Given that there is very little info on the planet Shili or the Togruta species, how they live, what they believe, etc., this chapter was an opportunity to sketch them out a little, so the reader can get some idea of where Ahsoka and Shaak come from, even though both of them left when they were just toddlers. Thanks to new followers Sir Incognito and Renounced. In case anyone has not seen my "Sensey future projects," in it I detail some of what I'm planning after this tale finally ends. We are building toward a climax here but there are still a number of pieces that have to fall into place.


Chapter 40: Being Togruta, Part One


Shili, Ehosiq Sector, Expansion Region, 0 ABY, 8 months, 18 days, 18 hours

Corvala Dawn dropped out of hyperspace and the greenish-reddish disk of Shili was in the immediate foreground. There also was, clearly visible, an Imperial Star Destroyer. Ahsoka glanced at her mother, who was un-phased by its presence. Dawn had a pre-arranged landing clearance and "Dr. Tanner" was greeted and given coordinates. Soon they were on the ground. As they debarked, leaving R8-ND in charge of the ship, Ahsoka looked around for storm troopers but nary could a one be seen. The two women quietly walked inside the terminal. They were in the urban part of the planet, inside the city of Corvala.

Soon, they were greeted by a Togruta male, with a dignified air about him. He had recognized Shaak and came up to her.

"Welcome, Shaak. I am your brother. Tuuk vin'de Ti, at your service."

He bowed deeply to them, showing expansive lekku and montrals nearly as tall and long as hers. Tuuk was dressed formally, in a gray velvet suit with knee pants and stockings and wearing dress shoes that were shined impeccably.

Shaak smiled graciously and extended her hand, which her brother gently kissed. For the trip, both she and Ahsoka had on similar full-length dresses in black silk with abstract patterns that reflected their facial colorings and markings.

"Dear sister. We are unimaginably grateful that you are with us today. Father and Mother are looking forward to seeing you." He turned to Ahsoka. "And this, I presume, is Master Tano?"

Ahsoka bowed to him, "Yes. Ahsoka Tano. I'm pleased to meet you, Mister Ti." He returned the bow, smiling and grasping Ahsoka's hand, which he also kissed.

Shaak spoke. "My brother. You seem well. I of course apologize from the bottom of my heart for not staying in contact with the family. I promise to rectify that." She took a deep breath and scanned him with the Force. Finding nothing of concern, she continued. "Where do you wish to take us, Tuuk?"

Ahsoka was observing to herself that Togruta seemed to be overly formal people. Shaak and Tuuk had presumably not seen each other in ages, and yet treated their reunion as a sort of transaction. Maybe that's just how we are, she thought.

"Ah, my sister. Mother and Father are waiting for us at the restaurant." He led them to a speeder and they rode for about five minutes, eventually arriving at a non-descript structure with a sign (in Imperial Basic) outside that read "House of Kaa'shaan." They went inside and the hostess at the front waved them in, with a blank expression on her face, even as Ahsoka smiled at her. As they proceeded toward the back, a server opened a door to a private dining room where Mr. and Mrs. "T" (as they were referred to by their employees and staff) sat at a large table, with data pads in front of them. Shaak's mother had on large spectacles and was clad in a long gray and pinkish dress and was in deep concentration, while her husband, a somewhat corpulent individual wearing a dress shirt and knee pants similar to his son, was also busily reviewing figures on the screen and scowling somewhat.

Their expressions changed completely as they saw their daughter enter. Mrs. T rose first, recognizing her child almost immediately – though it had been many years since they had seen each other (when Shaak was still a powerful Jedi in the Council). Shaak smiled and felt a tide of emotion ripple through her as her mother walked toward her, while her father slowly pushed back his chair and broke into a wide grin as he rose and approached her as well. Tears came to Ahsoka's eyes as she witnessed the Ti family reunion. That's more like it, she thought, and nodded her head slowly.

After Shaak had been hugged by her dad and mom, while her brother looked on stoically, Mrs. Ti turned to Ahsoka and looked at the younger woman with a gentle and sweet expression. "Good evening, dear. You must be the one Shaak talked about. My name is Luu'maas."

Ahsoka smiled. "I'm Ahsoka Tano. Shaak has adopted me as her daughter."

Luu'maas opened her arms wide as her elegant knee-length lekku jiggled vigorously, and hugged Ahsoka. "Welcome to the family, dear granddaughter. What a beautiful young thing you are. So strong, tall, and dignified."

Ahsoka felt a trifle embarrassed, but immediately liked Shaak's mother. After Shaak and her father had hugged each other, they held each others' hands for a second and then locked eyes. Shaak sent a tingle into her father through the Force and he responded in kind. As they let go, he nodded at his daughter, then turned to Ahsoka.

"Dear young lady, Miss Ahsoka, I am Kaa'shaan, your grandfather. We welcome you to the Ti Family."

At this, Shaak stepped back a bit and observed her parents and Ahsoka together, and she smiled widely, nodding her head. Her parents, especially her mother, seemed kindly and gratified to have Ahsoka in the family. Kaa'shaan then raised his voice and spoke to the group.

"We must celebrate the arrival of our daughter and granddaughter. First, for Ahsoka's benefit, some explanation. You, my dear, are in our family restaurant. We are the best place in town for Fuu'ruu'gaa (a Togruti word roughly analogous to barbecue) and we hope you are hungry. People come from around the Galaxy to get a taste of true Togruta cuisine."

Ahsoka beamed at him. "I can't wait to taste it, grandfather … yes, I am hungry!"

Kaa'shaan then donned his long-tailed jacket, while his wife attended to him lovingly. It seemed he'd had a long and trying day but he was covering it well for Shaak's sake. Their son Tuuk was remaining silent for the most part, occasionally eyeing his new niece. For her part, Ahsoka was wondering how old Shaak's parents were as they seemed to be in fine health. By the length of their lekku, she figured they might be close to 100 years of age. The Ti family then strolled into the main dining area and seated themselves at a round center table. Kaa'shaan made it a point to sit next to Ahsoka as he wanted to put her at ease and make her feel like she was a part of the family. Shaak sat on her daughter's right, followed by her mother Luu'maas and then her brother, leaving one chair open.

Waiters started bringing plates of food to the table and these were placed on a large rotating disk in the center of the table which allowed each diner to serve her or himself. For the most part, barbecued meat of various types was the primary fare, but there were plates of pickled vegetables and some large, thin, crunchy baked wafers. Almost everything had some amount of spiciness to it and each diner had a large glass of water, but Togruti beer was also being offered. Ahsoka happily lifted a mug. As she tucked into her dinner, she fell in love with the taste. This is the real thing. I'm so glad I am here tonight. We Togruta know a thing or two about how to eat.

After a while, a group of Imperial officers had come into the restaurant and were happily taking their seats. The leader of the group spotted the Ti clan and walked over to their table smiling.

"Hey … good to see you, sir," he said as he and Kaa'shaan clasped hands. "A fine evening this is, eh?"

Kaa'shaan raised his mug and smiled broadly. "Why, Admiral Kleidus, what brings you to our neck of the Galaxy? Don't tell me you all were hungry …"

Both Ahsoka and Shaak looked on with interest, but said nothing, as Kleidus took the empty seat next to Kaa'shaan. They drank a toast and Mr. Ti introduced his family to the officer. A pleasant discussion ensued between the admiral and Shaak's parents, the topics mostly confined to local events and the weather. Notably absent from the discussion was any mention of the Force, the Jedi, or any topic pertaining to Galactic politics. It seemed the Imperial had no recognition whatsoever of either Shaak or Ahsoka. They just seemed like random Togruta to his Core-world sensibility. Soon the officer stood up, bid them well, and returned to his table with the other Imperials. Ahsoka observed this whole exchange and noted to herself, Mother was right about this. It seems the Empire is not exactly hated here. I must keep my eyes open. Now I know why that Star Destroyer was in orbit around the planet.

For her part, Shaak was pleased with how the evening was going so far. She greatly enjoyed seeing her mother again and was gratified to see the old lady was apparently doing well. Her father seemed a bit troubled, and she determined that she would learn the reasons why. It's time they knew what I've been up to as well, but no hurry, we're having a good time and they seemingly adore Ahsoka.


Coruscant, Imperial Palace, 0 ABY, 8 months, 21 days

On Coruscant, the Emperor had called in his new enforcers. Having started to doubt the effectiveness of his apprentice, Darth Vader, Sheev Palpatine felt it was necessary to have a backup plan. There was no shortage of eager, young would-be acolytes wanting to work for and impress the Galactic Emperor. The leader of these people was the mysterious cyborg Doctor Cylo, the Astarte twins Aiolin and Morin, and Karbin, the cybernetically enhanced Mon Calamari, who possessed skill with a lightsabre.

In recent months, the Empire had seemingly been running well from Palpatine's vantage point. No mysterious destructions of Star Destroyers had been reported, nor were there any Rebel incursions in the Core Worlds or even the Mid Rim. Given this situation, the Emperor decided he would commission another Death Star, this one to be somewhat larger than the original, with a correction of what turned out to be the principal flaw in his mind – the exhaust ports that enabled the torpedoes that had destroyed the first battle station earlier that year. He also had a much more ambitious time frame for its completion – just seven years, versus the twenty it had taken to build the original.

Palpatine had, this time around, engaged more capable (in his mind) contractors, led by the Santhe-Sienar Corporation. The Emperor had especially been impressed with that firm's chairman, Valles Santhe, who was young and ambitious. He promised her that if she was able to get the second Death Star built, he would ensure that she would easily become the richest person in the Galaxy. She, in turn, had told Palpatine that naming it the Peacekeeper would be a public relations coup for the Empire, as the citizenry wanted to see the ideals from its founding – peace and order, enabling prosperity for all – celebrated again. The Emperor even thought to ask her to become Grand Moff of the entire Outer Rim at some point, and possibly his second in command. Apparently, according to his closest advisors on Coruscant, the old man was somewhat taken with her beauty and intelligence. She thanked him for his flattering appraisal of her. Valles had also convinced Palpatine to construct the station near the Outer Rim world of Endor, in the southwestern sector of Moddell, an area off the beaten path of the Galaxy, and one that could be easily defended.

But the earlier events still troubled the Emperor. He knew that Ahsoka Tano was still out there somewhere, along with whoever was helping her. So he asked Cylo to do something about it – find Tano and bring her to me! – but he knew in his gut that nothing would happen. Tano and her accomplice were just too smart and too well hidden. So where in the stars was Vader? The perfect apprentice, the one he'd set up like a bowling pin some twenty years ago. The man would kill for him, for the Empire, and why? Because in his gut, Vader wanted Palpatine's position, like every Sith worth his cold, cheating heart, and he knew he'd look for any opportunity to get it.

So, were Tano and Vader now in league? It was a worthwhile question, given their history. And as comfortable a theory as it was, Sheev knew it wasn't the answer. No, this one was far more powerful than either of them, more than the two of them taken together were. This person toyed with him, mocked him, and then disappeared. Likely, the quiet period the Empire was in now was just a setup, a chance to lull him into a blissful sleep before reemerging with a vengeance. He knew she would be back, it was only a question of when. But who exactly was she? Assuming, for the sake of argument that his tormentor was actually female. And where did she come from? From the Galaxy or from somewhere beyond? And if this person wanted to get to him, he knew Cylo, the Astartes and Karbin wouldn't have a ghost of a chance. She would likely wipe them out without even breathing hard. No, thought the Emperor, I will have to deal with her on my own. And what if she were truly more powerful than he was? This was not a thought he wanted to entertain.


Shili, 0 ABY, 8 months, 18 days, 22 hours

After dinner was over and the restaurant called House of Kaa'shaan had emptied out, the patriarch of the Ti family walked off for a bit with his only daughter, proud as could be that she was here, standing in front of him, brighter than the sun that kept Shili warm and made it such a wonderful place to live. For he could readily feel her supreme power and knew he had something to do with it, somehow, someway, but he hadn't seen her in many years.

But his beloved Shaak was now different. There was an intensity to her he had never felt in all his hundred years of life. They stood staring into each others' eyes for a full minute, and then the old man spoke.

"My dear Shaak. You were quiet tonight. Your Ahsoka did enough talking for the both of you, but talk to me now, my child."

"Father. I had not wanted to face you for a long time. As you know, trouble had come to the Galaxy and I was in grave danger. But now the sun shines again and soon I shall take my rightful place under it. I have come here tonight to tell you of it all. But first, are you well? You seemed troubled."

"My daughter, I am good now. Seeing you again has lifted any burden from my heart."

Shaak smiled and hugged him, then continued to smile as she drew back. "We will have some time together now, but know this. I am to be Empress. I will rule this Galaxy, and it will happen very soon, within months. There are no burdens that you and Mother should carry, not any longer, not ever again."

With that, she took his hands in hers and started to send a warming current of energy into him that seemed to touch every cell in his body. Kaa'shaan made no attempt to resist, as if he ever could want to. All her words rang true in his heart. At that moment he knew she would indeed do all she promised. And that was enough, even though he really had no idea how. Tuuk could take over the farm, take over the restaurants. He and Luu'maas would finally have their retirement. Shaak had become someone with great power and he was more than proud of her, he was deeply satisfied that his own "flesh and blood" could reach the highest level.

For Kaa'shaan Ti had always known of the Force, had felt it since he was a boy, a century ago. The pull of the Force was never more than a curiosity to him, having little practical value as far as he could tell. But that day, almost sixty years ago, when the strange beings paid him a visit on the farm and told him that his daughter was uniquely gifted and that she was meant to be a Jedi … that day had haunted him almost forever. He knew at the time that giving her up to them was the right thing to do for her, that the Jedi would show her a world and a life far beyond anything that he and Luu'maas could ever hope to do for her. Why should Shaak, as the daughter of farmers and livestock herders, be destined for that kind of life when the Force was her true destiny?

However, Kaa'shaan came to regret losing his girl Shaak those many years ago. She had gone to Coruscant, and scarcely had any time or any life outside of her training, but the Jedi Masters agreed to keep him informed on her progress. And her path was truly wonderful. This proud daughter of Shili rose through the ranks and became a Padawan, then a Knight, and finally a Master who sat on the Council, one whose words were heeded by nearly everyone. He and his wife had traveled to Coruscant and visited with her and felt her power glowing when they came into her presence. She was a dutiful daughter, despite her accomplishments, always ready to lend her assistance when she could. But then came that horrible day when everything changed, and the Jedi were no more, having been labeled as traitors to the new Empire and the reign of the one called Palpatine. Kaa'shaan and Luu'maas feared the worst as their daughter had gone into hiding, but they secretly dreaded the truth that she, like so many others, had been put to death.

Father and daughter hugged again and kissed, then walked back to join Luu'maas, Tuuk, and Ahsoka. While they had talked, Ahsoka was getting to know her new grandmother and uncle. They explained to her all about the Ti family business, which had started out as a vegetable and livestock farm. They raised many native animals to the planet for food and dairy purposes and had many customers from the various food processers and sellers. But the work was hard, and draining. Shaak's father would come home from his long days and practically fall into bed and go to sleep soon after his evening meal. Eventually, with more prosperous times, they were able to hire more hands and as a result purchase more land as the business grew. Around 40 BBY, Kaa'shaan decided they should go into the restaurant business, utilizing the many recipes that his wife Luu'maas had created for serving the tastiest dishes. So while the husband continued to run the farm, the wife founded the family restaurant, which first was local but then moved to Corvala after about fifteen years. Ahsoka was fascinated by all of this history as Tuuk and Luu'maas took turns telling it to her. She could sense the pride they had in what they had accomplished. When Ahsoka asked how things had changed since the rise of the Empire, Luu'maas spoke of the taxes they'd had to pay, which at first were burdensome, but the business continued to thrive. Eventually the reputation of the House of Kaa'shaan grew and the Imperials became some of their best customers, and their tax rates were actually cut.

Ahsoka realized, from talking to Tuuk, that the people of Shili had an interesting relationship with the Empire, and many Togruta sons and daughters had actually enlisted in the military. The presence of montrals and lekku made it difficult for them to wear storm trooper armor but there were many other roles they could serve in and many Togruta had become crew members on Imperial ships. Though it was well known that the Palpatine regime was essentially humanocentric, the Emperor nonetheless favored some other species and Togruta were high on his list as they seemed to be loyal subjects for the most part. Recruiting posters could be found all over Corvala, and there were two separate Imperial recruiting offices in the capital. The brightest young people of Shili were encouraged to enter the Academy, although that meant traveling off-world, as a branch had not yet opened on the planet.

Kaa'shaan motioned everyone to pile into his large speeder that comfortably seated six and they sped off, leaving the vicinity of Corvala. After about an hour, they arrived at the Ti farm, with its expansive ranch-style home that had been added onto over the years. Ahsoka could glimpse its basic form even though it was a typical dark Shili night. As they made their way in, they found that Shaak's and Ahsoka's luggage had been delivered from Corvala earlier that night after R8-ND had seen to the arrangements. Shaak smiled as they entered the home, a place well lived-in that bore many trappings of a successful Togruta family life. Her mom had put up various decorations and small knick-knacks that gave the place a certain charm. She realized that, if not for the Jedi, she would likely have grown up here and her mind treasured the thought that her parents had done well even though she was not there. Ahsoka felt many thoughts and feelings as she looked around the home and realized that it was now hers, too. Of course, she was happy for Shaak and also grateful that the Ti family had readily accepted her as one of their own, but she started to wonder about her own family. What about the Tano family?

As it was late, their hosts were ready for bed, and Ahsoka and Shaak were given the guest suite, with its own bathroom and plenty of closet space for their things. Kaa'shaan and Luu'maas bid everyone a good night and went off to the master suite, while Tuuk had settled in a rocker by the fireplace and lit a pipe of a cured herbal blend that he sometimes liked to smoke. He pulled up a data pad and amused himself. Shaak came over close to him and put a hand on her brother's shoulder. Tuuk looked up at her and smiled.

"What say you, Sister Shaak? I saw you and Father talking. You seemed to put him at ease. I am happy about that …" Tuuk said in a weary manner.

Shaak smiled and softly laughed. "Brother Tuuk. You have no idea of how happy I am to connect with you after all these years. The Jedi robbed us of that."

While Ahsoka looked on, she felt tears in her eyes as she thought of these good people and everything they had been through.

Tuuk turned to Shaak and smiled up at her. "You are very powerful, my sister. I can feel that. The Jedi taught you much, it is clear. Tomorrow, I would like to introduce you to some people out here. It is different here than back in the city. We stick to the old ways."

She gazed at him, but his face betrayed little of his inner feelings. He has seen much, she reflected. "I'd like that."

He nodded to her, then glanced at Ahsoka and motioned for her to come closer. "Did you like our food, young lady?"

Ahsoka nodded enthusiastically. "It was the best I've ever tasted."

Tuuk put an arm around her and hugged her warmly. "I am pleased to have such a beautiful niece. Everyone will notice you here, my dear."

"I'm not sure about thaaat," Ahsoka laughed softly, as she found herself relaxing in her uncle's presence. "But it's very nice of you to say so."

Shaak then motioned for Ahsoka to come with her. Time for bed. Tuuk nodded. "Goodnight, Ahsoka."

As the two settled into the guest room, which featured two large beds, Shaak quickly detected that Ahsoka was feeling a little melancholy.

"My child, you seem a little out of sorts … can I help?"

Ahsoka took a deep breath, then came close to Shaak. "Mother, I am so happy for you. To see your mother, father, and brother – it must be wonderful, after all these years."

"It is, truly. But …"

"Mother, can we find my family too? I have to know where they are or what happened to them. I mean, I like your family, especially your mother. She is so sweet."

Shaak paused and reflected. Of course, Ahsoka was correct. It was hardly fair to belittle her feelings on this.

"Well, dear, we can certainly look for them. It would help to know what part of the planet you were living on when they took you. Too bad we cannot ask Master Plo."

"Yeah, but maybe your family has access to the archives and we could look up the Tano name."

"Of course. My brother seems to be the best one to ask. I think he's more or less taken over the family business, so he has contacts all over."


Felucia, 0 ABY, 8 months, 19 days, 8 hours

Back on Felucia, Darth Vader went to visit Shaak's home, only to find she was away, and Ahsoka was with her. Frehya met him at the door and he inquired about perhaps visiting the underground temple.

"Lord Vader, I might be able to help you. Could you perhaps tell me what you are looking for?"

"Knight Lumoxa," he started, using her newly awarded title. "Master Tano had informed me that there is a recording system that reaches to Coruscant. And I might be able to find recent conversations the Emperor has had."

Frehya nodded. "Yes, these are available. Grand Master Shaak keeps them on special audio holocrons."

"Might we have a listen?"

"I suppose, what do you expect to find?" Frehya looked at him curiously.

"I will explain on our way over there. I need you to open the temple for us." Vader said in his best agreeable tone.

Frehya then asked, "Does Ahsoka know you want to do this?"

Vader then fibbed a bit. "She is well aware of my assignment by the Grand Master. The Emperor has recruited new acolytes to take my place. Ahsoka and Shaak have asked me to see to their liquidation," he said in his usual matter-of-fact style. "Why do you think you were promoted to Knight ahead of schedule?"

"Shaak told me I was to help Maris. Perhaps we should ask her opinion on this?"

Vader didn't like this idea much. Maris was naturally suspicious of anything concerning him. He tried another approach. "Knight Brood will be pleased with your ability to take action quickly and support the Grand Master. With your new level of responsibility, you do not want to disappoint Master Ti." He hissed, lingering over the word "disappoint."

Frehya mulled it over, then decided that maybe she and Vader could forge a working relationship, but had a suspicion that he still had his own agenda here and that he was taking advantage of Shaak's absence.

"Wait one minute, Lord. I will contact Shaak."

Vader nodded, thinking this might work out.

Frehya pulled out her com device and went back into Shaak's home. Vader knew better than to ever enter that building without express permission from the GM.


Shili, Ti ranch, 0 ABY, 8 months, 19 days, 9 hours

It was the next morning on Shili where Shaak was staying with her parents. When she awoke, she was alerted to her com device and noticed it was Frehya reaching out to her. Still wiping the sleep out of her eyes, she answered it.

"What's going on, Freh?"

"Master, I hate to disturb you but I really wanted your opinion. Lord Vader wants me to open the temple to him so he can review recent Imperial Palace conversations."

Shaak chuckled. "I don't see the harm in that. But strictly limit his inquiry. Tell him if he desires more he is to await my return."

"Thank you, Master. That is all. I hope you are having a wonderful time."

"It is going well, dear. I will share it with you when I get back."

Frehya shut off the com and returned to Vader.

"She gave us her blessing but we are only to use the relevant holocron with those conversations on it."

Vader nodded, inwardly pleased. Shaak seemed to trust him, so he could not afford to abuse that trust, as it was so hard- earned.

"Lead the way, Knight Lumoxa."


Felucia, Temple Vault, 0 ABY, 8 months, 19 days, 9 hours

They proceeded, via Shaak's speeder, over to the site in the woods where the hidden temple entrance was, then Frehya used the Force to open it – a practice she had grown familiar with but was unknown to Vader. He tried to observe what she was doing but it happened too quickly. Once it was open, they went down into the temple together, Vader carefully observing all he could while they descended. Incredibly impressive, he noted silently. The Emperor has no idea this place even exists.

As they landed, Frehya summoned two chairs, then opened the wall panel and out slid a drawer of holocrons – the one with the material she was looking for. Vader sat wide-eyed as he glimpsed row upon row of the objects, thinking they've simply moved the Jedi temple down here. Grand Master Shaak is most formidable and I can now see why.

Frehya selected the one they needed and brought it forward, using the Force. A blue light came on and the others disappeared into the shadows. A voice arose – this was a new feature Frehya had installed for future accessibility by members of the Order – saying "Imperial Palace series 65" and then a diagram appeared on one of the walls, showing a series of icons, each with a date attached.

Vader turned to her. "Knight Lumoxa, let us start with …" and he pointed to the date he was interested in.

"OK, but please, call me Frehya. We should be friends. After all, I have done everything I can to help you here, because Master Ahsoka cares about you and she is my good friend."

"That would be agreeable, Frehya. My apologies. I am most impressed with your organizational system."

"Thank you … may I call you Anakin?"

"You may."

She smiled, then demonstrated how to play back the recordings. Soon they could hear Palpatine's scratchy voice coming out of the speakers hidden in the walls of the temple.

"Very well, Doctor Cylo … I trust you have attended to the various contingencies …"

Vader indicated he would take it from there, so Frehya sat back and let him decide which material he wanted to hear. After a while, he had found the passages of information he was interested in. He then asked her:

"May I make a copy of some of this information for a later review? I only need two dates in particular."

"I don't see that being a problem, so long as it is strictly limited to that info only."

Vader nodded, then took out his com device and proceeded to download the audio portions onto it. After he was finished, he informed Frehya and she closed everything up and they ascended from the temple. She brought him back to the new home that had been constructed for him on Felucia, the one that she had personally overseen the construction of. After she had dropped him off, he started to view Frehya in a new light and also started to see how attractive she really was. A truly beautiful lady, and very intelligent as well. The Force is strong with her, too. Had she been of high birth, perhaps she could have represented her home world in the Senate or been of high command rank in the military.

As he entered his home, he went to his computer system and started reviewing the plans he had made and the custom droid units that he had asked Chelli and Jaybo to construct for him. Now it was only a matter of reviewing the audio he had downloaded from the temple. Vader patched his com device into the system and sat down contentedly as he started listening.

(to be continued …)