The journey to Shili for Shaak and Ahsoka was something I wanted to extend into a second chapter, while other events were unfolding back on Felucia and elsewhere. Shaak tries to join her political message with something more spiritual in this one.


Chapter 41: Being Togruta – Part Two


Shili, Ti ranch, 0 ABY, 8 months, 20 days, 7 hours

Shaak and Ahsoka awoke to a beautiful morning on Shili and looked out from the Ti ranch house to see the Shili sun rise. After their morning meal, Shaak and her mother went off together, while Tuuk came to speak with Ahsoka, who was resplendent in a yellow and orange patterned dress that set off her complexion. As was the normal custom, all of the Togruta were barefoot, as the wearing of shoes was only done in Corvala and the other cities. Togruta were a people very much in touch with nature and feeling the ground beneath their feet helped them maintain that relationship.

"So, young lady, Shaak tells me you want to learn about your birth family, the Tanos. Am I correct?"

"You are, sir," she replied. "Did you ever know anyone with that name?"

Tuuk pondered it for a few seconds, while stroking his chin. "I might have, I'm really not sure. It seems a common enough name. Would you know who your parents were, by any chance?"

Ahsoka shook her head. "I'm afraid not. I was very young when I was taken by the Jedi. And the one who looked after me, Master Plo Koon, died in the Purge."

"Regrettable, Ahsoka. But we can try. I have many contacts from around the planet. We will just have to be patient and see what shakes out."

She nodded. "I will keep my hopes up."

Tuuk then cautioned her. "I would recommend you keep this very much a private matter. Once it gets out that you are a Force sensitive, there may be any number of clever imposters."

"Seriously?"

"Oh yes. Shili has no shortage of opportunistic people. Do not have any sentimental attachment to our people, Ahsoka. Plenty of us are involved in less than honorable pursuits. The lure of fast credits is everywhere, and the Empire often rewards those who inform on their fellow Togruta."

Ahsoka nodded again. "I see." She seemed to sigh.

Tuuk patted her softly on the shoulder. "Don't give up hope. If they still exist, we will find them. You are very fortunate that Shaak thinks so highly of you … and not only that. We are happy to have you in our family, no matter how it came to be."


Meanwhile, Shaak, and her mother, Luu'maas were also talking. Shaak's midnight blue long dress matched the deep hues of her lekku and montrals.

"Shaak, my darling. It is wonderful to have you here. I really hope we won't have to wait another 20 years to see you again." The old lady laughed.

"Oh, no, Mother. That period has ended. I have become much freer now. Let me tell you what I told Father."

Luu'maas perked up. "That's wonderful, dear. So what did you tell him?"

"Very simply, I have now reached a new level of power. I am going to become the Empress of the Galaxy."

Luu'maas seemed to gasp. "How? This sounds almost fantastic."

"I know, Mother, but believe me. This is my calling. The Force has led me to this destiny. I must serve. The Galaxy needs me. It's time for an end to tyranny."

"Shaak. I suppose I must trust you."

Shaak smiled at her mother and started to reach out to her via the Force. They clasped hands and Shaak gazed into her mother's eyes, then started to send energy into her. Luu'maas grew quiet, but was unafraid as she continued to feel the effects of Shaak's Force transmission.

"Do you feel it now, Mother?"

"I do." Luu'maas was not particularly Force-sensitive, but knew enough about it from her husband, who, of course, was considerably weaker than her daughter was in the Force. "Shaak, please promise me you will be careful."

"Of course, Mother. I have spent the last ten years carefully laying out the plan. I am leaving nothing to chance."


On her way to join Shaak, Ahsoka then had an idea. She pulled out her com device and tried to raise Frehya, who immediately answered.

"Yes, Master Ahsoka. What can I do for you?"

"Freh, when you have some time, could you, and maybe Master Nu, look into the archives and see if there is any record of when I was brought to the Jedi? Master Plo may have recorded who my parents were and what part of Shili I was taken from."

"Absolutely, Master. We will see what is available."

"Good. Let me know what you find. Shaak and I will be here for another 7 days, it seems. That's all. Tano out."

Ahsoka then caught up with her adoptive mother and saw her still talking with Grandmother Luu'maas. The older lady seemed a trifle concerned over what Shaak had shared with her. When she saw Ahsoka, she signaled for her to join them.

"Ah, Miss Ahsoka, my beautiful granddaughter … Shaak has been telling me of all her grand plans. What do you think about them?"

Ahsoka was more than a little embarrassed, with the idea of showing up Shaak in front of her mother being rather unappealing. "Grandma Ti, Shaak is quite wise about these matters. I have little doubt that she will achieve her goals."

Luu'maas smiled. "Oh, I rather agree with you, child. But I can't imagine why she would want to be Empress. It will be an extremely difficult job, even if Palpatine not only steps down, but agrees to help her." The old lady shook her head as her elegant lekku jumped around, then continued. "Why would you want his job anyway, dear? He's not that bad. He's been good to us Togruta."

Ahsoka glanced over at Shaak, whose expression, as usual, betrayed little. Shaak remained silent, preferring to let her mom speak her peace, seemingly happy to have an audience. Ahsoka ventured a response.

"Does Palpatine ever come to Shili, Grandma?"

"He's much too busy to come to our boring little planet, Ahsoka. They say he's not much for fine cuisine so I think we have little of interest for him. Of course, he will do us great honor by coming."

Shaak was growing slightly irritated at this nonsensical talk from her mother, and finally spoke up.

"Mother, I intend to make Shili a place that is celebrated by the Empire. Tuuk will be making so much money he will hard-pressed to know what to spend it on."

Luu'maas tossed her head back and laughed. "I'm looking forward to it, dear. I suppose you will get me an apartment on Coruscant?"

Shaak cuddled close to her mother, and stroked her rear lek. "Anything you want, Mama."

For a brief minute, there was a familial vibe, one that Ahsoka found comforting. Then Tuuk arrived and the spell was broken.

"Sister Shaak," he said softly. "Shall we be going?"

Ahsoka turned to Shaak and looked to her for explanation. She simply said, "Brother is taking us on a journey of sorts. He thinks we would enjoy learning about the 'old ways'. Would you care to elaborate, Tuuk?"

"Surely. Ahsoka, we are going to take a spiritual tour."

"Sounds … interesting," Ahsoka ventured.


Shili, Togruta temple, 0 ABY, 8 months, 20 days, 11 hours

They got into his speeder and rode over the countryside for almost an hour. On the way, they passed over large fields of tall, waving red grass, rivers and streams, some wooded areas and at length set down near a large wooden building that reminded Ahsoka of the structures that Shaak and Maris had constructed on Felucia. As they stepped out, a pair of older Togruta males came up to them.

"Hello, Mee'luuk," Tuuk said to the taller one, whose montrals stood tall and stark, similar to Shaak's.

"Brother Tuuk," he responded, and the two hugged briefly and smiled. "I see your sister has returned. We are honored."

The other male bowed to Shaak and kissed her outstretched hand, which was the custom on Shili among those of good manners. Females were usually prized and honored as the ones who bore and raised the children, and for the most part, dominated family life. Soon they both had greeted Ahsoka in similar fashion and the five of them walked inside the structure, which resembled a mixture of a school and a temple of worship.

The younger male, who went by the name of Raa'laak, was showing them some of the artwork that had been placed on the walls and there were also some sculptures, mostly abstract forms. Mee'luuk was an elder of the village they had arrived in and was a figure of some authority. Togruta tended to honor those of old age, whose distinction was immediately visible in their montrals and lekku. As the group walked into the main hall of worship, Mee'luuk sensed Shaak's huge reservoir of Force power. He approached her and she stretched out both her hands, before which he again bowed and kissed, before taking them. She responded with a friendly surge of warmth, while her black eyes bored into him to seal the connection. Mee'luuk was what the Togruta called a Kuu'gru, or spiritual leader. He possessed a fair amount of Force sensitivity, of which Shaak was silently measuring. Raa'laak then invited Ahsoka to connect as well, and was rather surprised at her latent Force power.

Mee'luuk then released his bond with Shaak and then took Ahsoka's hands to measure her energy. When he had finished, he spoke in reverent tones to the both of them, but especially to Shaak.

"I would not have believed it, but now I feel it. We are in the presence of Za'an Kaa'duul herself. Shaak Ti, we bow to your supreme authority."

Ahsoka spoke up. "I don't understand, sir. Who is Za'an Kaa'duul?"

Mee'luuk took Ahsoka's hand and smiled at her. "Young lady, Za'an is the giver of all life, the Bringer of the Light. The most exalted one, is here."

"But this is Shaak Ti, my adoptive mother. I love her very much," Ahsoka stated.

"Yes," he responded. "Shaak Ti – her name means the Exalted One. And now we love her as you do. What is your name, young lady?"

"I am Ahsoka Tano."

"That name is also very special. It means Light Bearer. I knew it when we touched hands earlier, you have great power as well."

Ahsoka started thinking this over. What if what they were saying made sense? The Togruta indeed traditionally worshipped the Force and she and Shaak were greatly blessed by it. We have a special responsibility, she realized.


Felucia, Assembly Hall, 0 ABY, 8 months, 21 days

Back on Felucia, Princess Leia Organa had returned. She had spent the last few weeks helping with the construction of the new base on Hoth after having thoroughly cultivated relationships within the Alliance and the leadership of the Pantora system and its young Chancellor, Riyo Chuchi. But over the duration, Leia was becoming painfully aware that all the important decisions were being made on Felucia and that everyone was now essentially reporting to Shaak Ti. So she decided it would be best to go there and see what kind of role she could play in the Order.

Once she arrived, she was told that Shaak was off-world and was expected back in about seven days. Leia checked into her guest room, then laid down after what had been a 24-hour flight from Pantora. She awoke feeling refreshed, changed into some light silks and decided to see who all was around. She went to the Assembly Hall and ran into Maris.

"Hey, Princess … are you looking for your brother?"

"Maybe later, but now that I'm with you, can I ask something?"

"Yes, you may …"

"I know we talked about my possibly being trained before … but I didn't follow up." Leia sighed slightly.

"Right. I felt you had a change of heart." Maris looked her in the eye.

"I almost did, but then I started thinking about it. Since Master Shaak is really the power now – she's said she will be Empress – I want to make a good impression on her."

"And you think training with me will help you do that?" Maris seemed more than a bit dubious.

"Well, I don't want to take up too much of your time … but if you would give me a look …" Leia stated hopefully.

"I suppose no harm would be done. When might you want to come by?"

"I'm kind of ready now …" Leia smiled. "But I need something to change into, I suppose."

Maris examined her from head to toe with the Force. "You know …" she said slowly, "There is a lot more to you than one might expect. You are Vader's daughter after all. It might be very rewarding training you. I've got some training duds you can use."

Maris led Leia to an area that somewhat resembled a locker room, disappeared for minute, then returned with some shorts, an exercise bra, tank top, socks and sneakers, all in basic white. Leia thanked her, went off to change and soon returned. Maris smiled, then led her to a training room.

"We're going to use the wood swords for now. They are weighted just like a training sabre."

Leia took a wooden blade, then turned to Maris and lowered her head respectfully. Maris smiled then took a defensive pose. "Go on offense first, Leia. Show me what you think you should do."

Leia stepped forward with the wood held high, then attempted to strike at Maris's left flank. The Zabrak calmly blocked the slash, whereupon Leia tried to spin and come at her other side. Maris blocked again, then decided to try Leia's defensive reflexes. She took a step back then turned slightly and came hard at the princess, who was late in her attempt to parry and lost her balance, tumbling to the training mat. Maris extended a hand and pulled her up.

The action continued along these lines for about 15 minutes, and Maris could see her student was getting winded. Leia, for her part, realized this activity was much tougher than it looked. She knew she would be sore in places she didn't even realize she'd had. Maris, for her part, was rather patient with the princess and mostly showed her respect. When she decided Leia was tired – after another 10 minutes that Leia begged Maris to give her – she gave her some encouragement.

"You can do this, Leia. But it will take time. Hedala Fardi has been at it for over two years and it shows. Your brother will also improve because he's a good learner. He takes the time to watch his form on the recordings that we use, so he can spot basic flaws. If you want to become a swordswoman, I'd say you have a shot at it."

Leia sighed. "It's a long road, I can see. But I would like to have some basic ability, if only to make my father proud."

Maris nodded. "I've seen holo recordings of him from years ago. What a talent he had. He's a big reason why Ahsoka is so good."

Leia remarked "I'd like to see those. As Vader, he probably doesn't have that fluid form any more, but he's a master of the Force, Ahsoka told me."

"He makes up for it. Vader doesn't waste any motions now. And he's still got the killer instinct. You know, Master Shaak says she's going to operate on him and transform him back into Anakin. I don't know how she will do it, but I know better than to ever doubt her."

"I know what you mean. Spend just five minutes with the lady and you will be a believer. Maris, thank you so much for taking this time with me. I'd love to work with you again."

"Well … Leia, I'm rather busy these days. Perhaps you can get to know my apprentice, Padawan Reema. That girl is quite talented and she's rather scrappy. She might be just what you need."


Felucia, 0 ABY, 8 months, 22 days

Han Solo and Chewbacca had also returned with the Millennium Falcon. A few months earlier, he had been on the planet and had spoken with Ahsoka. He agreed to get involved with the Rebel base on Pantora and she had staked him to the credits he needed for parts to repair the Falcon. But more recently, Jabba had sent bounty hunters after him to collect the amount Solo owed him, which was now approaching 25,000 credits, as Jabba charged exorbitant rates on late debts. By way of escape, he made his way to Felucia and was able to talk his way into gaining a landing clearance after dropping Ahsoka's name, which gained him access to Knight Frehya. She took pity on him and let him land. After doing so, Frehya greeted Han and Chewie at the landing platform.

"Greetings, Captain Solo. You remember me, of course?"

Han bowed deeply to the lovely knight. "How could I forget … Frehya, right?"

She chuckled. "Yes. What may I do for you, sir?"

"So you're a Jedi? Easily the most beautiful one I've met."

Frehya flipped some of her black hair out of her face and smiled. "Not a Jedi, but a Knight."

"To be 100% honest, we came here looking for work. Got a bit of a debt on my head and would like the chance to work it off. Ahsoka had told us we'd be welcome."

Frehya paused and smiled. "She never mentioned anything to me. Unfortunately for you, she's away right now."

"How about Master Shaak?"

"She is too. Knight Maris is officially in charge."

"Hmm … do you think she might be OK with us staying?"

"She will if I recommend it. What would you propose doing for us?"

Han went into detail about his qualifications as a pilot and Chewbacca's as well, then told Frehya that Ahsoka, Luke or Leia would vouch for him. She was well aware they were all friends.

Frehya nodded and smiled. "Han, I will give you a chance to prove yourself. We need you to go to Lianna and pick up two Imperial-class shuttles for us. Santhe-Sienar has them ready. They will send one of the shuttles over to us later today. You and Chewbacca can then return to Lianna and pick up the other and bring them both here. We will provide you with all credentials you need on the way back. The important thing is to appear as Imperials. We will issue you a uniform."

"What about Chewie?"

Frehya laughed. "I hear you're rather resourceful. When you get to Lianna, inform them you are traveling on business for Grand Master Ti, and that Valles Santhe herself has arranged things. No questions will be asked."

Han nodded. "Got it. When do we leave?"

"Once the first ship arrives. Remain in this area. It won't be more than a couple of hours."


Shili, Togruta temple, 0 ABY, 8 months, 23 days

Three days later on Shili, the Kuu'gru (A Togruta version of a high priest, but with Force sensitivity) Mee'luuk and his understudy, Raa'laak, have met with a group of elders in the Togruta religion and have discussed the appearance of Shaak and Ahsoka. The group came to a consensus that Shaak was the long-prophesied Za'an Kaa'duul and that the hour of deliverance was nigh. Shaak had returned to her parents' home when the group reached out to her with a combined Force projection. Za'an Kaa'duul … we humbly seek your guidance … child of Shili … may you meet with us? Shaak felt humbled for a minute, then realized this was an opportunity, one she could not afford to miss. She realized they were in an assembled gathering somewhere on the planet, waiting for a sign from her. She returned their projection and her voice was then carried: My fellow Kuu'gru, I am here for you and I will bring the Light of the Galaxy … wait a half rotation and I will appear before you. As her voice faded, she left them with a holo projection of a glittering starburst, which unfolded into all colors of the visible light spectrum and hung in the air over their heads for about two minutes. It then gradually faded, leaving one last point of white light, which winked out a few seconds later.

Ahsoka had some reason for hope, as her adopted uncle Tuuk had returned with some possible leads on the Tano family, unfortunately there were a number of families around the planet with that name. She also had not heard back from Frehya about any Jedi temple records indicating where she was taken from on Shili all those years ago. This of course did not mean that such a record did not exist, and Frehya was rather busy these days.

Later that day, Shaak came to Ahsoka with news of the gathering they would attend later that day. There would be something like 200 attendees, all from the Kuu'gru, or priestly, brotherhood and sisterhood of Shili. These people were adherents and practitioners of what were usually referred to as the "old ways" of the Togruta people. They each possessed Force sensitivity to varying degrees, but were regarded in Corvala and other cities as being eccentrics and mostly out of touch with the modern world.

To prepare for the meeting, Shaak and Ahsoka both donned elegant robes, and the GM's was something quite special that her mother had spent some time making for her, having prepared for her daughter's arrival. This one featured some metallic panels, plus a color mix that reflected the palette of Shili – some reds, some light browns, and some black. Ahsoka donned a robe mostly in a bright blue, which had become her color of choice in the time since she had left Malachor. The two of them were greeted by Tuuk, who ferried them over to the gathering on his speeder. When they arrived, there was an advance group of Togruta that led them into the hall. Shaak smiled big at everyone as the word quickly circulated that she was in attendance. Her hand was kissed many times by the various Kuu'gru who came up to her to wish her well and signal her exaltation.

Shaak then made her way to the front of the auditorium and Ahsoka took her seat near the stage, as her mother was now on alone. The polite applause continued as another senior Kuu'gru in attendance came up alongside her and he signaled for the group to be seated. He then made a few remarks:

"Sons and daughters of Shili … this is what we have all been waiting for. Our time is here at last. For the first time, our heavenly master is now among us on the ground. Shaak Ti … the Exalted One … here … with us … at last."

The crowd rose to their feet and applauded Shaak as she was left standing in front of them. She smiled gently and prepared to speak.


Felucia, Vader's home, 0 ABY, 8 months, 24 days

Darth Vader had listened more than once to the audio recordings of the Emperor and the various visitors to his court on the days in question. There he learned more about the plans of the truly ingenious Doctor Cylo and some of the work he had been doing. Vader knew fully well that Cylo had been the one to take the lead on the reconstruction of his body after his defeat by Obi-Wan Kenobi on the fateful day of Order 66. Cylo helped make the mechanical suit of armor that Vader now found himself encased in, along with the prosthetic limbs and breathing apparatus he had fashioned for the Dark Lord. Since that time, he had become one of the leading cybernetic scientists in the Galaxy. His specialty was taking organic beings and enhancing them with robot parts, which enabled their bodies to be a more effective instrument of their minds.

The Astarte twins had wanted to be Jedi when they were younger but had been "enhanced" cybernetically by Cylo, who had also trained them in lightsabre combat. Aiolin and her brother Morit were now ultra warriors, with rockets in the soles of their feet and the capability to launch small missiles from their wrists. Aside from the Astartes, Cylo had introduced a new subject from his experimentation. An Imperial scientist named Tulon, a highly intelligent woman who believed that everything in the universe could be explained by logical processes and reasoning – but she had little regard for the Force, as it was something that could not be explained by mere logic. Cylo upgraded the woman's brain to give instantaneous commands to multiple drone satellite droids, using a system quite similar to what Chelli Aphra had designed for Ahsoka and the Almanians. This system had taken Vader completely by surprise that day near the Almanian moon Drewwa, when Ahsoka and Shaak had lured him into their mousetrap. His TIEx1 ship was quickly compromised and once he was on the ground, Ahsoka appeared with a 20kw blast of Force Lightning that incapacitated him. He was furious about it at the time, but now, when he looked back, he greatly admired the Grand Master's plan. She had never wanted to destroy him – something she could easily have done – but instead desired to work on him psychologically and thus turn him to her side and away from Sidious. And she asked for little else in return.

Vader felt somewhat guilty for not – in his mind – having lived up to what he had promised Shaak, which was to regain the Emperor's trust and return to his side, so as to learn as much as he could. But, for some reason, the old Togruta didn't seem that disappointed in his effort thus far. It was as if she already knew what he would really do and was somehow okay with it. When Vader started listening to the Palace recordings, he started to understand why. Palpatine almost seemed like an open book, telling everything anyone could want to hear. How can he not know we have this capability? The question intrigued Vader and he took long, meditative walks in the forest, consuming more of Shaak's favorite cold herbal beverage (Frehya knew how to make it and kept his cooler stocked with it) while he walked.

After he returned home, and started to listen again, the answer hit him directly – Palpatine was so cocky he thought no one would even try to oppose him so it mattered not. Exactly how Shaak had installed this capability also intrigued him. Surely she hadn't gone there in person, but there it was, and she had compiled a huge library of daily feeds from the Palace. So therefore, Shaak knew everything Vader did – about Cylo, the Astarte twins, and not only that. She knew that the Emperor missed having Vader and had given serious thought to attempting to capture Ahsoka and turn her to the Dark Side as his new apprentice. Vader knew that, if successfully turned, Ahsoka would be a very powerful apprentice indeed with her new set of powers. But Ahsoka was also Shaak's adopted daughter and more devoted to her than ever, something Palpatine could never know about.

So what to do? Sure, he could go to Coruscant, throw himself on Sidious's mercy and proclaim his undying loyalty. He could even finish off Cylo and all his cyborg warriors, but in the end, the Emperor would detect the crucial fact – Vader was no longer loyal to him, as he now served another master. So what really was there to talk about? Furthermore, Shaak obviously understood all of these thoughts as they coursed through his brain, and yet, was waiting to see what Vader would do. A profound feeling of respect started to come over him. Shaak's power was much more than just prodigious feats of energy and pyrotechnics – as if being able to create miniature tornados was some ho-hum everyday occurrence. Could Sidious do that? Chances are he could, but I've never seen it … No, the area where Shaak truly reigned supreme was in the psychological – where Sidious could simply destroy raging beasts using the Force, Shaak would calmly sooth their primitive brains and make them her allies, and she could do this almost instantaneously.

Vader thought back to the day when he and the Emperor were stuck together on Ryloth. This was after Cham Syndulla's impressive plan, involving leftover Clone War droid forces combined with some battle-hardened Twi'leks, had taken down the ISD Perilous, and they'd had to make due for a time on the planet's surface. Their luck that day went from bad to worse as they found themselves in the middle of a hive of huge insectoid monsters known as Lyleks. These beasts' bodies could deflect blaster fire. He and Sidious used the Force and their lightsabres and slaughtered nearly one hundred of the beasts, but it was a messy and inefficient way to handle the problem. Knowing what he now understood about Shaak, Vader realized she would calmly walk amongst the beasts, as each of them followed her bidding like so many sheep. That is the way to use the Force, he thought, and it made complete sense.

For a minute, he also thought about Yoda, the 70-cm high green Jedi Master, who seemed to always know whatever Anakin was thinking and had all the answers – until the day he didn't, that day when Sidious reigned supreme and the Jedi were almost completely destroyed. But from the ashes Shaak Ti had risen, and over the years, she made excellent use of the time. She had constructed an impregnable fortress on Felucia that enabled her to slowly develop her powers and also enhance those of her growing band of followers, like the now powerful Knight Brood. Maris had been just an ill-tempered Padawan in the days before Order 66, one that Anakin had scarcely even noticed. Now she was a true Master, but not of the Jedi variety. Maris now seemed like a Sith Lady in training, eagerly awaiting her master's every order. Shaak's new Order was something well beyond anything the Jedi had ever contemplated, and something they would likely have recoiled from in horror.

In Vader's mind, the Dark Side permeated everything that was taking place on Felucia, and likely, Darth Sidious would be most proud of that fact, except for one thing – Shaak clearly was planning on replacing him, and Vader saw little chance of her failing. Time would tell what kind of Empire Shaak would run, but he – Anakin Skywalker – planned to be at her side, dealing destruction to anyone that would oppose her reign. Vader now awaited Shaak's return from Shili with something bordering on excitement – he wanted to see her plan roll forward. Whatever is thy bidding, Mistress Ti, I am your loyal servant. And most of all, he wanted her to defeat Sidious – the one who had used him, preying on his fears of losing the woman he loved, and then, when caught in the lie, dared him to do anything about it. So, no, he would not need to go to Coruscant after all, and he would explain that to Shaak. And she would give him that look of hers, the one that could penetrate any mask, any armor, and strip his conscience bare. And she will tell me, you have done well, my son. Anakin thought back to that day on Tatooine when his mother Shmi had died at the hands of the loathsome Tusken Raiders and he had struck out in blind rage. Palpatine would later harness that rage and use it to destroy the Jedi and anyone else that might oppose him. But now those days were about to be over.


Shili, Togruta temple, 0 ABY, 8 months, 23 days

The auditorium on Shili grew quiet as Shaak raised her arms and then plunged the room into total darkness, save for her eyes, that now gave off a soft glow. At this point, a surge of organ music poured forth (Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor) and lasted about two minutes. While this was taking place, a single light seemed to rise from between Shaak's montrals, steadily increasing in size until it was directly overhead, whereupon it burst into a huge ball as bright as a star, but then quickly dimmed and turned a faint blue in color. Shaak then spoke.

"Children of the Force … I am here. Children of Shili … I am here. This is our time … this is our moment. Can we not feel the presence of the mighty Za'an Kaa'duul? And our connection to the Universe … Let There Be Light!"

The faint blue light suddenly expanded and broke into a many-fragmented display with all colors of the visible spectrum now visible.

"It's been a very long time coming … but by the power of the Force … we shall be delivered."

At this point another gentle selection plays (Mozart's Serenade for Winds in B flat major) and the audience could feel the tension build as the beautiful colors began to grow more intense as the display seemed to alternate between them.

"For too long, our voices have been silent, our hopes unanswered, our dreams crushed. That day has now passed and we walk forward into a new dawn … a dawn of fulfillment … a dawn of realization. No longer will we walk in the shadows of those who would oppress us, enslave us, and torment us. I stand before you on this night with affirmation … we shall rise up to live the meaning of our creed. We shall have justice … we shall have honor … and we shall have peace.

"Soon I will go to Coruscant and proclaim this new day for the Galaxy … but tonight, let us join together as one. We the children of Shili, with our heads held high, with malice toward none and justice for all. This is the message of Za'an Kaa'duul … the message of the universe. In the beginning – Za'an Kaa'duul created the stars, the planets and the nebulae

And the galaxy was without form, and void … and Darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of Za'an moved upon the face of the deep … And Za'an said, Let there be light, and there was Light. And Za'an saw the light – and saw that it was Good … And Za'an divided the Light from the Darkness.

"And now I … Shaak Ti … bring that Light to the Galaxy … for all to see and to rejoice. The long night is over. Let us go forward."

And with that, Shaak raised her arms again and the entire auditorium was awash in light as bright as day. Shaak then bowed to the gathering, then signaled for everyone to come forward and as each member of the Kuu'gru gathering approached her in single file, she placed her hands on each person's shoulders, then clasped her hands with each and sent a small surge of Force energy into each person in turn, a surge that lasted for a full minute after she had released. When the ceremony was over, a smattering of applause broke out, which surged into a general roar of approval for the new leader, the one who had made it abundantly clear to the gathering that they were in the presence of Za'an herself, ,and she was smiling down on all of them.

And then Shaak left the stage, as Ahsoka came to her and they hugged tenderly. "Well done, Mother."

There was nothing more to be said. As Shaak and Ahsoka left the hall and headed outside, the group waved goodbye and blew kisses her way. She could have stayed the entire night had she wanted to but Shaak knew that adulation is something best served in small doses. In her mind now, was the understanding that the next – and final – phase of her plan was about to commence.

(to be continued …)