This chapter finds the activities within The Order picking up steam as Shaak puts her plan in motion.
Thanks to new followers: dd22, num197
Chapter 36: The Next Phase
Felucia, Assembly Hall, 0 ABY 4 months, 6 days, 7 hours
On the next day, as promised, Knight Maris Brood went to the bunkhouse early and waited for Padawan Hedala Fardi and Acolyte Luke Skywalker to join her. They then went to one of the larger training rooms at the Assembly Hall for what promised to be a vigorous session. The night before, Ahsoka had chatted with them about Maris proposing this session and they both talked over strategies they wanted to try against her. Hedala, having more experience, would try to draw Maris to her by attacking, while Luke would try to counter when Hedala had Maris occupied.
When the duel began, Maris indicated she would be using two sabres, both in gleaming pink with identical handles. Her opponents didn't realize it, but the design of the hilts was borrowed from Asajj Ventress's curved handles that could be made to fit together as a dual blade if the wielder so desired. Ventress had hailed from the world of Dathomir, a place dear to the hearts of most Zabraks and Maris was no exception – even though Asajj was not purely a Zabrak herself. Nevertheless, Maris often held Ventress in high regard as most of the Dathomiri had been wiped out during the Clone Wars. Carved into the hilts were symbols of Zabrak history and Maris's home world of Iridonia. Her sabres also had alternate handles, but she mostly used these to keep a firm grip. The form of Jar'Kai (for use with two sabres) was the preferred form for Ahsoka Tano and the Master had helped her good friend Maris to become proficient in it.
Before the duel began, Maris instructed her new apprentice, Acolyte Reema Andujah, to observe from the spectator area on one of the benches provided. Leia Organa Skywalker also joined, having been pre-invited by Ahsoka, so she could watch her brother in action. At the start, all three participants bowed respectfully to each other. Hedala was inwardly excited, as she'd long wanted to show Maris, a brutal task master as an instructor, how much she had progressed. She was ready and had tied her long blonde hair into pigtails that she then braided together to keep them out of her way.
Things started fast as Hedala concentrated on Maris's weaker left hand and slashed hard at the pink sabre. She followed up the initial blow with an effective duck and counter that kept the Zabrak busy. Luke saw his opportunity and attacked Maris's right hand, but she used a gentle Force nudge to back him up for a second so she could then bring both her blades to bear on Hedala. But the younger woman slipped it and went to Luke's side, forcing Maris to refocus. Luke, as he'd been planning, then went wide while Hedala attacked again at Maris's left flank. Luke then poached from behind, freeing Hedala to switch sides. The tactic seemed to work at first as Maris was dazzled by the speed of Hedala and the effective defense of Luke, so she changed her strategy, bringing her two blades together and using them in a crossing pattern that enabled them to effectively counter. It was too much for Hedala and she was pushed backwards on her heels. As Luke tried to back up his partner, Maris applied the pressure on him and he was knocked off his feet. Hedala gamely tried to draw Maris away from Luke by again slashing at her left side. But the Zabrak again overpowered her, and then wrapped up the battle by effectively tagging both partners with match-ending blows that would have been fatal in an actual battle encounter.
The match concluded, and even though it lasted almost three whole minutes, it seemed far longer to the junior participants. The action was fast and furious, almost like an actual battle. Maris praised both of her opponents.
"Padawan Fardi, you are becoming a serious fighter. Your master should be most proud of you. You should continue to work on the Ataru form, you can master it, just as Ahsoka before you has done."
"Acolyte Skywalker … I am quite impressed with you. You have only been with us a short time and yet you are learning so much. I think it may be time for you to step out on your own and not depend on Hedala so much."
Luke bowed deeply to Maris in response. "Knight Brood, thank you. I enjoy learning from someone as talented as you. Could you give me some private sessions … when you have some time?"
"I would be happy to do just that," the Zabrak said with a smile.
Hedala also bowed to Maris, and spoke. "Knight Brood, I was not prepared at first for two blades. Should I be learning how to do Jar'Kai?"
"You should discuss that with your Master Ahsoka, but I can tell you this. It's very difficult at first because each blade is in a different hand and you can be overpowered easily. I like your speed and tactics right now. Stick with the one blade."
As Hedala and Luke hugged briefly, he went over to where Leia was watching them. His sister beamed proudly. "Well … my brother is becoming a swordsman. Congratulations!"
They also hugged, then Leia turned to Hedala. "It's amazing how talented you are. When you first came to Alderaan you were so quiet, always observing everything. I really wanted us to be good friends, but you seemed shy …"
Hedala laughed. "And now, Princess?"
Leia shook her head slowly and grinned. "First appearances can be deceiving. Let's just say I am so glad that Ahsoka found you … you might have died on Alderaan."
Hedala sighed. "Don't remind me. I am so sorry about you losing your parents and most of your friends."
Leia smiled back. "Thank you for that, but I would like to be your friend now, Hedala."
"I'd like that very much, Leia. I am fond of your brother," she noted with a knowing wink.
Leia chuckled. "Great! If you'll excuse me, I'd like to get a word with Knight Brood."
Leia then walked over to where Maris and Reema were in discussion.
"Excuse me, Knight Maris … can I have some of your time?"
Maris glared at her for a second – she didn't like to be interrupted – then relaxed. "Sure. How may I help you, Princess? … Reema, give me just a minute, I'll be right with you." Reema curtsied to Leia and Maris then went over to the bench to wait. Hedala, noticing what happened, joined her, and they talked softly amongst themselves.
Leia asked, "Maris, would it be possible for me to learn sabres or just silly of me to think that?"
Maris chuckled. "Why would you say that? I can tell the Force is with you, Princess."
"Well, I'm a little out of shape, and I really have no experience in combat."
"We can fix that … you are young. You'll catch up quickly. But I don't know yet what Master Ahsoka or Grand Master Shaak has in mind for you."
Leia nodded. "You're probably right. But I was inspired watching you training my brother there. He's getting good, don't you think?"
"He surely is, Princess. He gave a good account of himself. The Grand Master's confidence in him is deserved. Now, if you will excuse me." Maris turned to Reema, who quickly joined her and they left together.
Leia, after curtsying to Maris and showing her respect to the Knight, had some things to think about. What is my role in this whole thing? I want to do right by these people because they are working so hard, and Luke is starting to fit in. I guess Shaak will know what she wants me to do. Leia then caught up with Luke and Hedala and the three of them walked off together.
Felucia, Assembly Hall, 0 ABY 4 months, 6 days, 9 hours
About 90 minutes later, Shaak arrived at the Hall and called a general meeting of the entire Order. Leia arrived with Ahsoka and Luke, while Hedala had caught up with Frehya Lumoxa and they were happily comparing notes on how their careers were progressing. Everyone filed into the newly redesigned grand auditorium and took their seats.
The first order of business involved the Knighting ceremonies of two Members that had been long awaiting this day, having been third-level Padawans for over a year each. Sanjip Vignab, a human male from the Outer Rim world of Jabiim and Nance Cobo, an Ithorian from Hammertown on Takobo, were the honored Members on this day. After the traditional "u-AH, Ka-BAH" salute had been given after their official dubbing by the Grand Master, they stood proudly at Shaak's side as she read various testimonials to their worthiness.
Once this had been taken care of, Shaak moved to the next order of business. It was time for the Order to start moving in a more overt capacity to back up the Rebellion against the Empire. She ticked off the various items:
- A contract with Santhe-Sienar Corporation to construct up to ten custom built medium-light cruisers, each of which to be able to carry up to twenty TIE Defender class star fighters.
- An order of 200 TIE Defenders, also to be built for the Order from Santhe-Sienar. (Pronounced SAHN-tay SAI-nar)
- Mobile satellite droid systems, such as those in operation on Almania and Pantora, to be deployable from the cruisers.
- Another Rebel base, to be constructed on the ice planet Hoth in the Southwestern region of the Outer Rim.
Shaak then took a couple of questions from the assembled gathering, but as was her usual custom, revealed very little beyond what she had already decided to divulge about her future plans. Still, as the Membership of the Order filed out of the auditorium, there was a distinct buzz in the air as the group wondered what all of this meant. Some who understood finance, such as Frehya, realized that the total expenditure involved was well over 2 billion credits. She and Xendar went off to discuss the implications of that, and what additional infrastructure would possibly be needed to support everything. Santhe-Sienar was known for quick turnarounds, especially when they already had production line facilities in place for vessels such as the TIE Defender series.
Felucia, Shaak's home, 0 ABY 4 months, 6 days, 10 hours
Now that Ahsoka was aware of the Grand Master's plans, Shaak called her over and then went to the GM's residence together. Over some plain herbal tea, they made plans to go to the Lianna System, very much in the immediate neighborhood of Felucia.
"So, Mother, how are we going to accomplish that ambitious list of projects? And in which order do we proceed?"
Shaak smiled. "I have that already sketched out in my mind, as you might expect. Many of these ideas can be worked on concurrently. I expect Anakin to return soon with your friend Dr. Aphra and they will use his ship – by the way, I asked him if he had a name for it yet, and he thought about it and he said it would be called the Sand Shark – and hers, the Ark Angel, to transport everything. They will then work with Frehya and Xendar to set up the area where the lab and droid production facilities will be constructed. I expect this process to move quickly. I want that operation in place in about one month. Fortunately, our friends on Geonosis have already provided the template we need to get up and moving."
Ahsoka nodded. "Most impressive, as usual, Mother. How about the Santhe-Sienar Corporation? During my time on Almania, I learned they are a major Imperial supplier."
"Not to worry, dear. They will also see the benefit of working with us. After all, eventually we will be the Empire."
Ahsoka was a bit taken aback by that. "How do you mean?"
"What it means is once we have persuaded the current occupant of the Throne that he will be retiring, a new Sovereign will ascend and that would be me."
Ahsoka nodded, and then took a gulp of her tea. "Somehow, I'm not at all surprised. But do you really think you can govern the Galaxy?"
Shaak chuckled. "I've been thinking about it for a very long time, my child."
"But I thought we were going to restore the Republic …"
"There has been a change in plans. We must ensure we do not just end up where we were prior to the rise of Palpatine. There were many problems with the Republic as it was constituted. Corruption actually reigned, and even though Finis Valorum was a good man and tried his best to be an effective Chancellor, there were just too many obstacles to overcome."
Ahsoka slowly nodded, starting to see her master's grand design. "So you believe you will succeed? Everyone knew about the corruption in the Senate, and also the power of the Techno Union, the Trade Federation and Commerce Guild. How do we stop that framework from reappearing?"
"Ah … my dear. You ask most perceptive questions. This is why we will be leaving the current Imperial structure in place, except … there will be a new direction from the top."
Shaak could see the puzzled look on Ahsoka's face, and could detect the wheels turning in her mind, and added softly. "Don't try to grasp it all at once, my child. Take the time to meditate on it and more answers will come to you."
Ahsoka stared at her mother for a bit and started to relax, as Shaak's face was more revealing than usual. She started to scan her mother's mind with the Force and felt herself being invited in. There she found a warm and gentle place, and a vision of peace and tranquility in the Galaxy. It was most seductive. Ahsoka had to snap herself out of it and return to the present.
"So when do we leave for Lianna, Master?"
"In two hours. Knight Sanjip will be accompanying us and seeing to the ship while we meet with the Santhe organization."
Felucia, site to be Aphra's factory, 0 ABY 4 months, 6 days, 11 hours
Later that morning, the ships Ark Angel and Sand Shark arrived in the Felucia system and were given clearance to land after Vader informed them he was proceeding under orders from Master Tano. They were directed to land in the newly cleared area that had been designated for the droid factory and laboratory to be built. Once they both debarked, Darth Vader and Doctor Chelli Aphra surveyed the area and started making plans. Chelli pulled out a data pad and started sketching some rough designs. Vader then supervised her droids BT-1 and 0-0-0 to start unloading things from the Ark Angel.
Once the unloading was complete, Vader called Frehya to come over to confer with them. Soon she arrived and, upon seeing Aphra she walked over to her and the two women hugged.
"It's so great to have you back, Chelli. We're excited about your new plans and how you will be able to help us. Lord Vader had informed us you were working together and we were impressed."
"I'm happy to be here, Frehya. Can't wait to get started."
"That's great. Lord Vader, we will soon be taking delivery of ten new battle cruisers and a full detachment of the new TIE Defender series strike craft"
Vader looked at her in astonishment. "What will these vessels be used for?"
Frehya smiled. "Master Ti has some involved plans for them. She outlined it at a high level for us in a general meeting earlier today. It seems we are going to be constructing another Rebel base in the Hoth system."
"Where are Master Ti and Master Tano now?"
"They are preparing for a journey to Lianna, my lord. It seems the Santhe-Sienar Corporation is going to build these for us."
Vader let a breath cycle take place as he mulled it over. It seems Shaak has decided to move forward on the plan. I am certain she is going to create some kind of ambush. "I am well acquainted with the leadership of that company. I will send advance word to the Lianna System that the contract has the full support of the Empire."
Frehya nodded. "Very good, my lord. I am sure the Grand Master will be pleased."
The two of them turned to Dr. Aphra. Frehya asked her to outline all of the equipment and facilities she had brought with her and what her needs would be to set up everything and then move toward a production footing. Knights Xendar, Sanjip and Cobo would be coordinating the construction plans and working with Chelli and Vader to get everything in place. Vader looked at everything and was starting to be impressed with Frehya Lumoxa. This woman is quite intelligent and has a good sense of organization and attention to detail. Shaak has chosen well. We should be ready to call her Master Lumoxa someday.
The planet Lianna, Allied Tion Sector, NE Outer Rim, 0 ABY 4 months, 7 days
That afternoon, Ahsoka and Sanjip got the Intrepid V ready to leave for Lianna, and Shaak had her luggage taken aboard. The GM had taken several wardrobe items to be prepared for the social circuit on the planet. She had pre-arranged a meeting with Santhe-Sienar officials who would introduce her to Valles Santhe (pronounced VAL-is SAHN-tay), who as the CEO and largest shareholder of the firm, was the effective ruler of the Lianna System and the entire sector in which it was located.
The journey took about 30 minutes as the system was very near Felucia but in a neighboring sector, the Allied Tion. They landed in a modern spaceport in the capital of Lianna City, which was quite well appointed and efficient. The planet was a mostly urbanized world with about 5 billion inhabitants, with the cities surrounded by gently rolling hills and plains. Lianna grew most of its own food and had strongly diversified industrial sectors that had created large amounts of wealth for those that ran them. The planet had been long dominated by the armaments makers and the leader of these was the Santhe-Sienar Corporation, a firm that had contracted with the Empire to supply various ships-of-the-line and was a specialist in strike craft including the TIE series. Over a period of many decades, Santhe-Sienar had acquired most of their competitors on the planet and had a quasi-monopoly. Lucrative contracts with the Republic and later, the Empire, which involved kickback payments to various officials in both regimes, kept the machine juiced. The war business was always profitable, it seemed, and it had ever been so.
Shaak and Ahsoka stepped out of their ship onto the landing platform and gazed into the rich, turquoise-colored sky. Lianna's sun shone brightly and it was a crisp spring day. From this high vantage point, the two Togruta could scan much of the city below and saw it was abuzz with constant activity. Speeder traffic, in well-demarcated lanes, was seen all over. It reminded Ahsoka of Coruscant, although this planet was not completely urbanized. Soon they were greeted by corporate reps from Santhe-Sienar and were taken to their hotel, not far from the spaceport. When they checked into their luxurious suite, Ahsoka remarked about the planet to her mother:
"I must say I am impressed. This place looks fabulous and is very prosperous. You know, I'd heard there were some major battles here during the Clone War, but they seem to have rebuilt quickly."
Shaak nodded. "Yes, this place was a key target for the Republic to regain from the Separatists. Santhe was connected to the Techno Union and Dooku didn't want to let it go without a fight. So it got rather messy." She paused. "I suppose you've never been here before, dear?"
"Nope. If I'd known it was this nice, I might've found a way to come."
Shaak chuckled. "Our hosts will be meeting us below in the bar area. We will head further into town and Valles will be throwing a dinner for us. She seems pleased to get our business."
Ahsoka twisted her lips a bit as she mulled it over. "How are we representing ourselves, Mother?"
"We are private clients representing our home world of Felucia. As we convert our planet to a more hospitable climate, we are making a pro-active investment in security – as a partner of the Empire, as represented by Darth Vader, who has also sent advance notice that he would be pleased to see us get the best possible treatment."
Ahsoka laughed softly at that. "Well-played, Mother … quite well. So tell me, how will we be financing this rather large expenditure?"
"Not to worry, dear. I will be covering everything."
"How can you do that, Mother? Or should I even ask …"
Shaak chuckled again. "Leave that to me. At some point, I fully intend to bring you up to speed on all our financial matters. After all, you are the co-guarantor on our accounts, and I expect you to oversee all of Frehya's activity."
Ahsoka sighed softly. "Ah … OK. So you put Freh in charge of that, too?
"Not entirely. Both Knight Xendar and newly-dubbed Knight Cobo are involved as well. They must sign off on most major expenses."
So much I still am learning here. Master Shaak has a very complex setup and I need to know as much as I can, Ahsoka reflected.
Soon the two Masters had changed into attractive dresses and went to the bar area. The reps from Santhe greeted them warmly and they were soon on a speeder limousine headed downtown. When they arrived, they could see they were atop a large tower that one could see from many km in all directions. It was the corporate headquarters of the Santhe-Sienar organization. As Shaak and Ahsoka were escorted inside, they descended a couple of levels and entered a large ballroom that had been laid out with a banquet spread before them. This looks promising! Ahsoka Force-transmitted to Shaak, who smiled and looked at her daughter with affection.
As they took their seats near the head of the lead table, their hostess, Ms. Valles Santhe, soon entered. She was a short woman of about 1.5 metres in height, in her late 30's in age, with long raven hair and was dressed regally in flowing turquoise gowns and robes, covered with ornate jewelry. Everyone hushed as she made her way in, seemingly quite pleased with the proceedings thus far. She then turned to Shaak and spoke with a clipped, affected Core-world accent.
"Welcome, Grand Master Ti, to our humble world. It is our express pleasure to have your company this lovely evening."
Shaak nodded. "The pleasure is ours, Chairlady Santhe. We are quite impressed with your gracious hospitality. May I present my daughter, Master Ahsoka Tano."
Valles nodded to Ahsoka and smiled. "Pleased to meet you, Master Tano."
Ahsoka returned the smile, thus far enjoying Ms. Santhe's presence. She seems so sophisticated, and beautiful, as well.
Valles signaled to the group that it was time to relax and enjoy themselves, as the wait-staff started bringing in plates of appetizers. She then turned to Shaak and touched her forearm cordially.
"Please call me Valles … I am pleased to meet you, Master Ti. I have heard much about you … from sources."
"You may call me Shaak, then. I trust what you heard was flattering …" Shaak chuckled.
"Indeed it was, Shaak. But they could not have prepared me for the sight of you. Both you and your daughter are absolutely exquisite. Such exotic beauty rarely graces our little planet."
Ahsoka was a touch annoyed by this obsequiousness. She rarely trusted such appeals, but she kept smiling nonetheless.
Blushing, she replied, "Why, Valles, that's very nice to hear. I think we Togruta are often overlooked," she glanced at Shaak, who was also still smiling.
Valles then explained a few things about herself and her company.
"Ladies, allow me to tell some things about myself and the Santhe organization. We have a market capitalization of several trillion Imperial credits, and I am the largest single shareholder. I came to this position because of my grandfather, who passed away about 11 years ago. Mr. Kerred Santhe was a man of vision, who built us into one of the leading armaments makers in the entire galaxy. It was he who engineered the merger with Sienar Fleet Systems many years ago, and since then we have become the largest employer on this planet. Over half the people here work for me, for us. The leading scientists and engineers all value the chance to work here, as the rewards for doing so are lucrative." And then she added, as if it were quite natural, "About one quarter of this planet's entire value belongs to me."
Shaak gazed at her hostess with a kind smile. "You must be so proud. I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Valles. I am also quite impressed at how your company has managed to ride the waves of change over the decades. A testament to great leadership."
"Shaak, we also greatly value our independence, despite our good relationship with the Empire."
"I understand. So, Valles, were there any questions you had about our request?"
"Only this, Shaak. How rapid a timeframe do you have for us, regarding the order?"
"We are hoping to take delivery of the first two cruisers in about one month, with sufficient strike craft to fully outfit them."
Valles paused a second. "We will do all we can to meet that timetable, Shaak. But I must point out that your custom order on the cruisers will be more challenging."
Shaak chuckled. "I have faith that you will get it done." She then looked a little deeper into Valles's eyes, as if to reinforce her desire via the Force.
Valles seemed unaffected outwardly, but looked at Shaak with a certain level of awe. The Togruta knew just how to approach someone like her, who was used to getting her way.
Ahsoka could feel the tension, even though the others in the room were not paying close attention to Chairman Santhe and her guests. It was a festive atmosphere, and the boss was wrapping up another sweetheart deal for the company, and everyone in the room would see it in their bank accounts as well.
Ahsoka broke the ice: "It's good to be queen, don't you think?" She cheerfully snipped in Valles's direction.
Valles gave her an acid glare for a split-second, then followed up in a manner similar to Ahsoka's.
"Rank has its privileges, to be sure … but I'm a queen without a crown. Unlike Grand Master Shaak, here, who I understand is loved wherever she goes." She then glanced at Shaak and smiled. Shaak did the same, her face as unreadable as ever.
The awkward moment passed and the rest of the dinner went smoothly. Soon Shaak was toasting her hostess and Valles was doing the same. Several bottles of expensive Corp-Sec champagne were opened all around the room and the guests dined on fine cuisine. Valles even thought to provide a variety of spicy meat treats for her Togruta guests. When all was said and done, Valles happily comped her guests' hotel stay and insisted they stay another night, as she wanted to give them a tour of some of their facilities.
Though Valles Santhe was an extremely wealthy woman, she still liked to be a good hostess and also very much wanted her clients to be happy with their experience. Unlike many others at her level of power, she tried hard to affect the common touch and was genuinely concerned over the welfare of the millions and millions of people who worked for her. She insisted on a safe workplace and provided full medical benefits to everyone and their families, and also plenty of time off to enjoy what they had earned in her various offices and factories around Lianna. This extended to her facilities on Lothal as well, even though the Empire leaned a little heavier on that world than on her home base. Valles was also shrewd enough to know that Shaak Ti was very powerful and rather rich herself, though the sources of Shaak's wealth were much harder to discern.
Ahsoka and Shaak returned to their hotel and were treated to relaxing massages and hot mineral baths that soothed their bodies all over. The next morning they awoke feeling quite refreshed and once they'd had their breakfast, they were alerted by Santhe company reps that Valles was waiting for them and had sent a limo. Once they had joined her downtown, she took them up in a shuttle and pointed out many beautiful green spaces and parks in the capital city that had been created for the people with her own personal funds. Ahsoka thought about the difference between this environment and Coruscant. Lianna is more like Alderaan but without the mountains, or Naboo without the lakes and rivers. She asked Valles about it, and she mentioned that the water on Lianna was kept below the planet's surface and constantly maintained with standards for purity. All industrial waste on Lianna was either recycled or sent via droid-piloted ship to be disposed of in the planet's sun.
After the two Masters had toured the factories and saw how efficient the starship building process was, they were quite impressed. Shaak then asked Valles something she had been thinking about:
"Valles, my friend. Do you ever look for new challenges in your life? I mean, is running a very successful company, which treats its people well and cares for its environment, is that enough for you? I mean you are still rather young on the whole."
"Shaak, my friend. You know, I have rarely had much time over the past years to consider that. I think that someday I will look for greater challenges in my life. At this time, I would not want to turn over my responsibilities to anyone else. I owe the people of Lianna that much."
Ahsoka spoke up. "That's such a beautiful sentiment. I think this galaxy would be a far better place … with more leaders like you."
Valles put her hand on Ahsoka's shoulder, looked her in the eye, and smiled. "Thank you, Ahsoka. That means a lot to me, coming from someone like you, one who has seen and done so much in your life. You know, we're not far apart in age. I'm delighted that you could look up to me."
Shaak turned to her as well, took both of Valles's hands in hers, looked her deep in the eye and sent some warm energy into her that made her smile and feel a bit tingly all over. "My friend, Lady Valles Santhe … we will stay in contact with you and we look forward to receiving our first deliverables from your fine organization."
Valles then hugged both Shaak and Ahsoka and wished them well. They returned to their hotel, had a light dinner and then retired for the evening. The next morning, they boarded the Intrepid V and returned to Felucia. As they debarked and headed to Shaak's home, Ahsoka asked her:
"Well, Mother, that was surely an interesting trip. She's quite a woman, don't you agree?"
"Indeed I do, my child. At first, I wasn't terribly impressed with her, based on what I had learned. It seems there are many who envy her and want to undermine her and take her down somehow – and so they plant malicious rumors. I've learned more, as well. Even though, in our Galaxy the females often have great power – and we have for many centuries – there will always be those who think we don't deserve it. We must therefore always realize we have to work even harder to keep what we have than we did to get it. Now we go forward with the next phase of our plans. Soon we will have all the resources in place to carry out the plan. I plan to call a meeting on Felucia of the Rebel Alliance leadership, in which I will outline our strategy for victory."
(to be continued …)
