In this installment, we continue to see some of the fallout from the Battle of Yavin. The Emperor is not a happy camper right now, Frehya's big break comes, and Luke starts to learn what it takes to become part of the Order.


Chapter 27: New Roles


Coruscant, Imperial Palace, 0 ABY 0 months, 17 days

Five days have passed. On Coruscant, the Emperor of the Galaxy, Sheev Palpatine (a/k/a Darth Sidious), still in a foul mood over the destruction of the Death Star by the rebellion, was looking for somebody to blame. As with virtually all autocrats throughout history, he didn't look in the mirror. And since many of those who had assured him of the invincibility of his new weapon had died along with it, the natural choice was his apprentice, Darth Vader. Why Vader? Palpatine had told himself that the Dark Lord should've seen the folly of putting all his eggs in one basket, so to speak. But who had warned him that maybe Wilhuff Tarkin was too overconfident, along with many of the other admirals and generals who disappeared in the massive explosion as the Death Star's reactors were set off by torpedoes sent through the exhaust ports.

And perhaps worst of all, was the taunting message delivered to him shortly after the destruction, clearly sent by the rebels. This was an unusual message, with its references to some primitive superstitions that included the name of a tribal deity. The voice in the message bothered him immensely, particularly as it was undeniably female. Was it Senator Mon Mothma, purportedly the leader of the Rebel Alliance? He couldn't think of anyone else at the moment, but then he started to reflect on the still-unexplained Force presence felt months ago, somewhere in the Core. Vader had narrowed that down to Corellia and had told him of his suspicions regarding Ahsoka Tano. The Emperor had sent him to find Tano, subdue her, and bring her to Coruscant – but that did not happen, and not only that, Vader had simply disappeared for days on end. When he returned, he simply said he'd been searching for her, but all the leads he'd had turned up empty.

So now the Death Star was gone, and so were Tarkin, Motta, and many other Imperial leaders. By itself, that shouldn't be a problem. Next man up – there is no shortage of ambitious people in my Empire. And, to be sure, it was better that Vader survived, because he is quite intelligent and analyzes patterns quickly. The Emperor then reached out and was able to raise him, and summoned him to the palace. When the Dark Lord arrived, Palpatine asked everyone else to leave, but unbeknownst to him, Shaak's system was recording the conversation. Palpatine's voice was its usual scratchy tone and he led off:

"Ah, my friend … it has been a long time that I have not seen you."

"Master – I know I have failed you. I was spending much time in meditation to understand why and how," was all that Vader could muster in response.

The Emperor stared at him with a blank expression, then continued.

"I have decided it was a mistake to entrust you with such responsibility."

Vader started to object, but Palpatine raised a hand, indicating he was not finished.

"Your experience for the high command is inadequate. I am relieving you. Grand General Tagge will now be in charge of the fleet. You will report to him."

Vader stood motionless. He hadn't expected this response.

"Master – I had cautioned Tarkin that his approach could have serious shortcomings. Those people know nothing of the Force."

Palpatine raised his head and gave him something like a sneer.

"It is not Force knowledge that I require at present. But what of Ahsoka Tano?"

"Unaccounted for, Master."

"Precisely!" his fist slammed the armrest of the throne upon which he was seated, and his voice jumped at least an octave in pitch. "I am being mocked by the rebels. They are sending me communications and referring to tribal gods! I have no time for this! I want Tano and I want her now!"

Vader felt uneasy at this and ventured a response.

"Perhaps I might suggest …"

"Not at this time, my apprentice. That is all. You will await my further orders when I feel you are fit to receive them." Palpatine's voice had reduced itself to a hiss.

"Report to General Tagge."

"Yes, my master."

There was nothing left to be said in Vader's mind, as he walked away from the throne room and headed out of the palace. He had expected a dressing down, but not the humiliation of having to answer to someone like Cassio Tagge, a man who had no conception of the Force nor how it could be used in battle. The rebels clearly had the Force in abundance. There was Master Tano, and of course, Grand Master Ti, but there were many others. That Zabrak who blasted me, I owe her for that. Vader gnashed his teeth over that thought, but then sighed. I will have to rebuild his trust in me, but first I must see the Grand Master. She will know what to do.


Felucia, 0 ABY 0 months, 17 days

At this time, Shaak was on Felucia. The sun had come up and it was a warm spring day. The GM stepped outside of her small cottage and breathed in the air. She then walked over to the bunkhouse where her various acolytes and Padawans were staying. Full Knights, such as Maris and Xendar, had their own separate residences, one of the perquisites of Knighthood. When she arrived and entered, everyone snapped to attention and hailed her. "Good morning, Grand Master," was said aloud by a chorus of those in the building. She smiled and held up a hand. "Good morning, all. As you were, everybody," she said cheerfully. The membership whispered to each other that she seemed to be in a good mood. It was not Shaak's usual custom to drop in on the bunkhouse unannounced, but she didn't want to alarm anyone.

When she saw Frehya Lumoxa, who was having a conversation with two female acolytes, Shaak gave a subtle signal to her via the Force. Frehya turned her head slightly, then noticed Shaak. She excused herself from the conversation and walked over to Shaak and gave her a slight curtsy.

"Good morning, Master Ti."

Shaak smiled. "Padawan Lumoxa. I would like you to accompany me at this time."

"Yes, of course …" Frehya said nervously. Shaak had almost never spoken to her directly.

The GM stepped leisurely out of the building, acknowledging some of the others while doing so, then clicked her tongue sharply. Her luxe speeder then appeared quickly and they got in. Shaak flicked a finger and the vehicle whisked them over to her house. Before Frehya could start to admire the fine quality of it, Shaak had stopped and was motioning her inside. Frehya started to worry a little, not sure what to make of this level of attention she was receiving.

Her concerns were soon alleviated. Shaak showed her in and motioned for her to sit, in a very comfortable chair that put her at ease. The GM then quickly brought a cup of herbal beverage for her guest and one for herself, then sat down across from Frehya. Shaak first took a sip, and Frehya knew she should as well. The taste was quite different from any other she'd yet had on Felucia. As she was wondering what it was, Shaak then spoke.

"Padawan Frehya, I am sure you are quite curious why I am showing you such regard this morning. I will tell you …" Shaak paused a second, sipped her beverage, and continued. "I have given consideration to your career path with us and I believe I have reached the perfect solution."

Frehya inhaled deeply, then let out the breath and took another drink from her cup.

"Yes, master."

Shaak smiled. "Effective immediately, you are now in my direct service. You will also be staying with me in my home and traveling with me."

Frehya gulped. "Master … this is indeed a great honor. But …"

Shaak interrupted her gently.

"I realized this would be something of a shock to you. Not to worry. Master Tano is already aware of this decision and she fully supports it. She believes this is the best course for you to follow at this time."

"Master Shaak, I don't know what to say. I had no idea you were considering me for this position." She stood up and bowed deeply to Shaak, who chuckled softly and smiled.

"Frehya … it is I who am honored, to have someone of your ability and intelligence in my organization."

"Master … if I may … can I just ask one thing?"

"Certainly. It's quite all right. Don't be afraid of me …" Shaak laughed softly and looked at her kindly.

"It's just that I really loved working with Ahsoka, and Hedala and I had become so close. I will miss them so much."

"Dear Frehya … you will still be working with them, but your duties have now changed. Observing you these past months, I have come to realize that your talents are better suited to knowledge and organization. A person such as you would be wasted as a battlefield warrior."

"But Master, I can fight. You know that. Have I ever let the Order down?"

Shaak shook her head gently. "No … but that is not the point. I must make use of my resources in the most efficient and logical way. I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but you are of advanced age. And that presents different challenges and opportunities. Hedala is a natural warrior and she is still young – only 21 years. Luke is another, even a bit younger than she is, but he shows me great promise. You are closer to my age than their ages, so it is only natural that you and I will work very well together. Frehya, I have paid close attention to you since you have come to me. Firstly, the fact that you were willing to join Ahsoka, and follow her everywhere, was to me quite remarkable. And the fact that you are such a devoted student of the Force, Galactic history, cultures, military customs, affairs of state … I cannot let such talent be wasted on the battlefield with you swinging a lightsabre. Not that you can't do that, it's just … do you understand me?"

Frehya took another deep breath and sighed. "Yes, Master Shaak. I do. And I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I knew in my heart that Hedala was far ahead of me, and Ahsoka was always so supportive. I assume you both talked about this."

"We did. And though she told me she will miss having you as an executive assistant on trips to the Corporate Sector, she thinks Hedala and Luke will come to handle those duties for her. She really wants to see you become all you can be and to do that, working for me is a golden opportunity."

"What will I be doing, exactly?"

"The things you do best. Making arrangements. Helping coordinate my schedule, working with Maris and Xendar to run Felucia in an administrative capacity. They will benefit immensely from your experience. But most of all, the chance to really learn about the Force. I was so impressed when I learned from Ahsoka about your history and how you've always known you had the power. Now you will truly come to use it. Lightsabre duels are such a waste of time for a woman like you."

Frehya sat up straight, took a last swig and drained her cup. Her eyes brightened noticeably and she realized what was ahead of her. Shaak, noticing this, rose and stood in front of her new assistant.

"Give me your hands, Frehya."

Frehya stood and extended her arms to Shaak. As their hands clasped together, a sudden surge of energy rushed into her. Shaak smiled, and looked deeper into her. The energy level rose. Frehya felt herself tingling from head to toe, like nothing ever before in her life. As she was starting to relax and enjoy it, Shaak then released her hands. Frehya then felt them, and realized they were rather hot. Wow. This is the Force, as only she can show it. Shaak's lekku stripes had turned bright blue for an instant but were now returning back to their normal dull gray.

Shaak then invited Frehya to accompany her. They left her house and got in the speeder. Before they left, Shaak gave her an assignment.

"Freh, please make arrangements today to move your things from the bunkhouse to my home. Then I want you to coordinate and complete an extension to our house to add three more rooms. The same materials are to be used. Xendar can help you with procurement and installation. I need this job completed by end of tomorrow."

"Where are we going now?"

"Just a little excursion. I think you will enjoy this greatly."


Pantora, Sujimis Sector, SE Outer Rim, 0 ABY 0 months, 18 days

Ahsoka Tano at this time was in the Pantora system, far away in the southeastern "corner" of the Galaxy. She was meeting with former Senator Riyo Chuchi, an old friend she had made during the Clone Wars. By this time, Chuchi had become an influential leader on her home planet and had encouraged Pantora to leave the Galactic Senate at the time the Empire had begun. The Empire was not very concerned about that particular world as it had no large stocks of raw materials and it was far from major hyperspace lanes. The Pantorans were capable of policing their own space, but with the fall of the Death Star and the death of Tarkin, the Empire could not spare the resources to reach into their system.

It was these circumstances that led Ahsoka to recommend the system as a suitable place for a new rebel base after they had evacuated Yavin IV. She was meeting with Riyo to firm up the arrangements. The former senator had treated her old friend to lunch and offered accommodations at her extensive home. Ahsoka saw the snow on the ground when she arrived in the Corvala Dawn and broke out the furs. She had brought Hedala and Luke along with her for this trip. As the four were having lunch, their hostess, an attractive woman with blue skin, lavender hair and golden eyes, had some questions for Ahsoka.

"Ahsoka, my friend. I am concerned about your plans for a rebel base in my system. Will this bring the Empire into our area and cause us pain and suffering?"

"Riyo, my friend, we intend to keep this at a very low profile. This will not be the only place for our forces to be domiciled as we do not want ourselves concentrated. The Empire is reeling from the loss of the Death Star and much of their high command. Reports of pirate and syndicate activity are already cropping up. We are getting confirmation of the same via our private network."

"All right, so Ahsoka, will your forces help protect us? I have some concerns about the pirates myself."

"Riyo – it just so happens that I have a capability that I can install for your home world that will do nicely. It's a system of carefully coordinated miniature satellites that have Kyber crystal powered lasers. They work in groups and have complex algorithms that will patrol your perimeter when fully deployed."

"Hmm. I would like to see a demonstration of that."

"I can arrange that. We would like to invite you to Almania, where I have such a system already installed."

"Almania? I don't know that world … where exactly is it?"

"Near the Corporate Sector. I can then set up meetings for you with my various contacts there, who would be willing to travel to Pantora and give you an estimate on cost and time to delivery."

"Sounds great … thank you again, Ahsoka."

"My pleasure. Did you think I would just leave you guys hanging? I take care of my people."

"Very good. I will talk this over with my team members. Then I would very much like to come and visit with you on Almania."

Later, after they had left, Luke had a question.

"Master Ahsoka, that satellite system sounds super cool. I would love to attend the demonstration."

She chuckled. "Not to worry, apprentice Skywalker. You will be there."

Hedala fired a glance at him, then gave a thumbs-up.


In Hyperspace on the way to Felucia, 0 ABY 0 months, 19 days

The next day, they boarded Corvala Dawn and got ready to leave. They had planned on seeing Shaak and were going to set up a holo conference with the other rebel leaders to discuss the status of the evacuation and redeployment. Ahsoka decided to check the Order's galactic network and she noticed that Vader had left her a message in her private inbox. When she opened it, she played back the audio into her miniature speaker buds that were concealed under her lekku.

"Greetings, Master Tano. Need to rendezvous with you soon to discuss next steps. Palpatine demoted me. Tagge in charge now. Vader out."

Ahsoka thought it over to herself, as the others had no knowledge of the message. I suppose I will be discussing this with Master Shaak. She decided to reply to the message.

"Greetings, Anakin. Meet me on Issagra in six rotations. Coordinates will be supplied when you are in-system. We will have the plan for you. Tano out."

With that, Ahsoka made sure everyone was ready to leave, then gave the con to Hedala.

"Dala, set our course for Felucia. Once we are in hyperspace, I want you and Luke to meet me in the training room. Time for our new recruit to show us his stuff."

The lift-off and jump were uneventful, so the apprentices did as Ahsoka asked and met her for training. Ahsoka handed them each the wooden simulation sabres, each were weighted to give the feel of the real thing, but that was about all they had in common. As Luke and Hedala faced off against each other, the girl had the advantage as she slashed at him repeatedly. Luke took a couple of blows to the shoulder and his upper back, but he started to rally and was able to better block her thrusts. At that point, Ahsoka blew a whistle to stop the action. She took Luke aside and started showing him some of the basic moves and stances.

"You don't have much experience at this, I'm guessing."

"Not really. I didn't have much time for it on the moisture farm."

Ahsoka sighed. "I see. Well, everybody had to start somewhere. Luke, at this point I want you to concentrate on just blocking her advances. Hedala, go slow for him now. Just some basic thrusts and swipes. Let him get the feel of things. Luke, keep both hands on the hilt."

The two started up again, Hedala laying back a little to give Luke a basic idea of sabre combat. He turned out to be fairly quick and had good footwork. As Ahsoka instructed, he only was trying to meet Hedala's "blade" with a defensive parry. They put in an entire hour, with short breaks for water. When they were done, Luke was breathing hard. He came over to sit down and Ahsoka gave him encouragement.

"Nice session, Luke. That's what I want to see, you putting in the effort. The technique will come."

He nodded, feeling a little better. She continued. "Hedala now has almost two years of experience. Maris and I both think she will be a top swordswoman and she's close to earning second level Padawan."

"I am?" Hedala said with some surprise.

"Yes … you've put in some good work with us. I am quite proud of you."

Luke was still breathing hard. "I'm really out of shape for this. Now I see why being a warrior is really hard work."

Ahsoka nodded. "You're gonna be a good one if you keep at it."

She called them both over to her.

"I have some news. Frehya has been tapped by Grand Master Shaak to be her new executive assistant, so she will not be training with us any longer."

Hedala was shocked. "Seriously? She's like my best friend."

"I know, Dala. I'm sorry to lose her, but we must be happy for her too. This is a great chance for her. She will learn so much working with Shaak every day."

Luke remarked, "I didn't really know her, but I liked her. She was kind and patient."

"Yes … she has many good qualities. It's just that the GM felt she would be better for us in a different role. Freh just is not best suited to be a warrior."

"Did Master Shaak think she's too old, maybe?"

"I think might have been part of it. Freh was sad at first, but then she realized that it was really a great opportunity. When I think back, I was fortunate to have a great master, one who taught me so much. That was Anakin Skywalker – your father."

"But he's no longer around. At least that's what Ben told me."

Ahsoka simply nodded at that. The time had not yet come to contradict the late Obi-Wan Kenobi. But soon I will have no choice.

"And now, Frehya will also have a great master. So be happy for her."

"But aren't you also a great master?"

"I hope to be. But I haven't been doing it nearly as long as Shaak."

Hedala spoke up. "You've been terrific for me. Luke, you will see. Ahsoka's the best."

Ahsoka's lekku turned a little bluer at that. "You're awfully kind."

The rest of the tip was not too eventful. The three of them shared a meal, and Ahsoka gave Luke some reading material that was based on Jedi traditions and knowledge, which was considered acceptable by Shaak for training purposes. After a few hours sleep, he and Hedala got back at it in the training room. Luke continued to work on defensive maneuvers, and then Ahsoka asked him to start working on his flexibility. She showed him some basic stretches, then asked him to do some routines with light hand weights.

"These will help with your swordplay. You have to build up the various muscle groups in your arms and shoulders."

By the time they had reached Felucia, Luke was starting to feel more as if he could cut it with the Order. Hedala was being very supportive and he greatly enjoyed the breaks for refreshments.

"Luke, when we get to training with the group, Maris is going to give you much more to do. She will make you sweat."

He shook his head wearily. "She won't go easy, huh?"

"She never does." Hedala shook her head and smiled.

Ahsoka joined them.

"You know, Luke, when I became your father's Padawan, I already knew how to do many things. I started with the Jedi when I was just three years old so I had a head start. I was using an actual lightsabre when I was ten, and my natural ability as a Togruta helped me greatly with the acrobatics."

Hedala nodded. "You should see her now. Ahsoka can jump ten metres in the air and come down with both her blades ignited."

Luke could hardly believe it. "I'd love to see that. You guys are simply amazing to me."

Ahsoka smiled. "Someday you will be doing amazing things too."


Felucia, 0 ABY 0 months, 20 days

Frehya and Shaak rode in the GM's personal speeder. As she was admiring its comfort and the sleek appearance, Shaak asked, "do you like it?" Frehya nodded emphatically. "Good. You will be driving it often in the future."

Soon they came to that place in the woods that was the hidden entrance to Shaak's underground temple of knowledge, reflection and learning. As they dismounted from the speeder, Shaak clapped her hands twice and the ground started opening before them, startling Frehya for a second. Once it was opened far enough, Shaak signaled for her to follow, then took her hand and they jumped into the opening. Frehya felt herself slowly descending and was quite amazed, then they came to a stop about 20 metres down. Shaak clapped again and soon the wall before them opened and the panel extended in front of them. Two seats also seemed to magically appear. As they sat down, Shaak pointed to a spot on the panel, which then lit up in blue and a drawer slid open, to reveal a row of cubic boxes, each about ten cm on a side.

"What are these, Master?"

"These are called holocrons, my apprentice. They are the containers of vast amounts of knowledge. Knowledge of many different things. Normally they are not available to anyone who has not reached the level of Master, but you, my dear, are entering a new level of privilege today."

Shaak then selected one of the boxes and then handed it to Frehya.

"How do I use it, Master?"

"I will show you, but first we shall bring it back to our home."

Frehya nodded, then Shaak motioned for her to stand. This would be her assistant's first time in the Temple and only a limited view of it would be permitted. As they rose, the drawer with the holocrons, slid back into the panel, which then withdrew into the wall. Soon, the two of them were rising back up to the surface and the entrance quickly sealed up and no apparent trace of it was visible. Frehya scratched her head in wonderment, and thought about how Shaak could have created this entire facility. It seemed like something out of a dream.

When they had returned to the house, Shaak then showed her how the box could be opened via the use of the Force. She had Frehya practice the technique a few times to ensure she had grasped it, then showed her how to access the contents of the box. File directories were viewable, with various tabs in Galactic Basic writing. Other controls could be accessed to listen to various audio files, and some enabled videos and hologram transmissions that had been stored. A single box likely could contain trillions of data bytes and certain files had additional security on them that Frehya would not have access to without Shaak's presence.

"Once you have sufficient experience, my Padawan, you will store all of your data regarding the management of our affairs in these files on the holocron box."

Frehya nodded. "I understand. A very efficient way of maintaining them, I might add. How many of these holocrons do we have down there?"

Shaak chuckled. "Many, my dear. From different origins. I was able to save a great deal of the Jedi knowledge back at the time of the Purge. And it appears, based on my meeting the other day, that our old friend Jocasta Nu has also done the same. Our two collections taken together will give us all we need to someday govern this Galaxy."

Frehya sighed. "Who would have believed it was all here? Quite remarkable."

Shaak went on. "And we are only at the surface. There are also stores of knowledge pertaining to the ancient Sith."

"Master, why would we want to have that? I'd heard that was very dangerous, from Master Ahsoka."

"Yes. She was correct, but you, my dear, will learn how to use them properly."

Shaak was quite pleased already with Frehya's progress. The lady quickly understood all of the procedures and the purposes of the holocrons. Soon she would be given an overall guide to showing which boxes contained which information – a uniquely valuable item, that could be dangerous were it to fall into the wrong hands. Shaak knew that the Emperor would dearly like to get his hands on it. And that cannot be permitted to happen.

Shaak then showed Frehya to her temporary quarters, which were quite cramped. As she prepared to lie down for the night, her head was spinning with all that she had been shown. It was an incredible day, and she was eager to start taking in as much of the knowledge as she could.

(to be continued …)