Hey everyone, so glad you all are enjoying this tale. There are many interesting under-currents at work now and another piece of the puzzle falls into place in this installment. Thanks to new followers: King Scorpious and Darth Cody.
Chapter 26: Appointments
Almania, Ahsoka's Residence, 0 ABY 0 months, 6 days
It is three days later. Hedala and Luke were sitting on benches behind Ahsoka's mansion on Almania. It was a spring afternoon, with Almania's sun shining through a partially clouded sky. She was attempting to show him the basic telekinesis powers of the Force. There were a set of wooden blocks, each about 100g in weight (assuming Almanian gravity is similar to Earth's as the planets have similar mass and a diameter of 13,000 km). Also there were some small twigs and branches, left over from the kindling pile used the previous winter.
"All right, Luke. Observe as I lift a block."
Hedala sat up straight, extended one arm and pointed to the stack of blocks. Slowly, the top block began to levitate about 10cm from the stack beneath it. She then drew her arm across her body and the block moved about one metre. Then she made a fist with her hand and the block was released, dropping to the ground.
"Do you want me to try that?" He asked.
"If you would like to."
"How do I start?"
"For now, just close your eyes and concentrate, only on the block. Feel it in your mind, as if you were touching it. Then picture yourself actually lifting it."
Luke tried to follow her instructions, but had little to show in the way of results. Hedala smiled.
"Hey … don't worry about it. These things take time." She thought for a second. "I've got an idea."
She moved the blocks to a new location, then came over to sit next to him on the bench. She then asked him to turn halfway and face the blocks, then she climbed behind him and positioned her body next to his. Hedala then asked him to reach out with his left arm. As he did so, she extended her left arm directly over his, with her palm flush against the back of his hand, so that they were both pointing in the same direction. At this moment, a strange energy suddenly coursed through his body and together they watched the top block rise about 30cm off the stack. She then moved her arm, which caused his to move with hers and they saw the block move as well, this time almost two metres in a motion parallel to the ground.
"OK … drop!" She said suddenly, and released her arm from his. The block fell to the ground. The two of them then turned to face forward on the bench and they then turned their heads to look at each other.
"How about that?" she said cheerfully.
"Amazing …" he said slowly. "Did I really do that?"
"Not by yourself … I gave you an assist."
He looked a little defeated. "Oh."
"Wait a minute," she said. "I can tell you – honestly – it wasn't all me."
"Seriously?"
She nodded, and smiled, then flipped some of her hair gently towards him. "Would I lie?" She laughed heartily.
He laughed as well. No, I don't think you would … not about this, anyway.
"Let's go inside," she suggested.
The two of them were becoming familiar with each other. Luke could feel a certain charge in the air when Hedala got close to him. She was beautiful, certainly, but she was much more than that. The girl had undeniable energy, and her green eyes were always sparkling. When they touched this afternoon, he could feel her energy running through his body. It was an exhilarating sensation, one he would grow to enjoy.
Hedala reflected on her feelings. She saw Luke as a 'nice guy', sure, but he had a restless quality underneath the mostly calm exterior. Was that something he inherited? She could tell, through the Force, there was something going on inside of him. He really should have begun this training years ago. Hedala told herself that any attraction she felt toward him was purely amusement, but she knew she was lying.
Felucia, 0 ABY 0 months, 6 days
On Felucia, Shaak was taking her morning walk after her early meditation session at her home, when she was intercepted by Knight Xendar Silkaw. "Greetings, Grand Master."
Shaak stopped and turned to face him. "What is it, Sir Xendar?"
"Milady, I have received a communique from a ship orbiting above … this one requests a landing clearance and coordinates. The pilot asked for you by name."
Shaak stared at him for a second, then nodded her head.
"Can you take me to the com station nearest here? I would like to speak with this ship."
"Right away, Master."
Xendar tapped some buttons on his com device, and soon a speeder appeared. He helped her inside, then they raced over to the station. As Shaak walked inside, the attendant snapped to attention.
"As you were," Shaak said softly. She then sat in front of the console. "Put me in touch with our orbiting guests, if you please."
As this was done, Shaak then spoke.
"Please state your business."
The pilot then replied. "This is Padawan Jin-lo Rayce. I am requesting a landing clearance and coordinates. And an audience with the Grand Master, the most exalted Shaak Ti."
Shaak replied. "This is she. What do you wish to discuss?"
Rayce answered. "Milady, I have some urgent news for you. Due to its sensitive nature, I humbly request giving it to you directly, in person."
Shaak paused a second, then closed her eyes and projected upward through the Force. Soon she had detected the man's ship and was scanning it. Satisfied, she spoke to him again.
"My apologies for the delay, Padawan Rayce. You may land. My people will provide instructions."
"Thank you, Milady. I promise this will not be a waste of your time."
Soon the ship was landing, and Xendar ferried her over to the pad. The pilot of the ship debarked and came out to meet her, bowing low and kissing her silk-gloved hand, which she had extended. "Grand Master, this is indeed a pleasure," he said politely.
Shaak seemed slightly amused as Xendar carefully noted her expressions and those of the guest.
"Rise," she said simply. "Extend your right hand, please." As she took it, she held it gently, then scanned his face carefully. She then made a curious clicking sound with her tongue and Xendar responded. "Right away, Milady."
He then showed the guest into the speeder and left for the Assembly Hall. Shaak then called Maris via her com device.
"My friend, please join me. I am at the landing pad."
Soon, Maris Brood arrived, with Shaak's personal speeder, one that was elegant and refined, much like its owner. It had solid platinum trimmings and the instrument panel was immaculate crystal. The seats were made from the hide of a local Felucian beast and softened to a sumptuous feel, then polished to a radiant shine. Needless to say, the other members of the Order could only use this vehicle with the GM's express permission. Maris hopped out, dressed more formally than usual, in a dark silk dress and matching robe, with elegant boots shined to perfection.
"Maris … my dear, you look wonderful," Shaak chuckled. "You really ought to get dolled up more often. It really suits you." Maris outwardly blushed at that, but remained silent. Shaak went on.
"You know, one of the things I really admire about you is your deep understanding of me and what I want to see. When I conveyed my message to you, it was implied that this was an important occasion. And you responded perfectly. Now, I would like to explain in greater detail."
Maris inwardly was elated by this level of praise. It seemed that the GM was becoming more pleased with her.
"Yes, Milady," was all she said.
"Our guest this morning comes to us from Coruscant. I have already learned this by scanning his ship. He calls himself Padawan. Why, you may ask? Because his Master was our old friend Jocasta Nu."
Maris seemed a touch startled. "Master Nu?"
"The same. We may learn much from our guest today. Take careful notes, dear Maris." She nodded obediently.
The luxe speeder soon arrived at the Assembly Hall. Maris helped Shaak out and they strode inside. Jin-lo Rayce was patiently waiting inside and rose as Shaak came over to him.
"Padawan Rayce," Shaak spoke softly. She then introduced herself and Maris to him more formally:
"As you know, I am Shaak Ti, Grand Master of the Order – our formal name is Novus Ordo Galaxia. And this is Knight Maris Brood, my executive assistant." Maris again blushed at having been given a new title that she had never before heard the GM use. This day keeps getting better and better.
"This way, if you please …"
Shaak led them to a small conference room off the main hall. As they took their seats, tea was brought for them by one of the junior acolytes. A normal day in the Assembly Hall would see various members of the Order engaged in activity – training, study, socializing – and they were trained to always be aware of when Shaak, Ahsoka, or Maris were in the hall with them and to anticipate their needs.
Maris, as she was about to learn, had been promoted to the position of facility manager for the entire Felucia installation, and was in effect the "underboss" of Shaak's organization. She was also being raised to the fourth level of Knighthood, one step below becoming eligible for Master-hood. Shaak intended to bring more formal organization to the Order and from what she already knew about Jin-lo Rayce, he would be instrumental in making that happen.
"Now, Padawan Rayce, what may I do for you?" Shaak opened in a cordial tone.
"Milady, I bring news of Master Nu to you."
Shaak's eyes, though they were always coal-black and nearly impossible to read, seemed to brighten. She nodded and Rayce continued.
"First, I want to satisfy your curiosity about how I may have come to know your current circumstance. Master Nu has been keeping abreast of all developments with the Alliance and the status of the rebellion. Senator Bel-Iblis has been in contact with her."
Shaak smiled slightly. "Why am I not surprised?" She said with a chuckle. "Garm is a good man, though. So where is my old friend Jocasta these days? And how is she keeping herself?"
"Grand Master, this might come as a surprise to you but she is currently on Coruscant. She does keep another base of operations on Chandrila."
Shaak nodded and laughed again. "Of course she does … Might I ask what she has been told about me?"
"Nothing more than Senator Bel-Iblis already knew. And of course, she also is in contact with Senator Mothma."
At that revelation, Shaak's eyes narrowed perceptibly.
"I see." The GM sat up straight in her chair, folded her arms and stared straight into Rayce's eyes. She then relaxed her gaze and changed topics. "I understand you have been doing some training as well, Padawan Rayce."
He nodded. "That is correct, Milady. A group of Force adepts that I was able to bring together in the Coruscanti underground. I call them the Agents of Ossus."
"Intriguing. And do you have a proposition for me?"
"As a matter of fact, I do, Grand Master. I propose that I bring my group under yours, provided you accept, of course. And you would have about a dozen new acolytes, were this to work out."
Shaak sat back, stroked her chin, and appeared to weigh the idea.
"And where all did you find these … 'adepts' as you term them? Surely not the Coruscanti underground?"
Her mind entertained the idea of a full six dozen individuals in her growing organization. Maris leaned over to her, as if wanting to whisper something. Rayce was about to speak, when Shaak raised a hand with her index finger extended.
"One second." She leaned over toward Maris, who whispered to her. "Not sure I favor this idea, Master. We don't know anything about these people and how he might have trained them." Shaak simply nodded at her.
Rayce spoke. "Milady, from various worlds. In the Core and further out."
"And what type of training have you given them? You say you were only a Padawan when the Purge took place."
"Quite limited, Madam Grand Master. You see, I had come to believe the Jedi were only a memory at that point. I searched many sectors and could find no evidence of them. Of course, my means were limited. Now I know that great masters such as yourself are still with us, including the renowned Ahsoka Tano."
Shaak mulled it over a little longer, then spoke.
"I see … quite understandable, really, considering the circumstances. The Purge was a very difficult time for all of us who still remain. I still don't get the Coruscanti underground, however."
"That was a temporary staging ground. We needed to keep moving, as the Imperials had established the Inquisitorium to find all Force users. Those folks tended to look elsewhere, particularly the Outer Rim worlds. They tended to believe that would be the more likely hiding place. But of course, Force abilities are not restricted by region or sector."
Shaak chuckled. "Of course …" Before he could say another word, she held up her hand.
"I think I have enough information at present. Can you tell me how I might contact Master Nu?"
"Certainly. I will inform her that you are ready to see her. She will be most pleased."
"As will I. That is all, Padawan Rayce. Maris, please show the gentleman out. He will be returning to his business away from Felucia. Provide him with a means of contact that he may provide Master Nu. I look forward to hearing from my old friend."
Shaak then rose, as did Maris and Rayce, after her. Maris led Rayce out of the Assembly Hall and summoned a speeder. When it arrived, she took the man's com device and stored some info on it that would provide a clear channel for them to contact the Order from off-world.
Then she looked at him sternly: "This information is strictly privileged. The Grand Master will treat any breaches of our network most seriously."
Jin-lo bowed low to Maris. "I understand, esteemed Knight. We wish to be your allies. Madam Jocasta will be overjoyed that we have now found you."
Rayce boarded the speeder, went to his ship and took off, as Maris watched keenly. I don't know anything about this person. How do I know he is not some Imperial agent? Shaak seems to trust him, though.
Almania, Ahsoka's Residence, 0 ABY 0 months, 12 days, 17 hours
Ahsoka, during this time, had done quite a bit of catching up on Almania. She and Tri'ku Je'har had spent the night together once and had celebrated the rebel victory at Yavin privately on Vaynai. They had every reason to believe their relationship was still on track, but Ahsoka's duties as a Master of the Order had to take precedence. She had always been one to take responsibility seriously, and having three apprentices was demanding.
On this night, Tri'ku was waiting for her to get dressed up, as they were going to a formal function in the Almanian capital. He understood her basic situation, with its many conflicts, and thought about the players:
Frehya is clearly unhappy with me being so close to Ahsoka, but I can hardly blame her. We had some good times but she was too impatient and wanted more from me than I was prepared to give. We might have been married had she been more easy going. My family had high regard for her, despite what she thinks.
The young one, Hedala, is delightful. So full of energy and those eyes of hers just crackle with intensity. She's become quite confident and why not? Her future seems very bright indeed, if she follows Ahsoka's direction.
The old lady, Shaak, probably wishes I would just disappear, though she is good at concealing it with her overly polite manners. How many others around her probably wish she would just give it to them straight? But she and Ahsoka are a package deal and having her as a possible in-law could be quite a ride.
The Zabrak, Maris, is quite scary. She has an intensity to her that she doesn't even try to hide. But the old lady seems quite fond of her. If Shaak ever lets Maris off her leash, I wouldn't want to be around. But it's good for us that she's not with the Empire, she seems like a female version of Vader.
The bottom line is I am still very much in love with Ahsoka. She has so many wonderful qualities, it's hard to list them all. My family might even approve of her being part of it, which would surely be a first, but they are as charmed by her as I am. For my Ahsoka, I am willing to do almost anything, because I know how much she appreciates being loved. I could see it the first time we kissed. Those tails of hers start turning blue and it's so endearing. How many people these days are so damned honest about their feelings?
As Ahsoka emerged from her master suite, she was decked out in an elegant black and silver gown with a flowing train behind her, as if she was a great lady on Coruscant and headed to the Imperial Opera. She was covered with various items of jewelry that complemented her lekku, which were also highlighted to play up their rich blue natural color. The former Commodore was also quite turned out himself, with elegant evening wear and a flowing cape, suitable for a member of the Imperial Senate – were Almania to have representation in that body. He also wore some blue in his garments to complement hers.
Hedala and Luke were sitting together in the main room as they came out together. "Have a great evening, Master Ahsoka," Luke called out cheerfully as they left. The Togruta turned and smiled and waved goodbye. Luke then turned to Hedala.
"I didn't know she had a boyfriend."
"Oh yes, they've been seeing each other for months. I think they're serious."
"Who is he, actually?" Luke's curiosity was driving him wild. He'd come to be fond of Ahsoka quite quickly.
Hedala laughed. "Some big shot in the local military here. He seems quite a gentleman. I guess she just likes the attention."
Luke nodded. "Say, what happened to Frehya?"
"I'm not sure, actually. She's been kind of mysterious this week."
"You guys are really close, right?" He asked.
"Yes. We've spent a lot of time together. She's like the big sister I never really had, but she's old enough to be my mother. But she's always been real cool about that. Training with her has been fun. Even though I usually beat her when we go head to head, she never gets upset. In fact, she encourages me."
Luke sighed softly. "I hope I don't come between you and her. I would hate to spoil the great friendship you have."
Hedala smiled. "I think we will be all right. We always knew there might come a day when we weren't going to be together any more. My destiny is different from hers. But I will always care about her. She's been so good to have around. I remember when I left Alderaan and started with Ahsoka. Things were happening so quickly, but Freh helped me get settled. What a great help she was."
Almania, Stonia City, 0 ABY 0 months, 12 days, 20 hours
As Ahsoka and Tri'ku arrived in Stonia, the Almanian capital, and were transported to the affair, they ran into Chelli Lona Aphra as they entered the large ballroom at the Civic Center. Doctor Aphra was quite dolled up herself, in a glittering white and gold gown and with the fur of some Almanian creature wrapped around her shoulders. Her companion for the evening was a twenty-something Almanian naval officer, wearing his dress uniform which was mostly white.
"Ahsoka! I haven't seen you in ages … we have some catching up to do. Tri'ku! You better be treating this Togruta right…" She laughed loudly. Je'har laughed back. "You know it … she's the best thing that ever happened to me." He turned to Chelli's escort and laughed. "Commander Cruyf, looks like you're punching way over your weight tonight. This one's going to test your endurance." Chelli laughed loudly at that, and appeared to have already been sampling the fine sparkling wines from the Corp-Sec world of Fether. "Yes sir, Commodore! But he will be just fine in the morning."
The four of them waded into the ballroom, as various well-wishers came up to congratulate Tri'ku on his recent retirement. As they were seated at a table, waiters brought tall glasses of the bubbly for Ahsoka and Tri'ku, who toasted each other. Commander Cruyf stood and boldly raised his glass and yelled "To the Revolution!" As he was seated, Chelli punched him lightly in the shoulder and giggled a little. "Don't get me in trouble …"
Chelli then stood and asked Ahsoka to come with her to the ladies lounge. As they stood looking into the mirror, Chelli opened:
"Ahsoka, I wanted to catch you up on my plans. I'm going back to the Core soon, to Bar'leth."
"Oh? I'm really going to miss you. When are you leaving?"
"In about three days. I wanted you and Commodore Goodbar to know …"
"Well, thank you for thinking of me. What are you going to be doing there?"
Chelli laughed. "Believe it or not, finishing my education. I'm going to be an actual doctor … of … get ready for it … archeology."
Ahsoka looked her directly. "Seriously?"
"Yep. You know, all that money we made together … I was able to do a few more deals of my own. I've got more than enough credits. I'm also buying a starship."
"Would you like me to help you on that? I've got some experience."
"Ashli – I know you do. I will definitely stay in touch with you. We've had some good times."
"Does Sana know?"
"Yes. We've kinda put our thing on hold for now. I gotta get more serious about my life. Nothing against her, we had some fun."
Ahsoka sighed a little and turned to Chelli, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"I just want you to know … if you need anything, I mean anything … please let me know. I really will miss you."
"Aw … you're so sweet, Ashli. But it's a small galaxy. I know we'll see each other again. Maybe soon …"
"What about the Commander?"
Chelli laughed again. "Just a date for the night. We'll probably sleep it off later …"
The two of them returned to the ballroom. Ahsoka and Tri'ku got up to dance as some pleasant music was being played. The rest of the night was quiet and uneventful. Ahsoka hugged Chelli when they left and she and Tri'ku returned to Tirana, and then to Ahsoka's home.
"What happened with your friend Chelli?"
"Oh, I just learned that she's leaving us. I'm really going to miss her. She's going back to school for a while. Off to the Core worlds."
He noticed that Ahsoka seemed sad about it. It hadn't occurred to him that she had made such a strong connection with the younger woman.
Almania, Ahsoka's Residence, 0 ABY 0 months, 13 days, 1 hour
When they reached her home, Tri'ku came inside with her. Frehya had returned and was sitting alone in the main room, nursing a drink. Luke and Hedala had both gone to their rooms and retired for the evening as it was well past midnight. Ahsoka excused herself to go and change, leaving Tri'ku and Frehya together. He smiled at her.
"How are you feeling, Freh?"
"I'm all right, Tri. Sorry about the other day. I was just blowing off steam."
"I suppose I deserved some of that. But I really do love Ahsoka."
"Who doesn't?" She snipped. "But I understand. I'm just protective of her. She's done so much for me."
"I get that. She's very special."
Frehya turned to face him, and made a gesture with one hand.
"Tri, things are going to change now, you know that, right?"
"How do you mean?"
"Well, because we blew the Death Star, the Empire is going to be crazier than ever. They will be looking for someone to blame, you know."
"I suppose they will, yes."
"So what does that mean for Almania? We really should be more careful. I heard some idiot at a party jumped up tonight and yelled out 'For the Revolution' …"
Tri'ku felt a sweat come over him when she mentioned that. The young officer at their table, accompanying the vivacious and attention-getting Doctor Aphra, had clearly had too much to drink.
"How did you find out about that, Freh? Were you there?"
"No. But I was talking with someone who was. Once again, I felt bad for Master Ahsoka. She shouldn't be put in that position."
Tri'ku nodded, then shook his head. "I agree," he said flatly, then slapped the sofa cushion next to him.
"Well, we can't do much just sitting here talking. I'm going to bed. G'night Tri."
With that, Frehya walked up to him, looked him in the eye, then kissed his cheek. He smiled, and put a hand on her shoulder. He then went to the master suite and his beloved was waiting for him.
"Hey …" Ahsoka said with a smile as he opened the door.
He walked over to her, sitting on the bed in her night clothes, and kissed her tenderly. Soon they were in bed together. Ahsoka said softly, "what did you think of tonight, love?"
"Any affair with you there is a great one. You are so perfect. I was so proud to be with you tonight – the most beautiful gal at the whole party."
She chuckled at that. "Goodnight, dear. Sleep well. In the morning, we will be separating for a while and I will miss you, but we've got tonight."
(to be continued …)
