "Aww … old sailor … you seem pretty young to me." The two embraced, then made plans to go beach walking together and spend a romantic time. At long last, Ahsoka Tano had fallen in love.
Scarif orbit, aboard ISD Devastator, 1 BBY 5 months, 26 days
But elsewhere in the galaxy, the mood was decidedly different. Admiral Rae Sloane and the Star Destroyer Devastator had arrived at the Scarif Imperial Base with their VIP passenger, where the Death Star project was still in progress, but in its last stages. All that remained was the completion of the main laser battery, which required more Kyber crystals in order to reach the projected level of strength needed to be able to destroy an entire planet. Darth Vader was in search of answers. His questioning of the on-duty crew from the day in question – the day that Corvala Dawn had essentially buzzed the Death Star by passing directly over it, and close enough to take several photos – had failed to yield much new information. Vader realized that the ship, whoever it belonged to, was somehow cloaked and was more or less invisible to the battle station personnel, but he knew that next time – and he was certain there would be a next time – he would learn much more, cloaking device or not. He also knew that it was – it had to be – a rebel vessel of some sort. But then the question beckoned. Who would be able to take such a gamble, and how did they know where to go in the first place? One thing was for sure – the Emperor would not be pleased to learn of this. So Lord Vader wrestled internally with the decision. Should he confide in his master? Surely, Governor Wilhuff Tarkin, who had been given oversight responsibility for the entire Death Star project, would like to keep this entire affair under wraps, and if asked, he would recommend the same to Lord Vader. Just when everything was going so well, with the long-awaited date of final completion of the project very much in sight, the last thing anyone wanted was to worry about the rebels.
However, Darth Vader didn't have the luxury of sweeping inconvenient details under the rug. There was the matter of the as yet unexplained new Force presence to deal with, and when the Emperor claimed he had detected something of that nature, it was something that could not be ignored. The more the Dark Lord thought about it, the more he concluded that Ahsoka Tano had to be involved, somehow. He recalled that day when they had dueled on Malachor, and he had found her far more skilled than he had believed she would be. How did she attain such ability … such power? Had someone been training her? He recalled her white sabres, and how they seemed like a natural extension of her. Where did she find the crystals to make them? So many questions, but few answers. He boldly told her that she would die, that her time was up. But he couldn't make it happen. Instead, she dealt him a near-lethal blow, cutting into his helmet and mask, then using her speed advantage to tire him out. Then, the Sith temple they were in on Malachor started to collapse, and he had no choice but to leave – or be buried in the rubble, with a compromised breathing apparatus. So, he lifted off the barren world in his TIEx1 custom ship – limping, and breathing most laboriously – and headed for his custom built fortress on the molten planet Mustafar, where he repaired to his lair and soaked in bacta, thinking about Ahsoka. Later, when he had returned to Coruscant, he had taken pains to keep the circumstances of his duel with the Togruta hidden from the Emperor.
Many, foolishly, would be quick to dismiss the former Padawan as any type of serious threat. After all, she was still very much an apprentice back in the days when they served together, and how could she measurably increase her powers? Who was available to train her? And yet, he had to consider her natural gifts. The Togruta had excellent skills of sensory detection, an unequaled ability to balance herself on the slimmest of precipices, and a leaping capacity he'd scarcely seen elsewhere. These talents had made them such a great team when they worked together, and he'd long admired her skill, especially when he felt she had done everything she could to make him a successful master.
Vader groaned, and then gritted his teeth in anger and frustration. Once again, he saw that he was looking back at those days – those days with her. But, after all these years, her talents had become impressive, he knew in his heart. So, what to do about her? The first thing was to locate where she might be. This too was proving to be quite difficult. If she were out there somewhere, she ought to leave some type of Force signature that he could detect – but he kept coming up empty. The one thing he realized was that she still held out hope that he could revert to being Anakin Skywalker – and that might be the only way to draw her out of hiding. He simply had to meditate further on this. If Ahsoka were still around, and had new levels of power that even he might be unaware of, she would also have the ability to wreak havoc on the Death Star project and set back its development severely. This fact alone set off alarm bells ringing in his head.
Felucia, Assembly Hall, 1 BBY 5 months, 25 days, 10 hours
Back on Felucia, Maris Brood was setting up a contest between the two most able Padawans of the Order, with the winner of it to be the one she would nominate to be the next Knight of the Order. She knew that this detail should be kept from the contestants as they should not let its influence play a role in the outcome. The two acolytes were both human males: Sanjip Vignab from Jabiim on the Outer Rim and Xendar Silkaw from Asrat, on the Inner Rim. They had been with the Order of the Galaxy for over ten years each, and had shown promise in swordsmanship and fighting tactics, with good stamina and balance. However, Shaak expected anyone who aspired to the level of a Knight to be equally invested in knowledge – of the ancient ways and also how these were applicable to the current situation in the Galaxy.
A level of cunning and the ability to think on one's feet was necessary, because opponents could be expected to change their tactics, sometimes quite quickly. As Padawans, both men had already undergone the process of constructing a lightsabre, but this process had changed a bit from the classic days of the Jedi, where the aspirant would travel to the planet Ilum and search for a crystal in the many caves. The Empire had closed that option off, as it was seizing every crystal it could get its hands on for the construction of the Death Star. So Shaak had gone about procuring crystals on her own from various sources – something about which she and Maris had shared few pertinent details.
Maris liked both men and thought from the start that they showed promise. Their Force abilities were readily apparent and they were willing to put in the hard hours in Felucia's steamy jungle heat. She ended up making the decision on the answers they gave to a series of questions contained on one of the GM's Jedi holocrons, which pertained to historical events in the Galaxy. The other determinant was how they performed on a series of memory exercises, which required them to view a series of clues and pictures, then recall enough detail to be able to arrange them back in a sequence. The time they took to complete the challenges was also critical. After a difficult morning, Maris declared the contest over and went to her own small hut-like residence to judge the results. Thirty or so minutes later, she declared Silkaw the winner, whereupon his opponent congratulated him and shook hands. "You will be joining me soon, Sanjip," the winner stated with a smile. "The score was close," Maris announced, "but there was a clear winner. I will submit your name to Master Shaak. Congratulations, Xendar, you are the Knight Designate."
Felucia, Holocron Vault, 1 BBY 5 months, 25 days, 10 hours
While this was taking place, Shaak Ti had returned to her underground study and again selected a reliquary, into which she placed a Jedi and Sith holocron. As these two began to engage, she seemingly tuned in to the former Jedi Temple on Coruscant and activated a series of channels. Once these were all aligned, she concentrated deeply, as if communing with some ancient Force spirit of centuries past. With her voice dropped a few octaves, she spoke the following phrase three times over, which was then heard around the Imperial Palace (formerly the Temple building):
"Man, man, your time is sand, your ways are leaves upon the sea – I am the eyes of Sabla Mandu, all your ways are known to me …"
When Palpatine heard the phrase, he was immediately stunned. "Sabla Mandu," he spoke aloud slowly, then thought. I know that name … It would take some quick research to jog his memory, but then it became clear. This was a slight adaptation, but the name Sabla Mandibu was an ancient Jedi seer, a Force user of rare quality. She was a Miraluka, a species that resembled humans in every way except they lacked eyes, thus they developed the ability to "see" via the Force. It was said that this species' home world revolved around a red star that gave out little light, so they had evolved without eyesight. All they had were vestigial sockets where eyes would normally be. But the Emperor had usually disdained this type of knowledge, rarely stopping to consider what might be of value in it. However, he understood prophecy and often believed that he had a gift in this area. So who would dare to offer up what seemed like a sort of challenge? Again, his apprentice Lord Vader was not there to experience this with him, and as near as he could tell, no one else in the palace had heard it either. The message was clearly intended for him – and him alone. The eyes of Sabla Mandu … the notion would haunt him for days to come.
Vaynai, Beachcomber Hotel, 1 BBY 5 months, 25 days, 18 hours
As Tri'ku and Ahsoka settled in on a secluded spot on the beach, they traded a few kisses, then he spoke of how remarkable it was for them to be together, given their backgrounds and history. "I'm an apple and you're an orange," he said jokingly, then recited a short poem:
Said the apple to the orange:
"Oh I wanted you to come … Close to me and kiss me to the core
Then you might know me like no other orange … Has ever done – before."
She laughed at that and realized this man was so much more than any typical military "lifer" she'd ever met. He had a sense of humor and an outlook that was refreshing, plus a gift for conversation and an appreciation of culture and the finer things in life.
"Tri'ku, have you ever thought of leaving Almania and seeing more of the Galaxy?"
"Well, Ahsoka … yes, from time to time. But if I were to do that, it would have to be with you."
Ahsoka smiled at him and started to realize it was time he knew more about her. He'd taken a big risk getting involved with her and yet he barely knew who the real Ahsoka was. All he'd seen was the business-like Doctor Ashli Tanner, but he knew she had a history.
"Tri'ku, I'd like to take you somewhere – soon. There are some people I'd like you to meet."
"My dear – I'd be most happy to do that. Can we get away in about 15 days? I've got many things on my to-do list regarding work. The ingenious system that you and your friends have installed is working brilliantly and we are getting up-to-speed on how to operate it. Your friend Chelli would be most valuable to us if she could spend a few days with us in a consulting capacity."
"She's a busy lady, but if you make it worth her while, I think she'd be most amenable. I'll put her in touch with you."
"So where are you headed?"
"Home, for a few days. Then I'm off on some other business. We can get caught up after that." Ahsoka sighed. "This has been a perfect day … let's make it one more perfect night."
He looked at her and nodded intently. "I will miss you while you are away, my amazing and wonderful lady."
The shadow of your smile, when you have gone
Will color all my dreams, and light the dawn
Look into my eyes, my love, and see
All the lovely things you are to me
Almania, Ahsoka's residence, 1 BBY 5 months, 24 days, 11 hours
The next day, they said their goodbyes and Ahsoka was back on Almania at home. She asked Frehya to come with her into the back yard of her mansion – an expanse that covered several acres, much of it wooded. They walked a ways and Ahsoka then pointed to a tree that was clearly almost dead. She motioned for Frehya to step back a bit and then aimed an electric blast right at the base of the tree. Frehya gasped as she saw the lightning seemingly emanate directly from her master's open palms. Eventually the tree cracked and started to collapse. Ahsoka calmly used the Force to guide the fall into an open area. "I figured we might need some firewood. You had told me how cold this planet gets and I can tell we are heading into the winter months soon."
Frehya laughed – a bit nervously. "Yes, I did, actually. And it will get cold. Perhaps the lady would like to order some warmer garments – or do you feel like spending winter on Vaynai? Some people – only a lucky few – have that option here."
Ahsoka shook her head. "What kind of honorary Almanian would I be – to act like a snowbird and fly off? I intend to stick it out with you and Hedala. Now, could you summon her? I would like for you two to get your sabres and slice this thing up into manageable pieces."
Frehya thought this request a bit odd, put perhaps her master was giving her a test of some kind. And when someone can shoot lightning from her bare hands, one had best pay attention. One thing was for sure, Ahsoka didn't seem to mind being so obvious in public about her Force skills any more. Still, it was best that very few may have been watching this demonstration.
Ahsoka herself was still feeling the rush from the previous two days with her lover. She felt like just enjoying life for a bit and so what if she got a trifle carried away? There would be plenty of time to get serious, what with the Empire and the Death Star and all. For now, Ahsoka wanted to use some down time to further bond with her two apprentices. After the wood was all cut up, she directed her servants to have it brought into the house and placed in a storage area used for this purpose. Almost every home on Almania had one and fireplaces were still quite common in the areas outside of the cities.
She called Hedala and Frehya into the main living area of the home and stepped over to the bar area, offering them a drink from a well-stocked selection. Frehya opted for whiskey while Hedala settled for ale. When they sat down, Ahsoka smiled at each of them in turn.
"Girls, I wanted to take this time to tell you both how pleased I am with you. It's not easy learning to do the things you both are doing. You come from very different backgrounds and yet you have become close friends, something about which I am most gratified. The work has been hard, I know. Maris and Shaak are demanding people to work with, but they only want to see you become your very best selves. Now let me ask you both – do you wish to become Knights of the Order?"
Hedala energetically nodded her head. "Absolutely, Master Ahsoka. When I was little, I dreamed of this."
Frehya also indicated her desire, but she was a little less fervent. "Master, I am learning so much. About myself in particular. If you had asked me months ago if I thought I could become a Jedi Knight, I would have laughed long and hard, but now I think I just might have it in me."
Ahsoka looked at her sympathetically. "I was a bit concerned when you were injured that day on Tatooine. You were quite fortunate not to be hurt more severely."
Frehya shook her head. "Ahsoka, I can only blame myself for that. It's a dangerous business, going to a wild place like that and not being fully prepared. I can – and will – do better. I know I can get into even better shape. I'm not young and strong as Hedala is, but I'm not making excuses. I will become a Knight. I want to do something important with my life."
Hedala smiled at Frehya and came over to sit next to her, and patted her firmly on the shoulder. "You're gonna be great. You're very smart. I can learn from you, Freh."
"Thanks, Dala." She hugged her now best friend. Ahsoka came over and they did a group hug.
Felucia, 1 BBY 5 months, 25 days, 14 hours
After her little hazing routine with the Emperor, Shaak had had a busy day. Via drone-driven speeder, she went to various spots in the area, covering some 100 km overall. These were routine checks to ensure that her various defense and recon apparatus was functioning correctly – and that the personnel assigned to these duties were performing their jobs as directed. She made it a habit to drop in unannounced, which of course kept her people on their toes. Failing the Grand Master was not an option. Of course, she had installed consoles in different locations – her home, the Assembly Hall, her underground study – where she could also monitor and control all aspects of the sophisticated planetary defense system. She had spent years getting it all in place and its maintenance was a crucial routine. Shaak considered this entire planet her "turf" and was prepared to guard it jealously.
Just what did Shaak Ti think might happen to her little world? She went to great lengths to make it as inconspicuous to the Empire as possible, but if they were attacked by Star Destroyers or the Death Star, she would be in serious trouble. Although she was working on a way to neutralize a Star Destroyer by compromising its reactor systems or the hyperdrive, this approach was only in the preliminary stages. Ahsoka had mentioned that her friend Cham Syndulla had led a successful takedown of one of these crafts about ten years earlier. Although the Empire had presumably made some modifications to make that harder, Shaak suspected there were still plenty of opportunities to exploit these ships and that such a capability in her and Ahsoka's hands would be a fearsome weapon indeed. Shaak decided to ask Ahsoka to set up a meeting between her and Syndulla, and maybe ask his daughter Hera to attend as well. There could be some valuable keys to defeating or at least frustrating Admiral Thrawn as well. The Imperials were too cocky and they needed to start feeling a little vulnerable.
To be continued …
