Shaak and Ahsoka start to lay out their vision for the Galaxy, while the jockeying for position begins anew. The old man is prepared for his life in retirement.

Thanks to new follower: tcbnv


Chapter 47: The Second Empire


Avalonia, Shaak's Palace, 0 ABY, 11 months, 26 days, 8 hours

The next morning, Shaak and Ahsoka each awoke to a beautiful sunny day, as the environment on the former Malachor seemed well balanced. Once they had arisen, their new maid-servants – the Force-sensitive Togruta they had met the day before – were on hand to help them with anything they could ask for. Ahsoka wanted to be with her (adoptive) mother, so she went into the Empress's suite and the two sat down to a prepared breakfast designed for their Togruta tastes.

"Mother, how did you sleep? I had a wonderfully restful night after such a big day," Ahsoka said cheerfully.

"Quite well, my dear," Shaak smiled. "But we have another huge day in front of us."

"Hmm. I suppose you should fill me in on Palpatine."

"I will be seeing him first, to prepare him for my expectations."

"Mother, it just seemed so easy, in retrospect. He was not prepared for us. Why do you think that is?"

Shaak chuckled. "It was mostly about laying the groundwork. I led him to believe he would be getting a new and more powerful apprentice."

"Really? Who?" Ahsoka seemed slightly astonished.

"You, my dear."

Ahsoka's jaw dropped at this revelation. "But how? Why?"

Shaak reached across to her and touched the back of her right hand gently. "It seemed he had been led to believe you had achieved a new level of power and Anakin had covered for his position by suggesting that you had somehow survived your encounter with him – on the very planet we are sitting here on today."

Ahsoka took a deep breath. "So he never suspected you for a minute?"

"So it seems. It was a very convenient setup. I'm sorry you had to be put in that position, however."

Ahsoka shook her head. "No … it's OK. Whatever worked to bring him into position for us to take him down. I suppose he didn't know about Maris, either?"

"Not in the least," Shaak laughed softly.

"OK, Mother. All's well that ends well. So what do we do first today?"

"Our friend Valles will be joining us soon. She's waiting for us to be refreshed and ready."

"Oh …" Ahsoka laughed, then took a breath and exhaled. "I shouldn't be surprised. This palace has her all over it. It's so elegant and stately, clearly designed by a woman of taste."

As the two Togruta masters – now galactic royalty – finished their breakfast, Valles Santhe entered the Empress's suite and greeted both Shaak and Ahsoka with a showy curtsy as she lifted up the skirt of her elegant dress. They smiled at her in return, as Ahsoka asked,

"How are you, friend?"

"Quite well, your highness, Princess Ahsoka."

Ahsoka's lekku turned a little bluer upon being greeted as a princess, but otherwise she took it in stride.

Shaak then spoke up. "Good morning, dear Valles. We have a big day, do we not?"

"The biggest, my Empress. Would you like a general overview?"

"I think it wise. I have a meeting with the former Emperor in a little while, then I would like you and Ahsoka to join me. We have much planning ahead of us."

"Certainly, your majesty. My assistants will set up the conference room with all needed materials."

"Excellent. Valles, I'd like to commend you and your fine organization for taking care of all the details here on Avalonia. It is more splendid than I could have imagined."

"Many thanks, my Empress. We were all hoping to get your reign off to the best possible start."


Avalonia, The Sanitarium and Medical center, 0 ABY, 11 months, 26 days, 10 hours

Ahsoka and Valles went off together, while Shaak indicated she had another destination in mind and would catch up with her daughter afterward. After being shown a map of everything that had been laid out on Avalonia, she and her Togruta maidens rode in an elegant speeder over to the sanitarium, about 5 km away from the new palace. Both young ladies then accompanied the Empress into the facility, but remained behind while she went in to see how Palpatine was doing. Shaak dismissed any medical personnel who were monitoring the old man and then stood next to his bedside.

She then snapped her fingers and sent a small surge of energy into him, causing him to awaken. Somewhat startled, Sheev Palpatine, the former Darth Sidious, looked around for a few seconds before his eyes settled on Shaak. He started to say something, but Shaak raised a hand, then her eyes bored into him.

"Sheev. It is I. Sabla Mandu. We meet at last." Her words poured across his consciousness like a fine liqueur – somewhat sweet, but clearly intoxicating. He looked at her and started to smile.

"I know you …" his voice scratched out. He started to raise an index finger to point at her, but then stopped. "Where am I?"

"In a nice place. I've been watching over you, Sheev. You took a rather nasty shot back there."

"So I did …" His vision started to improve and he could see that 'Sabla Mandu' was actually a Togruta woman, one of extreme elegance and very finely dressed in flowing silks of soft pink and green, and she was adorned in lots of golden jewelry. But something was definitely wrong. His ability to scan and read his environment was somehow gone. He knew this woman had something to do with that, and he felt like he should be angry. Yet the furor would not come. Shaak waved her hand gently and a wave of softness came over him, one he could do little to fight so he simply succumbed to its power.

"My friend, we have much to discuss and review," Shaak said simply. "I would prefer that you be comfortable." With that, she clicked her tongue and his bed rose a bit so the two of them could address each other face to face.

Palpatine started to gain some of his bearings at this point. His eyes narrowed and he stared at her, then spoke. "Tell me who you really are, my lady."

"I can't hide anything from you, Sheev. I think you know me. It is I, Master Shaak."

"Why, yes …" I do know you. "Always the proper Jedi. Never spoke above a hush … I actually admired you, but I never had the chance to tell you. Vader had told me you were – sad to say – terminated."

Shaak chuckled. "You, of all people, should know not to believe everything you hear."

"Indeed … you are correct, dear Master Ti. So what may I do for you? I'm afraid I'm a little out of sorts." Palpatine was starting to relax and began to sound more and more like the onetime senator from Naboo.

"Sheev … I have decided that I am to take your place and thus I am now the Empress of the Galaxy. How does that strike you?"

Her voice and manner were as cloying as ever, but just underneath was a current of Force energy such that he had never before experienced. Part of him wanted to rise and meet it, but a general debilitation had taken place and abilities he had taken for granted were suddenly – it seemed – no longer available to him. But his mind was still working, and her words seemed impossible. This woman claims to now be the Empress? How is that even possible? But there is something about her … could it be that I have missed something?

It was truly remarkable. Here was a master Jedi, staring at him benignly and radiating pure energy. She perked up, chuckled, and looked him in the eye. "You look a bit parched. Care for a beverage, Sheev?"

"Why, yessss …" His speech seemed a little slurred.

Shaak turned and looked toward the door. Her two maidens strode into the room, each with a container that held a cool and pleasing substance. She took one and then handed the other to Palpatine. As he sampled the drink, its overall flavor was quite refreshing.

"Shaak … whatever is this? I find it most delicious."

She smiled. "Something I made, just for you and me to share together." Shaak then turned to her maidens and they quickly directed an anti-gravity repulsor chair over to her, whereupon she sat. She nodded to them and they left the room and the door again closed.

"Now then," she said cheerfully. "We have a few things to discuss."


Avalonia, Shaak's Palace, 0 ABY, 11 months, 26 days, 11 hours

Vader and Maris had also arisen from their suites at the Palace and were sharing a morning meal together. The Zabrak was colorfully dressed all in pink and her gown and robes gave her a new air, one of studied elegance. She felt refreshed and content. Gone was her usual scowl and in its place a soft smile. Her braided hair had been newly styled into a luxurious soft sweep of pure black, descending past her waist. Even her reddish eyes now seemed gentle.

Vader also felt relaxed, more so than at any time he could remember. In his mind, all of the details had been addressed and he now looked forward to his promised transformation. His robotic suit had been fully polished and he sported a new cloak of the finest silk, still in his usual black, with his helmet shiny and looking brand new.

As the two ate together, they looked upon each other with a new feeling of respect. Maris smiled and sent a gentle current of Force energy to him, one which he returned to her, and she then spoke.

"So, my Lord, we have done it. The Galaxy is now ours and our Empress reigns supreme. How does it feel?"

"Quite like it should, Master Maris. I am now finally at peace." He looked her over some more, took a breath cycle, and told her: "Might I say, my new friend, how beautiful you truly are. I only wish you could see what I am to become … again."

Maris nodded, then reached over to him and gently grasped his organic hand. "Thank you for finally noticing. Turns out there was a lady inside me. And I look forward to the day I can see that handsome face again … Anakin." She heard herself say his true name for the first time. "Empress Shaak …" Maris also heard herself put those two words together for the first time, but they sounded right. Finally her beloved master had reached the pinnacle, the place she so richly deserved to be. "She will deliver on her promise to you."

Vader knew in his heart that Shaak Ti could likely do anything she claimed. The woman had a tendency to soft peddle all of her abilities, making them that much more remarkable. In the past, he would have scorned the idea of becoming Anakin in form – as well as in spirit – once again. But now, there were new rewards awaiting him. For some reason, he had found himself growing ever fonder of the powerful Zabrak female, seeing her as strong and true and someone who got things done. Much like himself. He had long since forgiven her for trying to terminate him that day back on Drewwa. She had only been doing the same as he would have under similar circumstances.

As they wrapped up their breakfast, Vader and Brood walked together out onto a terrace of the beautiful new palace, about three levels above the ground. They looked out at a sweeping vista of seemingly endless greenery, punctuated with pink blossoms here and there. In the distance, large lakes glittered as the morning sun shone off of them.

"This is the new Malachor, Anakin. We now call it Avalonia." Maris said softly, and looked up at him with a smile.

"It is a creation of beauty," he remarked. "It reminds me of a day on Naboo I once had, so long ago. One I had hoped would never end." He turned to Maris, and gently draped an arm over her shoulders. His fingers started to gently massage her and he found himself savoring her long sweet smelling hair. How lovely this lady truly is. She is an undiscovered treasure.

She cuddled up next to him and buried her face into his chest area, longing for the day when she could touch his body and be close. He must have been a great young Knight … he will be again.


Avalonia, Shaak's Palace, 0 ABY, 11 months, 26 days, 12 hours

Elsewhere, Ahsoka and Valles were also finishing their discussion. Valles had explained what being Crown Princess was going to involve for Ahsoka, who at first seemed uneasy with her new title and all that came with it. Her life would now be luxurious beyond her imagination, but she very much wanted to keep herself grounded. How ironic it all is … to be here on the planet where I once thought I might die. But now it, and everything else, belongs to me. Ahsoka only knew that now she had great responsibilities, and foremost among these was standing by her mother and ensuring she had all the support she would need.

Avalonia was beautiful, to be sure, but not in the way Alderaan once looked, or Naboo, but more like Valles's home world of Lianna, a place where everything had been engineered and life was supposedly "perfect." All Ahsoka knew was that this place now belonged to her and Shaak and they would be very selective about who would be permitted to experience it.

"You know, Ahsoka," Valles remarked. "If you do spend a lot of time on Coruscant, there are many charities you might be involved with, or new ones you might start. Having the cachet of the Imperial Princess behind them would do wonders for donations, indeed, a chance for a holo-opportunity with you might well be the highlight of the social season."

Ahsoka laughed. "You've gotta be kidding …"

"Not all – your highness," her friend laughed in return. "When I get through building the public relations effort I am planning on behalf of you and Shaak, you two will be loved throughout the Galaxy."

Ahsoka was having a hard time wrapping her head around the implications of her new position. It wasn't as if Palpatine's regime paid much attention to public relations. But if anyone understood that game, it was Valles Santhé. Ahsoka smiled at her.

"Valles. I really appreciate all you are doing for us. And I know Mother does as well. I suppose you are right. If we just take over, it would help to explain everything to the people. There's obviously a lot more to governing than making laws and keeping the military well supplied."

Valles nodded. "Now you're getting it."

Avalonia, The Sanitarium and Medical center, 0 ABY, 11 months, 26 days, 13 hours

Palpatine was feeling up to walking outside his private room and went out on the balcony to observe the strange planet that Shaak had brought him to. As he looked out over the land stretching before him, he tried to reconcile it with the Force, but kept coming up empty. What has happened to me? It's as if I can no longer use my basic abilities. Did Shaak do this to me? He looked at the Togruta as she followed him outside. Shaak, dear. Will I ever get my strength back?

Shaak, of course, knew exactly what was running through his mind, and she Force projected into his brain. Sheev, my friend, you mustn't be preoccupied with the past. It will not serve you well. I have some better ideas. You will come to appreciate the value of retirement. She then handed him a data pad. On it was a short speech she wanted him to give on her behalf. After reading it, he indicated his approval, and Shaak nodded.

"We have an appointment. Come, my friend." They walked back inside and soon Shaak's maidens came up to them. Shaak nodded at them and they summoned a repulsor chair and then helped Palpatine into it. Another, more elegant version of it arrived for the Empress and then she and Palpatine were taken down to the lobby level of the hospital, where a luxury speeder awaited to take them to the new Imperial Palace on Avalonia. Soon, they were arriving at the gates of Shaak's beautiful new palace, as Palpatine looked around with a smile on his face.


Avalonia, Shaak's Palace, 0 ABY, 11 months, 26 days, 14 hours

"This is really quite lovely, Shaak. Your people have constructed a most elegant Outer Rim residence for you here … We are on the Outer Rim, am I correct?"

"Indeed, sir. In fact, the lady responsible for its construction is awaiting our arrival."

A lavish repulsor bench was waiting as they got out of the limousine. It took them through the gates, across the forward enclosures and yards, and up the grand stairway and into the building. Every surface was covered in gold and the light reflected made the place positively gleam. Once they were inside, they were floated into a large ballroom and there was a crowd of dignitaries awaiting their arrival. Valles then stepped forward, wearing a lavish gold-trimmed black and pink outfit that was meant to evoke her new importance in Empress Shaak's regime. Palpatine recognized her immediately.

"Lady Valles … how gratifying it is to see you. I didn't realize you were also serving Her Majesty. I feel better about things already."

Valles smiled and then helped Shaak from the bench and up to the podium, where the new Empress prepared to take the microphone. But first, Lady Santhé wanted to start things off as she was the Mistress of Ceremonies.

"Everyone, please be seated. The Lady of the Hour, our serene royal highness, Empress of the Galaxy Shaak Ti, will be speaking soon, but before that, I would like to say a few words on her behalf. As you all now realize, the Galaxy is coming under new leadership today. The old order has passed and we embark on an exciting new journey together. We now have a leader who will truly represent all of us. So, without further ado, I give you … her Royal Highness, Shaak the First."

Shaak smiled and took the podium and looked out on a sea of faces she did not immediately recognize but it was plain to see that many different worlds and species were represented, and they rose to their feet to cheer her on. There was a palpable feeling in the room that a new day was dawning in the Galaxy. Valles then signaled and a group of assistants came up from behind the rostrum with a magnificent new robe for Shaak, one that truly suited her as the sovereign ruler. They helped her into its lavish comfort and she smiled broadly, then cleared her throat and started her speech.

"Everyone, I am most honored to be among you all this fine day, in this beautiful new residence you have given me. I first want to salute my new Chief of Staff and Grand Vizier, Ms. Valles Santhé, for putting all of this together, and doing it on such short notice. This is the kind of organization that will serve me well as I go forward to lead this Galaxy. Now before I fill you all in on my plans, I would like to recognize, at this time, the one whose shoes I am to fill, Emperor Sheev Palpatine."

Polite applause greeted the former Emperor and he was fitted into a lavish robe, similar to the ones he once wore as the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic. He graciously stepped up to the mic and proceeded to read the prepared remarks from the teleprompter in front of him. In it, he extolled the virtues of Shaak Ti and her qualifications for the throne and indicated his delight that she was now following him into office, and that he expected great things from her and her new regime. After he had finished, he was politely applauded, then was seated at Shaak's left at the long table on either side of the rostrum. Shaak then resumed her speech.

"First, I would like to inform everyone that this event is being carried throughout the Galaxy via the Holo-Vid network and there will be commemorative recordings made of it for every citizen that desires to have one. Today marks the end of the Rebellion and of the Galactic Civil War. It seems that we have been fighting for a long time ever since the beginning of the Clone War some 23 years ago, but now a new era of peace and prosperity is beginning.

"To help ensure that this new government – the Second Empire – is truly responsive to the needs of all sentient peoples throughout our beautiful Galaxy, we shall be establishing new legislative and judicial bodies. The Senate will be re-chartered and a new House of Delegates will also be created. A new Galactic High Court will also be chosen and lower courts to represent the regions and sectors also founded. It is my desire that everyone will start to feel they are truly represented. Toward that end, I shall insist that no one who serves in my government will receive any sort of financial or other direct rewards for exercising his or her duties in office. We shall be free of corruption. The general foul presence of organized crime and piracy shall also be dealt with and order shall be maintained. To achieve this, I will be commissioning a series of great structures that will tour the Galaxy and help to provide security – these will be known as the Peacekeepers, and the first of these shall be rolling out next year.

"Another item I would like to mention is the establishment of what am I calling The Order of the Galaxy – an organization of Knights and Masters who will act as a further support to this royal house and our new government. We will seek out and promote individuals who are worthy of joining it from every part of the Galaxy. My friends, it is an exciting time we are now embarking on and we have only just begun. I look forward to the days and years ahead of us and I sincerely hope you all do as well. Thank you very much …"

As she stepped back from the podium, the applause in the room was polite and sustained, but the same was taking place all over the Galaxy on various worlds where the announcement of the new Empress and her desire to represent every sentient species was being received with enthusiasm. There was something about Shaak that people felt inspired by, though for many, it was not immediately apparent what it was. As various citizens who saw her speak were asked what they thought, a common refrain had emerged. "She just seemed kind-hearted and trustworthy. She looks so dignified and elegant, like a true empress ought to look." The reactions were similar all over the various military bases and on the Imperial Fleet. The millions of soldiers and sailors all over the Galaxy were quoted as being proud to serve under such a visionary and caring leader. It truly seemed a new era had begun. Many were quite happy to see that Palpatine had retired and that Shaak was taking his place.


Avalonia, Shaak's Palace, 0 ABY, 11 months, 27 days, 10 hours

The next day, when the excitement had subsided, Shaak and Ahsoka made plans for the transition to their new lives. Valles, of course, was all too ready to help them, but first the Empress and Princess would be returning to Felucia for a bit, to help everything there to be put in order. There were so many decisions to be made and plans to carry out.

"This is really happening, isn't it?" Ahsoka exclaimed to Shaak as they ate their morning meal together amid the lavish splendor of Avalonia. Shaak and Ahsoka would be returning to Felucia on the Intrepid and Corvala Dawn, but soon they also have new royal ships created for their own personal use for traveling their empire and attending various functions and celebrations that would be held on their behalf.

"Yes, my dear. We have a lot to do, but I don't want you to worry about it. It's going to be fine. The people are with us and we won't let them down. A goodly part of our job will be just showing up and letting people know we care."

"And what about Palpatine? Is he going to just sit around now and watch you? I really don't quite understand what happened back there on Hoth."

"My child, he is quite content to retire at this time. His attitude has undergone a major adjustment and his connection to the Force is broken. No longer will he be using the Force for evil pursuits. He has now seen the error of his ways."

"And of course, Mother, you were the one that 'helped' him to see, yes?"

Shaak chuckled. "You might say that …"

Ahsoka was silent for a bit as the ideas started racing through her mind.

"Are we going to live on Coruscant?"

"I suppose we will have a palace there. But it won't be the one Palpatine was using, that once belonged to the Jedi. Perhaps that building will now house the Order. I haven't decided about that one yet. But one thing I don't want to do is heavily centralize the new government. I intend to have palaces on various worlds so I might be closer to the people."

"Mother, it seems Valles is very important to our new setup. What exactly will she be doing?"

"My dear, Valles will be something like a prime minister for us. She will be helping to coordinate everything. This new Galactic government will have a place in it for all of our people"

Ahsoka again took some long breaths as she contemplated everything.

"It will take some getting used to, having no war to fight. My apprentices I would still like to train. Can I do that as Princess?"

"I don't see why not … let's not get too far ahead of ourselves, dear. Everything will sort itself out. I know you are wondering about Hedala, Frehya, Luke, Leia, Reema, and of course, Anakin and Maris. They will have plenty of good things ahead of them. Just watch." Shaak chuckled softly as Ahsoka came to her and they embraced warmly.


Felucia, 0 ABY, 11 months, 27 days, 10 hours

As the day ended, Shaak and Ahsoka each returned to Felucia on their respective ships, accompanied by their new Togruta maid-servants, who were also Force sensitive. These young ladies seemed eager to demonstrate their loyalty and they were most proud to be able to directly serve the Empress and Crown Princess – their fellow Togruta. As they each reentered the Felucian atmosphere and headed toward their familiar neighborhood, they could see vast areas now undergoing construction. The re-settlement of the planet was proceeding. Soon Shaak would have another palace, but also the beginnings of a new city were under way, with everything being planned. Knights Frehya and Xendar had taken the lead on this but they were receiving much assistance from Valles's people who had arrived from nearby Lianna. After landing, Shaak and Ahsoka took a shuttle craft with Frehya, and started inspecting the progress.

"Masters, I wanted you both to see everything first hand. Xendar and I have been working hard."

"Mother, look!" Ahsoka gasped as she looked around. "We can't cut down everything!"

Shaak put a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Not to worry, dear. The development I'm in favor of will keep most of the planet just as it is. There won't be any heavy industry or large scale mining here. The beauty of our home will remain as it is, and the Force will be undisturbed."

Coruscant, 0 ABY, 11 months, 27 days, 12 hours

On Coruscant, Valles was meeting with Fleet Admiral Gallius Rax and newly promoted Fleet Admiral Rae Sloane. They had been informed of the changes and had also seen Shaak's first speech as Empress. Sloane especially felt proud to see a female in charge of the Galaxy and saw it as a great opportunity. Valles informed them that soon the Empress would be meeting with all of the top Imperial command and making decisions about force structures and many other details, and that the Peacekeeper would be completed and then several more would be ordered by the Empress.

As the Empress's Chief of Staff, Valles Santhé was moving quickly to take over many of the administrative areas that were growing stagnant under Palpatine's rule. Mas Amedda, who had been the Grand Vizier under Palpatine, was understandably concerned over Valles's new position, and he too wanted to establish a relationship with the new Empress. Shaak's speech meant that power would start to be decentralized and the implications of an expanded legislature and judiciary left him wondering what his new role might be. Instead of fighting Valles, he was shrewd enough to see that she had the confidence of the Empress and it would be best to forge some kind of relationship with her.

Amedda was able to secure a meeting with Valles, and for the time being, the current Imperial Palace was being used as a temporary headquarters for the incoming administration as the transition had gotten under way. His home world was the planet Champala, an Inner Rim world not far from the Empress's native home of Shili. Amedda was a proud Chagrian and very much a survivor, who had a key role in the Old Republic Senate before the rise of Palpatine. In some ways, he bore a resemblance to a Togruta as he had head-tails and horns, only his ended in sharp points. Before the meeting, he studied up on Ms. Santhé and learned of her vast wealth and capable record as the CEO and Chair of the Santhé-Sienar Corporation, whom she had built into one of the leading armaments makers in the entire Galaxy. Before being tapped as Shaak's Chief of Staff, Valles had been engineering a merger with the Kuat Drive Yards, a key competitor. This arrangement would give her supreme power over all the weapons being created for the Empire and likely make her the richest individual in the Galaxy. Her firm had already taken over the construction of the new "Peacekeeper" and their efficiency and thoroughness had greatly impressed Palpatine, who was also somewhat taken with the lady's beauty and intelligence. Amedda could see immediately that Ms. Santhé had the complete confidence of the incoming Empress.

Valles, always a fanatic about being on time, sat in a conference area at the Palace. She was dressed in a sharp black business suit that complemented her raven hair and at either side of her were two Santhé-Sienar executives. They were reviewing together some plans when Mas Amedda arrived. When the Chagrian entered, Valles stood respectfully and exchanged bows with him.

"Come, sir, have a seat. We are in the middle of a discussion about the separations of administrative functions in the new bureaucracy."

"Good morning, Ms. Santhé," he said, pleasantly enough.

He sat, in rapt attention, as Valles quickly went through the various areas that she wanted to cover. The administrative functions of the new government would be divided between defense (the new term for the military), citizen services (including health and education), finance (which would include a new galactic central bank to maintain the credit standard), oversight of commerce and trade (to ensure that the rights of the people would not be trampled on by unscrupulous business practices), and what she referred to as the "interior", which meant eradication of piracy and organized crime, and other functions of law enforcement. Amedda was greatly impressed at her general sense of organization and very much wanted to gain her trust.

"I salute your preparation, madam. The Empress must hold you in very high regard, as well she should. This structure should do nicely. May I ask, though, where does the maintenance and support for the Imperial household and staff fall under?"

Valles smiled at him. "This will actually be under the Interior division, along with the various Galactic parks and protected areas. Some planets have large areas that are to be deemed Galactic Heritage sites and these are to be protected from undue development and exploitation." She then added, "Mr. Amedda, I will recommend to the Empress that she find time to meet with you. She will be coming to Coruscant soon."

Valles was well aware of Amedda's position in the Palpatine government and she knew he would have a wealth of contacts and inside information. Shaak could not afford to overlook these aspects if she wanted to get things started off on the right footing.

"Thank you, madam. I am greatly looking forward to meeting Her Majesty, and hope that we can work well together. Last night's reaction to her speech showed that she already has a great deal of support among the people."

"One more thing, Mr. Amedda. The Empress will be most interested in the reframing of the mission of COMPNOR. All humanocentric policies and propaganda are to be terminated immediately. Anyone that may have a problem with this will clear out his or her desk and look for new employment elsewhere. There is to be no compromise on this position of Her Majesty."

"Very good, madam. I will spread the word."

As he exited the room, Mas Amedda already had found some areas of agreement he would have with the new sovereign. Perhaps this new regime may not be so bad, after all.


Felucia, 0 ABY, 11 months, 28 days, 8 hours

On Felucia, the next day, Shaak was still in her small home in the woods. She and Frehya were talking.

"Master Shaak, I greatly enjoyed your speech the other day over the Holo-vid. I know you will be a great empress. But I think I am going to miss our time together, just us, in your cozy little house."

Shaak sighed. "I know what you mean, Freh. I think I will miss it too. But maybe I can come here occasionally. You, on the other hand, have some choices ahead, my dear Knight Lumoxa."

Frehya also sighed. "Oh yeah … I don't want to move to Coruscant, but I will go wherever you need me, you know that."

Shaak responded. "Well … no one else is more qualified to oversee Felucia. But we are going to have a decision on what to do with the Temple and the holocrons."

"Master – let's keep it where it is for now. I should think you want to keep it protected, so that just you and Master Ahsoka and Master Maris can access it."

Shaak nodded. "A wise choice, Freh. And also our Kyber Crystal cave shall remain undisturbed. I've lived on Felucia now for 20 years, longer than anywhere else, but as Empress, I will serve the Galaxy and I will have palaces on different worlds. Valles and I are working that all out in the weeks to come."

"But will we continue to train the Order here?"

"For now, yes. I plan to institute a program to find and encourage young Force sensitive people all over this Galaxy. The Order will grow strong in the years ahead. Another thing I plan to do is to learn the whole truth about what has happened to some of my former Jedi friends. I have the distinct feeling that some still remain. Vader and Palpatine could not have found everyone, though they surely tried. The Galaxy is very large and many unexplored areas remain. Much of the Western reaches are relatively isolated from the rest of us. Our old friend Thrawn comes from one of those as well."

Frehya nodded and smiled at Shaak. "As usual, you seem to have thought of so many things. But, may I ask – do you really want to be Empress?"

Shaak smiled for a second, then took a deep breath and exhaled. "At this point, I don't see myself as having much choice. We cannot afford to let this Galaxy slip back into the state it was in some 30 or 40 years ago, when corruption was rampant and slime like the Hutts, Black Sun, and other ne'er do wells had free rein. The people deserve better. That's one of the reasons the Empire was – and remains – popular in many parts of the Galaxy. Providing order is no small accomplishment."

"So you will sacrifice – for us?" Frehya looked at her. "I worry about you, Master. I feel like we have become so close and I want to look after you at times."

Shaak laughed. "And I greatly appreciate that, more than you know. So I guess you had better stick around to see I don't get into any trouble."

"Of course, Master. You know you can always – always – count on me. I love you. Seriously. You are the greatest person I've ever known, and not because of your powers and your intelligence. It's because of your heart, Shaak. You are a wonderful lady, in every sense of the word."

Shaak smiled, then rose and stood in front of Frehya. "All right, then. We've some things to attend to, first of those being the operation I am to perform on Lord Vader. I believe he and Maris returned here separately the other night. Can you locate him and bring him to me, at the Clinic? We have much to discuss, Anakin and I."

"Yes, my Empress. It will be done." Frehya smiled, then turned and left to look for Vader.

(to be continued …)