It seems that "Doctor Tanner" has attracted some unwanted attention. But the Day of Reckoning, at least the first such day, has now arrived.
Chapter 18: Redemption?
Issagra, Corporate Sector, 0 BBY 9 months, 26 days, 16 hours
Hedala Fardi stared in the mirror with her emerald eyes as she repeatedly brushed her luxurious blonde locks. How far I've come, and how lucky I am, she realized as she thought lovingly of her amazing master Ahsoka Tano and her new best friend Frehya Lumoxa. Freh is like an older sister to me, yet she's older than my mother, although she never acts like it. Fortunate are those from out-of-the-way worlds such as Thabeska and Almania, who have that chance to realize long ago dreams. Hedala learned early in life – thanks to Ahsoka – what having a Force sensitivity would mean, and why it so bothered the Emperor that he had to hire agents to seek everyone out that had it. But he never found me, she nodded proudly to herself in the reflection. And I owe it all to Ahsoka. A feeling of peace came over her.
At that moment, the droid R8-ND rolled up behind her and beeped. "What is it, Randy?" She asked gently.
"I believe I've discovered some type of device planted on the ship. I was doing a routine security check and there was something out of place."
"Let's have a look," Hedala replied.
As the droid led her outside, she took a look around and tried reaching out with the Force to see if anything stuck out. Finding nothing, she observed carefully where Randy directed her eyes.
"Let's just leave it there for now. I want to get Freh's and Ahsoka's thoughts on it. What kind of device is that?"
"Perhaps some kind of tracker, Miss Fardi. I'm not familiar with the model."
Ahsoka and Frehya could then be heard conversing as they got within earshot of the ship. They both noticed Hedala and R8-ND. Hedala called Ahsoka over.
"Master, we found this just now. We believe it was recently placed here."
Ahsoka gave it some thought and scanned the device using the Force, as Shaak had taught her how to do. She turned to her older apprentice. "Freh, what do you make of it?"
"Someone is trying to track you – or us. I've seen something like this before, but not recently. There are firms out here that manufacture them."
"Well, then." Ahsoka snipped. "If someone is interested in finding us, perhaps we had better not disappoint them. Let's leave it in place but monitor it carefully. Freh, in your experience, can we track who might be receiving signals from this?"
"Maybe not who, but where. Yes."
"OK. We will leave it in place and see what develops. I'm not sure just who might be involved, but I'm certain it's me they are after."
Ahsoka knew that her new galactic spy-net would be quite useful and she started wondering whether anyone from Coruscant might have designs on her. Chances are her recent travels might have aroused some curiosity. Ever since the end of the Clone Wars and the first Empire Day, Ahsoka had always taken care to cover her tracks. But once the Inquisitorium had got on her trail, word of her presence had got back to Lord Vader and it wasn't long before he was looking for her personally. What had happened on Malachor was no accident. First the Seventh Sister and her two cohorts showed up and then Vader himself. They weren't looking for Maul, Kanan Jarrus or Ezra Bridger, either.
But then came the showdown. Ahsoka had gotten the jump on Vader and split open his mask to reveal it was indeed Anakin after all, but he tried to end it right then and there for her, yet was unsuccessful. As doing in fellow Jedi had been his personal agenda – and that of the Emperor, who of course never got his hands dirty – she had reason to believe Anakin would try again, especially since she had done damage to him. So she preferred to stay out of sight – until more recently. Now she felt she had enough power to handle such a confrontation, and Master Shaak had instilled a confidence in her that she hadn't known since the Clone War days, when she and "Skyguy" had taken on all comers and walked away victorious nearly every time. So if indeed Vader was behind this, she wanted to ensure she could orchestrate just how – and where – it would go down this time. Even so, she felt her Master should be aware of all of this. Shaak's amazing powers would give her all the edge she needed – if it came to that.
Coruscant, 0 BBY 9 months, 27 days, 20 hours
Back on Coruscant, Darth Vader had received word that someone matching the description of his old apprentice was on the Corporate Sector world of Issagra. The thought of that particular corner of the galaxy intrigued him as he wondered just what she might be up to. Vader had done his best to cover up what happened last time they met, when he was sent to his private lair on Mustafar, split open and hobbled, to spend 48 hours in a bacta tank. The thought of that angered him greatly. After all, when he told someone he or she was going to die, he usually made it stick. But this wasn't just anyone. She once knew him better than he knew himself – and no one, save the Emperor – could be permitted to have that power over him now. So it was off to the Corp-Sec he would go – and no one needed to know about this other than him and her. As he again meditated and reached out to the Force, it seemed to be compelling his journey forward, and if there were any hint at all of a possibly unforeseen danger, he was oblivious to it.
Almania, Ahsoka's residence, 0 BBY 9 months, 26 days, 18 hours
Ahsoka, Hedala, and Frehya boarded the Corvala Dawn and returned to Almania about an hour later. As she headed to her estate, Ahsoka realized that the meeting on Issagra was ultimately a pointless affair. There had been no serious offers for her stock of Kyber crystals and she even had samples of her wares to show. So what was that really all about? The tracking device had been left in place on the ship and when she got home, she and her apprentices went into her home office and they brought up the system that patched into her galactic network. She then activated a com and reached out to Felucia to contact her mother.
"Master – do you read me?"
Shaak's soothing voice was soon heard. "Good evening, my child. Have you news to report?"
"Mother, I'm being tracked. R8 found a device on my ship, planted while we were on Issagra. When I got home just now I scanned the database from our network and we followed the signal on the tracker back to Coruscant."
Shaak responded. "Can you send me some particulars on the device and the frequencies? I will run it thru on my end."
Ahsoka created a transmission from the data she already knew and it was on its way. "Here you go, Mother."
"OK, give a me a couple minutes."
Shaak was sitting at her home in the Felucian woods. As she fed the information into her system, confirmation was swift in coming. "Darling, you are correct. It's using Imperial channels. I think you will have to consider it likely that your old Master may be on to you. Maris and I will be there soon. We will give him an appropriate welcome."
Shaak then summoned Maris. "My friend, we have an errand to run. Get my ship ready. We leave forthwith."
As they were soon on their way, Shaak thought about her accomplishments with satisfaction. This could well be the moment I have waited for – but at the same time, it belonged to her daughter first and foremost. The Grand Master's personal starship, Intrepid V, was no ordinary pleasure craft for the now very wealthy Togruta. It was a vessel fully customized to allow her to extend all of her unparalleled Force powers into any situation she wanted to insert herself. She knew fully well that Anakin Skywalker had been as good of a pilot as there was in the galaxy, and had likely lost none of his ability as Vader. He might well be able to sense her, but it would be too late, because her ship could not only cloak itself, it also could divert almost every wave of Force energy that might come its way – so as to be virtually undetectable, as well as invisible – just like the various energy fields she had installed around Felucia that kept her world safe from prying eyes.
Almania system, Drewwa moon, 0 BBY 9 months, 26 days, 22 hours
Vader was on his way, a long journey to the Outer Rim and a system he'd never been to before – a planet called Almania. He believed that he would find and confront his former apprentice Tano, who now seemed to be part of the rebellion against the Empire. His master, Emperor Sheev Palpatine, had directed him to subdue and capture "Lady Tano" and bring her to Coruscant. As he came out of hyperspace, both Corvala Dawn and Intrepid V, fully cloaked and concealed, were waiting for him. Ahsoka and R8-ND immediately spotted his TIEx1 and she quickly took control of the Almanian defense system she had installed.
As the Dark Lord started getting his bearings, the sensors on his ship started reporting several incoming targets but he could not make out any of them. Before he knew it, a high-powered laser beam slammed into his ship. As he reached out with the Force to seek the source of it, two more beams hit him from different angles. Then he found the control of his ship being directed from another source and the lasers kept pounding him and the shields on the TIE started to fail. He tried vainly to override the unknown source and regain control, but he soon realized he was being forced downward onto what looked like a moon of the planet Almania.
While this was happening, Grand Master Shaak contacted Ahsoka. "I have disabled his craft. What is the name of that satellite we are forcing him onto?"
"It's called Drewwa, Mother. A perfect location for what we are about to do. This moon has an atmosphere that we can breathe in."
It took all the ability that Darth Vader had to get his craft into position to avoid a crash landing on the rocky surface below. He realized that he was being drawn into a trap and started thinking furiously about who was behind this and how he had clearly been set up. His activities on Coruscant were usually top secret, but someone, somehow, had penetrated their communications. He wondered what else had been compromised.
Soon, the Corvala Dawn landed on the moon, Drewwa, a short distance away. Shaak and Maris decided to orbit the small moon and watch the coming confrontation from above. Ahsoka gave directions to her two apprentices.
"Frehya, you are to stand by to pilot the ship on my signal. Engage the mobile defense system now and await my command. Randy will assist you."
"Roger."
"Hedala, you are my backup. Remember everything I taught you. This is not a drill. Maintain a 100-metre distance behind me."
"Yes, Master Ahsoka."
Vader disembarked from his damaged TIE and started to inspect its condition. It did not look good. In fact, now his com apparatus on the ship had also been overridden by some as yet unseen power. What in the stars is going on? He thought furiously. He somehow had to reach Imperial command and get some backup. Fortunately for him, he still had some basic equipment he could set up on the moon to establish a signal. As he found a fairly unobstructed view and began to set things up, he suddenly felt a Force presence of massive proportions. Before he knew it, he was suddenly being lifted off the ground about two metres. He somehow was able to draw his red lightsabre.
Ahsoka then approached. In one motion, she drew both her arms to one side and then rapidly did a 90-degree sweep. Vader felt his body being slammed viciously against a rock outcropping. He was dazed but made it to his feet. At that point, he clearly saw Tano. She was on him in an instant, but instead of drawing her twin white blades, she stopped directly in front of him and held out her palms toward him. He was quite unprepared for what would happen next.
From her hands, a 20kW blast immediately leapt forth and slammed into the control panel on his breast plate. As Ahsoka applied the current, she then aimed it lower and his legs suddenly lost all power and the Dark Lord was on his backside.
"Do I have your attention now, Anakin?" She snipped confidently.
Almania system, Drewwa moon, 0 BBY 9 months, 26 days, 23 hours
At that moment, Shaak ordered Maris to land the Intrepid V. As they touched down, close to Corvala Dawn, her astromech was quickly in direct contact with R8-ND.
"Proceed to back up Master Tano, my apprentice."
"Yes, Master Shaak. I am on it."
Maris was in full battle gear and had a jet pack on her back. She quickly flew to the scene unfolding between Ahsoka and Vader and landed a few metres away.
"I have your back, Master Ahsoka," She called out.
Vader looked around, truly awestruck at the rapidity of what was taking place. Clearly, this was a well-constructed plan. He attempted to use Force energy on the woman with the jet pack, but she drew a pink lightsabre and swatted away any projectiles he aimed at her.
Maris quickly came to Ahsoka's side and then she too cut loose with electric current, a lower amperage than Tano's, but it stung nonetheless. Hedala, following procedure, drew her green sabre and stood at Maris's side.
Vader looked at Tano and spoke in a low-pitched hiss. "What is your plan, my former apprentice?"
Ahsoka stared at him for what seemed like an eternity, but was actually about ten seconds. She turned to Maris. "Stand down, my friend. He is now receptive."
She turned back to Vader. "Anakin – or should I say, Lord Vader? – I want to discuss things with you in a civilized fashion. I regret having to disable you but it was necessary."
He responded. "Lady Tano, you have become powerful as the Emperor has now foreseen. Most impressive."
Vader knew that firing electric current was never a Jedi power. In fact, the only time he'd ever seen it done was by Plo Koon during the Clone Wars, but that was a feeble 1 or 2kW, nothing like what Ahsoka had just hit him with. Even the other opponent, a Zabrak woman that he'd never known of nor seen before, was armed with a lethal power.
Ahsoka smiled. "I know you have been busy, former master. As you can see, I have as well. You may address me as Master Tano now."
"What is thy bidding, Master Tano?" He said evenly. Although he had lost the use of his legs, he was not in pain, but felt numb.
"I know you don't like me calling you Anakin, but that's who you will always be for me. Do you remember how many times I saved your life? You were a brother to me. I cannot – I will not – ever forget. You kept me safe. You loved me. I was not just a Padawan to you. Obi-Wan told me how you grieved when I left. I want to apologize – here and now – for having put you in that position."
Vader stared ahead at her. He could scarcely believe it. After this masterful display of power, she not only refused to finish him, but also was trying to reach him psychologically. Well, I'm not having it, he thought angrily. But she was digging around inside his consciousness now, using her power to calm him, or at least attempt to.
She spoke again. "I know you are in great pain, Lord Vader. Do you understand that it was your master that made you that way – and wants you to stay that way?" She nodded solemnly. "Oh, yes, I know all about that. He lied to you, told you that you had killed Padmé." She paused, as if to let it sink into his consciousness.
Vader's head was swimming. He'd long considered what she was now apparently confirming. For a brief instant, he wondered whether he and Ahsoka might have the power together to overthrow the Emperor. They would make a mighty team. She would look magnificent in Empress's robes and he would be her enforcer. Yes. It might be possible. Tano and I. Together again. He decided to approach her on this tangent.
"Master Tano … you are still young and beautiful. Would you like to be Empress of the Galaxy? Together, we can make that happen."
She smiled at him and laughed.
"You are not the first to make such a proposal to me," she said as she recalled Maul, back on Atollon.
At that point, Grand Master Shaak then appeared. She seemed to float silently onto the scene and landed gracefully behind Maris, Hedala and Ahsoka. Then she waved a hand and her minions stepped aside. She then spoke.
"Skywalker – do you remember me?"
Vader certainly did. Here was another survivor of Order 66 – somehow. But this one had the most powerful Force profile he had yet encountered. All he could do was simply acknowledge the reality before him.
"Shaak Ti … this is indeed a surprise. Now I see the source of Master Tano's training and abilities. And also, that of the Emperor's new concerns. Are you the Eyes of Sabla Mandu?" He asked in a respectful tone. He knew that Shaak might not be as merciful as Ahsoka. She had always been a thorn in his side during their time together on the Jedi Council, mocking his inexperience with her droll tones and penetrating stares.
Shaak chuckled softly and stared at him. She waved a hand gently in his direction and a sensation of calm, peaceful relaxation coursed through his body. The wounds he'd had for so long, given to him by Kenobi on that fateful day on Mustafar, stopped aching. Instead of anger and bitterness – what he'd expected Master Ti to show him – this monumental figure of power was showing a compassion he knew he did not deserve. How many Jedi had he killed in the name of his Master, Lord Sidious? A lesser figure would have destroyed him completely by this time, but this was clearly not her intention.
"Lord Vader." She said softly. "As you are now discovering, I am not a Sith Lady, nor am I any longer a Jedi. I am Grand Master, the ultimate power in this galaxy. Am I also The Eyes? You and your master, Lord Sidious will have to determine that for yourselves. But I offer you a chance at redemption, as my daughter has requested. You may ask why. It is simple, really. With great powers come great responsibilities."
Vader quietly shook his head as he gazed at her through the mask.
"It is too late for me, Grand Master. I have only one destiny now. As it is clearly your destiny to rule this galaxy. Anyone can see that now. I cannot be of any service to you and would only get in your way."
"Knight Skywalker – I cannot make this choice for you, but if you were in my service your name would be redeemed. Your body restored, with all of the youthful vigor you once had. And we will destroy Lord Sidious. You are correct, sir. He has indeed foreseen this, only he knows not from where it will come. But sadly, even I cannot bring Padmé Amidala back to you. Another worthy successor to her you may have, one equally concerned with justice and righteousness. One who will allow you to shine in her reflection."
Vader was losing his ability to fend off such logic. Shaak Ti's offer seemed genuine and was very attractive. She then commanded her subordinates. As he heard them talking, Vader succumbed to unconsciousness.
"Knight Maris, prepare Lord Vader's body. Make him comfortable. We will keep him in a comatose state for a time, to allow him time to heal."
"Yes, Grand Master, it will be done."
"Master Tano, take Padawan Fardi with you and prepare a room on Corvala Dawn for Vader's journey. We will take him to Felucia."
"Right away, Mother. Hedala?"
"Certainly, Master Ahsoka."
As Hedala and Ahsoka returned to Corvala Dawn, Maris Brood prepared a litter with materials she retrieved from the Intrepid V. She had to extend its length to hold the nearly two-metre extent of Vader's outstretched form. When it was ready, she awaited further orders from Shaak.
"What should we do with Lord Vader's starship?"
"Ask Master Tano to fetch a freighter to transport it to Corp-Sec and it shall be repaired. Then I will decide its disposition."
"Lord Vader is now ready for transport."
"Good. Place him aboard Corvala Dawn. You will await Master Tano's orders and accompany her and the Padawans. I will pilot the Intrepid back home to Felucia. Once Ahsoka has made all arrangements, she will bring you all to Felucia and we will see to Lord Vader and his future."
"Very good, my lady." Maris smiled. The seeming ease with which Darth Vader had been dispatched, but the incredible compassion shown him by the GM made her swell with pride. Serving as a Knight in The Order of the Galaxy was truly a position of great honor. We are doing right by the Galaxy now.
As her former master's body was brought on board her ship, Ahsoka sighed to see him in this condition. I want to help you, Anakin. You deserve better than this. Maris then settled in next to Frehya in the co-pilot's seat, as the Almanian Padawan brought Corvala Dawn to the planet's surface. Once they were there, Ahsoka contacted Tri'ku and said she would be away for a few days. She said she would fill him in later on what she was doing. It went without saying that everything involving Darth Vader would be kept on a need-to-know basis. After everyone had packed what they needed, Frehya then piloted the ship to Felucia. Maris and Ahsoka relaxed together in the lounge and sipped some Almanian ale.
"Very impressive, Knight Maris. I had no idea you could harness electric current so effectively."
Maris laughed. "You'll find I'm full of surprises. But all in the service of the Grand Master."
"As am I," Ahsoka smiled. As am I.
To be continued …
