Welcome again everyone and thanks to AGE1984 and Bonhamrules for adding me to your favorites list. The list of views and visitors is growing quickly. I want to take this opportunity to briefly summarize the major events thus far:
By the time we start chapter 22, the major arc of the story has been established. Ahsoka escapes a would-be grave at the hands of her old master Darth Vader on Malachor, then meets new people on heretofore unvisited worlds that become her friends and even one who becomes a lover. After learning the truth of Anakin's Dark Side turn from Bail Organa, she eventually connects with fellow Togruta and former Jedi Master Shaak Ti, who has built her own world right under the nose of the Empire and has grown extremely powerful in the Force yet very reserved. Shaak adopts Ahsoka as her daughter and teaches her vast new abilities in the Force, but some of these are of questionable origin.
Ahsoka is thus strengthened and is ready to stand up to Vader when they inevitably meet again. First, she humiliates Maul, who later dies by Obi-Wan's hands after being severely weakened by Ahsoka. When the time comes to face Vader she has two powerful allies in Shaak and another former Jedi, Maris Brood. She and Shaak succeed in forcing Vader to re-evaluate his life after they convince him that Palpatine is no friend and has been using him to carry out his dirty work. Vader becomes ashamed of the vile deeds he has perpetrated but now finds himself torn between service to the emperor and the love of his former apprentice Ahsoka. When Ahsoka questions Shaak about the propriety of their enhanced Force abilities, her new mother explains that the Force is more complex than either the Jedi or Sith have believed and that their true destiny lies in understanding the totality.
Chapter 22: Children of Destiny
In hyperspace en route to Felucia, 0 BBY 5 months, 26 days
Heading back to Felucia, Ahsoka was alone in meditation in the master stateroom of the Corvala Dawn while Tri'ku and Maris were getting better acquainted in the lounge. Tri'ku poured the Zabrak woman a drink with some whiskey they'd picked up on Sullust before they left. The commodore had always been a fan of good liquor and he'd had more than his share over the years of his military career. He thought back to his days as a young officer – "wine, women, and song" … was that how it went? Settling down was never an option for him as his career kept crowding out the other possibilities, so there were plenty of short flings, even a few one-night stands on distant planets like Raxus, and of course, Vaynai. Maris listened with interest about his navy days.
"Tell me something," She laughed. "Were you ever interested in someone like me back then?"
He returned the laugh. "If I'd met someone as sexy as you, who knows? I've always had a thing for exotic gals."
"So do you really love Ahsoka? Tell the truth … "
"I'm wild about her. Almost from when we first met. She was standing there in a sexy blue gown and holding her own as the assembled brass hats of my planet Almania were grilling her about her knowledge and background. It was most impressive."
"Oh, don't try to tell me you fell for her brain …" Maris smirked playfully.
He chuckled. "I've already told you too much…"
Ahsoka came to the realization that she had just met with Anakin (as Darth Vader of course), but not once did she get emotional. When had that ever happened before – at least since she walked away from the Jedi at age 17? Now she had reached her 35th birthday, meaning that half of her life had taken place since that fateful day on Coruscant. So how do I really feel about Anakin? And how does he feel about me? She started to conclude that he'd burned that bridge long ago and maybe it was wrong of her to keep pushing him. It must hurt his pride to be forced into working with us. Shaak treated him kindly but it was clear that she was very much in charge. But who knows at this point? Maybe our arguments about Sidious using him like a cheap suit actually registered with him. Ahsoka knew in her heart that this would not be resolved any time soon. And there would likely be many more meetings with Anakin in the future. So maybe his desire to keep things formal made some sense. And in the back of her mind was a curiosity regarding what Anakin might think of her getting romantically involved with someone like Tri'ku.
The next morning, the ship had landed on Felucia. Shaak met Ahsoka as she descended the ramp from her ship and the two embraced warmly. Shaak also gave Maris a hug and accepted a kiss from Tri'ku. Everyone came inside Shaak's little home and sat together in the main room as they filled her in on the latest rumors and info about the Death Star. After some reflection, she summarized with a question:
"So we more or less know how to destroy this battle station but we don't know where the entry points are on it so that a charge could be launched to do the job?"
The others basically nodded at this. She continued:
"How far do we want to let them go with this – if they really can destroy a whole planet, do we wait for them to actually do that?"
There was really nothing to be said at this point.
Coruscant, Imperial Palace, 0 BBY 1 month, 21 days
Just over four more months passed.
Ahsoka and Tri'ku were basically living together in her home on Almania by this point. Shaak visited them a few times and she and Ahsoka used the Circle of Light technique to take down two more Star Destroyers in different parts of the Galaxy. One was near Mandalore, while the other was over in Hutt-space. These plans were executed within a week, using Shaak's ship Intrepid V. The aim here was to confound the enemy and make them second guess themselves. No longer were they able to dismiss the occurrences as being due to lax procedures – the more intelligent among them would start to put it together and realize it was some form of rebel attack. Darth Vader would remain silent on the attacks, though he suspected Ahsoka and Shaak were responsible. Even he didn't know how they did it, however. But it was further confirmation in his mind that they were far more powerful than he realized up to that point.
Emperor Palpatine also started putting it together and was eager to get the Death Star into service. He wanted to find any rebel bases and destroy them using its powerful laser batteries. He also suspected Ahsoka Tano was involved and he wanted to know why Vader had yet to subdue her and bring her to Coruscant. When he called Vader in, the Dark Lord was strangely noncommittal.
"My friend, how goes the search for Ahsoka Tano?"
"Unsuccessful, my master. She has been cleverly evasive."
Palpatine scoffed. "I see. And yet we have lost two more Star Destroyers. How many more will there be?" the Emperor hissed malevolently.
Vader could only say, "Once the Death Star is active, we will more than make up for the loss."
The Emperor ignored this and waved him off. "Do you seriously expect me to believe that Ahsoka Tano is responsible for this? All by herself?"
"What are you asking, Master?" Vader knew he was in a tough spot.
"She has an ally. The only question is who?"
"Perhaps she was able to train Jarrus. Together they might be able to …"
Palpatine cut him off with a wicked laugh. "Impossible. Jarrus is no more than a journeyman. Tano may have learned new powers but teach them to him? Not possible."
Vader replied, somewhat hopefully. "I've heard that she nearly destroyed your old friend Maul – using Force Lightning."
He nodded his helmeted head for emphasis.
Palpatine's mood grew more serious. "Maul was once a fearsome young power. Kenobi took away much of that … But still, how is Tano using lightning? This is something to reflect on. She grows more dangerous than ever. Jedi are not supposed to do that. Not even Yoda and Windu had ever tried it."
Vader offered, "She told me that she was no longer a Jedi. Perhaps she is no longer bound by their ancient code."
"Yes. Master Tano grows more interesting. Perhaps she should be my apprentice," Palpatine spoke in a threatening tone.
"Master. Maul had told of how he offered to work with her to take both of us down. That she should be Empress of the Galaxy. But she denied him and threatened to kill him. He begged her to let him go and confront Kenobi."
Palpatine was mildly interested. "Kenobi lives?"
"Yes, Master. It has been confirmed. Maul went to face him and was killed by Obi-Wan. My old master still can be a danger to us. Perhaps he is now working with Tano."
Palpatine again scoffed. "I don't think so … Kenobi would not join forces with anyone who would embrace the Dark Side … as Tano clearly has."
Vader remained silent. The Emperor continued. "But … Tano might want to use Kenobi for her own purposes. Where did Maul die?"
"Not clear, my master. I have learned this information second hand. It seems the old bounty hunter, Cad Bane, had spoken with Maul when he was trying to find Kenobi."
"But if Kenobi killed Maul, how did you come to learn about it?"
Vader thought for a second, then answered. "The youngling, Ezra Bridger, Jarrus' apprentice, warned Kenobi that Maul was coming."
"And where did this happen?"
"That's the part I was unable to find out …"
Palpatine was growing visibly irritated with his apprentice's answers. He attempted to probe Vader's mind with the Force and found nothing unusual. But still, he had the distinct feeling that Vader was hiding something¸ maybe a number of things. He dismissed Vader and preferred to think about this alone.
After Vader left him, he sat for a few minutes, then asked his guards to let no one disturb him. The Emperor then went to a small chamber in the palace and calmed himself as he tried to meditate. Soon he would be disturbed, but not by anyone in the palace. Shaak's distorted voice emanated clearly from somewhere, and it was directed at him alone.
"Sheev … good evening, your 'highness.'
He sat straight upright, at the mocking way the word "highness" was spoken. Shaak continued.
"Do you remember me?"
"Sabla Mandu!" he half screamed. "What is your prophecy?"
Shaak chuckled to herself, then gave a riddle.
"One in the eye – then two will die. I am the one you cannot see. All your ways are known to me…"
The transmission seemingly over, Palpatine tried to relax but could not. Something – someone – had penetrated his psyche somehow and was now issuing proclamations. Who in the Galaxy had this kind of power? He realized, suddenly, that whoever it was, it was this person, this force, this entity, whatever, that was behind the strange destruction of Imperial ships – and he started to realize it could happen almost at will. He had an enemy, but could not begin to know whom it was, nor where it was coming from. He tried, almost frantically, to get answers from the Force, but he knew that unless he could relax, the Force would tell him nothing. But even without the Force, his own mind told him the answer – or at least part of it: this was who – or what – was helping Ahsoka Tano. And even the powerful Darth Vader could do little to stop it. Furious, Palpatine contacted Tarkin on board the Death Star.
"I want this battle station to be operative ... Immediately!"
"Yes, your majesty! We shall do it at once."
Tarkin's reply sounded reassuring. At least someone could be counted on. But then he contemplated the riddle. One in the eye. Two will die. Was this referring to the Star Destroyers? No. That had already happened. Then what? More Destroyers? No, it must be something bigger. The Death Star. That's what they are after. They know about it now. Well, it's too late for them to stop us. They will see, soon enough.
Yavin IV, 0 BBY 1 month, 17 days
Shaak sent Ahsoka to Yavin IV to compare notes with the Rebel Alliance leadership over the Death Star and other events. Mon Mothma, Bail Organa and Garm Bel-Iblis took the meeting with her and Tri'ku Je'har, recently established as a colonel in the Alliance in charge of intelligence matters and liaison to Grand Master Shaak Ti. Ahsoka opened the meeting with a report.
"Last week, we were successful in destroying two more Imperial capital ships, the Star Destroyers Annihilator IV, in the Hutt Space sector, and Exterminator VI, near second of these events has greatly strengthened the hand of the Rebel forces on Mandalore, now led by Bo-Katan Kryze. We also have an update on the Death Star project, which we gained from operatives working in the Sullust system. The battle station will conduct a final test of the main laser batteries in the Jedha system within the next month. If all goes well, they will then declare the station to be fully operative. Recent visits to other Outer Rim worlds have confirmed the hyperdrive and main reactor systems to be functioning as designed."
"Thank you, Master Tano." Bel-Iblis stated, then noted, "An interesting state of affairs. We are taking down Star Destroyers but they are getting ready to take us all down with that Death Star. Where do we stand on the plans?"
Tri'ku responded. "Based on our operatives, we now know that there may be multiple exhaust ports for the main reactor. If we could get close enough, we can deliver a proton torpedo into one of these and be able to start a chain reaction. But we won't have enough time to hunt for one of them."
Mon Mothma then spoke up. "I think I can speak for all of us when I say a most grateful thank you to Master Tano and all that she and Master Ti have done for the fight. Ahsoka, will you be able to help us get a hold of those plans?"
"Senator, Shaak and I have examined the security setup on the planet Scarif, where we believe the plans are being held. We will need an Imperial craft to gain entry and then a sufficient force on the ground to set up diversionary tactics to enable the computers to be searched and then, if we are successful, transmit the plans to orbiting vessels overhead."
Bail Organa remarked on the difficulty of such a mission. "They have that place locked down tight. This is quite likely a suicide mission. Ahsoka are you personally willing to try it?"
"If no other option is available, I may have no choice in the matter," she said in a grave tone.
The others looked around at each other with concerned expressions. Everyone knew what had to be done. Once activated, it would only be a matter of time – how much, no one was willing to hazard a guess – before the Death Star discovered their location and then arrived to blow them all out of existence.
After the meeting, Organa then introduced Tri'ku to some of the intelligence officers that he would be working with. One of these was Captain Cassian Andor, and another was General Davits Draven. They told him of a young woman named Jyn Erso, who was the estranged daughter of Galen Erso, the developer of much of the technology on the Death Star. Tri'ku asked them if he and Ahsoka could meet with Jyn Erso, and Andor took them to see her, as she was then on Yavin IV, having recently been rescued from an Imperial prison. Jyn was very defensive, as she had been through many ordeals in her short life and was dubious about the rebellion in general.
Ahsoka stepped up to shake her hand and looked at her with a gentle expression.
"Jyn, hello, I'm Ahsoka Tano. You probably have never heard of me, but I'm an experienced fighter for this rebellion. I believe this is a fight that can be won. I'm hoping you do too."
Jyn looked Ahsoka over carefully, and was somehow won over by the Togruta's calm bearing and demeanor.
"Ahsoka. I think I remember hearing your name when I was a child. My father said you were a great warrior for the Republic in the Clone Wars."
"That's right. I don't know how 'great' I was, but I got a lot of experience. Did he also tell you about the Jedi?"
"Not really. He said they were a group of mystical beings that had a strange religion."
Ahsoka chuckled. "Maybe when there is more time, I can demonstrate some of that religion to you. It's actually a great deal more."
Jyn smiled. "I'd like that. I'm pleased to meet you, Miss Ahsoka."
Cassian Andor then joined the conversation.
"Master Tano, we've been tasked with bringing Jyn to Jedha, so she can meet with Saw Gerrera."
Ahsoka raised an eyebrow at the mention of the name. "Oh really?"
"Yes. We've learned that an Imperial pilot has defected and he has a holo recording of a message from Galen Erso. Gerrera and his men are holding him in their compound, somewhere in the city on Jedha."
"Captain. Saw Gerrera is an old friend of mine. We go back to the Onderon campaign during the Clone Wars. In fact, Tri'ku and I recently met with him on Sullust. The Death Star was there at that time. We also received intelligence from an Imperial officer, who happened to divulge some information to a friend of a friend on that planet. We learned further about the Death Star's plans. They are going to go to Jedha and fire a test shot of the laser."
Andor responded. "Not good. We don't have much time, then. What did Gerrera tell you on Sullust?"
"Really more of the same we learned from that Imperial. They are close to having that thing ready, as we all know. In fact, I just spoke with the Alliance leaders and briefed them on the whole situation."
Jyn interrupted. "So will we leave for Jedha soon?"
Andor nodded. "Yes, in the morning. It's more than two days' journey from here, on the other side of the Galaxy."
Ahsoka shook his hand, then put an arm around Jyn, giving her a quick hug. "May the Force be with you."
Jyn smiled back at her. "I think it already is."
Felucia, 0 BBY 1 month, 16 days
The next day, Ahsoka and Tri'ku went to Felucia to bring Shaak up to speed on the meeting and what they had decided to do. She cautioned her daughter against taking on the assignment personally, and that despite her new powers, she would be dangerously exposing herself to the full might of Imperial forces. They might well have to come up with another way of destroying the Death Star. Ahsoka hugged her mother and told her she would take no unnecessary or extreme risks. Shaak then asked Ahsoka and Tri'ku to go to Tatooine and bring Obi-Wan into the plans and tell him that it would soon be time to involve young Luke Skywalker. Ahsoka said she would make all the arrangements.
As they left for Tatooine, they asked Maris if she would like accompany them and she readily agreed. Ahsoka felt more secure having a strong backup and that this mission might be too much to throw at Hedala and Frehya, because after she left Tatooine, the next destination would be Jedha, to find Saw Gerrera, and there were large numbers of Imperials there. Maris settled into the cockpit next to Ahsoka on board Corvala Dawn and they were off for the long trip to Tatooine. Along the way, Ahsoka filled in both Tri'ku and Maris about Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker, explaining that he was actually the son of Anakin, who also originally came from the desert world.
"So, Master Kenobi's job is to watch over Luke, but Luke doesn't know that he is doing that?" Maris asked, with a puzzled look on her face.
"I know, but at the time when Luke was brought there as a baby, they couldn't take the chance that Vader or the Emperor might learn of his location. I can tell you this much. Anakin grew to hate this place. It was where the Tuskens killed his mother and he was discomforted by the climate – especially the sand storms. They are something awful. Now as Vader, they give him even more trouble. Obi-Wan figured it would be one of the last places he would think to look."
Tri'ku asked, "But didn't you tell me the other night that Palpatine lied to Vader, telling him his children died with their mother?"
Ahsoka nodded. "Yes, but as we are learning, Anakin doesn't always trust what the Emperor tells him. He was the same way as a Jedi, always butting heads with the Council."
Tatooine, 0 BBY 1 month, 14 days
When they finally landed on Tatooine, Obi-Wan was there to meet them, having been contacted in advance by Ahsoka during the trip. After being introduced to Maris, Kenobi remarked that it seemed there were far more Jedi survivors than anyone could have realized. Maris smiled at him and said she was glad he had survived too. When the subject turned to Luke, Obi-Wan was surprised but knew the time had surely come. The Death Star was becoming a grave threat to everyone and it was time for Luke to know his true destiny.
Later that day, Ahsoka tuned into the Force and was able to locate Luke quickly, as he had a similar profile to that of his father and she would always be able to sense Anakin. She traced him to what seemed like a small settlement just a few km from their landing spot near Kenobi's home. She and Maris each mounted speeder bikes and left the Corvala Dawn cloaked, while Tri'ku stayed behind with Obi-Wan.
As the two ex-Jedi came to the town of Anchorhead, Ahsoka sensed Luke's presence at a small building on the outskirts. The two women anchored their bikes and walked inside, drawing more than a little attention from the group of young people hanging around inside. Ahsoka recognized Luke almost immediately, as his light hair and general makeup strongly resembled a young Anakin. The other young man had dark hair.
The store manager asked Ahsoka if she needed any help. She said she was looking for a set of power converters to use on her starship, and produced a holo image projection of it from her com device. Luke and his friend Biggs couldn't help but notice as the strange alien woman's ship looked incredibly modern and fast.
"Wow, that's an extreme ship," Luke noted.
Ahsoka smiled. "Would you two guys like to see it up close?"
"Would we?!" Biggs exclaimed.
"Where are you from, ma'am?" Luke asked Ahsoka.
"I'm from all over. I was born on a planet called Shili. Right now, I live on Almania."
Maris then smiled and spoke up. "And I live on Felucia, originally from Iridonia."
Biggs and Luke were clearly unfamiliar with all of those places.
Biggs politely asked, "If you don't mind, what species are you two ladies?"
"I'm a Zabrak."
"And I'm a Togruta. How many of our people do you see on this planet?"
"You're the first." Biggs noted.
"Well then. You boys have a chance to learn a few things about other parts of the Galaxy," Maris laughed.
"Let's introduce ourselves. I'm Ahsoka Tano, and this is Maris Brood."
"Luke Skywalker."
"Biggs Darklighter."
Ahsoka then turned to the manager, who was able to find a set of newer power converters. "Ma'am, this should be adequate for your ship, but if not, just bring 'em back and I'll try to find you something else."
She produced a 100-credit chip and laid it on the counter. "Keep the change," she smiled and said.
"Thank you!" the manager replied, scarcely believing his luck.
Luke laughed. "Ahsoka, you just made his week. Old Tosche eeks out a profit one sale at a time."
She smiled. "Would you boys like to see my ship? Maybe you can help me test these out."
As she and Maris left the shop, the two Tatooine natives followed. They mounted their bikes and Luke and Biggs got in a speeder. Soon they arrived and Ahsoka uncloaked the ship. As the two of them were admiring it, they started asking questions.
"It looks fast. How quickly can you get to Coruscant from here?" Biggs asked.
"About 20 standard hours. My ship is called Corvala Dawn." Ahsoka said proudly.
"That's incredible," Luke whistled. "Very few can outrun you."
"I like to think so," she smiled. "Come inside."
As the two followed her in, they started talking about their plans. Biggs had just returned from the Imperial Academy. This got Ahsoka's attention and she asked if he was going to be a pilot for the Empire. He shook his head and said he actually felt like he should be with the rebellion. Luke was surprised at this, and then Ahsoka told them both that she was also with the rebellion but now was part of the intelligence operation. While this conversation was taking place, a group of Tuskens had appeared and were taking an interest in the speeder bikes which were still parked outside. Maris wasted no time and was out the door immediately, staring them down. Ahsoka, Luke and Biggs came to the entrance of the ship and watched from the top of the ramp.
Luke gasped, "Those guys are rough characters. Does she know what she's in for?"
Ahsoka smiled. "Don't worry about her. Worry about them …"
Soon there were five raiders bearing down on Maris. She snarled and drew her sabre, which flared bright pink. Before they could back up, she was slashing away at them viciously. Severed Tusken limbs were falling to the sand below and the group howled in pain and ran off quickly.
Luke and Biggs both stared at Maris, who calmly switched off her sabre and reattached it to her belt.
Biggs whispered to Luke, "That was a lightsabre. I've only read about them. The Empire doesn't allow those, she's definitely a rebel."
Luke just stared in awe at the Zabrak and she smiled at him. "Sorry for the mess, kid," She laughed.
He whistled softly. "A lightsabre. Wow …"
Ahsoka laughed and looked at Maris, then shook her head. "Show-off! Master Shaak wouldn't have handled it that way."
Maris laughed back. "I know. She says we should always approach animals like that with compassion. I'm just too impatient. It's probably why I'll never be a master."
At this point, Obi-Wan and Tri'ku appeared, and the older man was pleased to see Luke and Ahsoka hitting it off well. He looked at Maris with a slight bit of concern, as this younger woman had a distinct aura about her, even though she seemed good-natured and friendly. Tri'ku came up to Ahsoka and quietly squeezed her hand, as she smiled happily back at him. Luke recognized Ben (which was the name OWK used locally) and said hello and then was about to introduce him to Ahsoka and Maris, when Kenobi told him they had already met and were actually guests of his on the planet. Luke and Biggs both had to leave, so Ahsoka and Maris both wished them well, and hoped to see them someday piloting Starfighters for the Alliance.
She then turned to Obi-Wan. "Well, what did you think?" He asked her.
"Hard to tell," She stated. "But there is native Force ability in him, I can feel that much. Will you be able to train him?"
"At the moment, his uncle Owen doesn't want me anywhere near him. Probably afraid he will turn into Anakin."
Ahsoka shook her head. "I don't know. He doesn't seem nearly as restless to me. It would be interesting. Do you think he takes direction well?"
Obi-Wan was silent a second, then noted, "It's been my observation that he has excellent reflexes, just like his father. He's a natural pilot. I would think he will do well with a lightsabre, if given the chance. I still have Anakin's old blade with me."
Ahsoka was surprised at this revelation. "Really? Then I guess Vader made his own. Why am I even surprised?"
Obi-Wan then cautioned her. "Just another observation. Tread cautiously with your friend Maris. She's more than a bit undisciplined."
Ahsoka laughed again. "Shaak told me she's actually settled down quite a bit. There was a time when Maris was always looking for a fight. Now she's starting to learn some balance. I rather like her and she's someone I trust."
Obi-Wan smiled. "All the same … be careful, dear friend."
She nodded back, took his hands in hers and smiled. "You take care too. May the Force be with you, always."
With that, she, Maris, and Tri'ku boarded her ship and made ready to leave. Maris had already put away the speeder bikes, so then it was off to Jedha and who knew what would await them there?
(to be continued …)
